Unforeseen desires : an unexpected encount

– I was sure of it, Ana, it's obvious that he's into you. Go have a drink with him, and you'll see how it goes. – Leslie, I replied, feigning indignation. – Oh, come on, just go have some fun, even if it's just for one night. I reluctantly accepted the proposition of the man who had invited me tonight. After all, my colleague and friend was right; it wouldn't hurt to have some fun considering I had just come out of a difficult relationship. I packed my few belongings into my bag and waved goodbye to Leslie before heading home. She twirled her long brown hair and returned the gesture with a big smile. As I checked my phone, I noticed a message from my date with the time and address of our meeting. A bar on Jackson Ave according to my GPS; I had never been there before. I wasn't one to go out often, especially not since Louis. Stop! Let's not talk about him or think about him. I entered the subway just before the doors closed. The journey took a good twenty minutes before I had to change trains, dealing with an overweight man sweating profusely in his hoodie and a mother with a screaming baby in my ears. I was relieved to finally get out and breathe the polluted air of Brooklyn. I walked a few more blocks before reaching my destination. When I opened the door to my apartment, the TV was playing a video game. Noah, my roommate and best friend, sat in front of the screen with headphones on and a game controller in his hands. – I'm back! I yelled. Of course, Noah didn't notice me because he was so engrossed in his game, some sort of war thing, I think. All I knew was that he had to shoot other characters without getting killed to win. I dropped my bag and kicked off my painful heels, leaving them by the door. Who thought it was a good idea to invent something so painful? Shoes were made to be comfortable, not to torture us like this, but I must admit I liked the sexy effect they gave. I approached Noah slowly, blocking his view by placing my palms over his eyes, and listened to him complain for several seconds. – Ana, I was about to win. – I know, but I need your help. I agreed to have a drink with Jonathan tonight... – And you need help with your outfit, he interrupted me. Of course, he had already figured out the reason for my cry for help before I even said it. – Go take a shower first, and I'll see what you have in your closet. – Yes, sir, I replied, mockingly saluting like in the army. I got up and headed to the tiny, cramped bathroom to take a shower. I removed my work clothes and stepped into the shower cabin; the cold water hit me like a shock. – Ah, damn it! I screamed. It wasn't the first time this month that we were deprived of hot water, and our landlord didn't lift a finger. So, I didn't waste time and postponed washing my hair; dry shampoo would do just fine. Luckily, it was May, and the weather was relatively mild this year, not in the dead of winter when we would surely be sick. I wrapped a large towel around my body to warm up and entered my bedroom. It wasn't very spacious, containing only a double bed and a wardrobe. The walls were painted white except for one lavender-colored wall. Noah stood in front of my wardrobe, examining each of my clothes carefully and shaking his head regularly. – So? Do you have any ideas? He turned to me, a disappointed look on his face. My clothes weren't particularly alluring; they were mostly simple, everyday pieces. – We really need to go shopping together, he declared. I did manage to find a few things, though. I looked at what he had chosen, a straight black skirt, which was normally part of my work attire, and a dusty pink satin top with lace on the neckline. I didn't even remember having that kind of thing in my closets. – Isn't it a bit much? I asked, feeling uncomfortable. – No, it'll be perfect; we just need to find you some nice underwear, not the horrors you usually wear. – He now opens the drawer containing all my underwear, mainly basic, black and white cotton. – It's so boring, Ana, but wait... He takes out a golden cardboard box from a well-known lingerie brand, and when he removes the lid, he smiles at the sight of the set inside. – What's this? – It's been a while; I bought it for... I never wore it. – Well, that day has come! he declares. I initially refuse categorically, but he manages to convince me. Plus, he's right; it's an opportunity to wear it. I shouldn't let Louis have any influence over me anymore. So, that's why I find myself wearing a black lace set with stockings and garters under my outfit. I've tied my lavender hair into a bun with a few strands falling on my face, and I've also applied a thin line of eyeliner on my upper lid and mascara to enhance my green eyes, along with a simple gloss. Now, I'm battling with my best friend not to wear sneakers. – Ana, you can't wear sneakers on a date. – I wore them all day, I complain. – It's non-negotiable. – You're such a pain, Noah! I grumble as I put on a pair of high heels. I add a blazer and grab my handbag. – Sexy! Noah exclaims, proud of himself. Come on, let's go. He retrieves his car keys, and we head down to his car. He kindly agreed to drop me off before meeting his boyfriend, Josh. As we arrive at the bar's vicinity, I tap my foot and fidget with my fingers. I also adjust my hair several times. – It'll be okay, and if you have any problems, call me, I'll come pick you up, reassures my best friend. I memorize these comforting words and know I can count on him in any situation. Noah regularly works out and does boxing, so he has quite an imposing build. His short, ash-blond hair and blue-gray eyes always make the girls swoon. I was one of them until he revealed his homosexuality, and we eventually became very good friends. – Have fun, and I expect you to tell me everything tomorrow. I nod, kiss him on the cheek, and then head out, covering the few meters that separate me from the entrance.