Just Like Seven Years Ago

First kiss

The week flies by so quickly. Work is work. Sometimes, stressful. Sometimes, okay. I see Jay almost every day. I'm getting real attached to her. This time, it's worse because her little niece pulls me in, too. I do many things because of her, because of the both of them. We would have lunch. I would stop by after work, and each night, I fall asleep after talking to her. I have seen Vanessa only once for lunch. She still seems ok. She doesn't mention anything.

I pull up at the usual supermarket I go to to pick up a few things for my aunt. She isn't doing too well today. I'm concerned for her.

I walk inside and head to my usual aisles. I quickly collect what I need, and as I am heading to the cashier, my leg is hugged. I stoop to her level to offer a proper hug. It's no other than Elsa.
As I stand, I come face to face with Jay and a guy. Right away, I figure this must be the guy she has admitted to dating.
Instantly, I feel different inside, and I can only hope that it doesn't show on my face. Jay pulls me into a hug, as usual. When she pulls away, she introduces Jake. I shake his hand and hurriedly escape. Thank goodness I have finished picking up the things I needed. I would hate to be walking opposite aisles as them.

He seems like a polite and upstanding fella. I can also feel that I don't like him, for no apparent reason.

As I am gathering my bags, Jay comes back to me. I look at her with question in my eyes.

"Movie night, tonight."

"Sorry, Jay. I have other plans. Got something planned with Vanessa."

I can see she looks disappointed. Good.
I walk to my car and wonder why I just lied to Jay. I know the answer, even if I don't like to admit it. I'm jealous. I feel angry, but I know what I must do now. I must call Vanessa and make something happen. I don't want to be alone tonight. It's foul, but it's something I will make happen.

~~~~

A bit after six, I'm getting ready to leave for Vanessa's. There is a tap at my door. I swing it open to see Jay.

"Jay, what are you doing here?"

She looks almost shocked, and she looks me up and down.

"Where you off to?"

"Jay, don't be silly. I told you earlier."

"Oh, you're really dressed up."

I look down at myself. I have denim shorts and a white tank top on. Maybe she means my makeup? I did add some.

"Really, Jay?" I push past her to head to my truck.

I hop in my truck and flash her one more look, "needed something?"

She says nothing. She just walks backward to her car. I make sure to leave before her. What was that all about?

I pull up at Vanessa, and Tony runs to me, relieving me of the bag of goodies. When I get in the door, Vanessa has popcorn ready, a can of soda for Tony, but wine glasses for her and I.

"Sure these go with movies?"

She just giggles, and we make our way before the TV. Animated film this time. I don't mind at all. I enjoy them just as much as any kid.

We watch quietly until about halfway through, when a snore comes through from the end of the sofa. Tony is out.
Vanessa gets up and refills our glasses. I have low tolerance for wine or any alcohol consumption, but I don't want to refuse. As she makes her way back, I just look at her. Could Jay be right? Could she be jealous? She has a kid. She must be straight. We've never really had that conversation. Should I ask her anything?
She sits closer to me, and I just blurt it out.

"Why don't you like Jay?"

She is sipping from her glass and looks at me over the rim.

"What do you mean? I have nothing against her."

"Van, this is me. You and I both know what you did the night of the party."

She falls silent and just looks at me. Eventually, she shrugs her shoulders.

"I don't know."

I look ahead of us to the TV screen, "Jay knows. She's said it since the first day she met you, but I guess I didn't see it then."

Vanessa sighs, "I'm sorry, Kristen. I'll do better."

I turn back to her, "I'm not asking you to do anything you don't want to. I was just curious as to why."

She bites the corner of her lower lip and looks away. I turn her face back to me.

"You going to tell me?"

She whispers something, but I don't catch it all. All I hear is something about 'show you'.

I feel lips on mine, and for a moment, I stiffen, but then I react. I kiss her back, and her hand goes to the back of my head, pulling me even more into the kiss. She is a very good kisser, but I can't continue. I pull away.

"Uh...I think, I, uhm, better leave."

She's doesn't say anything. I stand and walk to the door. I'm in a state of shock.
The first thing I do is reach for my phone when I start up my truck. Jay answers quickly enough.

"Jay, I think you were right."

"I always am, but what are you getting at?"

I can't help but giggle.

"Uh, Vanessa kissed me."

I don't hear anything for a while. She doesn't say anything.

"That's my reaction exactly, Jay."

I hear her shuffling, and then she speaks up, "let's talk about it when we meet, Kris. I got to go."

There's no way she has something to do this time of the night. Is she upset? Is she the jealous one now? A wicked smile spreads across my face. It's so wrong to make her feel that way, but I like it.