Chicks, Man

by J. D. Hollyfield

  “So, what now? Ready to run Kellan Styles out of VP? Take over the company?” Levi grins, taking a sip of his soda. A smirk fights through my lips, and I chuck a chip at him.

  “Not yet. Need to learn a little bit more before I start claiming my board member seat.”

  We laugh as a knock sounds at his office door. I cock my head to see Braydon standing in the doorway.

  “Hey there,” I chirp.

  “Hey…uh, sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you, but, Hannah, I was just checking to see if you’ve eaten. If you haven’t, do you want to go up to Vince’s Deli? I have some cases I’d thought you’d enjoy going over with me.” I return his cheerful smile and put down my sandwich.

  “We’re busy—”

  “I’m actually done eating,” I cut Levi off, wrapping up the other half and stuffing it in the paper bag.

  “What are you doing? You haven’t even finished your lunch,” Levi barks, as I veer around him, noticing his demeanor has suddenly changed.

  “Oh, I’m full. I had a big breakfast,” I reply, taking the bag and tossing it in his garbage.

  “You had half a muffin. I watched you.” He frowns at me, and I offer him my what’s your problem scowl. Standing, I brush off my skirt and scoop up my cards. “Thank you again for lunch and helping me. I do appreciate everything. I’m sure you’re relieved to know you won’t have to spend your lunches with me anymore. Thanks again.” I wave and give Levi my back, offering Braydon my attention.

  “I’ll tag along while you grab something, then we can review your cases and maybe you can quiz me on them. See if I have what it takes to be a lawyer.” There’s a flash of joy in his eyes, sending a spark of anticipation to mine. I’m glad he enjoys my company as much as I do his.

  Looking forward to our time together, I leave Levi’s office without another word. Braydon and I make small talk while he picks up a sub sandwich from the food cart outside the building and we settle at his desk. When I pull out my notes, our eyes graze and we’re both sporting goofy grins.

  “Okay, what do ya feel like learning today?” he asks. While he unwraps his turkey sub, I pull out my notepad and flip through. I sneak a peek at Braydon as he takes another bite, then bring my eyes down, hiding my giggle at a piece of lettuce hanging from his mouth.

  “I must look like a savage trying to get this sandwich down,” he mumbles, his mouth full. I catch myself staring at his lips longer than necessary, and when he notices, he brings his fingers up, wiping some mayonnaise off. I flush with embarrassment at getting caught checking him out and throw my attention back to my notes.

  “No, you…um, look fine.”

  “Just fine?” he asks.

  I raise my eyes. “What does that mean?”

  “Well, I was hoping I looked more than just fine. Like handsome. Or hot. I’d even take cute, though guys hate being called cute.” I can’t believe he’s being so blunt. Calling out the attraction I think we’ve both been noticing this past week. I shake my head, smiling even more. He’s definitively attractive. And funny. I can see something more happening outside of our work flirtation.

  “I’m not sure about all that, but I find you somewhat…fun.” I smirk, trying to hide my building laughter. His mouth drops, a theatric gasp leaving his lips.

  “Fun? That sounds horrible! It’s like when you ask someone if the person is good looking and their response is they are super nice. Ouch.” He brings his hands to his chest, as if I wounded him. “That hurts. I was hoping I’ve impressed you enough with my stellar knowledge, you’d be obliged to maybe go out with me when I finally got the courage to ask you.”

  It’s my turn to gasp, and he shoots me a silly grin. “You want to go out with me?” I ask, shocked.

  “Of course. I think you’re amazing. Smart, kind, and if it matters, I think you’re more than fun. I think you are absolutely stunning.” It’s been a long time—okay, maybe never—since anyone has said something so nice to me. I’m beyond flattered and conclude I would have a great time going out with Braydon.

  “Well, I guess maybe we should go out sometime,” I return.

  His eyes widen in excitement. “Really?”

  “Unless you were just messing with me.” I panic. Guys don’t normally ask me out—scratch that, they never ask me out. Shoot! Maybe he is just messing with—

  “I would love to take you out. And sooner rather than later, in case you change your mind.” I giggle at his good-natured charm. He’s not as tall as Levi or as built, but he’s got a nice smile. His eyes are hazel with this beautiful green speckle that make him that much better looking. Whereas Levi’s hair is dark brown, Braydon’s is a dirty shade of blond. And why am I comparing him to Levi? I shut that down real fast. I need to get over that long-lost fantasy. Levi hasn’t made any sort of pass at me—not that he ever has—but he’s been kind and considerate. Like a friend. And I get it. Sadly, I do.

  “Yes!” Shoot, did that come out too eager? He probably thinks I’m desperate. But the sooner I banish Levi out of my thoughts, the better. “I mean, yes. Sooner is better. How about tonight? I have nothing planned.” Because I don’t ever have plans. Geez, can I make myself look any more pathetic?

  Braydon nods and opens his planner. “Tonight. Hmmm…special date with Hannah Matthews.” He scribbles in his planner. “There, it’s set. You can’t back out now.” A subtle blush spreads across my cheeks, and I find myself smiling at the thought of what can come out of this…us.

  “Agreed. No backing out.” A bashful giggle flees my lips. His goofy grin matches mine and we sit there, enjoying the silent flirtation, until someone walks by and breaks the moment. His hands disappear under his desk and he begins nervously slaps his thigh. “We should probably get to work so we can finish up and focus on that date. I have the best pizza place in mind.” Right. Work.

  “Of course, I’m probably keeping you from your busy workload. What was the one case you said you were swamped with?” Confusion forms around his eyes. “The one you were just telling me about?”

  “Oh yeah! The…um…child services case. Christine actually asked to assist on that one, so I threw her a bone. Can’t have all the cases to myself.” He winks causing me to giggle. “Speaking of cases, fill me in on the newest case they have you sitting in on? The Miller case, right?”

  “Yeah! Sure, unless you need to get going.”

  He leans forward, speaking in a medieval fashion. “My ears are at your service, my lady.”

  When I’m done yapping his ear off, we say our goodbyes and I head back upstairs to my desk. When I turn the corner, knowing he can’t see my face, my lips breach into a wide grin. I, Hannah Matthews, have a date tonight.

  I’m nervous.

  Not as nervous as if I was conjuring up a plan to trick a specific someone into sleeping with me, but there’s a jitter in my belly. A good jitter? Guilty jitter? Why would I feel guilty? How about it’s simply because it’s been a million years since I’ve been on a date. I’ll stick to that.

  I walk out of my bedroom, passing my parents on the couch watching their nightly news. I pick up the pace, hoping to get out without a billion questions. After pacing for a solid thirty minutes, I decide to withhold my real plans. Explaining I’m going on a date with a guy from work, which will set off a round of questions, sounds like an unneeded headache. Plus, question overkill is my parents’ favorite game.

  “Bye, guys…I’m going to…uh, get pizza with some high school friends.” Go. Go. Go…

  My parents, both seated closely together, bump heads when they cock their necks back, eyeing me curiously. My mom is wearing her one glass of chardonnay smile. “Okay, honey.”

  “Where you headed to, kiddo?” Dad questions.

  Darn it. Nosy parents.

  Have I ever mentioned I’m a horrible liar? Make-believe friends are a hard fable to master.

  “Yeah, um…Bill’s Pizza—”

  “Bill’s?” Dad’s voice hikes, and his nose crinkles in disgust. My mom’s
lips thin.

  Great.

  Here we go.

  Bill’s Pizza Pub—the only restaurant on my family’s do-not-eat-ever list. We’re a Savino’s pizza family. We stick together when it comes to our slice of pie. So, when Braydon texted me with his perfect place, I theatrically groaned at my phone. I know there are people out there who believe pizza is all created equal. Not the Matthews. It must have the perfect amount of ingredients and true love for it to come out just right. One night, the weather had been so bad, it knocked out the power at Savino’s and they had to close. Desperate for pizza, we ordered from Bill’s. A house full of food poisoning later, we swore never again. A year passed, and when no one still cringed at the memory of the fights of who got to barf in the toilet and who barfed in the laundry sink, we tried it again. Same. Damn. Thing. Every time we attempted, shit hit the fan, literally. We all agreed that place was cursed, and no Matthews was to ever eat there again.

  “Bill’s? We hate Bill’s.”

  “Everyone hates Bill’s,” Dad gripes. “They should have shut that place down by now!”

  “Honey, you remember that one time you had such bad poops, we had to get those wipes—”

  Gah! Don’t remind me! “I didn’t pick—”

  “Why aren’t you guys going to Savino’s? It’s your favorite.”

  “And it’s closer,” my mom chimes in.

  “Who are these friends you’re meeting? Everyone around here knows Savino’s is the best. You’re going to get sick. I can’t allow my daughter to eat their poison pizza.”

  “Dad, it wasn’t my pick—”

  “Honey, you should really consider cancelling. Linda from Bunko just ate there and she said her bowels—”

  “Okay…well, bye!” I shut them down and practically run out of the house. I certainly don’t need anyone reminding me of how I convinced myself I had deposited my intestines into the toilet after attempting their meat lovers.

  It will be fine.

  I’ll just order a salad.

  Plain, dry salad.

  Pulling up to Bill’s, lucky me, I find a close parking spot in front of the restaurant. Probably because everyone knows to stay clear of this place. My stomach starts to churn seeing the neon sign, but I push away the convulsions and force my legs out of my car.

  “Hannah!” I hear my name, and I spin around to see Braydon walking up as I shut my car door. “You made it.” He smiles, leaning in for a hug. I’m caught off guard by his friendliness, unable to make a move before he captures me in his arms and cocoons me to his chest. “So glad you came.” We stand there for a few short seconds, until he offers me one more tight squeeze, my breasts pressing against him before he releases me.

  “Yeah, me too!” I reply, regaining my composure. I smile, pushing away the stupidity at the place he chose and remember why I said yes. Because I want to get to know him better. Not lose five pounds fast. He’s changed out of his suit attire into a pair of bootcut jeans and a forest green polo. He appears younger in casual clothes.

  “Let’s go in. I bet you’re starving. This is the perfect place.” Without another word, I allow him to take my hand and escort me inside. The lighting is dim, the air thick with Italian spices. We’re quickly seated in a corner booth, and our drink orders taken. “I have to say, Hannah, I didn’t expect you. As in…you as a whole. I knew you were starting, but never did I imagine you being so…this…well, special.” Braydon stares at me from across the table, his eyes confident as they peer into mine.

  A timid blush cascades across my cheeks. His compliment comes out of left field, surprising me. As I allow his words to sink in, I realize how blind I’ve been. I’ve been acting so childish about Levi, I didn’t appreciate the great guy I had right in front of me. As if something snaps inside me, a true smile breaches, and I allow my walls to fall, ready and willing to enjoy my date.

  “Thanks. I didn’t expect you either.”

  We share a silent moment, until our Cheshire grins win and we laugh at our silliness. “Wow, that was corny, wasn’t it?”

  “Maybe a little,” I chuckle, then take a sip of my water. “But I enjoyed it.”

  He nods in approval as the waitress returns with our drinks. “You two ready to order?” she asks.

  “Yes. We’re going to share the meat lovers. Extra cheese please.” He turns to me. “Trust me. You’re going to love it.”

  Hannah

  I finish typing up a testimony for Gale in legal and click print, saving the file to my computer in hopes to get them to her before she leaves for lunch. The office has been quiet all morning with meetings in place, which has also left me with time to analyze my date last night, breaking down all the good and bad. For one, the off-the-starting-line spark. His compliment gave me the confidence I needed to let loose and truly allow him to get to know me. He was nice, funny…

  I slump in my chair, remembering the bad. I had such great expectations.

  Further into the date, I started to discover, besides the basics, we barely had anything in common. That short-lived spark I tried to keep lit, fizzled out. I spent the whole dinner convincing myself it was my nerves while he coerced me into eating the pizza of death. How was I supposed to focus on his charm and wittiness when I was too worried about my stomach lining? It had to be that. I convinced myself of it so much, I accepted another date offer for Friday.

  But those missing fireworks…

  He’s nice. Charming. Funny. Repeat. He’s nice. Charming. Funny—

  “Gah!” It’s fine. Focus on the good parts. Again, nice, charming—

  “Working hard? You look in deep thought about something.” Levi’s voice catches my attention, and I glance up as he drops a handful of manila envelopes on my desk. I choose to keep the reasoning for my deep thinking to myself and focus on the contents in front of me: witness testimonies for the Miller case. Clara Hill’s name on the front of the folder, a large confidential stamp below it.

  “Are you going to answer me?” My eyes finally meet his. His usual steely gaze is missing, exhaustion in its place. This case is taking all his focus, and it’s apparent he’s running on empty. Even in his state, I can’t help but admire how handsome he is in his black fitted suit, always lacking a tie, and giving the world a tease of his muscled chest with his top button left unlatched. Stop drooling over him! You just went on a date with someone else! And you accepted another one for Friday. Levi is bad news. Braydon is good news.

  “No deep thinking. Just thinking about how wonderful my date was last night.” I pick up the confidential folder, but Levi slaps it closed.

  “Wait what? With who—?”

  “Oh, fantastic, you’re both here.” We both cock our heads at my dad’s sudden appearance. Levi pulls his hand away from the folder, replacing his snarly growl with a smile.

  “Mr. Matthews,” Levi greets, but my dad waves him off.

  “Honestly, son, you have been part of our family since Hannah here was practically in diapers, call me Jim. Hi, baby girl.” My dad leans down, placing a kiss on my cheek. “I just spoke with Kip. He brought up a fantastic idea. Ketterville.”

  We both stare at my dad, waiting for him to elaborate. “The campground?” Levi asks, his brows furrowed in confusion.

  “You bet’cha. This weekend. We’re all going. It’s been ages since we’ve all done a camping trip up there, and what better time to get the gang back together? Kipley and Stacey are all for it. She mentioned bringing a friend along. Levi, you’ll join us. Bring a guest as well. I won’t take no for an answer.” Oh god, I am not going back to Ketterville. The horrid memories of being taunted by Chase Steinberg and the birth of Hannah Banana. No flippin’ way.

  “Daddy, I can’t. I actually have plans this weekend.” My dad’s brows shoot up in shock as if I just told him the sky wasn’t blue.

  Gee, thanks, Dad.

  “More plans? What kind of plans, honey?”

  I peer from Levi, who seems too interested in my answer, back to my dad. “We
ll, I have a date. A second one, actually…with…um…Braydon Connor. He works here, down in litigation.” My dad will handle this information in one of two ways. He will tell me absolutely not and try to fire Braydon for even thinking about engaging in anything less than a professional relationship with his daughter, or he’ll simply say absolutely not.

  “Well, bring him along. Nice kid. But separate tents, or I’ll kill him and hide the body.” My brows shoot up to the moon. Totally didn’t see that coming.

  “Daddy!” I slap his shoulder as he laughs, facing Levi. “I look forward to it, kids.” And with that, he disappears down the hallway toward his office.

  “You went on a date with Braydon Connor?” Levi growls, startling me. I turn to him, taking in his dark scowl. Realizing he’s showing his cards, he cools his features. “You understand your father will have him fired for this.”

  This gets my attention. “He would not,” I argue. “He just invited him to Ketterville. Why would he fire him?” I ask, praying he won’t.

  “Because when he thinks about it more, he’ll see some newbie geek hitting on his little girl when he should be doing his damn job.” I thrust my hands to my hips, ready to stand my ground. “Maybe a little whispering in daddy’s ear would—”

  “I am not little. And you wouldn’t dare.”

  “I would. You’re not going on another date with him.”

  I transform into Puff the Magic Dragon as steam blows through my nostrils. “He wouldn’t believe you.”

  My dad is protective of me, but he wouldn’t simply fire someone who’s exceptional at their job because they asked out his daughter. Or would he? Shoot. My battle smile wavers.

  “Yeah, that’s what I thought. See ya, Brady.” He walks away, leaving my mouth hanging open, and disappears into his office.

  I snap out of my shock and storm after him. “It’s Braydon, and my dad wouldn’t do that to me. Not if he sees I finally found someone who makes me happy.” If I wasn’t staring so intently at his back, I’d almost miss the falter in his step. He doesn’t respond to my reply, but simply sits at his desk and begins typing on his laptop.