Ride the Sunset

Little Lie

Jacob

I watched in horror as Alastair excused himself to use the restroom. His date, Sandy, was quite pretty as far as women went. However, I couldn't quite picture Alastair and her together. I quickly stood up and offered her my seat.

"Make yourself comfortable," I said as casually as I could. Sandy looked unsure for a minute before she finally nodded and sat down. I hovered for a moment as I considered my options. My second cup of coffee was still pretty full and the claw we had been sharing wasn't finished. I couldn't leave it. That would be weird. I felt the vibration in my pocket, and I frowned as I took out my phone. It was a text from Alastair. My heart soared as I hastily opened the text.

Alastair: Sorry.

His simple apology did nothing to soothe the burning jealousy inside me. In fact, as I pocketed my phone, I leaned close to his date.

"Go easy on him, ok," I whispered. Sandy leaned back a bit and looked at me. "Not sure how much he told you about his surgery, but he is quite sensitive about it," her eyes went wide with curiosity and while I logically knew that what I was doing was wrong, I couldn't help myself.

"What surgery?" She questioned softly. I glanced over my shoulder before I answered.

"Let's just say that if he smells a bit, it isn't his fault," I explained. Sandy's concerned and curious features turned to disgust. I wasn't even sure why that lie had worked, but for whatever reason, she looked like she was ready to make a run for it. I quickly grabbed my cup and plate and headed to the other side of the Café. I did my best to blend in as I spotted Alastair return. He looked around, and I quickly ducked behind the random magazine I had snatched from the counter.

"Sorry about that," he said as he sat down. I couldn't see her face, but the friendly smile Alastair had been sporting disappeared. However, he was quick to recover. "So, Sandy...um...it's good to meet you in person,"

"Sure," she responded, and I cringed at her short and rather cold tone.

"Look, I'm sorry for hanging out with my buddy while I was waiting for you," he apologized, and it was clear to me that he was confused and had assumed that her demeanor had to be because of me. Technically, he wasn't wrong.

"It's fine...really," Sandy finally said. Her tone was softer and when Alastair smiled, I groaned softly. My lie may not have been enough to chase her away. I listened as they started talking. Sandy sounded like a smart woman with a clear life plan. Their interactions were friendly enough, but I didn't pick up on anything romantic. Alastair looked bored and Sandy sounded like she wanted to make a run for it.

"I don't get it," Alastair said, and I peeked over to see him gazing over at his date. "We really connected online,"

"We did," she agreed, and I held my breath. The moment of truth. She was either going to call him out or make an excuse.

"Something is different though," he pointed out, and I wasn't all that surprised to see her nod in agreement. "I suppose you aren't attracted to how I look," Alastair guessed.

"Actually, you are hotter than I expected..."

"So, then?" he urged.

"The thing is, you seem like a nice guy. Super friendly, and our connection did seem pretty legit. In person, I'm not as interested. You are hot but...you aren't my type," Sandy explained. Well, she had opted not to mention the little bit of information I had lied to her about. That was interesting. "I mean, we all have to do what we have to do but...there are more natural ways to deal with bodily issues," Alastair looked shocked and amused.

"I couldn't agree more," he said, and I couldn't help but chuckle. I would have loved to see the look on her face, but her back was to me.

"Right..." Sandy drew out the word as she stood up. "It's been great, but I have to get going," I watched as she just about ran out of the coffee shop.

"Did you hear that?" Alastair questioned, and I knew he was talking to me. I looked over at him and he looked defeated. I felt bad for lying to Sandy, but I told myself that I had done him a favor. She was not the one for him.

"A little bit," I said with a soft smile.

"I have no idea what she thinks...am I too buff for her or something?" Alastair was clearly trying to figure it out, but I shrugged as I finished off my cold coffee.

"Anyway, she didn't seem like your type," I casually remarked. Alastair nodded with a thoughtful look on his face.

"I honestly thought we'd end up getting dinner...guess I'll be eating alone," DO NOT FALL FOR IT. DO NOT INVITE HIM OVER.

"Well, you could always join me for dinner," I said. Alastair looked just as surprised as I felt. "I mean, if you'd like...you know, think of it as a celebration of us finally becoming friends," it was a cheap stab and a reminder that we were just friends.

"Sure, why not?" He remarked as he stood up.

"Yes, why not, buddy?" I said. Alastair visibly shuddered and I hid my smile. We left the coffee shop and as soon as I was in my car I groaned. "You are a horrible person," I scolded myself as I pulled out onto the road. Alastair was in front of me, so I followed him as he drove to my place. "Sandy could've been perfect for him...but now he will never know...unless, of course, he questions her about it," I said aloud. I had to do some damage control over dinner. I sighed softly as I realized how badly I had messed up.