“What about the Fisher project? They finally ready to relax and play by our rules?” I asked.
Dad waved off my concern. “I’ve sorted that out. By the way, there’s something different about you today. Anything interesting going on in your life right now?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Your face. You have this smile on your face. The kind of smile that only comes to a person who has found love. Knowing you, I would say all you are thinking about is coding, But I could be wrong. I hope to be wrong.”
I knew better than to tell Dad about Raven. I was the last eligible bachelor in the Rodericks family now, and he had started hassling me about it relentlessly. Better to keep my love life under wraps.
“Nah, it’s just my work giving me joy.”
Dad sighed. A wave of disappointment crossed his face. It was clear he would love to hear that I was finally giving love a chance. I chose to remain tight-lipped, though. It was too early to tell him anything about Raven. Other than that first night at the club, we both seemed timid around the other. We flirted a lot of the time. But when we talked, it was just small talk, or about IT issues, the language of code, which, don’t get me wrong, I immensely enjoyed having someone who understood my language. But we never really talked about anything personal. I still hadn’t learned anything more about Raven.
I haven't even gotten a chance to kiss her again.
Dad left after I agreed to come to Sunday dinner at the Manor. The longing to see Raven hit me as soon as he left. It was crazy how magnetic the attraction was. The urge to see her, to touch her again, was overwhelming, and the erotic experience we had shared at the club ran through my head on repeat? It all felt surreal.
I walked to my closet and threw a blazer over my shirt. A quick look in the mirror showed that I needed a haircut, but I looked good enough to step out. I grabbed my keys and left the house. I decided to go for a drive before I went crazy. I really needed to talk to someone. I started the engine and had my phone dial Terry. It was his fault I was in this state. After all, he had dragged me to the club that night.
“Hey, Carson. What a pleasant surprise. Can’t remember the last time you called.”
“Come on, man. We talked last week, didn’t we?”
“Because I called you.”
“Listen, do you remember the girl from the Feel the Pulse nightclub?”
“Yeah, I remember.”
“So the next day, she turned up at my house as the cleaner. . .” I swept through all the details of my relationship with her in a few minutes.
“Wow! I can’t believe this!”
“What’s there not to believe?”
“That you really are as lousy with women as I thought you’d be." Terry laughed over the phone. "Look, if you like her, go for it. I don't see any reason why you wouldn't. You mess this chance up, and you might have to resort to finding a machine. I don't want my best friend fantasizing about a fucking girl robot."
“Well, I’ve never felt this level of attraction before. But it’s there now. I can’t even deny it.”
“So what’s the problem then?” In the background, I heard something that sounded like hip-hop music.
“I think it’s all moving way too slowly. This girl, despite being able to move on the dancefloor, has the same moves I do, the same problems relating to the human race. I don’t know how to push it forward, man. It’s just crazy.”
“You just have to go for it. Don’t double think, don’t overthink. Go for it!.... Oh, yes, baby. Carson, I gotta go.”
He hung up before I could say another word. I dropped the phone beside me and started the engine. Terry was right. If this relationship were to move forward, I had to go for it!
***
The next day, Raven showed up on my porch with a box of cupcakes in hand.
"I decided on some sugar for breakfast."
I watched the sun’s rays caress her hair, a soft smile on her face. I couldn't resist pulling her into my body for a hug.
It surprised both of us because that was the most intimate moment we had shared since that night in the club.
With Raven in my arms, I felt comfort flood through me. The feeling of peace resonated, and I just couldn't let go of her. She was pushing me further into the oblivion—to a place where nothing else existed except her with her fucking cupcakes and me with my stupid hugs.