Before the Rain Falls

Chapter Three: Nerissa

“So then what happened?” Carmen asked eagerly, swirling her glass bearing the remnants of a white wine.

“Well he must have received the letter because I got a text message from him.”

Carmen looked practically giddy at the news. “And?” she trailed off, eyes bright.

I took a sip of my own red vintage before answering. “Long story short, I’m meeting him tomorrow night, seven o’ clock at Italia.”

“Well damn girl, that’s a decent place. He’ll be wining and dining you on the finest Italian food this side of Osegate.”

I didn’t bother to tell her I’d picked the restaurant, let her live her romantic whims. I’d agonised over his text for ages, but I suppose it had made sense to ask me. He’d been away a long time; it was only natural the places he knew had changed. He was also probably used to feasting in Michelin star restaurants, but Italia was the finest place in the city and since I got paid a few days ago, a one off fancy meal was a luxury I could afford.

   “Oh it’s just all so romantic, young lovers reunited at last, what could the future hold?” Carmen sighed wistfully, downing the last of her drink.

“We weren’t actually together before he left you know.” I corrected her.

“Yeah, but you fancied the pants off him. Don’t deny it.”

Warmth spread across my cheeks and no doubt they were as red as my wine. “It was a crush yes, but I hardly think he felt the same way. We were just friends. And tomorrow is just catching up. It is not a date.”

“God, I’ve never heard something so cliché in real life before.” Carmen answered, levelling me with a sceptical stare. “Mark my words, you’ll be in each other’s arms by midnight.” She put her glass down on the table with a sense of finality, as if to emphasise her point.

    I hardly think so, no with…Abruptly I cut off the thought before it could lead any further. Carmen didn’t know either. No one knew except for me and him. I intended to keep it that way.

“Hey, you alright?”

I blinked, suddenly aware of Carmen’s concerned expression. “Yeah, yeah, fine,” I waved a hand dismissively. “Just zoned out there for a second.”

A smirk stretched across her lips. “Daydreaming of your beloved?”

“Think what you like,” I stated good naturedly, raising my hands in mock surrender.

“Trust me I do and I’m usually right.” She had this smug knowing look in her eye.

I rolled mine in response.

“Nerissa and Killian sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-” she sing songed at me, bursting into laughter when I threw what remained of a chip from our earlier plates at her. She mocked gasped. “Miss Reed, hot shot criminal lawyer starting a food fight? Whatever would they say?”

“They’d say it was in self-defence, initiated by embarrassing teasing.” I smirked back at her.

“Can’t argue with the statement for the defence.” She raised her empty glass as if toasting.

“Precisely.” I raised my glass in response.

     Carmen grinned, before checking her phone on the table on the table. “Damn, it looks like time flies when you’re having fun, it’s already half eleven and on a weeknight too. You need to get your beauty sleep ready for tomorrow. Not that you need it.”

Her statement was bittersweet, not that she knew it of course.

“Still I’m going to be nervous as hell tomorrow. Heading home is probably for the best. I don’t want to be falling asleep through the dinner.”

Carmen looked abhorrent at the very idea. “No madam, you certainly do not. Let’s get going.” 

    We both stood up, doing the usual gathering of bags, coats and checking we’d got everything before walking towards the door of the pub. Carmen lived the opposite side of town to me so this was where we usually parted ways, her heading to the taxi rank one way, me heading to the bus station the other way.

“Let me know when you get home.” I said as we stood outside, doing our traditional farewells.

“Same to you. Carmen replied, “And you have to fill me in after your hot date tomorrow.” Her hazel eyes practically lit up at the thought.

“Sure, but you’ll be disappointed. I’m telling you it’ll just be boring stuff, nothing like the scenario you’re imagining.”

“Who said I’m imagining anything?”

“I can see it on your face. You’d be terrible at playing poker.”

“Touché.”  

“Right then, guess I’ll see you soon.” I leaned in and gave her a hug.

“Yeah, we’ll have to meet up sooner then Thursday, I need to live vicariously through you and this new development.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll text you.” I smiled, as we parted from the hug.

“You better!” Carmen exclaimed as she stepped away down the street waving goodbye.

I shook my head smiling. The woman hadn’t changed since we were at university together.

    Despite the weather being warm, it was still chilly at night. Especially the time we’d left the pub. I shoved my hands in my pockets and headed down the familiar route to the bus station. Walking on my own at night had always made me anxious, ever since that day. Even with the self-defence classes I’d taken, I couldn’t help the whirling pit of apprehension in my stomach. You’ve got this. I ran through the different techniques I’d been taught, each one flashing in my head as clearly as if I’d learned them yesterday. Feeling slightly better and a bit more confident, I marched quickly towards the bus station hoping I projected “moving with a purpose, don’t try anything” vibes.

    Thankfully the station was virtually empty and with a brief check of the terminal timer, I sat down to wait the few minutes indicated. Tomorrow was certainly going to be interesting. I had a different court case to prepare for, so that should keep me busy and distracted throughout the day. But I just knew the closer my office clock ticked to 5pm, the more nervous I was going to be. It was a strange feeling being both excited to see Killian again but also terrified of the thought.

   I pulled out my phone, bringing up our text exchange. I’d replied to the initial text saying I was free Friday too and with the place and time. His response to that had been enthusiastic and he’d readily agreed. We’d both mutually sent a message saying we’d see each other there and that had been the end of the exchange. I pulled my lip between my teeth, nibbling on it. Maybe it was the wine, or Carmen’s influence, but I found myself typing I’m really looking forward to seeing you tomorrow and hitting send.

   Hurriedly I placed my phone back in my pocket as the bus arrived, praying to any god that would listen to be kind to me for that random rash decision. I really hoped Killian didn’t think I was desperate or anything because of it.

   Well, there was nothing I could do about it now. As the bus rattled into motion, I rested my head against the window and glanced at the watch on my wrist. Midnight. Tomorrow was already here.