Fourteen

Although at the beginning, Beth had criticized it, after a while, she already accepted and even got excited about her friend´s affair.

- we should all go out one day, like on a double date – she proposed – It would be nice.

- I don´t know – Jeanie hesitated – I don´t think we´re on a place for something like that. At least not right now.

- Aren´t you a couple?

- Not really – she said – We´re friends with benefits. Nothing more.

- Then come out with us as friends! Please! I would really like to share with him.

- Why? I thought you had decided you didn´t like him.

- But you´re my friend and I love you. Besides, he proved he cares about you. So… I´m trying to like him.

- He is good – Jeanie assured – But don´t lie. You already like him.

- Well… he cares! So…

- So you will get along.

- That means we´ll go out!

- Don´t run! Let me see what can I do.

- Do it for me! Please!

- Ok!

Jeanie took her phone and typed:

- Beth and her boyfriend want to go out with us. No commitments. I didn´t promise anything.

- Do you want us to go?

- I rather be with you, even if we don´t go out.

- But… we could go.

- I won´t be angry if you say no.

- Women always get mad when you leave them hanging. We´ll go. Just give me the details.

- See you at eight on my apartment.

- See you there then.

Jeanie was extremely happy with that answer, but she didn´t want to overreact because between them there was nothing more than a friendship she wasn´t ready to ruin.

- So… - Beth looked at her with a question mark on her eyes - What did he say?

- We´ll go out tonight – Jeanie smiled.

- That´s great! Are you sure you´re going out just as friends?

- Yes, I´m sure and yes, we´re friends.

- That´s not that great. I think you really like him, but you deserve a little bit more of attention.

- Precisely because I like him, I know he gives me the right amount of attention I need. His way is… somehow exciting!

- Well, if you´re comfortable.

- Look, to public eye, we´re just friends. What happens indoors is nobody´s business. I told you and Krystal because you´re my friends. I don´t mind you told your boyfriends, but I don´t need anyone else to know. Our complicity is perfect! At least it is for me… and I really wish to keep like that.

- Are you falling in love with him?

- I can´t do that.

- You can´t control your feelings either! And you´re speaking about him like… I don´t know. How can´t you be in love if you´ll give your life for him?

- I would give my life for you also! You´re my friend and… I love you more than what I´ll ever love a man! – Jeanie joked.

- Very funny – she laughed – I love you too. That´s why I don´t want you to be hurt.

- I won´t. Don´t worry. I´m stronger than I look like.

- Ok, if you say so…

- Beth, I know you care about me, but don´t. Just sing the song – she smiled.

- Which song? – Beth hesitated.

- Don´t worry. Be happy – she mocked.

The night quickly arrived and Jeanie got dressed for the occasion. It was cold and they were going to a bowling alley, so she got in a red blouse, a black sweater and black jeans and trainers. She also got a red and black scarf just in case. This time she picked up her hair on a ponytail and wore simple makeup. Her friends were dressing similar to her. Krystal wore a sexy sportive outfit while Beth and her boyfriend used matching clothes.

Reid didn´t know where were they going, so he dressed up semi-formal: white sweater, black jean and a very sexy coat that matched his eyes.

Jeanie almost lost her breath when she saw her standing at the door at eight sharp, smiling at her.

- Hi – she said.

- Hi – Reid smiled.

- You´re very punctual – Krystal pointed out.

- She told me we were going out early so we could be back soon. You have a conference tomorrow.

- Oh father – Beth joked – Let´s go.

Jeanie didn´t know how to bowl. She was never good at sports; so Reid taught her. She tried to teach Krystal, but none of them were getting better, causing Beth and her boyfriend many laughs. After various failed attempts, they gave up and decided to seat down nearby while her friends kept bowling.

- He is nice – Krystal smiled to Jeanie while drinking a beer.

- He is – she smiled while watching him win to Beth´s boyfriend.

- They´ll pay the next round – Reid said to them smiling to Beth, who had lost her bet.

- He is a cheater! – Beth complained – He faked he was a bad player and then he won!

- When you mocked at me I told you I was just warming up – he defended himself – You were the one proposing a bet.

- Ok, ok! – she agreed seating down – This time we´ll pay, but we don´t trust you anymore – she joked.

They spent a nice time and Jeanie was happy. They were sharing with her friends and Reid was being more sociable than she had expected; so a little spark started to shine on her eyes.

About eleven, they decided to leave. As Reid had said, they had a conference the next day.