Faded Love [Mature Content]

C .04-Will you be mine?

Juliette pulled up outside of the brick wall building. Cami’s Restaurant & Bar , written in a black calligraphy font on a white washed board with two flowers on each side of the name.

The building was run down on the outside, however on the inside was quite the opposite. It wasn’t a five star restaurant, nonetheless the service and the interior was quite comforting.

She positioned her hand on the course paintwork that coats the door and pushed. Laughter overpowered the song playing in the background and conversations swirl in aromatic cloud of different cuisine, coming from the kitchen.

The interior walls showed a brown reclaimed wood paneling, while the floors were of a marble finish. Giving the design a classic elegance to it.

Tables covered in white table cloths, matched with bamboo chairs filled the dining area. On each table, held a small bouquet of colored flowers, salt and pepper condiments and set with utensils.

At the front of the dining room, was a structure of what is supposed to be the bar, with a man dressed in a white shirt and messy hair, flipping tumblers in the air and catching them, like it was a circus act.

Juliette strode over to the bar and took a seat on one of the pivoting oak stools. The young man greeted her with a curt nod, not taking his eyes from the drinks in his hands. She wasn’t a drinker, but if she was going to do what was on her mind, something strong would be necessary to calm her frantic nerves and thumping heart.

“Welcome to Cami’s, what can I get you today?” The young man with the name tag, Adrian, sewn on a small black and white patch on his shirt inquired with both hands pressed firmly on the wooden bar top.

She was awestruck by his charms. The deep dimples in his cheeks and the light brown fade to his hair color at the ends. He was young; however his muscular arms gave a far vast meaning.

“Hi. Can I um—can I get a rum and coke please?” At her drink request, he looked at her with a certain disdain like he was judging her for drinking at such an early hour.

“Long morning.” She announced as if to give some sort of reasoning.

“Sure.” Was all he said and went ahead pouring the mixture into the glass. She didn’t know if his reply was a way of saying he understood or if he was being sarcastic. But, she didn’t care. At least not with what she was about to do.

Although clothed, she suddenly felt naked under his scrutinizing gaze.

She was about to decline the drink he had placed on the bar, when Rebecca called out her name from the entrance.

Juliette clasped her stringy fingers around the glass and hopped off the stool, heading into the direction of where her friend had taken a seat at a vacant table.

There she was, sitting with her red hair draped in curls around her small shoulders. Barely any makeup on her already beautiful face, not that she needed it. She was dressed in a grey pants suit, glistening diamond studs and a light lip balm on her plump lips. The woman was as beautiful as a fashion model.

When they first met and Juliette was caught staring at her mesmerizing beauty, she had asked why she didn’t take up modeling, to which her simple reply was, “I rather be clothed than naked for the world to see me for who I am.”

It was in that moment; Juliette knew their friendship would be strong and unbreakable. And still, four years later, their friendship had withstood storms and landslides of simple arguments.

Rebecca looked her up and down, taking in the drink in her hand and her blotchy face. She knew something was up with her friend and she knew she needed to find out what.

“A bit early isn’t it?” She questioned as Juliette took a seat, “trust me with the morning I’ve had, I need this.” She admitted with a sip of her drink.

“What happened?” Rebecca enquired dropping her handbag on the floor. She had always lent a listening ear whenever Juliette needed someone to talk to. She knew the young woman sitting opposite of her is strong, yet she also knew even the strongest person needs someone to lean on.

If anyone knew what it’s like needing a friend, it was Rebecca. Her growing up was tough and even though she tried to hide her pain and agony from the rest of the world, she knew she can always be herself with Juliette.

Taking another sip, she shrugged her shoulders and placed the half empty glass on the table. “I just got back from visiting my parents.” Even though Juliette didn’t want to hide anything from her friend, she didn’t want to upset her with relinquishing harsh memories of the death of her parents.

Not only did Juliette lose her parents, but when she bonded with Rebecca some years ago, she admitted to the death of her mother by an intruder. She had expressed her pain and hurt of losing them.

If anything, the pain they both shared, brought them closer as friends. Almost like sisters.

Rebecca outstretched a hand, palm up, on the table and Juliette wrapped her pedicured nails in hers, clasping them together.

“We don’t have to talk about it. I know what talking about them does to you,” Juliette stated, giving her a half smile. Rebecca returned her smile with a gentle squeeze. “It’s okay—I can handle it. I’m more worried about you. You only visit them when it’s necessary unless otherwise.”

At the thought of as to why she visited her parents’ grave, she downed the last of her drink with a gulp. She regretted not reading the email before the conversation, that way she can just show her instead of saying the words.

Juliette sighed, tucking a few loose strands of hair behind her ears. Her hand lingered at her neck as she can feel a few drops of sweat beads settling there.

“I received an email from Kallum.” She burst out. Kind of like ripping off a band-aid. She waited. Waited for Rebecca’s reply. A lump formed in her throat and she suddenly felt the burning sensation of the alcohol in her empty stomach.

“Wow! What did it say? Wait—did you read it?”

The words wouldn’t come, so she shook her head. Afraid of her voice breaking if she did. When she received the email, she couldn’t understand why he was contacting her and she didn’t know why she felt such…. invulnerability.

“Are you going to read it?” Rebecca questioned seeing her discomfort.

She nodded, releasing a heavy breath. “A part of me thinks I need to. I mean I was the one who told him to go. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to hear from him, since I haven’t heard from him in over four years.”

“I understand what you mean.” Rebecca expressed, lightly brushing her hand over Juliette’s, trying to give her some comfort.

“So why now? After four years we haven’t been in contact. What could possibly be the reason for him reaching out to me?”

“Babe, I honestly don’t know, but the only how to find out… is by reading the email.”

Juliette knew if there was anyone she could talk to and advise her truthfully; it would be Rebecca. Never mind, she isn’t the one to fall in love and get her heart broken by a man. Juliette can’t even remember if she ever saw the redhead woman with a man.

“You’re right. By any chance you wana come over later and we read it together? I rather have you there.”

Rebecca knew she couldn’t say no, and she didn’t want to. Her friendship with Juliette meant the world to her. “As if you have to ask.” They chuckled and ordered their lunch. “See, that’s I love you!!” Juliette exclaimed with a smile.

“Careful, babe. I might think your hitting on me.” She returned her smile and grabbed a menu from the table. “Would that be so bad? After all, I am single and so are you. So, would you like to be my girlfriend Rebecca Allen?”