Happy New You

by St John Brown, Brenda

  There’s some noise coming through the phone and I assume she’s on the street or in a crowded environment. Yet, even with all the chaos surrounding her, I swear I hear her snort.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, of course. Sort of. Honestly, Matty, I have to be real here. So very real.”

  I square my shoulders and do my best to prepare for her truth.

  Matty, I have wanted you for so long.

  Matty, I made up all these resolutions just so I could get near your body.

  Matty, I think I’m addicted to blow jobs and I need you to give me my fix.

  That last one may not be Al’s truth, but a guy can dream.

  “I’m ready for whatever you might want to rub up against me, uh, I mean throw at me.”

  Taking a deep breath, I do my best to focus on her voice instead of picturing her naked. In bed. On my kitchen counter. In my shower. When it comes to Al, I’m really not picky.

  It’s been a while since I’ve had sex.

  I’ve wanted her for as long as I can remember but I pushed that aside when I dropped out of law school. Getting to know her again has only revved up those old feelings. And now, I might finally have a chance to run my fingers through her soft, golden brown hair while seeking a taste of her sweet lips.

  “Do you think I’m sexy?”

  My head bobs up and down wildly but then I realize she can’t see me. I’m about to tell her yes at least a thousand times when she continues. “Crap, I’ve got to go. I’m going to text you the address. You need to come, now. And make sure you bring your A game. Or is it, bring your game on? I don’t know, just bring it. Bye.”

  My fingers wiggle. I can feel again. But I drop the phone. When I lift it from the floor, I notice a small crack in the lower corner. A grin so wide my cheeks hurt, blooms across my face.

  “Mateo, you alright?”

  I blink and discover Seth is standing right in front of the couch, snapping his fingers in my face.

  “Yes.”

  Seth nods and does his usual half-frown that signals he’s about to flake on me.

  “Listen, something came up. I’m really sorry—”

  Shaking my head, I get up and move around him to the coatrack. I grab my light blue jacket and turn to him as I slide it on. “It’s fine. We’ll catch the new Marvel movie another time. Got to go. Important business.”

  “That’s cool. Me too. Some of the guys from Turnip called and…”

  I’m out the door before he can explain how he needs to let off some steam with his old coworkers. Usually, it’s irritating to have him bail last minute, but since I am doing the same, I can’t really complain.

  * * *

  “Matty! You’re here.”

  The scent of apple mixed with tequila warms my nose as Allison’s arms wrap around my body. My smile slowly slips from my face.

  She’s drunk.

  The address she texted me is a bar about five blocks from the subway stop from her office. Even though it’s May there’s still a chill in the air but no part of my body feels anything until this moment.

  Until Al’s warmth envelops me.

  “You said you needed me. Of course, I came.” I try my best to show what I mean by grinning at her, but it feels fake. Aside from the whole Jodi-weirdness, things have been going so well for the past few weeks with Al. I don’t have to drag her out of work to exercise anymore. Despite my refusal to take her payments, she’s been sweet by making sure I eat and dropping off the occasional gift card.

  I got her to take exercising seriously. Great.

  We’re close friends once again. Wonderful.

  Being her drinking buddy? No.

  “Hey, Mateo. You here to help?” I hear a deeper, but still feminine voice come from behind.

  Turning, with Allison still clinging to my waist, I find Dani standing there with a raised brow.

  “Hi, Dani. What are you doing here?”

  While Allison firmly grips to my side, she reaches out with her other arm and manages to hook Dani into our embrace. I glance around the crowded bar to notice a few eyes staring at us.

  “Al, how much have you had to drink?”

  I pull back and steady her as she stumbles.

  “Just a little. It’s happy hour. That’s what I should be doing to be a friendly and social coworker. Right, Dani?” Al nods a bit too much and begins to stumble once again.

  “Having a drink with coworkers at happy hour is normal, Allison, but it’s now eight thirty. Everyone went home two hours ago,” Dani says as she too, tries to worm out of Al’s hold, without much luck.

  Why am I even here? Allison doesn’t want me, she’s just drunk. I rub my face as disappointment turns to irritation.

  “I have to make up for lost time. Which brings me to you, big guy.” Allison pushes her finger into my chest and my stupid heart softens. As much as I don’t want her drunk, if Allison admits she wants me, at least I’ll know it’s not only me with more than friendship on the brain.

  Lifting her hand from my chest, I entangle my fingers with hers, holding it there. “Yes, little Al?” I keep my gaze set on her, my tone light, and for a moment I see a flicker of something pass over her eyes. Longing? Hope? Nausea?

  Dani clears her throat, “Allison, if you’re about to kiss Mateo, I would feel more comfortable if you let go of me first.”

  Al’s grip stiffens but she releases my hand and steps back, freeing Dani in the process.

  “Kissing, good point. I was just about to get to that.” Allison holds one finger up like one of our law professors used to do. But, it’s how her cheeks darken as her gaze drifts to the floor that has me wondering.

  Was she about to kiss me?

  “That’s where I need help, Matty.”

  I nod like a fool again, but this time she can see me.

  “I need to up my flirting game. One of these men here tonight,” Allison’s finger goes from the ceiling to swipe around the room, “needs to kiss me. They should want to kiss me.”

  I want to kiss you.

  My smile tightens and all I can say is, “Ah.”

  I want to punch myself as the word, which is more of a grunt than actual speech, tumbles from my lips.

  “Hold that thought. I have to use the ladies’ room.” Allison curtsies as if she’s a member of the royal family.

  I watch her weave and, at one point, stumble into a woman sitting at a table, before she makes it to the back hallway leading to the restrooms. Someone pats my shoulder and I turn to find Dani gesturing toward the two empty stools at the bar.

  “I think she’ll understand one day.” Dani sits, leaning her back against the brass railing of the bar.

  “What do you mean?”

  Her dark brown eyes settle on me for a moment as the corner of her mouth hitches. Dani shakes her head, “Nothing. Now that we have a break from the drunken lawyer, how are you doing?”

  “The same as usual.” I shrug my shoulder and rest my elbow on the bar. “Train clients. Make some social media videos. Rework my speech to win over the make-believe investor I fantasize about in my head. You know, the usual crazy stuff.”

  I try to cover my discomfort with a laugh. Her expression turns curious and I can assume my merry guise isn’t fooling her.

  “Investor? Why would you need an investor?”

  This isn’t really something I tell people outside of the physical fitness world. Except for Seth, but he’s too nosey not to find out.

  “I want to start a gym. Not the typical gym you find around most of the city that caters to the wealthy, but something for the people who can’t afford those places. Everyone deserves a chance at a healthy life.”

  Dani shifts in her stool, turning more toward me, “Now that does sound interesting. Why would you want to pursue something like that, as opposed to something that could potentially make you a lot of money?”

  “It’s not about money. Which, I know is the opposite of what an investor wants to hear.” I laugh and t
his time it’s real. “My dad told me a story when I was young that stuck with me. About how he grew up poor in Puerto Rico.”

  “I thought your parents’ family had some money?”

  “My mom’s side is well-off, but my dad didn’t have much growing up. He told me about an old abandoned auto shop that his uncle converted into a boxing gym. He invited anyone in the neighborhood to come and train or just to work out. Especially the kids. Because his uncle believed that busy hands stay out of trouble.”

  Dani stares at me, her eyes assessing. I’m passionate about my idea and proud of my great-uncle for all he did for his community. As I am learning though, just because this concept fires me up to do more, doesn’t mean it has the same effect on others.

  “It may be a silly story, but I got a chance to go there and work the summer before I left law school. It inspired me. I started to physically feel good and noticed how the gym positively affected the community.” I glance back toward the restrooms and still don’t see Allison.

  “No, Mateo. It’s...it’s amazing.” She places her hand on my arm resting on the bar and gives a squeeze. “You know what, I have a card for you.”

  Dani digs in her small gray purse. “Here.” She slides a business card along the bar and taps her finger at the name, Dakota Swift.

  “Isn’t this your wife?” I lift the card to read the small print under the name: Venture Capital Partner.

  The sound of the room dims from my increasing heartbeat. I wonder if Dani can hear it too as her smile grows.

  “Yes, and she’s really good at her job. Dakota is the heart and soul of her firm.”

  I cling to the small rectangular piece of cardstock. I’ll be honest, I’m afraid to get my hopes up. Since my meeting with Nina’s cousin on New Year’s Eve, I’ve spoken with several potential investors and banks, all confirming my idea won’t make them money. If Dani’s wife is that good, I have a feeling she won’t want to waste her time on me either.

  “I’m sure she is, but would she be interested in helping someone create a gym that caters to people without a lot of money? I appreciate the thought, Dani, but—”

  I try to give her back the card but she stops me with a wave of her hand.

  “Mateo, you have to understand, Kota’s client list is littered with people just like you. Her colleagues joke that she’ll only throw money at an idea rooted in heart. She’s so good at what she does she’s able to set aside a few opportunities for passion projects. And besides, do you really think I would put a ring on a woman’s finger who’s guided by greed? I thought you knew me better.”

  I nod, remembering her intense need to recruit as many of her fellow students to the Law Students for Legal Aid Society as possible. If she wasn’t studying for school, she was devoting her time to the philanthropic society.

  Dani swats playfully at my arm as she releases a throaty laugh, and I could hug her. I could kneel down on this grimy, beer-stained wood floor and kiss her red-leather-covered feet.

  “I want to kiss your feet.”

  I have lost my filter but I don’t care if I sound crazy. Dani is the answer to my burpee-loving prayers.

  “Please don’t. Besides, there’s another woman you need to deal with. She’s your problem now.” I turn in the direction Dani’s pointing to find Allison yelling at a man in a red check flannel shirt. I’m about to run over there to find out if he hurt her, but it’s obvious the guy is the one who’s frightened.

  “Take Allison home. Take care of her, Mateo. She needs you.” Dani shifts off the stool and winks before she heads toward the door.

  I take a bracing breath and make my way over to Allison. She notices me and grabs my arm, pulling me into the fray.

  “Thank God you’re here. Tell this...this... What’s your name?”

  “Eric. Listen, lady, I don’t know you, okay? And I would appreciate it—”

  “Okay, Eric. Nice to meet you.” Al nods dismissively at him before turning to me. “Eric, here, won’t kiss me. Can you believe that, Matty? You know what, never mind. I’m a lawyer, Eric. Did you know that? And I’m going to sue you for not wanting to kiss me.”

  Eric’s eyes widen and he holds up his hands as if Allison’s words are a gun pointed directly at his face.

  “Okay, Al, I think it’s time to leave this nice man alone. Let’s go before you’re arrested for assault.” I do my best to guide her toward the door. It’s not easy as she attempts to escape a few times to head back to Eric.

  I grab her jacket from the rack by the door and help her into it. Thankfully, we make it outside and hail a taxi without the police being called.

  The ride to her building doesn’t take long.

  She’s drunk. Logically, I understand that but I’m a little disappointed she didn’t consider kissing me tonight.

  “I made an ass of myself, didn’t I? It was wrong of me to expect any guy to kiss me. I mean, if it was reversed, I would be considered a sexual predator. Oh God, I should be locked up!” Allison says to me as we step into the elevator at her Lower East Side building.

  I tell myself I’m only going up with her to make sure she’s safe before I head back to Queens. Who knows who she might proposition between here and her apartment.

  “I’ll be honest, Al, it wasn’t right what you did, but I suspect the worst that’ll happen is you’ll be a water cooler joke at Eric’s office for a few weeks.” I wrap my arm around her shoulder and pull her to my side, “And besides, you’re too good of a lawyer to get yourself thrown in jail.”

  I expect her to tell me about a time she dazzled a client with her wily legalese but what I get is a snore.

  As the doors open, I lift her in my arms and carry her to her apartment door. It takes a few minutes, but I find her keys and manage to get into her place. Thankfully she had me meet her at her apartment a few weeks ago for a training session or I never would’ve known which apartment was hers.

  I settle her on the bed and remove her jacket before pulling up her green comforter.

  As I stand over her, I can’t help thinking I’ve never seen her so serene. She’s usually so intense; I’m not used to this vulnerability I’m glimpsing now.

  There’s no way I can leave her tonight. I find a not-so-comfortable chair and cover myself with a blue throw blanket to settle next to her bed.

  Looks like I got my wish. I’m spending tonight with Allison in her bedroom.

  * * *

  “Who is using a jackhammer at five in the morning?”

  Turning in the direction of Allison’s voice, which sounds like glass being ground in a garbage disposal, I find her leaning on the doorway of the galley kitchen with her hands covering her ears.

  “It’s not actually five in the morning. It’s eight.” I point to the round clock hanging over her window. She squints, moves her hand to cover her right eye and leans forward. “And that was your blender, not a jackhammer.”

  “You’re right. I thought that was a five. Arg.” She grabs at her stomach. “I think I caught the plague.”

  I lift the clear pitcher from the blender mount and pour the thick liquid into a tall glass.

  “Here, try this. I promise you’ll feel better within the hour.”

  I do my best to hold back my laughter as she frowns, taking the cup from my hand.

  “It’s green. Is this punishment for how ridiculous I acted last night?”

  Her eyes stay on my liquid hangover cure and I can’t help but notice she hasn’t met my gaze once.

  “No.” I rub at my neck and move closer. When I place my hands on her shoulders, she finally raises her eyes to meet mine. She gives a half-smile but it quickly fades after taking a sip of my cure. “It’s punishment for me having to sleep on that terrible yellow plastic chair last night.”

  “You’re the devil.” Her voice drops an octave.

  I smirk, enjoying the torture a bit too much.

  “That may be so, but even the devil has to get paid. I’m running behind on meeting with a client.
I’ll check on you later.”

  I pull her into a hug and have a hard time letting go. She stiffens but the longer I hold on, the more she eases into my embrace. Knowing if I don’t let go soon I never will, I take a step back.

  Despite the disheveled hair, large sleep wrinkle running across her cheek, and the faint drool line on her chin, she still looks damn hot. After a moment, I shake myself out of it and head toward the door.

  “Thanks for all you did for me last night and this morning, but I’ve got a lot of work to catch up on, so you don’t have to check up on me. I’m starting to feel better already.” Allison lifts the drink toward me.

  I’m a little disappointed she doesn’t want me calling her later, but I figure she’s still embarrassed about last night.

  “Okay, well, give me a call when you’re ready to set up our next workout.”

  I wave and close the door behind me. Jogging down the three flights of stairs to the lobby, I smile as thoughts of Al jump around in my head. I hope the next time she wants to see me, there’s no alcohol involved.

  14

  Allison

  May

  I double-check the address on my phone for the massage studio my mother is sending me to. Her hairdresser’s nephew opened a new spa, and my mom gifted me a certificate for a free massage.

  Normally, I’d be touched at such a thoughtful gift. But she’s in the doghouse with me. This is her not-so-subtle attempt to distract me from plotting her death because she signed me up for several online dating sites without my knowledge.

  At first, I thought it had to be a joke. I mean, how does a woman who still carries a flip phone manage to do such a thing? But she had an accomplice—my sister. That hussy better be glad she’s pregnant, or I’d be strategizing her demise as well.

  I don’t know who’s worse, my mother for being the poster child for a stereotypical meddling Jewish mother, or me for briefly contemplating checking out the matches on my counterfeit profiles.

  That’s not pathetic at all.

  Since she used my college graduation photo to set up the account, I’m not too worried about it. The picture shows me in my regalia, complete with the graduation hat that makes me look like I have a fivehead instead of a forehead. Probably won’t get many takers with that beauty.