She smiled at him and looked down and then back up at him. She really was a beautiful woman and he could see that she had freckles.
“Okay, Superman. Although the first round is on me, okay?”
“Superman, huh? Let me get your number. I live around here so maybe we can meet downtown?”
“Oh, I love Maria Consuela’s! I don’t know if you like spicy food or Latin food, but their tacos are to die for.”
“Maybe it’s a little too soon to be dying for food.”
Jessica smiled and tucked her hair behind her ears in a way that Curtis thought made her look adorable.
“Touché, but it is delicious.”
“You’re on. If it’s terrible then the second date, I choose.”
“Second date, huh? How do you know there will be one?” Jessica asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
“Let’s just say I believe in fate.”
*****
Jessica
Jessica grinned all the way back to her apartment. Somehow the groceries did not even seem as heavy as they usually did when she climbed the stairs. Music was blaring again as Cynthia flung the door open.
“Let me help. Sorry, you came back earlier than I thought. You should have texted me to come help,” Cynthia said, reaching for the bags.
“No worries,” Jessica said, shutting the door with her foot.
“What are you smiling about?” Cynthia asked, putting the groceries on the counter.
“I didn’t realize I was smiling,” Jessica said, trying to look impassive.
“Jesus, what happened to your dress, and your knees? Looks like you were in a fight.”
“I was, with a text and driver. I’m fine though.”
“Wait, what! Are you hurt?”
“No, no. I’m fine. There, um, there was guy and he helped me. He pulled me out of the way. It was crazy. I’m still shaking.”
“Holy shit. Maybe I should start getting the groceries. Wait a second, is this Lancelot the reason you’re smiling?”
Jessica felt her cheeks got hot.
“Um, I’m going out to dinner with him in a couple says.”
“What!” Cynthia said, squealing.
“Calm down. It’s just a thank you thing. Nothing crazy.”
“Is he hot?”
“Um—”
“That means yes. Ugh, I hate you. Wait, what about coffee shop guy?”
“Oh, I forgot about him. I mean I’m going there for coffee anyway so it’s no big deal.”
“Sure it isn’t. I cook dinner for you and you go out to dinner with not one, but two gorgeous guys.”
“I don’t have two gorgeous guys. I don’t have anyone.”
“Yeah right. What’s grocery guy’s name?”
“Curt.”
“That’s definitely a hot guy name. What’s he do?”
“We didn’t get that far.”
“How far did you get?” Cynthia asked, flashing Jessica a wicked smile.
“Ew, down girl. It was broad daylight in a grocery store parking lot.”
“I don’t hear a problem with any of those facts.”
Jessica rolled her eyes and started putting away the groceries.
“Jess, seriously, which one do you really like? You are not the girl to date two guys without your head exploding from the stress.”
Jessica pursed her lips as Cynthia handed her cans of black beans for the pantry.
“Very funny. I honestly don’t know. I was sort of drawn to them for different reasons.”
“Which one would you sleep with?”
“That’s not a good way to pick a guy.”
“It’s still fun though. Ugh, I wish you knew their full names so I could stalk them on the internet.”
“Thank you for making this less creepy.”
“Whatever. I guess it doesn’t matter. Guys do this to girls all the freaking time. They will date a bunch of us until basically one of the slew of girls makes him make a decision. I say have fun.”
“I guess. It’s just I don’t want to waste any time with a guy that won’t be serious.”
“But you’re curious about sex with coffee shop guy?”
“Hey! I said no such thing.”
Cynthia nearly doubled over in laughter.
“Sorry, you’re so funny. I know you’re thinking it and just embarrassed to say it. You and I have enough female friends that warn us about how they wished they had sex with other people before settling down. God, they all sound like broken records. That’s why guys just give up on good sex when they get married because they are all sexed out.”
“Thank you for that inspiring speech,” Jessica said sarcastically.
“I’m just saying. I know out of the both of us you are the most baby crazy, but take a step back and see what your vagina wants.”
“You sound crazy.”
“I know, but I’m living vicariously through you so bear with me. I’m thinking on the fly here. Ugh, why can’t I have these kind of problems?”
Jessica laughed, putting the empty bags in the recycling bin. It was still odd to her for her life to go from serious relationship with a cheating ex-boyfriend to complete datelessness to now two incredible hot, virile males waiting to either date her, sleep with her or hopefully both. It was such a weird change of pace and Cynthia was right. No one ever cared if guys dated ten women at a time, but the minute a woman dated more than one person at a time, she was a slut. It always had to be a secret for women. Jessica crossed her arms picturing both of the handsome faces in front of her. Mark was clearly very carefree, but he seemed fun. Curtis was also handsome in a boy-next-door type of way, but she could see him being a bit more ‘boring.’ Boring could be good, but did she have to settle for boring only? Could she be with both of them and experience what could be the perfect man. One who is responsible and makes you feel safe, and the playful, bad boy type. It seemed too good to be true.
“Uh oh, that look on your face means you are considering something naughty,” Cynthia said, nudging Jessica.
“Not naughty, just practical.”
“Practical, huh?”
“I’m still thinking, but I think I am going to see Mark, the coffee shop guy tomorrow. If he doesn’t show then it was not meant to be.”
“And if he does?”
Jessica shrugged and turned to the fridge to grab a bottle of coconut water.
“Jessica are you thinking what I think you’re thinking?”
“Maybe. Don’t get ahead of yourself. He has to show up.”
“Oh, he’ll show up.”
“How’d you know?”
“Bad boys love a challenge.”
*****
Curtis
Curtis skipped back to his loft. He could not believe such a perfect woman could live so close to him, practically right under his nose. She was literally only five miles away and a teacher. There was something about her that was such a breath of fresh air compared to the spastic girls he met at clubs. The women at the clubs just fawned over him because he was a fireman. They were obsessed with selfies and social media. He just could not fit in with those girls anymore. He needed more substance.
“You still on the couch, man?” Curtis asked, slamming the door.
“Yep. I work forty-eight hours, fighting fires so yes, my ass is not moving for the next twelve hours,” Mark said, popping potato chips in his mouth.
“I hear you, man. Is the game on?”
“Yep. We’re losing as usual. God, football has just gone to shit. Our defense is lousy this year – they just sacked the quarterback.”
“Yeah it looks like a wash out. I’m getting a beer. Want one?”
“Yep. Hey so I was thinking about coffee shop girl,” Mark said, groaning as he hopped of the couch.
Curtis fished through the grocery bags and pulled out two beers. He had forgotten about Mark’s potential conquest and the last thing he wanted to deal with was playing wing man for a woman Mark would never ever call again. It
was just a waste of time and all he wanted to focus on was making a good impression with Jessica.
“Yeah? What about her?” Curtis asked, tossing Mark a beer.
“You couldn’t open it for me, man?” Mark asked, rolling his eyes in mock annoyance.
“I guess football’s not the only thing that’s gotten soft. Use the edge of the counter.”
“You just yelled at me last week that I was ‘chipping the granite’ or some crap.”
“Yeah well the opener’s in the dishwasher and you and I both know you didn’t run the dirty dishes.”
“Point taken,” Mark said, opening the beer on the edge of the counter.
“So, what’s this about your random girl?”
“I think I’m going to go see her.”
Curtis could barely contain his excitement. He was aiming for nonchalance but he felt to relieved to mask the smile bubbling on his face.
“Try not to be so excited. I’m not going to marry her. I’m just curious.”
“Curious, huh? You mean you don’t want to live with me for another ten years?”
Mark rolled his eyes and leaned on the counter top. His eyebrows were knit together like he was deep in thought.
“Look, Mark, you’re my best friend, but come on, man. You have to admit that two bros living together in their thirties is a bit much.”
Mark’s head shot up at him.
“Wait, what? Where the hell is this coming from?”
Curtis shook his head, trying to find the right words.
“I just—I met a girl today. She seems really sweet and it got me thinking.”
“Some girl? There is no way some girl in the frozen food section is making you want to back out of our friendship,” Mark said, slamming the glass down.
Beer splattered on the counter but Mark didn’t seem to notice.
“Backing out of a lease is not the same as backing out of a friendship.”
“Where the hell is this coming from, Curt?”
“You don’t want to, I don’t know, have a family some day? I mean what about getting married, having kids, growing up?”
Mark bit his lip and balled up his fist. This is just how Curtis expected him to react. Mark had been in the military for years before becoming a fireman. He never talked about his experience in the military and whenever it came up, Mark was quick to change the subject. Curtis wondered if it was because Mark never had a real adolescence that he was acting out now. Mark was the burly, loud guy talking at the bar to strangers, but to Curtis he was a man who served two tours in Iraq and was from a super strict military family that he never talked to. If anyone could get through to Mark, it would have to be Curtis.
“We’re still going to be friends, Mark. Look, I know you hate change, but it has to happen eventually, right? I mean what if you fall in love with her?”
“You mean what if you fall in love with grocery store girl, am I right?” Mark scoffed, raked his fingers through his hair and walked back over to the couch.
Curtis could see he had shut down and the conversation was over. Mark was not a serious talker. He was going inside of himself with the demons he never talked about. Curtis wanted to slam his beer against the wall, but it would not do any good. Curtis felt torn in half. He was trying to be empathetic, but he was suffocating under the same roof as Mark. It was not fair. They were not rookie firefighters any more. They were men and it was time they started acting like it.
“Look, Mark, let’s just focus on meeting our girls before we act like this is the end of the world, alright?” Curtis said, looking at the back of Mark’s head.
Mark only slumped his shoulder and kept his eyes on the television.
“Or not. I’m going to my room. I’ll see you in the morning for work. I hope it works out with your date tomorrow.”
Mark still did not respond and Curtis was just not in the mood to coddle him. Grabbing his beer and the deli sandwich he bought from the grocery store he shut himself up in his room. He plopped on the bed and heard Mark crank the television up louder. He was being childish and Curtis could not say he was surprised.
Curtis pulled out his phone, kicked off his shoes and laid on his bed. He twirled the phone is his hand and thought of freckles and the bubbly laugh of his ‘grocery girl’. He wanted to text her. However, he knew that the text would not set him apart. He knew there was something about her that he just wanted to know better. He jumped up, took a deep breath and decided he wanted to stand out, and to be honest he wanted to get to know her.
“Hey Jessica? It’s, um, Curt from—the parking lot,” Curtis said, laughing nervously, “Just wanted to make sure you got home safe. Um, do you have a sec to talk?”
*****
Jessica
Jessica yawned as she dragged herself to the coffee shop for her morning pick-me-up. She almost fell asleep in yoga this morning. She would usually go to bed at 10:00pm like clockwork, but to her surprise Curtis had called her. Called her! It was such an unexpected and pleasant surprise. No one called anymore. It was all email and text messages. She had to admit, she liked him. He was warm and funny and charming and she had already seen him face-to-face so she knew he was extremely attractive. In fact, the only reason she was going to coffee was to be polite and tell Mark that she was not interested.
When she got to the double glass doors and saw him sitting in a corner wearing his blue fireman’s uniform, which seemed to fit his broad shoulders and biceps like a glove, her stomach sank. He looked gorgeous. It was like her body was evolutionarily drawn to him and all of her hormones were suddenly going crazy. To her surprise he had two cups of coffee at the table.
“Hey you,” Jessica said, smiling shyly at him.
“Hey,” he said, smiling warmly and rising from the seat.
She gave him a big hug and he smelled woodsy and masculine.
“So can I get your name now?” he asked, pointing at the seat.
Jessica laughed and sat across from him.
“Sure, I guess so. I’m Jessica. Is this for me?” Jessica asked, pointing at the coffee cup.
“Um, yeah. I took a shot. I remembered that you had a green tea latte when I met you so I figured I would surprise you.”
Jessica was sure her eyes were about to fall out of her head. Her brute was actually being nice.
“Look, Jessica, I’m not the most… um… sensitive guy and I was just trying to do something—”
“Mark, it’s fine. It’s my favorite drink. You should try it sometime. You might like it.”
He made a face and shook his head. It made Jessica smile.
“I like my coffee black, but I’ll take your word for it.”
“You’re missing out. So how have you been since I last saw you?”
“Nothing but thinking about you. Looks, like you got prettier since I last saw you.”
“Does that really work for you?”
“Sometimes.”
“Yeah? Well, I’m not a one-liner type of girl.”
He leaned back in the chair and appraised her up and down.
“And yet you’re here with me.”
“Nice try, Romeo. I would be here anyway.”
“I had to try. What type of girl are you then?”
“That’s a loaded question, but I like working out obviously. I’m really into the outdoors so when I’m not going to yoga, I bike.”
“You bike? Really? Like spin? Because that doesn’t count.”
Jessica laughed and slapped his shoulders playfully.
“No, I actually hate spin. My roommate loves it though.”
“God, I learned early group activities are not for me.”
“Oh yeah? Why is that?”
“I like my own company too much.”
“Interesting. Then why are you having coffee with me?”
Mark shrugged and leaned his elbows on the table.
“To be honest, Jessica, I’m still trying to figure that out. I mean you’re clearly beautiful, but I’ve got to be
honest, I don’t even do the girlfriend thing but I was shaking when I saw you coming through those doors.”
Jessica bit her bottom lip, trying to remain impassive. She could not tell if this was a line or not and she had every intention of leaving but she was curious.
“Is that another line then?” Jessica asked, leaning back on her chair and crossing her arms.
“Nope. I had a pretty serious talk with my roommate last night and it had me thinking.”
“About? And please tell me roommate is not code for wife.”
Mark laughed a deep throaty laugh that made Jessica smile and drop her guard a little.
“You have a lot of spunk. I like it, and no I’m not married.”
“Well, that’s a relief.”
“Oh yeah? So you like me then?”
“I don’t know you.”
“You don’t have to know me to like me. You have to like me to like me.”
“How poetic.”
“We should go for a bike ride. Show me what you’re made of.”
Jessica tilted her head to the side, trying to get a read on him. She had never had a date outside before. It was always dinner, a movie or a combination of the two.
“Is that a date?”
“Of course.”
“Why of course?”
“’Cause I like you.”
“Just like that, huh? What makes you think I’ll say yes, Mark?”
“I don’t know that you’ll say yes. I just know I think I would enjoy lapping you.”
Jessica laughed loudly. This man was really something else. Usually her complaint was men never saying what was on their mind. Now she had a man in front of her that said everything that was on his mind. She could not tell if it was refreshing or terrifying.
“Where exactly did you plan on lapping me?”
“There are trails north of here. It’s pretty flat. Good for racing.”
“Oh, you mean Apopka South? I love those trails. Wait a sec, who says I need flat trails?”
“Um, you just said you liked those trails,” Mark said, leaning forward and raising an eyebrow at her.
“True, but I don’t like them just because they’re easy.”
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