I interjected as he left the question implied, “Alessandro, this is Jane. Miss Jane McKay. And how many times do I have to tell you to please call me Crystal?”
“Miss McKay, it is a pleasure. This is the first time Crystal has ever brought someone other than her sister, Beverly here. This is exciting!”
I shot a look at him telling him he was sharing too much. He caught on and clammed up as he led us through the restaurant.
Riley responded, “No, the pleasure is mine.” I caught Riley giving me an odd reappraising look with a smile.
She looked a little confused as we were led out of the dining area and into the kitchen. I whispered to Alessandro, “Is everything set up?”
He responded as he led us to the fire exit door, “Just as requested.”
I caught her raised eyebrow. Damnit, she's got ears like a bat! But I simply love watching that eyebrow.
We went out the fire door and up the stairs to the door marked 'Roof Access' and he pushed it open. Riley gasped. A purple runner ran out to a single table on a huge purple area rug near the roof parapet, where a single table lit by candles sat with two meals covered by silver domes. The sun was dipping into Puget Sound, throwing reds and oranges across the cloudy sky. There were Birds of Paradise flowers arranged in large standing floor vases on each corner of the rug, pinning it down.
Alessandro walked us out and held our chairs as we sat, then took each of our hands giving them a kiss. “Have a wonderful evening ladies.” He wandered back downstairs as soft music started playing from hidden speakers somewhere.
Riley's eyes were darting around, taking everything in. “The rug... purple, my favorite color. And Birds of Paradise? Italian food? I barely mentioned these things last night. You remembered it all?” She seemed flustered.
I smiled and replied, “Not a thing you've said to me that I don't remember.”
“How did you get these things on such short notice?” she suddenly asked. I started to answer “Some people owed...” But she cut me off, “Owed you a favor?” We shared a laugh as I nodded sheepishly.
We took the lids off the meals and I poured the champagne. The easy conversation that flowed between us as we ate was as easy as speaking with Bev. Like we had been doing it our whole lives.
It was finally dusk, I glanced at my cellphone for the time. 8:58pm. I put my napkin on my plate then stood and reached my hand out to her. She took it, a questioning look on her face. I brought her a couple steps from the table and brought her in close to me and started slowly dancing to the music.
She happily surrendered as we melted into each other easily, swaying to the music. I glanced at the football stadium that dominated the view just as the first of the fireworks were launched into the sky exactly like I knew they would since the exhibition game there was slated to start at 9:00pm. I pulled back from her but continued to dance and held her hands in mine.
I watched as her eyes twinkled, mirroring the display in the sky. Then I couldn't stop myself, I had been watching her lips all night. I leaned in and softly captured her lips with mine.
It was a soft, probing kiss that she returned with more passion. I traced her lower lip with my tongue as she did the same. Every cell in my body felt flush with heat as she parted her lips slightly and our tongues gently caressed each others.
Then the first raindrop fell on us to interrupt our evening. We broke the kiss, both of us gasping and looking to the sky, her eyes were glazed over like I'm sure mine were. We smiled hugely to each other then laughed and sprinted toward the door to avoid the rain.
We just made it into the stairwell when the clouds opened up. Alessandro and two busboys were already on their way up to get everything out of the rain.
He stopped as we reached each other. “I'm so sorry your night has been ruined. But this is Seattle, rain is rain.”
I smiled at him and assured him, “No, everything was perfect.” I cringed at the dreamy tone in my voice on the word perfect. “However, I was planning a leisurely stroll back to your place to finish the night, Riley.” I shrugged a sheepish apology even though I didn't mind the rain myself.
She was grinning, I could tell she was having a good time despite the rain when she spoke, “No it's fine. I simply love the rain. Why else would I choose to live in Seattle? I'd still like that walk.”
Alessandro raised a finger and darted into the kitchen before us and returned handing me an umbrella before we made our way into the restaurant. I excused myself as we passed the restroom and they stood by the door to wait. Like an idiot I hadn't gone since after lunch, I was too nervous getting ready.
I quickly did my thing and washed my hands; but as I was about to open the door, I heard Riley and Alessandro speaking. She was asking him about the 'favor' I called in to get us there. He explained to her that with all the parties I arrange everywhere, I charge my fee up front to my clients but NEVER take a commission from any of the vendors I use, like his restaurant. Instead of currency, I liked to trade in favors, making things very beneficial to all involved.
I blushed when I heard him say, “She is extremely liked and respected in the local entertainment and hospitality industries in Seattle because of it. I'm pleased to count her as one of my friends.”
I waited a few seconds then opened the door and smiled at Riley, “Ready?” She smiled hugely back and nodded. I swear her eyes were twinkling at me.
Alessandro kissed the back of each of our hands as we said our goodbyes to him and boarded the elevator. As we rode down her hand snaked out and grabbed mine. Lacing our fingers together.
We walked out into the lobby and approached the door. I released her hand and opened the umbrella as we walked outside before seeking the warmth of her grasp again. We walked in a comfortable silence for a block stealing lingering glances at each other.
I looked around at the city as we walked. Seeing the rain in the streetlamps, the ground reflecting the lights in the gathering pools. I loved the rain, it made the city look new. It felt like it washed away anything that tainted it. Brought life to things. Washed away any hidden guilt from your soul. I stopped and handed Riley the umbrella and started taking off my heels and dropping my purse.
“What are you doing?” she laughed out.
I walked away from the shelter of the umbrella. I smiled innocently at her as I took a few steps and looked to the sky and started turning slowly, holding my arms out to my side. Letting the rain wash over me to wash away my sins. I opened my mouth in a genuine smile and spun around, still staring at the sky.
“God, this feels good!” I said wistfully, “It's like the whole world is brand new when it rains!” I finally stopped turning and jumped onto the base of an old fashioned streetlight, smiling hugely at her and pushing the loose straggles of wet hair from my eyes. Basking in the feeling.
“Wow.” she said, with eyes full of wonder and biting her lower lip hungrily as she continued, “You look so... innocent. Happy.”
I ran back under the umbrella grabbing my discarded items, slipping my shoes back on and hugging her arm and not letting go as I started pulling her toward her loft. I'm sure my eyes were twinkling, “I AM happy!”
At the door, she unlocked it as I stood on the sidewalk, she turned back for a second and I took a step to her and kissed her passionately. When we broke it off, I gasped out, “Good night Riley.”
She shook her head slowly, her smile turning to a look of sadness, “Good night Cryster. Sometimes I forget this is just a game.”
Then she walked into the building before I could respond. Yeah. A game. I forgot that's all it is to her. I wandered off toward my car, confused about the night.
Chapter 4 – Second Date
I got home, still soaked to the bone a half an hour later and confused as hell. I walked in the door and felt like crying and I had absolutely no clue why. Bev looked back at me from the couch where she was watching a movie. Then without a word she stood and ran to my bedroom, coming out with a oversized t-shirt, a towel
and my heavy robe.
I saw her concern, but I didn't know what to say, I was cycling through emotions. So I just stood there like a helpless idiot as she undressed me, patted me down with the towel and put me into my night clothes. Then she led me to the couch like a child and started drying my hair with the towel as she just held me. She still hadn't said a word and I just silently cried into her shoulder.
Time marched on, then it was midnight. I was still hiding in her protective arms when I sniffed. “Thanks Bevi, I don't know what the hell was wrong with me.”
She smiled at me then quietly said, “You like her, Kru.”
I don't know if it was a question or a statement as I replied, “No... yes... maybe... God, I don't know. It was like the perfect Cinderella date and, I don't know, maybe I was getting way too into it. But then she reminded me that it was just a game, a stupid bet. I guess I needed to be reminded of that. That she wasn't feeling the same confusion as me.”
Bev looked at me with her “I don't think so sis.” look but didn't say anything. The phone in my purse on the floor started buzzing. She got up and grabbed it then looked at the screen and handed it to me. A text from Riley. I took a cleansing breath then read it. [ thx 4 the most amazing time 2nite. srry 4 ruining it at end. :( ]
I didn't know how to take it, maybe she WAS feeling something, or maybe I'm just reading too much into it. I texted back quickly with an ambiguous [ no worries. had amazing time w/ u. can't wait til 2morow :) ]. And seconds later I got her response. [ whew. thought i messed up. can i ask, what did 2nite set you back? research 4 2morrow date ]. I smiled as I shot back, [ the price of ur dress, a 12 pack of beer, and calling in a few markers ]. I was quite proud of myself for what I pulled off on a shoestring budget.
A [ u looked awesome 2nite. g'night cryster ] came back a second later that made my heart flutter. I typed back, [ u looked spectacular too. g'night riley ]. I was beaming as I looked over at Bev who was reading the entire exchange.
She looked at me grinning, “Oh my God! My best friend IS gay!”
I smiled at her and meekly replied, “Starting to look that way.” But then I lost my smile. “Too bad it's just a game to her.”
She placed a hand on my shoulder and said with concern in her voice, “You need to put a stop to this before you really get hurt. Think tonight times ten, Kru.”
I shrugged and attempted to assure her, “It's just one more date.”
I tried to hide the fact that I just wanted as much time as I could with Riley before this bet was over and she moved on. But the squinty look Bev was shooting me told me she wasn't buying my BS.
She shook her head then stood again looking between our bedrooms then asked, “Snuggle time or no?”
I just nodded, I was still a little emotionally raw so we made our way into my bedroom and snuggled into bed, cocooning ourselves in, protecting each other from the stresses of our two bizzaroland broken relationships.
***
I awoke to sun streaming in the window and the sound of Bev in the shower and my phone buzzing on the nightstand. I looked at the time on it, 8:01am, before looking at the text message. Oooh! It's from her! [ mornin sleepyhead. i b there at 9. dress casual and light jacket ] I wanted to run around in little circles. I shot back an [ already ready ]. Lies! Lies I say! Just an hour! I had to get ready. It was a daytime date! She never said anything!
I ran to the shower and was simultaneously stripping and grabbing a slippery wet Bev from around the shower curtain and pulling her out of the shower so I could take mine.
“Hey! Pushy much, sis?” I got playfully from her as I stepped in. Her hand rocketed back into the shower to turn off the hot water before running off laughing maniacally at the “Jesus!” I screamed at the cold water hitting my body.
I finished my shower and stepped out yelling, “Bevi!” As I dried off and put on some clean undergarments, then stared into my closet. She came walking in wearing just her bra and panties, finishing up eating a bowl of my Fruit Loops.
“Yeashh?” she said, nonchalantly with her mouth full of those heavenly sugary loops.
“What the hell does casual mean? Is that like, here's my running sweats casual? I'm just hangin' at the mall casual? I'm really dressing sexier than hell but kicking it like it's casual, casual?” I blurted in a panic.
She snorted. Yes, she actually snorted at my distress! What kind of friend does that? I'm so going to demote her from best friend status! I mean, well there's nobody else to promote, so I guess she stays, but she is so on my list! If I had a list that is!
She was waving her spoon in front of my face to get my attention and asked me with her lopsided grin, “Internal friend demotion rant?”
I nodded with a smirk as she rummaged around in my drawers and pulled out my regular every day clothes. Some low rise jeans, my favorite solid red tank tee. My converse and some white socks. She included my white mini pants, just in case a swimming emergency arises.
“Taaa daa!” she offered.
She's a genius! Never in a million years would I have... oh... wait... duh, that's what I always wear. I decided that I really had to relax. The evil redhead could read all this in my expression and rolled her eyes as she wandered back out of my room munching my cereal, calling back over her shoulder with a giggle, “You're so friggin' gay for her!”
I pulled my hair into its signature ponytail, making sure to have some stragglers loose across my face as the door intercom buzzed. I ran over to the door but walked the last few steps after hearing Bev cracking up over on the couch about it while eating another full bowl of my Fruit Loops.
I hit the intercom, “Sorry, we already donated.” I said smirking. Then I heard Riley repeat my own words back to me.
“Okay, I'll just have to go find some other hot girl to date.” I snorted and hit the door buzzer then opened our door a crack and wandered into my bedroom to grab my purse and a light white hooded jacket.
I heard the gentle knock on the front door and heard Bev, “Come on in. Sup Jane?”
Riley responded, “Hi, Beverly, is Crystal ready?”
Bevi replied, “Yeah, little miss 'freak out' is getting her purse. Fruit Loops?”
Riley laughed, “No, but thanks. You aren't wearing any clothes, Bev.”
To her comedic, no-modesty credit, my best friend answered, “Huh. How bout that?”
I saw her shrug as she shoveled another spoonful of sugary goodness into her mouth as I walked out into the living room.
“Hey.” I said as I walked up to Riley. She was wearing an almost identical outfit, her top was pink and white stripped though. She turned and a big smile grew on her face. I couldn't have stopped my own return smile even if I had tried... which I didn't.
“Hey back.” she said. “Ready to hit the road?”
She nodded a goodbye to Bev and I followed her out. I caught Bevi mouthing, “Be careful.” to me as I closed the door.
Riley said, “She wasn't wearing any clothes,” to me as we walked out toward her car.
Was that a tinge of jealousy in her voice? Couldn't be. “Huh. How bout that?” I parroted Bev's earlier statement. Then a second later grinned at Riley and said, “Yeah, she's not real big on the whole 'modesty' myth.”
She almost laughed at that, “Myth?”
I chuckled and said, “Yeah, according to Bevi.”
She seemed amused now but still asked, “She do that sort of thing often?”
Oh, I got it now. “Why? You like?”
She shook her head. “No, like I said before, not interested in HER.”
Okay, now it sounded like jealousy again as well as some flirting. Mixed signals much? I blushed and responded, “Well, nothing to worry about, that's just how she is. She's my best friend who may as well be my sister.”
She defended herself quickly, “I'm not worried. She's just so easygoing about it. Besides, we're not really dating.”
That stung and she saw me flinch and quickly added, “Sorry, didn't mean it like th
at. I didn't mean to ruin the date before it starts.” Her shoulders slumped.
She looked dejected, I just wanted to hold her, so I compromised and grabbed her hand as we walked, slipping my fingers between hers. Then reassured her by simply saying softly, “Nothing is ruined.” I caught her smile out of the corner of my eye, causing my own to reappear.
We hopped in her car and she was really secretive as we looped into Seattle then drove back out of the city on I90, I couldn't dig any details out of her so I settled on smalltalk and joking around with her. We slipped into our easy banter again. Learning all we could about each other. It was so easy, so natural.
We turned off at Issaquah and darted under the interstate to a private airfield. OMG are we going to fly? She nodded to the guard at the gate who just smiled and waved us in. She parked next to a hangar that she said she shared with multiple pilots and got out and ran around to get my door. I grinned and blushed at that, nervously twirling the end of my ponytail.
She typed a code on a pad at the huge bay door and the machinery groaned as the door rolled aside, revealing a few small planes. Up front was her gleaming white plane with purple wingtips and leading edges. There was an awesome, brilliant purple wavy stripe along the body with 'McKay Air Tours' painted inside the stripe in white. She walked up to it, running her fingers along it and beaming with pride.
“Wow!” I said, “It's beautiful!”
She grinned like an idiot and replied, “She's my baby. Cryster, meet Violet.”
She grabbed my hand and excitedly dragged me into the shared walled off office area inside the hangar. “Wait here a minute, I gotta go do pre-flight.” she grinned.
I smiled while biting my lower lip as I watched her run out toward her plane through the huge windows lining the wall. She was almost bounding like a little kid, it brought another smile to my face to watch her enthusiasm.
I noticed music coming from a small radio near an old orange vinyl couch that must have come from the 1970's. I walked over to sit and wait. The only modern thing in office area was a print of one of those trippily cool collages by Mia Jacobs.
Music of the Soul 1, 2, & 3 Starter Bundle Page 38
