CHAPTER 12 #2
Ellen waited for half a breath. She lowered her voice a little more. She didn't want it to be flirtatious but just enough to be honest without being cruel. "I don't think so, because I know you are."
Her eyes flickered back up to Ellen's, steady and unblinking. There was no smile, witty comeback, or roll of the eyes. Ellen knew she had just won a round she absolutely needed to win. It became evident to Ellen that something was happening between them. Something that shouldn't be happening
Their fingers brushed when Roxy reached for the salt, and they both pretended it wasn't anything, but neither of them pulled away too fast.
It wasn't a date.
It shouldn't feel like one.
She was not single.
She was straight.
It should be friendly.
But it didn't.
Ellen felt a change in Roxy's breath right when she was going to speak. The tension softened, and her mouth twitched. Something bubbled to the surface, and she let out a breathy little laugh—a surprised, helpless one that sneaked out before she could decide whether it was appropriate.
"And you?" she asked Ellen. "What's your story?"
"I came out as a lesbian when I was 17, but I knew I was gay since.
.. well, forever. I was fifteen when I had my first girlfriend, Sasha," Ellen replied without an ounce of hesitation.
"But now that I think about it, I dated a guy in my first year of high school.
Not impressed at all, and I seriously doubt I'm missing something. "
Roxy burst out laughing at Ellen's response, which she hadn't seen coming. And it was a laugh that came from deep within her. This wasn't the same Roxy who had entered the restaurant earlier. Ellen really liked this version of Roxy.
She was beautiful.
The conversation continued with safe topics until Roxy glanced at her watch. The clock struck eight, which was the signal for them to go their separate ways and live their day. "Damn, it's 8 already. I will need to go."
"Oh, alright then," Ellen replied, a hint of disappointment colouring her voice. Ellen wanted to reach out, not to touch Roxy, but to stay close to whatever it was. She wanted to make sure it would happen again.
"It was nice," Roxy said, gazing at Ellen. She was nervous and kept running her hand through her hair, as if she was waiting or hesitating to ask her something.
"It was."
A smirk appeared on her face, and she took a deep breath. "In that case, should we do it again?" Her tone was unequivocal—she wanted something, and that desire was stronger than anything else.
"The door's not shut on that," Ellen teased, a smile playing on her lips. "Anything you'd like to propose?"
"Not yet, but it'll be perfect no matter what, as long as you're there, Ellen." Her voice caught slightly on the last words, and she cleared her throat. "Uh, do you happen to have any plans for this weekend?"
Fuck. Not good.
Ellen felt conflicted, unable to decline Roxy's invitation, but she had to be in Los Angeles Friday for Blake's album debut launch, an event she couldn't possibly miss. She considered Blake her family, and she'd always be there to support her. "
"I wish I could," Ellen whispered. "I'm taking a short trip to L.A. for my friend's album launch."
From that moment on, everything happened on Roxy's face, but excessively quickly. It was like lighting a match only to blow it out immediately. She was caught off guard, not expecting to be turned down. And the disappointment was visible on her face.
How is it possible to be disappointed because of your friend’s plans?
But she recovered in a split second, thinking Ellen won't notice. Yet, she noticed and it cut right through Ellen, watching Roxy work so hard to seem fine.
"Rain check? Let's give each other a call when I'm back to figure out time."
She nodded, but she took a breath longer than usual. "Yeah… of course." That was Roxy's cue to stand up, which Ellen did promptly. However, she didn't want the moment to end—not with Roxy so disappointed.
Roxy adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder, then turned to face Ellen. She looked at her for a long moment, her gaze neither intense nor heavy.
"Well," she said, her voice lighter than before, but Ellen could hear the carefulness underneath. "Ellen, thank you for this wonderful moment and for making me rethink my entire dating history."
Ellen giggled. "Anytime."
Roxy now looked at Ellen in a way that left her pensive.
She didn't understand what was happening.
What would be the outcome of their encounter?
It was an impossible love, wasn't it? Perhaps Roxy values her friendship with Ellen more than anything else.
Still, Roxy made it sound like she and Charles were more friends than anything romantic.
She still wanted to see her again, even with that in mind. Roxy Powell wanted to see Ellen Caldwell again. Ellen knew she should stay away from all this to protect her heart, but her attraction to Roxy was far too strong.
She leaned in, and for a heartbeat, Ellen thought she might hug her, kiss her cheek, or whisper something only meant for her.
Instead, she squeezed Ellen's hand, her touch a brief, warm pulse against Ellen's palm.
Her fingers lingered for half a second too long before letting go.
"Have a delightful trip, Sunshine," she said. "Please be safe."
Ellen swallowed. "I will, thanks."
She gave Ellen a final sweet smile. Then she turned and began walking, leaving Ellen alone behind.