Leaves, Seasons, and Dead Trees (BxB)

22. - Chance Encounters/Chances of Encounters

"Like a wish that's remained concealed
Like a wound that has never healed
And the secret language of the heart
I summoned you to me"

- "This Right Here" by Markéta Irglová -

*****

Samuel

I release my fingers from the violin strings as Matty strides into the apartment. Not because of his grin while clutching two greasy pizza boxes, but because of the Beagle nestled affectionately beside him.

She's wearing light-wash, high-waisted jeans, a cream knit crop top, and an oversized olive green cardigan - a Boho chic ensemble completed with brown ankle boots. Before curiosity consumes me, Matty preemptively answers my unspoken questions. "Sam, this is, uh... Iris. From BYU. Iris, this is Samuel."

"Oh, the private uni in Provo?"

"Yeah." Iris smiles warmly. "I'm in Physics and Astronomy. You're in English Literature, right?" I nod, and Iris reciprocates by not breaking the smile. "Matty talks a lot about you."

"Well, damn. You're smart smart." Placing the violin and bow on the couch, I can't help but fix a lingering, scrutinizing gaze on the nervous Golden Retriever as I approach Iris. "But how much has Matty spilled about me, though?"

"Enough for me to be glad that he's your close friend." Iris's measured reply hints at perceptiveness, though her appearance suggests eloquence rather than cunning.

"Well, nice to meet you, Iris." After shaking paws and exchanging pleasantries, the three of us settle in to savor the pizza. Matty initially prods me to showcase my violin skills, but thankfully, our conversation veers toward pop star gossip instead, although I find myself somewhat adrift amidst the chatter.

After approximately thirty minutes of discussing various topics, my curiosity gets the better of me when Iris excuses herself to the bathroom. I lean against the couch. "So when did you have a girlfriend again?"

"Girlfriend? O-Oh, no. We're just, uh... in the talking stage." Yet the groggy smile and furrowed brows on Matty's face hint at a different narrative. Given his sex-positive lifestyle, I doubt they haven't shared intimate moments before this day. Although I recognize my status as an outsider, I can't help but speculate about his romantic history with Iris. Perhaps it's my own bland love life driving my judgments, but hearing him mention the "talking stage" doesn't quite align with his usual demeanor.

"So what changed?" I take a bite of the supreme pizza.

He quickly understands what I'm implying. "Nothing, I swear! She's, uh... I don't know if you remember, but Iris was actually from the rival team during the debate competition." Matty casually takes a bite as well, downplaying the reaction my question has on him.

I raise my brows. "Wait, she was?"

"Yep." He smiles at me, almost looking smug. Or perhaps I merely envy the dog that I believe he's being smug.

"Then how did you guys, like, start talking?"

Before he can respond, the Beagle jumps in as soon as she steps out of the bathroom. "Three days after the debate. It was just one of those chance encounters, you know?" She slips to the couch and leans against the cushion. "He was with his buddies downtown, and so was I with my best friend. We went to this quaint cafe at the same time and saw each other, and it just... kinda went on from there." Iris leans in, her eyes sparkling as she recounts the rest of the story. Apparently, Matty made the first move, spurred on by his Poli Sci mates who noticed him checking her out. Iris, sharp as ever, immediately recognized the handsome Golden Retriever from somewhere after the two officially introduced themselves. After some protective negotiation with her best friend, Matty got permission to save Iris' number. And now? They're fresh off their third date, which is the exact reason why Matty is inviting Iris to our apartment.