Nine

We spend the next hour or so exchanging polite banter. I think We've managed 5 shots before we decided to switch to water. She stares her steak with me. She challenges me in a game of darts. And then she challenges me in a game of two truth one lie... but we are both pretty drunk and can't remember if it's two lies one truth...

We decide it's two lies one truth.

She goes first

"Ok, I've never been in love. I love rom coms...I love summer."

"I'm supposed to guess the truth?"

"I think so,"she giggles.

"Ummm, you love summer."

"Wrong."

"You love rom coms."

"Wrong again."

"You've never been in love? How is that possible?" Just wasn't in the cards, I guess. "You're what? 28? 27? And never been in love."

"28 and nope."

"And I think you cheated."

"Your turn," she says

"Ok... ummm i have an older brother. I graduated with honors. I've never been in love."

"You can't steal my... stuff."

"My brain is pretty fogged. I can't really think of much else."

"Ok.... you have an older brother."

"Nope."

"Graduated with honors!"

"Nah."

"You're shitting me!? You've never been in love?"

"Nope."

"Jonathan Hutchinson... I've seen women look at you... you mean to tell me You've never been in love? But... you were married once... right?”

"Yeah."

"Wow... that's... rough."

"Long story."

"Well... tonight isn't about explanations or expectations..."

"What is it about then?"

"I'm not sure," she says.

"Understanding?"

"I'm not looking forward to tomorrow. " She looks tormented and scared.

"But tomorrow is tomorrow and right now is right now..."

She doesn't want to be alone. She is just as lonely. And I'm not sure what is supposed to happen tomorrow that has her on edge. But whatever it is... she's drowning herself in burbon and letting loose before shit hits the fan for her.

It's 7pm and it feels much later. She asks for the tab and I'm starting to feel a bit sad that we are about to part ways.

We head out into the lobby and she grabs my hand and leads me to the elevator.

"You honestly think im gonna send you out there when you're drunk," she says.

"I guess I hadnt thought about that..."

"I promise no hanky panky. I just want to change clothes and sober up."

"Alicia you're confusing."

"I don't mean to be." The elevator opens and I follow her out into the dimly lit hall. She fumbles through her purse for her keys.

I'm not looking for confusion, or anything heavy, or any complicated thing she says as she opens her door.

"I... all I know is that I feel pretty good right now and I don't want to think about tomorrow or anything."

"Are you implying something, Ms. Johnson?"

She walks up to me and we are close.... too close.

"No strings..." she closes the space between us and she places her hands on my face.

"Alicia... this is the..." I am gonna hate myself for this. "But this... can't happen."

"Oh..." she backs away from me and stares at the floor. "Hey how about i make some coffee... sober us up hm?"

"Alicia, I really feel something toward you. I don't want this to be some drunken one-night stand where in a few hours or tomorrow morning, we are going to regret ourselves. I don't want to do that to you, and I'm a little worried."

"Why are you worried? You think im gonna fuck you and then come tomorrow I'm gonna act like it was nothing and that I'm gonna be cold and aloof again? Because I can assure you... that isn't the case." she looked at me, "I told you a few nights ago that I too felt this attraction."

"And you also said it couldn't happen."

"I know what I said. But I can't stop thinking about you."

This is so wrong. But she is slowly breaking my resolve. I want her. I want her badly.

"Tonight isn't about expectations... but understanding..." her words from earlier.... words I can't get out of my head.

Why does anything have to be complicated?

"All I know is that when I'm with you i feel like I can be myself. You make me feel good. We make eachother feel good. That can't be wrong," she nods.

I kiss her forehead and grab my jacket.

"I will see you tomorrow?"

"I have to meet with your father and Jameson to go over the script."

"Yeah I guess there's no need for me to be involved anymore. I'm pretty sure he will probably ax me from the project now. So I guess this is it then."

"Wait... you handled the account and I..."

"It's fine. Im sure my old man will finagle me into making an appearance in the commercial in some aspect."

"Jonathan. I didn't think about any of that. I'm used to working with you and consulting with you on this project."

"And you landed the account."

"I can't do this project without you."

"Yes, you can and you will. You will do a fantastic job."

"Why does this feel like a goodbye," she asks.

"I guess because in some ways it is."

"I will see myself out. But promise me something."

"If Jameson makes you uncomfortable in any way, or if my father does something that you feel is inappropriate, you cut ties with them."

"Sounds like you are warning me about impending doom," she laughs.

"Alicia, I'm serious. I don't trust them."

"I promise."

"Thank you. For tonight."

I leave her sitting on the couch in the dark and I exit her apartment.