by S. M. Shade
“That…lotion doesn’t rinse off well. Let’s throw it away, and I promise I’ll bring you another one, okay?”
He reluctantly hands the disgusting, lube and carpet fuzz coated sucker over so Becca can dispose of it.
A few minutes later, Aiden is nodding on his feet and doesn’t even make it through the story he begged Becca to read before he’s snoring. She tucks the blanket around him, and pulls his door shut quietly.
“He’s such a cutie.”
“When he’s asleep,” I agree. “Now, you were going to show me your website.”
She sits next to me on the couch, hands me her phone, and picks up her sketch pad again.
Wow. Her website looks terrible. A few clicks later, I downgrade my opinion to abominable. It’s so simplistic. The information most customers would need is buried in menus and hard to find. The whole thing is difficult to navigate.
“Did you make this?” I ask.
“No, Sasha got one of her friends to do it. He’s an I.T. student.”
“A first year? Christ, this is awful.”
An eyeroll accompanies her huff. “Don’t hold back. Tell me what you really think.”
“If you want my help, you have to stomach the truth without sugarcoating, and the truth is this hurts me. Like, looking at this is truly painful. I’m in agony.”
“Shut up.” She snatches her phone back. “I didn’t say I wanted your help.”
Her frown is met with a smirk. “Right. I mean, what could an advertising major possibly know about online marketing or building a brand?”
She chews her lips for a moment. “What should we change?”
“You should start over. Show me your Facebook page.”
When she hands the phone back, it’s open to the album of tattoo shots, some finished, some still a work in progress. “Becca,” I mumble, in awe.
“What? My Facebook page is a disgrace and I should shut it down and start a career in stripping instead?”
The disgruntled expression on her face is so damn cute. I want to kiss those pouting lips and feel the hands that can create such art wrapped around my—
“Why are you staring at my tits?” she demands.
Shit. Her arms were crossed. I was looking at her hands that just so happen to be near her tits, but there’s no way I can say that. Somehow, staring at her hands sounds more creepy. “I am one hundred percent behind you getting naked and dancing for me, but it would be a waste. Your work is amazing. Seriously, you should be overwhelmed with clients.”
Her head moves back, and she blinks a couple of times. “Really?”
“Yes, this is what you need your customers to see.”
I don’t know a lot about tattoos, but I know these are different than what I usually see. Bright, clean lines, and so real. The portraits look exactly like the comparison photos, and the three-dimensional work is mind blowing.
The corner of her mouth tucks in. “I don’t have money to spend on ads and stuff.”
“There’s still a lot that can be done. Starting with the website. As in, we need to build you a new website and get your work featured prominently.”
“We?” An abundance of caution resides in the look I’m given. “You really want to help?” She leans over to see the screen, and I have to take a deep breath. She’s practically in my lap and she smells amazing.
“Yes.” I tap the screen, going back to her website. “This monstrosity cannot stand. I can’t bear it. It makes my balls ache.”
We’re so deep in conversation we don’t even hear Veronica and Neal come in. “We don’t need to hear about your aching balls,” Veronica chastises, a smile on her face.
It dawns on Becca how this must look, us being so close, and she quickly snatches her phone and scoots away. “I was showing him something.”
Neal stares at the coffee table and it takes me a few seconds to realize what he’s looking at. “Why is my lube in the living room?”
Becca’s face flushes, and she opens her mouth to explain, but I beat her to it.
“What? You can’t share a little lube with your friends, Neal? Don’t be selfish. Your lube is our lube, right?”
Becca elbows me, then gets to her feet, regarding Veronica. “Aiden got a Ring Pop stuck on his toe and that’s the only thing I could find to help get it off.”
“Helps get me off,” I add. I can’t help myself. Her blush intensifies, and she shoots me a scathing look before turning back to Veronica, who is trying not to laugh.
“There was no getting off. I mean, that’s not what we used it for. Denton was just looking at my tattoos, the ones I did, not the ones I have. When you walked in, I mean.”
Everyone just grins at her babbling until she groans and presses her lips together, like she has to physically stop herself from saying more.
Veronica finally puts her out of her misery. “It’s not the first time Aiden has gotten something stuck and I’m sure it won’t be the last,” she chuckles. “Is he asleep?”
“Out like a light,” I tell her. “No problems at all.” I grab my keys from the table and slap Neal on the back. “Just got to hear about how his penis turns into a seahorse in the tub.”
It’s Veronica’s turn to hide her face beneath her palm. “If he doesn’t stop talking about his penis…”
Neal laughs. “It’s normal. And it won’t be fascinating forever.”
“Don’t lie to the woman. I’m still delighted by mine on a daily basis.”
“Too bad no one else is,” Becca quips, before following Veronica into the kitchen.
Neal gives me a curious look, and I shake my head. “Nope, it’s not like that.”
“Not yet,” he chuckles.
“What’s that supposed to mean, old man?” Out of our friend group, Neal is the only one over thirty, which earns him endless senior citizen jokes.
“It means you two are into each other, you fetus.”
“She’s great, but she lives with us. No way I’m making that mistake.”
Our conversation is cut short when they return, but his words stick in my brain the rest of the night. Is she into me? If she is, she hides it well. I guess it really doesn’t matter. Bro code and all.
Chapter Five
Becca
“Road trip!” Trey announces, bounding into the living room.
Denton looks up from his laptop. He’s been working on my website since just after breakfast this morning while I work on putting together a better portfolio to display online. I wasn’t sure if he was just bored last night and would forget about wanting to help, but he’s all over it.
“Road trip to where?” Denton asks.
“They opened a cannabis dispensary just across the state line.”
“We have weed,” Denton points out.
“Not edibles. Come on, Dent, don’t you want to try a pot sucker or gummy bears or something?”
“My vote is for gummy bears, but I’m not going.”
Trey grins at me. “Becca?”
Hmm, risk getting pulled over as soon as we cross from a legal state back to our illegal one? I don’t know what the penalty is for that, but I know I don’t need a criminal record or court fees to pay. On the rare occasion I do smoke, it’s always at home or a friend’s house, where there’s little chance of getting caught. Chances are it’ll be legal here in a year or two. Why risk the trouble? “No thanks.”
“You two are no fun,” Trey announces and proceeds to recruit Kenny, who jumps at the opportunity. He also calls Noble and gets him to go.
A few minutes later, the house is quiet as Denton and I are left alone. “Next, we need to work on your SEO,” he mumbles, typing away.
“I’m not sure what that means.”
“Search engine optimization. It doesn’t do any good to have a kick ass website if no one sees it. When anyone searches for tattoos in our area, we want your work to show up on top.”
“You know how to do that?”
He peeks at me over the top of his
computer. “My master’s thesis is on social media and online marketing. I’m not just a pretty face, you know.”
“Oh, well, thanks. I’m sure it’s a lot of work. If there’s something I can do for you..”
His eyebrow climbs his forehead as his smile widens, and I scoff. “Not that. How about I go make us something to eat?”
With a dramatic sigh, he goes back to work. “I guess that’ll have to do.”
“Breakfast food?” I call back over my shoulder as I head to the kitchen.
“Anything. I’m starving.”
Denton takes a break to eat before going back to working on my website. He spends most of the day on it actually. I need to find a way to pay him back that doesn’t involve money…or sex.
Although, the way he’s been looking at me lately has me tempted, I’ll admit. It’s all I can do not to be won over by his mischievous smile that brings out a dimple. His sense of humor and athletic body add to the brutal combination. It’s a good thing my sense of self-preservation can outweigh my lust because my vagina’s vote on the situation is clear.
The guys return from their edible fetching road trip early in the evening, with a substantial size bag of gummy bears. Trey and Kenny both grab some, shoving them into their mouths and chewing with matching shit eating grins before handing me the bag.
They watch as I read through the information on the attached sticker. “The recommended dose is one to one and a half pieces,” I point out. Neither of them seem concerned they’ve eaten four to five times that much at least. Shrugging, I choose a red bear and hand the bag to Denton, who eats one as well.
Noble takes it next and follows suit. We all settle down in the living room to watch a movie, but about thirty minutes later, Kenny picks up the bag again.
“Dude, don’t,” Noble warns.
“I don’t feel anything. These are weak as fuck,” he argues.
“They just take a while to kick in, dipshit.”
Denton snatches the bag of gummies and darts out of the room, returning after a moment. “They’re hidden. You idiots. I hope you don’t think I’m taking you to the emergency room when you start freaking out.”
Trey laughs, flopping onto the couch. “It’s weed, dude. You can’t overdose on weed.”
Noble shakes his head, smirking. “Edibles are different. You won’t die, but you might wish for death after that many.” Noble’s phone rings, and he answers quickly. “Babe, come to Frat Hell when you get off work. Trey and Kenny ate like half a bag of edibles. You don’t want to miss this show.” He grins as he disconnects the call. “Jani will be here in a bit.”
“Cards Against Humanity?” Trey suggests, and everyone heads to the kitchen.
Jani shows up half an hour or so later.
“Hey babe, work go okay?” Noble asks.
“Yeah, kind of boring. Did I miss anything?”
“Nope, they take a while to kick in.”
I look up and for some reason the look on Jani’s face makes me chuckle. I guess I’m finally starting to feel the one I ate. Denton grins at me and gestures for me to read the next card so they can fill in the blanks.
Clearing my throat, I read, “This year Santa brought me—”
A few giggles run around the room as they lay down their cards. I flip the first one over and start to read out loud. “This year Santa brought me—” As soon as I see the words, laughter grips me and I cover my mouth.
Everyone starts laughing, and I try again. “Santa brought me a good fingering.”
I barely get the words out through my laughter. Yep. Definitely high. Wiping my eyes, I go to the next card. “This year Santa brought me—”
I see the words, but I can’t get them out. My chest aches from trying to control the laughter, and I just lay my head down on the table, my whole body shaking.
Trey takes over and reads, “Santa brought me a surprise rectal exam.”
Everyone cracks up, and I’m just getting control of myself when Denton says, “So that’s what he was fingering.”
Blood rushes in my ears as I fight to take a breath. I’ve never laughed so hard in my life.
Trey’s exclamation of “Holy shit, we broke her!” doesn’t help.
“I’m done,” I gasp, getting to my feet and grabbing a drink from the fridge. “I can’t.” My cheeks are wet with tears. “I’m going to get some air.”
Yeah, outside sounds good. It feels even better, especially because it’s a clear night with some stars visible. I sit on the small, stone porch and lie back, my legs dangling over the edge.
Denton takes a seat beside me a few minutes later. “Are you okay?”
“I’m great. I just couldn’t quit laughing.”
“Yeah, those little bears are powerful,” he says with a chuckle.
“I wonder why Trey and Kenny aren’t losing it.”
Denton snorts, and grins down at me. His eyes are so pretty. The breeze blows his hair across his forehead and I find myself focusing on the individual strands of light brown. “Well, it just took ten minutes to get Kenny out of the kitchen. Apparently, the spot where it goes from tile to carpet was a challenge. He thought he’d fall.”
Stop staring at him like an idiot, Becca. I sit up. “Seriously?”
“Yeah, we’re moving to the living room to play video games and listen to some music. Are you coming back in?”
A light buzz hums under my skin as I get to my feet. It’s not at all unpleasant. “Absolutely.”
“Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”
“I feel amazing, but I’m glad I stopped at one.”
“Me too,” Denton laughs.
The sight of Kenny sitting on the floor, gripping the edge of the large living room rug only solidifies that gratitude. Denton glances toward Noble, who smirks. “He’s trying not to fall off the world.”
“Okay, then.”
He grips the rug tighter and glares at us as we walk past. “Stop! You’re making the room tilt.”
“Just play along,” Noble advises. “Best way to deal with a bad trip.”
“Sorry, man. We’re sitting down,” Denton says.
“Good, the ducks don’t like it and the otter is ferocious.”
All of us are trying not to lose it now, but Trey manages to reply. “Yeah, fuck that otter.”
“Why aren’t you trashed? You ate just as many,” I ask.
“Wait,” Noble chuckles.
“Yep. My weight is good for some things,” Trey agrees, slapping his stomach.
Noble cracks up, shaking his head. “I meant wait, it might take longer to kick in, not because you’re a fat ass, but that probably does help.”
It’s funny because as much shit as they give Trey, he isn’t really that overweight. He’s built like a house, with a barrel of a chest and tree trunks for legs, but he doesn’t have a huge gut, just some love handles.
Trey flops into the recliner while Noble and Denton start playing a video game. Jani sits beside me on the couch and asks, “Do you have any more of those gummies?”
“Yeah, we had to hide them from the idiots. Do you want one?”
Grinning, she nods, and I lean down to let Denton whisper to me where he hid them. The feel of his hot breath across my ear sends goosebumps racing down my skin and my nipples feel strangely tight. Probably the effect of the edibles.
He hid them in the box of tampons under the sink, and I return with one for Jani.
“We need music,” Trey announces, his speech slow and pronounced. “Can I borrow your Bluetooth speaker, Dent?”
“Whatever blows your skirt up.”
The giggle Trey lets loose makes us all laugh. It sounds like a grade school girl who just got an “I like you do you like me?” note passed to her. He doesn’t seem to have any trouble moving around, unlike Kenny who is still gripping the rug like it might fly around the room.
He returns with Denton’s speaker, syncs his phone to it, and music fills the room. Jani and I sit on the couch, chatting, u
ntil her buzz kicks in too. Then we all get quiet, other than a few comments from Denton and Noble as they play their game.
It’s nice and relaxing, and I look around the room. I was worried about moving in here, but I’m glad I did. I feel comfortable with these people, and I’m glad to be making friends with them, feeling like a part of a group again. Shit, the edible must be making me sentimental.
Jani looks at me with a glassy eyed grin. “You’re all smiley.”
“Oh yeah, I feel good.” Actually, I’m awesome. No stress at all. So my car is done for, I may have to drop out of school, and my whole life is a mess. Who cares? We both giggle, and Denton flashes a smile at me.
Gah, look how sexy he is. Sitting on the floor with his long legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. His back rests against the couch and when he moves around, his shoulder bumps against my bare leg. As if he feels me looking at him, he tilts his head back and gives me a half smile that makes me want to strip him.
“Having fun?”
“Yeah, I give the bears two thumbs up.” I follow that genius statement by holding up my thumbs. Apparently, I’m lame when I’m high.
“I’m starving!” Trey announces, and heads for the kitchen.
Everyone cheers when he enters with an armful of snacks. Bags of chips and pretzels balance on a big box of cupcakes. A six pack of soft drinks dangle from one hand as he dumps it all on the end table.
He may have been the one to think of it, but once we see the food, everyone falls on it like a pack of velociraptors. Jani and I share a bag of cheese curls, and she throws one at Kenny, who is now just staring like a zombie at the wall ahead of him. “Kenny! Eat, you’ll feel better.”
“It’s blue,” he says, as if she asked him a question.
“What’s blue?” Noble asks.
“The future.” He stretches out the word future. “All blue.”
An alarmed look jumps to Trey’s face. “Dude, stop it. That shit is creepy. You can’t see the future.”
All eyes are on Trey now, and he gets to his feet to retrieve one of the soft drinks. On his way, he steps on the cheese curl Jani threw. Looking down, he says, “Oh, sorry.” Then he tries to pick up the crumbly cheese like he can put it back together.
