That October Night

Chapter 32

                     AN IDEA CAN SOMETIMES spring up at any time. Mine supposedly showed up at four-thirty in the morning, and it was one of the most selfless, most brilliant ideas I had in years. The enthusiasm from that idea was so severe that I ended up waking Raymond up with a cheerful kiss on the lips.

He turned over, letting out a husky moan. "I could get used to waking up to this." The entire time his eyes remained closed, his hands behind his head.

I kissed him some more, harassing his face with delicate smooches. Suspiciously, he peeled one eye open. I gave him a look that said, what?

"Shorts, I should be asking you that," he chuckled.

"My lightbulb went off."

"Uh?"

"I came up with an idea."

"Does it include me?"

"No, silly," I simpered, sitting on top of him. A sense of euphoria flickered in those espresso pools of his, his hands gaily rubbing my thighs. Coquettishly, I tilted forward on his chest, positioning my hand under my chin.

"Do you think you're mother would mind if I borrow a few items out of her kitchen? I promise I'll replace them before the day is out."

He didn't bother suppressing his skeptical expression. I giggled some more, placing my hand over my chest and lifting up four fingers. "See, scouts word."

"I love us like this." He put one of my fingers down, saying, "It's scouts honor."

I jolted up, my mood spoiled. My squinted eyes scattered across the darkroom for my clothing, the moonlight my only source of light. "There's no us."

"Then, what are we?"

"We're simply two people that have sex, Raymond. Don't ruin it." When I detected my scattered clothes, I got off of him and hastily began putting them on. He sat up, using his elbow for support. His eyes never departed from mine.

Here he go looking through my soul again.

It was weird how his peering eyes made me feel secured yet so exposed at the same time.

I cleared my throat, hoping to deter his gaze away from me. Only that didn't help, so I said, "Promise me, you won't ever settle for less."

There was a distinct smugness in his expression as he strolled over to me. His confidence made me entirely uncertain on whether I wanted to know what he was about to do or say. Yet I stayed frozen with my sweats in my hands, anticipating his next move.

He sucked his index finger, roaming it from my neck all the way down to where I was ostensibly drenching from his deliberate teasing. The support in my knees went loose, so I clasped unto him.

"Maybe in the future, but for now I'm content doing just that 'cause it's you I'm settling for, Shorts."

Somehow, through ragged breaths, I managed to utter, "Ray, you deserve more and I can't give you that."

"Shorts, there's a difference." Gradually, he lifted his fingers to his mouth with a pleased smile. "You could but you won't."

Stupid boy, why'd you stop? It feels cold down here.

"Maybe if we were in another life where I wasn't so messed up. Maybe."

"Shorts, what could have possibly messed you up so badly that made you believe you don't deserve to be loved?"

That word.

Why'd he have to say that word that went back and forth like a ping pong ball, tossed around until someone loses it?

"B-bye. I have to go now."

I was hoping my nervousness didn't trickle down into my idea. My family offered to assist, but I politely declined. It was my turn to treat my family to a home-cooked breakfast. Maybe lasagna didn't count as breakfast, but it'll have to do for today.

Everyone had the reaction I naturally expected. Shock. I mean it made sense since I've never bothered cooking before I met Romona.

The purring doorbell rang, so Dad went to see who it was. He came back with his arms across Raymond's shoulder. "Look who's here. Care to have breakfast with us? Ray cooked."

Raymond leaned his head back, laughter erupting freely from his mouth. "That's why..." He trailed off, giving me a look that indicated he now understood this morning better. "Yes, I'd love to see what concoction Shorts stirred up."

"But-"

"Tweets, this is actually the best food we've eaten at our place in...forever. Let my best friend enjoy a first with us." Chris stuffed his mouth some more. "Oh and no offense, mum."

Unfazed, our mother waved Chris off. "Rayya, where'd you learn to cook this? It's delicious."

"Ramona," I whispered, afraid to offend her.

"You think she'd help me learn a thing a two, Ray?"

"She'd be happy to," I smiled at my mother's interest.

"I actually meant the other Ray."

I feigned a painful expression. "Ouch, mum."

"Yes, what Shorts said," Raymond answered with a light chuckle. "Caleb and Maria, I'd like  your blessing to take Shorts out on a date please."

"Bro, you're making this sound like marriage. But as you know, you already got my blessing," Chris interjected. My curiosity got the best of me, so I remained silent to see how this would all play out.

Dad eyed Raymond seriously. Raymond scantily gulped, still managing to keep his cool. Dad pushed his plate away from him gently, his hand clasped underneath his chin. "What are your intentions with my daughter?"

"Just a date, sir."

"It's never just a date, son."

"You're right, but I'd love to show Shorts what's it's like to have a good time."

"What are we here for?"

"True but you can't give her that kind of good time."

"And you can?"

"If I'm given permission to, then yes I can."

Was it all in my head or did this conversation sounded dirtier than it was supposed to be? They were still talking about this supposed date, weren't they?

"By my wife and I or by my daughter," Dad queried.

"Both."

Dad remained silent for some time. He and mom looked at each other and then back at Raymond. "You've got our permission. The ball is now in my daughter's hand."

On any other day, I would've said no. However, the way Raymond was able to keep his ground and not sink back in cowardice was sexy, if I'm being honest.

I nodded my head, not prepared to say anything.

"I'll take this slice for mom. She'd be proud," Raymond winked. "Thanks for the early breakfast, Shorts."

Jackass.

📌Sending out my love to all of you and your loved ones. I hope you all are staying safe, sweethearts. Remember to practice social distancing. 🤍