Unexpected Encounters [B.H.M.]

32

"I'll take some tea," he told me after a moment of thinking, rubbing his hands together. "It's getting chilly outside," he pointed out.

"I know," I agreed, going into the kitchen with him to get started on our tea. Just hearing his voice lifted my mood, and I was grateful for that. "I dressed up last night because I was going out with colleagues which I don't usually do so I forgot how icy it gets in nothing but a pair of tights."

Brian looked amused. "Nothing but a pair of tights? I wouldn't mind seeing that I think, sounds like you must have attracted quite a bit of attention then."

"Oh come on," I told him off, actually amused. He seemed to have come at the right time. "Underwear, a dress and a pair of tights. And a jacket and shoes, but still. It gets cold, and I got reminded why I don't usually dress to impress anymore. It's just not worth it. The men are never that good that they make frozen feet and legs worth it."

He raised his eyebrows a little. "You met someone last night?" He inquired, watching me closely.

"Sort of, I guess," I told him. "My colleagues found out that I'm single and made it their mission to find me a man.." I sighed, shaking my head. "It's hopeless anyway. So... I talked to a bunch of men but they all want nothing but a bit of fun and I don't need that so I went home alone, but drunk."

"Hm okay," he mumbled. "You know, you really shouldn't just go home with just anyone, you're too good for that, Frida."

I looked at him surprised but smiled a little. More kind words, he really didn't stop. I was so relieved I had invited him up now. "I know that, I've dealt with my share of idiots. I'm more careful now," I assured him

"Good, I don't want you to go through more heartbreak," he told me and placed his hand on my back.

That got my attention. That immediately caused my mood to change. "More heartbreak?" I questioned, my voice a little harder. "What makes you think I've been through that before?" He was right, he was dangerously right and I didn't like it. How did he know? Why was he bringing all of this up now?

His eyes widened a little. "I-I... uhm... I was just - uhm... you know, I put one and one together. You're sweet and caring and so beautiful, why else would you still be single? Someone must have treated you awfully."

I took a deep breath and focussed on the tea. I didn't want to get into this now. I couldn't. I couldn't take this now, not with him around. Tapping my fingers on my thigh rapidly, I focused on the floor, trying to keep as calm as possible. "Yeah, well, the point is... I went home alone."

"Okay," he said quietly, clearly being able to sense the tension. "I'm sorry if I upset you, that was not my intention. I promise. But I worry about you, because you're a really good friend and I'd hate to see you heartbroken."

I nodded a little. Deep down I knew that but that topic wasn't a good one, it led to a chain of disasters which I was not yet ready to share. Especially not now. "I know. I'm sorry," I apologised, sincerely. I hadn't meant to drag him into this because he didn't need that. He had enough of his own problems.

"I know you can take care of yourself," he added. I liked his optimism... it was odd that for once he was the one who was optimistic.

"I know," I replied quickly, not wanting to get into it more. "And I do appreciate your concern." That I did. I really did.

"I won't bring it up again, okay?"

I nodded a little. "Thank you." There was a moment of silence between us before I handed him his mug. "Here you are. Do you want to sit in the living room?" Nothing quite like a good change of topic.