18. Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Felix
W ork had been okay today, I’d made the odd phone call here and there to potential clients as well as interact with my colleagues. The thing that got me through the last few hours was knowing I’d be able to see my sister, since she was coming over tonight. Probably to keep an eye on me and maybe even suggest going out. For the first time in a while, I didn’t mind this.
I texted Alisha earlier and she told me she was having a girls night, which was good for her. I couldn’t deny the slight pang of need I felt for her in that moment, to almost want to ask if I could come along, but I’d learned from my past mistakes, how reliant I had been on my ex. I wasn’t the boyfriend to follow her around and ask what she was doing every five minutes but I cared about her day, what made her smile and frown. I cared about her wellbeing, but perhaps that had been too much. So, I stopped texting Alisha and ignored the desire to go and find her, press her against a wall ,and infuse her lips to mine.
Once I clocked out of my work, I practically sped home in my car and was very lucky not to be stopped by the police. I was usually a sensible driver but home was calling for me desperately. Pulling up into my drive, I switched off the engine and made haste towards my front door. I’d noticed my sister’s car was already here and she’d let herself in. I didn’t mind her having a key as she always respected my boundaries and private space.
“Hello!” Mira greeted me with a cheeky smile, clearly she was in high spirits as she was bouncing on the balls of her feet. Her eyes were gleaming with something I couldn’t quite work out. Nonetheless, I was happy she was happy.
“Someone’s happy,” I said, shrugging my coat off to hang on one of the pegs by the front door. It had been a little colder today so I was wearing a dark grey jumper with black slim trousers.
“Well, I’ve managed to book some time off work. I want to spend some time with my big brother so I thought tonight, you and I could go out.” My sister was still beaming at me, running one hand through her silky hair.
I walked past her to grab a mug from the kitchen which was only a mere few yards away and I answered my sister.
“Okay,” I said, having pondered on the idea. I didn’t want to backtrack on what I had thought earlier. I really wanted to turn a new leaf. To try and heal from the hurt and pain. I couldn’t keep beating myself up like this, and it’d be great for me to have a night where I could take a break from my lustful thoughts of Alisha.
“Okay? So I don’t need to drag you? Fucking finally!” Mira exclaimed and threw her arms around me in a tight hug.
“Are you okay?” she asked me after some time, one eyebrow slightly arched.
“I would tell you if I wasn’t. Come on then. I’ll make you some tea and you can tell me about your day. We’ll also make some plans for Christmas,” I told her. Christmas had always been fun and myself and my sister had only really started properly celebrating it when we moved in with our aunt. I tried to not think about the times where Mira and I weren’t able to celebrate. We were incredibly lucky now to have a special meal to eat as well as presents to share and receive.
“Alright. One sugar for me please, and also you have no choice in what is going to happen now. We’re going to talk to me more about this mystery woman. She’s somehow changed you and I am here for it.” Mira grinned and then took a seat on the sofa, grabbing one of the cushions to hug against her chest.
“Uh oh,” I groaned in response, because really I did have no choice.
Whilst the kettle boiled, I grabbed another mug for my sister and placed the teabags in our mugs. I wasn’t much of a tea drinker before but since getting to know about Alisha and the UK, I knew that most of the British loved what they called a ‘cuppa’.
“Here we go.” I passed Mira her mug and took a seat next to her. She’d turned on the TV and was watching an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, which was ironic since she worked in a hospital. She loved to comment on the roles the characters played as well as the scenarios that took place. She’d seen a lot of things during her time and sadly witnessed some deaths. She had always known it would be a tough job but she loved it. I just always hoped she’d take a break every now and then, to focus on her own health.
“Mm, so tell me then big bro,” Mira said after a while of comfortable silence and tea sipping. I knew she wanted to get me talking about Alisha and whether I was interested in pursuing something with her.
“She’s a great person. She makes you want to also be great. I mean I’ve only known her for a short time so it’s too soon to say if there’s anything there,” I said. Well at least I on my part felt something.
“I know you said the other day that it probably wasn’t a good idea to start something. But I don’t know now, seeing the way you are right now is making me think differently,” my sister said truthfully, tapping her fingers gently against her ceramic mug. I supposed she could see how much of a good impact Alisha was having on me. I was eating and drinking properly, getting enough sleep and even being more social. I was even tempted to call up some of my old friends and see how they were.
“I want to make my move on her but I’m afraid,” I said, nibbling at my bottom lip slightly.
“Afraid of what?” Mira questioned, raising one eyebrow. Nothing ever really made her afraid in life, she was very bold and took a lot of risks. Maybe I could do the same.
“Being rejected. You know, ever since Ev—”
“Fuck her! It’s been nearly seven months now, I know it still hurts in some ways but that woman isn’t worth your time or even a passing thought. Don’t let her dictate the actions you want to make right now. I think you should go for it, and I also think Alisha feels the same,” Mira said. What she said did make sense, it had just taken months of gruelling pain to realise it.
“Okay. So, should I invite her out tomorrow or something?” My mind was now being filled with thoughts of Alisha and I, me closing the distance between us and doing what I wanted to do for days.
“Invite her here for dinner. I think it’s always a nice touch to cook a homemade meal for someone you like,” Mira suggested and it didn’t sound so bad. Cooking a three course meal would surely impress Alisha and I already had ideas swimming in my head of what I’d prepare for her. I’d do my research a little later and make a list of food to buy. Tomorrow, I’d go shopping, proper shopping.
“Okay. Can you help me?”
“Of course I can. Anything for you, you know that.” Mira touched my cheek gently and I smiled at her, grateful for her presence right now, and then I opened my mouth to say the next words.
“How do you feel about going out tonight for drinks? My treat.” As soon as I said this, Mira let out a howl of delight.
“Hell yes. We deserve a good night, it’s been a while hasn’t it? Where do you suggest?”
“I was thinking of Fire and Ice, I know the host there and she will be able to get us a nice table. I can get us dinner too,” I said, realising how hungry I was. Work had really been quite busy today, with people booking last minute holidays and then getting feedback from past clients.
“Ah yes, Bindi. I know her too, she’s lovely. I would love a cocktail, so you’ve picked the right place Felix.” Mira smiled softly, seeming pleased. It was now six o’clock so the best time to leave would be in about two hours or so. I needed to get changed into a fresh pair of clothes and do something about my hair which was a little oilier than usual. Mira could read my expression and placed her mug down to grab my hands and pulled me up from my seated position.
“We’ll pick something nice for you to wear. And you can help me too. I have some spare clothes in the room I usually sleep in,” Mira said, which didn’t surprise me or bother me in one bit. We just had that kind of relationship which was comfortable and within reason.
“Okay, thanks,” I said. I let out a deep breath I’d apparently been holding and reminded myself that tonight was going to be good. There was nothing to worry about.
***
The clock had struck eight o’clock and we were on our way to Fire and Ice. Luckily, Mira had booked us a taxi since if we were drinking, it wouldn’t be wise to drive ourselves. I was extremely hungry now and knew I’d order at least two main courses to satisfy my hunger. Call me crazy, but that’s what I wanted.
As we paid the taxi driver, we could already see that it was busy and I spotted Bindi at the entrance with her usual warm grin.
“Hello guys! It’s been a long time,” she greeted us, ticking our names off the list she had in front of her. It was incredibly lucky we’d managed to get a table, given how popular this bar was. We were at the peak time of the year, where restaurants, bars and hotels were starting to become full with tourists. Ischgl was one of the best places, in my opinion, to have a good holiday. I was glad Alisha had decided to come now. I hoped she was having a good night herself, whatever her and Ophelia had decided to do.
“Nice to see you, Bindi,” Mira said.
“Thanks, Bindi. Fire and Ice is one of the best places to be, thought I’d treat my sister tonight,” I said and Mira in response hooked her arm through mine. She looked lovely tonight, wearing a dark blue dress with a pair of wedge heels. She’d styled her hair up in a loose bun. I was wearing smart black trousers with a white shirt, which I hoped I wouldn’t spill sauce or drink on tonight. My hair I had washed and added a little bit of gel to it. I’d even put some perfume on, which I’d bought about a year ago.
“That’s sweet of you. Well, follow me. I’ve got a great table for you. And the first drinks are on me tonight, as a welcome,” Bindi said. Her hospitality was very welcome and we proceeded to follow her. Lots of people were at the bar and as we walked past, a few women glanced my way. I didn’t care for their attention as I wanted someone else’s. I wished she was here.
Bindi stopped in front of a table by the corner which was decorated nicely. We thanked her and took our seats, pouring ourselves a glass of water which was on the table. Bindi took our drinks orders as well as our food at the same time, since we both knew what we wanted.
“Cheers to us,” Mira said as soon as our drinks arrived, hers was an espresso martini and mine was a rum and coke, something simple but pleasing to my taste buds.
“Cheers.” I clinked my glass with hers and took a long sip. Delicious. Not long after, our food arrived which was one large mozzarella and pepperoni pizza for me with fries and for Mira, she had ordered a steak and chips with peppercorn sauce and tomatoes. It didn’t take long for us to polish our plates and then we were in need for another round of drinks. I was aware that table service would be a little slow so I stood up to go and order at the bar.
“Same again for you?” I asked my sister who was wiping her mouth with her napkin.
“I’ll have a passion fruit martini please. Do you want me to come with you?” she asked.
“No, you stay here. Have a look at the dessert menu. I think I may still have room for something sweet,” I said.
“I’ve been eyeing up the lemon tart. Okay, be back soon,” she said, picking up the menu in front of her to glance at the options. I strode up towards the bar, nodding at the several bartenders. I waited my turn, not too fussed that maybe it would take a few minutes to be served. As I looked to the left of me, I cursed internally as I focused on the person I hadn’t seen for months.
Evie was here. Of all places, she just had to be here. I quickly turned away, hoping she hadn’t noticed me, but of course she fucking did. And she was coming over. I kept my gaze ahead of me, I could pretend I didn’t see her but I’d be lying. Conversation had to be short and sweet, I’d decided. I didn’t owe her a thing.
“Felix. Hi.” Her voice was as soft as I remembered but it didn’t make me surrender like I used to.
“Evie,” I said with a slight grunt, angling my body a little more towards her. I didn’t want to be entirely rude, that wasn’t my style but I really didn’t want to talk to her for long.
“How are you? You look…good,” Evie said, leaning against the counter as she wanted to get a better look at me.
“I’m fine.”
“Look, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about things. The way everything happened, we were both rushing I think. The time wasn’t right,” she said. Bullshit. It had nothing to do with time. It was to do with her and I wasn’t what she really wanted. I needed to find an excuse to leave but she kept talking.
“I know you probably don’t have much to say to me. And that’s understandable but I’m honestly sorry. I really hope you’re happy now and that you can move on—” I blocked out her voice as I turned my attention elsewhere and my eyes met the one woman who was worth everything and more. Everything felt still but right. She was the calm in this crazy fucking storm and I wanted her right here, right now. So I made the move, not caring that I was leaving Evie behind.
As I was walking, Alisha had of course noticed me and stood up from her seat to walk towards me. She looked amazing, she always did, and I needed to tell her that, show her that too.
“Felix,” was all she said but it was enough. I pulled her toward me and I forgot the world around me as I pressed my lips to hers, sighing as she locked her arms around my neck in response. She pulled me closer and deepened the kiss, as my grip tightened around her waist. My world crashed and then was born again as her lips moved against mine. Feeling brave, I slipped a tongue into Alisha’s perfect mouth and she groaned in response which was music to my ears. At that moment, it was just the two of us and nothing else mattered.