Restoring Us

by Fabiola Francisco

  Just like that, he’s back to his cool and confident, asshole self. I think he’s lost his mind. I grab my scotch, and we make our way back to the girls. Tristan stayed behind with them, and he seems tortured by having to hear Katie drill Ava. If I know Ava, she didn’t say anything, but Katie is persistent as fuck.

  She looks at me annoyed. “You! Will someone tell me what is going on?” She hates not being in the loop.

  Ignoring her, I look at Ava, “You want to dance?”

  “Yes, please.” She pleads with her eyes.

  “Thank you,” she says as we begin dancing. Unfortunately, the music is a faster beat, so I can’t hold her close to me like before.

  The band has played a variety of music throughout the night. Keeping with the 80s theme, they played all kinds of music from that era, but they’ve skillfully mixed in different beats from the present as well.

  Right now they’re playing “Jessie’s Girl,” and I’m inching closer to her, itching to put my hands on her. I grab her hips and pull her to me, moving flawlessly together to the beat of the song. She rests her hands on my shoulders, smiling shyly at me.

  “Jessie can keep his girl, I’ve got the perfect girl with me.” I kiss her on the corner of her mouth.

  “Really?” She challenges me with a raised eyebrow. “What if Jessie’s girl was a 5’10” model with a killer body, voluminous hair, and bright blue eyes?”

  “You’re what I’ve always wanted, you know that, since we were kids. It’s always been you, Ava. You know that, right?”

  “I did, but now–”

  “Nope, no excuses. You’ve always had me.” I know what she’s thinking. I know she’s thinking of all the girls I’ve fucked. The girls I used to try to forget her.

  The music changes to that familiar beat we both know. She looks at me in question, but I shake my head. I didn’t ask for the song.

  As I pull her flush to me, I look around and see the person responsible for the song. She smiles kindly at me and walks back into the house. I’ll have to thank her later. She has no idea the perfect timing for this song, clearing Ava’s uncertainty about what I feel for her and reminding her what she truly does mean to me. She’s my best friend, and this song sums it up.

  I hold her close, leading her on the dance floor in perfect silence, relishing her scent, the way her body molds to mine impeccably, and grateful for this second chance as Tim McGraw’s lyrics flow around us. How the hell this band knows the song, I have no idea.

  I lean my lips to her ear, “Can I drive you home tonight?” I want to be alone with her, hold her hand openly, and ask her out on a proper date.

  “Yes,” she whispers back in my ear, her breath warming the skin on my neck before she kisses me right below my ear. She may have had a few Martinis, but the alcohol is in no way clouding her judgment. She’s very aware that this thing between us is not just a dance or a one-night occurrence to reminisce old times.

  No, this is the beginning of the end. The end of broken promises, fuck-ups, screwing around, and heartache. This is where we both find peace again. Where we both return home. This is where we love each other until the end of time.

  I’m hugging her tightly to me, afraid she may disappear if I loosen my grip at all. As the song is coming to an end, I look her straight in the eyes and tell her I love her before kissing her plump and warm lips. Well, if people weren’t whispering before, they will be now.

  As our bodies untwine and we make our way back to a table, it is clear people are curious as to what is going on between us. I say let’s give them a little show. I grab Ava’s hand and pull her to me, wrapping my arm around her giving her another kiss before continuing down our path.

  She looks at me with suspicion and I stifle my laughter. “You know, just in case anyone missed that you’re mine.”

  “Yours? Because of a few kisses and dances you think you’ve won me over?” I see the mischief in her eyes. She’s not fooling me.

  “Well, if that’s not enough I can get down on one knee right now and propose in front of everyone.” I begin to descend and see the panic all over her face.

  “No!” She hisses, pulling me up to my feet.

  I chuckle. “Trust me, when I propose, it won’t be in front of all these people.” I continue to walk to the table, feeling her shock of what I’ve said and her eyes on me. That’s right, baby, I have it all planned out.

  “I knew it! You two are together! How dare you not tell me?” Katie is walking towards us on a mission. I hold in my laughter because she looks like she might kill someone, but this shit is funny. Well, we gave them a show.

  I hear Ava curse under her breath, and I know I’m in trouble, but I love messing with Katie. “Katie, relax. You want another Martini? Let’s go to the bar.” Ava calmly guides Katie, but she looks back at me with narrowed eyes, and I give her my best, dimpled smile.

  “So…” Jess asks. Crap, I didn’t realize I’d have my own inquisition to tend to.

  “So? Yes, we’ve made up, somewhat. I plan on doing this right. Taking her out tomorrow, courting her and making up for lost time.” Simple explanation.

  “Good. Treat her well.” Wisdom from the wise, Jess always knows how to delicately remind me of my past and encourages me to do better at the same time. It’s a weird skill she’s mastered. I think it’s due to working with children, positive criticism or something.

  “Well, it’s about damn time you two made up,” Dan pipes in. He seems more relaxed.

  “Just don’t make a big deal about it. Give her time to take it all in, but yes, it’s about damn time.” I sigh in relief. I feel like after years, I can breathe again.

  Ava and Katie return to our table, Ava with a bottle of water and Katie with a Martini. I’m glad Ava isn’t drinking anymore. I want her clear minded when I take her home. Since I’m driving, I’ve decided not to drink much tonight. Katie looks more relaxed and smiles at me.

  “What’s up guys? What have I missed?” Aiden joins us. I’ve been so busy with Ava, I didn’t even notice he’s been missing.

  “Where the hell have you been?” I ask.

  “Oh you know, entertaining the groupies.” He gives us a devious smile. “Who are you?” He smiles at Stacy, ready to strike.

  She’s just joined us again from dancing and didn’t miss Aiden’s comment. “Not a groupie,” she shoots back, and we all laugh.

  “Whoa. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone answer you so honestly,” Dan tells Aiden. Aiden looks pissed, but he sees this as a challenge.

  “Not yet, sweetheart.”

  “Aiden, she’s my friend and coworker. No way you’re going to mess with her.” Ava stands up for Stacy, but something tells me she doesn’t need defending.

  “Just being polite. Don’t worry, Ava. I’ll be on my best behavior.” He winks over at Stacy, and I notice her slightly roll her eyes.

  “Where’s Tristan?” Ava asks Katie.

  “I don’t know. He’s around,” she responds coolly.

  “Did he leave?” I know Ava is trying to inquire without being obvious, but if I see it, I’m sure Katie does, too.

  Katie smiles slyly, “He better not. He’s taking me home.” She grins like the Cheshire Cat. “Oh shit, do you have a way to get home?” It dawned on her now that Ava and her came together.

  “I’m taking her home,” I confidently respond.

  “What the hell did I miss?” Aiden looks between us confused. “Ava?”

  Before Ava can respond, Katie chimes in, “He’s taking her home, if you know what I mean.” She laughs.

  “Katie! That’s not what he means.” Ava nervously looks at Aiden. “Go find your Tom Cruise look-alike and stop talking.” She shoos Katie away.

  “Oh, I will. You have fun with your very own Tom Cruise look-alike. See ya later.”

  “And don’t be loud,” Ava calls after her.

  “No promises, sweets,” Katie says over her shoulder before mixing in with the crowd in search of Tristan.


  “Aiden, we’ll talk tomorrow,” she reassures him.

  “You better not fucking hurt her again,” Aiden threatens me, and I know how serious he is when he says those words.

  “I won’t.”

  “Good. I don’t want to have to kick your ass again. I’m going to get another drink and not think about my little sister going home with her ex-boyfriend.” He walks away, leaving us all in silence, and orders a drink at the bar.

  “I’ll be right back,” I announce and follow Aiden’s path.

  “Hey, I know you may not agree with this completely no matter how confident you make yourself seem, but I promise I won’t fuck this up. You know what she means to me.” I look at Aiden straight in the eyes.

  “Yeah, the same thing she meant to you when she got sick and you ran.”

  “We’ve gone through this. You know I won’t fuck up again. If anyone knows how miserable I was, it was you. You saw through me.”

  “You know you’re like a brother. You were born before Ava, so when my parents told me Sophie and John were having a baby, the two year old in me was so fucking ecstatic thinking I was finally going to have a sibling. Don’t mock, I was a fucking two year old. But soon after, Ava came, and as much as I loved having a “brother,” Ava was my world.”

  “She was my world, too, Aiden. She still is. And I want to go back home to her.”

  “Yeah, yeah, whatever. Stop with the pussy talk and get a drink.”

  “I’m okay. I’m driving, so I’m done drinking for the night.” He slaps my back with as much approval as he can muster and walks into the crowd, probably looking for another groupie to take home tonight. The man invented the game.

  Most people have left the party already. So much has been going on between Ava and I that, quite frankly, I haven’t even spoken to anyone besides our small group.

  Dan meets me half way as I’m walking back towards the table. “Where are the girls?”

  “They said something about the photo booth. I guess they’re being all girly and taking pictures with the props.”

  I head towards the photo booth on the other side of the patio on a mission. Dan can call it girly, but I’m not missing the opportunity to be with Ava in a small, enclosed space with a camera. Okay, that sounded dirty. Not what I meant, but I want to remember tonight, and I want to be a part of her memories also. We’ve missed too much time already, too many birthdays, and too many celebrations.

  I hear the girls laughing from inside the booth, and I see the Polaroids printing. Ava looks beautiful in all the pictures. Katie must have left because I only see Jess and Stacy in the pictures with her. They’re laughing, pretending to be rocking out with the guitars, and acting sassy with the word props.

  Most importantly, Ava looks happy. “Girls, is there space for one more?” I call to them from the other side of the curtain.

  “Two more,” Dan says behind me. I guess it’s not so girly anymore.

  “Yeah, come in,” Jess calls as the camera continues to snap photos. It doesn’t surprise me that Ava has a photo prop at her party. Photography is her passion; it’s only expected for her to carry that throughout everything she does.

  I move in behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. She looks up at me as the flash goes off. Her eyes sparkle in the dim light of the booth, and I see a secret smile just for me. The same secret smile we would share years before when we were communicating without our words. Right at this moment, I know she’s all in.

  The camera keeps taking pictures of all of us laughing, singing, and fooling around with the props. After a crap load of shots, everyone walks out of the booth.

  I hold onto Ava’s hand keeping her in there with me. She looks at me suspiciously. “A picture with me?” I ask hopeful. She smiles and leans in to kiss me, the flash going off and catching the perfect moment in print.

  “To infinity?” She asks against my lips.

  “To infinity.” I kiss her again with more fervor. My hands reach for her tangled hair, tilting her head back to better access her mouth. She presses herself into me, her arms wrapped around my waist and pulls me in.

  I see the flashes of light pulsing through my closed eyes. The camera must be set on automatic, but I don’t care that it is taking pictures of us. Our mouths are locked together, tongues fervently exploring, and bodies uniting. I want to stay like that forever, but I know that before things get out of hand, I’m going to have to break our kiss.

  I pull away from her, noticing how her chest rises and falls quickly with each labored breath, and give her one last kiss on her forehead.

  “I’m going to have to think about damn squirrels again.” I run my hand through my hair, trying to relax before walking out of this booth.

  “Squirrels?” Ava gives me a skeptical look.

  “Yeah, that’s what worked earlier to, you know, calm myself down.” Before I can even finish my sentence, Ava is bent over laughing at me.

  “Is that funny? Would you like it if I left you wet and wanting?” I pull her to me and press my hardness into her, knowing she’s feeling me where it counts.

  Her face suddenly grows serious, and her breathing has picked up again. She just stares at me, wanting, her eyes searching mine. I crush my lips to hers again, this time with more passion, with determination. Ava presses herself into me, slightly rubbing her body against mine, and my cock hardens even more.

  Keeping one hand in her hair, I bring the other around to her breast, tantalizing her already taut nipple as my lips move from her mouth to her neck. She angles her head, giving me better access, as she moans.

  “Shh,” I quiet her.

  “The camera,” she whispers in a low moan.

  My hand abandons her breast, reaching around to turn off the camera, unsure if the buttons I’m pressing are working or not, but there are no more flashes of light.

  My hand returns to her other breast, teasing it, and my lips move to her ear, grazing my teeth on her lobe. I move the cups of her bodice down, exposing her breasts. My fingers pull and squeeze each nipple in turn as my teeth graze the sensitive skin right under her ear, before sucking lightly.

  Her hands are wildly grasping me, holding me to her, as I continue to torture her. I know how sensitive she is. She is losing her mind.

  Suddenly, she tilts her head back towards my mouth, her lips desperate for mine, her tongue invading my mouth ardently. Her hands roaming to the zipper of my suit, slowly inching it down, until I feel a mixture of cool breeze coming in from under the curtain and burning heat emanating from her hands.

  I growl as I feel one of her hands on my bare chest, her fingers moving deliciously down my body to where the zipper can’t go any lower. Her hand reaches into my suit. I gasp at the contact of feeling her near my cock, feeling her fingers lightly stroke the skin right above it, before reaching into my boxer briefs and stroking my cock.

  I growl into her lips, all playfulness completely gone, my other hand leaving her hair and lifting her skirt. I pull her leggings down a bit to allow me access to her pussy. Before I even touch her, I can feel how hot she is with desire. I move my fingers into her underwear and begin to rub her drenched clit, and I please her relentlessly.

  “Ethan…” She whimpers. Hearing her say my name encourages me. I insert a finger into her, thrusting in and out of her slowly at first, allowing her to adjust, then faster, my thumb continuing to rub her clit simultaneously.

  Her hand strokes me faster, and at this point, I’m going to come in a matter of minutes. I gently take my fingers from her, breaking our kiss, and taste her on my hand.

  I pull her hand from my suit, and she stares at me with doubt. “I love you, but we aren’t going to have sex for the first time in years in a photo booth. Take off your leggings. Then lift your right leg and place it on the bench,” I command, holding her at the waist so she doesn’t lose balance.

  She does as I say, her face flush with desire, taking off her heels and pushing her leggings off. “Leave the heels
on,” I tell her.

  Once she’s steady, I raise her skirt to her waist and kneel before her. I begin to kiss up her raised leg, starting at the ankle, up to her knee, and then up her inner thigh, stopping just before her pussy, and moving my lips to her other leg following the same pattern.

  Ava squirms above me in anticipation, her tangled hair draped around her face and her eyes filled with lust and wild abandon. I bring my mouth to her pussy, licking and tasting her, driving her wild with my mouth. She bucks above me, and I hold her waist with my hands, securing her stance.

  “Fuck,” she let’s out with a heavy breath. I continue to devour her, bring her to the brink and back down.

  Her hands on my shoulder squeeze tightly, and I feel her nails pierce my skin. Her head rolls back against the wall of the booth with closed eyes, and her lips slightly open. She’s perfection, falling apart at my doing, yet holding me completely captive.

  I bring one hand down and insert a finger into her pussy, thrusting in and out less careful this time, while my tongue continues to lick her pulsing clit. I feel her orgasm building, her legs shaking, her walls contracting around my finger.

  I lick her more fiercely, inserting a second finger and moving them faster inside her. This pushes her over the edge, her suppressed moans resonating around the small space, as she loses all sense and orgasms around my fingers and mouth.

  I gently take out my fingers from inside her and stand up. Ava is catching her breath, eyes still closed, and her breasts still exposed. I carefully arrange her bodice to cover her, and hold her leggings out to her.

  Her eyes open and stare at me in wonder. She lowers her leg before sitting down on the bench in silence. I’m not sure what to say, so I zip my suit and wait for her to react.

  She releases a heavy sigh, and looks back up at me.

  “Are you okay?” I ask her.

  “Yes. Hell, there’s no way squirrels would’ve cleared my mind from that, ” she says. I chuckle and bend down to kiss her.

  “Get dressed before someone opens the curtain.”

  “What about you? I wanted–”

  “No, I’m fine. Squirrels, remember? We’re not having sex like this.”