Chapter 6 - Unexpected encounters

“Are you okay?” Michael asks me when I freeze in place.  Knox is here right now. I didn’t expect to see him tonight, what is he even doing in this part of town. He’s sitting at a table with some guy I’ve never seen before. He’s not one of the usual guys Knox hangs out with.

He’s looking at me completely ignoring his companion. The other guy is eating, while Knox is drinking water. He’s not having any pizza. Maybe that’s why he’s staring at me instead of concentrating on his conversation with his friend. He’s mad he can’t have any pizza and he’s taking it out on me.

“What? Yes, I’m good.” I say and start walking to an empty table.

“You’re sure?” He asks pulling a chair out for me. I sit down and look up; Knox is still staring at us. Michael sits down and his head is blocking Knox but I can still feel his eyes on us.

“Yeah, I ‘m just too hungry.” I say lying, I feel bad but I don’t want to talk to him about Knox.

“Let me order so we can eat.” He says standing up to go and order. When he leaves Knox is looking at me. He has his head tilted to the side.

I sit back and try to ignore him. I take out my phone and play a game.

“Our order is in, we’ll be eating soon.” Michael says sitting back down.

“Great” I say smiling at him.

“So are you in a relationship?” He asks surprising me. That was so direct.

“No.” I say and he gives me a face.

“Really?” he asks smiling.

“Really.” I say smiling too.

“Why do you think that is?” He asks shifting slightly in his chair.

“I suck at socializing and relationships require that.” I say opting to be up front and real about who I am. There’s no point in pretending.

“I think you’re doing great. I’m having a great time with you, no awkwardness here at all.” He says pointing to himself then to me.

“I know, this is a surprise. I guess you’re easy to talk to.” I say smiling at him.

“I’m glad you feel that way.  And I’m single too if you’re wondering.” He says looking at me intently.

“Why are you single?” I ask surprised too. He’s a really good looking guy, he’s a gentleman and he’s funny. Why is he single?

“I find that most people are interested in situationships and that has never been my thing.” H e says and I feel him. I’m currently running away from a very complicated, three-way situationship.

“I thought that’s what men want, a fun, no strings attached, no catching feelings happy ending.” I say and he looks at me silent as if he’s thinking about what I just said.

“No, not me.” he says looking me straight in my eyes. “I find them exhausting, too many rules, boundaries and too many people tangled in one relationship. Sounds like a recipe for disaster.” He says and I nod. He’s right it’s a lot of complications for little return. 

“Here you go.” A waitress says placing on large pizza on our table. We thank her and start digging in.

We eat in silence for a while just stuffing our faces. I take each bite surprised how hungry I am. We inhale the whole thing so fast. When we’re done, we both sit back and smile.

“That was really good.” I say smiling at him.

“I know all the best food spots in this city. I would love to show them to you if you would like.” He says looking at me serious.

“Are you asking me out?” I ask surprised. Am I getting my Knox buffer this quickly and this fast? I thought it would take a little longer than this. This feels too easy, is this how people meet people?

“Hi Mel.” I hear Knox say and I look up at him. My heart jumps to my throat; I didn’t see him approach our table. He smiles his full mega watt charming smile.

“Hey.” I say forcing a smile.

“Fancy seeing you in these parts.” He says looking from me to Michael.

“Michael meet Knox.” I say introducing them. I want this conversation to be over and Knox looks like he’s more interested in Michael than me so I’ll oblige him.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I love the work you’re doing with the team.” Michael says putting out his hand and they shake.

“I appreciate that man.” Knox says looking at him intently. He then looks over at me, his smile back. “Nice seeing you Mel.” He says and I nod. He walks away then without a word.

“So how about that date?” Michael asks me and I see Knox stop in his tracks and looks back at us.

“Definitely.” I say looking back at Michael. It seems like Casey’s plan is working without any effort from me. I couldn’t have thought this up even if I tried. I hope Knox will see that I’m not interested in him and He’ll move on with his life.

A few hours later I get home tired but happy. I’m glad I met Michael, he’s such a fun person to be around. He’s funny and a great conversationalist. He makes me think that I might be normal. For a long time I thought I was odd and couldn’t spend time with normal people.

But now I think it’s because I didn’t open my horizons, I needed to get out there and meet different people. Michael is kind of helping me have the confidence to meet new people. And he doesn’t even know it.

We set up a date, he promised to take me to a place that has the best pasta. I’m excited to meet up with him again. I enjoy his company; I hope we’ll have the same energy we had tonight when we meet up again soon.