Lips of an angel

Seven

Despite my best efforts of keeping Mia and Lola at arms length Nicole wouldn’t let it go. Because the couples bowling had gone so well, Nix had arranged another fun night out.

Nicole had recently discovered a new karaoke bar. It offered private rooms for private parties which Nicole believes will make the whole ordeal more palatable for me. She is completely wrong. In an attempt to get her to cancel I had insisted that Jo attend or I would not. I don’t know if Nicole saw right through my childish tantrum or if she was just that determined to sing I will survive.

“Jo just texted to say she will meet us there.” I say as I lace up my shoes and sigh for millionth time in the last hour.

“Do we really have to go? Why can’t we stay in, watch a movie and do stuff. Really anything else.” My words do not have the desired effect on Nicole, in fact they seem to really anger her.

“What is the matter with you? I hardly ever ask you to do anything with my friends. In fact for the past year or so we have only ever hung out with Jo. Now I finally meet some people I like and all you do is complain.” Nix is out of breathe when she finishes her rant and her hands are tense as they hold on to her waist. I don’t think I have ever seen her this angry.

Shit!

“Babe.” I say stepping closer to her, feeling completely guilty. I have been so selfish and wrapped up in my own confusion that I hadn’t noticed how much this is upsetting her.

Cupping her face in my hands I try to calm her down and watch as the tension leaves her shoulders. She has never stayed mad at me for long, but then again I have never done anything to really upset her.

“Let’s go and have a great time.” I say and give her a soft kiss on the tip of her nose.

“Will you sing?” She asks with a mischievous smile.

“Not a chance.” I say as I lead her out of the apartment.

By the time we get to the karaoke bar we are informed that some of our party has already arrived. Dread fills my stomach but I put on a brave face and offer Nicole my biggest smile as she pulls me towards our room. On the drive here I had decided to put my drama with Lola aside and make sure that I gave Nicole what she wanted and deserved. A fun night out with her girlfriend and friends. With interlinked fingers we approach the door. When Nicole pushes the door open to our room we are both in shock. Inside are Jo and Donna, the girl from the bowling alley. They are busy discussing which song to sing. I think both Nicole and I forget how to move or talk for a minute.

“Hey guys. Please explain to Donna that no one in their right mind would chose to sing a Spice Girls song” and as if by the flick of a switch both Nix and I gain control over our bodies. Simultaneously both Nix and I blurt our contradicting responses. Nix is absolutely thrilled that she has found someone to spice up her life with, while Jo and I merely shake our heads.

“So what are you singing?” Jo asks as she orders us each a drink. Sitting down at the bar I pause just long enough to let her finish her sentence.

“Oh no. We are not going to just glide over this. What is Donna doing here? You realise that this would constitute a second date? And you do get that you didn’t have to bring a date. I am pretty sure I made that clear in the text.” Jo doesn’t answer me, instead she takes a swig of her beer and looks over at the girls on the little stage setup in the corner.

I decide to let it go, feeling grateful that Jo is here. Having her here will make the evening more tolerable and if she felt having Donna here would make this more tolerable for her, who am I to judge.

“I had to make sure I was here to see this.” She replies and gestures towards the door with her eyes. In walks Lola and Mia hand in hand. They are exchange a smile at something Mia had just said. My stomach gives an unwelcome me churn causing me to involuntarily shift in my seat. An action that doesn’t go unnoticed by Jo.

This is going to be a lot harder than I thought. Get your head in the game Olivia.

Mentally shaking off whatever that reaction was I make my way over to Nicole and slide my hand around her waist. Leaning into her neck I place my lips just below her earlobe and whisper just low enough for her to hear.

“Let’s get this started so we can leave and I can get started.” My words have the desired effect on Nicole. She turns to me with a look of intrigue and shock. But I have piqued her interest and right now that is all she can focus on. This isn’t usual behavior for us. But I need to step up my game. Our usual ‘safe’ s****l tension won’t do tonight. I need for us to go all in.

Th nagging voice in my head begging me to question why, is easily squashed as I let my fingers slip just below the edge of Nicole’s jeans. No enough to be inappropriate but just enough to cause her breath to hitch. Leaning in closer to me she smiles as she lifts her face so that her lips are closer to my ear.

“I don’t know what has gotten into you, but I like it.”

I know what it is or should I say who. The nagging voice in my head speaks again. Guilt washes over me but I let it pass quickly. Yes, Nicole has never incited this level of reckless behavior from me and all along I thought she was grateful for it.

When we hear Mia clearing her throat beside us Nicole finally steps out of my hold and I begrudgingly let her go.

Walking back to the bar area where I left Jo my eye catches Lola chatting to Donna. For a moment I am pretty sure she seems hurt. But why would she be hurt she was the one who walked in here smiling at her girlfriend.

This is all ridiculous. Why should I even care. Sitting down at the bar I finish the drink that is waiting for me in one sip.

“I am so glad I came. This is going to be a great night.” Jo’s words surprise me but I knew it was coming.

“What is that supposed to mean?” But she doesn’t bother to answer me, instead she once again gestures with her eyes behind me. Following her gaze without thinking I turn around and feel my leg scrape against Lola’s thigh at the same time our eyes meet. My breath hitches and I am sure the sound can be heard throughout the nightclub. Lola looks hurt but I can’t figure out why. In the few seconds of silence she goes from sad to hurt to angry. But before I can catch up with her emotions she hits me with an emotional ton of bricks.

“Didn’t you miss me Olly?”