Her Bet

chapter 21

Danton

It's been over two weeks since Meera and I started going out . In the following week, we explored the local farmers' market, where the vibrant stalls overflowed with produce and homemade treats. Meera had convinced me to try a sample of fresh lavender ice cream, and I grimaced at the taste, earning a playful smack on my arm. Yet, it was one of those exquisite moments that solidified what I felt for her.

Our second date had been even more memorable. We attended a small concert in the park, and as we swayed to the rhythm of the music, I noticed how her eyes sparkled under the stars. We danced clumsily, laughter mixing with the melodies surrounding them. I'd been caught off-guard when she leaned in close, whispering something sweet in my ear, and I felt a flutter of exhilaration.

My mind wandered to last weekend, the pinnacle of our adventures so far. We had ventured to the beach, where the sun-kissed sand felt warm beneath our feet. I could still hear Meera's laughter as she got overconfident in jumping waves, only to end up tumbling into the surf, dripping and giggling as I helped her up. We had built a sandcastle together, our playful rivalry igniting as we each tried to outdo the other.

Sighing softly, I realized I was smiling at the memories I had etched in my mind. It was more than just the experiences we shared; it was how she had begun to feel like a part of me, transforming mundane moments into fantastical stories.

I pick up my phone and text her .

Me: can we meet up ?

Without waiting she already replies .

Meera: you mean the study session we planned.?

Me:yeah

Meera:ok see ya 😊

I grinned, gathering my notes as I prepared to rush out. Whatever I had to say, I knew it was about more than just the past two weeks. It was about the future, the possibilities that stretched ahead like a sunlit horizon waiting for us to explore together.

I walk downstairs and hear my mother talking to someone. Is dad back yet .

I stop in my tracks when I find my mother talking to Laria. What the actual fuck.

"Oh son, you're finally here."

"What are you doing here?"

"Danton, respect our guests please."

"What are you doing here Laria?"

"I wanted to see you and talk ."

"About ?"

"Can we go somewhere more private please."

"Oh , I'll leave you guys ."

My mom says but before leaving she winks at me and I just roll my eyes.

I look at Laria and I can feel the tension between us getting thinker by each passing minute.

"I know you're probably shocked but I just need you to listen to me."

"Not here. And make it quick because I have somewhere to be. "

We silently walk upstairs.

"Can you cancel your plans ?"

"No ."

I open my bedroom door and she gets in.

"I didn't want my mom to hear our conversation so...had to bring you here."

"No , it's no problem. Though I must it's smaller than I expected."

I look at her as her eyes are roaming around the room . I make a crucial mistake the minute I look down. I can't help but feel a rush of emotions when I see her wearing a short skirt that showed off her legs. I felt a mix of admiration, attraction, and maybe even a little bit of nervousness. Her confidence and beauty always left me feeling a little tongue-tied.

"It's a nice room though , it is so you ."

"I'm not going to ask again, what are you doing here?"

She turns around ignoring and heads to the mirror. The world around me seemed to pause as I watched her bend down, the skirt fluttering slightly with her movement. A hint of embarrassment washed over me as I caught himself staring,

Just then, Laria glanced up and caught my eye. A playful smile spread across her face, and I felt a sudden rush of warmth.

"I noticed that this photo frame was on the floor so I picked it up ."

I look at her and I notice a little smirk .

I take the photo from her and put it on the table .

"I came here to talk . I don't even know where to start ."

"I'll start then . Firstly , I don't like the fact that you came to my house and talked to my mother without my knowledge. Secondly, it's been over weeks now and I planned on never talking to you again but you're here. Why?"

"Sorry about your mother . She just started going deeper into details and I couldn't bail her out."

"Details? What did you two talk about?"

"I told her about me and she asked about us ."

"What did you tell her about us."

"That we fucked."

"What!? Why would you do that?"

"She was bugging me about telling her the truth and I did."

"The truth? Did you tell her about what you did."

"Yes I did ."

I look at her shocked and a message dings on my phone.

Meera: where are you?

I look at the message and then back at Laria.

"I have to go ."

I stand up to leave but Laria holds me back.

"What is it now?"

"Are you really in a hurry?"

"Yes."

"Ok fine , but promise me you'll reply to my text."

"Really?"

"Yes. Promise me."

"Fine I promise."

"Ok , let's walk out."

We walk downstairs and find my mom watching TV.

"Bye mom."

"Bye Mrs De Luca."

"Bye kids ."