My Only Exception (gxg)

Part 9

"No, honey. I'm getting a ride from a friend. I can get as wasted as I want," my mom laughed.

"Great," I said through gritted teeth.

I was glad that she wasn't going to be posing a risk to herself or others on the road, but I wasn't thrilled to hear that she was planning on getting wasted.

Try and push it out of your mind.

When I arrived at Laura's, there were close to 20 people there, friends of both hers and Carmen's. I noticed Poppy right away. She wore a tight, short sparkly silver dress that was a stark contrast to her olive toned skin.

Oddly enough, I noticed Sydney wasn't there.

I thought they were going together.

All of my co-workers were standing together, so unfortunately for me I had to be directly around Poppy. I walked over and they all greeted me, even Poppy gave me a small wave.

"Poppy was just telling us some interesting news," Charlie said, a beer in his hand.

I looked at Poppy, "What's the news?"

"Sydney and I ended things," Poppy said in an even tone, giving nothing away.

"Will it be awkward now at work for the two of you?" Diego asked.

"I won't make it awkward," Poppy shrugged, "If she wants to make things awkward, that's on her."

"Fair enough," Diego said with a nod.

I guarantee Poppy ended things with Sydney, and likely broke her heart, just like she did to Emily.

A few moments later, Poppy said, "I'm going to step outside for a moment, I need some fresh air."

"Are you alright, Poppy?" Charlie asked.

Poppy smiled at him, "I'm fine, just a bit warm. I'll be back in shortly."

Something inside me was telling myself to go outside and confront Poppy about her and Sydney ending things.

I knew that if she used Sydney and tossed her to the side, it would absolutely crush her.

A couple of minutes after Poppy went outside, I said, "Please excuse me, I just have to go outside and make a phone call. I'll be right back."

Laura lived on a first floor apartment that had its own entrance, so I was able to step outside easily.

I walked outside and saw Poppy standing by the steps that led up to the door of the apartment. She was looking up at the sky, however she turned around when she heard footsteps coming toward her.

When Poppy saw that it was me, she rolled her eyes and said, "Here to lecture me about ending things with Sydney?"

As I walked down the three steps that lead to Poppy I said, "So you're admitting that it was you that ended things?"

As I reached Poppy's level, she fully turned around to face me. She had her arms crossed, and I could tell that she was cold in just her dress with no jacket. As was I.

"Yes, it was me that ended things," Poppy looked into my eyes, "I could tell that Sydney wanted more than I was willing to give. Not that it's any of your business."

"I'm guessing Sydney was upset?" I looked back at Poppy.

"Very," Poppy nodded, "I had to do it though. I went into the situation knowing I didn't want it to develop into a full-fledged relationship. I think Sydney had other ideas."

I narrowed my eyes, "Yet you still carried this on with Sydney for what, two months?"

Poppy's expression turned cold for a split second, but she then slightly smirked, "Please, Delilah. Don't act like you're upset about this or like you care about how Sydney is feeling."

"Poppy, what are you even talking about?"

"Don't think I don't notice how you look at me. I know you especially loved the little dancing show I put on for you at the club."

I met Poppy's gaze, "So you're admitting that you put on a show for me?"

Poppy's voice lowered as she said to me, "You were practically salivating."

Fuck, I mean she's not wrong.

I shouldn't even be indulging this conversation.

Even in the cold December air, I felt my face grow warm, but I kept my cool as I said, "Please. Like I didn't notice you staring at me at the open mic night when I was singing and playing the guitar. Talk about salivating."

To my surprise, Poppy took a step closer to me. The aroma of her light musk perfume was in the air, and it was intoxicating.

She was intoxicating.

"I love a woman that can play the guitar," Poppy spoke, "They're often good with their hands."

I swallowed nervously, which was unusual for me. Poppy was having an effect on me, and she knew it.

I need to take back control.

My voice was low as I responded, "I haven't had any complaints when it comes to my hands, Poppy."

Poppy raised her eyebrows, as if she wasn't expecting my response.

"Interesting," she said back to me, "I'm not sure if I believe you."

"What, do you want me to prove it or something?" I said back to Poppy. We were speaking in low tones, and at this point neither of us had broken eye contact.

Poppy then said, "I think you know the answer to that, Delilah."

And with that, she started to walk away from me, back to Laura's apartment.

As she walked into the apartment, I realized that my heart had been pounding.

This is bad.

Really bad.