58.4 - 58.5
Kris stared at the television, attempting to focus on the images flickering across the screen. But, she was too nervous to concentrate. She kept wondering what Anthony was thinking. She kept wondering what the night would bring. Would something happen? Would she let things happen? She still didn't know.

Beside her on the couch, Anthony shifted. "Do you want a soda or anything?" he offered.

"No, thanks," Kris answered, keeping her gaze on the television screen. If she appeared engrossed in the film, maybe he wouldn't try anything. He's your boyfriend, not a stranger. But he felt like a stranger. And wasn't she supposed to be there to get to know him better? Wasn't this supposed to be fun? "Anthony," she said, turning to him. "Can we talk?"

"Sure," Anthony answered, shutting off the TV. He turned so he was facing her. "What's up?"

Kris turned, too, taking a moment to decide what to say. "Do you feel awkward?" she asked, and quickly added, "Because I do."

"I'm kind of nervous," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "I'm not really sure how to read you."

"Read me?" Kris asked, confused. Was she a book?

Anthony stared at her uneasily. "I don't want to cross the line or anything," he told her softly. "I don't want to be a jerk."

"Oh," Kris responded, feeling torn. "I'm having trouble figuring out where the line is," she admitted. "Can we just … play it by ear?"

"Yes, definitely," he said, and visibly relaxed. He took her hand and resumed the movie.

Kris glanced down briefly at their entwined hands and took a deep breath, letting her gaze rest on the television screen. Her heart was hammering, her thoughts were racing, and she was sure that she'd left reason and logic back in the City. "Anthony," she whispered, a part of her hoping he wouldn't hear her.

"Yeah?"

"Let's go to bed," she said, looking at him.




"I'm sorry I've been such a bad date," Julianne apologized, feeling embarrassed for her behavior all night. "I'm surprised you're still here." She didn't look at Naomi as she spoke, choosing to keep her gaze fastened to the sidewalk ahead.

The fact of the matter was that she wished she could start the evening over again, beginning with not being late. As a result of her tardy appearance, they'd missed their movie. Naomi hadn't been mad, though. Julianne wondered if she ever got mad. The director was such a free spirit; so calm and carefree. It didn't seem possible that a person could be so tranquil.

Naomi smiled at her. "I understand that you've got things on your mind," she answered with a slight shrug. "Just wish I could help."

"You've helped," Julianne assured her, glancing into green eyes. She wasn't sure how she would've gotten through the evening alone. "I really appreciate your company. I'm just terrible at showing it."

The director laughed easily. "It's okay, Julianne. I'm happy just to be near you." She rolled her eyes at the comment. "Sorry, I promised myself I wouldn't say things like that."

Julianne smiled, feeling flattered. "Why?" she wondered.

Naomi glanced at her, embarrassed. "Because I know that I like you a lot more than I should, and I don't want to freak you out."

"I'm not freaked," Julianne said. "Flattered, but not freaked." She glanced up to see her building not too far ahead. She could feel her heart pounding.

"Good, I don't want to make you uncomfortable," the director said, her voice shy but honest.

Why am I pining over someone I can't have? Naomi is perfect. Her thoughts battled back and forth, trying to find a solution to the problem. She wasn't sure there was a good solution besides getting over Kris, and how long would that take? How far was she willing to go to expedite the process?

"Well, we're here," Naomi announced, glancing up at the building.

Julianne stared at the door and then back at Naomi.I could just say good night. Right here. Just say good night. But she didn't want to say good night. She wanted to feel whole again. She wanted to stop aching. She wanted more than emptiness and silence. "Do you want to come up?"