Chapter 6
838 Words
I never truly understood the sensation, as it feels like my stomach churns and my entire being breaks out into a clammy cold sweat after indulging in my dessert. In that moment, uncertainty clouds my mind and I can't help but feel a wave of discomfort wash over me. Oh, how I wish things were different.
"So, um, Scott? Are you sure it's alright for you to be here? I mean, I can sense I'll just bore you with my inability to wrap up these desserts." I paused, my words stumbling out as Scott sipped on his beer. "Don't worry about it. I think you may have had a little too much dessert. And wine?" Scott exclaimed, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
"Yes, quite a bit," I stammered, feeling uncertain of what to say next.
"Would you like some beer, maybe? Should I get one for you?" Scott offered, his voice filled with genuine concern as he elegantly rose from his chair, heading towards the nearby table where the beers were kept.
I was unsure about the taste of beer, for it seemed to overshadow the enjoyment of my beloved whiskey and rum. However, as Scott returned from the other table, carrying the beers and placing them on our table, a realization dawned upon me. Maybe, just maybe, I should endeavor to entertain myself, not only for my sake but also as a gesture of appreciation for someone who had taken the effort to join me in my solitude.
He uncorked a bottle for me, and instead of pouring it into the wine glass that sat before me, I decided to let go of any inhibitions and simply let my natural self shine through. There was no need to put on an act in front of this person, someone whom I had been holding back with guarded reserve, all because we were having too much fun.
I noticed him break the silence with a question, almost as if he was trying to fill the void that had settled between us. "Um? You and the newlyweds have been friends for a long time?" he asked, his voice carrying a slight tinge of uncertainty. I took a moment to organize myself, acknowledging the need to reply. "It's been a few years. Those are my friends from the gym," I replied, my eyes momentarily shifting towards the newlyweds who were beaming with joy, surrounded by their other guests.
Curiosity seemed to loosen his demeanor, and he continued the conversation with genuine interest. "At the gym? I suppose you work out at Caliber's?" he inquired, a hint of intrigue lacing his words. A smile crept onto my lips, as I found myself sinking deeper into this unexpected exchange. "That's right, although I don't find as much time for it as I'd like, due to my demanding work schedule. And you? What keeps you busy in life, Scott?" I questioned, intentionally feigning oblivion of his true identity as a Hollywood actor.
Scott chuckled, clearly amused by my assumption. "I'm an artist, an entertainer, etc. But not in the way you might be thinking," he answered, laughter dancing in his rather emerald green eyes at the idea of my mistaking his profession for something else entirely.
"Ah, okay? I get it. Mr. Private Reeves?" My ecstasy around him was uncontrollable, causing me to blurt out his real name as though we had known each other for ages. Panic engulfed me as I realized the mistake I had made. "Reeves? Did you just mention my last name? How do you know?" Scott's curiosity peaked, his eyes widening in surprise as he stared at me. Regret flooded over me, and I found myself feeling like a complete dummy whenever alcohol was involved. Perhaps this embarrassing moment was the universe's way of telling me to steer clear of drinking and live as an innocent fellow of this welcoming country, despite my foreign roots.
To not startle Scott any further, I resolved to come up with an excuse and keep the truth about how and why I knew him to myself. I didn't want our first conversation to be tainted by an awkward revelation.
"Vanessa said. Um, Vanessa told me about you earlier, when you were with Don at the other table. That's why," I fabricated, hoping my lie would suffice.
"Okay," Scott said, smiling at me, "I thought you already knew me before we even met, and maybe this night will decide if we can become friends, right?"
I enthusiastically replied, "I like that. From now on, you're one of my friends, Scott."
"Thanks, Danni."
After that awkward situation, Scott and I began spending a lot of time talking about just a lot of things. I wasn't ready for this, but I was okay with getting close to him because who could resist someone like Scott? However, regardless of how our conversation tops off, it's painful to give attention to that thought that I might just settle him as a rebound in my lost love.
- Writer
