Do Us Part

23. "Genesis"

Chapter 23

Natalie

"Natalie." I heard my name again so I turned around to see who it was.

I froze as we locked gazes.

"Hey," I managed to say.

I took a closer look at him, and he smiled as he walked toward us. When he got to where we were, he stood beside me, facing Sam.

As the two men exchanged glances, I knew I had to act. "Hmmm...Henry, do you remember Sam, and Sam, do you remember Henry?"

"How could I not? What's up, man?" Sam replies and they shook hands.

"Not a much," Henry replies.

"How did you end up here?"

"I've come to see my girlfriend," He smiles at me.

"Does your girlfriend live in the building as well?" Innocently, Sam inquires.

Oh my goodness!

At this point, think to yourself, who does the term "awkward" mean to you?

"Yes, and she's standing right next to me," Henry responds. I closed and opened my eyes almost instantly, and I noticed Sam's eyes widen slightly in surprise as he stared at me.

He then appeared to gather his thoughts as he coughed briefly, "I'll see you tomorrow, Natalie."

Well, here's my life's definition of awkward: Having my new boyfriend introduce himself to my ex-husband.

"Hmm..." I nod and watch as he walks away from us after saying his goodbyes.

(15 years ago)

When we arrived at my house, Henry parked the car and got out to open it for me.

I thanked him with a smile.

"It is my pleasure." He replies with a smile of his own. "So... I'll catch up with you tomorrow?"

I said, "Of course." Henry is a new acquaintance of mine who will be my presentation partner. We've been challenged to think outside the box and invent new ways to use technology.

We've already spent the past three hours brainstorming ideas on what to create and have some ideas, but for the time being, we've decided to individually go home and research the costs and potential production issues on each idea.

"Do you mind if we hug?" I smiled as he asked. "I'm just a big hugger who enjoys hugging my friends. I mean, we're friends, right?" His face lost color for a second.

"Of course," I said with a chuckle. "And yes, you'll be pleased to learn that I, too, am a hugger," I added as I opened my arms and he wrapped his arms around me. As I kept my hands on his back, I smiled.

"What the fuck is going on here?" A familiar voice shouted and we jolted apart.

"Sam, what are you doing he..."

"Who the fuck is this asshole?" He interrupted.

"Who are the fuck are you?" Henry replies, clearly offended by the tone with which Sam addressed him.

Sam let out a dry laugh."Her man."  He cockily responds and I stared at him in surprise.

"Oh."

"Yes. So keep your damn hands to yourself." He mutters angrily and looks at me. "I'll be inside." After that, he entered my hostel.

I locked my gaze on Henry. "I'm so sorry, Henry."

"It's cool." He fakes a smile and I felt bad. "I'll see you, tomorrow?"