The Crowded Room

12. Sneaky Sneaky.

It's a tremendously triumphant feeling when Pierre slips his hand into mine as we walk into He’s Not Here once again. The place is packed inside and outside with people. I feel everyone look at us as though we are some sort of rare peacocks fluttering our provocative feathers around, the warmth of his hand in mine brings me enough comfort to distract me from overthinking it all. Pierre struts with his long legs, shoulders back and head high. He doesn’t look in anyone’s direction and he’s definitely not bothered that everyone’s staring at us. His strong aura forces me to get rid of this tingling anxiety and indefinitely step up my game.

Be confident.

I walk, head high and posture as straight as possible, my feet step one in front of the other allowing my hips to sway seductively side to side so that I may not look as rigid as I truly feel.

I am not intimidated.

I am not afraid.

The match is already broadcasted on every television screen available inside and outside. I steal a quick glimpse to try and understand what the reason could be why everyone seems to be making such a fuss about a soccer game. He leads me all the way inside and stops by the bar. This time I stand behind him and allow him to order drinks for us. My hands seem to slither around his hips and nestle themselves into his pink hoodie pockets. I notice him smile proudly at my actions and then place his hands on top of my own in the comfort of his own hoodie.

I like this.

Pierre moves forward to lean closer to the bar and briefly, I let go of him and move to try and find a seat at the bar for us. I manage not to suffocate from the close proximity of people all around and push two chairs close together for him and I. I sit down and look up to the exposed television which has the perfect view of the soccer match. I notice an older gentleman stand next to Pierre and start talking to him.

Of course he knows everyone.

I wait patiently for his return but intently keep an ear open for their conversation.

‘’So, is this your girlfriend?’’

I feel the instant two pairs of eyes dig holes into my back and suddenly I am much more aware of sitting up straight and looking exemplary cute and approachable. Instinctively my heartbeat quickens with an abnormal pace. I feel the panic make its way into my nervous system almost completely taking possession of me.

Remain confident.

I turn around to look at them and see them already looking at me, though, Pierre has his hand nervously clawing at his hair with a sheepish smile on his face. His eyes are ever-so-lovingly emerald and intense searching my own for some sort of confirmation.

Is he nervous?

‘’Uh, yeah, yeah.’’

My heart contracts making me suddenly very aware of his words. I look away trying to regain my composure. I bite my lip to try and hide my smile, however, I fail miserably.

Uh, yeah, yeah.

What does that mean?

‘’Hi I’m Phil.’’

Another Phil.

This time, I really look at him. He’s tall, but not as much as Pierre. He is chubby, but he dresses well with his black jeans and dress shirt. He’s much closer to being bald than I’m sure he would like. He smiles brightly at me and holds out his hand for me to shake.

‘’Nice to meet you.’’

I shake his hand politely.

‘’Can I buy you lovebirds your first drink?’’