“What about your family? Where do they live?”
“My parents are both in Florida. What about you?”
“My folks and little sister live in Indiana. So not too far. It must be hard for you, being so far from your family.”
“You have no idea. But Maggie has been a big help.”
“So I’ve heard.” She gives me a sly smile causing me to kick her foot under the table. My way of telling her to knock it off. She can be so annoying. “So how are you liking Michigan?”
“It’s good. I’m adjusting slowly.” That’s it. That’s all he says. This is so unlike him. He always seems so eager to share everything with me, it really floors me that he is being so quiet. Heather decides to take over the conversation talking about her job and classes. Asher shows genuine interest in her but doesn’t push any particular topic. He seems very different with her than he is with me. It’s a little unsettling.
“Thanks for a great meal. Maggie told me what a great cook you are and she was right. That was the best stir fry I’ve ever had.”
“Thanks Asher. Why don’t you and Maggie go hang out while I clean up.” I try to argue but she’s practically pushing me out of the kitchen. I grab Asher by the arm and pull him into the living room away from prying ears.
“Why are you being so quiet? I know Heather can come off strong sometimes but I assure you, she’s not as scary as she looks.”
“I don’t know what you mean. I thought I talked plenty to your friend. And I like Heather. She seems really nice. I wasn’t being rude was I?”
“Not at all. It’s just that you seem different with me. You tend to say way more and ask a ton more questions.”
“Maggie, I am different around you. I know you think I’m this naïve kid from Florida but I pay attention to more things than you think. I can tell you don’t like talking about yourself so I try to take over most of the conversation. I notice the way you lean into me, tilting your head slightly when I talk about surfing. My stories seem to keep you entertained so I keep telling them. I love the way your eyes light up with curiosity when I tell you one of my many adventures with the guys. I know I can seem pushy sometimes but it’s just because I want to get to know you better.”
I am flabbergasted. Who knew this guy had so much insight. I don’t know why I don’t give him more credit. I knew from the first study session that he had a remarkable mind. Of course he has me figured out. I’m really not that complicated.
“I don’t even know what to say except that I do like your stories. They’re really great but what keeps me so enthralled is the way you describe things. You have a natural tact for marketing and even though you don’t want to admit it, you’re damn good at it.”
“Thanks Maggie. But I never said I wasn’t talented. It just isn’t my passion.”
“I get what you are saying. I know surfing is your true passion. Maybe you can figure out a career that lets you continue doing what makes you happy.”
“Maybe.” He gives me a small reassuring smile. “So, I’ve been meaning to ask how you stay in such great shape.”
“I go running. At least five days a week. I used to be on the swim team in high school. That’s usually what I do in the winter here because it gets way too cold to run outside. And I hate running on a treadmill. The campus has a pretty decent indoor pool.”
“Can I go running with you?”
“I go pretty early.”
“Remember who you are talking to. I used to get up at 5 am to go surfing. Mornings don’t bother me.”
“That’s right. How could I forget? Ok. Be here at 6 o’clock tomorrow morning. Are you sure you can keep up? I’ve been doing this for a while.”
“I don’t think it will be a problem. Thanks again for dinner. Tell Heather I said goodnight. See you bright and early tomorrow.”
I walk Asher to the door and watch him walk away. I’m starting to like him more and more. Just then Heather walks up behind me and gives me a swift swat on my ass.
“You like him.”
“I do not. I mean not in the way you’re thinking. He’s just a nice kid.”
“Honey, he is far from being a kid. If you don’t grab him I might just have too. He’s a very hunky piece of man if I do say so myself.”
“Stop it. Stop it now, before you embarrass yourself.” I must have forgotten who I was talking to because she doesn’t embarrass easily.
“Fine. Let’s watch a really bad movie and eat ice cream until our stomach’s hurt.”
“Sounds like a perfect plan to me.”
This is yet another reason I love Heather. She never harps on an issue. She speaks her mind and then lets it go. I really wish I could do the same because for some crazy reason I can’t stop thinking about Asher.
Chapter Four
The next morning I drag myself out of bed. I really don’t want to go running today and if Asher wasn’t meeting me I would totally go back to bed. I had another nightmare but this time it woke me up in the middle of the night. It took hours to get back to sleep. I throw my hair in a ponytail and put on my running outfit. It’s still warm here but not for much longer. I know the freezing morning runs are coming sooner than I would like. I splash some cold water on my face to try and wake up. I decide some mouthwash will have to do because I don’t have the energy to brush my teeth. I usually don’t worry about such trivial things but Asher doesn’t need to smell my morning breath.
I decide to wait outside so we don’t wake Heather. I know she usually gets up right around the time I finish my run. Yet another reason we are such good roommates. We keep very similar schedules. Just as I start my stretching routine, Asher comes running up to my side jogging in place.
“Ready?” He says with the biggest grin. What is he up to?
“The better question is, are you ready?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
I start off with a slow jog, then just as we round the corner I pick up speed. So far he is keeping up with no problem. So I take it up another notch until I get into a good pace. I keep looking over to see if I’m pushing him too far but he doesn’t seem bothered in the least. After a good five mile run we stop by the open field near my apartment to take a break.
Of course I’m reminded of the first time Vincent ran with me. He was bent over and heaving after only two miles. Why can’t I stop referencing every part of my life with him? I turn my attention to the person beside me and stop focusing on the ghost of my past relationship.
“You really didn’t have any problem keeping up with me, did you?”
“Not at all.”
We are both dripping with sweat at this point. Asher takes his shirt off to wipe away the moisture pouring down his face. That’s when my jaw drops. What the hell has this boy been hiding? He is ripped. His chest is perfectly chiseled and I could swear he has an eight pack. He doesn’t have the huge muscles that bulge out of your clothes which explains why I didn’t notice before. He is very lean but toned over his entire body. Then he bends over to tie his shoe and I see the sexiest thing I think I have ever seen on a guy. He has a tan line right at his waist giving me just a glimpse of how white he really is. I have no idea why I find that so tantalizing.
He stands up and looks right into my eyes. He flashes his classic carefree smile and then pulls his shirt back over his head. I can’t believe that I’m having thoughts about another guy in any kind of way let alone a sexual one. It’s not like I want to jump his body or anything but I’m not complaining about the view either.
“Same time tomorrow?” He asks after walking me back to my apartment.
“Sure. If you think you’re up for it.” I give him a little smirk to go with my sass.
“Definitely. Any day, any time, Wilson.” I just laugh as I back away. Who calls someone by their last name anyway? And why do I like it?
I head straight for the shower to get ready for class. When I’m dressed and about to head out the door, I run into Heather. She doesn’t look so good.
>
“Everything alright?”
“No. I think I caught the flu. I was up half the night throwing up. Sorry.”
“What are you sorry for? It’s not your fault.”
“Sorry because you’re probably going to get it. I haven’t been super careful with washing my hands lately and I’ve cooked for you all week. I suck.”
“It’s still not your fault. What can I do for you?”
“Nothing. I just want to crawl up into a ball and die.”
I end up putting her back to bed with a bucket next to her, plenty of blankets around her, and two glasses of water next to her on the nightstand. I vow to come check on her in between classes.
I head out to my first class actually looking forward to seeing Asher. He’s growing on me. I can see myself starting to like him, maybe a little more than I’m ready for. After the professor starts the lecture and I still don’t see Asher I start to get concerned. He has never missed a class. Plus I just saw him like two hours ago. I hope he’s alright.
As soon as class lets out I run over to his dorm. I knock on the door but don’t get a response. Just as I’m about to knock again, some tall, lanky and very pale looking guy comes around the corner telling me his roommate is sick. He walks right up to me, then opens the door.
“Hey Asher, you got a visitor.” I see him lying on his bed with sweat beading up over his forehead.
“Oh my gosh. Are you okay?”
“Don’t look. I’m hideous.” He tries so hard to cover his face in mock horror but he is too weak to move his arm more than an inch or two. “It just hit me when I got back from our run.”
“You aren’t hideous but I do think you have the flu. Heather has it and she did cook for us last night. You probably picked it up at our house. Sorry. What can I get for you?”
“I don’t know. Nothing. Everything. My whole body is starting to hurt.”
“Well, I hate to break it to you but the vomiting will start soon.”
“Isn’t that just great. I knew I should have listened to my mom and gotten a flu shot.”
I look around his room for something he can throw up in but the best I come up with is his tiny trash can. I don’t think that will work. I step out into the hall and discover a much larger trash can with a plastic bag for a liner. Perfect. I drag it into his room and put it right next to him. I notice a small refrigerator in the corner. I walk over to open it but the roommate grabs my arm. I take a slow, deep breath to calm myself down. I don’t want to over react and end up pinning him to the ground with a knee in his back. I took a couple more self-defense classes before coming to college.
“That’s mine.”
“Look here Lurch, he’s sick. I’m just looking for some bottled water. I will repay you later today. I just want him to stay hydrated.” What a jerk.
“Fine. He can have two bottles. I have class but I know every single item it that fridge so don’t even think about taking anything more.” After scolding me over his property he leaves the room.
“Pleasant isn’t he.”
“Don’t worry. I had an awful roommate last year too. Here is your water. I will be back to check on you later. Try to drink as much as you can.”
“Thanks Maggie.” He closes his eyes slowly, waiting for me to leave. I feel so bad for him. Man, I hope I don’t get it.
This has been the longest day of my life. Between checking on Asher and Heather I barely had time to eat. At least I seem to be feeling ok, which is good since I seem to be the only person taking care of these two. It doesn’t help that Asher’s dorm is all the way on the other side of campus. I stocked him up on Gatorade and water after repaying his stingy roommate. I also emptied the trash can twice during the day from the vomit. I must really like him because I so would not do this for just anybody. The stench alone could kill a person. I had to plug my nose the entire time I was in his room. He was passed out each time I checked on him but I noticed the bottles of water were empty. As least he was listening and drinking whenever he came to.
Heather on the other hand is a horrible patient. She refuses to drink anything saying it will just come right back up. I agree with her to a certain degree but I think she’s past the worst of it and really needs to rehydrate. After forcing half a glass of water down her throat, I leave her to her misery. I really, really hope I don’t get sick.
I head to bed fearful that I will be up in the middle of the night hugging the toilet. I toss and turn until about two in the morning. Finally the exhaustion outweighs the fear. Unfortunately by 5:30 I am up puking my guts out. After throwing up everything in my stomach, my body starts to convulse with dry heaves until I’m finally able to stop the quivering. I decide to rest my head on the cold tile floor which almost feels good next to my hot cheek.
I must have passed out in the bathroom but I don’t have a clue how much time has passed. I wake up shaking, trying to wrap myself around my body for warmth. That’s when I realize I have to move if I want something more substantial covering my limbs. I literally crawl on my hands and knees back to my bedroom across the hall. Slowly, very slowly because my whole body aches.
As I stare up at my bed, desolation starts to rear its ugly head. I’m all alone in this world. There is no one to come check on me, there is no one who even cares that I’m sick. There is no one that can help me climb into bed. I don’t have any parents and little to no friends. The one person I loved more than anyone left me. I start to feel so alone as the tears slowly start to build. But before a single drop leaves my face, I inhale a deep breath taking stalk of my life. Snap out of it, Maggie. Pull yourself together. You have so much love in your life. If Heather or Asher were feeling better they would be taking care of you just like you took care of them. If you lived closer to Martina or Grandpa they would also take care of you. So stop feeling sorry for yourself and get your ass into that bed.
It must have taken me 20 minutes to get enough energy to creep into my bed but I did it. Without anyone around to help. As much as I value my independence, I have to admit that being alone sucks. I snuggle under the blankets hoping sleep finds me soon so I can forget the pain. All of it.
I decide that since I’m already suffering I might as well make it worse. I let myself go back to the last time Vince and I were together intimately. It’s been so long I feel like I’m forgetting what his touch felt like. What it did to me. Every time he made love to me I could feel his passion all the way down to my bones. He had a way of looking at me like I was the only person on the planet that mattered to him. He knew every part of my body like it was his own. His hands would roam over every inch of me until he was completely satisfied. He made me feel everything. Nothing was left unexplored. I don’t know if I will ever get over him. And if I’m being honest, I don’t know that I want to.
We were at his house because for once Tommy and Amanda were out for the entire evening. I loved being in his room, sitting at his desk, surrounded by his sketches. After talking over some new plans for his customers, Vince slowly started nibbling my ear from behind. That always got my attention. I tilted my head slightly to give him better access to my neck. His kisses started off so light I almost didn’t feel them. But his breath on my skin made that nearly impossible. As soon as he started working his way down to my breasts, I couldn’t take it anymore. I stood abruptly, turning around until I had his lips on my own.
Sometimes it seemed like I couldn’t get close enough to his body. Like we were trapped in a confined space that would never be small enough. Who am I kidding, I felt that way all the time. I pulled at his shirt frantically wanting it off so I could lick every part of his muscled torso. He obliged, leaning over just enough so I could pull the dark t-shirt from his body. It’s funny how little details slip your memory. For the life of me, I can’t remember what color that damn shirt was.
After kissing all the exposed parts of his skin, I wanted more. I pushed him all the way back to his bed, stalking him like my prey. Once he reached the edge I pushed just enough t
o make him fall to the mattress. I stood over him admiring the beauty that made up Vincent Moreno. It wasn’t just his physical appearance, it never had been. He was beautiful inside and out. I thought I knew his heart better than anyone. I thought our connection would last forever.
After getting all of our clothes out of the way, I straddled him on the bed holding his hands above his head while I did what I pleased. I kissed him deeply until neither of us could breathe. Then I gently started to nip at his neck while running my hands up and down his chest. When he couldn’t take it anymore, he flipped us over so he was towering over me. He looked down into my eyes with so much love and desire I could have melted into the sheets. He quickly reached over to his nightstand to grab a condom. After ripping open the package, I pulled it from his fingers. Slowly moving my hand closer and closer to the destination, watching his eyes full of anticipation. The minute my hand left his body, our mouths crashed together like we were desperate to have each other.
My legs were wrapped so tightly around his waist, wanting him inside me. He was always so careful not to hurt me. He pulled back just enough to make sure I was ready. I nodded slightly giving him all the permission he needed. After a few gentle movements I whispered in his ear. “Go faster, please.” He obliged and within minutes I was brought to my breaking point. After screaming out his name in pure ecstasy, Vincent slowed back to a more intimate pace. Gently rubbing my jaw and then my bottom lip with his thumb, he told me how much he loved me. And I believed him. We stayed like that for what seemed like an eternity. Slowly making love to each other. I didn’t think it was possible for my body to react to him anymore than it already had. But to my surprise, Vince gave me another epic moment before finding his own.
No wonder I can’t get over him when all I want is to be under him again. To feel the heat of his body pressed against mine while he looks lovingly into my eyes. I miss him more than I thought humanly possible. But I can’t go back. Not now, not ever. Because he doesn’t want me.
Chapter Five
Sublime Resistance Page 3
