Interlace

II

"Darian! How did you, why are you?" barely able to get my words out to finally asking , "what are you doing here?"

"How are you Rel? Do people still call you that?"

I shyly looked away while sipping my water.

"Only my father. Everyone else calls me Laurel."

I went through the motions confident and cocky as usual.
I saw her checking out my body, she was flustered and I gave her my best sly grin as I told her about my fitness journey.
She said congratulations. Is that all? I felt a little disappointed and tried my best not to show it.
We begin small talk for hours, catching up and it felt like old times. It felt right. I was about to ask her why she didn't reply to my text when her phone rang, the caller ID said Brandon. I didn't have to ask who he was because it was all over her face and I felt my heart sink.

She stepped away to continue her phone conversation and I took this time to also excuse myself to phone my wife who was trying to reach me all night.

As I hung up, I spot laurel putting on her jacket getting ready to leave. I walked over to her asking if we could meet again, to which she asked how I ended up here in the first place. I was grappling with the question. I know why I'm here but she doesn't need to know.
I told her I was in town on business and me being here tonight was coincidence. I arrived early and this spot was recommended by locals so I decided to try it out. I gave her another wolffish grin saying "I'm glad I did." She blushed and finished putting on her coat.
I gave her a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek while whispering "see you soon."