Page 49 of Just for Fun
“I really need to go to work,” I sniffle. “And I can’t go looking like I’m crying. The entire office will talk. I hate office gossip of any sort.”
Kyle runs a comforting hand up and down my back. “How about I drive you back to your house…”
“I can’t go back home,” I about yell at him, my entire body tensing again.
“Okay,” he laughs softly. “Do you want to go to my house?”
I turn around to look at him. I can’t tell if he is serious or trying to be funny again. Either way, I don’t appreciate it.
“Why would I want to do that?”
“I don’t know,” he shrugs. “You said you can’t go to work looking like this.” He moves his hand up and down. “I was trying to help.”
I wipe my hands over my face. “I just meant they can’t see that I’ve been crying. I don’t need to go to your house or mine for that.”
“Oh…” His eyes move side to side. “I thought you wanted to wipe the streaks of mascara off your cheeks.”
I freeze, unable to even breathe. Today out of all days, I decided to put some mascara on. It is not something I usually do, but I wanted to look nice for Kyle, and this is the only thing I could come up with. A change in wardrobe was out of the question, especially since I had to go to work after our having breakfast together.
“I can’t believe this is happening to me,” I whisper. “I’m about to freak out, Kyle.”
The tone of my voice doesn’t match the turmoil inside of me. I sound cool, calm and collected. Meanwhile, I am freaking out in my own head. Meeting Kyle was a bad idea.
“Come with me.”
I don’t fight it when Kyle grabs my hand and interlocks our fingers. He turns us around and continues walking down the sidewalk I started us on only minutes ago.
“Where are we going?” I guess it is my turn to ask that now.
“The grocery store over there.” He points to the building we’re heading toward.
I can’t think of anything I’d need from there, but I let him lead me there, especially liking the way he holds my hand. I flex my fingers a couple of times, and he responds in kind.
No one has ever held my hand like this. The rush of pleasure I get from it makes me lightheaded. I love every second of it.
We make it to the grocery store where I bump into Kyle’s back when he stops abruptly.
“I’m not quite sure what we’re looking for.” He smirks while eyeing me sideways. “Something to clean that off your face.”
I figure I should help him out. “Makeup remover.”
He winks at me and clicks his tongue. “I knew you were smart.”
He’s back to making me laugh. I don’t know how he does it, but his sense of humor is like no one else’s. Or maybe it’s me who doesn’t have a sense of humor at all. That’s a legitimate concern.
We walk together up and down a couple of the aisles until we find the one we need. There are a few options, and I’m not sure which one works best. My usual go to are soap and water.
Kyle pulls out his phone. “I’ll ask the girls.”
“What girls?” My eyes widen in surprise. I think I feel slightly jealous. What girls could he possibly have available at such short notice to ask about makeup remover?
“They’re just girls I’m friends with.” Kyle shrugs nonchalantly.
I can’t say that statement makes me feel any better. I can’t stand the thought of him texting with his former flames, asking them for advice on how to help me.
“I’m more friends with their men,” he adds, and I feel instant relief. “They’re my friends’ significant others.”
Walking now with a pep in my step, I am willing to listen to whatever information he gets.
