Affirmation of the Obvious – Excerpt
He makes questions, he seems curious, intrigued by me, as am I by him. He listens to every word I say as if he’s hearing it for the first time. He stares straight into my eyes with those deep hazel eyes and it’s almost threatening. He pays attention to me in a way that nobody ever has…
His company is comforting. It’s as though we’ve known each other for a long time. They say vibes don’t lie, and I agree with the energy here being all positive. As I’m thinking how I don’t want to be released from this moment, I hear Maggie tell Pablo, “I need to leave you for a moment.” She brings me back to the now when she says my name. “Adrie, wanna join me?” I want to kill her. But as much as I don’t want to leave this moment, I need a break from this charming man. Besides, I need to touch base with my girl.
Making our way to the ladies room, we breathe out anticipation and excitement like a pair of school girls.
“So?” she grins. “Having a good time there? Looks like you’re enjoying Dante’s company, huh?”
“He’s nice,” I slur.
“Oh, thank god. You’re easy to—“
“What? Did you and Pablo set me up?”
“Uh, no. As I was saying, you’re easy to read, that’s all. I don’t know the guy, hello?” She’s slurring, too. “But, I mean, I know you and I know you do like deep conversations and all that shit, and the guy sounds like he could talk all night.”
“Seriously, you need to mind your own convo. And what’s with the whispering? You guys are being so kindergarten.”
“Well, if you must know, he—”
“You don’t have to answer that.”
“OK, you’ve got to let me talk, woman. So, he was telling me that he thinks Dante likes you. Now excuse me, I really need to pee.”
Affirmation of the obvious? Yes. But it sounds like breaking news to me. I like the news.
Looking at myself in the mirror, I retouch my lip gloss. My face feels hot, though my cheeks are not giving anything away. I’m relieved. While I wait on Maggie, I practice different smiles in front of the mirror. I’m worried that, now that I’m sure he’s into me, I won’t act natural when I go back to the table. Why do I even care? Sure I find him attractive, but nothing can ever happen between us. I’m still in a relationship—am I?
This is an excerpt from DANTE CASANOVA — a short story that I’m still polishing for you, my loyal and new readers. Life gets in the way sometimes (life of an indie!). But this month it will finally be ready.
