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Victoria did not not want to be here. It was loud and the food was somehow worse than the atmosphere. Trinity had somehow convinced her to tag along to this pizza joint after a long shift. Between Dennis’s puppy eyes and Mel saying it would be fun she wore down. Dennis was a cool guy if a bit unlucky, Mel was a bit awkward at times but really sweet.
She sat in the booth watching Dennis lose repeatedly to Trinity at the pool table. She swore she saw a bit of his soul deflate each time he lost. Victoria never got to play pool, in fact she never got to do most things growing up. Often being confined to the walls of her room spending hours upon hours of studying. She never got a chance to be a kid let alone a young woman. The argument to be able to experience this was stressing her out, she didn’t want to be here but she didn’t want to be home either.
A cup of water was placed in front of her, looking up Mel was smiling.
“Figured you were thirsty.” Victoria couldn’t help but smile. Mel was always so thoughtful to those around her.
“Thanks Mel.” She couldn’t help but smile herself. Hearing a groan they both turned to Dennis losing another round.
“When will you learn Huckleberry?” Dennis slammed a shot, grimacing as it trickled down. Trinity then turned to the ladies.
“I’m tired of kicking Huckleberry’s ass, let’s play Crash.” God she hated that name.
“I’ve never played so I will not be participating. Sorry Dennis.” Taking a sip of her water she saw Dennis frown.
“I can teach you.” Victoria looked up from her cup, Mel now standing straight.
“No, it's fine, I like watching.” She hated lying.
“Come on, have some fun, live a little.” Everyone turned to Dennis, usually Trinity would say something like that.
“Huckleberry, being a bad influence I see.” Trinity faked a gasp.
“I’m tired of getting my ass kicked okay?” He leaned on his pool cue.
All eyes were back on Victoria. On one hand she could live a little, it’s not like they were expecting a pro. On the other hand she felt embarrassed that she wasn’t like others her age.
“Okay okay fine.” Dennis and Trinity high fived, Mel clapped smiling at the answer.
“Well Huckleberry and I will order another pizza while Mel shows you the ropes.” Trinity said as she handed her cue to Mel and Dennis handed his to Victoria.
Mel went over how to start a game, the specific way to rack the billiards. She loved when Mel explained stuff. She was always so passionate and a great teacher.
“Alright now it’s time to break.” Mel moved to the side to let Victoria in. Her eyes quickly darted around, she didn’t want Trinity to see her fail and call her a new insufferable nickname. Victoria had no clue how to hold the stick. She tried remembering how they did it in the few movies she was able to watch growing up. It definitely felt awkward.
“Can I touch you?” Victoria nodded.
“Okay so you want to bend your back forward.” Placing her hand between Victoria's shoulder blades gently pushing her down closer to the table.
“Then you wanna pivot your hips.” Her hand slid down now resting at her hips, she gently pulled to adjust the smaller woman’s footing. Victoria's face heated up, this felt strangely…intimate. Her heart rate was picking up.
“Now bring the cue up.” Mel pressed her body against hers. It felt natural, like it was her shadow. Her right hand gripping the cue behind her own and her left showing how to properly angle the cue.
“And you shoot.” Her voice was soft, the feeling of it gently hitting her ear sent a shiver across her body. Mel pushed her arm forward with enough force to get Victoria’s arm to take the first shot. The billiards scattered across the table. Victoria felt Mel shift off of her and she felt disappointed.
“You did it!” Mel went for a high five and Victoria couldn’t help but oblige. Was Mel always this attractive?
The night went on as the group took turns playing, Victoria took every opportunity to be next to Mel. Soon Mel announced she had to go since she had to pick up Becca from her center early the next morning. Before she left she turned to Victoria.
“Did you want me to give you a ride home?” Victoria looked at the time. It had gotten pretty late and it was cold. Victoria nodded.
“I would love that.” After they gathered their things they began walking towards the parking lot. Victoria couldn’t think of anything to say, even as they got to the car. The drive to her place was uneventful, so much so she had drifted off.
The car gently jerked her awake, she recognized the turn to her house from anywhere. She noticed that Mel’s sweater was draped over her.
“You looked cold.” Mel let out a soft chuckle, the sound scratching Victoria’s brain in just the right way. Soon the car parked outside of her house. Letting out a sigh Mel turned to her.
“What? Don’t wanna go home?”
“No, I really enjoyed the time we had.” Victoria folded Mel’s sweater neatly.
“We should do it again. I really enjoyed it too.” Mel moved a stray strand of hair from Victoria’s face. Her face felt like it was on fire, a knot formed in her stomach. All she could do was nod.
“I’ll see you at work Saturday.” Mel’s smile was soft and Victoria’s heart skipped a beat.
“I’ll see you then too.”