Drunk On Someone Else's Birthday

It’s now or never. I pat the empty spot next to me and try to give an ‘I promise not to suddenly run away again’ smile.

“Please sit down,” I say, “We should probably talk about what happened last night.”

"And this morning,” he adds as he joins me on the couch.

I sigh rubbing my temple, “Yes, that too.”

I can already tell Adam isn’t going to make this easy. I never would have thought I’d piss him off this badly.

“Look, I’m sorry I left this morning…” I start.

"Why did you?” he interjects with an edge to his voice.

“Because I thought it was the only option,” I reply heatedly.

Adam shakes his head, “For who?”

“For me, you ass,” I say raising my voice, “because I didn’t want to hear you say how big of a mistake it had been to sleep together while I was still naked in your bed!”

Adam’s irritation dissipates and his face softens as he hears the fear and hurt in my voice.

“Naomi…” he tries but I lift my hand to stop him.

I’m not ready to hear what he has to say. There is still that tiny voice in the back of my head saying he is going to turn me down. I need to get my own feelings out there first.

“Please,” I start, “just let me get out all I have to say before I lose my nerve.”

Adam finally remains silent and waits patiently.

I take a deep breath and continue, “I really am sorry I left this morning, but I couldn’t help assuming you’d think it was a mistake. I’ve always thought you were way out of my league. I had such a crush on you before I even met you!”

I briefly remember how much I freaked out to a friend from back home, Leah, when I realized I lived across the hall from two Boston Bruins players. Meeting Dougie hadn’t been too bad, but I was beyond flustered in my first encounter with Adam. I’m still surprised I managed to even say hello.

“Then I got to know you,” I continue, “and I found out we had a lot in common. It scared me how well we got along and still scares me. You could have any girl you want, and they certainly fawn over you enough. I’m nothing special. When we first became friends, I decided right then I wasn’t going to jeopardize anything over a silly crush.”

My hands feel like they are shaking again. I take a moment to collect myself because I’m about to put myself into the most vulnerable position possible. I like Adam a lot. I can’t hide behind saving a friendship anymore.

I finally look Adam straight in the eye, “Now it’s time I put everything on the table. I like you, Adam, a lot. It’s not just some random crush I had when I only knew what the media displayed. I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know you on a personal level and I really like what I’ve found out. You’re an amazing guy, and I want to be able to call you ‘my amazing guy.’ I let the fear of rejection take hold from the very beginning.And even if you don’t end up feeling the same way, at least I can say I tried to put myself out there now.”

I sit there, emotionally spent, but thoroughly pleased with my own revelation. No matter the outcome, I tried to grasp at my own happiness. The silence is deafening, though. I’m still a little worried. I have no idea what is going on inside Adam’s head. His face is unreadable.

“May I speak now?” he finally asks.

I nod my head and zip my lips with a wry smile.

“When I woke up this morning and found an empty space next to me, I was hurt. Not having you there the next day struck a cord. I made myself so angry thinking either you ran because you thought it was a big mistake or you just used me for sex. I couldn’t help thinking the last one because girls have in the past.”

He stops briefly and rubs at his face. He looks tired. I feel a pang of sadness and guilt in my heart. I’ve been told stories, but I didn’t think me doing that could remind Adam of those skanks.

He continues, “But I understand now, and I’m sorry I looked pissed when I first came home before. Clearly we’ve both been way too wrapped up in our own shit. Naomi, I don't think us sleeping together was a mistake. Maybe not the best way to get our feelings out there, but it has proven effective.”

We both laugh at that.

“When I first met you,” Adam says, “I thought you were drop dead gorgeous and definitely not just some random girl that moved in across the hall. If anything, you’re out of my league. The work you do for the cancer foundation is going to help so many people. You’re the amazing one. I just get paid to skate around shooting pucks and throwing punches.”

“Adam, you are so much more than that!” I exclaim.

“Hey, it’s my turn now, remember?” he asks with a smirk.

I smile, “Sorry.Please continue.”

“I knew there was something special about you as soon as I laid eyes on you,” he says, “but dating a lot of really superficial girls made me cautious. I’ve probably been too cautious, now that I look back on, it so I’m sorry about that. I wanted to take my time getting to know you. I didn’t realize that I made it seem like I would only ever want to be friends. I have feelings for you, Naomi. I should have asked you out on a date a while ago.”

He likes me back… He likes… Me… Back. All the worry and doubt fades away as a wide grin spreads across my face.

“Dougie wasn’t surprised with what happened last night.” I state.

Adam let’s out a snort, “Of course, he wasn’t. I’m just glad he wasn’t here to hear us.”

I blush and scoot closer to him on the couch, “So bud boy, when are you going to officially ask me out?”

His arm snakes around my waist, “I don’t know if I should now. We already skipped over a few steps to get to the good part.”

“Hey!” I yell and slap him lightly on the chest, “That’s not fair! We were drunk! Where’s the romance?!”

He chuckles, “You know I’m kidding.”

“Yeah, yeah Quaider.” I huff and look away

Adam takes my chin and lifts my eyes to meet his, “Naomi Connors, will you do me the greatest honor of letting me take you out on a date?”

“It’s a bit last minute, but I think I can pencil you in,” I quip.

We smile at each other, and he pulls me closer as his other hand strokes my cheek. I wrap my arms around his neck and angle my mouth towards his. Our lips slowly meet and they fit together perfectly. Adam traces my bottom lip with his tongue and I let him in. Our tongue’s dance as we explore each other’s mouth. I tangle my fingers through his hair and relish the feeling. Adam’s hands roam around my back and trace the bare skin between the hem of my shirt and tops of my pants. It sends delicious shivers up my spine. We reluctantly part after a few minutes and I rest my head on his chest. That one kiss definitely blows all the ones from last night out of the water. I close my eyes as Adam runs his fingers through my hair, enjoying the sensation.

“Sweatpants aren’t really proper female date attire,” he suddenly teases, “You should probably go change.

I snuggle deeper into his chest, “Or we could order take out and watch movies?”

“Or that,” he says, “What movie do you want to start with?”

“The Notebook,” I suggest innocently.

Adam looks at me in pure horror and I clutch my stomach in laughter.

“You should see your face right now,” I say between laughs, “Calm down tiger. I hate that movie too. How about Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla?”

As Adam goes to put the movie in, I realize just how lucky I am. I may not know what the future holds for us, but right now I could care less. This right here, watching movies we both enjoy. This is happiness.

Notes