Restoring Us

by Fabiola Francisco

  I join her because it is such a cocky thing for Dan to say. Always coming across as funny, but ready to attack when you give in. He’s definitely no angel.

  “I shooed him away, but he wouldn’t give up. It was one after another. I figured any guy who could make me laugh like that was worth giving a chance to, but I definitely didn’t let him think that. I left, not returning the sentiment. I was damned when I saw him later that night at another bar.”

  “I’m sure he didn’t leave you alone when that happened. Did he say it was destiny working its magic or something?” I know Dan really well, and he can be a cheesy asshole to win a woman over.

  “Ha! That’s exactly what he said, then he called himself Dan the Man, and I all but died laughing in his face. He seemed genuinely hurt by my reaction, and I gave in and danced one song with him out of guilt. That’s all I needed. He captivated me at that moment, and the rest is history.”

  “That’s nice. I think he’s met his match with you. He was always used to women just giving in and thinking his jokes were cute. Hats off to you for keeping up with him and challenging him.”

  “Thanks, I try. Oh, this picture is gorgeous.” Jess holds up a photo of a small town in Italy. It’s a narrow alleyway where I shot a random couple from behind. The man had his arm around the woman’s shoulder, and she was wrapped around his waist. I saw them and felt such emotion that I had to photograph it.

  “I saw them walking down the street and shot it. It’s in Italy.”

  “I love it. There’s so much love in it. I love that you printed it in black and white.”

  We continue looking through the photos and getting to know each other. I learn that Jess is actually from Iowa but studied in Chicago. She decided to stay here after graduating.

  “Ugh, I’m sorry. My phone keeps going off.” I keep silencing it as text messages keep coming in.

  “It’s okay. If you need to take it, you can. I don’t mind.”

  “No, it’s Matt, the guy I went on a date with. He keeps texting me. I told him we could be friends, but I didn’t see it going further than that. Now he’s being a pain, and it’s getting annoying.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Dan told me about him. He was surprised you had agreed to go on a date him,” Jess confesses shyly.

  “Yeah, we all went to high school together. He’s a nice guy, but the other day he questioned why I went to the gala with Ethan and said he’d only fuck with me again. That rubbed me the wrong way. I know there’s some type of alpha competition between them, but I’m not some prize the strongest one wins. I choose who I want to be with.”

  “Is that Ethan?” The words slip out of her freely.

  “What?” I look at her confused.

  “Who you want to be with? I think you guys make the most adorable couple. He’s so in love.” I try to hide my smirk. Ugh, I hate that I love hearing that Ethan still loves me. I can’t help my reaction, and Jess sees it.

  “Sorry, I’m meddling, but I just think you two are perfect. Then we can double date! God, I sound like such a loser. I’ve been stuck with those two for so long. I need some girl time.” She laughs it off.

  “No, it’s okay. It would be fun. After the gala, I’m seeing things clearly. Please don’t tell him or Dan that.” I blush furiously.

  “Your secret’s safe with me. Think about it, though. I meant what I told you at the gala when they went to get our drinks. He hasn’t lived a day without thinking about you. I know him well enough to know he’ll never forgive himself. He may put up a front with others, but I can read him. His life has been miserable since he left you,” she confides in me. I nod, and we continue with the task of looking through the photos.

  I’ve enjoyed getting to know Jess. My assumptions of her are proven true the more time I spend near her. She is a lovely person and perfect for Dan. I’m happy for the two of them.

  I can’t help but wonder why Dan was pestering her with going away for the weekend. He’s usually more laid back, a go with the flow kind of guy, so it makes me wonder. I have my suspicions, but I’ll keep them to myself for now.

  Before Jess leaves, I tell her about my birthday and let her know the invitation will get to Dan. She was excited to hear it’s a themed party and to dress up. I also decide to give her that photo of the couple in Italy. She really loved it, and I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.

  Chapter 20

  Ava

  The weeks have flown by between finalizing the details for the party and work picking up. I’m so grateful for Susan’s hard work and Katie’s creative imagination. Between the three of us, everything is set for the party tomorrow.

  I am actually meeting a new artist today that will, hopefully, be exposing her work at the gallery. I had seen her work at an art fair last week, and fell in love with her work.

  It’s different than what Elle has exposed in the past. This artist is unique. Her paintings are dark, emotion-filled. They demonstrate secrets and forbidden thoughts that people usually don’t dare show.

  She’s not from Chicago, so I’m fortunate that she agreed to come see me. Her boyfriend is a big country star, and he’s performing here this weekend. They’ve been touring, so I’m grateful for her to take the time to come meet with me with their busy schedule. She should be arriving any minute. I had offered going to her, but she wanted to see the gallery and what we are exposing at the moment.

  It will be the first time I’m bringing a new artist to the gallery, so I’m actually kind of nervous. Elle has given me a lot of liberty to run things how I see fit, and although her art is different, I think we’ll have an audience for it.

  “Are you excited about your party?” Stacy leans over the reception desk, holding her head up with her hand as she twirls a lock of hair with her other one.

  I’ve grown fond of her. We spend a lot of time together at work, and her vibrant personality is infectious.

  “Yeah, I am. Everything is going to look great! And despite what I thought when Katie mentioned the band, Magnolia Thunderpussy is actually pretty good.”

  “That’s awesome! I’m so excited. I can’t wait. I love themed parties.”

  “Me too! Susan has done a great job of putting everything together, and I think there are a few things she threw in there that I don’t even know about.”

  “Hi, I’m looking for Ava,” a young woman interrupts us.

  “I’m Ava.” I stand and walk over to her.

  “Hi! I’m Mikayla Anderson.” She reaches her hand out to shake mine.

  She’s so much younger than I had imagined. She must be no more than 21 years old. Her chestnut hair drapes around her face, bringing out her chocolate colored eyes that seem unsure yet jubilant at the same time.

  “It’s so nice to meet you! Thank you so much for taking the time to come see us.”

  “It’s my pleasure! I was so excited to receive your phone call, I told Tyler, my boyfriend, that there was no way I’d miss out on meeting you, even if I had to miss his concert. He didn’t think that part was very funny.” I laugh at her enthusiasm, but I can’t help but stare at her. She seems happy, yet there’s depth to her. There’s something deep in her eyes that is cautious.

  “Well, I’m so happy you decided to meet with us. Let me show you around, and we can discuss details for having your work here.” I lead her through to the main room in the gallery where most of the art is exposed.

  Mikayla is a sweetheart. Besides being a successful artist at such a young age and dating a big country star, she’s humble. She shared with me her full portfolio, and I was able to admire other works of art not displayed in the art fair.

  We end our meeting with plans to meet again in a few weeks and have some of her pieces shipped over to us to begin preparing her exposition.

  By the end of the day, I’m buzzing with excitement for tomorrow’s festivities. I absolutely love how my outfit turned out and cannot wait to see what everyone else wears. I found the perfect, jeweled heels to finish off my outfit. They pop
and sparkle against the white of the tulle skirt and bodice.

  I’m going out to dinner with my parents and Aiden tonight as an early birthday celebration since the party is on my actual birthday. I look forward to spending time with them, but I’m freaking excited about tomorrow. It’s going to be amazing!

  ∞

  My hands are clammy, my heart rate has picked up and the excitement is floating all around us. My parents’ house looks amazing! Susan has outdone herself once again. Soon, people will begin to arrive. I take a look around the patio where the party is set up.

  The light outside shines through the slinkies suspended from the pergola, creating that unique chandelier Susan conjured in our first meeting. The walls have all been covered in black splattered with neon paint, emphasizing the darkness, and making the bright colored decor stand out.

  She has carefully spread black lights throughout the patio, and the cassette vases she described look amazing in the center of the high top tables. I’m staring in awe at how perfect it all came together.

  “This looks rad!” Katie beams next to me. Anyone would think it’s her birthday. She looks amazing in her Flashdance outfit, teased hair, and confidence.

  I walk up to my old room to finish applying the final touches of my outfit before the party begins. My make up is vibrant, hot pinks and bright blues cover my eyes, bringing out the hazel in them, and my blonde hair is teased to the point of no return. It looks like a bird’s nest, but it’s perfect for my outfit.

  The white bodice hugs my body and accentuates my breasts. It’s weird that I feel sexy in an 80s costume, but I do. The thin material shows off my body without being overly revealing. The tulle skirt puffs out, and my black leggings peek out under from it, falling just below my knees.

  I apply my hot pink lipstick and stroll back downstairs, excited to start this party. I know Ethan will be here tonight, and the anticipation has me a little haywire, but I know everything will be perfect and work out as it needs to. His parents decided to go out to dinner with my parents instead of attending the party to allow us to enjoy it fully.

  As I reenter the patio, I admire, once again, the perfection that is this party. Katie and I wanted to recreate the 80s; well, Susan did just that. She put us in a time machine, and transported us back. I see a few people have arrived. Some are in the photo booth taking photos with the props, sunglasses, word bubbles with phrases such as rad, totally, far out, while others are playing with glow sticks and rocking out with the inflatable guitars.

  “Happy birthday, Sis!” I turn to Aiden, but stop mid turn, and throw my head back in laughter.

  “What’s so funny? You wanted 80s attire, you got it.”

  “Oh. My. God.” I can’t control my laughter, “I didn’t expect you to go all out, though.” He’s wearing a long blonde wig, a red bandana tied around his head, and black eyeliner adorns his eyes. He is wearing a black skull t-shirt and skinny leather pants. He finishes off his rock star outfit impeccably with a black leather jacket and a red electric guitar.

  “Laugh all you want, but rockers were it in the 80s. Had the groupies wild. Now, I just need to find myself some groupies.” He scans the vicinity of the patio scouting out who’s arrived and who makes his list.

  “Oh stop! I don’t need to hear about your groupies. Let’s go get a drink. I’m dying to try the Pop Rocks Martini.” I lead him towards the Rubik’s Cube bar and order one. Aiden orders a scotch, and we lean back against the bar to observe the people who have arrived.

  There are all kinds of costumes, some more creative than others. People have the 80s rock star looks, bright workout clothes, and someone is even dressed as Punky Brewster; that one made me snort in laughter. People I haven’t seen in years have been invited, and I make small talk with them. They wish me a happy birthday and express how happy they are that I’m back in Chicago. I’m happy no one brings up me having cancer or makes a big deal about the true reason I left to Europe. It’s casual fun and I bask in it.

  The band has started playing 80s classics, and they are rocking out. The small crowd is dancing wildly to the music and losing themselves in their drinks.

  “Okay, you need to come dance!” A breathless Katie approaches us and drags my arm into the crowd, almost spilling my Martini.

  The thumping of the band is contagious and I’m quickly moving to the beat, just as enthralled as the others I was observing a minute ago. It’s difficult not to feel the rhythm deep inside you and move your body to it.

  The party is in full force. People are dancing, drinking, enjoying the photo booth, and the surprise Pac Man video games Susan added to the décor, create a mini arcade to the far left of the patio. There is even a drop screen playing clips of 80s movies on an endless cycle as the characters from those movies have come to life in this party.

  After dancing for what seems like hours, I need a break to grab another drink. That Martini is delicious. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and sour, with the sizzling bubbles that mimic the popping of the candy when you eat it and a kick of vodka as an after thought.

  “Having fun?” Aiden is still leaning against the bar, scouting the crowd like a predator, carefully looking for his next victim.

  “Yes.” I take a long sip of my Martini.

  “Easy on that drink.”

  Before I can respond, I hear someone yell my name. I turn to the right and spit out my drink before I’m in a fit of laughter.

  “Whoa! Just like Jess when she first met me. Spitting your drink all over me.” Dan jumps back avoiding the Martini waterfall that came out of my mouth upon seeing him.

  I can’t believe him. Richard Simmons in the flesh is standing in front of me. If I saw him in the street, I’d think it really was Richard.

  I can’t look at him with a straight face with that curly haired wig and those short striped red and white shorts.

  Jess is wearing a bright blue Lycra leotard with a belt at her waist and matching legwarmers. They look like the perfect pair. Richard and his workout babe.

  “This looks great! It must’ve taken a lot of imagination to put it together…”

  I’m suddenly distracted. My skin is burning, my heart has begun racing, and I’m lost in the person who has just walked in. Damn him for being so good-looking.

  I squirm involuntarily, his hypnotic hold keeping me frozen in place, numbing out everything but he and I. He looks hot in that Maverick outfit. He plays dirty. That is so not fair. He knows how much I love that movie and that pilot one piece suit.

  “Ava?”

  “Huh? What? Sorry…” My eyebrows shoot up, looking back at the three people next to me. I’m brought back to the reality of things. Aiden, Dan and Jess all staring at me with a knowing look. I turn deep red for being caught ogling Ethan.

  “Feeling flustered?” Aiden laughs, amused, signaling my drink as a refreshment.

  “Mmhmm.” I hum tight-lipped. Great, just what I need, Dan and Aiden watching me drool over Ethan.

  “Hey,” Ethan has approached us, smiling confidently. He knows what he’s doing wearing that.

  Dan and Aiden try to hide their amusement but do so poorly. I am still feeling the effects of the Martini mixed with the heat from seeing Ethan in that pilot outfit. God, he looks hot. Fortunately, Jess has reacted for all of us.

  “Hey Ethan. We were just talking about how great everything looks.”

  “Happy birthday!” He leans in to give me a kiss on the cheek, ignoring everyone around us. His lips linger on my skin for a beat, bringing about sensations I’ve been fighting for so long. Feelings that have never left me no matter how far I traveled.

  “Everything does look great. Katie’s idea for the theme?” He raises an eyebrow in question.

  “Of course. She’s the queen of themed parties. Any excuse to dress up.”

  “That’s not the only excuse she uses to dress up.” Dan murmurs under his breath. The hostility between them surpasses anything I’d ever imagine. I’ve never seen two people m
ore alike who dislike each other so much. I think it’s a power struggle they have going on.

  “Well, I’ll have to thank her. You look…amazing.” Ethan’s eye are smoldering with wanton passion, he first looks into my eyes, then moves down to my lips, stopping at my breasts, before continuing to roam down my body.

  “If you’re going to check out my little sister so shamelessly, at least don’t do it in front of me.”

  “Aiden!” I blush instantly. “I need a drink.”

  “Yeah, you do. Got a little hot?” Dan laughs it off, never embarrassed to call it as it is.

  “Dan!” Aiden and I both yell simultaneously as Dan laughs wickedly, and Jess tries to hold in her amusement, biting down on her lips.

  Ethan is all smiles, very much enjoying our exchange, knowing this is confirmation of how much he affects me.

  I grab my new Martini and make my way back to the dance floor, ignoring the stares and snickers from my companions.

  I begin moving to the music, and I find Katie roaming her hands over a rocker wannabe as she dances ardently with him. There’s no doubt she’ll be going home with him.

  “You invited me.” I feel his warm breath down my neck and his body moving against mine. I turn around and face Ethan, his green eyes shining brighter against the lighting and his deep dimples framing his perfect smile.

  “Susan did,” I state nonchalantly.

  “Cut the crap, Ava. You knew very well who was on that list.” He places his hands on my hips, uniting us, forcing me to mimic his movements as the band continues its tempting rhythm.

  I feel him rubbing against me as he keeps us close, the wetness between my legs building as I feel his hardness pressed against me. I instinctively place my arms on his shoulders, careful to not spill my Martini.

  I notice people around us staring and whispering, but I’m 3, 4 Martinis in; honestly, I can’t even remember how many I’ve had, but enough to not give a shit if people care that Ethan and I are dancing together.

  “Thank you,” he whispers in my ear, and I feel the electricity pulsing between us. I don’t need to ask what he’s thanking me for. I’ve let him back into my life. He knows the importance of that.