Scarlett Promises

05

       "It's not like that," June rebutted hastily, a red blush already growing on her cheeks. "We just talked," she added when Ezrah simply raised his thick eyebrows in doubt.

       The two of them were currently seated in a booth at the very back of Corner's Cafe, having decided to meet up on June's off day. They chatted incessantly about whatever was going on their lives. Mainly, Ezrah talked while June listened, only adding her two cents when needed.

       They had just reached a lull in conversation, with June observing the people around her and Ezrah stuffing his mouth with chocolate cake, crumbs flying everywhere, when he asked her, around a mouthful of cake, if anything exciting finally happened in her dull life, fully expecting her to respond with a negative, like always.

       She didn't disappoint, but the unmistakable blush painting her cheeks betrayed her. Immediately, he jumped on her, firing questions one after the other, his half-eaten slice of cake laid forgotten on the dainty table.

       And that's how June was forced to spill every little detail of what had transpired between Atlas and her, and while she talked, the smile on Ezrah's only kept growing until it could rival that of the Cheshire's.

       When she reached the part that had taken place only a few days ago, ending with how he had managed to sneak his number into her phone, Ezrah didn't even have to say anything; his raised eyebrows and suggestive grin spoke volumes.

       June pouted, "anyway, it's been days since then and I haven't heard a word from him." She shrugged, trying to appear indifferent when she feels the farthest thing from it. "He probably forgot about the whole thing. I don't blame him," she stated impassively.

       With almost impeccable timing, her phone went off on the table, a low buzz humming through the air. They shared a look. June picked up the phone and unlocked it. She found an unopened text waiting for her.

       Speak of the devil, June thought staggeredly. She opened the text from him.

       Are you free this Saturday?

       She pondered the question. In truth, she had wanted to run some errands and perhaps start on the stack of bills waiting for her. It depends. Why?

      There's this party I'm required to attend. 5th Avenue. I really don't want to go alone.

       She peeked up at Ezrah. He was making a great deal of seeming uninterested in what she's doing. June looked back at the phone in her hand. Isn't there anyone else you could go with?

       His response was quick. No, there isn't.

       June thought about it. She's not one for parties. To her, they're all the same. Alcohol, drugs, the stench of sweat. A sea of strangers trying desperately to escape their demons for a night. What's in it for me?

        Whatever you want. I don't mind. She could imagine him saying that in a suggestive tone, a tiny smirk curving his lips, sending a flood of heat through her. She shook her head at her thoughts. Fine, I'll meet you there, but you owe me.

       "What are you smiling about?" Ezrah's knowing voice stole her attention away from her phone, a subconscious smile spread across her face. At his words, she quickly tried to obscure it, but it was too late. There was no hiding it.

    "He asked me to go with him to a party," she subtly changed the subject, before he could add to her embarrassment. Her fingers traced aimlessly at the patterns engraved on the table.