GEMINI.
Ohio and I settled into a cozy corner of a quaint cafe near the university, surrounded by the gentle hum of conversation and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. I had just pulled off the ultimate deception, convincing Percy that I had lectures to attend, when in reality, I just needed some space to clear my mind. Don't judge me–it wasn't about anything sinister. I just have a lot weighing on my mind, and the thought of Percy's company felt overwhelming somehow, I wanted my best friend.
But now, as I sat across from Ohio, I regretted my little white lie. Why? Because Ohio has suddenly turned into a hopeless romantic, gushing over every couple that walks by, dressed in matching Valentine's Day outfits. Her sighs were audible, her eyes sparkling with envy, and I can't help but roll my eyes good-naturedly.
Ohio's voice was infused with a wistful, dreamy look as she reminisced about her past Valentine's Day celebration.
"By this time last year, I was head over heels in love, and my boyfriend had planned an incredibly romantic getaway for us. We did a lot of shopping, went to a strip club. I felt like a pimp spraying money on this sexy stripper." she said, her eyes glazing over with a faraway look. A sly smile spread across her face as she added, "And, oh, the sex after...we had plenty of that, too," winking at me for emphasis.
I murmured a distracted "Good for you," not even trying to hide my lack of interest. Ohio let out a sigh, and the conversation lulled for a moment before she spoke up again, her tone tinged with a hint of melancholy.
"I just can't believe I'm spending this year's Valentine's alone," she said, her voice barely above a whisper and I didn't even bother to correct her that she's with me right now. She paused from her rambling, then turned her attention to me, a sly smirk spreading across her face.
"At least you'll get some loving from your man, so I guess that's still a win," she said, her eyes glinting with amusement. My eyes widened in surprise as I realized what she was insinuating-that Percy and I would be spending a romantic Valentine's evening together, complete with sex.
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I tried to process Ohio's words, my mind racing with a mix of emotions. What is she even saying?
"Ohio!" I screamed, my voice firm, laced with a hint of defensiveness. "We're not like that, okay? I'm telling you the truth. How many times do you want me to say it? We're not like that!" I repeated, trying to convince her-and maybe even myself.
Ohio's face contorted in utter bewilderment, her eyebrows skyrocketing in surprise.
"What...I just don't get it, okay?" She shook her head, her wild, curly locks bouncing with the motion, as if echoing her confusion.
"Get what?" I asked, my tone laced with caution, hesitant to follow the trajectory of this conversation. Ohio's eyes locked onto mine, her piercing gaze making me squirm.
"I don't get you, and him." she said, her voice laced with exasperation. "You share a bed with him, for crying out loud!" She raised a finger to her lips, silencing me as I attempted to protest.
"To help him sleep better." I still managed to say but she rolled her eyes.
"He showers you with gifts, affection, kisses, cuddles...the whole package. He practically hand feeds you! He's buying your clothes down to your underwear, Gem!" She ticked off each point with her fingers, her voice rising in incredulity. "The guy's totally obsessed with you, and yet...you draw the line at having sex with him?" Her words hung in the air, a challenge, a question and my eyes widened in mock horror at Ohio's words, and I quickly covered my flaming cheeks with both hands.
"Language, young lady!" I exclaimed, trying to sound serious, even though I couldn't help but feel a smile creeping onto my face.
Ohio just laughed, unfazed by my playful reprimand.
"Oh, come on, you cute bunny! That's not even a real bad word," she teased, snatching a fries from my plate and popping it into her mouth. She shot me a wink, her eyes sparkling with mischief, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes in feigned exasperation.
As I watched her eat, my thoughts drifted to the real topic we were skirting around—my relationship with Percy. Ohio was right; it was certainly unconventional. The way he loved to hold me while we slept because it 'helped him sleep better' was weird, and at first, I had no idea how to react. I would just lie there, stiff and uncertain, as he wrapped his arms around me, feeling both confused and oddly safe.
But as time passed, I began enjoying those moments more. I remembered the night he had asked me if I was okay with him holding me now because I didn't tense up when he touched me anymore. His voice was so soft and filled with genuine curiosity. When he kissed my forehead, it felt warm and sweet, and I found comfort in his closeness.
Reflecting on our relationship, I realized I was caught in a swirl of confusion. What were we, really? It started as me helping him sleep better but a lot has changed since then. I feel a knot in my stomach every I even think of asking him, worried that it might shatter the delicate balance we had created. I don't want to risk losing what we have, no matter how unconventional it might seem. So, I've been holding my breath, holding onto the moment, letting uncertainty linger for a little while longer.
Ohio's curious gaze locked onto mine, her voice tinged with amusement.
"I'm really happy you chose to spend your Valentine's afternoon with me, but why did you feel the need to lie to Percy about it?" she asked, her eyebrows raised in inquiry.
I let out a deep sigh, unsure of how to explain my actions. Honestly, I was in a foul mood when I left the house this morning, and the sight of all these lovey-dovey couples wasn't exactly lifting my spirits.
Ohio's expression softened, and she reached across the table, her hand covering mine in a gentle gesture of understanding.
"It's alright! Don't think about it too much. I'm sure Percy will understand...Percy?" she exclaimed, just as her eyes widened in surprise, her gaze fixed on something behind me. I turned to see what had caught her attention, and my heart skipped a beat. Percy was standing a few feet away, his eyes locked onto me with an unnerving intensity.
My eyes darted back to Ohio, who was still frozen in surprise. Percy strode purposefully towards us, his eyes never leaving me. He slid onto the bench beside me, his smile flawless as he turned his attention to Ohio.
"Hi, Ohio. How are you doing? I'm sorry to interrupt, but may I take him?" he asked, his voice was low and smooth. Ohio's eyes were still wide with surprise, she nodded eagerly but her smile faltered for a moment.
My jaw almost hit the floor as Percy stood up, his eyes never leaving mine. He walked over to the register, settled our tabs, and returned to our table. He stretched out his right hand, his eyes locked onto mine, and I took it, feeling a jolt of electricity as his fingers wrapped around mine. He pulled me out of my seat, and I sent an apologetic glance to Ohio, who was still looking stunned. She gave me a thumbs-up and a toothy grin, and I smiled back, feeling a mix of emotions.
As Percy led me to his car, I couldn't help but notice that it was a different vehicle from his usual black Bentley. This was a sleek, white Lamborghini, its curves gleaming in the late afternoon sunlight.
Percy opened the passenger door and gently guided me inside before making his way to the driver's side. As he got in, I fixed my gaze straight ahead, avoiding his eyes. My heart skipped a beat when he reached out and wrapped the seatbelt around me, his fingers brushing against mine lightly. I let out a tiny squeak, surprised by the sudden touch.
As he drove us back to his place, the silence between us was deafening. I couldn't decipher his expression, which was calm and collected, giving away nothing. His phone rang, breaking the awkward silence, and he answered, his voice smooth and confident.
"Yes, this is him," he replied, as a voice came through the car's speaker, asking if he was Mr. Moore. My curiosity piqued as the voice inquired about a venue inquiry he'd made earlier that day. Percy's response was gentle but firm, "No, I won't be needing that anymore, thank you for your time."
My mind began to whirl with questions. Was he planning to take someone somewhere for Valentine? Did I ruin his plans? But before I could ask him anything, we arrived at his house. As we stepped inside, Percy headed straight to the bathroom, and the sound of running water indicated he was taking a shower.
I slumped onto the bed, trying to imagine what's running through his mind right now. Was he upset with me? He hadn't said a word, leaving me with only my thoughts to keep me company.
As the shower stopped, the bathroom door creaked open, and Percy emerged, his blonde hair dripping wet, and a towel wrapped around his head, drying his locks. He halted mid-room, his piercing green eyes locking onto mine, and I gulped, sitting up straight on the bed, my heart racing.
"What exactly is going on in that head of yours?" he asked quietly, his voice low and soothing, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that he was scrutinizing me. I tried to gauge his emotions, but his expression was neutral, not a hint of anger or judgement.
"First, you lied to me about what time your lectures ended," he said, his words measured, "all for what, so you could hang out with Ohio?" I opened my mouth to explain, but he raised a finger to his lips, silencing me.
How does he know all this?
"Not only did you lie about where you were," he continued, walking towards me, his eyes never leaving mine, "but you also didn't tell me who you were with." I felt a surge of guilt, wondering how he'd found out about my lecture ending time, and how he knew where Ohio and I were.
"I'm worried about you. You've been acting strange lately. Did I do something wrong?Are you avoiding me?" he asked, his brows furrowed in concern, his eyes searching mine for answers. I looked away, guilt consuming me, as I struggled to find the right words to respond.
"I... I didn't mean to lie to you, I'm sorry!" I stammered, feeling a pang of guilt for deceiving him.
Percy's expression softened, and he sighed, running his hand through his damp hair, which was still dripping from the shower.
"I'm not upset that you wanted to spend time with your best friend," he said, his voice low and gentle as he walked slowly towards me, "but you lied to me." His face was now inches from mine, his warm breath caressing my skin, sent shivers down my spine. "Anyone else can lie to me, but not you," he whispered, his eyes burning with intensity. "You tell me the truth, always, no matter what. Got it?"
For a moment, I thought he was going to kiss me, his lips was so close to mine that I could almost taste the sweetness of his breath. But instead, he undid the last button of my shirt, pulled me up from the bed, and gently pushed me towards the bathroom with a sly smirk.
"Bath time! I'll order us something to eat," he said, leaving me blushing like a tomato as I made my way into the bathroom.
As I stood under the warm water, I couldn't shake off the thought of why I'd wanted him to kiss me so badly. Of course, he wouldn't kiss me, I know that–he never did. His lips only grazed my forehead, cheeks, and neck, everywhere and never my lips.
Hold on a minute...was I actually expecting him to kiss me?