*Thank you for waiting for part two! Unfortunately, real life took my attention for a little while, and I apologize that it took so long.
If you haven't read part one, please do! Not a requirement, but you will get to know the characters more. I hope you enjoy and as always, please let me know what you think!
Thank you to Thatsbogus and Terry for the help given on this one!
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Allison
"You did what?!" Bree yells at me. It's starting to feel like her yelling at me is becoming a permanent fixture at our weekly coffee gatherings.
"I held her hand," I mumble around my coffee cup, practically using it as a shield at this point. Its Monday and I haven't been able to get Olivia off of my mind since the movie yesterday. I filled Bree in on everything concerning the blonde nurse that has been taking over my thoughts. I needed to let everything out and Bree has always been my best listening ear, so I couldn't not tell her.
She sighs and rubs her eyes, not a good sign. "Last week it was the crazy cat lady and this week you're telling me that you're having an epic attraction to your sister's new coworker.
Straight
co-worker and making moves on her in a darkened movie theatre next to poor, unsuspecting Liz. Alli, what is going on?" She asks with both humor and concern in her tone.
"God, I don't know. I called it off with Sophia by the way, you can stop yelling at me about that one. She was fun. Beautiful, distracting fun. But I knew what I was doing. I knew that that's what it was ever going to be and even against your judgment, I wanted that for the time being. And then I saw Olivia at dinner," I relay, warmth spreading through me as I think about everything that has happened. "Bree, it was instant. She's beautiful and I don't know...I feel this pull to her and it's like nothing I have ever felt before. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't help myself at the movies. I just wanted to touch her, so I did."
"So, what now? While I would like to be excited for you, it worries me. One, she's straight. Two, she just went through a bad breakup. And three, she is straight," She says while counting her points on her fingers.
"I know, I know," I say nodding my head, "And, nothing now. I don't understand what's happening. I'm not ready for a relationship. The time put into it, the first dates, I don't want to go through the motions again." Saying things out loud, I start to realize that maybe my divorce did more damage to me than I realized. Where did my confidence go?
"That's bullshit and you know it, Allison," Bree snaps at me, "You're afraid of another possible heartbreak. I understand your need to let loose for a while but don't let something real pass you by just because of that fear. That's a shit excuse. The straight girl worries me and might or might not be your second chance but at least be honest with yourself."
Her little rant surprises me. She's right and I hate that she puts the fears that I rarely let myself think about into words, out in the open.
"Maybe, but it doesn't change the fact that I don't want anything serious. Olivia is Liz's co-worker, and that's it. Case closed."
"If you say so," she says while shaking her head, "I gotta get back to the office. Call me later?"
"Of course," I tell her as she stands and grabs her purse.
"I love you, Alli. Don't be mad at me for caring about you."
"I'm not. I'll talk to you later." I watch her walk out of the coffee shop. I need a couple of minutes to think before I head back to my own office, and I think Bree could sense that.
I continue to sip on my coffee, wondering when I started getting so afraid and guarded. Obviously, it was after my divorce. The conversation with Bree is making me realize that I put walls up. I should have realized that with my relationship with Sophia, and the few other dating attempts this past year. I didn't even try to make them work. There was always a date or two, and in Sophia's case: a friend with benefits situation. But I never let anything go further because I didn't want it to go further.
Olivia is interrupting my plans of nothing serious. I can't believe that I held her hand in the movie theatre. Bold, even for me. I didn't plan on doing it, but when my arm brushed hers on the armrest, it was like something else took over. I needed to touch her, and all of my calm reasoning went out the window. I definitely didn't expect her reaction though, I could see what I was feeling mirrored in her warm blue eyes. So, I know my attraction is a mutual feeling. But, when she turned her hand over, inviting me in, I came undone. Why it felt so familiar and comfortable is the big question though.
What does it even matter?
I think to myself. I stand up and throw my cup away, walking out into the warm, bright Spring day. Taking a deep breath of the fresh air, I start my walk back. Halfway into the walk back to my office, I'm pulled from my thoughts by the sound of my cell phone ringing. Rifling through my purse, I smile when I finally find my cell phone and see Liz's name on the screen.
"Hey Liz," I greet her happily.
"Hey!" I hear the happy voice that is all Liz, "Are you free tomorrow night for dinner? Austin has a bunch of house showings later this week, I have a couple of night shifts that I picked up and tomorrow might be the only night that we can all get together if you're able to."
"Hold on," I tell her and bring the phone off of my ear to check the calendar. I see that I have one client meeting later in the day but it shouldn't go too late. "One meeting later tomorrow but I should be able to swing dinner. I might just be a couple of minutes late."
"Great! I'll let mom know. She promised baked chicken. You got yours last week, it's my favorite this week."
I laugh, "So that's why you're rushing to plan dinner this time. And I'm sure Mom will put steak and potatoes on the menu for Austin. Can't have a fight among us now, can we?"
"She is a smart woman," Liz laughs, "Alright, I gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow."
Before I can even think and stop myself, the question is falling quickly out of my mouth, "Hey! Before you hang up, are you inviting Olivia?"
There are a few seconds of silence that makes me feel uncomfortable.
"I was thinking about it, why?" she asks.
"No reason, just wondering,"
Shit.
"Mhmm. Then yes, ill invite Olivia. Unless you don't want me to." She's digging, and I have a feeling that Liz just became aware of what I didn't really want her to be aware of. It's not that I want to hide anything from her, I just have no idea what's going on myself. Liz hasn't been blind to my "more free lifestyle" when it comes to women since my divorce, but I don't want her to think that I'm pursuing her friend with the intention of just hooking up.
"No, you should. She's still new to town and everything." I know me playing this down will not work on Liz, but I would rather pretend that it's working.