Simon
As I head back inside, I spot Anna curled up on the couch. She reminded me of a little fox—her oversized orange jumper tucked under her feet, shoving popcorn into her mouth. Without interrupting her, I silently make my way to my room. I desperately needed a shower after sitting in a boat under the burning sun all day.
After a long, refreshing shower, I got dressed, my mind drifting to what Lucy said. Was I this oblivious if someone wanted me? I had never looked at her in a romantic way—she had always been Lucy. But maybe this was my sign that I'd been single long enough. Now dressed and smelling fresh, I made my way to the kitchen for a beer and some food. I was starving and just wanted to relax. I stop at the door when I find Anna rummaging through the fridge, her small frame bent over, humming gently.
"What are you after?" My voice is rough, making her jump. My eyes scan her up and down. Her jumper was off—denim shorts and a white crop top, no bra. No fucking bra. Fuck. I felt the sudden rush of blood to my face, my heart thumping. I quickly looked away, afraid she caught me lingering a little too long.
"Sorry. I'm trying to find..." She paused. "Aha! Chocolate." She pulls out a chocolate bar from the bottom shelf.
"You want a beer?" she asks, looking back at me.
"Sure," I reply. She grabs one, then shuts the fridge behind her and hands it to me. Her eyes meet mine, a warm smile spreading across her face. I wasn't used to people looking at me like this—so tenderly. I couldn't help but feel the warmth spreading through my chest, but I didn't smile back, which quickly erased the smile from hers.
"I'll leave you to it," she nods, walking past me. Somehow, my mouth decided to open and be nice to her. Guilt forced the next words out of my mouth. I wanted to see that smile again.
"Have you eaten?" I blurt out quickly.
"No, I... I haven't yet," she replies, shaking her head.
"Takeaway?" I bark. Just like that, her smile was back, which instantly warmed my chest. What the fuck was that?
"Yes, please. What did you have in mind?" she asks.
"Pizza?"
"Yeah, I could eat some pizza."
I grab the menu off the fridge.
"You have any preferences for toppings?"
"Erm... no. Whatever you want."
I ordered a pepperoni and a Hawaiian. Once ordered, I found myself sitting next to her on the couch. She was far away, but I could still smell her. Her scent—like coconut and vanilla. It was intoxicating. I couldn't stop myself from looking at her from time to time. She was so engrossed in her documentary that she didn't even notice me next to her.
Anna
"You want me to change? We can watch something else," I say, looking over at Simon, just realizing he was beside me.
"No, you're fine. What is this?"
"You sure? I don't min—"
He cuts me off.
"Yes, it's fine," he says softly.
"Well, this guy is a killer, and they're talking about how they caught him," I go on explaining. I was really into true crime and documentaries.
After a while, the pizza came and we ate. I had about two slices and was full. Simon ate the rest and even said he could have eaten more.
After the documentary ended, I retreated to my room. Simon had left about 20 minutes before it ended to take a call. My phone pinged. My face lit up at the name on the screen—Oliver. I had texted him the day I moved in to ask how he was, and we'd been texting back and forth. He mentioned he was on business in Dubai. How nice. There I was, job hunting, and he was on a business trip in Dubai. I sighed.
(O): "Hey, how's the new place? Landlord not a dick, I hope?"
(A): "Hi Oliver. Yeah, it's great. There's a beautiful lake right in front—couldn't ask for better. Don't let him hear you say that; he's kind of scary. But in all seriousness, he's actually a nice guy. How's Dubai?"
(O): "Ah, I see. I hope he doesn't cause you any trouble—I'd have to intervene, lol. I'm actually home; landed last night. Didn't want to wake you up. Wanted to see you today. Are you free tonight?"
My heart fluttered. Oliver Preston, out of all people, wants to see me. Please, pinch me. I needed to reply without sounding so desperate.
(A): "I'm happy to hear that! Yes, I'm free tonight. What did you have in mind?"
(O): "It's a surprise! Wear something nice. Send me your address and I'll pick you up at 8. See you then."
(A): "Oh, I love surprises! 44 Rumming Lake. See you then :)"
There I was on my bed, kicking my feet in the air like a schoolgirl. I popped into the bathroom and had a warm shower, shaving every part of my body. Then I layered myself with my favourite body lotion—coconut and vanilla.
I had on a black silk dress, my hair up, and my curls falling over my face. I walked over to the living room, thinking Simon must be in his room since I hadn't heard him in a while—or the TV. There was a huge floor mirror in the living room and I needed to see myself, head to toe. I watched myself, twirling around, fixing myself up.
"Going somewhere?" His rough voice sent shivers down my spine. I looked up to find Simon leaning against the doorway.
"Yes. I'm going on a date," I replied, my voice small, my throat dry from the way he looked at me—and from the fact that there wasn't any reaction on his face. I couldn't read him at all.
"I thought you said you didn't have a boyfriend," his voice low, almost disapproving.
"I don't," I pause. "He's just someone I've been talking to for a while now."
He rolls his lips into his mouth and lets out a low hum before pushing himself off the doorframe.
"You look beautiful," he says, before turning on his heel and retreating to his bedroom.
"Thank you," I reply after him.