Chapter 3 - page 3

"Tally, what's wrong?" Fleur took her napkin and dabbed Tally's cheek.

"Nothing... I just... Nothing's wrong, I just need the bathroom for a second." She scooted from the booth and speed-walked to the ladies' room, blinking down more tears. She felt her height bring every eye on her as she went. Why was she even crying? Because her date was so attractive? God, she was such a screw-up. She sobbed once in the mirror and pawed at her eyes with toilet paper. Fleur was sitting out there probably wondering what she did to make Tally cry. The thought made her want to just sit and bawl, but she didn't. She squeezed her eyes shut tight and then scowled at herself in the mirror. Thankfully she wasn't wearing eyeliner. She swished a few strands of hair out of her face and planned. She was going to walk out and apologize, and tell Fleur she understood. Goodbye. See you around, maybe. She took a deep breath and marched out, wishing she'd just stayed home.

The check was on the table. A pair of boxes sat neatly beside it. Fleur got up and went to her as she arrived.

"Are you okay?" she took Tally's elbow and gently squeezed it. "Need a hug, maybe?"

Tally nodded. Fleur gave her a sympathetic smile and wrapped her in a soft, warm... Very soft, very warm embrace. Her body was a furnace, a pillow, and a jar of sugar all mixed together - comfort incarnate. Tally put her arms around her as well. Fleur rocked them back and forth ever so gently.

"Just say when," she whispered. Tally wanted to break down and cry into her shoulder while she had the chance, but she would be too ashamed. She held herself together and let no tears come.

"Okay," she said finally. Fleur backed up and looked up at her.

"Please tell me why you were crying?" She pulled Tally to the table and they sat down again.

"It's okay," she sniffed. "I'm not sad, just... I dunno. Girl problems." She laughed. Fleur joined her in a smile. "I'll be okay, honest."

"Okay," she said. "Check's paid. I had our little bus gal box your food... Walk me home, won't you?"

Tally looked at her, eyes wide. "You want me to?"

"Yes, of course!" Fleur laughed. "That wasn't why you were crying, was it?"

"Um... A little." Her cheeks burned with embarrassment.

"Well, don't worry. I've had a lovely time."

"Me too." A genuine smile grew on her. Fleur gathered their food and linked her free arm with Tally's.

"Shall we?" Tally nodded and tightly together they left. On the way out she spotted the bar girl, who flashed her a spunky wink and a double thumbs-up from behind the counter. She smiled shakily to herself as the night air gave her flush cheeks an icy breath.

The soft rush of night air surrounded the pair as Fleur led Tally along. She was careful to keep her steps short; her legs were longer and she could outpace Fleur easily if she tried. It was the last thing in the world she wanted.

"Cold?" Fleur asked. Tally was suddenly aware she was shivering.

"I guess I'm a bit underdressed," she replied. "It's okay -"

"Here." She unzipped her hoodie and draped it across Tally's shoulders like a cloak. It was just long enough for her.

"My my, what a gentleman," she smirked. She earned another bout of laughter from Fleur. She had a low-cut graphic tee underneath and it occurred to Tally how mismatched their wardrobes were... especially given how well they clicked. Fleur took her hand from under the hoodie and swung it playfully. "I wouldn't want you to get cold, though," she added.

"Don't worry about me, I'm insulated well enough."

With her jacket pre-warmed, Tally stopped shivering immediately. Fleur's alluring perfume danced lazily from it, coming and going to Tally's pleasure. She smiled as warmly as she felt all the way to the unassuming townhouse where Fleur stopped.

"Chez moi," she said happily. "I'm afraid our night is at an end."

"I had a wonderful time," Tally replied, and Fleur agreed joyfully. "Your hoodie -"

"Keep it for tonight," she waived, holding it to her arm. "You must walk home still, no?"

"Mhm... Thank you." Inside Tally was squirming with glee.

"Oh, and..." Fleur pulled out her phone. "My number. Ready?" Tally reciprocated and their numbers were exchanged. "Call me soon. I'm free every afternoon... I would love to see you again soon."

"Likewise," Tally replied. They smiled at each other for a moment. Tally felt the hair on her neck raise, and she slowly began to lean towards Fleur.

It was all the indication the pretty plump girl needed. She took Tally gently and pulled her in. Their lips dared to touch, a slow and lingering kiss. Tally wrapped her arms around her very welcome invader.

"Au revoir, my new friend," Fleur breathed as she pulled back. Tally let her go and wracked her brain for a response.

"G-g'bye." She spun around and walked away. She was giggly and energetic all the way home, head spinning with Fleur's scent and heart bursting with blooming love. She slept in the hoodie.