The Dark Society

20

Alex and Karen had arranged to meet at a familiar spot they regularly visited: the London Wine Bar. After all, they hadn't seen each other since the reading, so an impromptu reunion felt warranted.

He'd spent countless days talking with Luis, among other things, but Karen understood their bond. Besides, she sounded distressed again and wanted to talk.

"I hope you saved some," he joked, noting a half-empty wine bottle on the table.

Karen turned her face away slightly--a gesture Alex didn't like seeing in this situation. Nevertheless, their friendship had suffered due to his absence, and he hoped to make amends.

"You all right?" he asked, taking a seat.

Before he knew it, she grasped his hand.

"No," Karen confessed. "I thought everything would work out, but I was wrong."

Alex relaxed.

"I'm sorry I've been distant," he said. "But it's difficult to remain neutral."

Karen shifted in her seat.

"I don't blame you," she admitted. "And I'm glad you're here."

Alex smiled and touched her cheek gently.

"I'll always be here," he answered. "Besides, you have a way of making someone feel sorry."

Karen reached for the bottle.

"I suppose you feel terrible."

She'd ordered a special blend ahead of time, knowing Alex was a wine connoisseur. It was also an opportunity to explore their varied interests.

"I assume Luis is dating Sabrina?"

Alex remained expressionless.

"No, not that I'm aware of."

Karen's eyes widened as she realized the truth about Luis's feelings. But she stayed composed while placing a glass on the table.

"I didn't think you'd underestimate my intelligence," she said. "Besides, I don't care if he's seeing her."

He finished his drink, unmoved by Karen's attitude or questioning. Though, she was grieving, and this wasn't the place for such an intimate conversation.

"Here," she said, presenting a credit card. "Handle the bill and meet me outside."

"Is she all right?" the bartender asked, watching Karen's unsteady walk.

"Yeah," Alex replied, taking the card. "A bit upset--boyfriend problems."

The bartender nodded as Alex went to Karen's side, took her hand, and led her outside. His parents had dealt with her anger before, so going home wasn't an option.

Even still, another conflict was brewing, and managing it would be challenging. Hence, he suggested a secluded area he and Luis often visited--somewhere they could have privacy and speak openly.

After a while, headlights pierced the foggy darkness, and as Alex arranged a blanket, Karen smiled continuously. They remained steady despite having consumed considerable amounts of alcohol, but there was obvious tension as he addressed her earlier behavior.

"You're still in love with Luis, aren't you?" he asked, looking into her eyes.

Karen sighed and adjusted her collar.

"I can't deny it," she replied. "I thought I'd moved past it and made peace with everything, but I was wrong."

She'd wanted to reconcile from the beginning, but Luis had shown no signs of forgiveness or compassion. So she'd adopted a more guarded attitude in response to his continued coldness. However, Alex understood more than she realized.

"I know what you mean."

"How could you?" she questioned.

He smiled wryly.

"Trust me, I do."

The revelation caught Karen off guard, because, if Alex had feelings for someone, she would have known. Even so, she remained mindful and respectful of his situation.

"What are you going to do?"

Karen shrugged and reached for the bottle.

"What can I do?" she replied. "You can't force someone to love you, and if friendship is all they offer, you accept it and move on."

Alex was impressed by Karen's honesty, but at the end of the day, he still didn't entirely trust her.