Hold Me Close: A Jemi Story

Chapter 10

I couldn't believe that I was doing this. Sitting at a little table in Starbucks, I pulled out my compact mirror and checked my hair, fixing a few strands that were out of place. I nervously glanced over at the small, black wall clock that was hanging on the white walls. I was ten minutes early for meeting my ex for coffee. I didn't understand why I was beyond nervous as I sat there, chewing on my bottom lip. I blamed the cause of the butterflies in my stomach on the fact that I hadn't seen him in almost ten months. 

I looked down at my bitten fingernails. The black nail polish was chipping away like usual. I sighed, trying to calm myself down. Working myself up over my ex was something that I knew was a waste of time and energy. 

"Demi." 

I slightly jumped in my seat, turning around to face the voice that just scared my thoughts away. Wilmer stood behind me, smiling. His smile was surrounded by dark stubble on his face, and he wore a dark pair of faded jeans and a black v-neck. I eyed him briefly before I stood and gave him an awkward hug. The all too familiar scent of his Lacoste cologne filled my senses, making my cheeks flush slightly.

"It's amazing to see you again," He said, moving out of the hug and into the chair across from mine.

I sat down again, smoothing out my black pencil skirt. "You too." 

"I ordered our coffees just now. Are you still drinking your Vanilla Lattes?" Wilmer said. 

I gave him a small smile. "You have a good memory." 

Wilmer chuckled lightly, his shoulders moving slightly with his actions. "After being with a girl for so long, some things just never leave your mind." 

I blushed again, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. Wilmer had a special way with words. He was a sweet talker, and I always loved that about him. He always knew what to say, and when the right time was to say it. He was one of those guys that could speak his mind without completely sounding like an ass, most of the time. This is what attracted me to Joe. Wilmer and Joe were a lot alike in some ways, but their differences really stood out. 

"What did you want to talk about?" I asked, letting my train of thought vanish. 

"Oh-" He started, before being cut off.

"Non-fat, extra whip grande Vanilla Latte, and a grande house dark roast!" The barista behind the counter shouted out, placing two cups down in front of her. 

Wilmer smiled at me and excused himself, "I'll get that." 

I watched him walk towards the woman who was clearly not ashamed to check him out, twirling her hair and fluttering her eye lashes profoundly. Wilmer smiled and thanked her, and placed lids on the coffees. He brought them over and placed my Latte in front of me. 

"Thank you," I grinned, removing the lid that Wilmer had just placed on my cup. I stuck my finger into the whipped cream floating on top of my hot beverage and let it melt in my mouth. 

"That is one thing that I forgot," He laughed, eyeing me. 

"It's the best part!" I retorted, scooping up more whipped cream onto my index finger. I ate it slowly, letting the sweet taste wash over my senses. I placed the lid back on, not wanting to tempt myself to another bit. "So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?" I asked again. 

Wilmer took a small sip of his coffee, careful not to burn his mouth. He looked up at me and let a small smile form on his lips. "I have a favour to ask of you." 

I nodded, urging him to continue.

"Well, one of my really good friends is playing a gig this weekend. He hasn't done a show in a while and he's nervous, so I want to go and show him support." Wilmer explained, proceeding to sip on his hot beverage again. 

"Okay," I said, "What does that have to do with me?" 

"I need a date," He said sheepishly, "And I thought you would be the perfect person to ask. You love live music, and he's really good!" 

Thoughts flooded my mind as I processed this information. Was it honestly a good idea to go out with my ex? Not to mention the fact that I just recently broke up with my boyfriend. Maybe if I just gave it a chance. Plus, it's not like he's asking to get back together, Wilmer means as friends. And I really could use a friend, one that wasn't stuck in the middle of a terrible situation such as Selena; seeing as she is like my sister, but is dating Joe's brother.

"Sure, I'll go with you. Which friend is it?" I asked, smiling. 

"His name's Seph, he plays guitar and has one hell of a voice. I'm so excited for him to start up with music again," Wilmer said happily, a smile dancing on his lips. "It's going to be amazing, you'll have a great time, I promise."

"Well," I breathed slowly, "If you promise."