Chapter 18
1328 Words
Chapter 18
Chris’s POV
So, Kira had been wanting to see Rebecca's designs and being overly friendly with her. I must admit, part of me was glad she wasn’t outwardly being rude to her now, but she had completely gone the other way. And she was feeling low because I was avoiding her. Michael was taking her out tonight and had told me to come along if I wanted. Rebecca would be overjoyed and she needed me. I did want to, I missed Rebecca and Michael for that point. But things were good with Kira, for the first time I could see myself marrying her.
When I got home, I found Kira in pyjamas, not her usual fancy lingerie or skintight shorts and crop tops. She was wearing proper, none flattering, long trousers and a loose t-shirt. Her hair was tied up into a messy bun on her head and she was plating up what looked like Indian food. I couldn’t help but smile. I walked over and put my arms around her waist and kissed her neck. It was nice seeing her be normal.
“Hey, I’m plating dinner up.” She giggled, not pausing in what she was doing. I just kept holding her, my chin rested on her shoulder. I should stop thinking about Rebecca. Stop kidding myself about any future that wasn’t this. My father needed this. I loved the company too. I wouldn’t go tonight.
Michael's POV
Rebecca had danced for a good 20 minutes before stating she needed a breather. The club wasn’t half as busy as it usually would be due to the local arena having a large band on at it. Most people would be there, and the bars wouldn’t get busy until around 11 when it finished. We went back to the table and Rebecca downed her peach schnapps and ordered another one. I sipped my whisky and told her I would be right back.
She knew I was nipping outside for a cigarette, but I was also going to call Chris. The phone rang and it was a while before he answered.
“I’m not coming Michael.” Was his short and to the point answer.
“Really?” Was all I could ask. I was angry but part of me was also relieved.
“Yes, really, I love Rebecca and I am and always will be her best friend but we both know we need to move on with our stupid teenage dreams and crushes. You know I care about her, but I have Kira. She’s here and she needs me too. I need to stop dreaming of a future I won’t ever get. We ALL do.”
“Ok…” Was all I could answer. I felt my heart jump, he wasn’t just talking about him and Rebecca.
“Rebecca will always have me as a friend. She also has you…” He trailed off. “Have a good night, Michael.” Before I could say anything else, he hung up. I finished my cigarette and stepped back in to find Rebecca giggling with the bartender. The usual jealousy bubbled up in my chest, but I pushed it down and made my way over to her. Just as I was about to interject, she turned around smiling and handed me a shot of something green coloured.
“Mark here says you’ll love this!” She smiled and clinked her glass with mine. “To our first night out together without Chris!” I smiled at her better celebration than mine, and my stomach pulled at her referring as us being together, even if she only meant the night out. I was feeling a little sick after what Chris had said too but I still took the drank it in one. She was right though; menthol was one of my favourite flavours. I smiled and she giggled. “There's that smile!”
“I smile.” I growled.
“Yeah, not very often though.”
Rebeccas POV
Michael offering me his hand to dance was the biggest shock. I took it and hadn’t wanted to let go as he led me to the dance floor. I danced out a lot of my pent-up anger before Michael stated that he wanted to head out for a cigarette. I got bored and headed to the bartender, Mark who had hit on me numerous times in the past, but he wasn’t my type. We talked about drinks, and I told him what I wanted. I had plans to get Michael at least a little tipsy tonight. I wanted him to loosen up. Mark came back with a menthol flavoured shot and a strawberry one for me. We chatted a bit more before I saw Mark looked worried over my shoulder and knew Michael was back. A lot of people acted that way towards him.
We went back to the table where our larger drinks were waiting for us and sat down. He seemed annoyed.
“Sorry.” I said.
“What for?”
“For annoying you to smile. You seem annoyed.”
“I am, but not at that Becks. It’s a long story.” He stroked his forehead. I decided to do something Id never done. I put my hand on his arm in comfort.
“We’re here to gossip remember.” I said, smiling. He looked at me, his grey eyes swirling around. I could read his mood, confused, angry and a little worried.
“Can I ask one question before we talk?” I nodded. “Did you come here, hoping Chris would turn up?” I swallowed. I absolutely had to start with, but it was clear he wasn’t going to, so I had decided my plan was to get Michael tipsy instead. So, I answered him honestly. He seemed to think this over for a few minutes before heading to the bar. Great, I had upset him as well as annoy him now. I looked sadly into my now empty glass.
A few minutes went by, and I waited for Michael to return. I didn’t dare turn round to see if he had left me. I was just about to signal one of the bartenders for a drink when I felt my jacket placed over my shoulders. I turned surprised to see Michael with his bank card in his hand and his coat draped over his arm.
“Let’s get out of here and go somewhere we can talk better and enjoy a drink.” When I looked at him in surprise, he raised his eyebrow questioningly. “I was paying the tab, are you ok? I was only gone a few minutes.” I stood up and looked at him, my turn being annoyed now.
“I honestly thought you’d left me here.”
“Why would I do that?” He asked, so confused that even I wondered why I had thought that.
“You were annoyed at me for asking stupid questions. Then upset because I only came out hoping Chris would be here?” I asked, now feeling a little stupid. He grabbed my arm and looped his through it, gently dragging me to a taxi.
“You always ask stupid questions.” He chuckled, causing me to pout. “Why would tonight be any different?” He opened the taxi door for me to get in and I did. “And for years this has been you and Chris’s thing. I just tagged along to spend time with you both. I’m not surprised you would hope.” He said as he got in the back with me before giving the taxi driver some cash. He must have called ahead for the taxi.
“Where are we going?” I asked. I wasn’t worried, I knew I was safe with Michael, but I was curious.
“You’ll see.” Was his only answer as we drove away from the club.
- Writer
