by Oliva Lucas
Bella swung the door open and was surprised to see Sophie standing there looking a little forlorn.
Sophie went to speak. “Hi again. Sorry I just wanted to apologize for walking off like that.”
“Okay.” Bella hesitated. “Do you want to come in?”
Sophie walked in. “Can I sit down?”
“Of course.” Sophie sat as Bella hopped over and joined her at the table.
“I need to explain. My ex has been calling and messaging me wanting to meet up, like every day for the past three days, and Ally my shitty friend has been calling me as well. They must’ve broken up. It’s all just made me a little crazy.”
“I know you have been through a lot. Really, you don’t need to explain. We all have our moments. I am batshit crazy most of time.”
Sophie smiled. “Hardly, but thank you. So, we are all good?”
“Yes of course.”
There was a loud knock at the door, and Bella sighed.
The door suddenly swung open.
“Hey my darling!” Abbie yelled enthusiastically as she strolled inside and over to Bella.
“Hey Abs.” She tilted her head up and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“How’s my little klutz going?”
“I’m fine thanks. Oh, Abs this is my neighbor Sophie.”
“Sophie, this is Abbie. My best friend.”
“Hey. So okay, I am moving into this complex. Not sure what is going on in the gene pool over here, but everyone is freaking hot. Bella, you didn’t tell me that she was smoking!”
Bella cringed, whilst smiling at Sophie and discreetly mouthing the word sorry.
“Look I brought you some chicken soup, and some lasagna.”
“You shouldn’t have, but thank you. You realize that my arms are working and that I can still cook?”
Abbie tapped her on the head. “Yes, but I don’t have any sisters or pets, so I have to look after you.”
Sophie got up. “I should head off.”
“Stay Sophie! I only just met you. Want some soup?” Abbie asked.
“Thanks, but I have some things to sort out.”
Bella turned and blurted out. “Do you want to come over for dinner tomorrow night Sophie?”
“Can I come?” Abbie interjected.
Sophie’s mouth broke out into a smile. “Ah yeah, that would be great.”
“And no, it’s a neighbor dinner thing.” Bella looked to Abbie apologetically, before turning to Sophie. “I’ll message you tomorrow.”
Abbie sang out. “Nice to meet you Sophie.”
“You too Abbie.”
“See you tomorrow Bella.”
Bella opened the door and let Sophie out.
Abbie threw her arms up in the air when she closed the door. “Oh my god, her hotness is off the charts!”
“Sshh. She has supersonic hearing.”
“Mmm cooking her dinner? Ooolala. How incredibly romantic. I smell fireworks.” Abbie grinned ear to ear.
“Shut up. She’s straight. We just get along.”
Like a house on fire.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Bella was looking forward to having dinner with Sophie tonight. Her resolve to avoid her had flown out the door the second she locked eyes with her baby blues. She was fast becoming addicted to having her close by.
Her mind would tell her one thing and then her mouth would do another. Like invite her over for dinner.
She had spent the morning shopping with Leah for all sorts of crap. Leah was renovating her apartment so they bought everything from nail guns to a strobe light. It was best not to ask questions.
On the way home, Bella did a quick grocery shop for her cook this evening. Leah looked a tad upset that she wasn’t invited, but she promised her she would have her over for dinner during the week. Besides which, she already had a date lined up for tonight.
She never stayed in on the weekends.
Rain began tumbling down as she started to unpack the groceries. She really enjoyed rainy nights in. There was something soothing and romantic about hearing rain drops in the comfort of your own home.
She had intended to just rest on the couch for half an hour, so she was shocked when she looked at her watch and saw that it was 6pm. Sophie would be here in an hour. She quickly got to her feet and hopped into the shower.
Tonight, she would be cooking a Thai stir fry and a papaya salad. She was hoping that Sophie was partial to Asian cuisine. It happened to be one of her favorites.
After toweling off, Bella slipped on some skinny black jeans, a white v neck top, and some tan ankle boots. She applied a bit of foundation, a quick dab of mascara, and some lipstick. She sprayed on some perfume, and blow dried her hair, opting to leave her hair hang out.
Back in the kitchen, she opened a fancy bottle of white wine and poured herself a glass as she started prepping the vegetables. Once she was done, she set the table. No candles. That would freak everybody out, including herself.
She looked around the apartment. Everything was now in order. She popped on some light jazz, and started making the papaya salad.
A few minutes later she heard a knock at the door and she opened it up.
“Hello.” Sophie flashed her Hollywood smile as Bella latched onto the door. Once again, Sophie had her at hello.
“Hey Sophie. Come on in.” Bella’s voice croaked as her heart almost thumped out of her chest.
Sophie looked radiant in skinny blue designer jeans, a black satin top, and a pair of black flats. She looked stupidly sexy. It was really unfair how good she looked.
“So, I wasn’t sure if you wanted red, or white, so I brought both.” Sophie handed her the bottles.
“Oh, that’s great thanks. We will save them for later. I have a white opened. Can I start you on that?” Bella put the red wine on the counter and the white wine in the fridge to cool.
“Sure, that would be great.”
“Please make yourself at home. Take a seat at the counter if you want.”
Sophie pulled out the seat and sat down.
“I probably should’ve asked you, but do you like Thai food?” Bella poured a glass of wine, and handed it to Sophie.
“Yes, I love it. One of my favorites. And thanks.”
“Excellent. And can you handle heat?”
Sophie looked a little nervous. “Heat?”
“As in can you take a bit of spice?”
“Yes! I love chili. Add as much as you like.” Sophie took a sip from her wine glass. “So, what did you get up to today?”
“Leah decided to torture me in the morning for a few hours. She made me go shopping with her. She’s renovating so we spent a lot of time in hardware stores, and then in Walmart buying lots of random stuff.”
Sophie let out a laugh. “Sounds exhausting.”
“Yes. Especially hobbling on one foot. Though my balance has really improved. My core is pretty tight from all that straining and trying to not fall over. A perk of having one working leg.” Bella smiled. “So, Sophie you could say that I am indeed still exercising. Just different parts of my body.”
They both laughed.
Bella looked up to Sophie. “So, are you feeling any better? I know you were stressed out this morning?”
Sophie gave a small smile. “I am okay. Thanks for asking. Just trying not to overthink. That is one of my main flaws, you know. Trying to keep things in perspective.”
“I don’t think of it as a flaw, I think it’s an attribute. Means you are a deep thinker. And I mean this. I am always here if you need someone to talk to you. Someone to punch. Someone to anything. Seriously okay?”
“You are too kind. And I am starting to see that about you.” Sophie got up off her stool and walked over to the kitchen, standing side by side with Bella. Bella could smell her perfume, and felt her stomach do its usual dance.
“What are you wearing? You smell delicious.” She cringed at her choice of adjective.
“I am glad you like it. John Paul G
autier.”
“It suits you. Elegant and refined.” Bella put the final touches on the papaya salad, and pulled out her wok. “I hope you are hungry.”
“Actually, I’m starving. How did you actually get into cooking Thai? A new fad or… ”
“Well I spent a year abroad a few years ago. I worked as an international correspondent in Australia and spent my holidays travelling throughout Asia. I fell in love with the people and the cuisine. Really fresh produce, beautiful aromatic spices, and punchy flavors.” She looked across to Sophie. “I’ve been passionate ever since.”
“Hmm I can tell. Seems we have been to a few of the same places. I backpacked through South East Asia in my gap year and Thailand was my absolute favorite!” Sophie beamed. “I’ve never felt more alive.”
“Well you are and I are definitely going to be close. I could listen to travel stories forever. Nothing enriches your life more. Apart from love that is.”
Bella switched on the wok and waited for it to heat up. She refilled Sophie’s glass and her own. “Were you madly in love with your ex? Sorry that is very personal. You don’t have to answer.”
“No, it’s okay. I actually don’t know. We got together in college. I thought I loved him, but now I am not so sure. We studied law together then became lawyers, so our life was law, and the rest was secondary.”
“I guess life can get in the way sometimes, you know. It’s not all roses and butterflies.” Bella tipped in some oil and waited for it to spit. She then threw in some ginger, chili and chicken and started stirring.
“Mmm I love that smell. Yum!” Sophie nudged her hip with her own.
Bella was well aware of how close they were standing next to each other and tried to distract herself from unhelpful thoughts.
Soon after she threw in the vegetables, Singapore noodles, some soy and oyster sauce, a spoonful of sugar, and a twist of salt and pepper. A bit of frenetic stirring and she was done.
“Sophie, do you mind grabbing the salad and taking it to the table? I’ll just finish this and bring it over.”
“Sure. Smells delicious.” Sophie picked up the wine glasses and salad. “Need anything else?”
“No, under control. Just take a seat and I will be right over.”
A few minutes later, and she was spooning the stir-fry into a serving dish and carrying it over to the table.
“I think we have everything so please get started.”
“Wait, one thing.” Sophie raised her glass. “Thank you for all the effort you have gone to. And thank you for being a wonderful neighbor.” She winked, sending a supersonic wave of electricity through every last part of Bella. This was going to be a long and difficult night.
Bella flashed a smile while combusting internally. “My pleasure. Thank you for coming.” They clinked glasses and sipped at their wine. This was turning into a real love fest.
“So, how do you define love Bella? When was your last relationship?”
“Well, my last serious relationship was five years ago. Shocking I know. We were buying a property and then I found out she was cheating. I was shattered. Everything I had worked for, dreamed for, was over. It was devastating. But you know, now I look back and wonder was she the one? I had my doubts before. I guess I am a bit of a sap. I want that amazing someone. You know someone that you can’t stop thinking about. Someone that completes you in every way. Every touch, every interaction has you yearning for more and more. Like you can’t get enough. You can’t breathe without them near. That’s my dream anyway. Probably more of a fantasy. My friends call me picky. But in some sense, I don’t want to settle for any less.”
A warmth flashed across Sophie’s eyes. “Spoken like a true romantic.”
Bella looked up and connected with Sophie’s eyes again. She felt her world spinning at that very second. The food, the wine, the music, the moment. It was hard not to let herself get caught up in it. She knew she was straight but there was this feeling that she had known her forever.
“You know Bella.” Sophie put her glass down. “This is going to sound ridiculous but I feel like you just get me. It’s corny, but in some sense, I feel like that you are already one of my best friends.”
It was like she had read her mind. Bella smiled. “I feel the same.” And more.
“And another thing. This is quite possibly the most amazing meal I have ever had. Insanely good.”
Bella let a small laugh escape her. “I am lapping up all these compliments at the moment. It’s been a while for me.”
“I somehow doubt that.” Sophie laughed, raising a single eyebrow. “You seem to have your fair share of suitors.”
“Suitors? I am painfully single.”
“Just a trail of broken hearts behind you. Leah, Jack, Abbie… need I go on?”
“Hey, these suitors are my friends.”
“All your friends that seem to have a sweet spot for you.” Sophie widened her eyes and smirked. “For obvious reasons.”
Bella looked at Sophie as butterflies fluttered in her stomach. “Thanks, I think.” Bella tried to refocus her eyes away from the pull of Sophie’s lips. She had to friendzone this conversation quick smart. “Do you want any more food Sophie?”
“Oh no, I am completely full. Seriously it was delicious.” Sophie reached across and touched her arm lightly. “You can cook for me any night.”
Bella squirmed in her seat. That touch seemed to radiate straight into her groin.
“I love this music by the way. I could hear it in my apartment. Jazz but not American?”
“Mmm you have a good ear. I picked this up in a back street of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s my favorite.”
“You definitely have good taste.” Sophie reached across the table. “Here, let me clear the plates.”
“Oh no, you are the guest.”
“Please I insist.” Sophie stood up, and started to collect the plates and dishes before carrying them into the kitchen. She then turned back to Bella. “You know, you are one of the most interesting and together people I have ever met.”
“If I was that together, I would probably wouldn’t be single.”
“Maybe you just haven’t met the right person.”
“Maybe.” Bella stood up from her chair. “Want to go up to rooftop for a nightcap?”
“Sounds perfect. Let me just top up our glasses.” Sophie picked up the wine bottle and filled both of their glasses. “Let’s go.”
Sophie followed Bella up the stairs, and out onto the deck. She looked up to the sky. “Oh, it’s such a gorgeous night. Are we sitting at the table?”
“Thought we could be adventurous and sit on the ledge.”
“I am game if you are.”
“Here give me your hand. Be careful with the step.” Bella held out her hand, as Sophie bent down and took hold. As they settled into the ledge, she realized they were still holding hands. It was warm, cozy and close, and Bella didn’t want to let go. Sophie didn’t move either as they sat there in comfortable silence.
Bella eventually pulled her hand away to tuck her hair behind her ear. “You can see right past the city to the ocean. Can you see those lights in the distance?”
“Oh yeah wow. It is beautiful up here.”
The wind started to pick up a little, and whistled by them.
“Sorry should’ve told you to bring a jumper. Can get a little chilly.”
“I am okay. Are you cold? Snuggle on over.” Sophie held out her arm as Bella wriggled up next to her. Their bodies were now touching and a warmth surged through Bella. Her skin tingled.
Sophie wrapped her arm around her, pulling her in close. “Better?”
“Yeah.”
A moment passed as they lapped up the ambience of the night sky.
Bella turned to look at Sophie as their eyes met and she felt her insides begin to tremble. Their faces were only inches apart as she drew in the warmth of Sophie’s breath. Her heart began to thump in her chest, as her gaze shifted down to the curves of Sop
hie’s lips and then back to her eyes.
“Sophie...” She lifted her finger and tenderly ran it across the outline of Sophie’s cheek as her body ached to kiss her.
Sophie stayed silent as they held each other’s gaze. Bella briefly hesitated, before leaning in slowly, and brushing her lips softly, delicately like butterfly wings.
Sophie’s lips were just as she had imagined. Soft, warm and inviting. She took a moment to breathe her in before kissing her once more.
Sophie parted her lips and sparks of delight jumped across Bella’s tongue as she entered into her mouth. Bella moved her tongue against Sophie’s as they softly flicked and danced.
Their lips seemed to meld perfectly together and Bella was spinning around in a cloudy, lustful haze before Sophie suddenly pulled away. She looked straight ahead rubbing her lips together. Her face void of expression.
Bella closed her eyes as she tried to slow her heart rate down, before mumbling. “I… um… Sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.”
Sophie paused, then looked at her with a pained look in her eyes. “No, you shouldn’t have Bella.”
Bella dropped her head as she felt her insides sink. “Are you okay?”
“I am just cold.”
“Okay. Let’s go back down.” Bella said softly.
Sophie didn’t look at her, and got up. She walked down the stairs as Bella followed.
Sophie stopped outside her front door. “You know. I think I am going to go to sleep. Pretty tired. Thanks for dinner.” She looked up and gave a weak smile, before opening her door and disappearing inside.
“Oh okay. Thanks for coming.” Bella said to her back. She then walked to her apartment, and cursed as she closed the door behind her.
Why did she have to do that? She knew why. Because it was the first time in years, she had been attracted to someone. The first time in years, she had actually connected. Her hormones had flooded her body and she had failed miserably at keeping her emotions in check. Sophie had just iced her out and she felt the sting burn in her chest.
When she finally made it to bed, she listened for sound. Nothing. Certainly, no double tap tonight. She knew she was in for a long night, and she wasn’t wrong as she began tossing and turning almost instantly. Her heart was aching with anguish, as she turned her face deeply into her pillow.