Wildcards

Chapter 9

"So, what are you thinking about?" Jasmine asked during their dinner.

Everly's' guard instantly clicked into place. Because she knew that tone very well, and could tell by it that this wasn't just a random question. In fact, she suspected that Jasmine had noticed that she had kind of zoned out a while ago. And was now checking in, to see where her mind had wandered to. But that was information she wasn't ready to divulge yet, so she evaded her question as swiftly as she could.

"About this here fine establishment?" She waved, gesturing the restaurant. "As far as purveyance of the culinary arts goes, I think it deserves five stars." She smiled innocently, while silently hoping that her distraction tactic would work.

"Oh,come on." Jasmine rolled her eyes, "you know very well that I wasn't asking about a review. So, try again."

"Fine," Everly sighed. "It's Michael."

Jasmine gave her a broad smile before informing her that she already knew. "Go ahead and spill."

Where could she even begin? Everly wondered as she sighed again.

"I take it you still haven't made up your mind about him?"

Maybe that would be a good starting point. "What do you mean, made it up how?" She asked, feeling a bit joyful that she had someone to sort through her thoughts with.

"Like, will you talk to him in order to get to the bottom of this? Or are you just going to keep prolonging the break-up?"

Everly shrugged. "Technically, this isn't even a breakup. Well,at least not officially. But to answer your question, I haven't yet."

"Why?" Jasmine asked before quickly adding, "no pressure,of course. But you've been chronically miserable since you walked out on him. You were so happy and focused before, now you just wander around like a lost puppy.Which by the way, makes me believe that you still love him. You do love him,right?" Jasmine,always a curious cat, questioned.

"What kind of question is that?"

"Uh...one that needs to be answered."

"Yes. Oh God, I love him. So much that it hurts sometimes."

"Then maybe you should stop dragging this thing out. Instead, put on your big girl panties and go handle your business."

"It's really not that simple,Jazz. I mean, there's another woman in his life. I don't know what kind of connection they share, or even the depth of it. I don't want to go over there and make a fool of myself." Everly hadn't even noticed how scared she was of setting herself up for disappointment and more heartache, until she said the words out loud.

"Forget about the other woman. Just get the answers you need from him,so that you can know where you stand. Some things aren't always what they seem, especially from afar. So, maybe getting your facts straight can help you decide what to do next. Besides, isn't that what we all do for love? Make fools of ourselves?" Jasmine sipped from the glass in front of her.

"How would you know? You and Brian have been together,for what? Six years now?"

"True." Jasmine said with a small smile playing on her lips. "But that doesn't mean our relationship is perfect. No relationship ever is, really. We have our fair share of fights and disagreements. And during those, I continue to learn that it's better to fight side by side than apart."

"Maybe those problems never involve third parties." Everly said, feeling like she kept on sinking even deeper into her sea of indecision and conflict.

Only to have her friend laugh bitterly at that.

"Eve, yours isn't a unique situation. There are always third parties. At every corner. Just like there are sometimes doubts too." This was news to Everly. She's always thought and believed that they were the most solid couple she knew. But she guessed, one could never know what really goes on behind closed doors. Jasmine continued, "but if the relationship is based on a genuine connection, the love always wins in the end."

"You sound like a fortune cookie." Everly teased, then unravelled. "Look, I love the man. I have no doubts about that. The past two months have been the most special moments of my life. But I keep thinking that maybe that wasn't the case for him. Maybe I wasn't enough. Maybe he wanted more, you know." She knew how insecure she sounded but carried on. And if she weren't opening up to her best friend,she would've definitely freaked out or even thought she was over sharing. "Like someone to settle down and start a family with,and he decided or felt like I wasn't that person. So I really don't want to have all of these 'maybes' confirmed. That's why I can't help but think that maybe I'm better off-"

"In limbo?"

Groaning at the question she gave up, "I just can never win with you."

Jasmine chuckled at this, apologetically, "I'm sorry." She said. "I just want you to know that I'll support whatever decision you make."

"Even this current 'curse of indecision mode'?" Everly pointed to her face.

"Even that,yes." Sensing the sullen mood she radiated, Jasmine attempted to cheer her up yet again. "Things will get better," she said raising her glass.

"They really have to." Everly affirmed, clinking hers with Jasmine's already raised one.

The whole campus was buzzing with 'all things party' the entire Tuesday. From more invitations making the rounds,all the way to making hookup plans. Which didn't come as a surprise to Everly. Even she knew that most college students loved themselves a good party.

But the more she heard about it, the less she wanted to go. She had after all made the decision under the influence of wine. And now she would only show up to keep that promise.

As soon as her last class dispersed; she didn't linger, make any stops or even run her errands. But went straight home to spend what she believed to be the last few regretful moments alone before going out tonight.

After stepping out of her long shower, she dried off and started applying lotion on her body. Except the simple act of doing so, felt strangely sensual to her. Her fair skin showed the appearance of small goosebumps.

But she didn't give it much thought at the time,nor did she want to.

She absentmindedly picked a red bra and matching panties from her underwear drawer and slipped them on. Studying her reflection in the mirror, she started to think about Michael. About his touch. About his kisses. And even his dominant presence. She even started wondering what he'd think about the lingerie,or even her current state of naughtiness. It had been a little over a week since he last touched her,and suddenly her body yearned for that touch.

When she felt her n*****s hardening beneath the lacy piece of fabric, she knew and understood just how deeply in trouble she was. And for the first time since their split, she didn't feel angry or confused. She knew exactly what it all meant. And it came to her with crystal clarity that it was time to give Michael that long overdue call.

But first, she had to cancel her plans with Jasmine. So she picked up her phone and dialled her number.

"You're on your way?" There was too much background noise,it was a miracle that Everly even heard a single word on her end.

"Not anymore Jazz. I've decided to reach out to Michael and see where that takes us."

"That's great." More loud background music. "Let me know how it goes, tomorrow?"

"I will." As soon as she'd given her assurance in that department,she checked assuming that she'd be stranded at the party now that she'd dropped her last minute. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Yes, Brian came along." Good for her. Everly thought. Deciding that she wouldn't have had fun third wheeling anyway.

"Alright then,wish me luck." She said in a singsong.

In response to that,she thought she heard her say "go get your man back," but wasn't entirely sure due to the noise.

'That was the easy part' She muttered to herself. 'Time for the challenging next step.'

She laid back on the couch, just to be more comfortable. The more she thought about the call, the more her heart seemed to race. Along with it, the excitement of her body heightened. At this point, it was even safe to say she was fully aroused.

With trembling hands, she dialled his number.

He answered on the first ring.

"Thank goodness you called," were the first words that spilled out upon receiving her call. "I've been trying to reach you non stop."

Hearing his deep voice did things to her body. Which made her pull her panties down a bit, just to play with herself.

"I didn't want to be reached," she said with a heavy sigh.

"And now? Does this mean we can finally talk?" he asked, hopes obviously still high.

Only to have her tell him "no."

He went silent for a moment, probably asking himself what she meant by no.

"I just felt like calling to tell you that I'm thinking about you."

She knew him well enough to know that he was probably running his hand through his hair, wondering if this was a trap.

"I was too. I am, that's why we have to talk." He laid emphasis.

"I don't know," she said with another sigh, as her c****x began to build.

"What are you doing right now? I can come over so that we can try to make things right?"

"I'm lying on the couch actually." Her voice went shallow,as she started to take deep breaths. "With my panties around my ankles, one hand on the phone and the other between my legs." She said, painting him a vivid image. Which hadn't been the initial plan at all. She knew that they were supposed to be fighting or at least fixing things, not engaging in this confusing attempt at phone s*x. But she just couldn't resist.

"That's um..." He seemed not to know exactly what it was he was supposed to say. So he cleared his voice instead, and tried again. "So, I take it it's not a good ti-"

"The door's unlocked. Don't keep me waiting." She said and hung up. Not only cutting him off mid sentence,but leaving him utterly confused as well.