Long nights and street lights

Apologies

It was Australia Day, my favourite public holiday, and Connor and I were making our first public outing comfortably as a "new" couple. 

We acted like a real couple that day. Held hands, answered questions from friends, smiled and bought each other food and drinks. I liked it, I really enjoyed it. Seeing the smile on Connor's face made me even happier. 

I saw him drunk and realised he wasn't silly, he was sensible with drinking but still fun. I really liked him. He pushed me in the pool, fully clothed, but I pulled him in with me. It was different with him. Nothing was forced, I could be myself and we were absolute best friends. ]

"Hi." Squeaked that voice that I so often dreaded hearing. 

"I'm not comfortable with you ringing me." I was mad. I was enjoying my life until I saw his name and number appear on my phone screen. He was unwanted now. 

"How are you?" He said quietly.

"Actually I was doing quite well Jake. And if you didn't understand what I said before I can repeat for you." I tried to make myself clear that he needed to hang up.

"No, I'm sorry, I understand." He sounded defeated and I was happy. 

"Well?" I could tell he sensed the impatience in my voice. 

"Well...er." 

"Okay, goodb-"

"Wait." He interrupted. "I called for a reason."

I scoffed. "No shit, Sherlock."

"Sorry I'll make it quick." 

I was already getting impatient. "You better."

"So, how's Connor?" He was trying to get on good terms with me, which was never going to happen. 

"Just get to the point." I was getting frustrated. 

"Sorry." 

"And stop apologising." 

He sighed. "I thought you might wanna know where I'm at these days."

"Not really, but continue." Geez I was a bitch. 

"Well, I got offered a job." Oh my god, is that all he rang for?

"So?" This was dragging on.

"It's out of town." This was what I wanted to hear. 

"Oh! Awesome!" I was happy for me, not him of course.

"The contract is for two years. So I'll be gone a while." It got better with every sentence. 

My heart leapt. I sighed contently. "Well, thank you for that news. I won't deny that I'm quite happy. Now, goodbye." And before he could utter a single word, I hung up. 

"Who was that?" Connor asked as soon as I approached him. 

"Someone I didn't necessarily want to talk to but I'm glad I did." He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and smiled. 

That night we sat around the table joking around. I knew that I could do this, I could be with him for a while. Maybe not forever, but at least a while. 

"What are you thinking about?" Connor asked suddenly. 

"You. And me." I smiled. "Can you believe it's been nearly six months?" 

"It feels like six days." He grinned and looked at his feet then continued. "I've been thinking as well." My face must have showed it all. I worried too much. He laughed. "Don't be at all worried. I was just thinking it would be special if we didn't have sex until after marriage."

I laughed. "We've been together just under six months and you're thinking about marriage? God Connor!" 

"I just want your opinion please." He did his puppy eyes. 

"I'm completely fine with that but this conversation is making me uncomfortable." 

"Okay okay sorry to bring it up, but I'm happy with you." He spoke sincerely. 

I screwed up my face. "Alright, this is getting too soppy, let's watch Fast and Furious."