by Amanda Jason
“Yeah, that really helps. Oh, look … they’ve opened another register. Hey, what the fuck? That lady was behind us and now she’s being waited on.”
I cover Jules’ mouth, as any minute now she’ll start a riot, and I don’t want to be on the Channel Six news at eleven. Jules nips at one of my fingers and I gently tap her on the head. The people behind us are getting upset. Part of me wants to dump the stuff we have, but I persevere and we finally escape without inciting a riot.
Shivering, we enter the warm confines of the loft’s lobby. Brad is sitting at his post, his hands wrapped around a huge mug of something that is steaming.
“Ooooooh, that looks yummy,” Julie stutters with quivering lips.
“Would you like a cup? It’s a special hot chocolate blend. I have a pot of it in the back.” His grin is so adorable.
“We’ll love you forever, won’t we, Dora?” Julie replies.
Brad jumps off his stool and enters a door behind him. Seconds later, he’s back with two mugs.
“You’re such a lifesaver. Not only did we fight the cold today, we also did our dreaded holiday shopping. You’re awesome.” Julie takes a sip and her eyes close. “Mmmmmm, this is the best.”
I take a drink of mine and have to agree—it’s a chocolate orgasmic experience in my mouth. The ding of the elevator has all of us turning at the same time. My knees go weak as I see Colin standing there with Liam. Colin grins and Liam is, well, it looks kinda like smiling.
“Tis the season,” Colin says.
“Yep. Long lines and evil people, but Brad has fucking saved the day.” Oh, so full of Christmas cheer is Julie.
Liam and Colin look at my face and start laughing.
“You guys, stop that. It’s not funny. You try keeping Ms. Potty Mouth under control. I’ll gladly give you the job.” I glare at them as they continue to laugh. Brad has his hand over his mouth. I’m sure he’s laughing too.
“My mouth is not a toilet. They’re only words, after all.” Julie pretends she’s in a huff, but she loves the attention. “Where are you two hot bods off to?” she continues, and I groan as the two “hot bods” stop laughing, smile, and stand up a little straighter.
With that, I take off toward the stairs, ignoring the foursome. What has me so mad? Julie is just being Julie, after all, and … I don’t know. I haven’t been this confused in my life.
I reach the fourth floor, realizing through rambling thoughts that I’m not out of breath. Pulling open the exit door, I run into a hard object—a really hard object. Raising my eyes, I meet Drew’s smiling ones.
“Whoa, Dora, where’s the fire?” His dimple deepens as his gorgeous grin widens.
“No fire. I felt like climbing the stairs.”
“Lucky stairs,” he replies, staring at my lips as if he wants to devour them.
What the hell? Where did that come from?
Bad boy. Remember, notches on bedposts and all that? I’m so not going to be the millionth and one girl on his list.
“Ha ha, very funny,” I say.
“Ah, Dora, you wound me. Me, who adores you.”
Oh, brother. Time to run—I mean, walk—away right now.
“Love to stand here and chat, Drew, but I think your cohorts are downstairs waiting for you, and I have presents to wrap,” I say, lifting my packages to show him proof.
“I don’t get it. I feel you’re always trying to get rid of me, and it hurts my heart.”
Gently pushing him away with my packages, I start off down the hall. “I’m so sure, Drew,” I reply without even turning to look at him, instead banging on my door. I’m relieved when Jeff immediately opens it.
“Hey, Dora, what did this door ever do to you? Oh, hey, Drew,” he says, looking down the hall as I push past him. “Rude much?” Jeff shuts the door and I can feel him staring at me.
I fling the packages on my bed before storming over to the refrigerator. “Why do you always side with them?” Anger fills my voice.
“Hey, I was just being neighborly. You really need to get laid, and I think I found you someone. You’ve been hard to live with lately, so I set you up on a blind date tonight. Whether you like it or not.”
“You did? Without asking me first?”
“You tell me all the time to find someone for you, and I’ve done it. Don’t make me regret this.”
“You did? Oh, Jeff, I’m so sorry. I so love you!” He grins as I fling my arms around him and hug him tightly.
“Now go get ready. The little black number will do. In fact, if you let go of me, I’ll even get your clothes ready for you.”
I decide to take a bath, taking care to shave my legs, and then after a long soak, jump into the shower to rinse off. A date finally, one that Jeff approves of. What can go wrong? I mean, everything will be good. I feel it.
Jeff is missing from the room when I exit the bathroom, but my dress and shoes are laid out for me. I hear muffled voices coming from the door leading to the dining room of the loft. Creeping to the door, I turn the lock, as I don’t want any unwanted company finding me in a towel. I quickly dress, apply minimal makeup, slip into my three-inch heels, and wait for Jeff to knock on the door to be let back in. Minutes pass and the voices continue. Sighing, I grab my clutch, move to the door, and open it to see my three roomies and Jeff lounging on the three couches.
“Beautiful,” Jeff says with a shit-eating grin.
“Agreed,” Colin and Drew reply almost in unison. Liam just nods his head.
“Your date is coming up the elevator. Brad just buzzed.” Jeff grins and walks me to the door so I can’t see Colin’s reaction.
Jeff opens the door and the elevator dings at the same time. It opens and I see Ronald Caudwell, a math class buddy of ours, standing there with a bunch of flowers in his hand. He looks nervous, his smile a little wobbly when he sees Jeff and me. Jeff taps me on the shoulder and he magically has my coat in his hand. He helps me into it as Ron walks slowly toward us. I watch his eyes widen as he glances at my dress. He swallows hard. It takes a second for me to realize he’s never seen me in anything but sweats, jeans, T-shirts, and shorts.
“Hi, Dora. Hope you’re not disappointed,” he says quietly.
“Disappointed? Definitely not,” I reply with a wide smile.
I like Ron. His hair is a rich, chestnut brown, neither short nor long. He’s just a few inches taller than me, even with my heels on. He has two adorable dimples that appear in each cheek when he smiles. He has a good build and definitely cleans up nicely. He hands me the flowers and I wonder where he found such beautiful ones this time of year.
“You look amazing, Dora.” His voice interrupts my brain’s musings.
“I was just thinking the same about you, Ron.”
“Well, kids, you have fun. Don’t keep her out too late, Ron.” Jeff sounds like a stern father. I elbow him gently in the side as I take Ron’s hand and lead him to the elevator.
“Oh … Jeff, be a dear and put these in water for me, and don’t forget to put a penny in the bottom of the vase.” I walk back and hand them to a grinning Jeff. “Also, don’t wait up,” I say before returning to Ron, who’s holding the elevator door for me.
Ron’s nervous, but his silence is killing me. We’ve been in the car for ten minutes and he hasn’t said a word. Great.
“So where are we going?’ I ask, trying to sound casual.
“A restaurant Jeff told me you love.” He clears his throat. “I hope that’s okay.”
He keeps his eyes on the road, but he swallows hard, waiting for my answer. He’s different in class. In fact, he loves telling jokes and making people laugh, so why is he so uptight right now?
“Has to be Papa’s then, because that’s my favorite.”
“Yeah, that’s it. We should be there soon,” he replies woodenly.
Really? Like I don’t know.
I want to ask him if something’s wrong, but I don’t think he’ll tell me the truth. The warm bright lights of Papa’s penetrate
my deep thought, and luckily, we snag a parking spot a few feet from the front door.
The place is packed, full of happy, laughing people. Papa is playing host. His eyes widen and he belts out, “Dora, my beautiful, redheaded angel. My worlda has just become brighter.” He holds out his arms and I move in for the hug. He smells of pizza sauce and Old Spice. “And who is this younga man?” he asks, staring hard at Ron, who looks like he wants to leave.
“Papa, this is my friend, Ron.”
As the words leave my lips, I realize they’re true. He is, and will stay, just a friend. There’s no chemistry. I feel a little depressed.
“Aww. He looksa like a nice young man. I havea your table ready for you.”
He leads us to the back, and Mama waves and blows a kiss to us from across the room. Several of the waiters say hello as we pass by. It’s a big table that Papa takes us to, and I wonder why there are so many seats. Before I can mention it, I hear a commotion behind us. I inwardly groan as I realize we’ll be joined by others. Not just any others, but my roomies and one of my so-called best friends, a grinning Jeff.
“Dora, what are you doing here?” Jeff asks, all innocent.
“Surprised? I think not. You told Ron this is my favorite place.”
“I mentioned it, but he never said he was going to bring you here. Hey, Papa, these two are on a date, and it wouldn’t be right to join them.”
“Ah, Jeffrey, we are fulla. No more tables.” Papa looks upset and I feel guilty.
“It’s okay, they can join us. Right, Ron?”
Ron nods his answer and everyone grabs a seat. At least the models look to be chagrined. Not Jeff though, he still has the smug grin on his face.
“We had no idea you were going to be here. Honest.” Colin’s English accent sends a warm sensation down my spine. I don’t look up from my menu. My tongue is a little too tied at the moment.
Jeff is sitting to my left, and I reach under the table and pinch his thigh as hard as I can, wondering what he’s up to.
“Oww.” He slightly jumps and then turns to me and glares.
“You deserve it,” I whisper, leaning over and blocking the others’ view with my menu.
“Wait until you get home. That’s going to leave a bruise,” he replies through clenched teeth.
“Okay, who’s ready to order?” Sal, a part-time waiter and a new dad, pulls my attention away from Jeff.
After everyone orders, the mood at the table begins to resemble a funeral service. No one is talking and everyone is avoiding everyone’s eyes. The only thing we’re missing is bouts of crying. What a fun date. If I’m being honest, I’m kind of glad Ron and I aren’t here alone. The friend thing is really beginning to sink in. I guess it’s time to get this funeral—I mean party—started.
“So guys, any photo shoots coming up soon?” I ask and watch as all eyes zoom in on mine. I swear I hear sighs of relief from the whole table.
“No, it’s pretty quiet this time of year. I have one Christmas gig on Monday, but then it’s free time until January,” Drew replies.
Mr. Aussie speaks up next. “I’m traveling home in two weeks where it’s, like, ninety degrees. So, I booked a few shoots while I’m there.”
“A couple of shoots in freezing cold London. What was I thinking?” Colin’s voice makes me want to go with him just to keep him warm.
Stop it, Dora. Get a grip. Out of your league.
“Shoots?” Ron asks.
“Oh, Ron, I’m sorry. How rude of me. These are my roommates.” I make the introductions and watch as poor Ron seems to sink into his chair. He’s intimidated and I need to correct the situation. “Surely you’ve heard how I ended up with these nerds.” I watch three sets of eyebrows shoot up, but I ignore them. “Liam has a superstition that the number four is lucky for him. Their old roommate left and they were so desperate they bullied me to move in.”
“I had heard a rumor around campus about this, but thought it was just gossip.”
The food arrives, saving me from having to talk anymore. Hopefully a few glasses of wine will relax Ron. My stomach growls and laughter erupts, breaking the tension, thank heavens. I would have been embarrassed, but for once I’m glad my stomach loves to talk.
After a couple of glasses of wine myself, I’m feeling like this evening has been salvaged. Ron seems like he’s finally enjoying himself, and my roomies have made him feel like an old friend. They really are a cool bunch of guys. Pushy, yes, but they have hearts. Even Jeff is having fun, although that will end quickly when I ream him for his antics when we get home.
Papa and Mama stop by our table whenever they can. All in all, it’s a great evening. Sal has been amazing, refilling empty glasses and making sure we’re kept satisfied. I catch Ron looking at his watch. I check mine and see that it’s almost one in the morning. I grab Sal and ask for our checks.
“Checks are taken care of,” he replies and I shake my head.
“Who?”
Sal points across the table to Drew, who smiles at us. What a beautiful—I mean, handsome—smile.
Okay, so it’s a freaking hot smile.
“It’s the least I could do after crashing your date.”
I watch his luscious lips as he talks, wondering what they would feel like against mine. Damn, Dora, time to go home.
“Hey, Ron, you live close by, right? Why don’t we take Dora home? I know you have that thing in the morning,” Jeff casually says.
“Well …” Ron starts, and then everyone reassures him that they’d be happy to take me home.
“Is that okay, Dora? You won’t be upset?” Ron looks at me anxiously.
“No, Ron, it’s fine. After all, they know where I live.” I smile and then kick Jeff’s leg, which goes unnoticed since it’s hidden by the red-and-white checkered tablecloth. He grimaces, glaring in my direction. I stand and pull Ron up with me.
“I’ll walk him to his car and meet up with you guys in a bit.” I don’t wait for an answer as we maneuver through the still-crowded restaurant.
“I had a really good time, Dora. Your roommates seem cool. Sorry I’m not taking you home.”
“No worries, Ron.” I kiss his cheek and then watch as he gets into his car.
Well, that went well. So happy there wasn’t too much awkwardness. I’m also glad he didn’t ask me out again since I hate letting people down.
I walk back into the warm restaurant and find our hosts and kiss them goodbye. My escorts wait patiently for me by the front door. I also kiss Sal on the cheek on my way over to meet up with Jeff and my roommates. Yes, I’m a little unsteady. I lost track of how many glasses of delicious wine I had. I don’t say a word as they move aside. Jeff pushes open the door letting in the cold, frigid air. I don’t remember it being cold when I said goodbye to Ron. The car is silent on the way home. I wish I could read minds.
This time, I stay awake until we reach the loft. Jeff takes his key and puts it onto the lock of my private entrance. I wave to the three as they go through the main entrance.
I hit the bed to stop the room from spinning and proceed to pass out.
I swear, that will be the last time I ever drink. Alcohol will never touch these lips again. My head feels like it’s ready to explode, and my mouth feels like it’s full of cotton, wool, or enough sand to fill the Sahara Desert. I’m so thirsty, but no water for me. That’s not what I need. I spy a hand holding a glass with red liquid in it, and I know it’s Jeff’s special “you drank too much wine last night” drink concoction.
“Here, Ms. Lush.”
I take the glass, giving him my evil, stink eye.
“How come you can drink as much as I do, but then you’re fine the next day?”
“Good genes,” The jackass says. Wait, that’s not his name. It’s already taken by the other jackass, my ex.
“I feel awful. I’m so glad I don’t have to work today.” I gulp down about half of the mysterious creation, and to be honest, it doesn’t taste half as bad as it looks.
>
“Yep, but we are expected at your parents today, remember? It’s Sunday.”
“Did you have to remind me? Call them and tell them I’m sick.” I end my sentence with a moan and put my pillow over my head.
“Nope. I’ll tell your mom the truth. That her sweet little daughter has a vino hangover.”
“You’re so evil sometimes, Jeff, you know that? Oh, and what was with that stunt you pulled last night? Bringing everyone to Papa’s?”
I feel him sit on the bed. “Well, it’s like this: I like your roommates. And in my opinion, either Drew or Colin would be good enough for you.”
He’s smiling, I can hear it in his voice.
“So you set me up on a date just to sabotage it. Great, that makes sense.” I open one eye and glare at him. Yep, he’s smiling.
“No, Ron was an experiment. Yes, he’s nice looking, but boring, and you need excitement in your life. Shake it up a little.”
Now would be the time to tell him he’s right, but I’m not going to give him the satisfaction. No, not going to happen.
“Now, it’s time for little Dora to get up and get ready. We have a fun day ahead of us.”
“Where did you ever get the impression I need more excitement? Spending time with my fam is plenty.” I groan as I sit up, putting my feet in the plush carpet.
“See, that wasn’t so hard. Now march your cute little butt into the shower, and I’ll get some decent clothes for our outing.”
I carefully close the bathroom door. I want to slam it, but I don’t think my head could take the agony it will produce. Lukewarm water streams over my head and down my body, making me feel a little better. Minutes later, with my body wrapped up in a towel, I open the door and see Jeff lounging on the bed he apparently just made. Next to him are the clothes he picked out for me. Frankly, I could care less if they match. In fact, the bed looks so inviting I’m tempted to push him off and steal under the covers. But the determined look on my torturer’s face makes me reach for my clothes and start to get dress.
“For the holy socks of mother earth, please turn down that screeching.” The pounding music from Jeff’s elaborate speaker setup in his car doesn’t make me feel any better.
