Florecer

Welcome

       Lily was at the bank depositing a check from a client that hired her because he was trying desperately to get his business into the new age. She flicked the corner of the check and wondered idly how far along he was with the process.

     That was when she got a call from June.

     She didn't realize it right away since she answered without seeing who it was, and she was caught off guard when she heard June's familiar, and wanted, voice.

     "What are you doing?" June asked.

     "Making a deposit at the bank. Why?"

     "I was curious."

     "Do you need help with something? Is Christina okay?"

     "Yes, of course. I was just... aren't you glad I contacted you first? Now you don't have to wonder whether or not you can call me."

     Lily chuckled and blushed slightly. "So why have you contacted me first? Surely it's not just because you wanted me to eventually call you first."

     "Well, that's a pretty good reason."

     "But the real reason?"

     "Oh, I just wanted to talk. I, uhm, missed you. I was thinking that maybe we could... I don't know, get together for dinner or something."

     Giddy, Lily moved her cell to the other ear and quickly finished her transaction, thankful for automated tellers. "That sounds great. Should- should I set a date? Make a reservation somewhere?"

     "Actually I was wondering if, maybe, I could finally see your place."

     Lily went silent at that. She was hesitant, and she bit her lip.

     "We don't have to do that," June stumbled on. "We could make a reservation instead. Sorry."

     "No, no," Lily was quick to say. "I don't mind having you over. It's just- are you sure? My apartment's not as big and homey as your place. There's nothing to do. It's bland and boring..."

     "Like I said, we can make a reservation instead."

     Chewing on her lip, Lily thought on it for a moment. "Does this mean I have to cook for you? I can, but I'm not as good as you."

     June laughed. "I can still do the cooking. Or we can order in. I like the idea of being at your place for once. I'd feel better about us if we were more open with each other, about everything. I hope you don't mind that."

     "No, no, not at all. So then... tonight? I can pick up something tasty for Christina."

     "Oh, actually, I wanted it just to be us. Is that okay?"

     "That's fine. But are you absolutely sure about that? Since the, uhm, resort thing, I'm not so sure..."

     "Honestly, I want to talk to you about that. That's why I want to see you, too. I know we got the truth out about that night but I have a few things on my mind."

     "Oh."

     "Still want to invite me over?"

     Lily breathed in, going for it. "Yes. You're right, we should be open and honest with one another. So yes. If you want to talk, I'll listen."

     June sighed. "Okay, good. Tonight?"

     "I'll text you my address." Lily hung up after a quick goodbye. She was only a minute from her place and was itching to get inside. The fact that June wanted to talk, seriously, no less, made anxiety flare in her belly. When she got into her apartment she looked around worriedly and suddenly wanted to bulldoze the whole building. A thought scratching at the back of her mind kept whispering that the condition of her apartment would greatly affect the outcome of her and June's conversation. Convinced, she got to working. The apartment was small but there was dust and dirt everywhere, from neglect and the fact that when she did clean she didn't do it close to thoroughly. She scrubbed her little home from top to bottom in hopes that it would impress. As for the atmosphere, well, she didn't have enough time to shop for new furniture and could do nothing about the things that came with the apartment. Though her place was clean, it was dull. She scratched the back of her head nervously as she wondered if there was something she could do to brighten up the place a smidgen before June arrived. There wasn't, of course, but she moved her furniture around anyway to soothe her fears.