CHAPTER SIX

Days turned into weeks, Rachel's social calendar remained full, filled with nights out and carefree laughter, while Lisa opted for quieter evenings at home, channeling her energy into her writing.

On one fateful morning, Lisa stood in front of the mirror, curling her hair with a contented hum. Excitement radiating from her reflection. The soft glow of the vanity lights illuminated her radiant complexion.

Rachel lounged on the bed, observing her friend with interest.

Lisa's fingers moved deftly, wrapping strands of hair around the curling iron. Her eyes sparkled, and a gentle smile played on her lips.

Rachel's curiosity got the better of her. ‘Where are you off to, looking all dolled up and excited?’ Rachel asked, eyeing Lisa's outfit good-naturedly

Lisa's humming paused, and she met Rachel's gaze in the mirror. ‘Just meeting someone,’ Lisa replied, her tone light.

Rachel's eyebrows rose. ‘Someone? Spill the beans.’

‘Actually, David reached out. He wants to meet up and talk.’ Lisa replied.

Rachel's expression darkened. ‘David? As in, your ex David?’

Lisa nodded, applying mascara.

‘Lis, are you kidding me? After everything he did to you?’

Lisa's voice dropped. ‘I know, I know. But he says he wants to talk, to make amends.’

Rachel's eyes flashed with anger.’ Amends? He manipulated you, cheated on you, and never showed remorse. What could he possibly say now?’

Lisa's shoulders sagged. ‘I don't know, Rach. Maybe he's changed.’

Rachel's voice rose. ‘Changed? People like David don't change. They just get better at hiding their true selves.’

Lisa's eyes met Rachel's, defiance sparking. ‘I need to hear him out, Rach. For closure.’

Rachel's face fell, concern etched on her features. ‘Lis, please reconsider. You deserve so much better.’

Lisa stood firm. ‘I'll be fine, Rach. I promise.’

Rachel sighed. ‘You're going to get hurt again.’

Lisa's determination hardened. ‘Don’t worry, Rach’

Rachel raised an eyebrow. ‘Suit yourself. But don't say I didn't warn you.’

Lisa grabbed her purse and headed out the door leaving Rachel's concerns lingering in the air.

…..…………………………………………………..

Lisa stepped into David's apartment, the door swinging open to reveal a spacious living room bathed in warm, golden light.

David emerged from the kitchen, a bright smile spreading across his face. ‘Lisa! It's great to see you,’ he said, his voice infused with genuine warmth. He strode toward her, opening his arms for a hug. Lisa melted into the embrace, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity.

‘Come on in,’ David invited, leading her deeper into the apartment.

The air was filled with the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft hum of jazz music.

David guided Lisa to the couch, where a tray was set with steaming cups and a plate of pastries. ‘I made your favorite,’ he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Lisa’s heart swelled at the thoughtful gesture. ‘You didn't have to,’ she protested, touched by the kindness.

David chuckled. ‘I wanted to,’ he replied, settling beside her on the couch. Soft evening light danced across his face, highlighting the contours she once knew so intimately.

He moved closer, his words laced with sincerity and longing. ‘I've missed you so much, Lisa. I realize now what I lost.’ His warm smile and gaze put her at ease, and their conversation flowed effortlessly.

Lisa felt a deep connection, like no time had passed. As they talked, their words flowed like a gentle stream, building a sense of comfort and familiarity. Lisa's guard began to drop, her resolve softening. David’s voice dropping to a whisper. ‘...I've missed your touch, your taste.’ His eyes sparkled with affection. ‘Let's focus on the present. I want to make new memories with you.’

The air thickened, heavy with unspoken emotions. Lisa's heart skipped a beat. David's fingers brushed against hers, sending shivers down her spine. The touch ignited a flutter in her chest. His gaze drifted to her mouth, his eyes burning with intensity. Lisa's pulse quickened, her resistance crumbled, swept away by the torrent of emotions.. Their lips met in a tender kiss, the tension between them palpable. David's lips brushed against hers, gentle at first, then insistent.

The silence stretched, taut with anticipation right before David's hand slid around Lisa’s waist, pulling her close as her body responded, swaying toward his. Their faces inches apart, the tension crackled.

David's whisper caressed her ear. ‘I've missed this, Lisa. I've missed us.’

Lisa's heart fluttered. ‘I've missed us too.’ She swept up in the moment, doesn't detect manipulation.

Lisa's eyes fluttered closed, her body melting into his. As they gave in to their passion, together their bodies moved in perfect sync, the tension building until they both shattered, lost in the abyss of their desire. Lisa felt like she was home.

Afterwards, Lisa stepped out of David's house, feeling fulfilled and at peace. The warm sunlight danced across her face as she walked down the path.

As she reached the gate, a friendly voice greeted her. ‘Hi there! Beautiful day, isn't it?’

Lisa turned to smile at David's neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, who was tending to her garden. ‘Yes, it is,’ Lisa replied, pausing to chat.

Mrs. Jenkins' eyes sparkled with curiosity as she asked, ‘Are you a friend of David's?’

Lisa smiled warmly, her response effortless. ‘Yes, we're old friends.’

Mrs. Jenkins' face lit up with a friendly smile. ‘Ah, that's lovely! David needs good people around him.’  Her expression turned sympathetic. ‘You know, I've been worried about David. He's had a tough time lately."

‘Oh? What happened?’

Mrs. Jenkins leaned in, her voice lowering. ‘He lost all his money in some bad business. And then his last girlfriend left him. Poor thing was a mess.’

Lisa's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing. Her expression remained neutral, but her thoughts whirled.

‘He broke down completely,’  Mrs. Jenkins continued, shaking her head. ‘I'd hear him crying through the walls at night. Broke my heart, really.’ She paused, oblivious of Lisa’s unease. ‘It's great to see him doing better,’ she said

Lisa's stride faltered, her foot almost slipping off the pavement as Mrs. Jenkins' words echoed in her mind. Her thoughts spiraled, Is that what I am to him? A distraction from his troubles? A temporary fix?

Doubt crept in, insidious and unsettling.

Mrs. Jenkins' concerned voice broke into Lisa's thoughts. ‘Are  you okay, dear?’

Lisa didn't respond. She couldn't. Her mind reeled with questions. Was David using her to pass the time? To heal his wounded ego? The uncertainty gnawed at her, eroding her confidence.

Without a word, Lisa quickened her pace, storming out of the gate leaving Mrs. Jenkins puzzled.