She wants you now
Author's POV
It was evening when James was about to enter the bathroom and heard the sound of a car. No one had called to say they were visiting, piquing his curiosity. He stepped out of his room and went to the sitting room. Peering through the window, he saw his close friend Martins arriving. Instantly, he rushed to the main door and swung it open just as Martins was stepping out of his car.
“Martins…,” he called out, noticing the large bottle of wine in Martins's hand. His friend appeared slightly tipsy but still in control. Ignoring James’s greeting, Martins approached him and said, “I thought you traveled. Let’s go to the car. What’s happening? I haven’t seen you at the club lately. Don’t tell me you’re cooling off.”
“I… I came,” James replied, smiling despite himself.
“Please, leave my way. You know what you did,” Martins said, striding into the house. Once seated, he added, “Get me a glass.”
James took a deep breath, his smile returning, and went to fetch a glass.
“Did you bring just one? Won’t you drink?” Martins asked.
“I will,” James answered, heading back to retrieve another glass. He opened the wine bottle and filled both cups. Standing, he sipped from his glass, watching Martins drink. It took Martins about five minutes to finish, and throughout, James remained standing, sensing that Martins's unexpected visit had a purpose.
Martins looked up and asked, “What are you waiting for? Am I going to have to tell you to get dressed before we go to the bar?”
“I’m about to take a bath and—”
“Come to the club,” Martins interrupted.
“I didn’t say that,” James replied, trying to suppress a grin.
“If you haven’t taken your bath, go do it now. We’re both going to the club. Everyone’s been asking about you, and I told them I’d bring you along.”
“Because you’re the owner of the club, right?”
“No, not just because of that. We miss you. Go take your bath. I’m waiting.”
“What am I going to do?” James pondered, smiling as he retreated to his room. He hadn’t planned on going out that evening, but Martins was someone whose words he couldn’t easily ignore.
“I’m still waiting! Are you a woman who spends forever in the bathroom?” Martins shouted, his voice echoing through the house.
James hurried to comply. Why was he so compelled to obey Martins? Perhaps it was because he was the club’s number one customer.
“Martins, I’m here. But I won’t be staying long at the bar.”
“Why not? I’ll give you an offer you can’t refuse.” Martins grinned.
“Let’s see how it goes,” James shrugged. They both got up and went to the car, with Martins driving away. Twenty minutes later, he pulled up outside the bar, where most of their friends were waiting.
“Where have you been?” one man asked, and before he could reply, another chimed in, “Where have you been?” It took James ten minutes just to shake hands with everyone before finally sitting down at a corner table without ordering anything.
Martins called over one of the female bartenders and gestured toward James. “Look, I want you to take a bottle of red wine and put it on his table.”
“Okay, sir,” she replied, nodding before heading off to carry out the order. Martins stood where he was, and a few minutes later, he requested a beautiful woman. Within five minutes, an astonishingly attractive lady approached Martins, wearing just a bra that accentuated her cleavage and a very short skirt.
“Sir, you called me? How can I help you?” she asked, her voice sultry.
“What’s your name?” Martins queried.
“Mirabel.”
“Mirabel, I need a favor. You’re so charming that no man can resist looking at you twice. That man over there,” he pointed at James, “is my very special customer. I want you to give him an experience he’ll never forget. I promise to pay you well for a night.”
“Is that all you need? I can make him long for what I have to offer,” Mirabel said confidently.
“Are you sure you can pull that off?” Martins asked.
“Yes!”
“Fantastic! Go right away, but don’t tell him I sent you.” He tapped her on the back, and she sauntered over to James.
The first thing Mirabel did was smile and say, “How can such a handsome man sit alone? Can I join you?” She provocatively traced her finger along her tongue, gazing at James, who merely smiled in response.
“If you want to sit, go ahead,” he replied.
“If I want to? Don’t you like what you see?” she teased, deliberately swaying her body, making James smile awkwardly.
“You haven’t asked for my permission yet. You’re the hottest guy in the bar right now. I know what I want, and I want you,” she declared, sitting close and sipping from his glass.
James was taken aback as she drank from his cup without any semblance of intimacy or interest from him.
“Is that how you treat a woman?” she asked, placing her hand on his arm. “I love your strong arms. You’re the kind of man I need tonight.”
She leaned in, flaunting her curves, and asked, “Which do you prefer?”
“I’m afraid I don’t fancy either. Sorry, but the love of my life is on her way here. What do you think she would say if she found you sitting in her place? Can you please stand up?” James replied, his expression firm.
“Am I not sexy enough?” she shot back.
“You are sexy, but someone else has my heart. Can you give me just a few minutes?” he asked, his tone unyielding. Mirabel, surprised, stood up and left. Unbeknownst to her, Martins had been watching the entire interaction.
“Is your friend married?” Mirabel asked, approaching Martins.
“Married? No,” he replied confidently.
“Then you should have told me he was gay,” she laughed.
“What did he say?” Martins asked, turning to face her.
“He said he’s waiting for someone and that I should leave,” she explained.
“Are you sure that’s what he said?” Martins pressed.
“Yes, he said it three times, if I’m not mistaken,” she insisted.
“Then let me confirm this myself,” Martins said, standing up to find James.
“Hi, James,” he greeted, shaking his friend’s hand. “I’m serious; I left you alone for just a moment. What’s going on? Why haven’t you called over any of the lovely ladies to join you? Can I get one for you?”
“For me? No, I don’t need any of that right now,” James replied.
“Why not? You don’t have to take her home. You can enjoy her company right here,” Martins encouraged.
“No, please,” James insisted calmly.
“What’s happening that you’re not telling me?”
“I want to get married,” James declared, taking a hearty sip of wine as he gauged Martins’s reaction.
“Married? To whom? When did you decide this? Are you serious? Are you marrying the girl you met here last month?”
“No,” James said.
“Hmm… your old college sweetheart?”
“No,” James replied.
“Then who? Or have you not met the person yet?”
“Martins, I have met her,” James replied firmly.
“Are you serious?” Martins exclaimed, shocked. After regaining his composure, he continued, “Can I really love a woman according to the marriage vow? For better or worse? James, I’ve known you for over thirty years. You change women like dirty clothes. I don’t believe what you just said.”
“Please, sit down. I know this may come as a surprise, but I’ve made up my mind about this lady,” James insisted.
“How long have you known her?” Martins interrupted, eager to see if James's response made sense.
“Hmmm….” James hesitated. “The number of days doesn’t matter. What matters is how I feel about her. You’re one of my closest friends, and I can’t lie to you. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, and the most incredible thing is that she’s a little older than me. Does that surprise you?” He placed his hand over Martins’s and looked him in the eyes.
“This is the best thing you’ve ever told me as a friend. Who’s the lucky lady?” Martins asked.
James pulled out his phone, showing Martins a picture of Juliana.
“Wow… she’s beautiful. Have you told her your intentions?”
“No. I’m afraid to express my feelings,” James admitted.
“Why?”
“I don’t want to lose her.”
“How?” Martins exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise at James's newfound seriousness.
“Have you lost your charm? Where’s your swagger?”
Just then, James’s phone rang. He had been so engrossed in the conversation with Martins that he didn’t immediately notice. He pulled out his phone and, upon seeing the caller ID, said, “It’s her.”
Martins quickly gestured for him to answer.
“Hi James, how was your day?” Juliana asked.
“I’m fine,” he replied.
“Are you home?”
“No, I’m with a friend,” James replied.
“Hmm… your former female friend?”
“I’m with Martins, a very good friend,” James clarified.
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it tonight,” she said.
“Why not? You promised me.”
“I know, but I have work to do.”
“Work? Is that more important than meeting me? Why did you agree to this?”
“I’m so sorry, James. I’ll be free tomorrow, I promise,” Juliana replied apologetically.
“Fine,” James said, hanging up.
“That’s a ‘fine’ I can see coming,” Martins laughed.
James took another sip from his glass, the warmth of the wine coursing through him, the brief interaction with Juliana stirring feelings he couldn’t shake.
“Do you know what I would do if I were you?” Martins continued.
“What?” James asked.
“I would go to her place. Show her you care enough to prioritize her. I’m sure she’s waiting for your call, James. You’ve been postponing too long. Do you love her?”
“Yes, I do,” James admitted.
“Then what’s stopping you?”
James shrugged. “Fear. But that fear will vanish as soon as I tell her how I feel.”
“I believe you can do it. The question is, will you take the leap?”
After a moment’s hesitation, James stood up, resolved. “I’ll give her a call now. Thank you for believing in me.”
He walked to a corner, dialed Juliana’s number, and waited for her to pick up. “Juliana, hi.”
“James, hey,” she answered. “Is everything alright?”
“Yes,” James replied, trying to keep his nerves in check. “I know you’re busy, but can I come over?”
“Tonight?” she asked.
“Yes, right now,” he insisted.
“Okay, just give me a moment to tidy up. You’re really coming?” she asked.
“Yes, I am. I promise. I’ll see you soon,” he assured her before hanging up.
Martins was watching him, a smile stretching across his face.
“Your expression says you’re about to propose,” he teased.
“I’m not proposing yet,” James said, rolling his eyes.
“Sure, whatever you say. I’m proud of you. Now, go ahead. You’re making me anxious just watching you.”
With one last look at his friend, James stepped out of the bar, ready to take a chance on love.
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