Under the Influence by Nikki Belaire

Author:Nikki Belaire [Belaire, Nikki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Happy Drunk Productions, LLC
Published: 2017-12-03T16:00:00+00:00

Gio stares at me. An expression I’ve never seen before softens the mask of indifference he normally wears. Wistful. Almost nostalgic. I shake my head. That can’t be right. He has no feelings. Barely experiences emotions, especially not longing. He never yearns for anything. He just takes what he wants.

And then throws it away when he doesn’t anymore.

The familiar ache returns to my chest. Now the celebration is winding down, and I'm forced to face him again. The short reprieve over much too soon.

Once the Bryson twins race into the corridor, Dodie’s arms wrap tight around me. A comforting touch I’ve missed. Although I love the challenge of the university research, the simple joy of this intimate library remains entwined around my heart. Too thick and deep to ever wither. “I’ll be back for the Valentine’s party, if that’s okay?”

“Of course it is honey. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

"Thanks Dodie."

Relieved she doesn't mention anything about the earlier awkwardness with Gio, I wave a final good-bye before she pushes the craft cart toward the double closet in the back storage area. I dawdle retrieving my coat. My mind racing to figure out what to say to him. To remind him I need some space as well as time to work.

The smooth fabric glides out of my hands. Gio holds up the jacket for me. Patiently waiting for me to slide my arms in the sleeves. Flaming the argument between my head and my heart from his attentiveness and gentle manners. Just like he used to.

"Looks like you had a good time."

"I did. It was fun to see the kids so excited."

I fiddle with my gloves while we walk, trying to prevent him from taking my hand. Total fail with that ploy when his arm wraps around my waist and he tucks me against him. Just like he used to.

At the car, his protective grip remains on my elbow as I climb inside the passenger seat. My pulse races in my veins when he caresses my cheek after I buckle my seat belt. Just like he used to.

Disappointment darkens his expression when I shrink away from his touch. That was the past. I can't get hung up on what he used to do. I must focus on now. Our relationship, if I can even call the terse dance flinging us together and ripping us apart a relationship, is much too precarious to assume it will continue to exist. Even a few minutes from now.

Especially with the decision I made.

Guilt weighs on me for being distracted during the party, but my time is limited. Although two choices are evident, I really can only pick one. Deep down, I know my heart too well for there to be any other option.

Heavy silence hangs between us. Making we wonder what worry lines his forehead. His fingers gripping the steering wheel with anxiety after he starts the ignition. Might as well jump into the fire now while his focus remains on the windshield. Easier than him looking at me.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.