I will never be the same without you...

Chapter 58

song: P!nk, "Get the party started"

I woke up feeling happy and relaxed. I stretched and cuddled against Saifah, feathering kisses all over his back to wake him up. He stirred and reached around to squeeze my butt in greetings, then took my arm to wrap around himself. I nipped the nape of his neck sending a shiver down his spine.

"Heee, Zon... it tickles."

I nuzzled some more, enjoying his warmth. "But that's my favourite kissing spot."

He turned on his back to bring me on top of him and stop me. I gave a light peck to his nose and then his smile.

"Hmmm... I think THIS is the best time of the day, my Zon."

"How about both are best?" I was smiling like a fool.

"Agreed."

And with that he brought me closer, running his hands hungrily over my body. If only we had time. I laughed, kissed him and dashed off while he sat there pouting, looking dramatically forlorn.

"Come on, I have to get to work early today, remember? And since I don't have my car you need to drop me off, so stop acting like a big baby and start getting ready."

He threw a pillow at me, still whining as he got up. I showered and dressed in record time, then made coffee. Since he'd prepared breakfast in the meantime, I made sandwiches for lunch. Our routine was pleasant and comforting.

As he drove me to work, I sent line messages to the boys. They all answered before midday, more than happy to meet for drinks Friday after work. I felt mildly anxious about the questions and worried glances I was sure would be there. Most of them had disliked my ex and by the time we'd split, I'd barely been in touch with everyone. And even now the distance lingered and we weren't as close as we once had been. It was as if my life had been in stasis until I ran into Saifah again. I sighed, prompting him to reach for my hand.

"It'll be ok, baby."

"Oh yes, I know. I just feel down that I pretty much stopped seeing everyone because of my ex. I'm actually looking forward to catching up and showing you off."

He smiled at that and squeezed my hand.

"I'm glad to hear that."

———

The week proceeded at warp speed. We both had big projects, long working hours and very little spare time, so by the end of it, we were ready to let loose and decompress. We met everyone downtown and when we arrived, Natee, Junior, Tanthai and Zen were already there and half way through their first drinks. The atmosphere was joyful and boisterous as usual, which made the silence that settled on the room when Saifah and I arrived quite striking. As if operated by a single brain, they all stopped talking and turned towards us. Saifah, waved a greeting.

"Hi guys, how are you? It's good to see you all. It's been ages."

I realized at that moment that he'd been holding my hand. I stood there like a statue as I was being pelted with exclamations, cooing noises and questions. Saifah, the traitor, sat down and poured himself a drink, laughing. Junior, always the ringleader, stood up and slapped me on the shoulder.

"Zon, my man. What's this holding hands about, eh?"

Feeling prickly and amused at the same time, I grumbled under my breath.

"kinda why we're here....SaifahandIaredating."

I sat down across from Saifah, resisting the urge to put my head in my hands. I'd missed my friends, but I could do without their teasing and high energy sometimes. Of course Natee, not to be left out, chimed in.