No Rebound

Chapter 5

Chapter 5A short taxi ride later and we were sat in one of my favourite restaurants. It wasn’t fancy by any means but if you wanted a good rack of bbq ribs, or a steak that would melt in your mouth then it was perfect. In fact the food was so good that you generally needed to book 3 weeks in advance to stand any chance of getting a table.

As we were handed our menus Jessica took one quick glance and looked at me with an expression of pure horror.

‘I guess I should’ve mentioned that I’m vegetarian right?’

My heart sank. I don’t think they even knew the meaning of the word in this place and I really didn’t want to have to go somewhere else.

I resigned myself to giving our table back and heading out to another restaurant when I heard that tinkling laughter again and looked up. Jessica was trying so hard to keep a straight face but was failing miserably.

‘Oh you little cow! You really had me going then.’

‘I know -- you should’ve seen the look on your face!’ and she dissolved into fits of giggles, which I couldn’t help but join in with.

The mood was then set for the evening. We had come out to relax and unwind and that’s exactly what we were going to do.

We ordered a sharing plate with spicy bbq ribs, chicken wings and sliced bloody ribeye steak accompanied by onion rings, corn on the cob and coleslaw, which we proceeded to demolish whilst sinking several more bottles of ice cold beer.

There was no shortage of conversation and a lot of laughter but despite all of the subjects we covered, including work, holidays, houses and sport, I still had absolutely no idea about Jessica’s sexuality. She didn’t once mention a partner of either s*x and I didn’t want to be quite so blatant as to ask her outright, but I couldn’t deny to myself that I was desperately hoping she was gay, or at least bi.

Eventually it was time to leave the restaurant and I reluctantly asked for the bill, not wanting the evening to be over.

When the waitress brought it over Jessica snatched it up before I could get my hands on it, insisting that she pay.

‘Hey, who died and made you the boss?’ I remonstrated, trying to grab it from her hand.

‘We both had shitty days today and I made yours a whole lot worse when I hit your bike. You then made mine a whole lot better by inviting me out and stopping me staying in and getting drunk on my own tonight, so I insist on paying as an apology and a thank you. If you’re good I’ll let you pay next time.’

‘Oh, so there’s going to be a next time is there?’ I asked sarcastically with a c****d eyebrow, although secretly I was mentally punching the air and shouting “YES”!

We were both quiet on the taxi ride home to my place. I know I was wondering if I could persuade her to come in for a nightcap but I had no idea what thoughts were keeping Jessica quiet.

Eventually the car stopped and if I was going to find out it had to be now.

‘Urm, it’s still not very late. I was wondering if you fancied coming in for a quick drink?’

‘I know you just said something but I don’t know what. It’s dark in the car and I can’t see your lips.’

Ah -- no wonder Jessica didn’t try to make conversation on the drive back. This was going to take some getting used to, so I improvised and mimed a drinking motion while nodding my head toward the house.

‘As long as you’re offering alcohol and not coffee I’m in.’ and she climbed out of the car as I paid the driver, that inane grin on my face again.

I kicked my shoes off as I walked in the front door and headed for the fridge, calling over my shoulder asking is she’d like beer, wine or something stronger.

I was surprised to find myself being spun around by my arm, coming to a stop with Jessica standing right in front of me, looking into my eyes.

She put her hands on each side of my face to hold it still and I thought to myself: Is she was going to kiss me?