Page 36 of Injustice and Absolution

Grabbing the paper towels from the workbench along the back wall, I take a few and dab at my legs to dry them.

“You weren’t. I promise. I’m just … having a hard time getting over someone, I guess.”

Why the hell did I say that?Fucking beer... This is why I don’t drink. I hate not being in control of myself.

Moving my attention from my legs to my soaked shirt, I attempt to pat it dry, eternally thankful it’s not white.

“Oh. I’m really sorry to hear that.”

I let the usual, patronizing statement people give when they don’t know what else to say to someone go in one ear and out the other as I continue drying myself. But what I can’t ignore is the next thing out of his mouth.

“But if I may ask, who would be stupid enough to letyougo?”

My head snaps up, eyes locking with his as he leans against the refrigerator a few feet away.

“You don’t even know me...” I reply, narrowing my eyes and refusing to allow his come-on to penetrate my fragile psyche.

“But I’d like to. If it wasn’t clear by my horrible attempts at flirting out there...” His playful smile is back.

Picking up my beer from the counter, I take another gulp… Or two. He’s bold. And I’m not. Not usually anyway. The one time I tried to be, it backfired worse than I ever thought possible.

“I know you’re beautiful.” A hint of arrogance laces his smirk, thinking the compliment will cause me to soften toward him. Or is it because he truly believes I am?

They always say one door closes and another one opens.

They also say in order to get over someone, you should get under someone else...

If he doesn’t stop complimenting me, I may just do it. No, that’s the beer talking... My subconscious is as drunk as I am. Get yourself together, Delilah.

I swallow the bundle of nerves lodged in my throat. I should tell him to fuck off. No, no... That’s too harsh. Also, I don’t want to.

“Let me take you out. Just one date, and if you still don’t like me after that, I’ll leave you alone forever. Scouts honor.” He holds three fingers up next to his head.

“Who said I didn’t like you?” This time, I let the beer take control.

Again, his tongue darts out over his bottom lip. He’s pleased with my response, and it causes a frenzy inside of me.

“So that’s a yes, then?” He steps closer to me, within arm’s reach.

A yes to what? Wait, I’m missing something. Fucking beer. I shouldn’t be around him without a clear head.

Oh!A date.

God no. I’m too awkward for a date.

Do something. Distract him.

He takes the paper towels from me, and moving in so close our bodies are nearly touching, he dabs at a wet spot I missed on my chest.

Stoking the growing fire within me.

Before I know what’s happening, my head lifts in an attempt to kiss him.

A foolish attempt because Drew pulls away from me.

What the fuck?

Placing his arms on my shoulders, he takes a step back and looks at me.

---