With You

Something Real

The DJ continued to play '90s classics, and Carmen and Desmond lost themselves in the music, effortlessly skating and dancing together.

"Get a room!" Clovel jokingly shouted at his friends.

Carmen and Desmond playfully gestured at him and rolled their eyes. Meanwhile, Tiana held onto Clovel's hand as they skated together, his infectious enthusiasm bringing a constant smile to her face. They enjoyed skating for a while before taking a break to grab some food.

As Carmen and Tiana went to place their orders, Desmond couldn't help but comment, "yall cute, i guess," with a playful grin directed at Clovel.

"Nah, you know we are," Clovel quipped back at Desmond.

"Yeah, yeah, sure," Desmond teased. They both laughed as they continued their conversation.
Meanwhile, the girls returned to the table with the food.

"Oh, this looks delicious," Desmond said, licking his lips.

"I might have snuck one of your fries," Carmen confessed mischievously.

"Of course you did, babe," Desmond chuckled.

Clovel and Tiana were engrossed in a conversation while the others observed, delighted to see their friends being so cute together. Clovel whispered something to Tiana, prompting her to playfully shove him.

"It seems like you two are having a great conversation," Desmond remarked.

"We were, thank you," Clovel replied sarcastically, and they all shared a laugh.

The group continued to chat and savor their meal. Tiana felt incredibly loved and cherished, appreciating how Clovel treated her like a best friend. It was an experience she had never had before.

Carmen and Desmond watched in amazement as the usually reserved Clovel and Tiana transformed before their eyes. It was as though they had shed their usual quiet personas, revealing layers of their true selves that had been hidden away. Carmen and Desmond exchanged knowing glances, silently acknowledging the beautiful connection unfolding before them.
-

The hours seemed to fly by, and before they knew it, it was 4 o'clock in the afternoon. They had been at the skating rink since 1 in the afternoon. With smiles and farewells, their friends began to disperse from the skating rink.

"Thank you for teaching me how to skate again; I had so much fun," Tiana expressed, leaning against Clovel's car. He grinned and gallantly opened the car door for her.

"I'm delighted you enjoyed it, Ms. Roller Club," he replied playfully.

Tiana chuckled sarcastically, her smile growing as she settled into the car.

Clovel walked around to the driver's seat, focusing on preparing to hit the road. Tiana took a few selfies while they waited at a traffic light.

As they exchanged glances at the red light, Clovel licked his lips, and Tiana couldn't help but smile. They leaned in and shared a passionate kiss, momentarily forgetting about the green light. The honking of cars behind them snapped Clovel back to reality.

"Oh shit," he laughed, gently wiping his lips to remove the trace of Tiana's lip gloss. Tiana looked out the window, a contented smile lingering on her face.

"You in the mood for some ice cream?" he asked.

"Yes," Tiana replied eagerly.

"Alright," Clovel responded, turning the car down the upcoming road and finding a parking space. He opened her door, and they both entered the ice cream parlor. Clovel wrapped his arm around her neck as she ordered butter pecan, and he opted for sorbet.