I feel like shit. Juliette has not answered any of my texts or calls. She has returned the flowers I had sent at her home. I tried to talk to her at softball practice but she sent an angry Lea instead and I never tried meeting her in Central Park again.

Nathalie was all pleased with herself on the first Monday after the incident on the dance floor. She had been so drunk she had not noticed anything that had happened after the kiss.

I told her this could never happen again, that I loved someone and that I would have her fired if she couldn't respect a professional distance between us two.

Maybe I should have come clean about Nathalie and told Juliette she is not a random slut but my employee, but on seeing the hurt in her eyes, I couldn't break her the news.

Knowing this girl worked with me, that I got to see her everyday, she would probably have been angrier, if that can even be possible.

My phone rings and I notice a text from an unknown number.

....................................

I am very early but Lea insisted I be on time, and better early than on time I decided. I look at the statue and wonder why Lea chose this location, and not the softball field. After all, we both know the place and it is not a practice night. But I soon understand why. Instead of the coach, I see the brunette and my heart skips a beat.

« You were set up too. » She tells me, an angry look in her eyes.

« Yeah. Lea. »

« Is she usually this manipulative? »

« Never. She sees something in you. I did too. »

Ouch it hurt.

« Can we please sit and talk ? »

She sighs but gives in.

« I won't tell you again how sorry I am about what happened. I said it too many times already. Instead I'd like you to hear how you've made me feel during the month we've been together. »

I stop, waiting for some kind of reaction, but she patiently waits for me to go on.

« I have been in a relationship only once and it didn't end well. Before that I didn't want to get involved with anyone, I thought girlfriends were...a waste of my time and I only used girls for sex. I still did after my break up. But the evening I met you, it was like fate had told me to go out and run, and where to. I had never used the track that circles the softball fields. I saw you, the smile on your face, the mixture of joy and seriousness in your eyes and I fell something I had not felt in a long time. I felt attracted to you by a force I couldn't explain and I wanted to know everything about you. I didn't even care about your « no sleeping together rule » even if I really wanted to spend the night and hold you in my arms. I respected that cos I knew time didn't matter, I could have that first night with you later, since I wasn't going anywhere.

During our first date at the museum I realized it felt so good to be around you. I love your laugh, I love that you're always cheerful, I love listening to your monologues on English literature or art, I love watching you dance on the softball field. You're like an oxymoron and I can't get enough of you."

I apparently said words that reached deep inside her. I see her look intently at me and her eyes become glossy. She whispers my last word « an oxymoron ».

« I didn't mean it in a bad way. »

« Just shut up and kiss me. »

I have no idea why she is reacting that way but she doesn't need to ask me twice. Maybe complicated words turn her on. I'll have to try that in bed.

« Thank you, for everything you said. I don't believe in fate either but something you said makes me wonder if someone is not watching over us or sending me a sign. »

« I'm glad I said the right words to make you change your mind and give me another chance. Thank you. »

« We have Lea to thank too. »

« Can I buy you dinner ? »

« Too soon. I have to go. »

« Can I see you this weekend then ? »

« I am away for the weekend with the girls. We have a series of matches near New Haven. »

« When are you leaving ?

« On Friday night. We carpool and stay in a hotel all together. We do that twice a year. Lea knows another coach from around there. »

« Ok, text me if you have some time in between the innings and matches and drinking games. »

« Thanks I'll try. »

« I'm very happy we're giving it another try. »

« Yes me too. »

We kiss some more before saying our goobyes.