Short Tell-tales: A Heart Crushed By A Crush; Pt 8

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_{Broken Heart Image Source - Pixabay (Image Colour enhanced by me)}

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...continued from part-1, part-2, part-3, part-4, part-5, part-6, and part-7

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They finished the first movie and after checking the time and seeing that it was still early in the day, James suggested they see second movie.

The second movie was a crime and action flick and they both enjoy it. And James got to know from Anna that she is a huge action, sci-fi and detective movie freak.

After the movie, James offered to take her to a nearby park, in order for them to have a serious conversation.

A huge tension built up between them as they headed towards the park. James regretted bringing up the whole “we-need-to-talk” thingy, almost immediately.

It was like moving from a state of sexual climax to immediately feeling the pain of getting shot with a gun.

He didn’t mean to ruin the moment they were having by suggesting they both talk, he only wanted clarifications on what he and Anna were really about, and to seemingly know what she felt or thought about him.

Seeing that the mood was getting pretty uncomfortable in the car, he changed direction abruptly. He decided to turn towards the very restaurant where he had met Anna and Steven.

Anna, who wasn’t sure where he was initially driving to, asked where they were headed.

James coyly said, “To meet your boyfriend, Steven.” The response made Anna laugh.

And James was very pleased with himself for temporarily breaking the ice and making her laugh after he almost ruined the moment with the “talk” talk.

With a smile still on her face, Anna said, “Steven is not my boyfriend; I’ve told you that before.”

With the ice having been broken momentarily, James said, “Ok, why don’t you tell me who he really is to you, and how you both met again, over plate of intercontinental cuisine, yes?”

Anna smiled saying, “Fine! It’s obvious you’d keep at this if I don’t yield to your curiosity once and for all.”

After realizing exactly where James was taking her to, from the route he was driving through, she chuckled.

And as they approached the parking lot of the restaurant, Anna smiled and said, “You are a really mischievous guy, Jay.”

They got into the restaurant and found a table. After settling into their seats and picking up the menu, James signaled a waiter who came over to take their orders.

As James asked Anna what kind of drink she’d like, they heard a familiar voice.

Turning towards the sound of the voice which came from the entrance area, they both saw Steven walking towards them with a very delectable female companion.

James didn’t know if it was “karma” trying to screw him six ways from Sunday, but he was literally in pains, seeing Steven at the same spot where he had first met Steven and Anna together.

Anna meanwhile, was smiling once she saw who Steven was with.

James on the other hand was numb. “What are the odds of something like this even happening?”, he wondered.

He was thankful however, that Steven wasn’t alone, but with a very cute lady companion.

“At least, Steven won’t be messing up his and Anna’s time”, he thought to himself.

While James was busy struggling with his facial composure, Steven said "Hello James", and stretched his hand out for a handshake. James shook the outstretched hand curtly and said “Hello Steven”.

Steven then leaned over to Anna and gave her a peck, and said “Howdy Anna?”

Anna responded with a cheeky flush, “I’m grand, Steven.”

And to Steven’s companion, Anna stood to give her a hug and said, “Hello Susan. It’s been a while. How have you been?”

Anna was so amused at the whole drama that was unfolding before James’ quizzing eyes.

She tried to hold the laughter but she couldn’t. Before Susan could respond, Anna busted out laughing, after venturing to look at James’ confused looks.

All three of them – James, Steven and Susan – were left staring at Anna, as she laughed.

After controlling herself and catching her breath, she promptly apologized for her outburst. “I’m so sorry Jay. It was just a very funny scenario to me.”

Steven finally sensing James’ apparent unease said, “Oh James! Meet Susan, my fiancée. Suzzie, meet James, Anna’s, uhm…….”

Steven wasn’t sure of James’ title at that instant, and was hoping for help from Anna as he turned sharply to look at her.

Anna meanwhile was still chuckling with laughter. And it was now James’ turn to bust out laughing.

Steven then smiled and said, “This is really awkward.”

“I’m guessing from Anna’s laughter and your questioning look that Anna hasn’t told you much about me, James,” added Steven.

James who now truly found the situation as funny as Anna perhaps did, calmly stood and shook Susan’s hand and said, “Nice to make your acquaintance, Susan.”

Susan responded, “Likewise, James.”

Anna who was now firmly in control of her humorous reflex, went on to apologize to James again for her outburst.

She said, “Do you now believe me, James? I told you, didn't I? But you didn't seem to believe me”

James knowing that she was referring to his suggestion that Steven was her boyfriend, said, “Ok, I believe you now.”

Steven and Susan who were not sure of what was being “believed” or what was initially “doubted”, were momentarily at a loss.

Anna sensing their confusion, briefly said, “James thought you and I were dating, after seeing us here, the other day.”

Steven and Susan both chuckled at the clarity of the misunderstanding.

Realizing that both James and Anna apparently needed to talk, Steven and Susan excused them, “Well, I guess you guys need to talk and clear up things.”

“And No, James. Anna is a very old friend of mine and we aren’t dating. Anna introduced me to Susan here, who was her roommate back in school.”

“Anna you really have a lot of explaining to do for this cute guy, before he gets a heart-attack or something”, Steven said as he joked aimed at James.

“Well, enjoy your evening guys, while I and Susan go do our thing”, Steven added as himself and Susan both left for their table.

After they left, Anna was still smiling at James, who was still trying to process all he had discovered in the space of about 3 minutes or so.

Catching Anna smiling and staring at him, James said, “Ok, Anna, now is the time to start explaining.”

“But before you start, and seeing now that Steven is out of the picture in terms of men you are dating now, are you not seeing any guy at the moment or what?” James asked.

“No I am not”, Anna responded.

“Why? If I may ask”, James quizzed. “Infact, I seriously want to know why. So please start with that”, James added.

Anna’s smile now disappeared, and a look of seriousness enveloped her face.

She started off by saying, “Promise me that whatever I tell you would be between us, James. I am a very private person as you already know. And I want to remain that way, for now.”

“So, do I have your word, that whatever I tell you today would not leave your lips?” Anna asked him seriously.

“You have my word Anna. I don’t kiss and tell”, James joked.

Anna maintained, “I am serious James. This is about my life, and the only two people who know what I’m about to tell you, just left this table. And I trust them, same way they trust me.”

James knew that whatever he was about to hear must be very serious, and so he sat up straight and repeated, “You have my word Anna, even though I don’t know what it is you are about to say, but you can trust me with whatever secret you have.”

Anna smiled at his response and said, “Ok, I’d hold you to that, Jay.”

Anna then continued, “First of all, the reason why I don’t have any guy in my life right now is because I don’t date guys."

Anna paused briefly and then quietly let it out, "James, I am GAY.”

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