One Wild Night

918  A One Time Thing

Amy settled into her seat at the cinema, a grin on her face as the movie began to play. The darkened theater was filled with excited murmurs and the rustling of popcorn bags. Yet, her thoughts were far from the screen.

She replayed her conversation with Lucas in her mind, over and over again. The memory of his voice, the sincerity in his apology, and his unexpected confession sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

As the movie unfolded, Amy found herself barely registering the plot. Her mind was a whirl of emotions. She remembered the initial shock of Lucas's confession, the way her heart had skipped a beat.

His admission that he liked her more than a friend had been unexpected, but it had stirred something within her. She couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and confusion.

The flickering images on the screen were lost on her as she thought about Lucas. She had missed him more than she had realized during the two weeks of silence. Despite the hurt and confusion, the sound of his voice had brought a sense of comfort and familiarity. She couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them.

Suddenly, the lights in the theater came back on, and the credits began to roll. Amy blinked, surprised that the movie was over already.

She hadn't followed it at all, despite having looked forward to it all week. She gathered her belongings and made her way out of the theater, feeling a mix of disappointment at not following the movie and anticipation at talking to Lucas again.

As she stepped outside into the cool night air, she flagged down a cab and the moment she was settled, she pulled out her phone and sent Lucas a text: [Hey, are you up for a phone call?]

Within seconds, her phone rang. She giggled as she saw Lucas's name on the screen. "Hey," she answered, her voice tinged with excitement.

"Hey, Amy," Lucas's voice was warm and relieved. "How was the movie?"

"It was... interesting," she replied, though she couldn't remember a single detail.

"Interesting? What was it about?" Lucas asked, curious.

Shame tinged her cheeks as a laugh bubbled up. "I... well, I didn't really pay attention, I was too distracted," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper.

"Distracted? By what?" Lucas's tone was teasing.

"By you," she admitted, her cheeks flushing. "I couldn't stop thinking about our conversation."

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Lucas spoke again. "Can we talk about what I said now?"

"Not right now. I'm still on my way home.  I'd like to be settled when we talk about it. I reached out just because I wanted to talk to you while on transit. So, why don't you tell me what I've missed in the last two weeks since we last talked?"

Lucas chuckled, the sound bringing a smile to Amy's face. "I missed the sound of your laughter," Amy said, and Lucas felt a flutter in his chest.

"As I missed yours," he admitted, realizing it had become easier to admit his feelings.

"So? What did I miss?" Amy asked with a grin. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Well, let me see... There have been a few funny incidents. You have no idea how distracted I have been," he said and her grin widened.

"Tell me one," she urged him.

"Like the time I was so distracted thinking about you that I poured orange juice into my cereal instead of milk," Lucas said, laughing at himself.

Amy burst into laughter, picturing the scene. "Did you actually eat it?"

"I tried," Lucas admitted, laughing along with her. "It was terrible."

"What else?" Amy asked, eager to hear more.

"There was also the time I was at the grocery store, and I completely zoned out while the cashier was talking to me. I just stood there, staring off into space. The poor guy had to wave his hand in front of my face to get my attention and when I finally looked up, I realized I was yet to purchase anything but joined the line."

Amy giggled, imagining Lucas in that situation. "Sounds like you've been having quite an interesting time."

"I didn't expect any of this. It's not been the same without talking to you," Lucas said softly.

Amy's heart warmed at his words. "I've missed you too. Unfortunately or should I say fortunately? I didn't have any of these funny experience so I have nothing to share. I was just so worried and trying to figure out what I did and stuff," she said as the cab pulled up in front of her building.

Without a word she paid the driver and stepped out. "I'm home now," she told Lucas as she unlocked her door. "We can talk."

Lucas's voice was hesitant. "Amy, what do you want me to do about my feelings for you? Does it make you uncomfortable? I'll understand if it makes you uncomfortable."

She took a deep breath, considering her response. "No. It doesn't make me uncomfortable. As a matter of fact I'm flattered by it. But I don't think we should date. At least not right now."

Lucas was silent for a moment. "What do you mean?"

"I think we should remain friends for the time being," Amy explained. "I remember you coming to the funeral weeks ago because you didn't want me to have any funny ideas and stuff," Amy said with a rueful smile.

Lucas winced. "I didn't plan for any of this to happen," Lucas said quietly.

"I know. And I understand too. That's why I'm saying we should remain friends until we're both emotionally sound enough to be in a relationship. I don't want you to think you have feelings for me when I might only be a rebound. And I don't want to assume that what I feel for you is love when it might only be gratitude. I want us both to be absolutely sure of what we're feeling. I didn't stay single for this long to jump into a relationship without giving it due thought. I know you're responsible, and I admire you in a lot of ways, but I think for both our sakes there is no reason to be in a haste. Let's continue as we have been doing and see how is goes."

Lucas listened quietly, processing her words. He had to admit that he liked her response. It made sense in a lot of ways and took off any pressures he might be feeling about going into another relationship too soon.

"Thank you, Amy. I feel much better now," he said, and she smiled, feeling relieved.

"I'm glad you understand."

"I do. And I have a confession to make," Lucas said, his voice hesitant.

Amy's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?"

"I'm not sure how to say this, or if I'm supposed to even tell you. But knowing myself I won't be at ease until I tell you about it," he said and took a deep breath, "I made out with someone," Lucas admitted.

Amy was taken aback. "You did? When?" She asked with a frown wondering how he could confess his feelings to her and make out with someone else.

"That day. After you told me about meeting someone at the spa," Lucas replied.

"How? What happened?" She asked curiously.

Lucas went on to explain the situation and what had happened with Sam and how he had to stop after calling her name.

Amy couldn't help but laugh. "You did what?"

"Yeah," Lucas said, sounding sheepish. "It was silly. I shouldn't have done that. So, that's it. That's what I did. I'm not sure why I'm telling you, but I just think you should know. And it's okay if you're mad."

"I'm not mad," Amy said, still giggling. "We're not exactly dating or exclusive yet. And although I don't exactly like the thought of you kissing someone else, your lips are yours," she said softly.

Lucas smiled, thinking about the difference between Amy and Rachel. He knew that if it were Rachel, she would have thrown a huge fit. "You're amazing, Amy."

"Thanks," she said softly, "But the fact that I said your lips are yours and that we are not exclusive yet doesn't mean it's okay to keep making out with other. You know that, right?"

Lucas smiled, "Of course, I do. It was a one time thing. I'm not a cheat, I promise."

Amy smiled, "Well, thanks for telling me about it. And you should know this doesn't change how I see you. If anything, it makes me happy that you could open up to me," she said and Lucas let out a relieved sigh.

"I'm glad to hear that. Thank you. It's late. You should go to bed," Lucas said, since it was already past midnight.

"I want to stay up and talk to you," Amy said as she took off her clothes. "You owe me two weeks' worth of conversation. So you better have some good stories."

Lucas laughed, feeling a sense of happiness he hadn't felt in weeks. "Okay."

Lucas launched into a tale about a disastrous cooking attempt, where he had confused sugar with salt and ended up with a horribly inedible dish.

Amy listened, laughing and teasing him. For a while, it felt like old times, and the hurt of the past two weeks began to fade.

When Lucas ran out of stories to tell, he asked, "What about you? What have you been up to?"

Amy sighed. "Not much, really. Just the usual. I spent the weekends mostly worrying and finding things to distract myself."

Lucas's voice softened. "I'm sorry, Amy. I didn't mean to put you through that."

"It's okay," she said. "Just don't do it again."

"I won't," he promised.

As the conversation continued, they talked about everything and nothing, filling the gaps left by the past two weeks. Amy felt a sense of contentment, knowing that their friendship and easy rapport was still in place.

Eventually, Amy's voice grew softer as fatigue set in. "I should let you get some sleep," Lucas said reluctantly.

"Yeah, I guess so," Amy agreed, with a yawn though she didn't want to end the call, "why don't you sing until sleep off?"

She asked and Lucas chuckled, "I don't have a good voice."

"I wasn't asking you to go audition somewhere. I just want to sleep off listening to your voice," Amy said and Lucas sighed.

"Alright," Lucas said as he thought about what song to sing.

After thinking for some time settled for an easy lullaby and as he sang, Amy slowly drifted off to sleep.

"Goodnight, Luca," she whispered sleepily.

"Goodnight, Amy," Lucas said, and waited until he didn't hear anymore sound before hanging up.

As he hung up, Lucas felt a sense of hope. Their friendship had survived a rough patch, and he believed it would only grow stronger from here.