Head of the Class

by Cyndi Weatherhead

  * * * * *

  “So what happened between the two of you?”

  Michael peered from under his truck studying the feet, which were all he could see of the person who dared disturb his Saturday morning chores. The sparkly toe nail polish and the impossibly bright neon green sandals were great clues and when added to the perky voice of his unseen tormentor he knew it had to be his sister, Laila. Nobody else was this upbeat at seven on a Saturday morning. He slid from under the truck and took the bottle of water she offered. Even t h ough it was still early it was already hotter than the hinges of hell outside, unusual even for spring in Alabama, which is why he was changing his oil so early in the morning.

  He unscrewed the cap and took a long swallow. “Laila, what the hell are you doing here? Don’t you have anything better to do than harass me about my love life?”

  “Nope,” she said with an infectious grin. “So tell me, what happened and why have you been avoiding me?”

  “Do I have to have a reason? I’ve obviously been avoiding you because I didn’t want to have this conversation.” He ducked his head to check the pan under the truck to ensure the oil was still flowing. He looked back up just in time to catch his sister’s crestfallen expression. Laila had always been incredibly sensitive and he hated nothing more than hurting her feelings. He picked up a shop towel from the driveway and began rubbing his hands. “Look. It was no big deal. We had some good times, but that was all. No biggie.”

  “You’re lying through your teeth. You know I can always tell.”

  “Okay. I want a relationship and she doesn’t.”

  Laila looked taken aback. “What does she want?”

  “Who the hell knows?” Michael muttered under his breath. Well, that wasn’t exactly true. “Sex. Just sex. When she has an itch she wants me to be there to scratch it.”

  Laila’s lips, slickened in hot pink lip-gloss, formed a perfect O of surprise. “Wow. That’s different.”

  “Is that all you’ve got to say?”

  “What else can I say? I’ve never heard this one before.”

  “Well I haven’t either.” He looked under the truck again relieved to find that the oil had stopped flowing. “Now if you don’t mind. I’ve got an oil change to finish,” he said as he pushed back on the creeper to slide back under the truck. He was tightening the bolt under the engine block back in place when she spoke again.

  “Are you going to take her up on it?”

  “Ow!” he yelled as he banged his hand on the engine block. “Am I going to take who up on what?”

  “Caja? Are you going to be her boy toy?”

  “Of course I’m not going to take her up on it. What kind of guy do you think I am?”

  “You mean now, or when you were still playing ball?”

  “Now. Now,” he said not really wanting to talk about his college days when he was a bit of a horn dog.

  “Are you sure you want me to answer that?”

  His only response was muttered curses as he struggled with the recalcitrant bolt.

  “So what are you going to do? Just give up?” his inquisitor persisted.

  Michael dropped the bolt in aggravation as he slid back from under the truck. “Good grief girl, have you always been this goddamned nosy?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “No. I’m not giving up. I’m just staging a strategic retreat. Giving her time to miss me, then I’ll attack again.”

  “Oh , Michael, that’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”

  “If that’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever heard your husband and I need to have a talk.”

  Laila’s radiant smile suddenly fell. “I wouldn’t wait too long though. Caja’s never struck me as the type of person to wait around. She might be dating somebody else by now.”

  “Yeah, that is a concern now, isn’t it?”

  * * * * *

  Caja stumbled across her foyer, dropping her groceries as she made a mad dash to reach the ringing telephone. Nobody called her on her landline except her parents, and they didn’t call that often, usually they waited until she called them unless there was an emergency. For reasons she didn’t understand, they refused to call her on her cell, though she explained repeatedly that the device kept her accessible twenty-four hours a day. She grabbed the phone only to hear the click as the caller hung up. Looking at the Caller ID she realized it was Michael. Why on earth had he called at that number? She frowned and began picking up her groceries. For that matter, how had he gotten her home number? She didn’t recall giving it to him. As she finished putting the groceries away the phone rang again.

  “When did you stop answering your cell?”

  “What?” Caja asked , so puzzled by the strange question she didn’t get her usual hormonal surge at the sound of his voice.

  “I’ve been calling you since I got off work this afternoon, and you haven’t answered.”

  Caja pulled the ever-present gadget out of her pocket. Damn! The battery had died. She’d forgotten to recharge it the previous evening. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t noticed how unusually quiet her day had been. She hadn’t had a call for hours.

  “Sorry , Michael. Battery’s dead.”

  “That’s what Kit figured. That’s why she gave me this number. Look, we need to talk.”

  “We do?” Caja asked. Where had that coy voice come from? What was it about this guy that suddenly turned her into an Eartha Kitt wannabe?

  “You know we do. Listen, I’ll be over in a few minutes. You got anything to eat, or do you want me to pick something up?”

  “I can probably throw something together . I just came from the grocery store.”

  “Good, I’ll see you in twenty minutes. I’ll bring some wine.”

  Wine? Caja suspected this conversation would require at least one double martini. She carefully placed her phone onto its charging base before turning to peruse her groceries. She hoped she’d be able to put together a reasonable meal for the two of them. She’d been so distracted at the grocery store that putting her purchases into meal form would definitely be a challenge.

  * * * * *

  Michael dished more beef stir-fry onto his plate. “This is really good.”

  “Thank you , ” Caja said as she speared a broccoli floret and moved it around on her plate. Did nothing stop this man’s appetite? Her own hunger had fled the moment she’d answered the door, though she’d been drooling only moments before from the meal’s savory aromas. “Okay, Michael, can we just talk about what you’re doing here? I thought you said you didn’t want to see me anymore.”

  “Actually I didn’t say that. I said I didn’t want to be your walking dildo anymore.”

  “What’s the difference?” Caja asked.

  “The difference is, I can still see you , but we just won’t have sex anymore.”

  “What?” Had she heard him right? He was cutting her off? Had this guy ever heard of the rules of sexual relationships?

  “Look, we really like each other, right?” Caja nodded. “We like spending time together. We have a lot of fun. Why not do that? Keep it light, have some fun, just leave sex out of it.”

  Caja could feel her eyes nearly bulging out of her head. He couldn’t be serious. He had a helluva nerve to be sure. How dare he cut her off? Men begged to sleep with her. Caja ignored the voice in the back of her head that reminded her that no one had done so recently. Everyone was entitled to an occasional dry spell. Besides, she’d been terribly busy. She shushed the voice even harder when it reminded her that she’d somehow found time to spend with Michael. She took a deep breath as she considered his proposal. No man had ever been able to resist her for long. She’d definitely have a better chance to get him back in her bed if they continued to see one another. Besides, this was a matter of pride now. Who the hell did he think he was? She’d have him begging for it if it was the last thing she ever did.

  Caja nodded. “I don’t see any reason why we can’t continue to see one another
casually.” She decided to test him. “Just as long as I can be with other people as the need arises.”

  Michael frowned heavily. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. What kind of guy is going to sleep with you knowing that you’re still seeing me?”

  Caja smiled inwardly. Michael had no idea how much information he’d just given away. Dude would be putty in her hands. He’d be back in her bed so fast he’d have windburn on his ass. She decided to acquiesce to his demands, for now. “You do have a point. I guess we can just put an end to this if one of us meets somebody.”

  Michael’s frown deepened. “I suppose so, but we’ve both been so busy, I doubt that’s going to come up for a while.”

  Caja nodded , sure now that the plan she formulated would succeed. Poor bastard wouldn’t know what hit him.

  * * * * *

  Michael heaved a sigh of relief as he leaned his head back against his car’s headrest. He couldn’t believe she’d gone for it. Her agreeing to see him platonically was all the proof he needed that she felt the same way he did. With the resumption of their friendship he’d have the opportunity to woo her into a real relationship. He had thought he could just end it and move on, but the weeks without her had been absolute hell. Eating and sleeping were a thing of the past, and he’d even gotten snappy with his students. Something had to give. Seeing her tonight had immediately brought his appetite back, and though he would sleep better holding her in his arms, sleeping alone wouldn’t be the endless torture it had been since they’d broken up. Though it wouldn’t be easy, her acquiescence had given him hope. Watching her had brought back memories of all the countless hours they’d spent rocking against each other in bed ,t heir bodies writhing together in a desperate attempt to absorb one another. He’d had an especially tough time bidding her goodnight at the door, but he had to be strong. He could get laid anywhere, but he had a sneaking suspicion that nothing could compare to loving and being loved by Caja.

  CHAPTER

  7

  “OKAY, let me get this straight,” Kit said her voice suspiciously high-pitched as she clearly struggled to restrain her laughter. “You’re going to continue to see this guy, and the two of you are going to have a platonic relationship? You mean to tell me he cut you off?” Apparently the hilarity of the moment was too much for her and Kit began whooping with laughter. Caja sat at her desk as her assistant doubled over. With a nonchalance she didn’t feel , she casually studied her nails and pretended that Kit’s reaction didn’t bother her. When it seemed that Kit had finally wound down, Caja continued the conversation.

  “So glad I could amuse you. After all, this was your oh so brilliant idea.”

  “Yeah, but I never thought he’d cut you off.”

  “Yes Kit, you don’t have to keep repeating yourself. He cut me off, but I have a plan.”

  Kit leaned forward in her seat and stared at Caja through narrowed eyes. “That doesn’t sound good. For crying out loud Caja, he sounds like a decent guy. A man who has enough sense to recognize this little bit of craziness for what it is. Using people for sex toys is just...ew. Don’t mess this up.”

  Caja choked back her initial reaction and continued to study her nails.

  Kit continued. “I know the situation must be freaking you out. You finally met a man who refuses to be controlled by his genitalia and you don’t know what to do. You’ve even been to that awful store again.” She gestured toward Caja’s large shopping bag. “Your usual crash and burn didn’t work. Of course, if you really wanted to get rid of the guy you would have told him from the very beginning like you usually do.”

  Caja began rummaging through her desk drawer.

  “Did you hear my question?”

  “Oh, was there a question in there?”

  “You know darned well there was.”

  “I’m sorry, what did you say? Don’t I have an appointment in a few?”

  “No, you don’t. Now answer the question.”

  “For crying out loud Kit, it’s not like I barbecued a kitten or something. Cut the melodramatics. I don’t know why I didn’t tell him. I mean, I assumed he knew . I fucked him on our first date.”

  Kit stared up at the ceiling. “You do realize it’s the twenty-first century. Why would you think that would let him know what your plans were?”

  “You of all people should know. You can’t turn a whore into a housewife, remember? Sleeping with a guy without a commitment automatically puts you in the whore category.”

  “Why should I be the one who knows? I’m on the other team, remember?”

  “Yeah, but you’re all ladylike and stuff. You know all the etiquette rules,” Caja said. She knew she sounded like a petulant child, but couldn’t help it.

  “There are etiquette rules for sexual relationships, and for whatever it is you’ve been having for the past few years?”

  “Of course there are, and everyone knows that sleeping together on the first date automatically makes you a fuck buddy.”

  “You know, for someone with all these “progressive” ideas about sex, relationships and who knows what else, there are times when you’re positively prudish about things. Not all guys think alike...”

  “As you pointed out, how would you know?”

  “Because they’re human beings. Just because I don’t want to sleep with them doesn’t mean I deny their humanity,” Kit said through pursed lips.

  Caja rolled her eyes at Kit’s terse tone. She hated her friend’s “school marm” voice. “I’m definitely not conservative when it comes to sex, as you’ve told me more than once, I’m an absolute freak.”

  “I’ve never used such language in my life. I said you might want to consider not treating men like objects.”

  “Right. I’m a freak. Which means I can’t possibly be a prude. The cognitive dissonance would make my head explode. I’m just realistic. We both know how most guys feel about it. Women are either Madonnas or whores. When you sleep with a guy on the first date you automatically become a whore. I don’t have a problem with that,” she said deliberately ignoring the little twinge of conscience that said otherwise. “I just don’t understand why men have to be so complicated. All I want is a decent guy for some no strings attached sex.”

  “Decent guys don’t do that.”

  “Don’t start on that again. Bottom line is I just want to get some and I keep meeting guys who insist on fucking that up. It’s so much easier for you.”

  “Don’t you dare start that it would be so much easier with a woman crap , ” Kit said , rolling her eyes.

  “Well, wouldn’t it? Women are pragmatic creatures. We understand these things.”

  “Why does everyone think that? Two sets of hormones. Synchronized PMS. Oh yeah, that’s a walk in the park. If I didn’t love women so darned much I’d die before I’d date one.”

  Caja sighed. “Well, we have synchronized PMS.”

  “Yeah, and I wouldn’t sleep with you either.”

  “Why not?” Caja asked , suddenly offended , even though she’d never been attracted to a woman in her life .

  “Because you’re crazy.”

  “Oh. Good point. But you know most guys would be all over this. Why can’t Michael just cooperate?”

  “I’m wondering why you don’t just move on. You’ve done it before.”

  “Maybe I’m tired of moving along. I’ve invested a lot of effort in this guy. I went to Little League and a hockey game for him ! Besides, he cut me off. There’s an issue of pride.”

  “Pride. Uh huh. So what are you going to do?”

  Caja reached down and picked up a large shopping bag from the floor next to her desk. Kit let out a loud groan.

  “No, no, I don’t want to see anything you bought at that sex shop.”

  “Pleasures is not a sex shop.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  “They didn’t even have nipple clamps.”

  “Caja!”

  “Okay, okay. So you don’t get down with the kink. Fortunately m
ost guys do,” Caja said as she pulled a flogger out of the bag.

  “Are you kidding me? Do you really think that a guy who’s made it clear that he wants more from you than just sex is going to be manipulated with sex toys?”

  “Well, not without nipple clamps, that’s for sure.”

  Kit threw up her hands and closed her eyes. “Lord help this girl.”

  “What’s wrong with sex toys?”

  “You don’t know the first thing about relationships, do you?”

  “Of course I do. You fall in love with a guy and then he tries to steal your company.”

  “Besides Shoe Boy. Did you ever date anyone else?”

  Caja exhaled heavily. “You know I haven’t. First there was gymnastics, then the food thing, then Brickhouse. I haven’t really had time.”

  Kit sighed. “I know sweetheart. I know.”

  “You don’t think the flogger will work?”

  “I don’t even know what you would do with the thing.”

  “I knew I should’ve gotten the cock ring,” Caja said slumping in her chair.

  “Oh good grief. How about having a conversation with the guy?”

  “A conversation. Yeah, right. I guess I can go back to the store after work.”

  Kit rose from her seat. “It’s almost quitting time. I’m going to duck out a bit early today, if that’s okay.”

  Caja nodded , distracted by her assistant’s earlier words. She hardly noticed when the other woman slipped out the door. Though she’d been fairly confident while shopping during lunch that day ; n ow she was having second thoughts, and she hadn’t even shown Kit the thigh-high boots and the corset. She straightened her spine, determined not to let any doubts get in her way. Michael was just a normal guy and this whole thing would work out fine.

  * * * * *

  Caja’s misgivings returned with a vengeance later that evening as she struggled into the cherry red corset. It had seemed so easy in the store, but lining up the hooks and eyes was turning into a contortionist’s nightmare. And then once she had the thing on the feelings of awkwardness left her wanting to cover up as quickly as possible. Caja enjoyed sex and had a robust appetite, but she’d never really played any sex games. And this seemed too contrived and forced. Before she could make up her mind to take it off, the doorbell rang, making the decision for her. It would take too long to get out of it, and she couldn’t leave Michael waiting at the door. She looked around the room frantically and finally picked up the warm up suit she’d discarded earlier. She quickly pulled it on over her outfit, then took a deep breath and headed out of her bedroom with one last backward glance at the full-length mirror.