The Psychology of Falling in Love

XXXIV. March 21st

AN: I didn't want this to be 2 separate chapters, but I got swept away. SMUT and REVENGE.

"Claire," Sinclair fussed, putting a hand on each of my shoulders. "You're going to be late to your own birthday dinner."

I groaned and turned around in my swivel chair. "But there's so many reports..."

"And they will be here Monday. Promise. Neither myself nor Amanda will touch them," he claimed earnestly with a twinkle in his eye.

I slumped and tapped my forehead against my desk. "Oh, what a pleasure."

I stood and began to pack my bag. My ringtone sounded out, causing me to jump. I dug my phone out of my purse and looked at the caller ID. The color must have drained from my face, because Edward was immediately by my side with his arms out.

"Claire?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "It's Isaac."

"Don't answer," Edward softly demanded. "Just put the phone away and let's go meet everyone."

I nodded and silenced my phone, putting it back in my purse. We met with Amanda outside of the building, and I thanked each of the officers who wished me a happy birthday. The soggy ground gave way under my feet as I trampled the shortest distance possible to the car.

I was trying my best to keep my spirits up, but between Aria's decision to 'go to class early' and all the data organization at work, Isaac's call put salt in my papercuts. Aria left me a homemade breakfast and iced chai, and wrote a beautiful note telling me happy birthday, but I still didn't get to see her.

Look at you, 33 years old, pining over a woman like a child.

I pulled down the visor and looked at myself in the mirror. "Stop it. Bad. Don't fuss at yourself— your feelings are valid."

It felt equally as silly to speak to myself in that manner, but I shrugged it off and started the car.

♥

The kids these days say that you can be one type of two gays: a gay that can drive, or a gay that can do math. I'm assuming bisexuals can be shit at both, because my parallel parking skills were dreadful and I failed the math portion of my GREs three times.

After an embarrassing show of my experience behind the wheel, I climbed out of the car. Aria chose Delucca's, a slightly fancy Italian restaurant. She also left a navy dress hanging up for me when I got home. It was silky smooth, with navy lace as the sleeves.

"Claire," my girlfriend's chipper voice snatched my attention.

I looked up and felt the air vacate my lungs. Aria was dressed similarly to her birthday, but instead of the burgundy, it was dark navy like my dress. She held herself a bit differently, almost awkwardly.

"Hey," I greeted her, kissing both of her cheeks and then her lips. "Everyone else is inside?"

She nodded. "Yeah, we've got a table in the back. I didn't order any wine yet— didn't want to overstep and get something that doesn't match what you eat."

"So thoughtful," I swooned. "And fancy."

"I do have a huge amount of money—"

I covered her mouth with my hand. "Ah-ah. Don't get arrogant."

She gave me her classic smirk before linking her arm with mine and leading me back. I felt the eyes of restaurant goers as we walked by. I straightened my back and smiled.

"There's the birthday girl!" Imani jumped up and pulled me into a tight hug. She spoke softly so only I could hear, "Oh, I'm so happy to celebrate this day with you again."