Talking things through

“That’s enough chocolate for me, I’ll be sick if I keep eating,” Mark said, declining to eat any more chocolate from the packet.

The two had been sharing snacks, sitting up on the bed watching an episode of The Amazing Race. Ali was very big on reality television shows and this was no exception.

Ali put the chocolate aside as the episode finished. Both were fairly exhausted from driving all day and were almost ready to pass out asleep. Before doing so, the two chatted for a bit, laying against the back of the bed.

“So uhh thanks for your help the other night,” Mark said, referring to when she basically played wing woman so Mark had a chance with Tiffany.

Ali shrugged, “Eh, it was nothing, I guess I could just tell how much you liked her.”

It was the truth, he really did like Tiffany but he also wasn’t completely sold on the idea of going back across the country again to see her these holidays. It was a big commitment to make and he still just wasn’t sure.

“How did you end up going with her in the end anyways?” Ali asked him.

“Alright I guess,” Mark replied, not wanting to go into details, “She’s invited me to New York for the holidays but I don’t know if I really want to go.”

Ali looked surprised to hear that, clearly expecting him to be excited about an offer like that. She asked him why, giving him a puzzled look.

“I’m just not ready to make that sort of commitment with her yet,” he said.

The two talked a bit longer about Tiffany and his feelings for her. Mark eventually brought up the night where Ali went off at him for basically acting like a fuck boy. “I really did mean it when I said I was sorry Ali,” he said, “I feel terrible that I made you feel that way.”

She gave him a half smile, understanding that he was being sincere.

“Look its fine, i overreacted a bit, I was really stressed with exams and everything else going on. You’re a really good friend that I don’t want to lose,” she explained.

Mark didn’t know how to feel with Ali bringing out the friend card. However, it was sure better than not being able to speak to each other at all.

“Come in, give me a hug,” Ali then said, opening her arms out wide on the bed. They came together and held each other in their arms, hugging tightly. Mark could feel her breasts from underneath the T-shirt. They were squishing against his chest as they embraced.

It almost felt bitter sweet, the embrace before bed, as nice as it was, Mark knew that any chance of sex was not on the cards tonight.

However, even though Ali may not be slipping off her panties right here and then, Mark had hope that he could turn things around with her this holidays back in California.