~*~ Chapter 22 ~*~
REDDING, CA - The Peach - Dec. 27TH, 2001 - Thursday
Ashley had his lips glued to Kirstin’s. Neither of them deepened the kiss. They just had their lips glued to each others. And somehow, that was the best kiss either of them had ever had. It seemed like forever when Ashley took a step back and pulled back from the kiss. He opened his eyes to see Kirstin still with her eyes shut. She slowly licked her lips and opened her eyes. She didn’t know what she was feeling. It was weird. They were with their eyes glued to each other. Neither of them knew what, how and when to say something. Then Kirstin decided to speak up.
“What… I mean… How… we… why did you do that?” Kirstin was frowning. She didn’t know how to react to that.
“I had to do that to leave you alone. I had to taste you one last time.”
“But… I… are you… Tom…”
“Kirstin, you don’t have to worry, I’m not telling Tom anything. And I hope you don’t say anything to Hailey either. It will be our secret.” Ashley smirked. Kirstin didn’t even have to say anything, because she knew she could trust him on that. She just smirked back. Ashley knew how much she loved Tom. He had said that to her before he kissed her, so she wasn’t worried. It was just one thing he had to do to let go off her. That kiss didn’t mean anything to him. But, if the kiss was nothing important… why was she feeling something, then?
“Yes, of course. Don’t worry. I won’t tell Hailey. Of course not.” Kirstin was trying to act cool.
“Good. Now we can be friends as we were before.” Ashley smiled sweetly at her “Then go back to the table. I’ll wait here for a while then I’ll go.”
“Oh, of course. So they won’t suspect a thing. Good thinking. Ok. Then, bye.” she waved at him, smiled and feeling stupid for some reason, trailed back to the table.
At the table, she smiled weakly at Hailey and Tom and sat beside her fiancée. She took a sip from her drink as Ashley got to the table.
“What took you so long?” Hailey asked her boyfriend when he sat down.
“Sorry, I couldn’t find my wallet.”
“That’s ok.” Hailey said and kissed him softly on the lips. Kirstin quickly changed her gaze. Tom picked up on that.
“Are you ok?” Tom asked Kirstin.
“Yeah, honey.” she smiled kindly “I’m fine.” she pressed her lips tenderly on his and smiled at him as he did the same “Can you ask for the check? I’m tired.”
“Yes, sure.” Tom answered as he gesticulated to the waitress for her to bring the check.
The check came pretty quickly. They paid and headed out of the restaurant. While they waited for the valet guy to bring their cars, they made some small talk.
“So, are you guys really leaving tomorrow?” Hailey asked Kirstin and Tom.
“Yes. I’m pretty tired of this city already. I really don’t like it here, but Tom convinced me to come, so… I’m glad we’re leaving tomorrow.” Kirstin answered her.
“And did you like Redding, Tom?” Ashley asked.
“Yes. A part from some events, I had a pleasant stay.” Tom was obviously talking about their encounter at the supermarket and the Christmas dinner.
“Good.” Ashley smirked.
The valet guy arrived with Kirstin’s silver Toyota Rav-4 and they were saying their goodbyes.
“So, hope to see you soon, Tommy.” Hailey said and that got on Kirstin’s nerve again. It was evidently the jealous look on her face. Maybe Hailey was doing that on purpose? Knowing Hailey, she probably was.
“You too, Hailey. Whenever you are in New York and wanna come visit us, you’re welcome at our house.”
‘Our house…’ Ashley thought and took a deep breath.
“Oh, thank you. That’s really sweet of you. Whenever Ashley is in New York and me too, we can schedule another double date like this. It was fun.”
“Sure, why not?” Tom and Hailey were the only one talking. Ashley and Kirstin were just paying attention to each other’s face expressions.
“So, we gotta go.” Kirstin pointed out.
“Ok. Let’s go.” Tom said, going to the other side of the vehicle, as he was driving it “Bye.” he waved from the car’s door before getting in.
“Bye, Hailey.” Kirstin hugged her and went to Ashley’s direction “Bye.” she smiled kindly at him and kissed his cheeks.
“I’ll call you whenever I get to New York.” he hugged her and whispered those words in her ears. She let go of the hug and, looking into his big eyes, just shook her head positively. She opened the door to her car and got in. Tom pushed the horn and drove off.
* Thanx Taryn and Stacie for reviewing and correcting the grammar errors *
~*~ Chapter 21 ~*~
~*~ Chapter 23 ~*~
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