Against All Odds

Chapter Nine:

By 11:30, I arrived at Rowley's Food and Pasta House. I scanned the room for Dave.I walked around. Then, at one corner of the room, I saw Dave looking at the window. I approached him, then, he saw me looking at him.

"Liz," he smiled. My heart skipped. He stood, then, he almost kissed my cheek. But I looked at him, then, he just offered me the seat instead. I sat beside him. Then, Dave sat. "Liz, thank you for coming over."

"Any time, Dave," I told him. Then, a waiter came and took our orders. We ordered two lasagna and ice tea.

"So what do you wanted to talk about?" I asked minutes later.

"Liz,please listen to me. This is somewhat serious," Dave became serious. I looked at him intently.

"What is it?" I breathed.

"It's about us," Dave replied the thing he said a while ago.

Here goes, I thought to myself.

"I know you're feeling it, too," Dave looked at me directly in the eyes. "I know you have feelings for me,too."

"Dave, what are you talking about?" I asked, shaking my head. For I know what he said was true. Then, the waiter came with our orders. He placed it on the table, and walked away.

"Liz, you know," Dave continued. I can't look at those eyes anymore. "I...I love you."

Huh? I looked at him and blushed.

"There I've said it atlast," Dave mumbled shyly. He looked down and blushed himself.

"But, Dave..."I only reacted.

"I know this is not right," Dave continued. "But I can't suppress my feelings anymore. Right from the start, I'm attracted to you. I knew I'm in love with you."

He took my hands. I looked at it. Then, he looked at me, straight in the eyes, "Liz, it's clear, I love you."

"I'm not hearing this," I rolled my eyes. "Dave..."

But Dave didn't waste any time. I felt the soft brush of his lips against mine. It felt soo good to kiss him. I kissed him back. It sent tingles down my spine. It's not like the usual type of feeling when I kiss Jeremy. It's different...from both guys. His was sweet and sincere.

Then, I stopped. I realized I made a big mistake.I kissed Dave instead of Jeremy. We made a big mistake.

"Oh," Dave breathed as we torn apart. "I'm sorry."

"Dave," I looked at him spaced out. I know I also gave in but I have to say it. "Dave, this is wrong."

"I know."

"You got Trace, I got Jeremy. How can we possibly love each other?" I asked.

"You just proved it," Dave pointed out. "You kissed me back."

I swallowed hard. I know I made a big mistake by giving him that kiss."Dave, this is not right."

Dave looked down. "I'm sorry." He shook his head.

"But Liz, remember that I love you soo much," Dave said.

"More than Tracy?" I asked. Not realizing I said it out loud. I thought I was only thinking about it.

Dave couldn't answer. Then, he looked at me and said, "Yeah. Do you?"

I stopped. I can't believe he loved me that much. But do I love him so much? It's just not fair to Tracy and Jeremy. I felt tears stinging my eyes. "No,Dave,"I stood. "I'm not so sure."

I walked away. Behind my back, I left Dave wandering over me. I never dared to look back. Then, tears sprang down my eyes.