Epilogue #3
Xeno leans over to whisper in Natali’s ear.
I am surprised to see a slight blush start to creep up her neck before they excuse themselves to go to the dance floor.
Gavin signals for another mocktail for me and I slide him my empty cup.
I watch with rapt attention as Xeno plasters himself to Natali’s back.
Her arm gracefully comes up to cup the back of his head when his arm snakes around her waist and they start moving in sync.
I have heard of sex on the dance floor, but now I am watching it.
I feel my insides tighten as Natali’s hips roll and her head lolls back against Xeno.
He kisses her neck and then spins her around, his hands tight on her hips.
She lifts her thigh against his waist and I watch Xeno slide his hand up her stomach and come to rest between her breasts.
She dips her body backwards and her husband's hands keep her perfectly balanced while sweeping her upper half back up until their lips are damn near touching.
The way they move with each other, you can see the love in each caress and touch.
Memories of how I felt dancing pressed between Atlas and Gavin the last time we were here flash in my mind while watching them. I itch for that feeling again, to forget the world in a room full of people.
Just as I gain the courage to ask the boys to dance, I let out a small yawn, no longer able to fight it. Looks like it will have to wait until next time.
Atlas notices first and leans in close to my ear.
“I think it's time we get you home.” His words are soft, but I know they leave no room for argument. I nod, unable to fight back and honestly not even wanting to. We had an agreement before coming tonight. If they see I am tired, we leave, no arguments. It’s a compromise while we try to work through our communication problems. We slide out of the booth and I look up to Gavin, meeting his eyes.
“Okay, let me just say bye to everyone first.”
“Where is Ramos? I haven't seen him in a while; he never came back from the bathroom.” Atlas says, looking around for the missing Ramos Santiago.
I spin in a circle, spotting him at the bar with an absolutely stunning woman.
She is wearing a short white dress resting just above her knee; her hair is burgundy, cascading down her back.
I tilt my head to the side, chuckling when I catch sight of the bride-to-be sash, draped across her body.
I never would have taken him for a lady's man.
“Should we interrupt them? They seem to be deep in conversation.” I take a step forward and Gavin puts his hand on my arm, stopping me.
“No, let them be. We can just text him that we went home. I've never seen him talk to a woman this in-depth.” He has a half grin on his face, watching his friend with someone else’s woman. Not something I would think he would get behind normally.
“What do you mean?” Curiosity gets the better of me as I crane my head to get a better look.
“Ramos isn't a people person? That's why he never really goes out with us.” Atlas almost sounds like he is giving up Ramos’s dirtiest secret. I turn my head and see he has his hand rubbing the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact. No way.
“Like ever?” I cannot imagine that the one person they consider their closest friend does not go out with them, at least once in a while.
“This is the first time he has ever come to Elixirs. I have to believe it's because you invited him. After all, he never comes when we do.” Gavin looks less sheepish, watching Ramos with his eyes slightly narrowed, like he is working out a puzzle.
“Huh, weird.” I don’t think much of it, but I also haven't known Ramos long enough for his action to come off as completely strange. To me it just looks like a normal man in a bar having a conversation.
My eyes linger on Ramos and the woman for just a bit longer before turning to find Natali and Xeno.
The song has changed and they are no longer dancing as intimately as before, and I feel better about interrupting now.
The guys flank me as I weave through the crowd, making our way to where our friends are dancing in the middle of the dance floor.
I tap Natali on the arm to get her attention.
She turns towards me with a huge smile on her face and only slightly out of breath. “Hey, how are you?”
“I'm good. I just wanted to say goodbye before we head home.”
“You're leaving already?”
“Yeah, sorry. I'm just tired. Thank you again for coming out, though.” I spy Gavin and Atlas each giving Xeno a handshake, half-hug as they say goodbye. Natali notices too and she grins, shaking her head.
“No worries at all. I completely understand. Go home and get some rest. Keep your boys on their toes while you're at it.”
“You know I will.”
She pulls me in for a quick hug. I mumble a quick goodbye to Xeno before heading for the door. I look over my shoulder one more time, locking eyes with Natali, who shoots me a wink. My heart swells when I think about how much my life has changed.
A year ago, I never would have thought I would have found so much love. Not only did I find my yellow, but I found two amazing men who finally made my broken soul feel whole. I found Mrs Carter, who considers me family. We talk at least once a week now. I found people I consider friends.
I now have people in my life who finally see me.
I know I'm not magically all better. There are moments when my thoughts and feelings still feel too heavy. My doubt still creeps in when I struggle with feeling like a burden. But I no longer carry that weight alone.
I learned that when life feels a little impossible, surround yourself with people who embrace the chaos with you instead of making you feel like you're too much because of it.
Life has been a wild ride lately. I can't wait to see what happens next with friends like ours. You never know what we might get into.