Reunion

Chapter Nineteen

People who define the word success as having or gaining a lot of money are set to be failures. It's completing an accomplishment without giving up. Doing so gives a feeling of excitement and amazement that always prevailed, no matter how hard the objective was.

When I was growing up, my mind was set to be someone that never gave up on what she believed in. I always knew I wanted to be a chef, which gave me the opportunity and support of my parents to complete. My best friend and somewhat sister always loved books. Every time she went to books' stores, she managed to stay for long hours, visualizing each word that was expressed throughout her readings. She was successful in opening her own book shop, which she loved with all her heart. That was her success.

Nowadays, owning such a business was a risk. Not a lot of people liked to read books anymore. Technology ruined that, but Anna never gave up. She believes that there are still people who have a passion for reading classically than modernly. She and I were two of that population.

Spending some mornings before going to work with Anna was something that I loved doing. Not only did it give me the chance to talk to her from time to time, but also, I had the opportunity to look around to get some books for my own reading pleasure.

"I told you he was going to like you, Lilly. You are an amazing person. I am so glad you had a great time," Anna said as we walked throughout the Romance section of her store. Holding a coffee in my hands as I spent time with my friend, I explained how my night with Brian had been. I didn't go into too many details, because I always considered myself a private person.

Anna was a smart woman, and she knew me very well. My body language and facial expressions were showing her that I had more to say. I noticed how she stared at me to continue my conversation. I avoided her gaze until she sighed in frustration.

"What else happened, Lilian? Spill it. I can see it in your eyes that you are hiding something," she smirked.

"Well, he and I were making out, and we almost went all the way. At first, I didn't want to because I want to know if this thing between us is going to be in the long run. I don't want a hookup. I like him too much, so I want something real. I explained that to him, and he said he likes me too and wants the same. We are taking things slow, but he is in it like I am. I know it's too soon, Anna, but I think I am falling for him." I confessed. She squealed in excitement, making some costumers look our way. We both laughed, and Anna hugged me. I was blushing mad. Even though I still thought it was too soon, I was happy.

"I am so happy for you. Brian is a great man, and you two deserve happiness," she responded, smiling.

"What about you? How are things with Matt?"? I asked before taking a sip of my now warm coffee.

"Matt is amazing like he has always been. Things between us are incredibly good. I met his son, and we spent time together. He is a great little boy, and I am already in love with him. We are taking him to the zoo in two weeks, so I am overly excited about that," she rejoiced.

"I am so glad to hear that," I said, hugging her.

"Ms. Smith, a customer is asking for a book she ordered, but I can't seem to find it in the system," Sarah, who was the young girl that worked for Anna at the bookstore, expressed She was a high school student who needed a part-time job. Because she was still in the training process, she didn't know how to handle the computer with perfection. Being the understanding boss, Anna nodded her head, smiling and assured her that she was going to help the client in a few seconds.

"Alright, I have to go to work anyway, so you go do your thing. I will talk to you later," I said before giving Anna a hug. We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.

***

The rest of the day went out in a blur since all I did was think about Brian. I was already too attached to him. Every minute, I prayed that things between us work for the best. I liked him too much, and I couldn't deny that I was falling for him every moment I spent at his side. When I arrived home, he called to have our usual night conversation before going to sleep.

Sitting down in the bed, I bit my lower lip at the sound of his husky voice as he spoke about random things related to his band.

"We have a fundraiser event this weekend. The band always has participation, and I will love it if you would be my date for this Saturday. Do you think you can work something out with your boss?" he asked, sounding hopeful. I smiled and blushed at the thought that he wanted me to accompany him to such a momentous occasion.

"That's perfect because I don't work this weekend, so I would love to go to the event with you," I rejoiced, blushing.

"Great. I can't wait to see you. I miss you, you know. Miss kissing you. I am getting use to you already, I hope I am not freaking you out," Brian confessed, making my heart race faster.

"Not at all, because I feel the same way," I giggled.

"I want you to stay with me after the event. Stay with me until Sunday," he said suddenly, making me open my eyes widely. Was he suggesting what I think he was suggesting?

Not answering quickly made him call out my name more than one time.

"Are you there?" he asked with a hint of worriedness in his voice.

"Yes, I am sorry. I lost my signal for a while," I lied, not knowing what to say. I wanted to be with Brian, but I was still scared. I was not like the typical woman Brian went out with. Comparing myself to his exes was not a smart thing to do, but it gave me that sense of insecurity that I always tried to ignore. I thought I had moved on from those, but I guess I was wrong. They were still hidden very deep in my subconscious.

"If you think it is too much, you don't have to say yes. I do want to make something clear, Lilian. I like you. I like you a lot, and I can see myself falling for you. This is real for me, so I am not playing you because I am too old for that shit. I have a guest room, and you can stay there if that's more convenient for you. I just want to have you to myself at least for those two days," he explained, sounding hopeful.

I knew I wanted this too. Brian was too deep in my heart. I needed to let my insecurities vanish entirely. This was a part of that process.

"I will love to stay with you. We can arrange how we are going to do this, but yes, Brian. I'll stay with you this weekend," I rejoined, smiling. Feeling the nervousness come, I thought about the great time Brian and I could have.

"Perfect. I know you work tomorrow morning, beautiful, so I am going to let you go. I can't wait to see you. Make sure you pack a bathing suit as well. I have some good things planned for Sunday," he whispered.

"Goodnight, Brian," I sang out, blushing.

"Goodnight, beautiful," he replied before both of us hung up.

Thinking about our conversation made me feel like it was going to be a special one. I couldn't get much sleep after that, but then again, since I met Brian, rest was something that was slowly fading as I thought about how my feelings for him became deeper each day and night that passed.