Interlude: Whatever You Want

“Thank you so much, Mr. Rosebrook!” The older man repeated for what had to be the third or fourth time. “This has seriously made my day. No, my week. Maybe my LIFE!”

Tobi forced another smile. “Yeah, yeah. Sure. No problem.” He felt himself sway slightly on his feet as he excused himself and made his way up the stairs and back to the table where Anna waited for him. Guess that last drink was stronger than I thought.

Anna’s face lit up at the sight of him. “I was wondering if you’d gotten lost.” She teased.

Tobi shook his head slowly. “Nah, just ran into a fan.” He replied with a small shrug.

“In the bathroom?!”

Tobi nodded through his laughter. “And he wanted a picture with me… in the bathroom. He even asked me while I still had my dick in my hands. I kinda don’t know why I said yes.” He admitted.

Anna smirked. “I know why.” She gestured down at the empty glasses in front of him.

For a moment, he almost wanted to argue, but Tobi’s mind was too foggy to think of a good comeback. Okay, she may have a point… “Hey speaking of which, do you want another one?” He asked. Tobi reached for the drink menu and peered closely at it. “Damn, these are overpriced.”

Had he really been paying 10 euros per drink this whole time? Not that money was an object for him, of course. But on principle, Tobi wasn’t really sure he could pay that much for another one.

“Y’know, on second thought… Maybe we should call it a night.” He suggested. It was getting pretty late, after all. And after that run-in with a fan, he found himself worrying that the wrong person might see him there with Anna…

“Okay.” The young woman agreed.

A few minutes later, as they headed back out into the cool night air, Tobi was shocked to feel Anna’s small warm hand reach for his. “If you really want one for the road, we could always stop back at my place.” She suggested, intertwining her fingers with his. Tobi did not pull away. “I’ve been told I make a mean wrench.”

He didn’t even hesitate. Tobi couldn’t be sure if it was the alcohol, or her smile, or how soft and smooth her hand was in his, but it really didn’t seem like such a bad idea. “Okay, sure.” He replied, smiling softly at her.

“Great.” She grinned. “I’ll drive. We can pick up your car later.”

Tobi just nodded, and let her lead the way.

——————————————–

“Damn, that is good!” Tobi smiled as he took a second sip of the drink Anna had handed him.

She smiled sweetly. “Thanks. Did I ever tell you I used to bartend back when I was earning my degree?”

Tobi shook his head, watching the way her hips swayed as she crossed to the stereo. With a flick of the switch, the soft sounds of an R&B song he did not recognize filled the air.

“It was a great way to make some money on the side.” She continued as she rejoined him on the couch. “And meet some pretty interesting people too.”

He nodded. “I bet.” Tobi was only half paying attention to what she was saying. Holy shit, she’s gorgeous.

Anna was staring at him again, the same way she always did – with that sexy little smirk and playful glint in her eye. The sight of it was driving him crazy.

“I’m so glad you decided to come over.” Her voice was barely above a whisper as she moved in closer to him. “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, Tobi.” Anna reached out, placing one gentle hand on his thigh.

A small laugh burst from Tobi’s lips. “Don’t you mean ‘Mr. Rosebrook’?” He asked. She’d never called him by his first name before.

“Sure.” Anna giggled as she reached up and pulled him closer. “I’ll call you anything you want…”

“Mmmm” Tobi moaned softly against the sweet warmth of Anna’s mouth as her lips moved with his. She ran her tongue along the seam of his lips, and he parted them eagerly to allow her access.

How long had it been, Tobi wondered, since he’d had a kiss like this? Hell, any kiss at all? Too long. Much too long. Things gone cold between him and his wife months ago. He’d almost forgotten just how much he missed something as simple as making out. Holy shit. This is amazing.

He let out a soft sigh as Anna nipped gently at his bottom lip. She was much more aggressive in her technique than Colette was, that was for sure. Tobi couldn’t quite decide if it was a good thing or a bad thing. It was just… different. He could already feel one of her hands working on unbuttoning his jeans.

Anna seemed to be all about getting straight to the point. For Lettie, it had always been about the buildup – taking things so slow, teasing him, leaving him begging for more… His wife always knew exactly how to drive him crazy.

His wife…

Tobi realized with a jolt that this was the first time in his entire life that he’d ever kissed anyone but her.

And, if I let this go any further, it’ll be my first time having sex with anyone but her either…

He felt his stomach drop at the thought. Oh God, I can’t do this. What the fuck am I doing?! The thought hit him like a slap across the face.

Anna’s hand had finally found its way into his pants. He could feel her soft fingers as they began to wrap themselves around his –

Tobi pulled back from her immediately. “What?! What’s wrong?” She asked, eyes wide.

He said nothing as he rose to his feet, buttoning his pants as quickly as he could.

What the fuck is wrong with me?!

How the hell had he let things get to this point? Why had he let this affair or fling or whatever this was go on for so long? How had he managed to fool himself into thinking this was okay?

Tobi had felt so bored, so stuck in his marriage for a very long time. He missed the way things used to be between him and his wife. All he wanted was that old spark back – the one they’d had back when they were kids.

Affection, fun, intimacy, love…

But he didn’t want it from Anna.

He wanted it from Colette.

“What’s wrong?” Anna repeated, rising to her feet as well.

Tobi shook his head. “This is a mistake. The biggest mistake I’ve ever made in my life.” His voice was thick. “I can’t do this.”

Her face fell. “Why?”

“This isn’t me, Anna. I should have never let it go this far.” He sighed. “And I’m sorry.” But he was more sorry for his wife. More than anyone. Oh God. Lettie. What the fuck did I do?

“I… I don’t understand. I thought we were having fun… I thought you were okay with this.”

“So did I. But I guess I’m not.” Tobi said softly. “I love my wife. More than anything. And all this time you and I have been spending together… I should have used it trying to win her back.” For a moment, he almost laughed. “I don’t know how I’ve been so fucking blind…”

Anna fell silent for a few moments. “Yeah. I get it.” She said at last, her voice flat. “I guess I was wrong about you, Tobi.” The girl shook her head, the disappointment apparent on her face. “So… Do you want a ride back to your car or something?”

“No, I’ll walk. I really need to clear my head anyway.” He replied uncomfortably. Even looking at her now sent wave after wave of guilt washing over him. He had to get away. He had to go home and try to figure out how to fix things before it was too late. “Thank you for understanding… And thanks for the drink.” Tobi added quickly as he turned away from her.

“Yeah, sure. Whatever.”

“Bye Anna.”

Tobi headed straight for the door then.

And he did not look back.