by C. Michelle
“Enough of this Joshua Ryan guy, I’m over his fine looking self.” For some reason, I feel the urge to change the subject. Why does the thought of Josh make me feel nervous? I push the notion aside. “Are you ready to get your grub on with some greasy, fattening take out that you’ll regret eating tomorrow?” I ask.
“I knew I saw you drooling and also thought I heard your bottom lips smacking themselves at the mere sight of him.” Kade laughs.
Great. He caught me checking out Josh.
“Yes, I’m ready to get my grub on and regret it tomorrow. How can I resist when you talk dirty to me?” He winks at me while giving me a devilish grin.
Chapter 2 (Nina)
Waitress
The weekend comes and goes, unlike the regular fog that glooms around the bay and refuses to dissipate on most days during this time of the year. San Francisco has my heart, a city full of life, diversity, and spontaneity. This weekend I close off the vibrancy of the city and autumn’s chilling weather. I catch up on sleep, bum around the house in pjs, watch reality TV shows, and eat four different flavors of Ben & Jerry’s frozen treats. I’m a hardcore ice cream lover and with the ice cream alone, I consume over four thousand calories. Go big or go home! I also make it a point to wear the bun on my head Kade seems to love so much.
I reside within the Haight District, right in the center between the upper and lower parts of the area. One section is geared more towards its shopping zone with its exclusive boutiques, vintage clothing shops, and cool restaurants. The other half of the neighborhood is more diverse with a grungier feel to it. It includes record shops, bars, clubs, and remnants of the flower power era still in effect. I love the mixture of ravers, tourists, and shoppers. Once Kade and I moved here, the Haight immediately became our home.
My house consists of two levels with outside stairs on the left side of the house and no front yard. The two car garage contains a laundry room and workout area while the main part is on the second story. When you enter, the living room with its cool, grey and white tones is to the right. It has pops of red, purple, and small touches of yellow that give it a refreshed and inviting feel. A glass dining table separates the newly remodeled kitchen and living room. The kitchen is a soft yellow with black lacquer cabinets and white counters that have silver specks. All the appliances are red with a retro flare that makes a perfect combination with the black and white checkerboard design on the tile floor. To the left of the entrance are two bedrooms, an office, and a bathroom down a hallway covered in vintage memorabilia and artistic pieces of Betty Page, Marilyn Monroe, and Betty Boop. It’s a small house, but it’s perfect for us.
“Cheesecake, that turd on your head…it’s not cute. Quit trying to make such an ugly fashion statement.” Kade teases me as he plunges himself on the couch opposite of me.
“You should talk! Mr. ‘I’m going to put all kinds of homemade concoctions on my face, hair, and walk around like a stiff smelling mummy.’ That egg mixture you had on last week was by far the worst. I’m home, relaxing. I don’t need to look presentable for anyone.” I pout my lips and roll my eyes at him.
“Valentina Moretti, I KNOW you’re not hating on my homemade beauty remedies. I enjoy taking care of myself. If I don’t do it, nobody else will. Life is too short to be ugly.” Kade gives me the biggest, cheesiest smile he can conjure up.
“You’re worse than the housewives, drag queens, and moms of Toddlers & Tiaras on television.” I point out.
Kade chuckles faintly. “And if I were any different, life would be insanely boring. Being normal, reserved, and proper is monotonous. I have too much essence to be dull. Now, my dear Cheesecake, I’m off to the gym to find some spice that will compliment my flavor. Would you like to come with me and drool over the buffet of hot, sweaty bodies?”
“No, thanks. I already made Lucifer my bitch this morning, I ran six miles.” I state proudly.
“When will you stop referring to the treadmill as Lucifer? If you have a pessimistic view of exercising, eating nutritiously, and living a healthy lifestyle, you’ll get negative results.” Kade sighs dramatically.
“Clearly, you weren’t listening. Lucifer. My Bitch. Six miles. Enough said. By the way, I can’t believe you’re actually getting ready to go to the gym. Who does that? Well, I hope you have a great time looking for your next prey, boo.”
“I’m going to some high end gym on Market Street. I’m looking for my next sugar daddy or sugar momma, I don’t discriminate. I need to look casually sexy since I’m flirting my way in. I know people, who know people who want to get to know me. It’s not my fault my sex appeal is so strong I can use it to my advantage. Don’t wait up.” Kade winks at me and gives me a devilish grin as he leaves our home shutting the door behind him.
“At least, you’re modest!” I yell at the door and laugh uncontrollably.
God, how I love him. He’s the brother I never had. When we first met over a decade ago, we were two lost and damaged souls. Ever since, we’ve been inseparable. My mom also considers him family, more like her loud, flamboyant son with no filter who she unconditionally adores.
During my last year at UC Berkeley while I was finishing up my Master’s degree in social work, I decided to start looking for my own place. Without any contemplation, I knew Kade would be eager to be my roommate. Leaving my mother proved to be more difficult than expected. She owns a home near her bakery in Little Italy which is located in the North Beach district. Luckily, our house became available for purchase and was only a short distance drive to my mom’s duplex. Now, I have the best of both worlds. I have my own place and I’m still in close proximity to my mother should an emergency arise.
My mom, Victoria Moretti is a New Jersey girl, born and raised. She moved to California in the mid-eighties. She became pregnant a year later and as a single parent, raised me. I’ve always been her priority and we’ve never been apart. My mom, Kade, and I are the only family we each have. Our small unity and the obstacles we’ve overcome have made each of us resilient.
Since the weekend has come to an end, it’s time for me to prepare for a work week ahead. I lay out my clothes for tomorrow. I usually dress conservatively at work adding a dash of retro to maintain a hint of fashion. I work for the public sector, in a division of the district attorney’s office. I enjoy my line of work and do it to the best of my ability, it’s the least I can do.
It’s Monday, as I’m preparing my morning diet Coke with extra ice, Kade walks into our kitchen half asleep wearing a t-shirt that reads, “I Shaved My Balls for This?” Even at the crack of dawn he manages to make me smile. He’s fortunate not to have the standard eight to five job since his employer allows him to telecommute. Kade is a web and graphic designer. The company he works for is in the Silicon Valley, he’s lucky to avoid commuting in the bay area, it can definitely be nerve wrecking at times.
As Kade is rubbing his eyes, he yells, “Cheesecake! You should’ve gone with me to the gym last night. You missed out! Guess who was there? Dang!” He pauses to observe my drink. “How can you have something so cold this early in the morning? And soda out of all things! It’s so bad for you. Gross.” Even though it’s fairly early and he just woke up, Kade still looks well put together as he’s making his coffee. How does he do that? When I wake up, I’m a hot mess.
“If I recall correctly, I wasn’t offering you a sip of my drink. I suppose coffee and alcohol are healthier since you tend to drink those quite a bit.” I can sense today will be a long day, it’s going to be one of those Mondays that just sucks balls. It’s too early for my patience to be running thin. “Keep your negativity to yourself. Kade, I don’t have time for guessing games. I’m leaving for work in a few minutes. Who was there? Was it your next flavor of the week?”
“I wish! It was Josh, the dude who was eye fucking you after the Bentley photo shoot AND he looked good enough to eat!” As an afterthought, Kade states, “Hey! I eat healthy and take care of my body throughout the week so that I can party hard on t
he weekends. In a way, it balances things out.” He beams at me crinkling his entire pretty face. “Back to that yummy piece of man, I literally had to wipe the drool off my chin…twice. Get this, he was with his mom! What the fuck?! Who the hell brings their mom to the gym? For your sake, I hope he’s not a big momma’s boy. That’s a major turn off. Being close with one’s mom is great; being a momma’s boy who is still sucking on that titty is a whole other story.”
“How do you know that was his mom? Did you talk to him? Why must you always be such a perv? There’s nothing wrong with having a close relationship with a parent. You just love jumping to conclusions.” I chastise Kade about his crude comments.
As always, he shuns them away. “Did I talk to him? Ummm…of course! Do you not know who you’re speaking to? I went up to him and said hello. I told him to feel free and call me KD like the rest of my friends do. He introduced me to his mom, Celeste. She’s a brunette with emerald eyes, very beautiful and elegant. He was giving her a tour. He asked about you.” Kade does his best to contain his smile, but walks away grinning.
“Kade Daly, get your butt back here! I cannot believe you asked him to refer to you as KD! No one calls you Killer Dick! No matter how much you push for it, it’s never going to happen! So, let it go!” I’m truly appalled with his audacity. But, there’s a more important issue at hand to address. “What did he say exactly, when he asked about me?” I attempt to ask nonchalantly, but clearly fail.
“Don’t be such a hater. Josh doesn’t know what it implies, for all he knows, KD are simply my initials. He asked how you were and said he thought about you the last time he ate a strawberry cheesecake.” Kade stands across from me with his arms crossed, a smirk on his face, and his eyebrow raised. “Now, don’t you wish you would’ve gone?” Kade starts dancing around in the kitchen and pretends to rub against me from behind.
“Wait. He said what? Oh, my God…I’m dying!” I do my best to contain myself, but treacherous excitement takes over. What the hell?
“He said the strawberry cheesecake he was eating and slowly savoring in his mouth reminded him of your beautiful face with its light, silky skin and red lips. He said he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about you. Yes, girl! The man clearly has the hots for you. I say you let him dust off the cobwebs you have down there and get yours!” By now, Kade is fully awake and highly amused by my shocked reaction.
“Are you serious? Did he really say that?” My heart is palpitating so fast, I feel it might combust any minute.
“No, but wouldn’t it have been awesome if he had said that? It’s obvious you wouldn’t mind riding that stallion.” Kade cackles loud at my expense.
I’m so livid, I can feel my blood boiling. “Kade, you asshole! You play too damn much! You’re such a dick sometimes. Ugh…can’t believe I fell for your lewd imagination! Thanks for wasting my time and making me late to work.”
I gather my drink, purse, and begin to leave my home, but Kade continues to ramble. “Hey, Cheesecake…rumor has it that he’s a major player, he’s never been seen with the same girl twice, so watch out. He did ask about you though and wanted me to say hi on his behalf. Keep calling me a perv and see how I mess with you next time.” Kade sneers at me, but in seconds, gives me a dimple filled smile. “Have a great day, my dear! Don’t forget to eat some veggies. Love you!” Kade yells from the kitchen as I close the door behind me. Jerk.
My office is located in the SoMa district and the day turns out to be hectic. I work with crime victims. My position consists of a lot of paperwork, but I don’t mind. I revel in fast paced environments. I’m more productive and efficient when I need to haul ass.
Lately, I’ve been gravely focused on my careers. My nonexistent love life has taken a back seat to both jobs. I’m not big on the lovey dovey stuff when it comes to dating. Sex is always on my terms; I just fuck when I’m in need and call it a day. Although recently, I’ve been feeling destitute in the orgasm department.
As I’m driving home, passing the energetic rush of the city, I decide to call my good friend, Emme. Yes, it’s Monday, but I need a drink or six. The last time I checked, bars are always welcoming to fellow patrons in need of some feel good juice anytime of the week.
I met Emme who also majored in social work in college. We had several classes together. She’s quiet for the most part, comes across as reserved, and has a short temper. She doesn’t like dealing with bullshit. I love her, it took me some time to trust her, but throughout these few years, she has earned it.
Emme meets me at my house. She’s Mexican, with olive skin tone, long black hair, and light brown eyes. She doesn’t cover her fine features with makeup, she wears glasses, but is still a very pretty girl. She’s five feet tall with a slim figure. Today, her facial expression lets me know she’s upset and really needs a drink. I quickly get out of my work clothes. I change into some skinny jeans, knee length stiletto boots, and a low cut shiny tank top with a thin draped collar sweater. I put on mascara, red lipstick, and style my long hair into a pompadour ponytail with a rock flare to it. My rockabilly look takes me less than ten minutes to achieve. As we’re leaving, Kade walks in.
“Where are you headed looking like a street walker?” Kade raises his eyebrows and demands an answer. “I see you have on some ‘fuck me boots’ and a shirt you clearly bought two sizes too small. Except for you Em, you always manage to look nice and homely.”
“You’re such a prick. Keep running your mouth and I’ll be sure to fry your balls for breakfast and eat them as my huevos rancheros.” Emme’s look is so fierce as she threatens to have Kade’s balls for breakfast that his jaw drops.
Nice.
“We’re headed over to a bar downtown. I called you, but realized you left your phone here. Are you going to the gym tonight or do you want to get shit faced drunk with us?” I ask impatiently, I’m still pissed from this morning.
“Since you put it that way, how can I resist? Let me wash up real quick, just in case I get lucky. Hey, why don’t you call that photographer friend of yours? He’s a bit on the serious side, but definitely fun to look at.” Kade asks as if he did nothing to crawl under my skin this morning.
Is he serious? “After the stunt you pulled earlier today? I don’t think so, brat.”
“You called me a perv! I may be horny 24 hours a day, only prefer to discuss sexual topics, and a complete whore at times, but that really doesn’t make me a perv. It makes me fun and sexually generous. A perv is an old dirty man who tries to lure kids into a van. I’m not a perv.” He states in a decorous manner.
“Yes, you are a perv even though you don’t try to kidnap kids. If you shut up, I’ll call Dillon to see if he’s available to meet us. I’ll do anything to stop you from rambling.” How is it that Kade finds ways of being so cute, yet so obnoxious at the same time? It’s definitely a talent he’s mastered.
“Sounds good. By the way, Em…I called dibs on Dillon.” Kade winks at her and heads to his room to get ready.
Emme rolls her eyes at Kade’s back and chooses to ignore him. Something is definitely wrong with her if she’s holding back her threats. She’s like a tomb, completely sealed off. Only she knows what’s going on with her life. She discusses school, work, and on a rare occasion, guys she dates. Other than that, she’s a mystery. She never converses about her family, past, or future aspirations. I guess some people just prefer to keep to themselves. I would inquire about her foul mood, but she always turns psycho when she’s questioned. I decide to treat her to a few shots tonight. Maybe, that will get her spirit up.
We agree to take a taxi instead of driving downtown. A lot of alcohol will be consumed and no one is willing to be the unlucky bastard to remain sober and be the designated driver. As the three of us enter the sports bar, we immediately spot some people leaving a booth located in the center of the right wall. The bar has wood paneling throughout its walls and looks a bit run down. On a positive side, it has about fifteen plasma TVs. The walls are covered with sports memo
rabilia and the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement. I feel slightly overdressed. We were supposed to go to a more upscale lounge, but since we were indecisive, we ended up at the nearest hole in the wall bar. Dehydration will make you do that; pick a crappy bar out of pure desperation for alcohol. Normally, I wouldn’t mind, but for some reason, I feel restless.
The bar is ridiculously packed for a Monday. Slowly, it hits me, the Giants vs. Cardinals game is tonight. How could I forget? They need to win game seven to head to the World Series. It’s destiny, I was meant to be here and watch the game. Immediately, my mood lightens. As the waitress approaches our table, we instantaneously blurt out our orders. Screw the menu. Talk about desperate.
I remember to text Dillon of our change of plans and give him our current location. The service is slow and the waitress seems irritated. She’s a pretty girl with burgundy hair and fake boobs, but has a look of disappointment written all over her face. Eventually, we get our beers. After Emme finishes her first drink, she finally relaxes. Kade and Emme begin with their usual banter. Talk about night and day. Kade is blunt, obnoxious, charismatic, and completely lovable. Emme is serious, uptight, focused, and intense. Sometimes, I wonder how the three of us are so inseparable. Among our small circle, I’m more like the referee, always trying to keep Kade and Emme from killing each other. With their focus on the game, the tension within us is relaxed. I love it.
“Oh. My. God. Don’t turn around, but Josh and his fine self just entered the bar. Honey child, he looks mighty tasty. Yum! And he’s with Dillon. Fuck yeah! Our night just got interesting.” Kade smirks and waves them over to our booth. I freeze.
What the hell is Josh doing here? Why do I care? Why am I acting like a stupid teenage girl with butterflies in her stomach? I’m a bad ass bitch, I’ve got this! So, why are my knees getting weak? Thank God I’m sitting down. What the hell? Get yourself together, Nina!
