Chapter 9 #2
“Okay, in short: he arranged it so that the dinner was just for the two of us. I wasn’t into it at first, but it was also flattering that he showed so much interest in me.
Our conversations were engaging and intense.
He definitely has issues, but it was actually really nice.
The attraction between us was overwhelming.
He didn’t beat around the bush, and he was so ridiculously attractive.
I’m not used to that, Anna, the attention, the open flirting.
He drove me completely crazy. And then I spilled something on my blouse, and he suggested we go to his place a few streets away to wash it out.
I thought about your advice, and I knew that if I went with him, it would mean…
well, you know. But I wanted that too. I had made my choice.
And then we had the most incredible sex ever and… ”
“Wait, what? You actually had sex with Andreas?” Anna interrupts me. She’s almost shouting.
“Yes, isn’t that exactly what you suggested?” I don’t want to sound accusatory, but it needs to be said.
“Yes, I did suggest that, but I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly, if it ever happened at all.”
“Well, it happened, and it was pretty amazing.”
I wistfully recall the moment I felt so blissed in his bed and in his arms. I’ve never felt so safe and fulfilled, like the world could explode around me, and I’d be just fine. I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
“If it was so good, then what’s the problem?” Anna asks softly, afraid of the answer that will inevitably cast a shadow over the whole story.
“I fell asleep in his arms, and I haven’t seen or heard from him since. He used me, Anna. I feel so empty, so naive, so angry, so… everything.”
“Oh, no, that’s awful! Not even a message?” Anna asks, shocked.
“Nothing, Anna, he left for Brussels for two days, and I haven’t heard from him. He’s alive, that’s all I know, because he was on the phone with his architect this morning.”
“I’m going to say something, and you’ll probably be mad, but I’m going to say it anyway, okay?”
“Uh, okay.”
“I think you were hoping for more than just a one-night stand. If you didn’t feel anything for Andreas, you wouldn’t be so down right now.
One-night stands are like that. They’re gone the next day and you both move on with your lives.
” I say nothing because I know she’s right.
“Nora, I’m sorry. It was wrong of me to think that something like that could just happen, you know, turning off your brain and heart, enjoying the moment, and then it’s over.
I don’t think we’re built that way. I should have known better when I gave you that advice. I’m really sorry.”
“Me too, I should have known better.”
I can’t blame her.
“Is that why you wanted to cancel tonight?”
“Yes, I really don’t feel like going out tonight, I’ll just stay here and go to bed early.” Solid plan.
“Is it a good idea to be alone right now?”
“I’ll manage,” I say, as I start sobbing again.
It’s a sad but perfect plan.
“I can’t come over now, Nora, but I have an idea. Just stay home, everything will be okay. I’ll talk to you later, I’ll definitely call you again this weekend.”
“Okay, talk to you later.”
Anna’s words linger in my mind. Did I expect too much from him?
Do I really have feelings for Andreas? If so, what kind of feelings?
I even started preaching about my hope for a happy little family and my belief in love.
It was probably naive to think I could just turn off those beliefs for one night.
I played with fire, and I knew it. With his irresistible body and those perfect words, Andreas tore down my carefully built walls, and now it’s backfiring on me like a boomerang.
Without the wall, I was vulnerable and fragile, and he punished that immediately.
Deep down, I knew this could happen, and yet I chose to go with him.
My insights may be enlightening, but they don’t really help.
Now I’m not only angry at Andreas, but also at myself.
Two hours later, with a glass of wine, my favorite pajamas, and a blanket on the couch, I hear the doorbell ring. I jump in shock. I check the doorbell camera and see it’s Dennis, my cousin, so I open the door.
“Hey, Dennis, everything okay? What are you doing here? I sent you a message saying I couldn’t make it tonight, didn’t I?”
“Don’t act like everything’s fine, Nora. Anna sent me. She was pretty worried about you. I brought two pizzas, including your favorite: quattro formaggi. Are you going to let me in or what?” Dennis never disappoints. He knows that bringing food automatically grants him access to this house.
“Uh, yeah, of course, sorry. Come in. What did Anna tell you?”
“Everything.”
“Oh.” So, everything then.
I hate Anna! Well, for a moment at least. I can never stay mad at her for long, but she really shouldn’t have told Dennis all of this. I’m not sure if I’m up for this, but I pour him a glass of wine anyway. Admittedly, part of me is glad he’s here and that I’m not alone tonight.
“Here’s the plan!” His tone makes it sound like he’s about to read out an important decree. “We eat pizza, drink wine, you put on a sexy outfit, touch up your makeup, and then we go out.”
“What? No! If I’d known that, I never would have let you in!” I protest.
“Nora, that guy’s a jerk. He doesn’t deserve your sadness, so tonight you’re going out and you’re going to dance and drink him out of your system, got it?”
It doesn’t sound so bad, but I’m so tired.
“We’ll see about that, Dennis. Let’s start with the pizzas.”
We devour our pizzas, finish the rest of the wine, and reminisce about old childhood memories.
To my own surprise, an hour later I’m in front of my closet choosing an outfit.
I decide to go for a tight black dress with a high slit and a bustier top.
The wine definitely plays a big part in my decision.
The dress fits me like a glove, but it’s so daring that I’ve never had the courage to wear it since I bought it a year ago.
I can’t think of a better night to wear it, though.
I try to salvage what I can with makeup, leave my hair down and wild as it is, and opt for not-too-high heels so I can last on the dance floor tonight.
“What do you think?” I ask as I come out of the bathroom.
“Wow, Nora! Where have you been hiding all these years?” He bursts out laughing. “Come on, let’s go. Time to unleash you on Bruges’ nightlife.”
We head to a new club, 8000, named after the city’s postal code.
It’s a fairly large club by Bruges’ standards.
The dance floor is in the center, surrounded by high tables with bar stools and one long bar at the end of the room.
Six bartenders are constantly on the move, serving drinks.
Upstairs, there are low, upholstered couches and tables, separated by red curtains.
The space is dimly lit—blue below, red above.
The music is fantastic, and I manage to dance and finally stop overthinking everything.
Dennis quickly spots someone from work, Peter, who’s there with two friends, Isa and Noah. We end up sharing a table with them.
“Hi, I’m Nora, Dennis’s cousin,” I almost shout to be heard over the music.
“Hey, I’m Noah, this is Peter, and that’s Isa. Nice to meet you! I didn’t know Dennis had such hot girls in the family.”
Noah winks flirtatiously and is clearly already a bit tipsy.
His eyes sparkle with anticipation. Noah isn’t an unattractive man.
He’s tall and slim, with jet-black, shoulder-length hair and a strong jawline.
He could’ve walked right out of a magazine, but he doesn’t spark anything in me.
Still, his compliment lifts my mood, exactly what I needed.
We order a round of cocktails and shots for everyone.
There’s a fun, relaxed atmosphere, and we laugh at the silliest things.
The alcohol helps to break the ice. Isa asks a million questions and does her best to keep the conversation flowing.
I doubt we’ll become best friends anytime soon—she’s a bit too much, constantly demanding attention—but I appreciate her effort and enthusiasm.
Isa’s stunning, with long, brown hair and mesmerizing eyes.
The wrinkles etched in her expression reveal her age, even if her clothing suggests otherwise.
Peter has traveled all over the world and tells us the craziest stories.
He’s the oldest of us all and loves to share his life experiences.
As the night goes on, Noah can’t seem to take his eyes off me. He positions himself casually next to me at the table.
“Come on, let’s dance,” he says.
Before I know it, he’s grabbed my arm, and we’re on the dance floor together.
Noah is very physical. He grabs me around my waist and grinds against me as we dance.
It doesn’t feel particularly pleasant, but he smells nice, and I’m too drunk to care much.
I let myself go with the moment. Isa, Peter, and Dennis join us on the dance floor.
“If I need to save you from Noah, just let me know, okay?” Isa says.
Noah doesn’t hear her; he seems too lost in his own world.
I giggle. “I think I can handle him. A little nudge should do the trick if I want to shake him off.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. The buzz is great, but you’re not exactly steady on your feet,” she winks.
“And heels aren’t helping,” I add.
Noah suddenly grabs my backside and looks deep into my eyes.
“I’ll carry you home if I have to, babe.” Oh, now he’s listening again.
I break free from his grip and laugh politely.
“That won’t be necessary,” I say firmly.
I try to take a step back, but Noah already has me by the waist again. Now he’s starting to get a bit too pushy.
“Back off, Noah, that’s enough.” My laugh is forced.