Are You The One?

Chapter 5

The ride back to Cliff’s house was intense. While they didn’t touch one another, or barely spoke they could feel the s*xual tension between them. Brit breathed deeply. She wanted him, this she knew but she barely knew him. Brit spent the thirty-five-minute drive deep in thought.

After tonight she wasn’t sure how she felt about Cliff. Yes, he was nice and funny and smart and handsome. But there was also a different side to him that she didn’t like that much. He was also arrogant and flashed his wealth around to suit his needs and whims. Truth be told, it bothered her that he had bought stocks in a company he previously had no interest in simply to secure an interview for her. And the way he spoke about Holly’s boyfriend annoyed her as well. He was judging this young man without having met him. Worst of all he acted like he was beneath them. Didn’t he realize that his own date came from a modest middle class family? She wasn’t sure if those were his true views, not after hearing about his various causes, or due to his anger with the situation. Either way what she was sure of was she would regret not going home with him.

Brit woke up, the sun streaming on her face. It took her a moment to remember where she was. She cursed herself internally. Last night had been…great if she was being honest with herself.

 She just didn’t know what she was thinking. She wasn’t the kind of woman who had casual s*x with anyone. It was the way that Cliff had looked at her, had touched her. She had lost control of her senses. She looked over at him, gorgeous and sleeping peacefully. This was a mistake. They were from two completely different worlds. They had an amazing night and that was the end of it.

 Brit quietly gathered her clothes and went to the bathroom to get dressed. She looked at herself in the mirror and couldn’t help grinning. If she wore her evening gown, there was no mistaking that she was taking a walk of shame. She decided to raid Cliff’s closet where she found a simple black t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants. They were a little big for her but they would have to do.  She put her dress and jewelry in a plastic bag she found in the kitchen. There was nothing she could do about shoes however so she slipped on her heels. She was grateful that Cliff was not a light sleeper.

She pulled out her cellphone and called a cab. She had to search around until she found a piece of mail that had his address on it. She thought about waking him up but thought better of it. Leaving without saying goodbye seemed cowardly however.  She found his office a few doors down from his bedroom. Inside she grabbed a sheet of paper and a pen and scribbled a small note.

Cliff-

Last night was incredible. You’re an amazing man. I hope you will remember me the way you did last night. I wish you well.

Brit

She knew there was no mistaking the intent in her note. They would leave their relationship in that one perfect moment. Last night had shown her that she didn’t belong in Cliff Adam’s world. She thought he was rich but she had no idea how rich. No wonder he went by Cliff. If only to keep the anonymity of his vast wealth. But last night she saw how easy it was for him to switch back to George Adams II when he needed to. And that was something she could never get used to.

She couldn’t lie to herself though. Making love to Cliff was incredible. He knew exactly how to touch her in ways she could only imagine, but being a skilled lover did not make a relationship. They were just too different. She was slightly embarrassed but also a little surprised that she had for once given into her animalistic desires. She knew she would have regretted it if she didn’t. She just had no idea how great it would be. She thought maybe they could have a s*xual relationship but the truth was she wanted more than that. Cliff was the type of man she could see herself falling for and a friends with benefits situation would complicate things. She wasn’t sure that she could keep her feelings in check. And she just didn’t think her and Cliff would work. They were just too different. 

She placed the letter on the nightstand next to him. She kissed him softly so that she wouldn’t wake him. She touched her lips with her hand remembering his touch. Her phone vibrated. The taxi was here. She gave him a last fleeting glance and walked out of Cliff’s life.

*****

It was no surprise that Cliff had tried to call her the next day. She guessed that it was in his nature to do the gentlemanly thing. But after Brit had refused his calls a few times, Cliff got the hint and stopped calling. Thankfully he never talked to Eric about it and Brit had steeled herself for a conversation that never came. Tara on the other hand had asked her but Brit just told her that she had come home and went to sleep.

“So when are you seeing him again?” Tara asked.

“I’m not,” Brit said slowly.

“I don’t understand. I thought you had a great time,” Tara persisted.

“I did.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“We just didn’t click Tara.”

“But…”

“Can we please just drop it?”

“Did he do something?” Tar pressed.

“No he’s great. It’s just we don’t really click.”

Tara was her best friend but she wanted to keep that secret to herself.

*****

Two weeks had passed and Brittany had not heard from Cliff although she thought of him often. The one good thing that came out of the experience was that Brit was able to line up several interviews. The one she avoided however was Metro News. She didn’t think she could handle it if she ran into Cliff and she definitely couldn’t work in the same building.

She didn’t have to worry however. After a successful interview with Voice of the City, she landed a job as staff and feature writer. Although Tara was happy for her, she was a little sad when her last day at the gallery came.

“Relax,” she said that night over drinks. “It’s not like we won’t see each other every day.”

Tara bit her lip.

“Is everything okay Tar?” she said calling her friend by her childhood nickname.

“Oh Brit,” Tara said bursting into tears.