A CONTRACT ENGAGEMENT

But boy was she wrong, because immediately she stood her knees wobbled. Leonard caught her immediately and they both laughed.

“I really thought I had it under control,” she said, still laughing. “Turns out I don’t”

“I’m sure you did” he replied, just hold on to me. They walked slowly outside and to his car, the whole time his hand was wrapped around her waist.

Nina couldn’t wait to get home, take a shower and go straight to bed. She was tipsy and as he drove she closed her eyes.

“Are you falling asleep?” Leonard asked her.

She opened her eyes slowly. “A little bit,” she replied. “It’s the alcohol taking effect”

“Is everything alright with you? I don’t mean to pry, but you seem a little worried… And I know most people just like to drown whatever issues they are having in alcohol. I just hope that isn’t what you are doing”

Nina shook her head. “No… I mean. Yeah I’m kind of going through some stuff right now, but I’m not drinking to forget them or anything like that. Camille suggested we go out tonight and so I just decided to make use of the opportunity. So I do not have a drinking problem… If that’s what you wanna ask me ”

Leonard gave a boyish grin before he returned his attention back to the road. When they finally got to her apartment and the car came to a stop, he turned to her.

“Ermmm, would it be weird if I asked for your phone number?” he asked, and for the first time that evening, Nina saw him look a bit shy. Which surprised her a little, he seemed so confident throughout the little time they had spent together.

“Sure, you can have it. It wouldn’t be weird at all” she replied.

He smiled and handed her his phone so she could type in her number. When she was done and handed it back to him, his fingers brushed his slightly and she pulled her hand away immediately.

When she took out her phone so he could give her his number she saw she had twelve missed calls and Three texts. Nine calls from Julian, two from Abby and the other from Camille. Camille was probably calling to know if she was home. The texts were all from Abby, asking where she was.

She really didn’t know why Julian had called. They hadn’t been speaking to each other for a while. But she wasn’t going to bother herself about that. If it was work, he could call her tomorrow.

“Shit” she said.

“Everything okay?” Leonard asked.

“Yeah.. Just some missed calls. Nothing too important. Here, you can type in your number” She handed him the phone and took it back when he was done.

“I will call you,” Leonard said. “And I know this might not be a good time to say this, but maybe we could go out together sometime and grab a bite or hang out and drink… Like tonight. I really had a nice time. We can hang out… Maybe go on a date… If it’s okay with you of course”

Nina stared at him for a moment and smiled. “I had a great time too Leonard. It was fun talking to you too”

“But…..” he added.

“Why do you just assume there was going to be a ‘but’?” Nina asked him.

“Oh come on, I’m not a kid,” he replied.

“Still.. You can’t just assume stuff like” Nina insisted.

He raised his hand in surrender. “Okay alright….. But let’s be truthful, there was going to be a ‘but’, am I right?”

“Ehhhhhh…. Yeah” Nina replied finally, and they both laughed.

“See? I knew it… So what were you going to say?”

“I was going to say that I had a nice time and I am sure that you are a nice guy, but I don’t think anything is going to happen between us. I’m actually going through some stuff right now and I have to take some time and figure out where my head is…. I’m sorry if I’m being blunt, I just don’t want to lead you on because I really like you… If you are open to us being friends I’m totally fine with it”

“I see,” Leonard said, nodding his head. “I don’t mean to intrude, but this is about Julian Martin right?”

Nina nodded her head. “Yeah kinda… But it’s about me too… I really hope you understand”

“I do. It’s just, I spent some time with you and I just thought that you are a special lady… But I guess I shouldn’t have said anything so soon. it’s fine, I will settle for being just your friend… I just… Wanted to try you know… There’s no harm in doing that, right?”

Nina smiled at him. “Of course not” she replied.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“Just don’t let whatever people are saying get to you. You did nothing wrong and trust me, most of those people who are judging right now have done even worse things… Not that I think you did anything wrong… Because you didn’t… I ermmm… Sorry I’m blabbing… Can you stand at all this time, or do you want need me to carry you in”

Nina chuckled.”Oh there’s absolutely no need for that” she replied. “I might need a hand, but I’m sure you don’t have to carry me in”

“Alright,” Leonard replied. He got out and then went to the other side of the car and helped her out, then he proceeded to help her up the stairs and into the apartment.

The door swung open before Nina could insert her keys into the lock and she and Leonard found themselves staring at Julian, who didn’t even bother to hide the anger written all over his

‘Great! What the hell does he want now?’ Nina thought. Julian said nothing, but just stood there glaring at her and Leonard

“Oh hi, Mr Martin” Leonard said, breaking the silence. “I’m Leonard Scofield, it’s nice to meet you”

He extended his hand for a handshake which Nina was sure Julian only shook because he didn’t want to be rude… not that he was doing a good job of it though. The look on his face spoke volumes.

“It’s nice to meet you too” Julian replied in a voice that wasn’t very nice or welcoming.

Leonard took the hint that it was a good time to leave. He turned to Nina. “Ermmm… I will call you, Nina. Get some sleep, you need it” he said. “Goodnight”