“You know, I was just —just— starting to think that I may start liking you.” I can hear the tone of slight regret. I didn’t mean for it to come out like that but clearly I am being more transparent than I want.
You look at me in shock (or so it transpires from your face, at least) and grab my shoulders to face me. We were already close but now I even see myself reflected in your eyes.
You kiss me. Just like that.
“Wha—” I start to say. Now I am shocked. “What on Earth are you doing?!”
“Well, isn’t it what they do in the movies?” You shrug slightly. “I thought I’d seize the moment. This is what they do, right? A declaration of intentions?”
“This isn’t a movie! Let go of me this instant.”
You do.
“I thought you just said you liked me.”
“I said I was maybe starting. And I was telling you because you just told me your ex is back in the picture!”
“I—”
“What the hell are you doing kissing me after what you just said?!”
“I jus—” whatever you were going to say, you don’t.
“Well?”
“I like you, okay? Not starting to or believing or maybe. I like you and it pisses me off that she’s back. With you I finally felt like myself again. Knowing you has been one of the highlights of this shitty year. So yes! I kissed you! And I’ll fucking do it again! If you let me, I mean.”
“I—”
“I told you she was back because I don’t lie to you. Because I am dealing with a shitstorm and you’re the person I tell things.”
“You said she was staying at your house, how am I to suppose anything different than you are getting back together?”
“You’re supposed to give me the benefit of the doubt for Pete’s sake! Even if she wantes to get back together with me, you’re supposed to at least consider that I don’t want to get back with her, Stella. Or ask, talk to me, not jump straight to dark conclusions.”
“Dark conclusions are my thing.”
“Don’t give me that bollocks. Why “start to maybe” like me, then? Huh? If dark conclusions are your thing why bother knowing me?”
“Don’t be like that, Patrick. That isn’t fair. Look, I’m sorry. Okay? I should have asked. I’ll ask next time, alright?”
“Ah, so now there will be a next time?”
“Only if you kiss me again like in the movies.”