Tangled
"Eleanor! Eleanor!! Eleanor!!! What the fuck, girl?"
Eleanor, jolted back to reality, looked up suddenly, her eyes wide with surprise. Edith, her colleague had arrived to take over for the night shift. She glanced at the wall-clock and was surprised that it was almost 6pm. Looks like the time flew in her favor, because she really needed that.
"Oh!! Edith, you're here already....sorry, I was miles away."
"Hey bitch! Everything alright? Or is it the job?", Edith chuckled.
Eleanor blinks rapidly and forces a smile.
"No...not that....it's just... memories, you know? Sometimes they sneak up on you."
"I get it. Breakups can be tough. But remember, you're not alone. If you ever need to talk or anything, I'm here".
Eleanor smiled as she gathered her things and left for the locker room for a hot shower, it had been a long day and she wasn't sure she wanted to talk about anything with anyone, not with Edith, she was nothing but a mere colleague.
She stepped into the shower, the air heavy with the scent of soap and damp towels, her mind wandered back to Rosa, she missed her, no doubts and cursed herself for being so fucked up. The memory of their intimate moments lingered, igniting a fire within her that she couldn't ignore. Stripping off her work clothes, she moved mechanically, her mind consumed by thoughts of Rosa's touch, her lips, her moans, her scent. Standing beneath the warm spray of the shower, Eleanor closed her eyes, allowing the water to cascade over her body, her fingertips tracing invisible patterns on her skin. She could feel the heat building between her thighs, a primal ache that demanded attention. Leaning back against the tiled wall, she let out a deep sigh, surrendering to the desire that pulsed through her veins. With trembling fingers, Eleanor traced the outline of her arousal, the sensation sending shivers down her spine. She imagined Rosa's hands on her, gentle yet firm, exploring every inch of her body with an intimacy that left her breathless. Lost in the fantasy, she let her fingers wander, seeking out the places that brought her the most pleasure. As she teased herself, Eleanor couldn't help but moan softly, the sound echoing off the walls of the empty locker room. With each stroke, each caress, the tension coiled tighter within her, until she was on the brink of release. And then, with a gasp of pleasure, she let herself fall over the edge, her body trembling with the force of her climax. Slumping against the wall, spent and breathless, she let the water wash over her, soothing her heated skin. For a fleeting moment, the memory of Rosa filled her with a sense of longing and regret. She wished she had done better.
After what seemed like the longest nap she'd ever had, Eleanor woke up feeling refreshed, she got out of bed, washed up, dressed in a hot dress and stepped out to her favorite spot. As she walked into the dimly lit bar, the familiar scent of alcohol and laughter enveloped her. She settled onto a barstool, feeling the exhaustion from her long nap begin to fade away. The bartender greeted her with a warm smile.
"Hey there, It's you again. How are you enjoying the city?"
"Nothing much, just here working my ass out", She shrugged and smiled back at him.
"Not bad. What would you like to drink tonight? The usual?"
Eleanor nodded, returning the bartender's smile as she watched him mix her drink with practiced ease. Just as she took a sip, the bartender leaned in conspiratorially, his voice low and teasing.
"You know, you just missed the guy from the other night, he just left, came looking for you."
Eleanor's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a mixture of amusement and disbelief crossing her features.
"Alex? Really? Did he leave a message, or was he just here to grace me with his charming presence?"
The bartender chuckled, pouring a drink for another customer before turning back to Eleanor with a wink.
"Oh, you know Alex. Always the charmer. Said something about needing your expert opinion on the latest cocktail creations. Or maybe he just missed your sparkling personality."
Eleanor laughed, shaking her head in mock exasperation.
"Ah, yes, Alex and his endless need for validation. Well, you can tell him he'll have to wait. I'm in no mood to deal with his inflated ego tonight."
The bartender chuckled again, handing Eleanor her drink with a knowing smile.
"Consider it done. But you know where to find him if you change your mind."
Eleanor nodded, taking a sip of her drink as she settled in for a relaxing evening at the bar, content in the knowledge that, for now at least, Alex would have to wait.
As Eleanor sat at the bar, nursing her drink and lost in her own thoughts, she suddenly felt a presence beside her. Glancing to her right, she saw a pretty petite lady, settling onto the barstool beside her with a warm smile.
"Hi, I'm Whitney"
"Hello, nice to meet you, I'm Eleanor" ,Eleanor returned Whitney's smile, she seemed rather friendly.
As the bartender approached to take Whitney's order, she turned to Eleanor with a playful glint in her eye
"So, Eleanor, any recommendations for a good cocktail around here?"
Eleanor chuckled.
"Well, that depends. Are you in the mood for something sweet or something strong?"
"I think I want something strong, it's been a hell of a night"
They both laughed out loud.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly as they discussed their favorite drinks, swapping stories, sharing laughs, stories and some secrets in the dimly lit bar. It wasn't long before the easy rapport between them blossomed into a shared understanding and connection that felt both exhilarating and comforting.
"You know, Eleanor, I have a feeling we could become great drinking buddies."
Eleanor grinned, feeling a warmth spread through her at Whitney's words.
"I think you might be right. Here, let me give you my number. We'll have to meet up again sometime and try out some more cocktails together."
With a smile, Eleanor passed her phone to Whitney, exchanging numbers as they made plans for their next rendezvous. They parted ways at the end of the night, both drunk and wasted, but excited and looked forward to their next hangout.
As Eleanor stumbled through the dimly lit streets, her senses dulled by alcohol and exhaustion, she was startled to see a familiar figure walking up to her, she recognized the face, It was Alex. His expression a mix of concern and anticipation.
"Hi, Eleanor, it's been a while... Can we talk for a minute?"
Eleanor blinked, trying to focus on Alex's words through the haze of alcohol that clouded her mind.
"Alex? What are you doing here?"
Alex stepped closer, his gaze searching hers as he spoke.
"I've been trying to reach you for days now but it seems you're avoiding me, you even gave me a wrong number, why's that?. I wanted to talk to you about... well, about us."
Eleanor felt a surge of panic rise within her at the mention of their intimate night together, memories of their shared passion flooding back with painful clarity.
"Alex, I don't think that's a good idea. Not right now."
Alex reached out, his hand hovering uncertainly before dropping back to his side.
"But why? Eleanor, we need to talk about what happened between us. It meant something, didn't it?"
Eleanor shook her head, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to find the words to explain.
"I don't know, Alex. Maybe it did, maybe it didn't. But right now, I can't... I can't deal with this."
Alex's expression softened, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret and understanding.
"I get it, Eleanor. I do. I get that you might not be sure of your feelings or you're not ready. But whatever happens, I'll always care about you."
Eleanor felt a lump form in her throat at Alex's words, a mix of gratitude and guilt washing over her.
"Thanks, Alex. I appreciate that. I really do."
"Are you sure you're okay or do I need to take you home?", Alex asked, concerned about her drunk state.
"Oh yeah! I'm good... thanks", She said as she staggered slightly.
With a final nod, Alex stepped back, giving Eleanor the space she needed as she continued on her way home, the weight of their conversation lingering in the air between them.