(11)

                                    

                                          
-11-
Nina couldn't help but laugh at Tristan's face. He was frowning and looking down at his feet. He was counting the steps to the salsa along with her.
Tristan sighed. "I'm so bad at this."
Nina gave his shoulder a squeeze. "You're not that bad."
Nina turned around to look at the other men dancing and noticed Tristan wasn't as bad as some others. At least he wasn't constantly stepping on her feet.
Nina laughed. "You're really trying. That's so cute."
Tristan stopped dancing to glare at her, but Nina could tell he wasn't serious because of his faint smile.
"Just watch, woman. I'll be dancing circles around you," Tristan said.
"I find that hard to believe."
"I bet you I can, by the end of next month." There was a determined glint in Tristan's eyes that Nina found sexy.
Nina stared at him a moment. "Okay, fifty bucks says that you'll still be counting your steps."
Nina stuck her hand out for Tristan to shake. He gently grabbed her's and brought it up to his lips. Nina's breathing picked up in speed.
"Deal," Tristan said.
After another hour of dancing, Nina and Tristan stepped out of the dance studio, sweating and laughing in harmony.
"That was so much fun. Thanks, for bringing me here," Nina said.
"No, problem. It was frustrating but fun for me as well."
"I guess it's time to call it a night," Nina said, not really wanting the night to end.
"Are you ready to go home?" Tristan asked.
Nina shook her head. "Not really. I don't want the night to end."
"I think I know what we can do," Tristan said. He grabbed Nina's hand and helped her get into his car.
***
Tristan parked his car in the parking lot across the street from a soul food restaurant. It was called Stanley's Soul Food. Nina had heard of the restaurant but she had never eaten there before. She had always wanted to go but Nick hated soul food.
"I figured you might be hungry after all that dancing we just did," Tristan said.
"I'm pretty famished."
"Well, let's get our grub on."
They walked into a spacious restaurant. It wasn't too crowded, but it had its share fair of people ordering food, eating, and drinking. The establishment had hardwood floors and tables, with white tablecloths on them. On the walls, were pictures of famous people who had eaten at the restaurant. It ranged from singers, actors, athletes, and musicians.
The lighting wasn't too bright, but it wasn't too dim either. It created a cozy atmosphere which Nina enjoyed. It was inviting and she couldn't help but keep smiling. One of the waitresses who had pretty almond eyes and a curly fro led them to a table for two.
She gave them the menus and told them she would be back with their drinks. Nina had ordered a Sprite, while Tristan ordered a coke.
Nina looked over the menu and decided to order smothered pork-chops, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese. She glanced up to find Tristan staring at her intently. She watched him as he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"This will be our last date," Tristan stated.
Nina laughed thinking that he was joking. She stopped when she saw how serious he was. She reached for his hand, but he quickly withdrew it onto his lap.
"I don't understand. Did I do something wrong?" Nina asked.
"No, it's not you. It's me. I need time to figure some things out."
Nina's heart palpitated faster. "What kinds of things?"
"It's not something for you to stress over."
Nina leaned back in her seat, contemplating what he had just said. For some reason, she felt tears brimming her eyes. She blinked and straightened back up in her chair. She had come to the realization that he didn't want to see her anymore.
"How much time do you need?" Nina asked.
Tristan shrugged. "I don't know."
"Where is this coming from all of a sudden?"
"I've just been thinking about my friendship with Nick. I feel like what I'm doing is wrong. He's been my best friend for years now. I don't want to ruin it," Tristan said.
Nina scoffed. "I can't believe this."
"It wasn't my intention to hurt you. I'm so confused right now."
"It's too late to say that now." Nina's voice rose an octave, causing the older couple at the table beside them to glance in their direction.
"I'm trying to be honest with you about how I'm feeling. It's better I tell you now than lead you on."
Nina stared at Tristan. She knew that he was trying to be upfront with her but the pain in her chest from his words wouldn't go away.
"I understand." Nina stood up and weaved her way through the establishment and out the front door. A tear escaped down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away.
"Let me take you home." She heard Tristan's voice behind her.
"That's okay. I'll just call a taxi."
Tristan sighed. "Nina don't be like this. Let me just take you home. I'll feel better knowing that I got you home safely."
Nina's shoulders sagged. She didn't feel like arguing with him on this matter. 
"Fine."
The car ride was silent and pretty much awkward. Nina kept her eyes focused out the passenger side window. The only thing that could be heard was their breathing and the faint sound of Maxwell's voice playing on the radio.
Tristan parked in Nina's driveway and cut off the engine. Nina quickly unbuckled her seat-belt and opened the passenger side door. She got out and slammed the door shut. She was halfway to her doorstep when she felt a calloused hand grab her forearm.
Nina didn't turn around though she desperately wanted to. "What now?" she asked, a harsh tone to her voice.
"I just want to reassure you that I do care about you," Tristan said.
Nina closed her eyes. They stayed like that until Nina slowly turned around to see the pained look on Tristan's face. She realized that this was just as hard for him as it was for her. He needed time to himself and she had to be a big girl and give it to him.
"I know you do. Call me when you get home," Nina said.
Tristan nodded. "I'll do that."
Tristan leaned forward and placed a kiss on her cheek. Nina smiled weakly trying to reign in her emotions from the days' events. She watched Tristan walk back down the driveway towards his car. She waved at him before he backed out slowly.
Her stomach dropped, when he finally sped down her street, in the opposite direction of her home.
***
Hey, guys. If you enjoyed this chapter don't forget to comment, vote, and share :).