Novel Storm
56
“Sure, I can do that. I’m tired of sitting at home all the time anyways. How about tomorrow evening?”
“Tomorrow evening is perfect” Tilly replied excitedly, “I’ll come pick you up by 7,”
“And can I bring Samson?” Sasha asked, “He’s been texting for weeks wanting to hangout and I’ve been making so many excuses. Honestly, I miss hanging out with him too,”
“No problem. The more the merrier. I’ll bring Frank too. I think it’s time you met him anyways,”
“Great. See you tomorrow then, said Sasha, as she got out of the car and headed into her apartment.
————-
Tilly and Frank picked Sasha up from her apartment the following evening and Tilly introduced Frank to Sasha. Sasha shook his head and smiled politely at him. He was exactly Tilly’s type. Tall, dark, and handsome.
“It’s very nice to meet you,” she told him, “I’ve heard so much about you,”
Frank grinned, “Is that so?” he asked, smiling at Tilly, “Good things I hope” he added,
“Oh definitely good things,” Sasha replied, joining in the humor and almost laughed as they both watched Tilly roll her eyes.
“Samson will be waiting for us at the restaurant” Sasha informed them.
They chatted the entire way to the restaurant and Samson was already waiting for them as he’d arrived early, “I’m so happy that we’re hanging out after such a long time, Sasha” Samson said gently once they all settled inside the restaurant.
“It’s fine. I’m happy too,” Sasha replied with a small smile. “Actually, I should’ve invited you since. I have just been very busy, but I appreciate the fact that you constantly checked up on me. It really means a lot to me.”
“It was no big deal,” Samson remarked while grabbing the menu. “What are friends for?” He gazed modestly at her.
“Either way, thank you,” Sasha insisted and a small silence stretched between them. The waiter took their order. “So how is work?” she finally asked.
“Good. Things got tough for a while, but we’re bouncing back,” Samson said,
“I’m sure you can manage,” Sasha told him. “You’re a tough guy.” She meant it.
A simple conversation followed, accompanying their food. It wasn’t actually the first time she and Samson had hung out and shared a meal. But today, it felt strange somehow, and Sasha didn’t know exactly what it was, but she could tell it had something to do with Kaleb.
“I think I’ve eaten too much.” Frank said as he stood up, ready to clear the cheque. Tilly said that she’d had enough too and stood up.
Tilly and Frank had other plans, and Samson suggested that they go ahead, promising Tilly that he’d drive Sasha back home. Sasha agreed to the arrangement and waved Tilly and Frank goodbye.
“Wow,” said Sasha after Tilly and Frank left, chuckling at the memory of her last dinner with Kaleb and the way he teased about her big appetite. “I didn’t know there’s such a nice restaurant around this area. Thanks for recommending it. It’s officially my new spot.”
“My pleasure.” Samson grinned and excused himself to use the restroom.
A deep breath escaped Sasha as she sipped her chocolate milkshake and waited for him. She was suddenly nostalgic. She found herself thinking about Kaleb. It had been weeks since the last time they had sex, and neither of them had tried to bring it up. They talked about the baby, spent some time together, but there was always that sexual tension between them. Kaleb had made no attempt to touch her again since she insisted that she wanted that last time to be their last time. It was supposed to be a relief but why was it not the case? Why was she missing him? She immediately snapped out of it, denying the possibility.
Idle and confused, she wandered her gaze around the place in quest for nothing in particular. It was just a plain restaurant but the food was amazing. Lost in that, her eyes suddenly met someone unexpected at the entrance.
It was Claire.
She was in the company of two ladies with similar fashion sense as hers.
Her smile was radiant as they made their way towards an empty table right across Sasha’s. Claire’s gaze darkened fast when her eyes met Sasha’s, showing some hidden irritation.
However, she granted great civility to Sasha by marching towards her. “Hello, there,” she greeted with a smile.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
It was impossible for Sasha to determine whether that smile was real or plastic, but it didn’t matter. It was evident they each couldn’t stand the other, and the reason was almost clear by now. At least for Sasha it was.
“Oh, hi.” She returned the smile, brightly. “Small world I see,” she added, masking her similar distaste towards Claire.
“I agree,” remarked Claire. “Such a crazy coincidence to run into you here. It seems like we share the same taste in everything.” Her voice was sardonic.
“Perhaps,” Sasha uttered. “But it could be one or two-it can’t be everything.”
“I hope so.” Claire smiled, creasing a sly eyebrow. “Because it so happens that I hate sharing,” she said crossly, clearly sending a threat.
Or a warning? Sasha couldn’t tell.
“Well, good luck on that. At least we can still share the restaurant, no?” she graced her a shameless glance, caring so little that she fucked her man just weeks ago. She was just going to kneel down and ask God for forgiveness for this. But not now, she thought inwardly.
“The restaurant?” Claire muttered, smirking. “Oh, yes, it’s a great place.”
“And I don’t live very far away from here,” Sasha reminded her, “so it’s not really a coincidence now, is it?” She shrugged.
“Right, I forgot that you have lived so long in this city. Obviously you must come here a lot,” said Claire and at the same time Samson found his way back, cutting their banter.
“I see you have company.” He said.
She glanced at Samson.
“Indeed I have,” Sasha replied coolly, trying to keep her voice in control.
“Am I interrupting?” Samson asked, standing behind Sasha, and across from Claire , who looked a little amused at the sight of the two together.
“Not at all. I was only saying hi to Sasha,” Claire said, her smile barely touching her lips. “It’s me who seems to be interrupting here, I guess.” Her eyes shone.