Hacking The Relationship Code

Chapter 29: Adrian and Red Wine

Our flight to Detroit was running right on time and we landed exactly as per schedule. Since we had only been gone for a week back home, we didn't have any luggage to claim. Sprinting our hand luggages by ourselves, we hopped into a cab to Ann Arbor.

The jovial vibe from the Christmas had managed to overstay after New Year's also. Andy and Mia were gushing about the fun we had at the party. I still hadn't told them about the Nick fiasco and waited for perfect moment to butt into their conversation before Andy went on about his ideas for the next year party.

"I can't believe, he made a move on you.", Mia said with her mouth gaping at me.

"I know. I wasn't expecting it. I mean I can't fathom his sudden interest in me."

"I think you should cut him some slack. The guy's already finding it difficult at Georgetown with all the pressure. He might have had a weak moment."

"I guess you are right. I know it was a genuine lapse of judgement but how am I supposed to explain that to Adrian. He's not going to take this lightly."

"Yeah. Your ex-boyfriend trying to kiss you at a New Year party is kinda tricky business.", she replied.

"But Ginna did not kiss him back and stood up for her relationship. He should account for that too. Nick wrote her an apology too, the next day.", Andy added.

"Yeah, but Andy, when Ginna and Adrian had that huge row, he had mentioned his insecurity over Nick. How do you think he's gonna take this well?", Mia quizzed.

"I just think Adrian is going to have to grow up and suck it up for her. It wasn't her fault and she shouldn't be blamed for Nick's indiscretion. This is the perfect opportunity to see whether Adrian was serious about making amends or were they just big talks.", Andy concluded.

"We are gonna have dinner in the evening to talk everything through. Let's see how that goes. I'll tell him everything depending on how ready he is to acknowledge it with an unbiased mind."

"You certainly don't want to go down the road of keeping things from him again.", Mia warned.

"Don't worry. I'll tell him. If all goes well, then I will tell him today itself. I don't want to keep things from him for long. I am seeing a different side of him. He hasn't bothered me even once though the break. I am sure he will understand.", I assured myself.

***

Adrian and I had agreed to meet at 'Gratiano's' for dinner. It was a quaint place, very rustic and queer in design, still undiscovered by the population around. It was exactly the kind of place where you plan special anniversary dates. The place had been lit by several scented candles and lamps and the wood in the fireplace burnt along the clock to warm the evening. I was in awe of the romantic setting. Slow instrumental music blended easily with the setting and soothed the mood. I didn't forget to drop by a message thanking Mia for her unique suggestion.

Adrian looked equally in awe of the setting.

"This place is lit in the literal sense. We got to thank Mia for getting us a reservation here.", he said.

Both Adrian and I had made effort to look good for each other. He was wearing a sky-blue shirt with a navy tie, something I never saw him wear, nevertheless, dazzled me. He knew I liked it when he tidied himself, Shirts especially were my weak spot, when coupled with the sleek tie he was wearing made me weak in the knees. I smoothed my hand across the tie to feel the smooth fabric and inhale his scent.

"You really look great today.", I whispered.

"Not more than you.", he returned the compliment.