Despicable Desires

Episode 13

Adeline

Why did I agree to this date again?

Tyler will be here any minute and all I want to do is pretend I'm still sick. Whatever I felt for him has completely evaporated and now it's clear: nothing is going to happen between us. But I'm not sure if he understands that, because I'm just now realizing it myself...

I really have to make it clear to him that this coffee is just coffee...

He rings the doorbell just as I'm tying my shoes around my ankles. I take a deep breath and grab a purse where I keep my phone and credit card. The goal is for him not to pay for me. Nothing sends a worse signal, and since this is going to be a complicated enough situation to manage, I might as well be clear to the end.

Be brave!

When I reach the bottom of the stairs, Cameron is talking to Tyler in the foyer. He's wearing a light blue shirt that brings out the color of his eyes, matched with jeans and a dark jacket.

He's way too well dressed for just going out for coffee "as friends"...

I stifle a nervous laugh and greet him briefly.

"You look lovely, Adeline."

"That's nice of you to say," I reply, feeling a little embarrassed. "Shall we go?"

Without giving him a chance to say anything else, I push him towards the exit, under Cameron's surprised gaze. Tyler finds my brusque behavior amusing, not mistaking it for a sudden desire to escape. I need to pick up the pace.

***

The bar, where he has made a reservation, is extremely charming, decorated with numerous lanterns that create a cozy and intimate atmosphere in the room. We sit down at the back of the room on brown leather banquettes, away from the other tables. A man plays the piano in the middle of the customers, adding to the sophistication of the place.

- It's beautiful.

I look around, both fascinated and embarrassed by the atmosphere. If I had been with my boyfriend, I would have found it very romantic, but right now I mostly feel like I am in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tyler is not my boyfriend anymore.

- Have you never been here before? I discovered this bar last year with my parents, I really liked it. I'm glad you're here.

- Me too, I added, barely audible.

Let's take it one step at a time. He seems very happy, and I don't want to seem bitchy. I promised him a coffee, let's have one.

- It might be a little late for coffee. Would you like something to eat?

- Of course, I replied sarcastically.

Forget the bitch...

- Is that a problem? he asked laughing.

He has no idea that his attempt to get closer to me makes me want to run away.

- I don't know, I replied. It doesn't really look like a place for friends to hang out.

- Don't you like the place?

- Of course I do! It's not that...

I sigh when I see the discomfort in his face. I have to relax. I'm getting defensive, even though he hasn't done anything wrong - for once. I just didn't set the boundaries I should have a long time ago. I gave him space, I never forced him to talk about the reason we broke up. I pretended it had no effect on me, when in fact it did. And now I realize that I've completely mishandled everything.