Ruthless Devotion

Eva

Checking my phone for the millionth time this evening I cross my fingers, hoping for an update from Travis. I try my best to not let annoyance pinch at my features and choose to focus on the reflecting sunset splashed across the Yarra River.

No notifications.

For a Friday evening the bar was unusually quiet. I often reserved Laneway for when I wanted to splash cash on overpriced cocktails and enjoy the bougee atmosphere. As if on que a waitress cleared her throat to announce her arrival. With my best, I'm not annoyed smile I order a gin and tonic before turning my attention back to a boat lazily jaunting down the river.

On the bright side it was cool for a summer evening. Instantly my thoughts turn to the mosquitoes that are no doubt feasting on my bare ankles. I curse myself not for the first time this evening, for wearing what my friend Maddy calls my fuck me dress.

The dress wasn't traditionally revealing, forest green fabric floating in the light breeze. The real pièce de résistance was the mile high slit along the thigh. When I cross my legs the billowing fabric gives way to expose my luscious thighs.

The sun had set by the time I finished my first G&T and was half way through my second. Still waiting for my date, I decided to enjoy a couple more drinks before calling it quits. If he didn't show up, I would be returning home with my tail between my legs.

Mesmerized by the flickering artificial lights I was startled out of my stupor when a hand planted itself on my bare back. 'Sorry my beautiful Evangeline.'

A man sat himself down next to me with little introduction. Thankfully Travis looked just like his pictures, which I wasn't sure was a good thing. When I first swiped across him, I wasn't instantly enthralled. Each one of his pictures were of him in a tailored suit, smoldering dramatically at the camera. His features were sharp and angular almost to the extreme. Thankfully, his bio was seemingly innocent with no obvious red flags.

Not an Andrew Tate quote in sight.

This fact alone made him swipe worthy in my wine drunk desperation. I hadn't swiped on Travis hoping for a deep romantic connection, instead I was simply looking to clean out the cobwebs.

I had broken up with my ex more than 10 months ago and was yet to dip back into the dating pool, but a woman has needs. Maddy had accused me more than once of having too high a standard. Something I scoffed at considering she has been with her high school sweetheart for almost 11 years.

Pushing away the ugly green-eyed monster, I smiled at Travis deciding to ignore his late arrival and less than optimal greeting. 'You know how it is, work never stops.' He spoke whilst tapping at his phone. His thumbs rapidly typed out a text before he slid it into the pocket of his suit pants.

'Oh, it's okay, I've had a chance to relax with a few drinks.'

His eyes darted to my almost empty glass. The flicker of disapproval behind his eyes was unmistakable.

'Would you like something?' I ask sweetly, choosing to ignore his judgement. If either of us should be judging, it should be me.

Whilst he was looking over the menu, I catalogued his outfit. He wore a dark grey suit; his navy tie loose, and the top two buttons of his shirt had been unbuttoned. Despite the quality of his outfit, it was clear that he had come straight from work. On his wrist was what appeared at first glance to be a real Tag Heuer, the freshly polished silver band and stunning deep blue face winking up from the cuff of his shirt. My internal alarm bells continued to ring louder and louder.

When the waitress returned, he ordered with an expert flurry over pronouncing 'Cabernet Sauvignon' causing me to physically cringe. I chastised myself for being a judgmental bitch, we had hardly shared a sentence between us and I was jumping to conclusions.