Dustin's Turn

by June Kramin

  “Sorry, man. I was napping with Alex when she showed up. I must still be half asleep. She looked happy, that’s all I was saying. I guess I was dreaming about that day we hauled her dickhead ex to the clinic.”

  “Shit.” Dean chuckled. “Of all days to get reminiscent about. Hey, you have to go see your car, man. The paint job came out totally cherry.”

  “Love to. Holler and see if he wants to have a beer when we’re done here. Hey…thanks again for doing those papers for Katie.”

  “Thanks, my ass. I’m billing you.”

  Dusty laughed and returned to the pipes. “A man who had been caught embezzling millions from his employer went to a lawyer seeking defense. He didn’t want to go to jail. But his lawyer told him, ‘Don’t worry. You’ll never have to go to jail with all that money.’ And the lawyer was right. When the man was sent to prison, he didn’t have a dime.”

  “Douche.” Dean stood and again kicked Dusty’s feet.

  Dusty heard the door close and Dean hollered, “Hey, babe. Let me help you with those.” After bags rattling and unmistakable kissing sounds, Dusty peeked out from under the sink and smiled. “Hey, Court.”

  When the long day was over, Dusty went to bed cuddling with Katie. He caught a glimpse of how life was supposed to be and he wanted it. Now he knew why he hadn’t left yet. Katie spun around and faced him.

  “You would tell me if something was up, wouldn’t you?”

  “Of course. Why?”

  “You weren’t yourself today.”

  “Which me do you think I was?”

  “Don’t tease me like that, Dusty. That’s not something I ever want to go through again.”

  “You’re telling me. Don’t worry, babe. If I ever see ‘he who should not be mentioned,’ I’ll kick his ass.”

  “Don’t you dare touch that sweet man.”

  If you only knew. “All right, pumpkin. I promise. If one of us has to go again, I’ll do it.”

  Katie laughed hard. “Yeah, right. You’d probably crash and burn at picking me up again.”

  Dammit! She is physic! “Not a chance. You know you’d fall for me all over again.”

  She gave him a kiss. “I suppose you’re right. You going to do me or what?”

  “You never have to ask me twice.”

  Falling asleep happy for the first time in almost a week, Dusty let out a content moan before he drifted off.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  The next day brought Dusty awake again in his college home, but at least Katie was by his side. They hurried through getting dressed and pouring coffee in travel mugs. Dusty dropped her off, planning for another day of skipping class. He hoped this wasn’t his new fate. He couldn’t figure out what else he had to do and why he needed to be here. Looking for Frank was out of the question. Dusty was at peace with figuring this out for himself. His day was spent with killing some time at the outdoor rink. After being frustrated with the shape of his older self on the ice, he vowed to put some time in every year and start the kids ice skating next year for sure.

  Dusty called his mother for a follow up on Gina. He was glad to hear she was happy where she was, tested negative, and had already started training for a new job. After grocery shopping and getting some movies, his day was already wasted. He decided to go to the dorm and wait for Katie.

  After knocking on the door, he tried the knob. He didn’t expect anyone to be in. He was surprised when he walked in and saw Courtney putting on makeup. “Hey. You still pissed at me?”

  “You’re not on my favorite people list, but you can come in.”

  “Where are you going? Date with Dean?”

  “No. I’m going out with a new student. He just transferred here. He has the cutest accent. You know what they say about Italians.” She chuckled and returned to her blush.

  “I thought things were going so good with Dean. What happened?”

  “Nothing happened. You didn’t really think I was going to stick to one guy, did you? I know Katie has taught you better than that about me.”

  “Court…” Dusty flopped backwards onto Katie’s bed. “You liked him.”

  “I’m going to take that intern offer in Seattle. You and Katie are hitting it off so great…I know I’m going to lose her soon.” She let out a heavy sigh. “It doesn’t matter how I feel about Dean. I can’t start something that I’ll only have to end soon anyway. I thought about it a lot last night while I was here alone.”

  He rushed over. “Don’t move to Seattle, Court. You’d hate it there. It does nothing but rain.”

  “As opposed to the snow?”

  “But it’s gray all the time. You’d hate that. Don’t you do the tanning bed thing for winter depression? At least we get sun sometimes.”

  “Dusty… I know you mean well, but that’s where my job is. Will be. I’ll cope.”

  “But what about Dean? Come on. He’s my best friend. I know he likes you. Katie talks of nothing but living next door to each other, you guys having kids together….”

  “You know I’d love that if this was a perfect world, but I have to go. It’s a great start for my career. It’s not like Dean has proposed or even professed his undying love for me. It’s only been a few dates, for cryin’ out loud, Dusty. We don’t move as quickly as you two. I can’t stay, give up a great opportunity, and spend all my time avoiding the guy if it doesn’t work out.”

  “You like him though. Don’t you?”

  “For as much as I know on the subject. I guess I do. Did. I don’t know. Look at my track record, hon. Shit. I could have killed the guy. Then what? He’s a great guy. He’ll find someone soon. Someone that really deserves him. I’m sure he wants someone a little more deserving of wearing white on their wedding day, anyway.”

  “Oh, bullshit! Who can really wear white these days?”

  “My cousin Izzy.”

  “No shit?”

  “I shit you not. Both of them were. I didn’t think that was possible anymore, either.”

  “Yeah, well, you didn’t think dry counties existed until I told you over dinner about camping in Kentucky either. Come on, Court. You going to tuck your tail and run because you’re afraid you’re not good enough? I call bullshit again. Why don’t you let him decide for himself what he wants?”

  Courtney put down her brush and placed her hands on Dusty’s shoulders. “You know I love you for Katie. You’re a great guy, Dusty. It’s only been a short while, but you two really seem to click. The sound of the two of us living next door to each other with our kids running around is appealing and of course would be a dream come true, but it’s not realistic.”

  Dusty held on to Courtney’s hands. “What about the internship at the hospital here that you were talking about? Did that fall through or something? Why the rush to take off for Washington?”

  “They haven’t responded yet.”

  “Yet. See. Give it a chance. Don’t accept Seattle’s offer yet. Please?”

  “What is with you about this? Sheesh. I promise. I’ll give it a few days. But I’m still going out with this kid. He promised me Chez Pauls.” Dusty moaned. “You know she didn’t throw up because of the food.”

  “I know, but she says she tastes it the second time around every time she hears that name.”

  Courtney put her hands down and gave Dusty a kiss on the cheek. “I really like you, you know. You’re perfect for Katie. Really. Just let me do what has worked for me so far.” Courtney walked to the door and blew him a kiss, then waved goodbye. “Lock up when you leave.”

  Dusty grumbled. “Dammit.” He pulled out his cell phone and called Katie. When she answered he said, “You’re taking me out to dinner tonight, babycakes,” instead of hello.

  “Sure, my love. Where to?”

  “Chez Pauls.”

  “I know you didn’t just say that, Dusty.”

  “Sorry, we have to. Where are you?”

  “I was dropped off at your place. I thought I’d save you the drive today. Where are you?�
�

  “Your place waiting for you.”

  “Crap.”

  “The back door isn’t locked. Go in. I won’t be long.”

  “You going to tell me why I have to go to Chez Pauls again?”

  “I’m making Dean go, too.”

  “Uh oh. Let me guess. Courtney is going there with someone else.”

  “You got it. I just said goodbye to her on her way out.”

  “Who is the date with? She seemed pretty down about dating at all.”

  “Some new kid. An exchange student.”

  “Dammit. She’s pushing Dean away.”

  “That’s my thought. I’m not letting her win this.”

  “She can out-stubborn a mule, Dusty. You’ve already seen her temper, and that was nothing. I really don’t know that you want to get involved here.”

  “Yes, I do. If I don’t, I’ll never get home.”

  “You have to go somewhere before you come here?”

  “No. Sorry. That’s not what I meant. I’m leaving now. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

  “Hey! Bring me my black pants and heels since you’re there. Pick out a top you like.”

  “You’re telling me to go through your things?”

  “Nothing to see, dreamboat. Have a party in my closet.”

  “Dreamboat? Am I rubbing off on you?”

  “Hopefully later.”

  “Good God almighty, I’m hopelessly in love with you.”

  “If you hurry, you can join me in the shower.”

  “Leaving now.” He shut his phone and hurried though the clothes, picking out a nice blue silky top he hadn’t seen her in before.

  Dusty called Dean on the way home. “Katie and I want to take you to dinner for your help with that Ronald jerk.”

  “You don’t need to do that.”

  “I know, but she wants to.”

  “Courtney goin’?”

  “She has something going on tonight and can’t come.”

  “I think I’ve been dumped, dude. She isn’t returning my calls.”

  “She’s had a rough time with this and needed some space. She’ll come around. Don’t stand my girl up, okay? You have someone on back up you can call so you don’t feel like a third wheel?”

  “There’s always Tina. We’ve passed the awkward not dating anymore stage and are pretty good friends. She’d like a nice treat. You shelling out the big bucks again?”

  “You know it.”

  “All right. I’ll meet you there. What time?”

  “Seven.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Dusty and Dean pulled up behind each other at the valet. Katie wasn’t the happiest about Dean having a date along, but she was pleasant enough to his friend.

  As they walked in to the restaurant, Courtney spotted them immediately. Dusty caught her looking away. After everyone took their seats, he walked over to her, tall and proud, and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Hey, Court. I forgot you were going to be here.” He reached his hand out to her date. “Dustin. Nice to meet you.”

  “Rodney. Nice to meet you, too.” Dusty was surprised at the lack of an accent.

  “You guys order yet?” Dusty asked. “Want to join us? I’m sure we can get a bigger table.” He swore he could see smoke coming out of Courtney’s ears. He patted Rodney on the back. “That’s okay. I understand if you want to be alone.”

  “Courtney?” Rodney said. “I’d love to sit with your friends and meet them, but it’s your call.”

  Forcing a smile, she shoved her chair back. “That would be great. I’ll let the waiter know.”

  “Sit, Court. I’ve got it.” Dusty hurried over to the table. “I found a friend of ours. They’re going to join us. I have to get them to give us a bigger table.”

  Dean stood and said through bared teeth, “I’ll go with you.” Once they were away from the table, Dean elbowed him. “What the hell are you doing? You knew she’d be here?”

  “No. I had no idea. She made a new friend, though. It’s only polite to invite them over.”

  “You’re a dick.”

  “Love you, too.” He turned to the maître d' and explained that they needed a bigger table. It wasn’t a busy night so he was happy to accommodate the request. Dusty got everyone settled, seating Courtney next to Dean and their dates to the other sides of them. He introduced everyone to Rodney. “How do you and Courtney know each other?” Dusty asked. “You a new student?”

  “Student? Hell no.” Courtney turned away, obviously embarrassed. She was lying about who this was. Dusty was intrigued.

  “What brings you to our neck of the woods? Can’t be the gorgeous weather.”

  Rodney took Courtney’s hand and held it up. “Isn’t it obvious? She’s the greatest, isn’t she?”

  “That she is.” Dusty waved the waiter over. “Can we get two bottles of Perrier Jouet please?”

  “Dusty!” Katie scolded. “That’s expensive!”

  “I don’t care. I’m using Dad’s card. Besides, we should celebrate that Court found such a great guy and welcome her new friend to the area.” Rodney let out a laugh. “I’m not a new friend. I’ve been in Minneapolis for a week of meetings and having nothing but deli sandwiches breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I told them to piss off and escaped tonight. I wanted a nice meal with my favorite cousin.”

  “Cousin,” Dusty said as if it were the most interesting thing he ever heard. “That’s great.” He asked him what he did for work and the two carried on.

  Dean stole the chance to lean over to Courtney. “Your phone lost or something?”

  “No, Dean. I’ve just had a lot on my mind.”

  “You could have answered and told me that. I’m not a Neanderthal. I would have understood, Court.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s not like you took any time filling my sheets.” She motioned her eyes to Tina.

  “She’s just a friend.”

  “Sure she is.” Courtney stood up. “I’m going to the powder room. Katie?”

  Katie stood up. “I’ll go. Tina?”

  “I’m fine. Thanks.”

  Courtney figured Katie had to ask to be polite, but she was glad Tina declined. As soon as they walked in the room, Courtney blew up. “What is this shit, Katie? Can’t I have one night alone?”

  “Don’t get pissed at me. I had no idea. Dusty said he wanted to take Dean out for dinner. I thought it was strange to come here again so soon, but I went along with it.”

  “Does he want to rub this Tina in my face or what?”

  “They’re just friends. Do you even care? Dusty said Dean told him you weren’t returning his calls. I suspected as much, but I thought you’d come around and get over yourself already.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me, Court. We’ve all been worried at one time or another that we were a little cavalier in our sex lives. You didn’t screw up, so just get over it already. I can’t take this ‘woe-is-me’ shit any longer. Dusty wants me to move in with him and I don’t want to because of you. If you don’t snap out of it soon, I will.”

  “Don’t let me stop you, princess.”

  Katie stormed out of the bathroom. When Courtney joined them at the table, no one would have known there had been a tiff.

  Katie turned to Dean. “Will you order for me again? I love hearing you speak French.”

  “Sure. You want the same thing?”

  “Something seafood. Surprise me.”

  “You got it.”

  Tina put down her menu. “Do me, too.”

  Courtney rolled her eyes and turned to her cousin. “What do you like, Rod?”

  Dean liked that Dusty managed to keep conversation flowing throughout dinner, giving everyone proper attention and their turn at a story or two. He felt awkward sitting next to Courtney. He wanted to do so much more than just be polite. It was increasingly difficult to stop trying to touch her. The desire to stroke her arm or take her hand was getting tougher and tougher.

  After they
finished their meals, the piano player announced he was going to take a short break. Dean turned to Dusty, Dusty shook his head no. He figured Dusty wasn’t in the mood to play. He was doing a good job at keeping track of what was going on at the table. Dean watched Tina and Rodney all night. They seemed to be hitting it off. So much for an afterthought of making Courtney jealous.

  Not heeding Dusty’s wishes, Dean went over to the maître d'. He returned with the host behind him. “We would love if you wanted to get up and play a song or two. As long as you keep it to an older musical number. Can you do any of those?”

  “I have a few I can do,” Dusty said, standing up and promptly punching Dean in the arm. Dean whispered something to Dusty and he nodded in agreement. Tina loved to dance and Dean knew it. When Dusty played a slow Chopin waltz number, Dean encouraged Tina to take Rodney up. “The girl loves to waltz. Take her for a spin.”

  “You don’t mind?”

  “Hell, no. We’re just friends. Go ahead.”

  Next, as ordered, Dusty did a number suitable for a tango. It would be all over for poor Rodney. No man could resist a tango. It was too perfect that there were a dozen roses on the piano to complete the scene. He watched as Tina placed one between her teeth. Always the show girl. Rodney didn’t do too badly trying to keep up. Dean finally dared to lean into to Courtney.

  “They make a cute couple.”

  “Shut up.”

  “Come on, Court. Stop with the cold fish act. Let’s go somewhere and talk.”

  “I don’t want to.” She crossed her arms and focused her attention on Rodney and Tina dancing, as the rest of the people at their tables were doing.

  Dusty’s last song was “Misty.” Dean had requested this for another reason. After giving it a few notes to sink in, he stood and took Courtney’s hand, not giving her a chance to turn him down. He stole a quick glance at Katie who had picked up her napkin and dabbed at her eye. If he knew the story about Courtney and the song, he was sure Katie did.

  He held Courtney tight as they slow danced. Her head stayed buried tight into his chest. Dean knew it was her favorite song, even though it was hard for her to listen to. Although they only had a few dates, he’d already heard the story about her childhood friend named Misty. She died of leukemia when they were only twelve. Her mother played the song for her over and over on their old record player. It was that heartbreaking incident that made Courtney decide to become a doctor. She never wanted someone to suffer as Misty had or even suffer as she had in losing a dear friend.