Just One Look
Copyright© 2025 by DB86
Chapter 19
That afternoon, Rachel texted me, inviting me to her apartment.
I texted back almost immediately. I wasn’t about to pass that up. I really wanted to kiss her again.
When she opened the door, she was freshly showered and wearing a lovely mid-length dress. She smiled shyly and stepped aside.
“Come in,” she said. “Thanks for coming.”
Suddenly, my nerves kicked in. Or was it anticipation? The butterflies in my stomach couldn’t tell the difference. But then I noticed something. She was nervous.
She licked her lips, wiped her hands on her dress, then ran a hand absently across her stomach like she was trying to smooth out the knots inside.
I stepped toward her and gently touched her arm. “Hey, Rach. You okay?”
She let out a breathy laugh. “Yeah. Just ... a tiny bit nervous.”
“Don’t be. It’s just me. You’re probably not as nervous as I am.”
She gave me that eye-crinkling smile and let out a deeper breath. “It’s been a weird few days, huh?”
“Well, the weirdness was all mine. I freaked out, and I’m sorry. But this morning? That was amazing.” I blushed, remembering the way she kissed me, and just how much that kiss had stayed with me. “We can kiss like that anytime.”
She laughed, then rubbed her arm. “Yeah, about that ... I should probably apologize for that. I don’t know how you feel about public displays of affection.” She blushed. “It was kind of embarrassing.”
I trailed my hand slowly up her arm, feeling the warmth of her skin. Our eyes met.
“Don’t you ever apologize for that,” I whispered. “It was the best moment of my life.”
Rachel took a step back, exhaling shakily. “Wow. The best moment of your life, huh?” She shook her head like she was trying to clear it. “I need to tell you something. I want to kiss you again—but first, I need to be honest about something before we figure out what we’re doing here.”
My stomach twisted. I was officially worried.
She took my hand and led me into the kitchen. Okay, the kitchen wasn’t what I expected for a big conversation, but I followed her.
She leaned me against the counter, then took a few steps back to the opposite one. Putting some space between us. She fidgeted with her hands before speaking.
“Bella told me what you and she talked about.”
I nodded. “Yeah, she gave me the shakedown. Didn’t threaten me exactly, but we both know she could snap me in half, so it didn’t really need to be said.”
Rachel smiled faintly. “She’s just protective. That’s all.”
“I’m glad she is.”
“Me too.” She took a breath. “Pete ... you’re not like anyone I’ve ever dated.”
“I’m pretty sure of that.”
She didn’t laugh. “I mean that in the best way possible. Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“If I looked different, would that have been an issue for you?”
“What?”
“I mean—if I’d still been heavier. If I didn’t look like this.” She gestured vaguely to herself. “Would you have believed that someone like me could be interested in someone like you?”
I blinked. “I haven’t really thought about it. I don’t know. Maybe it would’ve made more sense to me. I probably would’ve given you a chance. I mean, I’ve been on the receiving end too many times. People ignoring me. Treating me like I was just there to be laughed at, pitied, or judged. I wish bigger people weren’t shamed or overlooked. I hate how people are labeled. I’ve had enough labels for one lifetime.”
And then I stopped.
Because that’s exactly what I’d done. I’d labeled her. I’d judged her, based on nothing but appearance.
“Oh God.” I dropped my head into my hands as realization settled over me like a heavy, cold blanket. “I did that. Didn’t I? I’m sorry.”
Her hands found mine, gently peeling them from my face. Rachel lifted my chin so I had to meet her eyes.
Tears ran down my cheeks. “I’m so sorry.”
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