"You're really trying to buy me, aren't you?" I joke as I set the shopping bag down on the coffee table.
"I’ll do whatever it takes, MC."
I gasp as I feel the little flutter in my stomach when I hear the nickname. He hasn’t used it since the fall. When there was so much more between us. It’s sweet, and personal, and, dare I say it,friendly.
I pull away the tissue paper and uncover a beautiful tan leather Prada bag. I know immediately that it will fit my laptop and the notebooks I’ve carried with me for years. I slowly lift it out and my breath gets caught in my chest as my fingers brush against the butter smooth leather.
"Austin, this is too much," I say as I sit down with it on my lap. It's beautiful. For the first time I understand DCFox's attachment to an object. I would go to war for this bag.
"Okay, then I'll return it."
"Nope, no takesy-backsies." I hug the bag to my chest and turn away from him to protect it.
He laughs and I feel it between my legs.
"Wanna use it today?" He asks.
"Yes, I think I do."
He chuckles again andhands me my old bag. As I start to transfer everything I pick up the SMS Connect phone and slide it into place.
"Is that an SMS Connect phone?"
I freeze. "Hmm?" I ask like I didn't hear him.
"I asked if that was an SMS Connect phone you slid into your new bag."
"Oh, ha ha ha," this is awkward. "It, umm, yes it is an SMS Connect phone," I admit as my shoulders slump. New laid-back, college class teacher Maggie still can’t think on her feet.
"Are you looking for love, MC?" He asks gently, there's a hint of a tease but more respect to his tone than mirth.
"I might be," I admit. "I signed up last year and have been talking to one guy."
I stand and slide the new bag on my shoulder and make my way to the door. Austin follows and steps out into the hallway. He doesn't say anything, just waits for me to lock up, drop the keys into my new bag after attaching them to the built-in lanyard, and I realize he's waiting for me to continue.
"He, uhh, actually, was the person I was waiting for when you showed up at Lapis."
"Ah, that explains the hair then."
"What?" I laugh.
"You had your hair down. At work it was always up. I got to let it loose when we were together but I’d never seen it done like that. I almost didn't recognize you."
He holds open the door for me as we head out to the sidewalk.
"So, what happened after that night?" He asks.
"Nothing," I shrug.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, he never showed up that night, then I sent him amessage saying I needed space. Which he gave me until he sent a message at Christmas. I didn't respond to it."
"Wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine?"
I let out a little laugh, "Maybe. But mostly, I just didn't know what to say. I didn't know what I wanted."
"So tell me about him,friend," Austin says as we cross the street. He grabs my arm to pull me back as a bike comes zipping around us. Sensations travel throughout my body from the spot where his fingers graze my skin. His touch, however innocent, is making it hard to think. I am overwhelmed by the memories of what it felt like to be in his arms and feel his touch everywhere.
