Chapter 13: Not quite right
1128 Words
POV: MAY
***
A hand clamps down hard on my arm, snapping me back to reality.
Swear clings to the back of my neck, cold and clammy. Kiara is talking - I can see her lips moving - but the words don't register.
Slowly, sound trickles back in.
"May, are you okay? What happened? Do we need a doctor?"
There's panic in her voice. I force myself to respond to it, not wanting to ruin the night.
"I'm fine, Kiara. It's just a headache. I'm going to pop to the bathroom, if you'll excuse me."
Despite her protests, I slip away to the back of the restaurant, finding a bathroom. I stand facing the sink, taking deep breaths to calm my pulse.
There's still a faint dizziness behind my eyes. Everything looks slightly blurred and I'm pretty sure that my speech was slower than usual.
I splash some water on my face and wipe the back of my neck.
Those eyes. They flash in my mind, so distantly familiar. I feel like I'm trying to grasp at water, my memories murky and slipping through my fingers.
God, I need sleep. I'm going insane.
The headache has faded to a manageable throbbing in my temples. I take a final look at myself to check I'm presentable and go back out to Kiara.
She looks worried and reaches for my hand as soon as I'm close enough.
"What happened? Do you want me to take you home?"
I smile at her concern. She's sweet and even willing to call our date short. Someone must be looking out for me.
"I'm feeling better now. I think it's just poor sleep mixed with stress. And hunger. Where's our food?"
I fake looking around for a waiter, trying to lighten the mood.
Kiara holds my gaze a little longer before relaxing.
"I know, I'm starving. It's only pasta, how long could it take?"
"Maybe they're making it from scratch." I suggest. "I did that once and it took me nearly two hours."
"Two hours?! What, did you catch the chickens yourself for the eggs?"
"I may have gotten some of the steps wrong."
Kiara looks at me in disbelief. I feel the need to defend myself.
"I'm not a bad cook! I was only eight or nine, and I wanted to make it for my mum's birthday. I've made it since and it comes out really well."
"Well, you'll have to make it for me sometime to compare to this one."
Kiara looks just over my shoulder. A waiter is coming over with our food.
It smells delicious and my stomach grumbles as the plate is put in front of me.
"This looks really good. I've always wanted to come here."
Kiara smiles. "I'm glad I could take you. Dig in."
The first mouthful has me moaning around the phone. The flavours are incredible - the sauce is slightly sweet, the ham is strong and peppery.
From the other side of the table, Kiara shoots me a look. A smirk is creeping across her face.
I blush, realising that I'm probably being a bit too loud. I try and tone it down for the rest of the meal but I can't help that a couple of noises slip through.
Each time, Kiara shuffles closer to the edge of her seat and by the time we're finished, her foot is brushing the outside of my leg.
I try to ignore it when I ask, "Dessert?"
"I think I have dessert here already." Kiara whispers lowly.
Heat runs through me. It's been a long time since I've had someone look at me like that. Her eyes are sparkling with desire and something deeper.
I swallow, glancing away.
"Let's see how the next date goes first."
I'm timid around her but I'm not a pushover. I never sleep with someone on the first date and I don't intend to break that rule for her.
She backs off, still grinning, and flags down a waiter. We order dessert (two brownies) and I finally feel myself relaxing after the incident earlier.
Yet, I don't feel like I've gotten to know her much better.
"Shall we play twenty questions? But with a twist."
"Depends on the twist."
"We're guessing something about each other, like a hobby or interesting fact."
"That sounds fun. You start, since it's your idea."
I thought she'd pull that. I have a think, settling on skiing.
"It's something that you probably wouldn't expect me to enjoy or have done."
I can see I've piqued her intrigue.
"Alright. Is it something you do with another person?"
"Not really, although other people can be in the same space."
"Is it local?"
I think of the shining Summers and wet, mushy Winters we have in the city and compare it to the snow-covered slopes I used to visit every Winter.
"Definitely not local."
"Is it a sport?"
"Yes."
"Is it skiing?"
My mouth drops open.
"How did you get that from three questions? That's impossible!"
"Well..."
Kiara doesn't meet my eyes. I gasp.
"You cheated."
"I may have had a nosy on your social media before tonight. There's some cute pictures, by the way."
She throws a wink at me and I can't be mad.
We take turns the rest of the night. I learn she has two siblings, hates citrus fruits, and once fell in a lake when fishing.
In return, I tell her about Kat, more failed baking attempts and my parents pet dog.
Once the bill is paid, she takes me home. I'm pleasantly full and I can't stop smiling.
She pulls up outside the flat block and comes round to open my door, offering me a hand.
I step down, facing her, my hand still in hers. The cold barely registers as I look into her eyes.
"I had a good evening." I whisper.
"So did I."
Gently, she tugs me closer. My other hand loops around her waist and she cradles my face. Sparks ignite where her thumb strokes my cheek.
Our breath mingles in the air, small puffs of steam.
She leans closer.
I tilt my head back, eyes closing as our lips meet.
Kiara is gentle, holding me like I'm delicate. Her lips are warm and taste like chocolate.
It's nice, soft. I've definitely had worse.
She tilts my head for a better angle. It strains my neck and a flicker of annoyance runs through me.
My hand digs into her back, trying to deepen the kiss.
Instead, she pulls back.
"How was that?"
Bland. Passionless.
I feel harsh that it's the first thing that comes to mind. Just because I'm used to a specific way of doing things doesn't mean this was bad.
"Wonderful. Goodnight, Kiara. I'll see you soon."
- Writer
