Cold Feet

Chapter 35

RICK

I look at Viola on the other side of the room.

“What happened?” I ask.

“I can’t… we can’t do this. Please go,” she says. Then, as if realizing for the first time that she’s topless, she covers herself with her arm and moves back to the sofa where she snags her top off the floor and pulls it over her head. I watch her as she lifts her hands over her head to put her top on. The movement lifts her breasts and accentuates them and then she’s finished.

“Please go,” she says again.

Viola, c’mon. Let’s talk…”

“Get out!” she shouts.

I get up and make my way to the entrance hall. I open the door and let myself out. She follows me at a distance still covering her breasts even though she’s wearing her top again. I look back at her once I’m outside the apartment.

“Let’s just talk,” I say in a calm voice.

“There’s nothing to talk about,” Viola says and closes the door in my face. I stand there for a few moments feeling anger and frustration. I want to kick the damn door down but I finally turn and head for the elevator lobby. I hope against hope that she’ll come running after me but when I step into the elevator and she doesn’t come running after me I know it’s not going to happen.

I exit the building downstairs and flag a cab. When it arrives, I give the driver my address and head home.

More than ever, I can’t get Viola out of my mind. I remember everything about our time in her apartment. What the hell happened, I wonder?

This time however she sends me a message after I’ve arrived home.

I’m sorry about this evening. I was wrong.

It’s okay, I reply.

I’m sorry. I can’t see you again.

Why?

to explain. You’re in a committed relationship. I don’t get involved with people in committed relationships. I lost control tonight and I was wrong. I may not like Christine but I won’t break up even my

why can’t we see each

know why. Look what

behave, I

be me.

bit drastic don’t

Rick. All the best

dial Viola’s number but it just

the

on the sofa in frustration. I take a shower and get into bed. I think again of what we did and I feel guilt for Christine. It’s damn hard to put Viola out of mind now but I finally

the sofa. I check for messages from Viola but there aren’t any. I have to hand it to her. When her mind is made

even send her a good night message and the first thing I’m doing this morning is looking for

Viola. I know there’s simply nothing I

of my mind

as easy as that though and by late morning I decide I need to talk to someone. I contact my friend Lewis and he agrees to meet for lunch at a sports bar where

up?” Lewis

is a successful real estate agent. He’s married with two kids and he has a knack of seeing things from a different perspective. He’s always helpful that way. I’ve never leaned on him for help but now I do. We went to law school

that I’m getting married and I tell

first reaction

jokes. Next time I

I

stick with Christine. You’ve made the decision to ask her to marry you and that’s a huge step for you. Have you considered though that this is your first serious relationship and

“What’s your point?”

people go through a few relationships before they decide

it’s too soon

not what I’m saying. I’m just saying that’s what most people do. Some people marry their high school sweetheart and stay together for all their lives. Everybody’s different. I’m

say. “What made you and Jenna decide to

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