Rebecca laughs and breaks into a too loud version of the song “It’s Raining Men,” attracting the curiosity of the other patrons. Happy the mood has lightened, I dig into my pasta and thoughts of Nathan’s lips.
Later in the afternoon, after a couple of hours at the mall, Rebecca drives me back to her place and my car. I say goodbye and jump in, headed for home and a night of stress. At least that’s what I’m afraid of.
In the hopes of alleviating my concerns, I call Jane to discuss our plans.
“Are you guys going tonight? Please say yes,” I ask hopefully.
“Yeah, we’re going. Britney is coming over to babysit. You’re going right?”
“Yes, but I want to walk over there with you and Mike. I can’t face Brandon alone.” I regret phrasing it that way immediately.
“Why, did something bad happen?”
I explain what happened the last time Brandon and I communicated, and how he was frustrated with me.
“You think you blew it with him?”
“No Jane, I am not interested in him, despite your matchmaking efforts. I just want to get along because we’re neighbors, and I’m working on getting him a book deal with my company. Did you get him a gift?”
“Mike picked up something—some kind of alcohol. How about you?”
“I got him a sweater. That feels like a stupid choice now.” I debated in the store for an hour, going back and forth to the men’s department in Macy’s. Rebecca was no help as she ran from store to store, returning all her hasty purchases from last weekend.
“It is a more personal gift. I wouldn’t get a sweater for a man I wasn’t interested in. What color is it? Does it match his eyes?” I hear the mirth in her voice.
“You are not helping me at all. I should stay home and pretend to be sick. Or hung over—that he would believe.”
“Claire, I know you don’t want to hear it, but he really likes you. Don’t you see how he looks at you? He wouldn’t be around all the time if he didn’t—”
“Stop it! Why does everyone keep telling me who I should or shouldn’t date?”
“You do ask me and I suspect you do the same with a few other friends. I am not trying to be bossy or interfering. I just see something I think you’re avoiding.”
“I met a much better man last night, so all these young boys are off my radar and no longer my problem.” I tell her about Nathan and our fantastic night.
“A doctor, huh? I’m sure you know what you’re doing, but just be careful.” Since when did doctors become dangerous to date?
Exasperated, I steer the conversation back to the party logistics and we decide to meet at their house at eight. I go upstairs to agonize over what top to wear with my jeans. Actually, I need to decide which jeans to wear too, and I need to wrap the gift. The sweater is a dark cobalt blue and it will match his eyes. What’s wrong with getting someone a nice present? That doesn’t mean anything—it just shows that I was raised to be polite and thoughtful.
No one knows what they’re talking about. Nathan is a good man, and I deserve that. Speaking of Nathan, he hasn’t called yet. I have been busy, but I would be lying if I said I haven’t been checking my phone all day, as if I have selective deafness and might have missed the call, with the volume on the highest setting.
I look out my bedroom window as I start to gather possible clothing choices and lay them on my bed. Brandon is pulling into the driveway and gets out of his truck with a big, tattooed guy. They are weighted down with alcohol and snacks. Just as I start to turn away to my task at hand, I freeze as I see him staring at my house. He pauses for a long moment before his friend comes out to get another load of bags, and they disappear inside the house.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Standing on Jane’s front porch I gaze up at the clear, starry sky. As I wait for Mike and Jane to emerge, I grasp my meticulously wrapped stupid blue sweater. I have decided that nothing screams boring old lady or maiden aunt like giving a man a sweater. At least I didn’t knit it.
The door flies open and I’m almost knocked over by running dogs, followed by Mike. “Hey sweetie, I need to take the dogs out before we go. I want to check my e-mail again, and I thought of a couple more things to tell the sitter, so you girls should go ahead without me. I’ll be along soon.” He gives me a quick hug and peck on the cheek, and heads to the back yard to supervise his furry brood.
“We’ll see you later. Is Jane coming?” He’s already out of sight and earshot. I peek inside the foyer. “Hello!” They do a terrible job of answering the door. The Jehovah’s Witnesses have zero chance here.
“Hey, you look cute.” Jane finally appears, assessing my outfit, and leans back into the house to yell some final orders to the kids. She closes the door with a sigh of relief. “It is not easy to get out of my house.” She has the wrapped bottle of alcohol and I feel a twinge of embarrassment over my stupid sweater again.
“Does this look okay?” I am wearing tight skinny jeans with black peep toe sandals with a reasonable heel, and a long sleeve t-shirt with a New York City scene print. I’m going for sexy casual to counteract the old lady gift.
“You look gorgeous, but tell me why that matters?” She smirks and starts down her porch steps.
Following behind, I fight the urge to push her. “Jane, I like to look good no matter where I’m going.” I’m surprised she hasn’t asked if Nathan has called yet, which he hasn’t. I check my phone instinctively and there is nothing but the time displayed.
Now that we’re walking towards the house I notice how many cars and people there are milling around our little street. Inviting the neighbors was a genius strategy to avoid complaints and visits from the police. Although I doubt Mrs. O’Brien is here.
We smile at a few people in the driveway and make our way up the front steps. He has recently bought rocking chairs and a little table to decorate the porch. How domestic. As the door opens I wish I could sit out here for a while before I face this crowd of people.
“Hello, ladies. Welcome.” Brandon’s eyes are even more blue than usual. They will match the sweater perfectly. He smiles at both of us, and his eyes linger on me a moment longer. “Where’s Mike, Jane?”
“He’s coming. He’s multitasking, and if I waited for him I would never go anywhere.” She laughs as Brandon ushers us into the house.
Jane spots our other neighbor, Laura, and excuses herself to talk to her. She has likely remembered something about baseball practice or dance class, or some other activity their kids do together. I’m left standing there with Brandon, holding my stupid sweater.
“So how have you been, Claire?” His voice is low and he leans in a little closer.
“Good. Busy. I think Pam is going to love your book.”
He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair. “Listen, Claire, I’m sorry about that last conversation we had. You don’t owe me anything, and if you want keep things professional—”
“There’s no need to apologize, please. You’ve been sweet and I should have gotten back to you sooner.” I spot a picture on the hall table of two little children playing. Assessing the time frame based on their clothing, I would guess it’s Brandon and his sister. She has curly blond hair, and she’s laughing and halfway upside down, hanging on to Brandon’s arm. Once again I am fighting off the water works as I glance around into the kitchen, where there are tons of guests milling around.
“Let’s just call it a truce and have fun tonight. There’s a lot of people you should meet.” As he says this a thin girl with lots of bright red hair comes bopping over.
“Hey, is this Claire? I was in the basement. Those guys have a killer sound Brandon, but shit, it’s hot in here.” She’s a bit breathless from her jog up the stairs, and fans herself with her shirt, revealing a perfectly flat tummy with a belly button ring.
“Yes, this is Claire. Claire, this is Bianca. She’s a band groupie.” Bianca punches him in the side as he quickly moves to protect himself, although she doesn’t l
ook like she packs much of a wallop.
“Claire, I have heard so much about you.” She takes my hand and pulls me forward, trying to get a closer look. Luckily, I have blinked back the tears and am sporting a fake smile. “You are very pretty.” She glances at Brandon knowingly and he returns her look with mock disdain.
“Thank you. So are you.” Was that a stupid thing to say? I have got to get rid of this sweater and get a drink. I avoid Brandon’s eyes.
“Come with me and let’s get you a drink.” She read my mind and starts to lead me away. “You brought a gift? That’s so sweet.” She peeks at Brandon over her shoulder.
“Yes, I would love a drink. Can I put this somewhere?” I hold the box out willing someone to take it.
“I’ll take it,” Brandon grabs the box and looks sheepish. “Thanks. I’ll put it upstairs for now.” I give him a puzzled look. Didn’t other people bring gifts? It’s a birthday party.
He hesitates and then shoos us off. “You girls go mingle.” He starts up the stairs and turns back, “And Claire, don’t listen to anything she says.”
Bianca makes a playful fist again, but Brandon ducks and runs.
“He’s so cute, isn’t he?” She takes my arm and leads me into the kitchen. Jane is lost in animated conversation with two of the neighbor women, Laura and Sarah. I take in the decor and I am again confused. Why would a young single guy want a country farmhouse kitchen set? Even my style is edgier than this.
“So how do you know Brandon?” I find a glass and sort through the wine selections. I’m surprised they have wine here, but I bet the neighbors brought it. No one else here looks like they would drink wine. It’s a divided crowd. We have the neighborhood young parents on one side, and an assortment of much rougher looking young people on the other. The big tattooed guy from last night is coming up the stairs and into the kitchen. He looks familiar now that I see him up close.
Bianca opens a cooler, pulls out a hard cider and twists off the cap. “I know him from the band. I used to date the drummer. Hey, why don’t you try one of these? They’re delicious, just like apples and you won’t get a headache, no matter how many you drink. Wine absolutely kicks my ass.” She hands me a bottle and I put the wine glass back.
“Thanks, I’ve never had one of these. I drink wine all the time, but you’re right. I always get a headache. Of course that could be due to occasional over consumption.” I laugh and we toast bottles.
“N-o-o-o-o, you don’t look like an over consumer of alcohol.” She opens her mouth in exaggerated surprise and joins me in laughter. “Seriously, you don’t. But I’d love to see that.”
“What’s so funny, you two? Are you corrupting this beautiful young lady, Bianca?” Big tattoo guy has joined the conversation. I instantly straighten up and assess his look. He is huge! And not “fat” huge, he’s “muscular” huge, and tall! His head is shaved and he is wearing a white t-shirt with some band logo on it, and a denim jacket with the sleeves ripped off. He has lots of chains hanging from various places and now I also notice a nose ring. He taps the kitchen chair leg with his black biker boots (also full of chains) and waits for Bianca’s response. I’m waiting my turn to ask about this band connection? I could be just naive enough to be living across the street from a famous rocker hiding out in suburbia, and not even know it.
“Claire, this charming guy is my ex—Max.”
“Is this the drummer? From the band?” They are both looking at me expectantly before they respond, waiting for me to finish my dangling thought. “What band are we talking about?”
“You know, the band? Brandon’s band. Chain.” She notes my surprised expression and continues. “You didn’t know Brandon had a band? That’s why he bought this house. It was impossible to practice in his city apartment and none of the other guys have big places, either.”
“Yeah, I live in a dump.” Max and Bianca break out into fits of hilarity. “She hated coming over. I don’t even have a lock on the bathroom and the whole place is basically one room.”
Bianca smiles at the memory and adds, “Yeah, he isn’t much into home improvement.”
“Hey, I have other priorities. Did you see my new bike out there, little Miss Opinionated? Claire, do you like motorcycles?” He winks at me.
It’s clear that Bianca and Max have a good friendship now—all of these barbs are traded in jest. “So let me get this straight. Brandon has a band and you all practice here, and you play shows out in public?”
“That’s pretty much what bands do, Honey.” He laughs again. “Brandon’s got his hands full with you.”
“What? Oh no, Brandon and I aren’t together. We’re just friends, and I’m helping him with his book.” I look around to see if Brandon could be overhearing this conversation.
“You’re the publisher chick! Awesome. Smart and hot. What a combination!” He takes another swig of his enormous beer. He must sense my discomfort and says, “I’m just messin’ with ya. You actually look familiar, but I’m guessing you don’t frequent any of my usual hangouts.” He smiles broadly and I have to say—he has sparkling teeth.
It just hit me. He’s the tattooed guy that e-mailed me on the online dating site. This town is way too small. Hopefully his beer-clouded brain won’t make the connection.
“Just ignore him.” She gives Max an exasperated look. “The band does some covers— nineties to the present, and they’re working on some original stuff. Hard rock, alternative rock, some metal. They’re awesome, even though they let this asshole stay in the band.” She punches Max in his massive bicep, and in comparison her hand looks like it belongs to a toddler. Talk about a man you can climb.
“So the band is called Chain?” As I say this I make the connection to the many chains on Max. “What does Brandon do in the band?”
“I can’t believe he hasn’t told you all of this, as close as you two are?” Bianca and Max grin at each other and she continues. “Brandon is the lead singer and he plays the guitar.”
I drink my hard cider, which is delicious. “So where do they play?”
“They play at all the usual bars in the area. Rocky’s, The Shark Tank, sometimes O’Malley’s—”
“Did they happen to play at O’Malley’s on St. Patrick’s Day?” Rebecca said the band had a cute young lead singer and they played music I like.
“Yes, we most certainly did tear up O’Malley’s that night. Bianca wouldn’t remember, though. She was too wasted.”
“I do so remember. I met a hot guy that night and he kept buying me green beer. I remember every detail of that night. Claire, this guy was unbelievable. What he could do with his tongue and—”
“Can you guys point me to the powder room?”
They exchange a look and Max responds. “My dear, the powder room is in the foyer.” Max bows and points while pronouncing foyer—“foyay”—to mock my formality in calling it the “powder room.” I guess I should have asked for the toilet.
“Thanks, Max.” I put my empty bottle in the recycling bin with the others, and walk to the foyer.
“Claire, come back when you’re done. I want to show you the basement and the band set up.” Bianca yells after me.
I turn back and smile. The powder room is also decorated meticulously, with pretty finger towels and a deep rose color on the walls. Brandon has a pink bathroom, but he’s the lead singer in a metal band called Chain. I wash my hands with the lavender scented soap, swing open the door, and narrowly avoid hitting our host.
“Hey, are you having fun?” Brandon has a beer in his hand and gestures towards the kitchen. “I saw you deep in conversation with Bianca and Max. He’s a character but he’s a good guy, and if you ever need any heating or air conditioning work done, he’s your man.”
“That’s good to know. They’re both nice.” I glance again at the pictures on the hall table.
“That’s me and my sister at our old house in Arlington. I’m about six or seven there, and she’s only maybe three.”
I paus
e. I want to ask if she’s adopted too, and all sorts of other questions about his life, but I just say, “Cute. So I heard about the band.”
“I keep meaning to tell you about it, but we always seem to get interrupted.” As if on cue, the doorbell rings.
We both smile and I point to the door as he apologizes. “Sorry, more guests. Why don’t you check out the downstairs with Bianca and I’ll catch up with you later.”
I mumble something and head back to the kitchen. Bianca grabs two more hard ciders and we head to the basement. Max is off in loud conversation with some other guys who look like they may be in the band. He has one of them in a headlock and he’s messing up his hair.
Finally my phone starts vibrating in my pocket. This must be Nathan! I don’t get to answer before Bianca starts talking again. She proceeds to introduce me to a bunch of other people. Jane is down here now and she’s excited over the band, too. “I told Mike we need to get a babysitter and go see them some time.”
“Where is he?”
“He was here and then he left again to make a phone call. Someone from one of his side businesses.”
Jane is a trusting wife. If I were her, I would wonder who he’s talking to all the time.
“So did Nathan call yet? About your date tomorrow?” She looks anxious now that she’s introduced this potentially touchy subject at a party.
“My phone just rang, but I haven’t had a chance to look at it yet. Someone left a message.” The second buzz after a minute or so confirmed that it wasn’t a hang up call. “I should go listen to it.”
I walk back up to the kitchen, but it’s crazy in there, too. I glance at the stairs. Why not? It’s the only quiet place in the house, and I can grab Brandon’s gift off the bed while I’m up there. I would like to give it to him before I leave. Not in front of people, but I can keep it near the door. No one will notice.
There Are No Men Page 20
