Mia was especially attentive to Bill the following days. She always kept herself near him, or touching him in some way, seemingly to show her affection and devotion to him through physical closeness. He noticed her changed behavior and liked the extra attention, yet at the same time he felt guilty that he essentially made her feel like she had to prove herself to him. It was another instance of him being ridiculous and Mia taking it to be her fault. Why was it he always made a mess of things?
Saturday came, which was the night Bill and Mia had planned to go to Spumoni's, a cocktail lounge in downtown McMaynerberry. Bill had been wondering why Mia invited Gilbert to go with them, seemingly on a whim, not that he minded. When he asked her about it, she waved it off with a "Just thought he might like to come."
He liked watching her get ready, whether it was for work in the morning or going out in the evening. Sitting back on his bed and watching her in the master bathroom, as she applied her skincare products and makeup, fixed up her hair and sprayed her perfume, was somewhat therapeutic. Tonight she chose an elegant black dress, which she dug out of the closet at her house, and pulled back her hair with a sparkling clip.
"You look amazing," he told her when she presented her finished look. She smiled and wrapped herself around his waist before she kissed him.
As they drove the way there, Mia mentioned "I invited Raul, too, I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all. Should be extra fun with him there."
Gilbert was already seated when they entered. The place was swanky, with plush velvet walls and ambient lighting, the low-cast lights dangling over leather booths. Soft jazz music played quietly overhead. In the center of the room was a large, circular bar of shiny polished mahogany, and towering shelves of nearly any liquor and spirit imaginable. The lounge was cluttered with people, making the atmosphere very lively.
"So nice to see you, dear cousin, and ah- Mia, you are elegance itself." Gilbert stood with his arms out to them, hugging them both and kissing their cheeks. He was wearing a crisp suit as always, this time a royal blue.
Soon Raul joined them, dressed in a fitted button up shirt and leather shoes. He looked sharp, much different than the usual muscle shirt and basketball shorts Mia usually saw him in.
"Raul, you clean up nice!" she said, impressed. "Gilbert, this is my cousin Raul. Raul, this is Bill's cousin, Gilbert."
Gilbert slowly looked up, taking in Raul's strong frame. He had a gleam in his eye and a purr in his voice when he said "My, you're a tall glass of water… And I just love moisture…"
To Bill's surprise, Raul's round brown eyes returned the provocative gleam. "Drink up, baby."
Mia had a knowing smile as she watched them: mission accomplished. Bill wondered if that's why she invited them both, because she knew they might...like each other.
They all slid comfortably into the half-circle booth. A server came up to their table to take their drink orders.
"I suppose I will start with my usual… A Cuban mojito, s'il vous plaît," Gilbert requested.
Raul eyed Gilbert with amusement while he said "And I will start with my usual… A Cuban mojito, por favor."
"A man of culture, I see," Gilbert smiled, one eyebrow raised.
Mia wanted something fruity and colorful, so she asked for a Mai Tai. Bill ordered an Old Fashioned. The server turned away to the bar to have their drinks made.
"This place is nice," commented Mia, looking around the room.
"I've been here once," Bill said. He said it before remembering he actually came here with Lenore when they were still dating. He also remembered she got drunk on appletinis and flirted with the waiter. If only Bill had any respect for himself then, he could have saved himself so much pain and heartbreak.
"So, Raul," Gilbert addressed, savoring the name as he rolled the 'R,' "What do you do for a living?"
"I own a mechanic shop outside of north Arlen."
"Ah, a businessman...and very hands on."
Raul grinned, which deepened a dimple. "And you?"
"Oh, me...I'm a writer, a poet, a bon vivant. At present, I am putting together an arts and letters magazine which reflects the charm and artistry of the south."
"How is that coming along, Gilbert?" Bill asked.
"Rather well, Cousin. When I had printed my first edition I felt it was lacking. Now that I've had my chance to modify it as I become more attuned to Texas life, I feel it will do much better once I'm ready to print."
"I've been working on my painting for your cover, Gilbert. I really like how it's turning out."
"My dear Mia, I cannot wait to see it."
The server returned with their drinks. Mia's drink was garnished with a cherry, a piece of pineapple, and even a little umbrella.
"This might be the best mojito I've ever had," praised Raul after a sip.
"I do declare," Gilbert agreed.
Mia and Bill liked their drinks, too. The ingredients were clearly of a higher quality here.
"Are you from New Orleans like Bill?" Raul asked Gilbert.
"Born and bred. It has only been within the past several months I've been living in Austin. I needed a change of scenery."
"Austin's a nice place. I lived there for a while. I'll have to show you some of the local gems sometime."
"I look forward to it."
The two of them kept looking at each other with suggestive glances. Bill was surprised they were hitting it off so well basically at first sight. Mia just smiled like she had known it all along. Raul and Gilbert started to discuss their favorite authors and poets. Gilbert was surprised yet pleased Raul had extensive knowledge and understanding of such things.
"I know I'm going to sound like an asshole for saying this, but Bukowski is probably my favorite writer," Raul told him.
"Darling, Bukowski was a cult hero. Who better depicted the depravity of urban life?"
Raul rolled up his shirt sleeve, revealing his colorfully inked sleeve tattoos. He pointed a small piece out to Gilbert, which was a quote from Bukowski. Gilbert gazed at his arm in awe, more from the muscularity of it than anything else.
"Very lovely. I find the virtuosity of inked skin incredibly fascinating. You will have to explain all your other pieces to me sometime."
"I have lots to explain."
"And I have plenty of time."
They exchanged another intense look.
They continued to talk and flirt with each other, at points seemingly forgetting Mia and Bill were even there.
"What are you doing for Thanksgiving?" Mia asked Bill, during one of those moments.
"Um, well, I usually just go to Peggy and Hank's…"
"Would you want to come to my family's?" she asked brightly, "It's at my parents' house this year. All my aunts and uncles and cousins and everybody goes, too."
Bill's face lit up. He had always wanted to be part of a family, a big family. Most holidays left him forlorn and aware of his loneliness. But now that he was with Mia, he actually could look forward to them.
"I would love to! It will be nice to meet your parents, too."
"And my mom," Raul chimed in.
"Gilbert, what are your holiday plans?" Mia asked him. She noticed he had gotten awfully quiet.
"Oh...well, if I may be frank...nothing."
"If you'd like, you're always welcome to come to our family dinner!" she offered.
Gilbert was speechless. He wasn't expecting to be invited to somebody's family holiday tradition like that.
"Would they appreciate the company of a stranger?"
"There's already going to be a thousand people there, what's one more?" Raul joked.
"Everybody's always bringing their friends or whoever, anyway. Anyone who wants to come is invited."
Gilbert smiled, his eyes brightening. "I would love to attend."
"Just remember, don't let Paloma back you into a corner or else she will try to get you to join her pyramid scheme," Raul laughed.
Mia rolled her eyes. "Don't tell me she's still doing that."
They all laughed and talked for longer, and ordered another set of drinks in the process. After a while, Bill excused himself from the table to use the bathroom. He was feeling bright and on top of the world, as he usually did now that he was with Mia. But his night was even better now that he was spending it with a few of the people who meant the most to him. He was especially excited for the upcoming holiday. Thanksgiving with Mia, her big, welcoming family, and his cousin, too? He couldn't ask for anything more.
He swung by the bar on his way back to pick up another drink. Before he had the chance to order, a hauntingly familiar voice spoke behind him.
"Hi, Bill."
The noise and movement of the lounge around him screeched to a halt. Bill's entire body chilled and he felt sick to his stomach. He turned around slowly, trying to keep himself steady.
Standing there, in a tight black dress and teased blonde hair, was Lenore. She had a sly smile playing on her lips, and her eyes narrowed deviously... a face that only meant trouble.
He hadn't seen Lenore in a long time; not since she had told him she wanted to get back together with him so he would break up with Ann Richards, then ditched him after he did. Before that it was seven years since she divorced him. And all that time, up until he met Mia, that is, he pined for her and dreamed she would come back to him.
His dream now was almost like a nightmare.
"H-hi, Lenore," he stammered. Looking at her was like seeing a ghost. He hadn't thought much about her in five or six months, not since he met Mia, and now she was right in front of him, the background all a blur except for her familiar frame thrown into sharp relief.
"Surprised to see me?" she asked coyly.
"Yeah…" he managed weakly, still not believing his eyes.
Her smirk widened as she took a step closer. Bill took a step back and bumped against the bar behind him. She chuckled.
"You look good, Billy Goat...real good…" She looked him up and down, emphasizing her wanting gaze.
Bill didn't respond. He almost felt panicky, trapped, like a mouse cornered by a cat.
"You look like how you did on our honeymoon...remember?"
"Y-yeah…"
She was trying to get him to think about the wild sex they had that night. But he also remembered two weeks after that she started cheating on him.
Bill's eyes flicked to the booth where Mia, Raul, and Gilbert were. Raul seemed to be telling an animated story which had them all roaring with laughter. He hoped none of them looked this way.
"Who's that pretty young thing you're with?" Lenore asked, her voice sharp, yet trying to sound sweet.
"My girlfriend."
Lenore chuckled, "Robbing the cradle, now, huh?"
Bill said nothing again. He wanted to leave, to bolt for the door, yet her viper-like gaze kept him rooted to the spot.
"I'm back in town for a while. Maybe we could catch up soon." Lenore smiled mischievously, toying with him. "I miss you, Bill."
If she were to have said that six months ago, Bill would have been putty in her hands. He had ached and dreamed to hear her say those exact words to him. But now all he felt was confusion and dread. He had Mia now, the best thing to have ever happened to him, the light of his life...
"I have to go."
"Of course...go back to little Miss Thing. A young and pretty girl like that won't stick around forever, Bill. I know because that used to be me, always wanting something hot and new." She smiled again, her cold eyes hard like diamonds, "Maybe I'll see you around...you still live in the same place, right?"
"Bye, Lenore."
Bill scurried past her and back to his booth, his heart pounding. He looked back to where he and Lenore just were, but she was nowhere to be seen.
"Are you alright?" Mia asked him.
"I'm fine."
"Weren't you getting another drink?"
"Oh, um...I changed my mind."
Mia looked up at him questioningly, but he kept his focus straight ahead so she wouldn't be able to read him.
Raul ordered another round of drinks anyway. Bill hardly contributed to any more discussion; he was too busy trying to process what just happened. He could feel Mia's eyes keep turning to him but he ignored it. If he looked at her he was afraid he would give himself away. He wasn't sure why he didn't want to tell her. It's not as though he did anything wrong…
When the other three were finally ready to leave, Bill was relieved. He wasn't sure where Lenore was, if she was even still there, beadily watching his every move. The group stepped out into the cool night air together. Bill felt slightly better now, though his head was still reeling.
"I suppose I'll have to call a taxi…" Gilbert said airily.
"How about I give you a ride instead?" Raul offered, eyes gleaming.
Gilbert smiled devilishly "I don't want to impose…"
"Not at all."
Mia and Bill started to say goodbye to them.
"Thanks very much for such an enchanted evening." Gilbert air kissed them both.
"See you guys." Raul hugged them both at the same time.
Gilbert and Raul then began walking together to the shiny red Jeep, not giving a second glance behind them.
Mia and Bill stood looking after them, Mia with an satisfied smile and Bill with a mostly bemused expression. Bill didn't know much about Gilbert's love life, but he had alluded to being lonely a few times in the past. He certainly seemed to be getting along well with Raul. Whether this was merely a hookup or the start of something more, at least Gilbert looked happy.
"Did you know that would happen?" Bill asked Mia, motioning towards the direction their cousins disappeared in.
"Sort of. I suspected they'd hit it off, at least. I just didn't realize, um...to that extent."
"Is Gilbert Raul's, uh… type?"
"Gilbert is better than his type."
Bill didn't understand that exactly, which must have shown on his face, so Mia tried explaining.
"Gilbert seems independent and self-reliant. I think Raul would mesh well with somebody like that. He usually goes for, like, immature and codependent types. It never works out because he gets bored and annoyed of it."
"Huh. Well, I hope things work out for them."
"You don't mind I introduced them to each other, do you?"
"What? No, I think it's great. Besides, the, uh...tension...was all them."
Bill was quiet when he and Mia drove home, and he knew Mia was suspicious of him. He tried to make conversation so it would appear as though he was feeling perfectly fine. He felt reprehensible when he realized he hadn't tuned in to Mia's responses, meaning she was talking to thin air.
"Are you okay?" she asked, after it was clear to her that he was only feigning his presence.
"I'm fine. Just a little tired."
He couldn't focus; his mind was racing with thoughts of Lenore. He knew she was just toying with him, just playing with her food before she ate it. She probably liked seeing him happy, healthy, and with a gorgeous new girlfriend, because it would be fun for her to ruin it all for him-again. She would probably try to get him to break up with Mia for her and then leave after he did. Then he would spiral back out of control, once more into a pit of desolation and depression, and this time he knew he would never find his way out again.
He loved Mia. He knew he had loved her for a long time. But he was afraid to say it to her still. What if it made things awkward? What if it was too soon? What if she didn't feel the same way? But in a way, he knew she had to love him, too, on some level. She always wanted to be around him and spend time with him, she was over at his house more than she was at her own, she told him her deepest fears and wishes and thoughts...
Despite this, he couldn't help but think about what Lenore said, which was an echo of his innermost worries: how someone like Mia wouldn't stay around forever. She's bound to want to move on to someone else, someone younger, more attractive, someone who can provide more for her. He felt it both ways, each one about as equal as the other. He felt she might love him, too, and wouldn't leave him, she even said that before. But he also felt she might get tired of him, she might meet someone better, someone more worthy of her, and he would be alone again.
He had to keep reminding himself that Lenore wanted to hurt him, and she liked doing it. She was just trying to hurt him again tonight. Mia never once tried to hurt him, and he knew she never would. He was starting to feel better now, especially after he and Mia arrived back home. He watched her as she did her nighttime routine, which involved using different skincare products. He loved seeing her settle in for the night, in his house, together with him.
She talked to him as she stood in front of the mirror in the master bathroom. He was reclined back against the headboard of his bed, relaxing and unwinding from his frantic night, mainly focused on watching Mia.
"Work is going to be busy up until the holiday. Everyone wants to get their animals in before they leave town." She said this as she patted on a moisturizer while looking at her reflection.
"Will you have to work late?"
"Maybe. I think Tuesday there's an extra surgery scheduled."
Soon she came to bed, bare faced and fresh, soft and alluring, her sparkling dark eyes gazing into his as she crawled on top of him. She kissed him lightly at first, but he quickly increased the intensity. He needed her, now, needed to make love to her, to prove to himself that the connection between them was as real and substantial as he knew it to be. She sometimes would sigh things in Spanish when they had sex, and though he didn't quite understand what she said, he could tell it was something racy and lascivious, something he drew out of her in only her most debauched state.
Tonight, however, as Bill slid into her, joining them together on a higher plane of intimacy, he murmured to her in his Cajun French. She may have taken it to be something carnal and sensual, given the context, but in actuality it was mostly sweet nothings and compliments, descriptions of how much he cared for her and how sexy and beautiful she was to him. The last thing he said to her, before their climaxes rolled over them together like crashing waves, was something he was too afraid to say in a less lustful situation...
"Mi aime jou."
