Captivate me

The supressed smile

The next time we saw each other again was in my garden. I invited Noel and Don to a cookout. Having inherited money from my grandparents, I can afford a small apartment just outside of London. When they arrive I hug Don and Noel who pulls me towards him to hug me even tighter. I enjoy the protective feeling of his arms around me and sigh confidently. I lead the two of them to a lounge and they make themselves comfortable. We strike up a leisurely conversation until it's getting colder and I fire up the grill.

When I go inside to get the food, Noel follows me.
"You got any beer in there?" He asks while peeping over my shoulder into the fridge.
"Can't you enjoy one evening being sober? I promise you won't get bored, You are in good company, remember? Set a good example for your son." I giggle.

"I think for that it's too late, I've already ruined the chance. Maybe he at least inherited my fabulous talent." He puffs out his chest playfully and I laugh while rolling my eyes.
"I hope he doesn't develop an ego as big as yours for Christ's sake." I roll my eyes while trying to suppress a smile.

Out of the blue he lifts my chin with his finger and I raise my eyes to his in utter surprise.

"Please Em, I've been meaning to make you smile the whole evening, don't suppress it now." He says fondly and lightly caresses my chin. I have to swallow thickly and just continue to look in his eyes. A shiver runs down my spine.

"Noel...", is the only thing I can get out.

He closes his eyes for a moment and lifts the corners of his mouth into a lazy smile before lowering his hand.

Pretending everything is normal, he asks me if he can carry anything outside yet. I can't respond to that either, I'm still dumbstruck.

The evening passed without much happening, we all watched the sunset together and Don put some relaxing music on. I lay across him with my legs resting over his lap and Noel slid onto the couch to sit next to us. I raise my head to take a sip from my glass and slump back again.

Unlike before Noel's arm is lying where my head rested. I look at him and he smiles carelessly. So I lean back fully and snuggle my head against his arm without Don noticing. It's very comfortable and warm.

As the two of them say their goodbyes Don hugs me hurriedly and then rushes to the car to talk to his favourite driver. Noel stays behind to properly say goodbye.

"It was nice to see you again today." He states.
"Likewise, Noel", I answer with a yawn.
We hug an Noel gives me a light but lingering kiss on the cheek.

"Sleep well, Em, see you soon." He winks at me, goes to the car and waves at me one last time. As I turn around I rub my cheek where I can still feel Noel's lips on my skin. His lips were so soft and the kiss so tender, it seemed like he was trying to tell me something, but what?

I sigh, did this really just happen or was it all a dream?

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