They walked into the apartment and Ariana put the ball on the couch while Nicole went into the kitchen.
“You’re in the living room,” Nicole said from the kitchen. “It’s small, but just right for me.”
Ariana looked around the space and her gaze fell on the scene outside the windows. She could imagine sitting on the couch with Nicole, a game playing in the background on the TV, butneither of them paying attention to it when they could enjoy this view together. One corner of her mouth raised in a smile as she imagined different scenarios playing out in this room.
Nicole walked in from the kitchen. “I can see you’re thinking about something,” she said tentatively. “Are you going to share?”
Ariana’s smile grew as she met Nicole’s gaze. “I’ll use the wrong word and probably offend you, so I’ll tell you how this room makes me feel.”
“Go on.”
“This room makes me want to grab a glass of wine or a beer or maybe a Diet Coke, sit on the couch and talk about whatever we find interesting at the time. It’s comfortable, inviting and unpretentious—just like you are right now.”
“What do you mean? Am I pretentious in my job?”
“No, you’re professional. But here you can relax and be yourself.”
“Okay, I’ll accept that as a compliment. Thank you.”
Ariana breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at Nicole. “Good, because I think this is a great room. Do you sometimes replay games in here?”
Nicole nodded. “Yes. The couch is more comfortable than my office and I use my laptop for statistics and notes.”
“I get that,” Ariana said, gazing around the room. “I’m a gamer and most of the time I play in the living room on my couch, especially when Cameron isn’t there.”
“Obviously this is the kitchen,” Nicole said, walking back into the space.
Ariana smiled and looked around. The counters were uncluttered and wiped clean. She wasn’t surprised because Nicole presented herself as anything but a slob. “Do you cook much?”
“Sometimes,” Nicole replied. “I don’t eat out all the time, but it’s hard to cook for one.”
“Yeah, I don’t eat out all the time either.” Ariana could feel Nicole’s eyes on her and shrugged. “What?”
“Oh, I can see what you’re picturing now. You’re in the living room on the couch smiling while I’m in here preparing us a meal.”
“No! Not at all. I’d be in here helping you.”
“Do you cook?”
“Sometimes.” While they were on the roof Ariana had enjoyed the playful touches and grabs that were part of the game. As she gazed at Nicole now she missed those opportunities to feel Nicole’s soft skin under her fingers. She tilted her head and said, “Maybe I could cook for you someday or we could cook together. Friends do that.”
Nicole smiled and nodded.
Ariana exhaled another relieved breath.
“Why are you so nervous?” Nicole said as they walked out of the kitchen and into the hallway.
“I don’t want to say the wrong thing and this be the only time I’m here.”
Nicole stopped and turned around. “I know that the risk is on me here, but you understand and respect that. I’m not going to end this; I want it too, Ari.”
Ariana felt the nervousness leave her body. Yes, she wanted to be Nicole’s friend, but she wanted so much more. Nicole had already said that wasn’t possible and Ariana respected that. It didn’t keep her from imagining them together though.
“You don’t have to be nervous. You’re not nervous in games, are you?” Nicole asked.
“Sometimes, but I’m usually just excited to play.”
“I want you to be yourself and feel comfortable here.”
