In His Arms

BAE

Nicole POV

Brett opened the door to the cafe just beside our clinic and stood back so I could enter. I wasn't keen on seeing him today. I'm still embarrassed that I practically stood him up last night. But he passed by the clinic and insisted I have lunch with him.

"What do you want to have? My treat. At least to make up for what I did last night"

"I'll have a smoked salmon panini and a soda please"

"...and I'll be paying for it. No need to treat me. You didn't do anything wrong at all. And congratulations on your sold out show!"

He cocked his head, "How did you know we sold out?"

Embarrassed, I looked at him. "I actually went there last night, but I wasn't able to watch the show since there were no more tickets available. I even tried the scalpers outside. I'm really sorry I missed it. By the people's reaction, they really loved your show!"

"I'm glad they did. We really worked hard to make this for them. We are flying out to Melbourne for a couple of shows there before heading abroad. My friends already left this morning. I'll be flying out tomorrow"

"Wow. That sounds exciting!"

His face lights up with euphoria and passion as he speaks, "It really is. We're really very excited. We already did this once before and it's amazing that we get to do it again, and visit even more cities this time".

"That's awesome! I'm really bummed that I didn't get to see you play."

"Well, you can come with us. I promise to give you a ticket beforehand."  Placing his right hand on his chest.

"Maybe next time you have a show here again."

"But that could be after a year or maybe more!"

"Then you can just play your violin for me here" I joked.

He bent down and took his violin from his case.

"What are you doing?!"

"Playing for you"

"Heyyy I was kidding!! Put that back in it's case."

But he ignored me. He proceeded to play a piece that I have never heard before. He closed his eyes, feeling the music, oblivious to all the other people around us.

I start to calm down. I rest my head on my palm as I was personally being serenaded by Brett. The last few notes come to an end and he opens his piercing dark eyes.

"Beautiful" I tell him. Not sure myself if I was talking about him or his playing.

The people around us claps as well. My face turn red as he stood up and bowed at the crowd.

"Thank you very much" addressing the crowd. "That was the BAE song, for m'lady here"

I practically had to drag him out of the cafe after lunch.

"I'll walk you back"

"I actually don't have to go back to work today. I had my BLS certification this morning and I'm free now. I would probably go somewhere cool." "Maybe the movies?" I shrugged.

"I haven't seen the latest marvel movie yet"

"You're coming?"

"Yeah, it's gonna be fun!"

We took an uber downtown. Brett bought the tickets while I wandered off around the area.

"Got the tickets!"

"I brought the popcorn!"

"Wait, I better get us drinks" but I stopped him in his tracks

"No need." I shrugged.

"But we need drinks! I might choke on popcorn!"

I leaned closer to him and gave him a peek of my bag.

He doubled over from laughing. 'Why are you hiding bubble teas in your bag?!"

"I saw it outside! But I wasn't sure if I can bring inside so I hid it."

"Hahaha! You're soo cute, I love bubble tea. That's perfect" He placed his arm on my shoulder while we walk inside the cinema.

"Brett" I whispered.

"Brett! I'm gonna kill you, that's my boba!" As he take another long slurp from my cup that he took from the cupholder in between us.

"This is mine, loo-" Then he saw his cup on his other side, still a quarter full.

"Gimme that"  He handed my drink.

"Not that, YOUR boba!"

"Why??" But I practically grabbed across him and took his cup.

"I've drank from there! My saliva's been there!" As he plead appeal. "That's indirect kiss!! Awww she's drinking ittttt."

I made a long dramatic sip from his boba before handing it back to him. He looked at his cup as if he had never tried a cold cup of boba ever in his life.

"Damn lucky boba" he grumbled to himself.

We wanted to walk around after the movie but the weather was too humid so he just dropped me off at home.

"Can I use your toilet?"

"Sure, come on in."

"Nice house"

"Thanks! I think it's lovely but it's still pretty bare since I just moved in."

As soon as Brett came from the bathroom,

"Nicole?"

"In the kitchen!"

He sniffed the air around him, "You're cooking?"

"Yeah, I brought the chicken out this morning but I totally forgot about it. So I have to cook it now or it will spoil. Wanna stay for dinner? I'm making quesadillas"

"Sure, of course. I'd love to. Do you need any help?

"Nah, it's easy. Just make yourself at home. Grab a couple of drinks from the fridge, will you? Choose anything there"

I saw him pick some left over white wine.

"That tastes like shit. I just got it to use for cooking. Wine glasses are up there." Pointing at the cupboard near the fridge.

"This will work." He poured me a glass of wine before being evicted from the kitchen.

A few minutes later, I heard violin music coming from the living room. I watched him from the doorway quietly, his eyes closed, feeling the music.

The bar ends and I applaud. He opens his eyes, "I hope this is okay. Your neighbors aren't going to be angry?"

"Not at all. They're too far to even hear it. You can practice all you want, as long as I don't have a room mate yet"

"You have a room mate?"

"Well, still looking for one, to halve the rent. This house has two rooms and it would feel safer if I'm with somebody, you know?"

We ate while watching some random netflix series he chose. He looked so at home in my sofa, eating and watching. This feels nice.