Deadbeat Mother

Bold Move

~Evan~

This club is so packed, and I really wanted to cut and run. I promised Natalia I would come out with her, so I’m stuck here. I’ve never been this type of person, always preferring a quiet night at home. Some of the best memories I have were made at home. We would have our closest friends over and make a night of it with food and drinks. Going out was always a way to spend more money than was needed.

Natalia has been acting funny ever since she came to get me. She’s been a bit hesitant and hurried at the same time. It’s tough to explain. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her like this. Even her outfit was different. She usually doesn’t dress so ‘available’ when we go out somewhere. Maybe she just really needs to meet someone.

I got Natalia her drink, preferring to stay alcohol-free myself. I always like to keep a clear head when I’m out and about. I don’t like to lose control, especially when I’m around people I don’t know. I will make sure that I take care of Natalia and allow her to enjoy her night.

Natalia was surprised that I knew what her drink was, but I’m not sure why the surprise. She’s an important person in my life, so, of course, I pay attention. Natalia is being so weird tonight, and I wonder if I should be worried. Maybe I should take her drink away, just to keep her mind right. “Evan, I want to tell you something.”

I wonder if she’s ready to tell me exactly what’s going on with her. I swear, she’s been off all night. Natalia hops off the stool and downs her martini. I shake my head, watching her. She has always been the type to do whatever, whenever, and you can’t help but love her for it.

Natalia grabs my hand and pulls me away from the bar. We head off to the side and take up a dark corner beside some stairs. I wonder where the stairs go; a part of me is drawn to them, but I know that’s stupid.

Natalia is pacing a bit while I lean against the wall with my arms crossed over my chest. I have no idea what’s gotten into her, but I hope she snaps out of it soon. Natalia stops moving abruptly and turns to me. It all happens before I can register it. Natalia pushes me against the wall. Her body pushes against me, and her hands run up my body. Natalia presses her lips to mine and runs her tongue across my bottom lip.

I’m stunned! I don’t know what to do or how to react. I keep my lips rigid, not moving them at all, and my arms stay locked across my body. This is not supposed to be happening. Natalia and I are friends; we’re family. This is beyond awkward, and I have to figure out a way to get it to stop.

Natalia steps back, looking a little scared. I drop my hands but say nothing. I honestly don’t know what to say to her. “I…..I….” I don’t know what Natalia is going to say, and I don’t want to know. I see a door down the hallway from us. I turn and walk down the hallway. I push the door open and step into the cool night air. I don’t want to walk out on her, but I don’t know what else to do. Maybe that drink was a lot stronger than it seemed. I just need some fresh air; maybe things will make more sense.

~Natalia~

Well, that didn’t go well. I probably should have used my words, but I couldn’t help myself. Evan is so sexy to me, and I’ve been in love with him for so long. I had to feel his lips against mine, finally. It was terrific, but I caught that Evan didn’t reciprocate.

I honestly thought he’d take me into his arms and ravish me. After all these years, I thought his feelings for me had grown, and we could become a family. I don’t understand what the problem is. I’ve been friends with him for years. I’ve been there for him through all the hard times he’s gone through. I’ve been by his side and helped him with Cooper. Why can’t he love me?

I watch Evan walk out of the back door, and a part of me considers going after him. Maybe he just needs to gather his thoughts. Maybe this has been on his mind, and he needs time to adjust. Maybe he will realize that there are feelings between us, and he will come back ready to explore them.

I know he will come back in here. One thing about Evan is that he is considerate at all times. We came here together, and he wouldn’t leave me no matter what. I just need to be patient, and he will come back in here.

I leave the dark hallway and head back into the chaos of the club. I need another drink, but I don’t want to pay. I make my way up to the bar, only being able to stand. I notice a man watching me away down the bar. I flip my hair and smile at him. I don’t want him, but I will take a drink. The bartender comes to me, placing a glass of wine in front of me and points toward the man. He lifts his glass to me, and I nod in return. I wanted something with more bite, but this will do. I drink half of the glass and place it down, looking toward the back door. The man approaches me, making space to lean close to me. “You are so beautiful.” I smile in response. “Hey, you don’t have to be shy. I’m a nice guy to talk to.”

I turn to the man and try to give him the warmest smile I can muster. This is the problem; you can’t have the drink without the conversation. “I’m sorry. I’m waiting for someone right now.” I give another smile and look back at the back door. Evan will be back; I just know he will come back in here.