Little Heart Skips

The night air was still and damp, the kind of evening that clung to your skin even in early spring. Daisy walked slowly down the quiet side street behind the café, hands stuffed into her coat pockets. She should have been wiping counters and balancing invoices. Instead she was walking in circles, trying to walk off the heaviness in her chest.

She had thought getting out for a bit would clear her head, but it hadn’t. Her mind kept circling back to the same point: Arian.

It had been weeks now, but it felt like it all happened yesterday. The bar’s neon sign, the sting of being stood up by her date, the shock of seeing him on the other side of the room.

Thea was at home, fighting for her life and sanity but Daisy had gone out to “try dating” again.

Pathetic.

She had told herself she was ready, told herself she deserved someone. Then her date hadn’t shown up, and she’d been left with a poorly written apology and no promise for a second date. She had decided it was best to pay for an entire bottle of wine, hang out here a little then head out.

But Arian had been there.

She could still picture the way he’d raised his glass in greeting, the hesitant smile, the way he’d asked,

“You all right?” like he actually cared.

They had moved to the back corner, swapped bad-date stories and complained about work. She had expected a conversation with him to be awkward and strained but it wasn't at all. He’d been funny. He’d been a gentleman. He’d ordered her another drink without asking, and she hadn’t said no.

One drink had become two. His hand had brushed hers when he’d reached for the salt. They had both laughed at something she couldn’t even remember now. One thing led to another.

By the time she’d realised how far it had gone, they were in his car, heading to his apartment. She’d told herself she could stop it at any time. She hadn’t.

Why?

It was a question she struggled to answer till now.

How could she forget the feel of his hands on her bare back, guiding her towards the room, his lips soft and moist on hers. Tempting, inviting and almost familiar. His touches felt feathery and none of his movements were hasty. Every touch, every kiss was deliberate. Like all he cared about was her pleasure and nothing else.

Her toes curled as she recalled his warm breath on her ear, whispering, talking her through it as he joined them together, an experience Daisy wouldn't forget in a hurry.

No one had paid attention to her body and needs like that. But with Arian, it felt like he knew everything and….everywhere. Even her tattoo. He had kissed so gently, almost like he knew the story behind it. It was thrilling back there, arched towards him on his bed but now….she wasn't so sure.

The next morning was worse. She’d planned to slip out before dawn, before the awkwardness set in. She’d been pulling on her shoes by the door when he came out of the bedroom, hair tousled, his strong, toned chest bare. He'd blocked her exit, not angrily but gently, like he didn’t want her to leave.

“I don’t regret this. What we shared last night.” he’d said. “I have feelings for you.”

The words had been like a bucket of ice. She hadn’t known what to do with them. Her instinct had been to run, so she had. She’d mumbled something about needing air and bolted. Since then she’d buried herself in work, hoping it would go away.

He called. Hell, he called so many times but she never responded. A part of her prayed he wouldn't show up at her café one day, knocking the breath out of her and he hadn't. Almost like he could read her mind.

But today, he’d walked into her café with Seth as if nothing had happened. Like the world hadn’t shifted. Like those eyes didn't stare into hers like she was the only one he sees..

She kicked a pebble down the street. Her stomach twisted. She’d spent the whole afternoon acting normal, brewing coffee, trying to distance herself and trying not to look at Arian.

She hadn’t told Thea a word. Not about the date. Not about the bar. Not about waking up in Arian's apartment. She would freak out. Hell, she might actually kill her.

Things weren't so great with Seth and here she was already in bed with his friend.

She wouldn’t have told Thea about her date anyway. Not until she knew it was serious, not until she knew she could introduce him to Thea. But it was all a mess now, and seeing Arian had been like ripping the bandage off a wound she’d been ignoring.

She turned the corner back toward the café. Lights glowed warm in the front window. Through the glass she could see Thea leaning over a table with Seth, their heads close as Thea laughed about something.

Arian was gone. The relief she’d expected didn’t come. Instead there was a hollow ache she didn’t want to name.

She paused on the sidewalk, staring at the empty space where he’d been sitting. She remembered his voice at the bar, low and earnest.

I don’t regret it.

She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to block the memory out.

“Pull it together, Daisy,” she muttered. “Get back inside. Be normal.”

She pushed open the door. The bell chimed. The warmth and smell of coffee enveloped her.

“You’re back,” Thea said brightly. “We were about to send Arian after you.”

“I needed air,” Daisy replied, forcing a smile. She hung up her coat behind the counter and reached for a rag she didn’t need, wiping at a perfectly clean table. Anything to keep her hands busy.

Seth looked up at Daisy. “I'd everything okay, Daisy?”

Her eyes flickered over to Seth. Even he could tell that something was off with her. It was that bad apparently. Did Arian tell Seth about them?

She doubts it.

“I’m fine,” Daisy said automatically.

Thea studied her. Daisy could feel it, her friend’s eyes, the little crease in her brow. Thea knew something was off. She always did. She just didn’t press unless invited.

“Where’s…Arian?” Daisy asked, deflecting. “He left?”

“Yeah.” Thea said.

Daisy’s heart did a stupid little jump at her response. She tried to keep her voice even. “Good. Less crowd here.”

Thea tilted her head. “He seemed…different around you. Did something happen?”

Daisy laughed, a bright, brittle sound. “Nothing happened. Why would anything happen?”

Thea didn’t answer, but the look she gave her was soft and curious. Daisy forced herself to keep smiling.

“I’m just tired,” she added. “Long day.”

Seth glanced at his wrist watch, it was getting pretty late. He glanced at Thea. “We should get going. Let her get some rest.”

“Yeah,” Thea said. She picked up her bag, then crossed to the counter. “Hey.” Her voice was quieter now. “You really okay?”

Daisy wiped at the counter again. “I’m fine, Thea. Really.”

Thea searched her face for a moment longer, then seemed to accept it. She reached out and squeezed Daisy’s hand. “You’d tell me if something was wrong, right?”

Daisy smiled the way she always did when she wanted to reassure people. “Of course.”

Thea nodded, though the worry didn’t leave her eyes. “Okay. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Please do,” Daisy said. “Goodnight.”

The bell over the door jingled again as they left. The café went quiet, just the hum of the fridge and the tick of the clock on the wall.

Daisy stood behind the counter, staring at the door long after it closed.

She should be glad Arian had gone. She should be relieved Thea hadn’t pressed. But instead she felt the ache again, deep in her chest. She pressed her palms to the counter, bowing her head.

“Get it together,” she whispered. “Figure out what you want. Before you wreck everything.”

She straightened, drew a deep breath, and began stacking cups. The best she could do right now is pretend it never happened.