Heard it Through the Grapevine

Chapter Five

My head was throbbing. The alcohol from last night swelled in my body only made worse by the blinding morning light. I rolled over, attempting to put myself back to bed. I needed to delay the day, even if it was only for a few more minutes. The pulsing only seemed to awaken me more, my body demanded I get up and face the memories of last night. I was rejected.The echoes of our conversation still linger in my head. I can feel the blood rushing to my cheeks, even now I am embarrassed.

Something about that night made Grady so intoxicating. The cold air of the early morning and the enticing porch light had beckoned me to kiss him, or at least try to. It may have been the alcohol or the rush from watching the Honeyboys perform or maybe the graciousness Grady showed me while listening to my fears and anxieties. Grady was thoughtful in a way I have never seen with other people. He took care of me and kept me safe. I didn't want to ruin this friendship with a kiss nor did I want him to feel uncomfortable.

Before I have time to dwell on these thoughts, Ari swiftly knocked on my door and strolled in. His friendly and flirtatious attitude pulls me away from my thoughts of Grady. "My Nathan! I hope the headache isn't a killer. We have big plans today!" I begin to stretch, not fully grasping his words. "Come on, we are going to San Francisco! The two of us are going to get you the perfect saxophone."

With my hangover haze gone, I emerged from my cozy bed. A shower seemed to be the perfect cure for the pounding headache. I made sure to ruffle my messy brown hair into place and select warm clothes for the journey ahead of us. I threw on my favorite khakis and graphic tee, paired with a red hoodie and sneakers.

The three and a half hour journey with Ari cemented the little crush I had on him. I would never admit that to him but I couldn't help it. I felt at ease with the jokes we cracked and his warm laughter felt so familiar. It was nice being with Ari, it felt as if nothing could go wrong when I was with him.

As we enter the city, Ari leads us to a vintage music shop. "Listen, this shop isn't like the others. The owner is a very superstitious guy, he believes that these vintage instruments need to find a home in people he trusts. I think the best way to get in his good will is to, well, pretend to be a couple." I was definitely shocked by what he was suggesting but ultimately I agreed. I already had a crush on him, what harm could a little flirting do?

As we exited the car, Ari reached for my hand and I couldn't help but notice a spark of something between us. The way his hand fit into mine felt so natural.

Ari and I made our way through the store, putting on our best performance, flirting and playfully touching each other as we tried out various saxophones. The store owner was convinced and before long, so was I. We seemed to meld into each other, and before I knew it, Ari leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. I was taken aback but I didn't pull away. As we pulled apart Ari gave me a sheepish grin, "He totally believes us! I think we will get your saxophone no problem."

With the instrument in hand we left the store. Before heading back home, we decided to get some food and enjoy the views of SF. We settled in Golden Gate Park and Ari couldn't help but notice my silence. "What's wrong?" he asked, furrowing his brow. I peered out to the city, feeling the cold air rush over me. I couldn't believe what I was about to admit, "That was my first kiss."

I found the courage to look at Ari. He was shocked, eyeing me and finally looking down at his Pad Thai. "I'm sorry, if I knew I would have made it better. Maybe we can try again..." Slowly he leaned in and my heart was racing. He wrapped his arms around me, our bodies drawn together like magnets. The air between us was electric and the tension was only building.

His lips met mine in a soft kiss. At first, our lips were gentle and tentative, exploring each other's mouths. But as the kiss deepened our hands tangled in each other's hair as the kiss became passionate and intense. My head was spinning. Our lips parted, and we looked into each other's eyes, both breathless.

"Maybe it's time we head back," Ari suggests, "before we get too crazy."