Selfish Mistakes

12 - Poison Ivy

Jeremy wasn't sure how Darlene could pretend that everything was fine after what she did to him.  But if there was something that should be reckoned, it would have to be the way he felt about this unexpected meeting to see her once again after he swore to himself that he would forget her.

"I've been doing great.  Are you here on business?"  His defenses started to melt away, a part of him was simply glad to be there watching her smile.

"Actually I'm here to pick out some flowers for the wedding.  Not mine of course, my sister's."

Darlene was relieved to see that he wasn't angry at all to see her.  She wanted to clear the air between them, and getting mixed up with words might add to the existing damage between them.  She needed to clarify that she wasn't the one getting married.

She missed him so much, he had no idea how it pained her to leave him when she did and the way she had walked out of his life without a formal goodbye. Technically, they hadn't officially broken up their relationship. She simply needed some indefinite breathing space when she flew over to Europe after he proposed to her years ago.

There was an unspoken delight dancing inside him, brimming with a flicker of hope when he heard that it was Darlene's sister who was about to be married.  Not that he cared about her sister's happiness, the elation was focused on him and Darlene.  He was rejoicing in the middle of his thoughts when his phone received a text message.

*****

Liz:

I'm on my way, see you in 15mins.

*****

Reflex had his fingers press onto the screen lock button to abandon the message without a reply as he tucked his phone away in his pocket. He almost forgot that he was meeting Liz at the cafe.  Instead of saying goodbye to Darlene, he decided to stay and continue their conversation.

"How long will you be in town for the wedding?"  He could probably take a rain check for the coffee with Liz and the bagels can always be reheated later in the oven.  He had a feeling that Liz wouldn't mind if he couldn't make it today. But he'll try to call or maybe text her later.

"I dunno.  It depends."  Darlene slid her hand to encircle his arm for a possessive clutch as she led the way to a secluded area at the back of the flower shop.

"Depends on what?"  He had an inkling of what she was driving at but he let her finish the statement. Darlene had a way with him when she plays coy or publicly flirts with him.

"Well..."  Her voice softened as she whispered, letting her lips teasingly brush over his ear knowing it was one of his weak spots.  Pulling him closer as she pressed her perky inviting breasts against his firm broad chest.  Her luscious lips found the warmth of his mouth yielding to her temptation, clearly he was back in her arms without much qualms.

Jeremy had no problem with her unabashed open seduction.  If she was willing to fling herself back to where they left off, he would gladly enjoy her efforts and let her suffer a little while she tried.

Technically, he wasn't bound to any form of serious or permanent relationship with Liz or any woman for that matter.  His conscience was clear as far as he was concerned.

However there was a minuscule part in his brain that was brazen to protest against his nonchalant view of things.  That part in his brain was flashing an image of Liz timidly smiling at him in its feeble attempt to squeeze an ounce of guilt.

Kissing intensely while feeling Darlene's hands groping him in familiar and well-loved places on his body felt awkward at an instant when his mind refused to ignore the image of Liz smiling affectionately at him.