by Marie Cole
"Woah, woah...back up." I motioned backwards with my hand, "You think I'm hot?" I raised my eyebrows to match the surprise I felt.
"Yes. Why are you surprised? You were cute before, but you're smoking now. So, does it feel good to hear that from guys? See the way they look at you?" Kent took a drink of his iced coffee.
I shrugged, "Guys actually approach me now but I wouldn't say anyone looks at me differently." Not that I paid much attention. "And yes, I am surprised to hear you admit that you find me attractive. It only took what?" I looked up and pretended to mentally count, "Like ten years?"
Kent scoffed and shook his head. "You wanted to hear me say it for that long?" He smiled.
I smiled back, "Longer, probably. That's okay, though, I'm on my way to out-sexing you. I'm going to leave your monogamous ass in the dust." I sipped my tea, trying hard to make light of my guy situation.
That playful smile wavered for a moment but whatever he'd been thinking had quickly passed. "Yeah, yeah. If you count how much I've had then you've still got a way to go, Elly." He stuck his tongue out at me just as his phone played a few notes.
I kicked his shin under the table, "Oops." And then looked away innocently.
Kent grabbed at his shin under the table as he made a pained face and pulled the phone from his pocket. When he looked at it he sighed. "It's Jen. She's wondering where I am."
"Okay, well, I guess you should get going."
He pushed the ignore button and stuffed it back into his pocket. "Nah. She can wait. I'm with my friend right now." I was about to burst on the inside. Had he really just ignored Jen for me? It was like a dream come true! I tried my best to keep my smiles on the inside.
"You are talking about me, right?" I asked. He was leaned back, his body language exuding how comfortable he was around me. And his deep chocolate eyes stared at me, they seemed to sparkle more now that they weren't hidden behind his glasses.
He smirked, "Who else would I be talking about?"
"Not who. What." My eyes dropped to his crotch which was just barely visible beneath the table. Was there a bulge there? My eyes darted back up and caught sight of a little color on his cheeks.
"No, you pervert. Were you just checking out my junk?"
"What? I," I scoffed, "no. Why would I? Ew." I shook my head in mock disgust and watched as he failed to believe me. "Apparently all the working out you've been doing has been going to your head. Your ego is a little too big if you think I'd be checking out your junk." Apparently that had hit something because he dropped his gaze to his cup.
"You're right. I have become somewhat of a jerk." He looked so defeated that I just wanted to hug him and take it back. Just as I was about to apologize he stood up. "Come on, Elly."
I shook my head as I looked up at him, "Where are we going?"
"Someplace where it's hard to be a jerk."
Where the hell would that be? I stood up, finished the last of the coffee and threw my cup into the trash as we exited. We walked through campus until we reached his car. I had a lot of questions but now wasn't the time to be asking them in case it ruined whatever new scheme he had in his brain.
He turned the radio to my favorite station and sang along loudly with me when the latest Mariah Carey song came on. I had no idea he still listened to pop music. If he did, it was probably Jen's doing and thinking about Jen was going to ruin my happy mood so I pushed the thought aside and pretended, while I could, that Jen didn't exist.
Kent joined a little line of cars waiting to park in a large, dusty parking lot that was only used a handful of times every year. This time of the year was County Fair time. I hadn't been to the fair since freshman year in high school. Last time I'd come it had also been with Kent. It was the first time our mothers let us go anywhere alone without adult supervision. I, being naive as I was, had fantasies of my best friend kissing me on the ferris wheel and romantically feeding me funnel cake. Instead we walked around, played games, pet some farm animals and joined a pie eating contest, of which Kent won.
I was smiling as Kent lifted his hips to withdraw his wallet from his back pocket to pay for parking. "Excited, Els?"
"Hells yes! I haven't been here since--" He interrupted me.
"Freshman year." His grin was contagious.
"Yes," I confirmed.
After parked the car we got out and headed into the fair, which wasn't too crowded because it was so early in the day. We went to the farm animals first.
"I never understood why you liked this part. They stink."
I bent down next to a pen that held a couple of lambs and smiled as their little heads popped out. "Because they're trapped here. And they're beautiful, despite the smell they omit." I grabbed some hay from their feeding box and held it out as they came over to eat it. I heard the electronic shutter noise and looked up. Kent was smiling, having just taken a picture of me. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Collecting some memories. Duh."
I turned back to the sheep, for some reason that made me sad. Did he think we weren't ever going to come here again? Because of Jen? Because of life in general? Was this just another short little sliver of heaven that I'd have to hold onto forever?
I gave each of the lambs a pet and then stood up. I forced a smile as I pulled out my phone and snapped a picture of Kent who was bent over the pig pen, his lips puckered as he made kissing noises to try to get its attention. "Perfect. Give her a little kiss for the camera." I was able to admire my photo for only a second before Kent was coming towards me.
"Is it bad? Let me see."
"Oh no, it's great." I backed away quickly and stuffed my camera into my book bag.
"Elly, let me see!" I shook my head and ran away. He gave chase until I stopped at the funnel cake booth. I inhaled deeply and then moaned. The smell of sweet fried dough was so deliciously sinful. I inhaled one more time, my eyes closed.
"Just buy one." Kent's voice was at my side.
I looked at him and shook my head. "Are you nuts?"
"Probably," he nodded and then approached the booth. He came back a minute later with a steaming plate of funnel cake, lots of napkins and one fork. He was smiling as he held it under my nose. I inhaled and moaned again. He brought it over to a little table and sat down. I sat down next to him on the bench and looked around, trying ignore the temptation. A few seconds later Kent was moaning. I looked and was about to say something when a forkful of funnel cake entered my mouth.
It was just the right temperature and heavenly. I chewed it slowly, savoring it as it seemed to melt on my tongue. "Oh god." When I came out of my funnel cake orgasm I looked up and noted a blush on Kent's cheeks. "What's wrong?"
"I just...forgot how, um, passionate you were about food," he said.
It was my turn to blush. "Sorry."
"Hey, it's fine. I just wish I'd thought to put a hat out to collect tips." He chuckled and I smacked his arm.
"Who is the perv now?"
He laughed, "That guy that walked by and ducked down to see if anything was going on in your pants."
"Ew." I shuddered, chuckling along with him.
After we finished the funnel cake, I'm pretty sure I only ate half, we walked around for a bit. It was so nice to just be with him. And have his full attention. And feel like I used to, before Jen. I felt confident, beautiful, and it was all because of him and the way he was with me, like I was the only one that mattered. The way he'd lightly brush against me and send shivers through my body had me thinking more unsavory thoughts.
We were there for hours, catching up, exchanging jokes, reliving the past. We only had one more thing to do. The ferris wheel. We paid our tickets and got into the metal box. Once we were fastened in they moved us up a notch so they could load the next cart. The sun was going down and it was beautiful. I shivered when we were almost to the top, it was slightly colder fifty feet in the air without trees to break up the wind.
Kent must have noticed because he chuckled and wrapped his arm around my
shoulder, pulling me against his warm side. I peeked up at his face and he smiled down at me. "If you're cold you just have to tell me."
"I didn't want to bother you. Or get you in trouble."
His eyes searched mine and he was about to speak when the ride started to move into full rotations. As we went around I looked out at the skyline. Luckily the sun was to our backs so we could see the earth draped in sherbet pink and orange.
"It's beautiful up here," I said softly.
"Yeah." I felt Kent's eyes on me so I looked up. He was looking down at me. That old look in his eyes, the look that always made me think he was about to kiss me. We stared at each other for a long moment but it was broken by the jerking of the ride coming to a stop. Our ride was over, the magic broken. I laughed nervously and tried to sit up and pull away but Kent held onto my shoulder. "Elly..." I waited for him to finish but he never did. He let me go and put his hands on his knees. "Damn. I should've snapped a picture up there."
"There's always next time," I murmured as I straightened up and looked down. Only two more carts before we unloaded. Suddenly I couldn't wait. The reminiscing had only led to yet another let down. Kent wasn't in love with me. He didn't feel for me that way, no matter what his stupid deceiving eyes said. I was a fool for thinking that just because my outsides had improved that he was going to fall all over me. He wasn't interested.
On the way back to campus I turned the station to rock and let it mellow us out. Kent stopped in front of my dorm and put the car into park. I'd been dreading this moment. I hadn't wanted today to end.
I smiled as I unbuckled. "Thanks for today. It was fun."
"Sure. I'll see you in class on Monday."
I nodded and got out of the car. "Bye, Kent." I was about to walk away when I remembered that I had wanted to ask him something. I ran back to the car and bent over to speak through the window he'd rolled down for me. "I'm singing at open mic at the coffee shop tomorrow night. I wanted to know if you'd come."
"I'll see what I can do."
I smiled. "Okay."
"Okay. Have a good night, Els."
After I'd made it inside the dorm I saw his car pull away. I spent the rest of the night dreaming about what should've happened on the ferris wheel.
Chapter Thirty
I looked around the crowded coffee shop nervously. I was about to break my public singing cherry and I wished like hell that I had someone here to support me. I had invited a few people who I knew wouldn't make fun of me but none of them had shown up. I was hoping that Kent would show up, with or without Jen but so far I hadn't seen him either. And I had a feeling in my gut that he wasn't going to show.
Before I knew it my name was announced. I figured it was a waste of time but I looked around one more time before stepping up onto the stage. I was looking for a tall, dark haired man. The same tall, dark-haired man who I'd grown up with. I was even looking for his tall blonde companion but I didn't see either of them in the sea of faces in the medium sized coffee shop.
I exhaled slowly and then smiled as I sat down. My fingers plucked nervously on the guitar as I strummed it. Adrenaline took over as I started my set and before I knew it, it was over and the crowd was applauding enthusiastically.
I was so proud and relieved as I stepped off the stage. My first performance had gone great. No one had snickered or booed. What more could an amateur musician ask for?
As I stepped down off stage I sat back down to listen to the other acts of the evening, letting the adrenaline slowly leave my body.
The MC announced Nate and I felt my breath catch in my throat as this dark haired Adonis stepped onto the stage. His speaking voice had a soft quality to it but his singing voice was incredible. I couldn't take my eyes off him, his stage presence was amazing. He sang about love and loss and admiration.
I watched as he walked off the small stage and disappeared into the crowd. I turned back to the stage and sat for another twenty minutes before making my leave. I had to get up early for an early morning class. I stood up and grabbed my guitar and headed towards the exit.
Just before I reached it, I stumbled into someone's guitar. "Woah! Sorry." I reached for the guitar laying on the floor at the same time as its owner. Nate. My heart stuttered but somehow I managed enough courage to speak, softly because people were still performing, "Hey, you were great up there."
He stood up, his hands still holding onto the guitar. I released it, and hoped he didn't think I was trying to run away with it. "Thanks. You were great too. You have a beautiful voice."
I blushed and pushed some of my hair behind my ear. When I glanced up his dark eyes were still looking at me. He was taller than I realized and I had to tilt my head back as he stepped outside with me.
"Want to grab a coffee or something?" My eyes searched his, a small smile played on his lips, his face was darkened from the scruff of a day old shave.
"We just left a coffeehouse..." His lips turned up into a grin as he glanced away briefly and then looked back at me.
"You're right. I had three cups of coffee too." He chuckled softly and tugged on his left ear, drawing my attention to it. I wanted to nibble on it and whisper into it. "Well, how about we go get dessert somewhere then?"
I looked back at his face, which was flawless except for a tiny scar above his right eyebrow. I nodded, "Sure." I looked around trying to gather my sense of direction. "Um, there is a diner down that way," I pointed to the left, "or a bakery a couple blocks that way." I pointed to the right and watched as his head turned in both direction as he considered the options.
"A bakery sounds less skeezy."
I nodded my agreement. I'd probably agree to anything he said. He was gorgeous and my disappointed heart would take whatever he would give me.
"It'll sound more romantic when we tell our grandkids," he said.
I laughed softly, trying to calm my foolish heart, which thought that Nate might be the one. "Wow. We're having grandkids together already?"
"A guy can dream." He winked at me and then turned around, guitar still in hand, and nodded in the direction of the bakery. "Come on, I really want a cupcake now and if the bakery closes before we get there I might just cry."
* * *
It had been a month or so of dating Nate and there were no hiccups in sight. We spent our time together singing and playing guitar. We attended open mic nights together, and we made out a lot. I explained my past relationships, if you could call them that, and he knew I was nowhere near ready to jump on his saddle and ride. He said he respected that and that we could go as slow as I wanted.
After months of retelling my dates to Kent, I realized it was time for them to meet. I wanted to know if Kent's gut feeling about Nate was the same as mine. I wanted approval from my best friend and the only way to get it was for them to spend time together. Kent hadn't liked Will the Cowboy and he had been spot on about him.
I arranged for them to meet us at the bowling alley. It wasn't really Jen's taste, but I had to remind her that I was on a very tight budget. Nate and I were already seated next to each other on the plastic chairs facing the lanes, our dorky shoes on when Kent and Jen walked in. Nate's chocolate brown eyes were accentuated by the maroon and black plaid button down shirt he was wearing.
Tonight was cosmic bowl. Crazy black lights, cheap beers, and ultra loud pop music surrounded us as we sat together, reserving our lane.
"Oh, there they are!"
I waved to get Jen's attention and watched as she approached us. Kent let his eyes move around the bowling alley slowly, I knew he was uncomfortable in loud, crowded public places but he'd just have to get over it.
I stood up and moved to greet them. "Hey! You guys made it!" I had to yell because the music was so loud. Nate came over too and held out his hand, first to Jen then to Nate.
"This is Nate!" I held onto his elbow, an unconscious warning to Jen but when I realized what I was doing I quickly let him go.
"Hey!" He said to both of them in turn. Kent
stood there beside Jen with a smile and shook Nate's hand, pumping it a couple of times. I watched as both men sized each other up. When the boys dropped hands Jen took Nate's and shook it gently, she twirled a piece of her hair round her finger as she stared at my man.
"Can I get us a pitcher of beer or something to eat?!," Nate asked.
Kent shook his head towards Nate in response to the question. "I'm good, but Jen might want something to drink."
Jen nodded her head. "A pitcher and some nachos."
Kent made a face and shook his head.
I bit back my grin. "And some waters for me and Kent?!" I motioned between us and smiled when Kent winked at me.
Nate nodded, "Sure thing! You guys go get your shoes and get ready for a bowling ass-kicking!" He grinned, and headed towards the bar to order.
Jen couldn't seem to get the grin off her lips as she watched Nate walk away. My fists clenched at my sides.
"Your shoes are waiting!" I forced a smile and pushed them towards the shoe counter. I watched them walk away and blew out a slow breath as I sat down. I was being a little paranoid. Jen was here with Kent. And they were both here to reassure me that my feelings towards Nate were valid. That was it.
They eventually came back and switched out their shoes. I was sitting at the computer, in the process of typing in our names. It was alphabetical so I was up first.
Nate came back with a plate full of nachos slathered with highly processed plastic cheese and a pitcher of beer. The girl behind the counter followed him out with the waters and extra cups for the beer and set them on the table.
Nate smiled at the food and then came up behind me and smacked me on the butt. "Good luck."
I jumped with a grin. "I don't need it!"
I grabbed my hot pink ball and took my first turn. A strike. I whooped and then cabbage patched my way back to my friends, sitting down across from Nate. "Jen! You're up!" Nate and Kent laughed at my antics.
Jen had antics of her own. She had just taken a nacho and put it in her mouth. She licked the cheese from one of her fingers and took a little too long doing it. She stood up and grabbed her pink ball, a perky smile on her lips.
