When the Moon Watches

Dancing with the Devil - 13

NARRATIVE

"Mia, what a delightful surprise!" Jina's face lit up as she greeted her friend, and Molly, always eager for treats, danced around them.

Mia grinned, swooping up Molly before he could escape. "How's my little buddy doing?"

"He's more interested in what you brought him than cuddles," Jina chuckled.

The two friends shared a warm embrace after indulging Molly with his treats. "I've been dying to catch up with you. That cryptic message you sent had me intrigued," Mia teased, recalling the enigmatic note about meeting the devil.

Jina playfully hushed her boisterous friend. "Careful with the volume, Mia. One more outburst, and I might just have to silence you."

"Oops, sorry," Mia replied in a stage whisper, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Their attention shifted to the sounds from the other room, prompting Mia's curiosity. "Who's there?"

"You're so funny Mia.  I've missed you. That's Jaden, silly," Jina explained.

"Oh," she whispers conspiratorially, "I thought it might be your dirty little secret."

Rolling her eyes, Jina calls Jaden. "Jaden, come say hi to Mia."

Jaden walks in giving the dark-haired girl a smile, "Hi, Mia. Long time no see."

"Hey, Jay," Mia cooed.

"What have you been up to?" Without missing a beat, Jaden teased, "Here to borrow money or raid my fridge?  For a tiny person, you sure eat a lot."

"Jaden, play nice.  Mia is my bestie," Jina interjected. 

"I owe her, but she knows I've got her back. Don't mind him, Jina," Mia retorted with a playful glare.

"What had you screaming this time?" Jaden asked.

"Just joy at seeing you two," Mia quipped, echoing Molly's excited barks.

As they settled into conversation, Mia subtly nudged Jina about food. "I'm starving. What's on the menu?"

Jina suggested going out to eat, and Mia eagerly agreed. They found themselves in a cozy booth at a corner cafe, browsing through menus adorned with tempting treats.

"These brownies are amazing," Jina mentioned.

"Are these the ones you brought over during the moon-staring creepy guy incident?" Mia inquired.

Jina clarified, "He's not creepy, just nocturnal." He's kind of an insomniac and works from home so he gets cabin fever and prefers to sit outside and smoke," Jina clarified.

"Ew, a smoker too?" Mia wrinkled her nose. "So, did you finally talk to him?"

"More than talk," Jina hinted mischievously.

Mia leaned in, excitement lighting up her eyes. "Spill the details!"

Jina glanced around, lowering her voice. "He's incredibly handsome. Invited me to see his paintings at his place."

"Ooh la la, what else did you see?" Mia teased.

Jina laughed. "Don't be crude, Mia.  It's not what you're thinking."

"Ah, you're no fun. Aren't you gonna tell me all the juicy parts," Mia scoffed.

Jina hesitated. "It's hard to explain. But enough about my drama. What about you? Anyone making your heart flutter?"

Mia sighed wistfully. "Not yet. But you've got two options to choose from."

Jina teased, "And you've got your eye on Jaden."

Mia scoffed. "As if. He's all yours, Jina. But back to your mystery man, why the devilish vibes?"

"I can't put my finger on it, Mia. It's frustrating," Jina confessed. "He's really special, artistic and deep.  The kind of guy you won't easily forget.  But it's not what he does or says, it's the way I feel around him.  I want to be with him.  He makes me feel warm and comfortable. Yet."

"What?"

"I get a strange vibe.  Like he's holding something back."

"What like he's married with two 1/2 kids?" Mia said.

"No, more like a spy, or a psychopath.  I don't know and it's driving me crazy."

"Oh, I see.  How exciting. Tell me more."

 "I want to get to know him better.  I may be dancing with the devil."

"Why do you say that?  And what about Jaden?  This guy must be extra hot cause Jaden is a 10."

"Wipe the drool off your chin, Mia.  Your crush on Jaden is showing," Jina said.

"Ay-ish, I'm not blind, but I wouldn't dream of flirting with Jaden.  He hates me anyway and he's in love with you.  But why do you think this guy is trouble?"

"I can't tell, not even you.  You would think I'm crazy.  Ug! I want him so much it hurts."

I remembered how it felt to be in his arms, how his sweet lips tasted.

"Umf," Mia protested.

"How about you, Mia, who makes your heart race?"

"I've told you, I haven't met the right one yet," she said with a dejected frown, "yet you get to pick from two."  Suddenly an idea popped into her head.  "I want to see him. Tell him to meet you here."

"Who?"

"Your painter of course!"

"No, no, no.  I'm not ready for that.  I need to think.  I've never been this confused."

Their conversation flowed, a mix of laughter, curiosity, and a touch of apprehension, as they navigated the complexities of love, attraction, and the mysteries that kept them intrigued.