“You’re going to leave her car like that?” I stood there stunned. Gross!
“It’s her car and her mess. You want to clean it up, be my guest.” Marina tossed me the keys and steered Lori to the elevator.
I ran to catch up with them. Lori was going to have a bad morning. I didn’t care. I’d had a great night. Seeing Lori drunk. Having cute guy hit on me, even if he was all hands. Talking with Marina on the ride home.
I had just enough alcohol in my system to feel good without worrying about a hangover tomorrow. We’d have to do this again! And Lucas no longer bothered me.
Yep! Just the right amount of alcohol and other men.
Chapter Twelve
Marina’s Foot Comes Down
This week had not been good so far. It had been a horrid morning at work already. I was hiding in the office for a bit to keep my sanity. Between Nick, Eddie, and Lori all my energy had been sucked out and a headache left behind. I didn’t need this sort of drama.
Sure, I'd broken my drought of sex. Then my best friend went nuts and tried to beat me up. The only good thing about that was that Lori clearly still wanted Nick. She couldn't deny it anymore.
One problem down, but today was the day I'd promised to have lunch with Jen and Lucas. I wasn't looking forward to it at all. Even if the lunch was on him and the food was good, I didn’t have an appetite.
I didn't want to see him. I didn't care about Lucas. I toyed with the idea of calling it off and claiming a migraine. That wouldn’t be fair to Jen. Her hopes were up and her heart was set. It wouldn’t kill me. Another reason I wasn’t compatible with Lucas.
Frankly, I was stunned he’d agreed to it at all. Luckily, the odds of a scene with him were slim. Lucas didn’t like scenes or fusses, especially in public. I didn’t mind making a scene if that was what was needed.
It was for Jen, I reminded myself, again and again. Once Jen saw the total lack of chemistry between Lucas and me, she'd back off and hopefully find a man of her own and get a sex life. Maybe then, she’d understand how sex, attraction, and love could mix or be totally separate.
The office was slow today. That allowed me to avoid my favorite patient. The puppy obedience class was going on and I knew Seth and Monster were out there.
I could go out, flirt casually, and it’d end up like every other time. Attracted and frustrated. That pattern had grown tired and old. I didn’t have the energy for being nice to two men who weren’t interested in me in one day. Lucas, I had to be nice to or Jen would get upset. Seth, maybe I could avoid him this once.
This time I'd decided to hide in the back, if possible, and fate was finally on my side. I sipped coffee in the office and wished it were after lunch and this was all over. Time was moving unbearably slowly.
A few minutes of doing nothing made me crazy so I went into the back rooms and took out the litter of kittens to play with. They needed human contact and socialization. The black runt was gaining weight and growing bolder. My little favorite was the family instigator.
I was deeply involved with the kitten cuddling, scratching, and wrestling and didn't hear the door open behind me. It wasn't until I felt someone next to me that I turned my head. I tried my best not to react.
It was Seth. I couldn't avoid him, even when I tried. My hope started to grow again. Maybe he was looking for me. Maybe this time it would be different. I squashed that fantasy quickly.
I had to say something. "Hi." I looked behind him for a staff member. He was alone. "What are you doing back here?" I asked.
"I thought I'd visit the kittens since they're still here. Class is over and Monster is getting spoiled by the assistants." Seth scoped up the little black runt, and she started purring even louder.
"She likes you." I had to smile. What could be cuter than a grown man, who seemed so serious and shy, cuddling a helpless ball of fur?
"She's gotten bigger," he observed. "They’re not ready to go yet?"
I shook my head. "No, they’re still too little, they have to be able to eat solid food. Soon. Another week or so." I began toying with the other kittens. They chased my fingers and pounced on them. Their little teeth could barely be felt, but those claws could use a trim.
"Found homes for them yet?" he asked.
"I don't know. I don’t think so. The assistants keep track of the applications and stuff. I don't really get involved there." I didn't even try to flirt. It hadn’t gotten me anywhere and I wasn’t in the mood. Every time I was ready to give up, Seth appeared to tempt me.
Not that I didn’t want him. I wanted him. He looked very good today. Dress pants in a slate gray and a maroon sweater made him look very trendy. More in than he really was. Odd clothes for a puppy training visit. Maybe he had a lunch date.
Unfortunately, so did I. Sighing, I looked at my watch. I wanted to get lunch over with.
"I'm sorry, am I keeping you from something?" Seth put the kitten down and she meowed in protest.
"No, just checking the time. I have to be somewhere for lunch with a friend and I don’t want to be late." I scratched the runt under her chin and she rolled over on her back wiggling in enjoyment.
I’d be thrilled to be late for lunch just to make Lucas wait. I preferred to get there and be settled first so I could appear calm and detached.
"It's almost eleven now." He ran a hand over the other kittens and smiled slightly at me. "I'll get out of your way. I'm sure you have some work to finish. Have a nice day, Dr. Castini."
"You too, Mr. Lauden," I said. I didn't look at him as he left. I barely smiled a polite, not overeager, smile. Was I losing interest?
No, I still enjoyed him. Felt that tingle around his company. Maybe I just gave up hope that he'd catch on. Some men were slow, and if he was that oblivious, he didn't deserve me.
It sounded good anyway. The kittens and I knew better. This time would be no different.
Seth’s little runt friend licked my thumb and rubbed her face against it. She had a better chance of going home with Seth than I did.
Less than enthused about the rest of my day, I put the kittens back in their cage with a note to the assistant to trim their claws.
Then I returned to the office and took off my lab coat. Jen, this was for Jen, I told myself. One lunch wouldn't kill me. Lori was on the right track, I hoped. She'd seemed determined to get Nick back.
I wanted to believe her. Unfortunately, she could change her mind in a second for any reason. Lori could talk anyone into or out of anything. And she could do it to herself too. I had to let that go for now. It was up to her. I was done stalking Nick for her.
I slipped into the bathroom and checked my makeup. Not bad, I touched up my lipstick and powder and then dabbed perfume on strategic areas.
Not that I wanted to get Lucas back, still I could make him suffer. You never met an ex-boyfriend looking less than your best.
I grabbed my stuff and headed out. I had this bad habit of being early. I'd rather have the drop on Lucas than the other way around.
~* * *~
I arrived fifteen minutes early and spotted Jen already sitting in a corner booth. I saw Lucas, partially obscured by her, in the booth too.
My plot to be early was foiled. At least we could get started and get it over with. The first few minutes would be awkward and then it’d be all downhill. I wanted it to be over with.
I got a little closer and saw Lucas' arm go around Jen's shoulder. No, it couldn't be. My eyes were playing tricks. Jen and Lucas were playing a joke. It had to be. It couldn’t be true.
I got a little closer again and it was true. They were making out like high schoolers. Lucas and a public display of affection?
Even in a low-lit restaurant like this, it wasn’t normal for him. He'd changed all right, yet he wasn't good for Jen. Lucas wasn’t the type she should start off with. A terrible match all the way around.
She was too innocent. Lucas was a rough around the edges type. Direct and lacking any savvy. A workaholic who would take her for
granted if she wasn't careful. I had to put a stop to this for Jen.
I double-checked for a hidden jealous motive. Nope I was clean. He was out of my system and this proved it. I cared about my friend, not my ex. Jen was a bit naïve for Lucas. The whole virgin thing wasn’t a problem for Lucas to fix. Handling women well was not one of his talents. He lacked subtly and patience.
The urge to break them up was pounding through me. Adrenaline and increased blood pressure made me feel like a jealous crazy women. Just like Lori had looked yesterday. Though I wouldn't start a catfight over Lucas. He wasn't worth it to me.
On the other hand, I couldn't let Jen walk into the lion's den. The virgin wasn't up to playing in Lucas' league. I could be diplomatic, I decided. I'd catch them, Jen would be embarrassed, and I'd act like it was nothing. We’d have an awkward lunch and leave. Maybe we could just leave and forget about it all.
Then, later, I'd explain to her that Lucas wasn't a good choice for her first sexual experience. That was more than she needed to deal with her first time. Shit, I hoped I wasn't too late for that. If I had to, I'd make her feel guilty for going after my ex. That'd seal the deal. I didn’t care. I’d use whatever I had.
With my plan ready, I took control of my temper as best I could and approached the table. I stood right in front of them and they didn’t react at all. I cleared my throat, remaining unnoticed. Jen was practically in his lap to the point where I could barely see the top of his head. This was a new side of Jen.
"Hi, Jen," I said.
They broke apart like I was a nun catching them in the confessional, not that that had ever happened to me. Stupid Sister Mary Regina. I wish I’d been invisible that day! Too much repression in Catholic school for a co-educational environment if you ask me.
Jen was blushing the color of a good merlot but Lucas was. . .Lucas wasn't here. I opened my mouth and squinted. My contacts hadn't gone blurry. I closed my mouth, looked around for a hidden camera, rubbed my eyes and realized it was a real mess. Bigger than I ever imagined. Did I get the wrong day?
"Who the hell is this?" I asked. Was Lucas coming later? Jen scored a nice cute guy? Good for her, however this wasn't the time or place to get to third base. Why did I have to be there for that lunch?
"Lucas." Jen looked confused.
The man looked trapped like the rat that he was and refused to look me in the eye. I hated it when men tried to weasel. This guy was up to something. “I told you earlier. I called.” The guy blushed until his ears were red.
"No, that's not him.” I put my hands on my hips and felt my mother's tone emerging from my mouth. I stepped closer and directed my voice at him. Whoever he was. “Who the fuck are you?"
He looked terrified and guilty. "Tim."
"You were serious? I thought it was a joke." Jen squeaked.
"Tim who? Kidding about what? And what are you doing impersonating Lucas?" I demanded.
Jen was clearly useless. She looked ready to burst into tears, too stunned to do that just yet. Her eyes darted from him to me, waiting for a punch line on for it all to make sense. She was out of luck.
"Tim Richards. I work with Lucas at the brokerage firm." He answered my questions, but spoke directly to Jen. "I'm sorry. I tried to tell you, I thought you understood."
"Why are you impersonating Lucas?" I asked rather loudly. Making a scene never bothered me.
"Ma'am, is there a problem?" a male waiter, no more than twenty, asked.
"No, Ma’am, there isn’t," I snapped. Ma'am my ass. Who the hell was a ma'am at this table? That guy was lucky I was mad at Tim or he'd get an earful. The waiter left us before I turned on him. I’d definitely inherited my mother’s talent for inflicting fear and extracting the truth. Tim needed some fear put into him.
"I didn't mean to pretend to be Lucas. Jen was looking for him and I wanted to keep talking to her," he babbled. Tim wasn’t sure whether to explain to me or to Jen. Neither of us was sympathetic.
"You're really not Lucas?" Jen's lip began to quiver. “You’re Tim?”
"I'm so sorry. Everything else is true. I only lied about my name. I swear."
"Excuse me," Jen squeaked. She slid out of the booth and bolted for the door.
Tim looked like he was about to after her, but I stared him down. "Don't you dare," I warned.
"She was so single-minded after him that she barely looked at me. I’m not a creep. Lucas is married with three kids. It would have been a waste of her time." He was younger than Lucas and lacked the smug ego Lucas wore proudly. Lucas would never apologize or be afraid of me.
"Tim Richards," I said. I needed to make sure I had his full attention.
"Yes?" he asked.
In a perverse way, I was enjoying the intimidation factor. I had the power over Tim right now and I was going to make sure he understood the ground rules. Since Jen was gone, we’d go with my ground rules.
"Stay the hell away from me, stay away from my friend, or I'll call up Lucas and have you fired." I grabbed the mostly full pitcher of frozen margaritas on the table and dumped it all in Tim's lap.
Then I strutted out of that restaurant, glaring at that waiter who’d dared to call me old. I knew this wasn’t a place I'd be coming back to ever, even if the food was supposed to be good. Ma’am my ass!
This was turning out to be a hideous day. And now, I had to deal with the aftermath. If Lori out of control was bad, Jen was worse. I’d handled Lori countless times before. Jen wasn’t normally like this.
I stepped out into the cold Chicago winter and looked up and down the street. I spotted Jen huddled at the corner. She was trying to cross to get to the El platform and blend into the crowd.
She had that deer caught in the headlights look. I couldn’t blame her, I didn’t really understand what Tim had done or why he’d done it, but Jen was the concern now. Tim was history. Depending on how badly Jen reacted, I might get him in even more trouble. A call to Lucas for some real revenge wasn’t out of the question. It was certainly warranted and could come later if necessary.
I ran to get her and she started crying. "I'm sorry." She buried her face in my shoulder and I tried to comfort her as I hailed a cab. Jen was too shy to handle an emotional breakdown in public.
Pushing her into the taxi, I followed. "It's not your fault," I said after telling the driver where to take us. “Some men are scum.”
"Yes, it’s my fault. I was a fool. He lied and I bought it. He tells the truth and I don’t believe him. What’s wrong with me? I fell for him and his story. I was going to tell you today that I wanted to date your ex, except now he isn’t—he isn't Lucas." She started crying again. Big heaving sobs that nothing except time could stop.
“It doesn’t matter, Jen. This is about you and Tim.” I didn’t want to be reminded that I’d started all of this. Then I’d feel bad and it was Tim’s fault.
“Then I failed on my end of the plan. I never even found Lucas.” Jen’s breathing was so fast I knew she’d hyperventilate if she didn’t calm down.
"Breathe," I encouraged. What else was there to say? "I never cared about Lucas and Tim told me he was married with three kids. Tim lied to you. You have every right to be furious with him."
"I blew it." She shook her head. “I totally blew the game. I can’t do anything right.”
"I don't want Lucas, Jen. I never did. This was about Lori, remember? I'm relieved I didn't have to see Lucas. This Tim doesn't deserve your tears. He’s the asshole here. Don’t blame yourself."
She sniffed. "You're not mad?"
"Of course I'm not. And after I dumped the frozen pitcher of drinks in Tim's lap, I felt a lot better." I grinned. “Too bad I had to waste good tequila. It served a worthy purpose almost as enjoyable.”
She laughed and cried. "You didn't?"
"Hell yes, he deserves worse. Say the word and I'll call Lucas and get him fired." I nodded.
"I don't know. I was the fool. I never got a business card or a phone number other than his cell. I was a comple
te idiot and I thought I was in love. I just believed that that was the best way to get a hold of him. I was enjoying myself."
"Jen, don't beat yourself up over it. I'm just glad he didn't hurt you." I shuddered to think what a manipulative jerk like that could've done to her if he had the chance. There was no way of knowing how sick he was. What had possessed him to do such a thing?
"Hurt me? He lied, that hurts enough." She looked on the verge of tears again.
"I meant physically. Who knows why he was lying. What he was after. He could've been some perverted Silence of the Lambs type." Jen didn’t see the big picture of dangers out there in the city.
"No, he wasn't like that." Jen shook her head. “He was nice.”
I let my head drop into my palm. "Jen, for Christ's sake you don't know what he’s really like. You just learned his real name. Don't you dare defend him."
My lecture was met with sniffles and blubbering. Yelling at her wouldn’t do any good. Lori sure was easier to fight with. Jen needed a more subtle approach.
We arrived at home and I paid for the cab. Jen and I got to her apartment and she was still silent. The zombie look in her eyes wasn’t a good sign.
I called off work the rest of the day and made Jen some tea. "Don't tell me you want him back?" I had to squash that romantic fantasy right away.
Jen was curled up on the couch; she managed to shake her head. "That jerk. We went out three times. He could’ve told me."
"Welcome to the dating world." I handed her a cup of tea. "It sucks."
She nodded slowly.
I had to say something. The truth wouldn’t be as comforting. At least she’d believe it better than hollow consolation. “There are tons of liars, cheaters, and complete assholes out there. Lori and I have had our share. Every woman has. You need to develop some instincts to pick them out. That’s just practice. There are questions to ask to give you clues if he’s hiding a wife or girlfriend. If he’s controlling. There’s a lot to look out for.”
“Why would he lie about his name?” Jen’s tears were drying up.
Best in Bed Page 16
