I actually am envious of her ability to say things outright without worrying about the optics.
Another thing that intimidates me is that body of hers she kept secret in those baggy clothes yesterday.
Shockingly, she’s got curves everywhere, and it is very distracting. Today, her hips fill out her dress, and her thighs are slightly exposed as she walks. Her arms are distracting too, tatted up, and exposed to somehow make you notice her more.
And that pretty fucking face.
Makeup dark, lips darker. The dark look suits her so perfectly and makes her stand out in this bland crowd. She has every auntie whispering “God forbid” under their breath as they walk by, and she doesn’t care.
She doesn’t try to hide it either. Doesn’t slouch, doesn’t fold herself up like most bigger girls do. She takes up space, and it suits her.
When did she get so fucking cool?
All I want to do is ask her a million questions, but I’m stalling like a motherfucker.
What does she even like? What does she do for fun? Why does my stomach act like it took up acrobatics when I thought of her?
“So, um,” I try again, desperate. “What’s the plan for the rest of the day?”
I made the mistake of looking over at her, only to find these green eyes already studying me from behind the thick frames that are low on her face. Her head tilts back just to meet my eyes, and it makes me feel bigger than I already am.
“Your mum usually does dinner after service, so… probably that. Depending on how Zaza feels.”
My stomach does a somersault.
She might come over?
“Really?” It comes out way too eager, so I clear my throat and force a shrug. “That’s calm, I guess.”
“Right…” she says, dragging the word out. Then her phone buzzes. She checks it, her face flickering with something I can’t catch before she straightens.
She’s so good at that.
“Well, I’m off. Tell Za I’ll message her.”
“Where you headed?” I press without thinking.
She arches an eyebrow. “Why? So you can follow me?”
My neck heats. “What? No, I just?—”
“You sure?”
Fuck me.
“Francine. I only asked because you can ride with us?—”
“Oh, relax,” she grins. “I’m just teasing. I’m going to my Mum’s for a bit. I’ll just come around later.”
She swats my arm playfully before walking away, making me feel like an idiot for not seeing through her little act.
“Oh! And by the way, your collar is wrinkled as shit. Just so you know.”
My lips press into a thin line. “I know.”
Her laugh echoes through the parking lot as she makes her way to the bus stop while I stare at her arse. She’s clearly amused by the mental gymnastics she’s been subjecting me to since our reunion. ??
I, however, am fed up with that green-eyed woman taking the absolute piss.
