Beneath the Disguise

Chapter 8: An Evening of Confusion

The next day at work, Lita felt the weight of her responsibilities pressing down on her. Junior was still not fully recovered, and the reality of his treatment hung over her like a dark cloud. Despite her attempts to concentrate, the memory of Diego’s intense gaze lingered in her mind, making it difficult to focus.

As she settled into her desk, she could see Diego through the large glass wall of his office. He was immersed in his work, surrounded by papers and screens, but there was a palpable tension in the air that seemed to radiate from him. Lita forced herself to look away, reminding herself that she needed to stay focused on Junior.

During lunch, Lita found herself in the break room, pouring her coffee when Diego entered, his presence commanding attention.

“Hey, Lito,” he said, his voice warm yet casual. “Mind if I join you?”

Her heart raced at the familiarity in his tone. “Sure. I could use the company.”

Diego leaned against the counter, watching her as she prepared her drink. “You’ve been working hard. I can see it in your eyes.”

“Just trying to keep up,” Lita replied, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks under his gaze. “How’s everything on your end?”

“Busy, as always. But I’ve been thinking about our discussions lately,” he said, his eyes glinting with something unspoken.

“Oh?” Lita’s pulse quickened. “What about them?”

“I appreciate your perspective. You challenge me in a good way,” he replied, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

“Just trying to keep you on your toes,” she said playfully, but inside, she felt a swirl of emotions. His words felt like an invitation, and the tension between them seemed to thicken.

Before she could respond further, a colleague interrupted, pulling Diego away for a brief meeting. Lita watched him go, a mix of disappointment and exhilaration flooding her.

That evening, they met at a small bar, the ambiance cozy and inviting. As they sat across from each other, drinks in hand, the atmosphere felt electric. They laughed and shared stories, the weight of their everyday lives lifting as the conversation flowed effortlessly. With each drink, the alcohol blurred the edges of their inhibitions.

“Cheers to new experiences,” Diego said, clinking his glass against hers.

“To new experiences,” Lita echoed, feeling a sense of freedom that she hadn’t anticipated.

As the night wore on and the drinks continued to flow, Lita noticed Diego becoming more relaxed, his demeanor shifting as he let go of the day's pressures. But with his drunkenness came a newfound intensity in his gaze, and Lita felt her heart race every time their eyes met.

“Can I be honest?” Diego slurred slightly, his words carrying a weight that surprised Lita. “I’ve been feeling… confused lately.”

“About what?” she asked, leaning closer, intrigued.

“About you. About me. About everything,” he said, his voice low and serious. “I don’t know what it is, but I’ve never felt this way before. It’s not just friendship.”

Lita’s heart pounded in her chest. “Diego, maybe it’s just the drinks talking…”

“No, it’s not just the drinks!” he insisted, leaning closer. “I’m disgusted with myself. I don’t like how I feel. It’s not right! Am I gay? This is the first time I’ve had an attraction to a man.”

His vulnerability pierced through the alcohol-induced haze, leaving Lita breathless. “Diego, it’s okay to feel confused. We’re both in uncharted territory here.”

Before she could say more, Diego’s hand shot out, gripping her wrist. “I’m attracted to you!” he confessed, his eyes wide and earnest.

In that moment, the world around them faded, leaving just the two of them suspended in time. Diego’s gaze was intense, a mixture of desire and confusion swirling in his expression. Lita felt a rush of adrenaline and warmth, but she also knew they were both intoxicated and vulnerable.

“Diego…” she began, but the words died on her lips as he leaned in closer.

Without warning, he closed the distance between them, capturing her lips with his in a fervent kiss. It was wild and unrestrained, fueled by the alcohol and the raw emotions they both had been trying to suppress. Lita’s mind raced, and for a moment, she lost herself in the kiss, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and fear.

But as quickly as it began, it ended. Diego pulled back, confusion etched across his face. “What did I just do?” he breathed, his eyes wide with realization.

Lita stared at him, her heart pounding. “You kissed me… and I… I didn’t stop you.”

“I shouldn’t have,” Diego muttered, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I’m so confused right now.”

“Maybe we both are,” Lita replied softly, her heart aching at the vulnerability in his eyes. “But we can’t ignore what just happened.”

“Right,” he said, his expression turning serious. “We need to talk about this when we’re sober.”

Lita nodded, the weight of the moment settling heavily between them. The kiss had opened a door neither of them was ready to confront, leaving them both in a state of uncertainty as they navigated the complex emotions swirling around their relationship.

They left the bar with a lingering tension in the air, both aware of the connection that had formed but unwilling to give it a name. As Lita lay in bed that night, she reflected on their evening together, realizing that she was teetering on the edge of something new and thrilling—but also precarious.

The slow burn of their relationship was igniting a fire she wasn’t ready to confront, yet she couldn’t deny the attraction she felt toward him. For now, she would keep her distance, navigating the uncertainty that lay ahead.