Desserts & Dramas

Chapter 30

 "I... I can't." Gabriel whispered. Sofia only heard him because she was still very close to him.

Gabriel pulled her face away and faced her, still breathless from the intensity of the kiss.

He saw the hurt and surprise in her gaze, but he couldn't let her get close to him, his hurt would be even worse. So he took a step back to increase the space between them. Noticing her lack of reaction, Gabriel repeated louder and firmly:

"I can't Sofia."

She finally found her voice and could not hide her astonishment.

"Why not?" Her voice was a mixture of indignation, guilt and regret. This question might make Sofia look like a silly girl, but she had no other way of knowing than to ask him. Her practical and rational side had come back strongly.

Gabriel thought it was better to assume his rude persona again. It was better that she hated him soon and walked away while there was still time. He shouldn't have let this kiss happen, it was a huge mistake. She wasn't just anyone he met at parties and just wanted to have fun, it was quite clear that Sofia was not the type to have fun without commitment. And that kiss could only lead them to a painful end later. Better not to start anything with an expiration date.

"Because I don't want to, Sofia," he continued, "that's what single groomsmen do at weddings, kiss the bridesmaids. Simple as that, I don't need drama."

"Drama?" Sofia was angry, hurt, but mostly confused. What was he trying to say?

"Just like now. I'd better go."

Gabriel turned and left. He couldn't stand another second of being near her, wanting to touch her and kiss her more, but she deserved someone better than him. Someone who wouldn't forget her. Someone who could grow old with her.

"Hey, where are you going in such a hurry?" Eric intercepted Gabriel halfway.

"I'm leaving."

"But it's early! The best of the party is yet to come."

"I've had it."

"Gabriel, what happened?" Eric attempted one more time.

"Nothing, I'm just tired. Enjoy the party with Samanta! "

Gabriel made an effort to give a more excited tone to his speech, but failed visibly. Eric cringed when he heard his girlfriend's name. She was particularly difficult that night, but realizing the mood his friend was in, his response couldn't be any other.

"That's fine."

Eric decided not to insist, and Gabriel left without looking back. Neither for Eric, much less for Sofia.