My Turning Page

Chapter 2

"He decided that he wanted to be single for his last year of college" I begrudgingly explain. Elias tilts his head and watches me for a few seconds. My teeth clench under his scrutiny. "Anyway it doesn't matter we were only together for like 6 months" I wave my hand like I'm making Matt's existence disappear from my life.

"Yeah I guess you're right" Elias slowly says while still watching me. "Anyway the reason I came over is because I wondered if you both would want to go out for lunch? There is a new pizza place down the road that has loaded baked potato pizzas" His eye sparkle like it's the most amazing thing in the world.

"I was just trying to figure out what Mira and I should do, so that's a perfect idea" Nadine says excitedly as she claps her hands together, cementing it into history. She turns to me expectantly while Elias looks at me with a smirk. I judge his victorious smile through narrowed eyes.

"Fine I'll go but you need to give me 20 minutes to find something decent to wear". I pull myself out of the chair as I trudge to my room up the stairs.

"Oh come on Mira you could wear anything and you'd still look great" Elias calls from downstairs". Oh I wish he didn't say things like that. How lovely must it be to live in utter ignorance of these feelings. I wish I could experience the same.

"Just look ahead and get to your room". After changing into comfy leggings with boots and a warm sweater, I grab my wallet and finally manage to find my phone.

"I'll drive" Elias says as he herds us into his black Range Rover. He hisses at both of us for shutting the doors too hard in his opinion, as he drives off. I can't help rolling my eyes, being matched by Nadine. "Mom wants you to come over for dinner next week".

"Why didn't she tell me, and told you? Nadine asks accusingly.

"Chill, I was just on the phone with her before I came by" Elias raises his hands off the steering wheel as a sign of peace.

"Fine, I'll call her and figure out a day" she grumbles out. I watch the scene from the backseat, amused. Who can blame them? Even I adore their mother and father. They are the sweetest, and a testament to long term love. There is a delicate dance between admiring and envying I find myself in when I am in the presence of the Caruso family.

After finding our seats we give our order to the waitress whose lust filled eyes haven't left Elias'.
"Coming right up" she winks at him, as she grazes her fingers against his to grab his menu. Elias coughs and looks anywhere but at her. A loud snort releases from me at the scene. She doesn't look happy when I hand her my menu. I grace her with a full tooth smile, silently thanking her for the entertainment. We eat and chat about Elias upcoming hockey games and our classes.
At home, I go to follow Nadine inside when a hand grabs my arm, pulling me back.

My eyes can't hide the surprise contact. "What are you doing Elias?"

"Will you come to my next game?" He asks sweetly, towering over my short height. His body heat feels so nice. "Lean just a little closer" my mind nudges me on. His cologne has always been the same since high school and it causes me to relax and drop my guard.

I breathe out a hum as my eyes slant closed, broadcasting a world in my mind where I get to press my body into his strong one while his arms wrap around me and it's not complicated.

"Did you hear me?" Elias voice shatters my daydream as I look up at him.

"Oh uhh yeah it's this Friday right?" I ask, releasing all my pent up angst into squeezing my purse strap, my knuckles biting into my chest.

Elias chuckles. "Where is your head at, Mira?". He nods and confirms, "Yeah it's at 6, see if Nadine can come too". The mention of my best friend sobers me. That's why he asked. Of course he did. Anytime I've went to his home hockey game has been with Nadine and sometime their parents join too.