Sweet Nothing

VII - All Gucci

As Anntonia settled onto the motorcycle behind Michelle, she couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline mixed with a tinge of nervousness. Anntonia clung tightly to Michelle, the unfamiliar thrill erasing any lingering worries. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of exhaust fumes and Michelle's light perfume, a strange but intoxicating combination.

"Hold on tight," Michelle called over the sound of the engine, revving it up a notch when she felt the model's arms tighten around her waist.

Anntonia's heart raced with each twist and turn, not just from the speed of the ride, but from the proximity to Michelle and the unfamiliar sensations stirring within her. Clinging to Michelle for dear life, Anntonia couldn't help but steal glances at the woman beneath the helmet. The determined set of her brow and the concentration in her eyes were strangely captivating. A nervous flutter formed in Anntonia's stomach - a feeling that went far beyond the physical thrill of the ride.

Finally, as they came to a smooth stop, Anntonia removed her helmet, her breath catching in her throat as she met Michelle's gaze.

"So, model," Michelle said, taking off her helmet and letting her short hair free, "you ever get tired of having everything done for you? Ever feel the need to, you know, break free a little?"

Anntonia, still slightly breathless from the ride, couldn't help but smile. "Maybe," she admitted, "Although, I wouldn't exactly call letting you drag me on a motorcycle ride 'breaking free.'"

"But that was quite a ride, isn't it?" Michelle remarked, a hint of flirtation in her words.

Anntonia couldn't help but return Michelle's smile, her own lips quirking up in amusement. "Certainly not what I was expecting when I woke up this morning," she replied, her voice laced with playful sarcasm.

Michelle chuckled, a low, melodious sound that sent shivers down Anntonia's spine. "Life's full of surprises." she mused, her gaze lingering on Anntonia's lips.

Anntonia felt her cheeks flush with heat under Michelle's intense gaze, a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. "It certainly keeps things interesting."

Suddenly feeling conscious, Anntonia's eyes diverted elsewhere. Her attention was drawn to a teenage girl leading a group of kids in a dance routine. They were gathered in a gazebo at the center of the small park, the rhythmic movements and laughter echoing through the air.

Anntonia couldn't tear her eyes away from the scene unfolding before her. The joy and energy radiating from the group filled her with a sense of warmth and nostalgia, reminding her of simpler times and carefree moments she had long forgotten.

Michelle followed Anntonia's gaze, a soft smile playing on her lips as she led the model towards the dancers.

"Alright, good run everyone. Take 5!" Niana said as she noticed Michelle walking towards them.

"Hey kid, you might need more than a 5-minute break," Michelle said, stepping aside to reveal Anntonia.

"HOLY SHIT!"

"Language, Miss!" Michelle chided with a playful tone.

"Hi Niana, I'm Anntonia," the model greeted, extending her hand with a warm smile.

Niana's eyes widened as if stars had exploded in them. Before Michelle could utter a word, Niana launched into a rapid-fire response. "Are you kidding?! I totally know who you are! You're practically famouser than Wi-Fi at school! Honestly, I love you more than my favorite pair of dancing shoes - and those are practically glued to my feet! You're my idol!"

Anntonia's smile bloomed into a full-blown grin. The unexpected compliment, delivered with such genuine enthusiasm, sent a wave of warmth through her.

"I came here to say sorry for missing you during the photo shoot. And I was hoping I could make it up to you now?"

"Omigosh! I can't believe this is happening! Can we please take some photos? Videos? Would you like to meet some of my friends?"

"Calm down, kid. You're scaring her away." Michelle interjected teasingly.

"Don't mind her, I'm down! Or should I say... G!" Anntonia said.

Michelle rolled her eyes at the expression but she couldn't help but smile seeing Niana interact with her idol. Michelle leaned against the gazebo post, the smile never left her  lips as she watched the unexpected connection blossom between the model and the young dancer.

***

"How did you two know each other?" Niana asked, her curiosity piqued as they sat together on a bench, enjoying sandwiches they had grabbed from a nearby convenience store.

"I actually saw her assistant when I was waiting for you outside. Wanted to keep it a secret until I'm sure she could make it." Michelle explained casually, earning a curious look from Anntonia.

"Oh somehow I thought you two knew each other for some time seeing as Michelle let you ride her motorcycle. But that's impossible too because Michelle never really reacted when I talk about you, and I always talk about you!" the teenager said.

"I see, well I do consider her as my friend now. You too, Niana." Anntonia said with a genuine smile.

"Cool!" Niana said giddily with a huge smile on her face. "Do you really have to go now though?" she asked, a frown forming on her lips.

"I'm afraid so. I still have other commitments to fulfill," the model said regretfully.

"You can always come back here during your free time," Michelle said looking at Anntonia with a soft smile.

"There's always a chance," Anntonia she said, her voice carrying a hidden meaning.

Niana hugged her idol thanking her again for the time and the effort to see her. The teenager really had the time of her life snapping photos and videos with the model, even teaching her some dance moves and showing the model her own choreography videos posted online. With one last hug, the teenager said farewell to the pair as they drove once again on Michelle's Ducati.

***

Michelle and Anntonia were now back at the café where the model's car was parked.

"Thank you for accepting my apology and for helping me connect with Niana," the model said from the driver's seat.

"All gucci," Michelle replied, leaning casually against the car with her arm resting on the roof.

"Please tell your girlfriend I'm grateful for her too," the model said recalling her earlier encounter with the other girl.

"My what?!" Michelle exclaimed in surprise, her laughter bubbling up. "You mean Rhian?" she continued, chuckling.

"Well, owning a café with your partner really looks like an ideal sapphic dream." Anntonia said almost sarcastically.

"Except we're platonic." Michelle clarified with a grin.

"Okay," Anntonia conceded with a playful smile.

"Okay?" Michelle echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"All gucci," Anntonia replied, mimicking Michelle's earlier statement with a smirk.

The barista broke into a smile. "Drive safe, Ms. Anntonia."