Chapter 8
Gabriel: #TheReelRuler
R yan and I met Alex later in the evening over coffee. We didn’t want to do it in the office to avoid any rumors before Alex agreed to the plan. Thankfully, he did. Having clients in the same city works well for him and his new agenda of prioritizing family over work. I’ve known Alex for a few years now and the change in him since he reconnected with Lily has been monumental, if I put it mildly.
I’d always known him as the go-getter, the workaholic, always working, never enjoying kind of guy. Ryan had told me he was different in college, but I struggled to imagine him as anything other than the staid, barely smiling, handsome man, always impeccably dressed, who spoke in measured sentences. But since Lily and he became a thing, it’s as if he’s morphed into a different man.
A few times, I’ve even seen him dressed in casual clothes. He smiles much more. Works much less than before, though still high compared to most people. But he’s changed for the better.
I wonder if it’s a conscious call from his end or a phase that he’s going through to impress Lily, or if he’s genuinely changed so much.
After our meeting, Ryan goes back to the office. Alex hasn’t brought his car and since Nora and Lily are together, I drive him to my condo, where he can meet Lily once she drops off Nora.
As I drive back, he turns to me, smiles, and says, “What? There’s something on your mind. What is it?”
I give him a quick glance. “Nothing much. It’s good to see this changed person you’ve become. This one is much better company than the previous Alex.”
He chuckles and there’s a weird grin on his face.
I pause and then decide to ask what I’ve been meaning to. “Are you happy, Alex? I mean, is this really you? Don’t mind my asking, but I’m just concerned, that’s all. Is this change for real or is it a phase? Because if it’s a phase, then what becomes of you and Lily once it’s over?”
He continues grinning. Honestly, it’s a little creepy to see him grinning so much.
“Thanks for your concern, bro. I know you mean well. But as far as I can see, this is the real me. The man I’m with Lily is what I was supposed to be all along. She makes me happy. She makes everything better, by just being . You may think this is all sappy shit, but when you fall in love, real love, you’ll know what I mean.”
“I’ve been in love plenty, and never experienced this. Jesus, if love makes a fool of you, then maybe I never want to experience this version of it.”
We’ve reached my condo and I park my car. As we walk to the gate, we see Lily’s car coming up the driveway.
“Never say never, my man,” Alex says, patting me on the shoulder. “It’s a wonderful feeling, one that I would want all my friends to experience, you included. What you’ve felt so far has been lust, longing, friendship. But love . Love transcends it all. It’s like you’re always in a state of ecstasy, feeling complete and satisfied, as if all the problems of the world have been sorted out. We’ll talk when you’re as smitten as I am.”
He walks over to the passenger side of the car as it comes to a stop and holds the door open for Nora to step out.
“Hey, Nora. You look good,” he says, getting inside the car.
I hear Lily shrieking something, but I can’t hear because my faculties are in a stateof shock as I behold Nora in her red dress and black leather stilettos that add a few extra inches to her height and enhance her poised posture.
Wow! Have I seen this dress? I’d definitely have remembered it if I had. The plunging neckline and a daring hemline showcasing her figure in all its beauty. The delicate silver necklace and the dangling earrings that sparkle with every turn of her head. Her flawless makeup with smoky eyes, a hint of blush, and a red lipstick that complements her dress perfectly.
This is so like her—bold and stylish—yet she looks different today. She’s effortlessly glamorous, the perfect blend of elegance and edginess, prepared to make any man she chooses swoon over her and follow her to the end of the world at her slightest whisper.
She’s walking toward me, her eyebrows raised, a questioning look on her face. Move , I tell my body. Look somewhere else, anywhere , I command my eyes. But my senses aren’t controlled by my brain anymore. They’re focused on Nora, the pretty angel in frontof me.
She clicks her fingers in front of my eyes and brings me out of my trance, at least enough so I can hear the words coming out of her mouth and react to them.
“So, is it okay for me to bring my stuff over to your condo for a couple of days, or do you plan to have someone over?”
“Yeah, yeah. Of course. Why do you even ask? Y’know there’s no one coming over.”
“Who knows? You’re Gabriel, the babe magnet,” she says with a shrug and a wink. “Let me get the box, then.”
I follow her to the car and take the box from her hands. Lily and Alex are already backing the car and waving as they go, leaving us alone.
We’ve been alone countless times, but my heart never beat so loudly. Gosh. Why can’t I go back to not seeing her as a woman? This beautiful,sexy woman. Maybe the bar crawl will cure me of this stupid feeling. Once I see other pretty ladies, this image of her will be one among many. Then she can be with a guy she wants and I with some other girl and all will be well with the world again.
I hasten to the elevator. I have to first put the box at home. The sooner we get amid people, the better it is.
I place the box in her room and am ready to leave.
“Give me a sec,” she says, as she pours some water for herself into a glass. A drop finds its way down her lips to her chin and falls on her dress, right over her breasts. I can’t help staring at the silly drop and hoping that I was it. Jesus! What’s wrong with me? I need to cure myself of these super-sappy emotions.
“Be the drop that falls down your lips!” I mean, I’m no poet, but this could well be part of a song.
This is not me. Worse, if Nora knew what I was thinking, she’d probably run miles away from here. That’s the last thing I want. These corny emotions are what she hates. Her friendship is more important to me than anything else and I will not let my thumping heart and crazy brain deprive me of the one good thing in my life.
Thankfully, my phone rings and brings me out of this stupid state. I want to take my eyes anywhere except for the sexy image of Nora drinking water. I quickly pull it out of my pocket.
Ugh! Mom!
“Salut Maman.”
“Ah, Gabriel. You never called me back. Too busy to call your Maman? Anyway, how did your dinner go with Sophia?”
“Good, I think.”
“You like her?”
“She’s okay.”
“Good. Good. I’m thinking of inviting her over for dinner on the coming weekend. You should come. Get to know her.”
“C’mon, Mom. I can see what you’re trying to do.”
“Don’t say you can’t come because you’re seeing Paula. We both know she’s not the one for you. And what’s wrong with Sophia? She’s smart, intelligent, rich.”
“Nothing’s wrong with her. Maybe I’m in love with someone else.”
“Love? And you? Are you saying you love Paula? Don’t lie to me.”
Even I know this lie is not gonna cut it. I don’t even know why I said it. Before I can reply, she continues making her case.
“I know you and Paula broke up.”
“What? How?” Did Paula message Mom about the break-up?
“So, it’s true. Though honestly, I think it’s for the best. I don’t know why you were with her in the first place.”
I let out a long sigh and slump on the couch. How do I escape now?
“Hey honey,” comes a voice from behind me and I see Nora coming closer to me. Her head is so close to mine that if I turn, my lips can touch her cheek. Shit! What am I thinking? “Who’s on the phone? Is it Daphne?” she says.
“Is that Nora ?” Mom asks.
Nora takes the phone from me and puts it on speaker while I sit there, speechless. I don’t know what’s happening here. Why’s she calling me ‘ honey ’, and why does it feel so sweet coming from her mouth?
“Hi, Daphne. How’re you doing?” Nora says.
I can hear Dad’s voice from the background. “Say hi to Nora from me.”
“George says hi. What’re you doing there?”
“Um… me?” Nora says with a sheepish giggle as if her secret just came out. “Uh well. Y’know?”
“Oh dear God! Are you two seeing each other?”
“We’ve actually kept it a secret, y’know. To see how it goes. You’re really the first to know.”
My eyes go wide. As if anyone in their right senses would believe Nora and I could be a thing. What is this girl getting me into?
“Oh! Ok. Well, that was quick. I mean, after his breakup with Paula.”
“Well, you know how these things are. One day you suddenly realise that the thing you wanted has been right in front of you all along.”
I can imagine the shock this must be for Mom. Poor thing. She can’t process it. “Well, if you both are happy, then of course we’re happy, too. I mean, yeah. Good. I’ll talk to you both later. I’m getting another call,” Mom says and disconnects.
Nora bursts out laughing. “Well, you can thank me later. But didn’t that give her a shock?”
I shake my head at her enthusiasm. She’s always the one to act first and think later.
“Why did you do that?”
“To save your ass. Why else? I figured you wanted an out from whatever she was planning. Why else would you lie that you’re in love? I mean. We’re talking about you ! Gabriel, the babe magnet, or whatever. You and love don’t go together. I believe a ‘thank you’ is in order.”
“Yeah, whatever. Thanks for nothing. How am I going to maintain this lie of yours?”
“Easy. I’m already staying here. We’ll post a few pics on social media and bam! Everyone believes what we want them to.”
She comes up behind the couch, bends a little so her head is close to mine, turns her head a little toward me, and takes a selfie.
“See, something like that. Easy peasy, man. Don’t worry about it, my dear social-media-challenged friend. You’ve got me, and lucky for you, I’m in a generous mood and will help you out of the mess your mom wants to throw you in. I’m your savior. Your superhero. The SocialMediaPowerGirl. Nope too long. The SocialStarlet. The ReelRuler. Wow. I’m good!”
I can’t stop a tiny chuckle from escaping my lips.
“Yup. The ReelRuler. So, my savior, can you tell me how Mom knew that Paula and I broke up? I don’t think Paula was that close to her to tell her such things.”
“’Course I can.”
Nora flicks her phone toward me. There’s an Insta Reel of Paula tearing me out of a common photo and burning it with a lighter.
“Wow! That’s… I don’t know,” I say, as the reel plays all over again.
She takes the phone from my hand and gives me a quick hug. “I’m sorry,” she says, pulling away.
“How did you see it? You follow Paula?” Does she follow all the people I date? Could she be jealous of my girlfriends?
“Nah! Why would I? She’s tagged both of us. I guess that’s how Daphne also knew about it. She’s pretty active on social media, your mom. Even your grandmom, for that matter.”
She takes a seat next to me and I take a deep breath and smell her perfume.
“Are you okay, Gabs?”
“Yeah, why?”
“You seem a little lost. Are you sure you’re up for this? We could stay home if you like.”
Stay home? With her. Alone? Dressed like that? Yeah, of course, I’d like that.
“You miss Paula? Are you upset about what she did?” she asks, gently putting her hand on my thigh.
An electric current flows through my entire body. Jesus! How is she having this effect on me? She’s touched me a thousand times. Maybe more. But it was always platonic. And now this—when all I can think of is how those red lips will feel against mine and how her thighs will feel wrapped around me when I’m deep inside her. Shit. Shit, I need to stop.
She gives me a questioning look, waiting for an answer as I try to remember what she’d asked.
“Paula? Who?” I mumble, then realize who’s Paula. “I mean, no. Yeah, I’m fine.” I stand up, feigning excitement, and clap my hands. “C’mon. Let’s get going. We have a mission. To get you laid.”
“Woohoo. Yeah, baby. Let’s do this. Let us both get laid today.” She jumps up from the couch and pulls me up with her. “Ooh, I thought of another name. The ViralVixen.”
She curls up her hands into claws. “A taste of Paula for you,” she says, mock-snapping at me with her claws and jaws.
Yeah, we need to leave or I’ll do something I regret. I march over to the door as she sashays behind me.I have to get to the bar as fast as I can so I can bury this stupid, weird feeling I have for my best friend somewhere deep down so it can never surface again.