Once again, I was reminded that I was destined to remain her friend and nothing more, and that's when the resentment crept in.
All those wasted years pining over a woman who had never seen me as anything more than a roommate, and a backup date when she had no one else to go out with. I was over being the good guy, and I was definitely over taking the high road. I turned and tramped out of the room, heading for the front door.
"What's wrong?" she hollered.
I didn't reply. I walked out the door, slamming it behind me.
REUNION
NECIE
I heard the door slam but was in such a hurry to get to the reunion; I didn't think much of it. I ran downstairs and hailed a cab, amazingly enough, and maybe because of my outfit, the very first cab screeched to a halt right in front of me.
"Sweetwater High School please," I told the driver.
"You look so good, what's going on there?" the cabbie asked.
"My ten-year-reunion," I replied with a nervous smile.
"Well, you are gonna knock 'em dead," he said.
"That's so sweet. I really, really hope so. Thank you," I said, looking at the driver in the rearview mirror, noticing he was checking me out, which made me a little uncomfortable, but I shrugged it off.
The streets leading back to my old high school brought back so many memories, all of which I had to push aside. Tonight would be the night I would take back my life, and leave the nerdy girl right where she should've been left ten years ago. Rounding the long archway that led to one of the side entrances to the school, the cab pulled up to a bustling crowd of well-dressed adults, standing outside of the gymnasium, where the reunion was being held.
After handing the cabbie the money for my fare, I stepped out of the cab, one heel at a time. I waited a moment before shutting the door to the cab, wanting to make sure I could go through with the evening.
"Are you okay, miss?" he asked.
I almost jumped back into the cab, as the sight of the gym alone sucked away any confidence I might have had before I got there.
"I'm fine," I said, taking a deep breath.
As soon as I shut the door to the cab, he sped off, and all I could do was watch as my only means of a getaway faded into the bustling traffic.
There's no turning back now.
Walking through the crowd into the gym, insecurity took over, and I was beside myself with anxiety. Trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible, I quietly scanned the room, noticing the decorations were something out of an eighties disco party. Since I graduated in 2005, I couldn't decide if the reunion committee was broke and had recycled the decorations from a New Year's Eve after party, or if they were just trying to create some nostalgia—from the wrong decade.
Other than the misplaced decorations, the gym hadn't changed one bit in the last ten years. The paneled floors still creaked under foot, the bleachers still hadn't been upgraded, and the wall still donned the Red Devil logo that was painted on the year before I graduated. The dusty red and gray championship banners still hung in the same place, with only a few new ones added on to the collection.
Sweetwater High School had the best athletes during the four years I attended, and unofficially, still held the title for having brought home the most banners. Even the brainiac Academic Decathlon team had a championship banner taking up a coveted spot on the gym wall. Stopping at the sign in table to pick up my name tag, I lingered for a moment to peruse the remaining sticker name tags to see if Jay's name was there.
"Hmmm, his name's not here. I wonder if he's not coming, or maybe he's already here?" I murmured under my breath.
I shrugged and headed in to face the music. There were small crowds littering every inch of square footage in the gym; people chatting, laughing, and hugging. I had to admit; it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, and it was nice to see some familiar faces. Since I had transformed so much since high school, I did spend a good portion of each conversation trying to remind people who I was. Needless to say, once I brought up my hair and acne, it didn't take long before their memories kicked in.
I got a lot of, oh mys, and a whole bunch of wows. Then there were those who just stood there, gawking at me. The compliments were a double-edged sword. I knew they thought I looked great now, but it reminded me of how awful I looked back then, which still for some reason embarrassed me.
As I drifted from group to group, I kept an eagle eye out for Jay, hoping beyond hope that he would show up. The night wore on, and as I ran out of groups to drift to, I caught sight of him. There he was, just as handsome as ever, standing alone next to the punchbowl—hardly where I thought I'd find him.
Age had not diminished his looks, and the navy blue tailored suit he wore just added to his allure. I took a deep breath and sauntered over to him, hoping that I wouldn't break a heel on the way.
Thankfully, I made it over without incident. "Hi. I'm, Necie," I said, awkwardly pointing at my name tag.
Ugh, did I just point at my name tag? Lame.
"Hi. Jay Aston," he replied, holding out his hand.
"I know," I said, shaking his hand.
"Well, we obviously graduated together, but I can't place you."
"Yeah, well, I looked a whole lot different ten years ago."
"But I thought I knew all the pretty ladies our senior year."
I giggled. "I don't think you would've considered me a pretty lady our senior year."
"There is no way you could've looked anything less than stellar in high school if this is what you look like ten-years-later."
"You'll just have to look me up in the yearbook if you don't believe me."
He smiled. "I think I'll take you up on that."
"I'll have to warn you—don't look at the picture in direct sunlight." I laughed.
He chuckled. "It couldn't have been that bad."
"Don't say I didn't warn you," I said, resting my hand on the lapel of his blazer.
Am I touching his blazer?
The DJ cut in, "Alright folks, grab that special someone and drag 'em out to the dance floor."
Jay rested his hand on mine, and asked, "May I have this dance?"
I could've died at that moment. Jay Aston had just asked me to dance. I nodded.
He led me to the middle of the creaky wooden floor. "I just wanna let you know I can't dance," I said.
"It's okay. I'll lead," he whispered in my ear as he backed away and twirled me around like a ballerina, the bottom of my dress floating mid-air as I spun.
He tugged me toward him, placing his hand on the small of my back, pressing my body against his. Our eyes locked as we moved in unison in a small circle to the rhythm of the music.
"You are so beautiful," he said resting his cheek against mine.
"Not as beautiful as you," I replied.
He chuckled.
"I mean handsome. Not as handsome as you," I stuttered, pulling my face away so I could look into his eyes.
"I know what you meant."
Maybe subconsciously I knew Jay was never a possibility so my imagination never let me get this far into my fantasy, but I was definitely in uncharted waters at this point.
Do I kiss him? Will he kiss me?
I was so enthralled by the moment, I couldn't look away, even if I wanted to. Not that I did.
Our eyes were locked as he leaned in, and wouldn't you know it, a split-second before our lips touched, the DJ's annoying voice cut in again.
"Alright, alright, alright, folks. It's about that time. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here."
A smile fell over Jay's face. "Well, I guess that's that."
"I guess so," I replied, thoroughly disappointed the DJ had ruined the moment.
"Too bad I didn't run into you at the beginning of the party."
"You're tellin' me," I said rather disappointed we hadn't kissed.
There was a burst of confetti, and a loud roar of clapping coming from the crowd as they started to make their way outs
ide of the gym, leaving the two of us alone in the middle of the dance floor. He smiled at me then took my hand to lead me outside.
"Are you ready?"
"What time is it?" I asked.
"I don't know, but I feel like we connected a little and I don't want tonight to end."
"I wish it didn't have to, either."
"Oh no, it doesn't have to. We aren't in high school anymore, remember? We can stay out as long as we want." He smiled, grabbing my hand, as he led me to his waiting stretch limousine.
"You're right!" I said, excited to spend more time with him.
As we neared the limo, the driver opened the door and pulled off his hat. "Good evening Mr. Aston. Ma'am."
"Why, thank you," I said, grinning from ear to ear, so impressed by his politeness.
"You're welcome."
"You know the only drivers I ever get are cabbie's that want to run me over."
"Well, maybe we can change that," Jay chimed in with optimism in his voice.
I couldn't believe how this evening was progressing, and all I wanted to do was prolong our little date, to keep from having to go back to my shabby little apartment, just to wake up again the next day as a lowly file clerk. Not after tonight. Not after experiencing the true romance I had dreamt of all these years. I felt like Cinderella, and I wanted her ending without all the drama in between.
"Would you like something to drink?" Jay offered, pointing at the glass refrigerator in the corner of the limo cabin, completely stocked with row after row of wine and champagne bottles.
"Yes, that would be great, thank you," I replied.
Unfortunately, I wasn't a big drinker, and I had a low tolerance for alcohol. In laymen's terms—I get tipsy pretty quickly. I decided to pace myself and only drink a little. Just enough to take the edge off.
As he poured the wine, I surveyed the inside of the limo, running my fingers over the wood grain and the brand new leather seats underneath my thighs.
What did he think was going to happen tonight?
I wondered what kind of girl he thought I was? Probably the kind of girl that almost let a man kiss her in the middle of a dance floor without having bought her dinner first.
But I'm not that kind of girl!
Who was I kidding? I might not have been that kind of girl normally, but this wasn't a normal night…I was under his spell.
AFTER PARTY
The limo driver rolled down the partition window, and asked, "Where to, ma'am?"
"I don't know. It's up to Jay. Mr. Aston, I mean."
Resting his arm on my shoulders, Jay said confidently, "Driver, take us around the city."
"Yes, sir," the driver said as he rolled up the privacy window.
"Do you just tell people what to do and they listen?"
"In business, I've learned if you pay the help enough, they will do anything you ask."
I was impressed he had done so well for himself but unimpressed at the fact he regarded the help as easily bought. Essentially, he considered me the help—he just didn't know it yet.
Then came the dreaded question—the one I had been waiting for all night.
"So, what do you do for a living?" he asked.
"Well, I—uh..." I obviously couldn't say I was a file clerk after the comment he just made, so I said the first thing that came to mind. "...I'm a doctor."
I cringed when I thought of all the repercussions that would reverberate from those three simple words.
Jay's eyes lit up when he heard my response.
He turned to me, grabbed my hand, and said, "I have always wanted a woman who is just as successful as I am. A woman who has her own money, that's not after mine."
Almost afraid, I asked, "Uh, yeah. What do you do for a living?"
"I'm the CEO of a Fortune 500 company."
Of course, you are.
"We're based in Paris. We're into everything; electronics, pharmaceuticals, and coffee."
"Coffee?"
"Yup. Coffee is a multi-million dollar industry."
"Oh, wow."
His phone rang, and I was relieved, hoping after the phone call the subject of work would pass. I took a big gulp of wine and listened as he spoke over the phone in a different language.
Wow, CEO and another language? Is there anything this guy can't do?
I wanted to tell him I wasn't a doctor—to come clean—but I didn't know how to.
"Yes, thank you for calling me back. I'll give you a call a little later on this evening," he said, hanging up the phone.
"Later on? It's past midnight."
"Not in Japan," he said with a slight chuckle.
He put the phone back in his pocket, and asked, "Where were we?"
Change the subject Necie! Change it now!
"We're in my neighborhood," I said, looking out the window.
"Oh, you live in this neighborhood?"
"What the hell does that mean?" I asked, insulted at what his question insinuated.
"Oh no, I didn't mean it like that. With you being a doctor and all, I just assumed you lived in Manhattan or somewhere a little more upscale. This area is quaint. Trying to stay near your roots?" he asked innocently.
Although I was annoyed with his arrogance, his reasoning seemed logical. If I had been a doctor, like Ben, I should've been able to afford a more upscale neighborhood.
Or am I making excuses for him?
"Where can we grab a drink?" he asked.
I was about to answer when his phone rang again.
"Excuse me," he said.
"Of course."
"Bonsòir."
Another language?
Maybe this guy should've been awarded Most Likely to Succeed. He was the full package; handsome, rich, and a linguist. Talk about making a girl feel inadequate. I nervously adjusted my dress and cleared my throat as I waited.
He hung up the phone. "I apologize for the constant interruptions. Business never sleeps. It's why I'm only home one weekend a month."
"One?"
"If I'm lucky. I should give up my apartment, and live out of hotels full-time."
"So, no Mrs. Aston waiting for you at home?" I asked, realizing it was a question I should've asked earlier.
"Not yet. I just haven't met the right woman."
"Who's the right woman?"
"I need someone who understands the needs of my work, and won't go crazy if I have to work thirty hours straight, or hop on a flight at a moment's notice."
"A moment's notice, huh?"
"But being a doctor, you must know what I'm talking about?"
"Yes, I totally get it. So busy—all the time—so hard," I stuttered.
I could've just told the truth.
He smiled.
"Oh, here! Right here. That's a great little bar," I said, trying to change the subject, pointing to the lounge located around the corner from my apartment.
The driver pulled up to the main entrance and let us out. "I'll be right here when you're ready, Mr. Aston, sir," he said, tipping his hat.
"Thank you," Jay replied.
We walked through the door. "Wow, it's pretty empty," I noted.
"That's great. Now we'll have alone time."
"Alone time?" I asked coyly.
"So a doctor, huh? I'm so impressed."
Ugh, why can't he let that go?
"Yes. Impressive," I replied, taking a seat on a barstool.
He sat next to me, raising his hand to flag down the bartender. "Two margaritas, please?"
The bartender brought over two large margarita glasses, rimmed with salt and a lime.
"Oh, I already drank a whole glass of wine. I think I…" I said, pushing the glass back toward the bartender.
"You'll be fine. You're with me. I'll take care of you. Drink up," he said, taking a sip from his glass.
His dominance appealed to me, and I could do nothing but submit to his order to drink up. He placed his glass back on the counter then turned toward me, cupping his palm to the side of m
y neck.
"I'm so glad I ran into you tonight," he said, his thumb caressing my cheek.
"Me, too," I said, gazing into his eyes as he leaned in to kiss me.
I closed my eyes to fully immerse myself in the moment, feeling the rush of heat wash over me as the alcohol permeated my blood stream. I savored the salt from the Margarita which still lingered on his lips.
He stood up, cupping my cheeks in his palms as I gripped on to his wrists, yielding to his passionate kiss. I could feel myself getting moist, and then…
"Hey, girl!" Renae, one of my very good friends whom I hadn't seen in months, hollered as she neared.
I jumped out of my seat, readjusted my skirt, and ran over to give her a hug.
"Wow, you look amazing!" Renae exclaimed.
"Aww, thanks love. When did you get back from your trip?"
"This morning. I called your house, but you weren't there. Ben—"
I interrupted her before she could say anything else about Ben. "Yeah, I was getting ready for my ten-year-reunion," I said, shooting her a wink as I motioned to Jay.
She nodded and winked backed. "Oh, hello. I'm Renae."
He held out his hand. "I'm Jay."
She shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, Jay."
"We went to high school together," I explained.
"High school, huh?" Renae asked with an impish smile on her face.
"Yes! Jay, this is my old friend, Renae."
She slapped my arm, laughing. "I dunno about old. Girl stop tellin' people I'm old. I'm just hittin' my prime."
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm one lucky guy being surrounded by two beautiful women tonight."
Renae rested her hand on her chest, looking Jay up and down. "Mmmm, well aren't we the little charmer?"
He took her hand and kissed the back of it. "Oh no, ma'am! I only tell the truth."
I laughed. "Do you wanna join us? Jay here is plying me with alcohol in hopes of getting lucky tonight."
"Oh no, I'm not trying to intrude on all that—you two do your thing, I'll see you when you're not so busy." Renae winked.
"Okay lady," I whispered.
Jay turned to me. "Lucky? Is that what you think's happening here?"
"I'm most definitely sure that's what's happening here," I replied, taking another sip of the margarita, taking a seat on the stool.
The Want Ad: A Sweet Romance Page 4
