Chapter 82 - 82: Morning After VI

(Third POV)

Anthony quickly moved to escape from Michelle's line of sight as soon as he saw her blush. He knew she was only reacting that way because of what happened, but he couldn't help but think of something else. Like, how much he wanted to pull her out of the room and just you now, put into action what he thought of while he was masturbating in the shower. Gods, when has he turned into a pervert?

Hopefully she won't take offense that he left her there. Then again, maybe she was even thankful, it did seem like she was feeling awkward. He moved to get some snacks while his pants felt a bit tight. He could only pray that no one noticed his hard on. 

He distracted himself by focusing his attention on the food selection. Good thing that by the time he was done taking snacks, he already turned flaccid. Walking to find a seat, he saw that his friends were already mostly seated, save for Andy, Michelle, and himself.

The seating was arranged in a square shape. There was a three-seater recliner in the middle, then, a two-seater on the right side, and 2 solo recliners on the left. At the front was a seat reserved for Andy, on its right was a table where he noticed the pile of wrapped gifts. Andy always like doing this. When they were younger, he would insist on unwrapping his birthday presents with them just so to ensure that they give him a good present. Now that they're older, he still does it for fun. 

Anyway, Jeff and Vince already occupied the solo recliners, their drinks placed on the cup holders and their plates on the side tables. Lara and Steven occupied the two-seater, their food and drinks on the makeshift-table in middle of the recliner with cupholders, while Kate was seated at the end of the three-seater, leaving only 2 seats for him and Michelle. They will be seating beside each other. 

He tried not to sigh. He didn't really think that their friends were being intentional with the set up. It just made sense that everyone would be seated that way. 

As he took his seat on the other end, Vince gave him a knowing smile and his eyebrows went up and down. He chose to ignore him. 

Thinking about it, seating beside Michelle with the cupholders and makeshift table in between them was better than having to look at her constantly. That way, he won't have to see her blush and accidentally announce to the world how he wanted to bang her again by his obvious tent.

--

"Ugh Andy, this practice is getting old. What are you? 5?" Vince said as Andy took his seat and started sifting through the gifts. 

Andy chuckled, "I guess I should open your gift first, Vince." He announced as he pulled out a medium rectangular box from the 7 unwrapped gifts on the table.

"Suit yourself." Vince replied with a smirk.

Andy shook his head as he opened the gift, before he could reveal it for everyone to see, he closed the wrapper again. "Seriously?"

Vince guffawed seeing Andy's shocked expression, "Just in case you know, you get tired with girls and want to swing the other way. Hahahahaha!!!" he joked, well, he can't think of any funnier gift to give, so he bought him a dildo.

Andy being a sport only answered with, "Or I can use it for some adventure. Thanks Vince." 

"you're two are so disgusting." Lara said.

Vince and Andy only grinned.

The rest of the group laughed, all getting what the gift should be.

"Whose should I open next?" Andy asked out loud. Everyone was just smiling and chilling together. Andy chose to open Jeff's next and saw that inside was an external drive. 

Jeff wiggled his brows and said, "that's 1 terabyte worth of reference materials. Use it well." 

Kate did an eyeroll. Knowing quite well what should be inside. 

Andy laughed, "Thanks man." Not that he needs it, but well, he does watch some porn from time to time. He continued opening the gifts leaving Michelle's for last. 

--

(Michelle POV)

After Anthony left me standing earlier, I had enough sense to start moving and act normal. From the buffet area, I just got myself a glass of juice since I was still feeling full given what I ate in Lara's room. Anyhow, reaching the sitting area, I saw that only the space in between Anthony and Kate was empty. Having no choice, and of course, secretly liking the arrangement, I sat there. 

At first, I felt conscious of Anthony's presence. However, since he and everyone else were acting like nothing happened between us, I too started to feel normal. 

I tried not to sigh in disappointment. Then again, how else should we be acting during this time? It's Andy's birthday get together. Not the venue for my one-sided pursuit for Anthony's love.

Anyhow, I continued to watch Andy unwrapping the gifts joyfully like a child who just received his Christmas gifts. The rest of the group were also enjoying, throwing jokes at each other. 

Finally, after opening the gifts from his closer friends, Andy picked up the gift I gave him. It was now my turn to be the center of attention. He smiled at me, as he carefully unwrapped it. 

"Wow Michelle, this scarf is really to my taste." He said as he unfolded the scarf. Then, when he saw the embroidery, he asked, "Did you embroider this yourself?"

I smiled and nodded my head, "I hope you like it."

"Are you kidding? I love it!" he replied as he playfully wrapped the scarf on his neck.

"That's sweet of you Michelle. To embroider something for Andy." Kate mentioned. I instantly realized that she's saying that for Anthony to hear.

Ok, how to do I respond to that? Ugh, never mind. I just smiled and nodded my head.

--

(Third POV)

When the opening of gifts was done, everyone started talking about school, and other matters of interest. Michelle just listened and did not try to say much. She would only speak when spoken to and smile like a wallflower. Though of course, unknown to her, with her smiling, she's already monopolizing the attention of Andy.

Andy observed Michelle during that time. He smiled thinking that she blends quite well with his friends. He already knew that from school, but seeing that even Kate likes her, he felt proud. It's not that he's assessing her performance, but as he was seriously considering her as a future girlfriend who he would introduce to his family and everyone else, it's a very big plus factor that she was dexterous. 

Seeing Michelle smiling as Vince continued telling some tale which entertained the rest of the group, Andy felt that he should garner her attention. Out of nowhere, he addressed her.

"Hey Mich, care to play a game of billiards with me?" Andy asked.

Michelle and the rest of the group all looked at Andy. His topic just sprouted out of nowhere.

Michelle shook her head, she never played billiard all her life. "Sorry, I don't know how…" she answered honestly. What? It's not like she has ever been interested playing it before.

Andy's smile became broader. "I'll teach you." He said as he stood from his seat. "Come on." 

Michelle was surprised. What's up with him asking her? Was he flirting with her again? Ok, she knew that Andy's a flirt, but also knew that he was just being friendly. Like, honestly, she no longer thinks that he likes her that way with all the hot girls he's surrounded with.

Maybe he saw that she was not able to relate to some topics and did not say much? How considerate of him. Anyhow, seeing no problem with him asking her and finding his enthusiasm funny, she smiled and answered with an "Ok.", then she turned to Kate and Lara to invite them to join thinking that it would be more fun with the girls too. 

Andy's brow twitched. He wanted a one on one with Michelle. 

Lara seeing Andy's expression grinned. "Of course! I haven't played in a while." She said as she grabbed Steven's hand to pull him along.

Kate shook her head, "It's ok, I'll stay here." What? she doesn't want to be a 5th wheel. Besides, she also wanted to hear what the 3 idiots staying here would be talking about.

With that, in pairs, the four made their way to where the billiard table was located.

--

"Whoo! I have to give it to Andy, he really knows how to pull a girl in. Ah… what a pity. Although Anthony my man here already got close enough with the hot chick Michelle last night, she's still falling for Andy's little tricks!" Vince announced as he chuckled. "Hey Anthony, don't you feel a least bit jealous?" he asked.

Kate who already brought out her cellphone while secretly observing Anthony's reaction was glad for once about Vince's ever prying mouth. 

--

TBC