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Worried.

“I don’t want you to think I’m leading you on or anything,” she says assertively.

“I just…I just need some air,” she finally gets out. Her face is a mixture of a dozen emotions, and all of them good.

I think.

I lift her down from the bench, noticing how light she is. Making a mental note to make sure she starts eating more.

But instead of opening a window or going outside for air, May starts to pace the kitchen, biting her thumbnail.

I’m happy to watch her do anything, and all day if needed.

As long as I know she wants me and that she hasn’t screamed and run a mile now she knows how I feel about her, I’m happy.

I’m more than fucking happy right now.

“I didn’t think you were leading me on, and I didn’t mean to be so forward,” I remark, taking a stool by the counter and settling myself onto it.

I watch her pace the kitchen, studying her youthful features while she grapples with something in her mind.

Hoping it hasn’t changed in the last few seconds.

“What’s wrong?” I finally have to ask.

She shakes her head and flashes me a smile.

“Nothing’s wrong, silly. I just need to process this,” she says, crimping her mouth and pacing again.

And as soon as I think it must be about her dad as well as me, I feel my cell buzzing in my back pocket.

I know it's Steve somehow, so I know I have to take this call.

May’s taking some deep breaths, but at least she’s stopped pacing.

I’ve heard of girls swooning from a kiss, but she looks like something’s come loose.

Clearing my throat before I answer, I watch May stiffen up again, tense.

She knows who it is as well as I do, and his timing seems to be as lousy as it is consistent.

“Hey, Steve,” I answer, trying not to sound too upbeat.

I can hear he’s calling from his car, probably still driving to the shop.

“B? Look, man, I’m sorry I acted like a jerk earlier. I guess I’m the one who needs a nap, but I can’t afford the time right now,” he chuckles but still sounds like he means it.

Steve’s always worn his heart on his sleeve. And I feel a stab of pride as well as guilt in my gut as I listen to his honest apology.

Even though I know already that we’re both gonna be sorry soon enough, I’ll take whatever he dishes out once he finds out.

And until then?

Well, until further notice from May, I think it’s best we keep our little secret a little more secret for a little longer.

“You don’t have to apologize, buddy,” I console him. “When do you finish again?” I ask, already calculating the potential hours' May and I have left to be alone.

More time to take things slower? Hmmm, maybe, but maybe not.


Tags: Flora Ferrari Romance