Because Bonnie was completely occupied by her big project, the first time we really sat down and spoke to each other was Friday in the late afternoon, right before my date with Will.
She walked into the living room just when I walked out of my bedroom. I thought I looked nice and dateable.
“Wow, Soof, what did I miss the last few days? Did you already find another man to date?” She looked at me with wonder in her eyes.
“Uh, well, Bee, hold your horses, but I’m going out with Will,” I said, avoiding her eyes.
“WHAT? Are you fucking kidding me, Sophie? What the hell are you thinking? That piece of shit treated you like some whore. He almost molested you!” Bonnie’s eyes almost seem to glow with fury.
“Bee, calm down, it wasn’t that bad. He just had too much to drink, and he was really sorry. I’m sure he won’t do it again. Besides, he’s taking me to a public place this time, so nothing can happen,” I pleaded with her.
Bonnie didn’t seem impressed. “I swear to the Goddess above, if he hurts you, I will kill him.”
At that moment the doorbell rang. Before I could react, Bonnie beat me to it. She swung the door open and stood in front of me.
“Look who we got here—the boy who couldn’t keep his hands to himself. I promise you, Will, if you hurt even one hair on her body, I swear, I will make sure you’ll be sorry!”
Will huffed. He ignored Bonnie and took my hand. “Come on, beautiful. We’re going out.”
I took one last look at Bonnie, who was still pissed. I smiled apologetically at her, and then I shut the door.
Will took me to this very cute restaurant just outside town. When he drove into the woods, I got a little scared. He noticed my change and immediately assured me that everything was fine.
Then, out of nowhere, the restaurant appeared in front of us. It was built in a Nordic style. It looked very Viking-like.
When we entered the restaurant, we were seated in one of the booths. The menu had a lot of Italian food. The smells were mouthwatering. I adored Italian food.
A waitress took our orders. Will and I talked about all kinds of things. The only subject he avoided was Bonnie. It seemed like the love between them was completely gone.
I felt a bit nasty because of it. I mean, everyone wants their bestie to have a good relationship with a potential lover, right?
I was just telling Will why I chose to be a psychologist when I heard my name.
“Sophie, is that you?”
I turned around and saw Ben sitting in the booth behind us. “Hey, Ben, how are you?”
He stood up and pulled me out of my chair in a big hug.
“I’m fine, Sophie, thank you. On a date, I see?” He looked at my necklace first and then he looked around me to lock eyes with Will.
“Hello, I’m Ben, and you are…?”
“Hi, I’m Will. Nice to meet you.”
Ben looked suspiciously at Will. They shook hands.
“Well, Will, I hope you treat this girl with all the respect she deserves. Or else I must hunt you down,” Ben said with a smirk.
Something told me he wasn’t really kidding. Will also noted the undertone and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He wasn’t amused by this unexpected guest.
“Yes, of course I will,” he said quickly.
“Good,” Ben said, and he glanced at my necklace one more time. “Then I wish you both a good evening.”
He gave me a quick hug and turned back to his seat. I sat down in my chair again.
I smiled at Will. He returned the smile, but I tasted a bit of sourness in it.
The rest of the evening was pleasant. Will really acted like a gentleman.
The drive home was also nice. I really got to know him better. When we arrived at my building, he opened the car door for me.
“Thanks for the great evening, Will. I really enjoyed it.”
He smiled at me. “We can make the evening even better,” he said. He took a step towards me and kissed me.
I hesitated a bit and pulled slowly away.
“You want me to tuck you into bed?” he said with a husky voice.
“I’m sorry, Will, but I really want to take things slow. Let’s plan a date next week so that we can get to know each other better.”
His face went from friendly to hard, but just for a split second. It was so quick that I questioned if it really happened. I kissed him on the cheek and went inside the building.
As soon as I entered the apartment, I saw a very angry Bonnie waiting for me. I held both hands in the air.
“Bonnie, before you say anything, Will was a real gentleman tonight.”
“Yeah, sure,” she replied, “but that doesn’t mean that I approve of this relationship of yours.”
“We don’t have a relationship yet, Bonnie. I want to take things slow. Please, just give him a chance.”
She shook her head and came to me with open arms. She hugged me and whispered in my ear.
“I hope you know what you’re doing. My threat to him still stands.”
I looked her in the eyes and we both burst out laughing.
“Oh, Bee, I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Soof, but just promise me you will always be honest to me about him.”
“I promise, Bee.”
