Coffee and Confessions
The midday sun streamed through Beth’s apartment windows, casting long golden rays over the messy coffee table and the half-empty bag of crisps Steph had already claimed. The three of them were lounging around like it was any other lazy afternoon, except Beth had been fidgety since they arrived, barely paying attention to their usual banter.
Steph had sprawled herself across Beth’s couch, one foot resting on the armrest like she owned the place, while Jen had taken up space on the floor, scrolling through her phone and tossing occasional snacks into her mouth. Beth sat cross-legged, absentmindedly picking at the corner of her coffee mug, her mind clearly elsewhere.
“You’ve been really weird all morning,” Jen finally commented, not even looking up from her screen. “I mean, more than usual.”
Steph glanced over at Beth, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. “Yeah, you haven’t even insulted my terrible eating habits yet. Are you sick? Dying? What’s going on?”
Beth hesitated. She wasn’t acting like herself, and they’d both picked up on it way too fast. With a deep sigh, she set down her mug, rubbing a hand over her face before finally just saying it.
“Okay, so… I have a date tonight.”
The reaction was immediate.
Steph, mid-chew, nearly choked on a pretzel, while Jen sat up so fast, she almost knocked over her drink.
“You—what?” Jen gawked at her, eyes wide with excitement.
Steph pointed dramatically, mouth still full. “You absolute menace. You weren’t going to tell us?”
Beth groaned, already regretting this confession. “I was going to tell you! I just—” she sighed. “It only really hit me this morning and now I’m kind of panicking.”
Steph immediately perked up, grinning. “Okay, hold on. First of all, who?”
Beth shot her a flat look.
Steph paused, then gasped loudly, eyes lighting up. “It’s Viv, isn’t it?”
Jen’s head snapped toward Beth, looking just as eager.
Beth exhaled, giving them both a look.
Steph and Jen screamed at the same time.
“Shut up!” Beth hissed, throwing a pillow at them as she frantically looked toward the door, as if someone outside might have heard them. “You two are literally unbearable.”
Jen just grinned, shifting closer. “Okay, okay, we’ll behave.”
Steph leaned forward, clearly lying. “Yeah, no, we won’t. But—tell us everything. When did this happen? How did this happen?”
Beth sighed, rubbing her temples. “It’s not that big of a deal.”
Steph scoffed, throwing her hands up. “It is literally the biggest deal. You and Viv have been circling each other for months. We’ve been waiting.”
Beth frowned. “You’ve been waiting?”
Jen shrugged. “Well, yeah. You two are basically attached at this point. It was either this or we stage an intervention.”
Beth groaned, slumping back into the couch.
Steph grinned. “So, where are you taking her?”
Beth froze, suddenly looking very alarmed.
Steph and Jen immediately caught on.
“Oh my god,” Jen deadpanned, staring at her.
Steph pointed dramatically again. “You don’t know.”
Beth groaned, covering her face with her hands. “I don’t know!” she admitted. “I mean, I only asked her last night, and I was just so excited she said yes that I didn’t even—I have no idea what we’re doing.”
Steph leaned forward, hands clasped together like this was a serious strategy meeting. “Okay. Step one: We plan the perfect date.”
Jen nodded enthusiastically, already grabbing her phone to look things up.
Beth huffed, still looking stressed. “I don’t need perfect. I just need something that won’t make me look like an idiot.”
Steph smirked. “Beth, babe, that’s impossible.”
Beth threw another pillow at her.
Jen ignored them both, scrolling on her phone. “Okay, let’s break it down. Do you want to go fancy? Casual? Somewhere fun?”
Beth thought about it, chewing her lip. “I don’t want it to be too much. Like, I don’t want to take her to some crazy expensive restaurant and make it all formal. But I also don’t want it to be, like… nothing, you know?”
Steph nodded thoughtfully. “So, somewhere nice, but not intimidating?”
Beth nodded. “Yeah. Something where we can actually talk.”
Jen hummed. “Okay. Dinner’s a classic choice. But what about something after? Like, maybe a nice walk or something?”
Beth perked up slightly, considering it. “Actually… that sounds nice.”
Steph nodded approvingly. “Yeah, like, go for food somewhere cozy, then do something chill after. Not, like, an arcade or anything that feels too much like a mate thing.”
Beth smirked. “Right, because we don’t want to repeat your last date disaster.”
Steph groaned. “It was one time!”
Jen laughed, still scrolling. “Okay, what about that Italian place downtown? The one with the outdoor patio and fairy lights?”
Beth’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I like that.”
Steph smirked. “Romantic. I approve.”
Beth rolled her eyes. “Shut up.”
Jen grinned. “And after that, you could walk by the river. It’s quiet, and it’ll give you a chance to talk.”
Beth hesitated, then smiled, feeling herself relax for the first time since she started panicking about this. “That actually sounds really nice.”
Steph clapped her hands together, looking satisfied. “Boom. First date: planned.”
Jen grinned. “So, what are you wearing?”
Beth groaned. “Oh my god, one thing at a time!”
Steph laughed. “Come on, you know we’re picking your outfit too.”
Beth slumped back against the couch, shaking her head.
Beth had barely wrapped her head around the fact that she had a date, and now, somehow, she was standing in her bedroom with Jen and Steph tearing through her closet like they were on a mission.
Steph pulled out a pair of ripped jeans and a crop top, holding them up with a smirk. “Okay, hear me out—casual, effortless, hot.”
Jen immediately shook her head. “No. Too casual. This is a first date, not a ‘we’re just getting drinks’ kind of thing.” She rummaged through the hangers before pausing at a black dress. “What about this?”
Beth wrinkled her nose. “That feels too much. Like I’m trying too hard.”
Steph snorted. “Beth, you are trying too hard.”
Beth groaned, flopping onto her bed. “You two are the worst.”
Jen ignored her, grabbing another option. “Okay, what about this?”
Beth lifted her head, taking in the outfit—black trousers and a fitted top that wasn’t too fancy but still nice.
Steph nodded in approval. “See, this is perfect. Cool, but also looks like you put in effort.”
Beth sighed, finally relenting. “Fine. I’ll wear that.”
Jen grinned. “Good choice.”
Beth sat up, running a hand through her hair, suddenly feeling nervous again.
Steph, ever observant, leaned against the dresser, crossing her arms. “Okay, now that we’ve handled the crisis, let’s talk about Viv.”
Beth narrowed her eyes. “We don’t have to.”
Jen scoffed. “Oh, we absolutely do.”
Beth groaned, knowing she wasn’t getting out of this.
Steph smirked. “Alright, so… when did you know?”
Beth blinked. “What?”
Steph shrugged, looking genuinely curious. “That you liked her. Like, when did it hit you?”
Beth opened her mouth, then hesitated.
She hadn’t really… thought about it like that before.
She had spent so much time convincing herself that she and Viv were just friends, pushing aside every little moment where it might have been more than that. But now that Steph had asked, the answer came to her almost immediately.
Beth took a deep breath. “It was after that awful training I had.”
Jen and Steph exchanged a look.
Beth sighed, leaning forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “I was frustrated. I knew I’d had a shit practice, and I snapped at Viv when she tried to talk to me after. I just… felt like everything was falling apart. I wasn’t playing well, I was stressed about the Euros, and I took it out on her.”
Steph raised an eyebrow. “That doesn’t exactly scream romantic realization.”
Beth huffed a laugh, shaking her head. “It wasn’t that part.” She paused, playing with the hem of her sleeve. “It was later that night. I was at home, still annoyed, still in a shit mood, and then Viv just showed up. With groceries.”
Jen frowned. “Groceries?”
Beth nodded. “Yeah. She said she knew I was too upset to cook, so she just… made me dinner.”
Steph and Jen stared at her.
Beth sighed, rubbing her face. “I don’t know. It just hit me then—how much she gets me. How she knew exactly what I needed, even when I didn’t ask. And the whole time, she never made it a big deal. She didn’t push me to talk about it, didn’t expect anything. She just wanted to be there.”
Jen smiled softly. “That’s actually kind of sweet.”
Steph smirked. “And now you’re taking her on a date.”
Beth huffed a laugh, shaking her head. “Yeah. Now I am.”
Jen leaned forward, grinning. “And how do you feel about it?”
Beth paused, then smiled, a little softer this time. “Nervous. Excited. I don’t know—like it’s a really big deal.”
Steph smirked, nudging her shoulder. “Because it is.”
Beth rolled her eyes, but didn’t disagree.
Jen grinned. “Well, don’t mess it up.”
Beth groaned. “Wow, thanks for the confidence boost.”
Steph laughed. “Come on, let’s get some drinks before you start spiraling again.”
Beth stared into her drink, swirling it in her hand, her mind racing. The conversation had already gone through outfit panic, realizing how much she actually liked Viv, and now, somehow, she was spiraling even more.
She took a deep breath, chewing on her lip before blurting out, “Should I have bought something?”
Steph, who had just taken a sip of her drink, paused mid-swallow and nearly choked. “What?”
Beth waved a hand vaguely. “Like… I don’t know. A gift or something. Flowers?”
Jen’s eyebrows shot up, barely holding back a laugh. “Flowers? For Viv?”
Beth rolled her eyes, already regretting bringing it up. “Yes, Jen, flowers for Viv. Do you think she’d like them? Or is it weird?”
Steph smirked, leaning back. “I mean… it’s not weird, but it’s very—” she paused for effect, “relationship-y.”
Beth groaned. “Shit. That’s what I thought.”
Jen, still grinning, shrugged. “I just don’t know if Viv is a flowers kind of girl. She seems more like a ‘thanks, I don’t know what to do with these, let me awkwardly hold them for ten minutes’ kind of girl.”
Beth let out a dramatic sigh, dropping her head back against the couch. “I knew it. She’d probably panic and try to give them back to me.”
Steph chuckled. “Or Google what to do with flowers.”
Jen grinned, nudging Beth’s knee. “Okay, but this is huge—you actually considered getting her flowers. That means you’re, like… fully in it.”
Beth huffed, crossing her arms. “I just want it to be nice. Special. I don’t know.”
Steph raised a brow, smirking. “You want her to think you’re romantic.”
Beth groaned, shoving a pillow at Steph’s face. “Shut up.”
Jen laughed, shaking her head. “I mean, if you wanna go full romantic, you could’ve gotten her a little gift instead. Maybe, like, a book or something she’d actually like?”
Beth sat up, eyes widening. “Shit. Should I have done that?”
Steph sighed dramatically, rubbing her temples. “Oh my God, Beth. No. Stop.”
Jen was laughing now. “Babe, breathe. You don’t need to bring her a gift like she’s your girlfriend already.”
Beth groaned again, running a hand through her hair. “I just—I want it to go well. I don’t want it to be weird or forced. I want her to… I don’t know.”
Steph smirked. “Fall madly in love with you?”
Beth shot her a glare, but her lips twitched up in a small smile. “Shut up.”
Jen chuckled, taking a sip of her drink. “Look, just be yourself. If you’re gonna overthink something, let it be what you say during dinner, not whether or not you should’ve brought her a bouquet.”
Beth exhaled slowly, nodding. “Yeah. You’re right.”
Steph grinned. “We usually are.”
Beth pulled up outside Viv’s house and parked, drumming her fingers against the steering wheel.
She had two options.
Option one: Text Viv like a normal person. A simple "I'm here" and be done with it.
Option two: Call her. Which was more intentional. More direct. Maybe even more romantic than just sitting outside in silence.
She went with option two.
The phone rang twice before Viv picked up.
"Hey, I’m outside."
"Be right out," Viv said, her voice light and easy.
Beth hung up, feeling momentarily satisfied with herself.
And then—the regret hit her like a freight train.
Why had she called? She should have gotten out and knocked on the door like an actual date. Like a proper romantic gesture. Instead, she was sitting in her car, looking like an awkward teenager waiting for their crush to come outside.
She had been dating for years and suddenly forgot how to function.
Beth let out a quiet groan, rubbing her forehead.
She barely had time to stew in her own questionable life choices before Viv stepped outside, locking the door behind her.
And Beth—
Beth forgot how to breathe.
Viv looked good. Really good.
It wasn’t that she was overdressed, but she had definitely put in a little extra effort tonight. Her top was cropped just slightly shorter than usual, exposing a hint of her stomach when she moved. Beth definitely noticed that. The way her jeans fit her just right, the way her hair was styled—not fancy, just a little softer, more feminine than usual, and Beth realized with mild panic that she really, really liked it.
She hadn’t even realized how hard she was staring until Viv started walking toward the car.
Beth snapped her gaze forward immediately, pretending she had been busy adjusting the air conditioning. Or the radio. Or literally anything that wasn’t blatantly checking Viv out.
She took a slow breath. Act normal. Be cool. Don’t be weird.
Viv opened the passenger door, sliding in smoothly. "Hey."
Beth turned slightly, forcing herself to act like a functioning human being.
"Hey," she said, clearing her throat. She shifted the car into drive, hoping Viv didn’t notice the way her fingers were gripping the wheel a little too tight.
The air between them felt charged, not in a bad way, just… different.
For once, Beth didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t used to feeling this off-kilter, especially not with Viv.
She cleared her throat, determined to fill the silence before it got unbearable.
"So, uh… how was your day?"
Viv turned slightly in her seat, adjusting her sleeves. "Pretty normal. Gym, some meetings… nothing exciting."
Beth nodded. "Right. Important footballer things."
Viv let out a soft chuckle, but she still seemed a little stiff. "Something like that."
A pause.
Beth should’ve just left it there, let the conversation move naturally, but she couldn’t stop noticing Viv. The way her fingers fidgeted in her lap, the way she glanced out the window like she wasn’t quite sure where to look.
It made Beth bold.
"You look really pretty, by the way," she blurted out.
The second the words left her mouth, she wanted to sink into the seat and disappear.
Viv’s head snapped toward her, eyes slightly wide, and for a moment, Beth thought she had broken her.
"Oh."
Beth winced internally. That was a terrible reaction.
Viv swallowed, clearly thrown off, and then, in a quieter voice, she added, "Thanks."
Beth definitely caught the way her fingers tightened slightly around the hem of her top.
Viv hesitated for a second, shifting in her seat before mumbling, "You look really good too."
Beth felt her stomach flip.
"Oh. Thanks." She tried to sound casual, but the heat creeping up her neck betrayed her.
A few more beats of silence passed, both of them painfully aware of the weight of the compliment exchange.
Beth needed to fix this.
She let out a dramatic sigh, forcing a smirk. "I mean, I wasn’t fishing for a compliment, but I’ll take it."
Viv let out a breathy laugh, finally relaxing just a little. "I figured."
Beth grinned, feeling somewhat victorious that she had managed to pull Viv out of her shell, even just a little.
After a few more moments of quiet, Viv spoke up again, voice a little steadier.
"So, um… your day? What did you do?"
Beth hummed, grateful for the distraction. "Not much. Just the usual. Also had a very aggressive discussion with Steph and Jen about what to wear tonight."
Viv turned to her, mildly alarmed. "Aggressive?"
Beth sighed dramatically. "Let’s just say they have zero faith in my ability to dress myself."
Viv smirked slightly, looking her up and down before nodding once. "Well, I think you look really nice."
Beth almost missed a turn.
"Oh. Well… thanks." She felt herself getting warm all over again.
She wasn’t used to Viv being so direct with compliments. Normally, Beth was the one teasing and pushing, and Viv was the one getting flustered and mumbling in response. This was new.
When they finally arrived at the restaurant, Beth parked, feeling a small sense of relief. She had spent the whole day overthinking every possible thing that could go wrong, but now that they were actually here, maybe things would finally start feeling natural.
She led them toward the entrance, feeling good about everything—right until they reached the hostess stand.
“Hi, I have a reservation under Mead,” Beth said, offering her most confident smile.
The hostess, a young woman with a sleek ponytail, nodded and began scanning the list.
Beth waited.
And then waited some more.
The hostess frowned slightly and looked up at her. “I’m sorry, I don’t see a reservation under that name.”
“What?” She forced a chuckle. “Beth Mead? Maybe check again?”
The hostess did a quick double-check before offering an apologetic smile. “The only reservation under ‘Mead’ is for… tomorrow.”
Beth froze, her mouth opening slightly. “You’re joking.”
“I wish I was.”
Beside her, Viv turned her head slowly, looking at Beth with a raised eyebrow. Beth didn’t even have to turn her way to know there was an amused expression brewing.
Beth inhaled sharply, turning back to the hostess. “Is there any way we can get in tonight? Even just at the bar?”
The hostess winced sympathetically. “I’m really sorry, but we’re completely booked.”
Beth ran a hand through her hair, letting out a quiet, “Of course we are.” She turned to Viv, exhaling hard. “Alright, give me a second to figure this out.”
She pulled out her phone, scrolling through options nearby, but she could already feel her frustration creeping in. How the hell did I mess up the date this quickly?
Viv, on the other hand, was staring past her, her eyes catching something across the street.
Beth noticed her change in focus. “What are you looking at?”
Viv nodded toward a small burger truck parked by the river, its glowing lights standing out against the evening backdrop. “How about that?”
Beth blinked. “A food truck?”
Viv shrugged. “Yeah. I like burgers.”
Beth stared at her, not entirely convinced. “Viv, this was supposed to be a nice date. You know, proper dinner, real silverware, all that.”
Viv lifted a single eyebrow, a small smirk forming. “You think a burger can’t be nice?”
Beth huffed. “That’s not what I meant.”
Viv’s smirk only grew. “Sounds like you don’t believe in the power of a good burger.”
Beth rolled her eyes but hesitated, looking back at the restaurant before exhaling again. She felt terrible. She had hyped this date up all day, wanting to get it just right, and now, because she couldn’t even book the damn restaurant properly, she was dragging Viv to a food truck.
Viv must have sensed her guilt, because her teasing expression softened slightly. She nudged Beth’s arm lightly. “Hey, seriously, I don’t mind.”
Beth turned to her, lips pressing together. “Are you sure? Because we can try to find somewhere else.”
Viv shook her head. “I mean it. It’s just dinner, Beth. And honestly, I’d rather eat something quick and good than spend half the night waiting around.”
Beth looked at her for a long moment, trying to tell if she was just saying that to make her feel better. But Viv looked completely genuine, like she truly didn’t care where they ate.
Beth let out a small, reluctant laugh, shaking her head. “Alright. But if these burgers suck, I’m blaming you.”
Viv grinned. “Deal.”
With that, Beth let out one last breath, letting go of the frustration, and followed Viv toward the burger truck.
Beth exhaled slowly, shaking off the lingering frustration as they approached the burger truck. The warm glow of the string lights hanging from the truck cast a cozy atmosphere over the small crowd waiting in line, and the distant sound of the river lapping against the shore filled the night air.
It wasn’t the candlelit dinner she had planned, but Beth was trying not to let that bother her.
As they reached the counter, Beth turned to Viv, trying to mask her lingering guilt with casual ease. “Order whatever you want. I’ll pay.”
Viv arched an eyebrow, smirking slightly. “Oh? Guess I’m being spoiled tonight.”
Beth let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “Just let me do this without arguing.”
Viv’s eyes flickered over her face, as if she could still sense Beth’s frustration over how the evening had unfolded. Instead of teasing her more, she offered a small nod, then turned her attention to the menu.
“Alright, since I have permission,” Viv mused, tilting her head as she scanned the options. “Double cheeseburger, fries, and…” she glanced toward the drink menu, “a vanilla milkshake.”
Beth snorted. “Vanilla? That’s a bit boring, isn’t it?”
Viv shot her a look, unimpressed. “It’s a classic. Not everything has to be complicated.”
Beth smirked and turned to the guy working the truck. “Same for me, but chocolate instead.”
They stood in easy silence as the worker put in their order, the scent of sizzling burgers filling the air. The small crowd around them was buzzing with conversation, but it felt like background noise compared to the quiet between her and Viv. It wasn’t awkward, just… calm.
When their food was ready, Beth instinctively reached for her wallet before Viv could even make a move.
Viv narrowed her eyes slightly. “You really don’t have to do this.”
Beth didn’t even hesitate. “I’m paying. No arguments.”
Viv let out a soft huff, clearly holding back a smile. “Fine, but next time, it’s my turn.”
Beth glanced at her playfully as she grabbed her tray. “Next time?”
Viv blinked, then shrugged like it was no big deal. “Yeah. You don’t think I’m a one-date kind of girl, do you?”
Beth grinned, nudging her lightly with her elbow. “I don’t know, Viv. You’ve got that whole ‘mysterious girl’ thing going on.”
Viv rolled her eyes but smiled anyway. “Come on, let’s sit by the river.”
Beth followed as Viv led them down a small path to the water’s edge, where a few benches lined the walkway, though Viv didn’t seem interested in them. Instead, she plopped down on the low stone ledge that separated the walkway from the water, stretching out her legs comfortably.
Beth hesitated for half a second before sitting beside her, mirroring her posture.
As they unwrapped their food, Beth took a deep breath, feeling the cool night air mix with the warmth of the burger in her hands. The river shimmered under the soft glow of the streetlights, and there was something oddly peaceful about all of it—the quiet hum of distant city sounds, the way their shoulders nearly brushed as they ate.
Viv took a bite of her burger and let out a small, approving noise. “Okay, this was a good choice.”
Beth huffed a laugh, taking a bite of her own. “You mean your choice?”
Viv grinned, reaching for her fries. “Exactly. You’re welcome.”
Beth shook her head, still feeling a twinge of guilt. “I just feel bad, you know? This wasn’t what I had planned.”
Viv glanced at her, chewing thoughtfully. “You really had your heart set on that restaurant, huh?”
Beth sighed. “I just wanted it to be… good.”
Viv nudged her with her knee. “It is good. It’s just different.”
Beth stared at her for a moment before letting out a soft chuckle. “How are you so annoyingly easygoing about everything?”
Viv smirked, taking a sip of her milkshake. “I’m not. I just think stuff like this doesn’t have to be perfect to be good.” She glanced at Beth, her expression a little softer now. “Besides, I’d rather eat by the river with you than sit in a packed restaurant with terrible lighting and overpriced wine.”
Beth blinked, feeling something warm settle in her chest. She looked down at her burger, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah. Alright. I guess this isn’t the worst first date ever.”
Viv grinned, nudging her lightly. “You’re welcome again.”
Viv took a bite of her burger, humming in satisfaction, before glancing at Beth with a small smirk. “Alright, I have to say it—thank you.”
Beth, mid-bite herself, glanced at her, eyebrows raised. “For what?”
Viv gestured vaguely with a fry. “For paying. And for letting me pick whatever I wanted. That was cute.”
Beth chuckled, nudging Viv’s knee lightly with her own. “You’ll always be spoiled.”
Viv’s reaction was immediate—a faint flush creeping up her cheeks, the quick glance away as if she needed a second to compose herself. “Well, that’s dangerous information to give me.”
Beth grinned, tilting her head playfully. “It’s true, though. You get what you want, always.” She took another bite before adding, more sincerely, “And I like taking care of you.”
Viv’s lips parted slightly, her fingers tightening around her drink as she stared at Beth for a second too long. “Beth…”
Beth waved a hand, brushing it off before Viv could make it into something bigger than it was. “What? Can’t a girl spoil her—” She stopped herself just before she could say her girl and quickly pivoted, “—her date?”
Viv bit her lip, shaking her head as she looked down at her food, but Beth could see the way her ears were turning pink, how she was suddenly fidgeting with the wrapper of her burger.
“You’re ridiculous,” Viv muttered, but there was no bite to it.
Viv leaned back slightly, stretching her legs out in front of her as she finished off the last of her fries. “You know,” she mused, glancing at Beth with a teasing look, “I haven’t been on that many dates, but I can confidently say this one isn’t the worst.”
Beth gasped in mock offense, placing a hand over her chest. “Wow. High praise.”
Viv chuckled. “No, I mean it. It’s actually been really nice.” She took a sip of her drink before adding, “But I think that says more about some of the other dates I’ve been on.”
Beth tilted her head, intrigued. “How many are we talking?”
Viv wiped her hands on a napkin and casually replied, “So… there was this guy I used to date, Alex. And then Lisa.”
Beth froze mid-sip of her drink, blinking as she processed that information. “Wait, a guy?”
Viv raised an eyebrow at her reaction. “Yeah? Is that so shocking?”
Beth shrugged, setting her drink down. “I don’t know. I guess I just thought Lisa was your first… everything.”
Viv gave a small, almost shy laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, I have a tiny bit more experience than one.”
Beth’s lips twitched in amusement before she leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “So… he was your first everything?” She put emphasis on the last word, clearly testing the waters.
Viv immediately laughed, shaking her head as she reached for her drink. “Yes, Beth. I had sex with him.” She took a sip before shooting Beth a playful look. “Do you want the details too?”
Beth choked on her own drink, coughing as her face flushed. “Oh my god—no! I didn’t mean it like that.”
Viv burst out laughing, watching Beth’s sudden flustered state with pure amusement. “You sure? I mean, I could walk you through it.”
Beth groaned, covering her face with her hands. “Viv, stop.”
Viv smirked, clearly enjoying this too much. “You asked.”
Beth peeked at her from between her fingers, still red, before shaking her head with a small laugh. “That backfired on me so fast.”
Viv smirked, finishing the last sip of her drink. “It really did.
Beth tilted her head slightly, still digesting the fact that Viv had once dated a guy. “So… did you and Alex date for long?”
Viv hummed, thinking for a second. “Yeah, kinda. From when I was about fifteen until I was eighteen. It was just… easy, I guess.”
Beth rested her elbow on her knee, chin propped in her hand. “And did you actually like him? Or was it more of a… I don’t know, a mistake in a way?”
Viv was quiet for a moment, considering her answer. “I think I liked him,” she admitted. “Especially at the time. He was my first everything, and it felt like what I was supposed to do.” She huffed a small laugh, shaking her head. “But I look back now, and I don’t think I was ever in love with him, you know? It was more comfort than anything.”
Beth nodded, watching Viv carefully. “Makes sense,” she said softly, before tilting her head. “So… only two people then? Alex and Lisa?”
Viv arched an eyebrow, smirking slightly. “Are you keeping count?”
Beth grinned, nudging Viv’s foot lightly. “Obviously.”
Viv chuckled, then nodded. “Yeah, that’s pretty much it.”
Beth leaned back on her hands. “Huh. I would’ve thought there’d be more lining up to date you.”
Viv rolled her eyes. “It’s not like I was looking.” Then, as if realizing something, she glanced at Beth, suddenly a little shy. “What about you? Did you date a lot before Daan?”
Beth shrugged. “A couple of girls here and there. Nothing serious. And then obviously Daan.”
There was a beat of silence. Viv seemed to hesitate for a moment, almost debating whether or not to speak. But then, in a softer voice, she said, “Well… you’re forgetting Claire.”
She hadn't expected Viv to bring that up, and for a second, she wasn’t sure what to say. She glanced at Viv, who was suddenly very focused on her drink, fingers fidgeting slightly around the cup.
Beth exhaled softly, tilting her head as she studied Viv’s reaction. “That wasn’t really dating, though.”
Viv lifted an eyebrow, finally looking at her. “Wasn’t it?”
Beth ran a hand through her hair, shifting in place. “I mean… no. Not really.”
Viv didn’t say anything right away. Instead, she just nodded slowly, staring down at her drink again.
Beth sighed, feeling the sudden tension between them, and nudged Viv’s knee with hers. “Hey.”
Viv glanced at her, her expression unreadable.
Beth gave her a small smile. “You’re not actually jealous of Claire, are you?”
Viv rolled her eyes immediately, but Beth didn’t miss the way her ears went slightly red. “No.”
Beth smirked. “Really? Because you definitely sound like someone who’s at least a little jealous.”
Viv scoffed. “I’m not.”
Beth grinned, leaning in slightly. “Then why’d you bring her up?”
Viv exhaled sharply, shaking her head. “Because… I don’t know.” She took another sip of her drink, clearly flustered now. “It just came to mind.”
Beth bit back a chuckle, watching Viv squirm. “Right.”
Viv sighed, setting her drink down with a slight thud. “Fine. Maybe a little.”
Beth immediately softened said gently, waiting until Viv finally looked at her. “It’s okay.”
Viv held her gaze for a moment before nodding slightly. She seemed like she wanted to say something else but hesitated. Instead, she looked down at her drink again, her lips pressing together before she took a slow breath and asked, “Did you…?”
Beth knew what she meant.
Her stomach twisted slightly, but she nodded, answering honestly. “Yeah.”
Viv’s face remained unreadable, but Beth could see the way her throat moved, the subtle way her shoulders tensed. She looked away again, nodding slowly like she was processing it.
A heavy silence settled between them.
Beth ran a hand over her face, exhaling. “But… I didn’t receive.”
That made Viv look up, brows furrowed slightly. “What?”
Beth licked her lips, shaking her head. “I mean, I couldn’t.” She swallowed, her voice quieter now. “It felt wrong. The entire time, I just—” She hesitated before finally admitting, “I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”
Viv froze slightly, her lips parting just a little, like the words had knocked the breath out of her.
Beth let out a shaky breath, looking down. “It didn’t feel right to let someone do that when I knew… when I knew I couldn’t get you out of my head.”
Beth let the quiet stretch between them for a long moment, neither of them rushing to fill it. The night air was cool, the soft hum of the river the only sound between them. Beth exhaled, running a hand through her hair before finally speaking, her voice lower than usual.
"I know I messed up with the whole Claire thing," she admitted, her fingers drumming lightly against the wooden bench. "And you have every right to ask whatever you want, to feel however you feel about it. But I just… I really care about you. And about this."
Viv stayed quiet for a second, her fingers idly tracing over the edge of her drink. Then, with a small nod, she reached out and gently took Beth’s hand in hers, squeezing lightly. "I know," she said softly.
Beth’s breath caught slightly as she stared down at their joined hands. Viv’s thumb brushed absentmindedly over her skin, and for a second, Beth was worried she might pull away. But before she could, Beth tightened her grip, holding her there, her eyes flickering up to meet Viv’s.
She inhaled, her voice barely above a breath. "I really meant what I said before—you look so beautiful."
Viv’s lips parted slightly, a soft blush creeping onto her cheeks. Beth could see her swallow, like she was trying to figure out how to respond, but Beth wasn’t done yet.
"I love your hair down," Beth continued, her voice warmer now, more confident. "It just suits you so well." Slowly, she reached up, threading her fingers gently through Viv’s hair, letting the strands slip between her fingertips.
Viv’s breath hitched, her eyes fluttering slightly at the touch, but she didn’t move away. They just sat there, staring at each other, their smiles slowly growing in the quiet.
Then, without thinking, Viv leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Beth’s cheek. "Thank you," she whispered near her ear.
Beth closed her eyes for a brief second, feeling the warmth of Viv’s lips linger on her skin. When she opened them again, Viv was pulling away, a small, almost shy smile on her lips.
The moment stretched between them again, but this time, it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was full.
Eventually, Beth let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. "Come on, let’s get you home."
The drive back was quiet at first, a comfortable silence filling the space between them. Beth’s fingers tapped lightly against the steering wheel, her mind running a little too fast. She wasn’t sure what had gotten into her tonight—maybe it was the way Viv had looked at her, the way she had softened under Beth’s touch. Or maybe it was just the realization that this, whatever it was, was something she didn’t want to mess up.
As they neared Viv’s place, Beth took a slow breath and, before she could overthink it, reached out, resting her hand lightly on Viv’s thigh. She kept her eyes on the road, her fingers barely pressing against the fabric of Viv’s jeans.
"Is this okay?" Beth asked softly, not looking at her.
There was a beat of silence, and then, barely audible, Viv whispered, "Yes."
Beth felt the warmth of Viv’s skin through the denim, and she let her hand rest there, gently squeezing as she continued driving. She didn’t push, didn’t do anything more than let Viv feel it. It wasn’t much, but it was enough.
When she finally pulled up to Viv’s building, Beth shifted in her seat, reluctantly moving her hand back as she turned to face her. Viv looked at her, eyes soft, lips slightly parted.
"I hope you had a good time," Beth said, her voice a little quieter now.
Viv nodded, a small, almost shy smile tugging at her lips. “I did,” she admitted, her voice softer now. She hesitated for a second, then exhaled through her nose, tilting her head slightly.
Beth huffed out a laugh, the sound light and warm. “Even with the burger truck?”
Viv smiled, shaking her head as if she couldn’t believe it herself. “Even with the burger truck,” she repeated, her eyes flickering to Beth’s for a second too long.
They sat there, neither of them moving, the silence between them charged but not uncomfortable. Beth’s fingers curled slightly against the steering wheel, her heart beating faster now that the night was ending, and she wasn’t sure if she was ready to let it.
She noticed Viv glance at her lips, just for a second, but it was enough. That little moment of hesitation, of possibility, before she looked away.
Beth didn’t think. She just leaned in.
Their lips met softly at first, tentative and slow, testing the moment. Viv inhaled sharply through her nose, her fingers gripping the fabric of her own jeans for a second before she let herself relax into it. Beth deepened the kiss, her lips parting slightly, coaxing Viv into moving with her.
Her hand, which had been resting on Viv’s thigh, slid upward, fingers pressing gently against the denim before moving further, her palm grazing the warm skin just above the waistband of Viv’s jeans. She heard Viv’s breath hitch, felt the slight tremble in her stomach under her fingertips. Encouraged, Beth’s touch grew bolder, slipping under the hem of Viv’s top, fingertips brushing the soft skin at her waist.
Viv shivered.
Beth smiled against her lips, tilting her head slightly, pressing deeper, feeling the way Viv was losing herself in it just as much as she was. The warmth between them, the steady burn that had been there for weeks, was finally spilling over in the best way.
But then, just as Beth thought Viv might let her pull her even closer, Viv pulled back slightly, her lips hovering just over Beth’s, close enough that Beth could still feel her breath.
"Slow," Viv murmured, her voice low, almost like a reminder to herself as much as to Beth. "Remember?"
Beth swallowed, her thumb unconsciously rubbing over Viv’s waist, the heat of her skin still warm under her palm. She let out a shaky exhale, nodding. "Yeah," she murmured, her voice hoarse. "I remember."
Viv smiled then, something softer, something fond, as if she was glad Beth understood. She pressed one last soft, lingering kiss to Beth’s lips before pulling away completely.
Beth let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
Viv hesitated for a moment, her fingers brushing lightly against Beth’s knee, before she finally reached for the door handle. “Goodnight, Beth,” she said quietly, her voice still laced with something Beth couldn’t quite name.
Beth swallowed, watching her for a moment before nodding. “Goodnight, Viv.”
Viv lingered for just another second, as if debating whether to say anything else, but instead, she stepped out, closing the car door behind her. Beth’s fingers were still tingling from where she had touched Viv’s skin.
Before Viv could walk away completely, she turned back toward the open window, her lips quirking up slightly. "Drive safely, okay?"
Beth grinned, nodding. "I will."
Viv nodded once more before finally turning toward her building. Beth watched her go, her heart still beating a little too fast, her lips still tingling from the way Viv had kissed her back.
She exhaled, leaning her head back against the seat, staring at the ceiling.
Slow.
She could do slow.