End Of The Day

I’ve invited Tom over for lunch today. I’ve also invited Tracy over, thinking it may make things less awkward.
Tracy arrives first, the knowing grin on her face almost sending me into a fit of giggles.
Louis shows her around the house while I work on lunch.
The doorbell rings while Louis and Tracy are still upstairs, so I answer door.
“Tom!” I reach up for a hug.
“Hey, Lea.” He says as he hugs me, picking me up off the ground.
I hear Tracy’s voice as Tom puts me down, giving me a kiss on the cheek.
I look over at Louis, he doesn't look exactly happy. He makes his way over to us, taking my hand, entwining his fingers with mine.
“Tracy, you remember Tom?”
“Yes, of course. Nice to see you again.”
With the biggest smile, I say. “Tom, this is Louis.”
With a straight face, Tom says. “Oh yes, your new friend.”
Louis smirks, taking Tom’s outstretched hand, he says. “Trust me, Mate, we are much more than friends.” Releasing Tom’s hand, h\e turns to me, squeezing my hand. “Right, Babe?”
I smile, putting my free hand alongside his face, leaning in for a kiss. “Definitely.”
Trying to break the tension, Tracy speaks up. “How about we all sit out on the deck? Looks beautiful out there.”
Louis and I lead the way out. Tracy and Tom each take a seat. When Louis sits, he pulls me into his lap. I giggle out of surprise. I like this, it feels comfy, natural.
“So Tom, Lea tells me you’ve been in London. Was this your first visit?”
“Yes. I only had a short time to sightsee though. I was working a lot. Would you like to see the latest pictures, Lea?”
I pause, thinking there’s no safe way to answer this. Tracy saves me.
“Can I see, Tom?” She asks.
“Sure.” He hands his phone to her.
“Holy crap! You’re not wearing much, are you?”
Sounds like a good time for me to check on lunch.

The actual meal goes smoothly. Conversations are fairly civilized. I was really hoping Tom and Louis would get along.
After lunch, I’m putting things away in the kitchen, suddenly I feel hands on my waist. These aren’t Louis’ hands. I turn around. “Tom, what the hell are you doing?”
He puts his hand in my hair. “Lea, I’ve had feelings for you, as long as I’ve known you.”
I look at him questionably. “If that’s true, why didn’t you ever say anything to me?”
“I was afraid I’d lose our friendship.”
I pull his hand off of me. “So why say something now?”
“Because you should be with me, not him.” He leans in to kiss me.
I shove him back with all the force I can muster. “That’s not going to happen, Tom.”
He tries to lean in again. “Come on, Lea.”
I put my hand firmly on his chest, holding him back. “No! I’m in love with Louis. He’s the only one I want. I don’t feel that way for you, Tom. I was hoping we could continue our friendship, but…you need to leave, Tom.”
“Lea?”
“You heard her!” Louis shouts as he walks into the kitchen. Wrapping his arm around my waist, giving Tom a ‘seriously, don’t fuck with me’ face.
Looking into my eyes, Tom tells me. “I’m sorry, Lea.”
I just look down as he walks out.
“You alright, Love?”
I lay my head against Louis’ chest. “I guess you were right about him.”
Louis kisses the top of my head. “This is one time I wish I wasn’t right.” He pauses. “Now what’s this about you being in love with me?”
My eyes fly open against his chest. Crap.

Notes