by Kate Stewart
So far, this hoodie has shown no signs of distress—in fact, I’m rooting for this hoodie to bring years of comfort and happiness—despite the lineup of new and capable hoodies waiting on the sidelines.
Note to the previous owner – If I find any signs of irreparable damage, I will be asking for a FULL refund via pound of flesh.
Grand girls stay Grand. Grand guys better damn well measure up.
**Sharpens scissors.**
“Hey, Troy,” Dante answers, as I settle into bed.
“Hey, bud, what are you doing?”
“Nonny is teaching me how to play checkers.”
“Who’s Nonny?”
“I’m Nonny,” my mother replies, coming into view.
“What are you two doing?”
“Trying to teach this kid there’s more to life than the internet.”
“Yet, I see you’re wearing his merch.”
She rolls her eyes. “I’ve never in my life paid twenty-seven dollars for a T-shirt.”
“You got suckered.”
“It’s Legit,” Dante pipes in, offended.
“How much did you make off her?”
Dante whispers into the phone. “Two dollars.”
I can’t help my laugh. My son is a hustler. “How many more sleeps?”
“Too many. Where is Mommy?”
“She left with a work friend.”
“Girl’s night,” my mom says. “She should be home soon.”
“It’s nice of you to watch him.”
“It’s not a favor, son. Dante, I’ll be in the kitchen. Don’t make a move without me.” I hear him agree as she moves into the other room.
“How is camp?”
“It’s good. My forty is the best it’s ever been. It’s grueling though.”
“Worth the money?”
“Let’s hope so.”
“You still going to graduate in May?”
“Yes. It’s going to be a bitch to catch up, but I should be good.”
“That’s my boy. You know your dad called not too long ago.”
“Yeah, he on the ‘what if my son becomes a millionaire’ train?”
“Probably.”
“Won’t that be a kick in the teeth.”
“God, I know I’m not supposed to rejoice, but I love that you feel that way.”
“I’ve got nothing for him,” I say honestly. “Let’s not talk about this now.” I lift my chin, and she nods in understanding.
“Right. Little ears.”
“So, will you tell Clarissa to call me when she gets in? She’s been hard to reach lately. Everything okay?”
“She’s got a job and a child.”
“I know.”
“Don’t give her a hard time for it,” she says in her business tone.
“Well, well, well, look who’s tap-dancing over enemy lines. You two seem to be getting along.” I can’t help my smile. I was worried it might not happen, but I should have known.
“She’s a good woman. I’m having a hard time staying pissed off.”
“Now you see how I feel.”
This gets her attention. “How do you feel?”
“Like I want to be sitting where you are.”
Mom smiles. “I like her. I really do. I like her for you. She’s got a good head on her shoulders, she’s beautiful, and makes beautiful babies.”
“That she does.”
“I can’t wait for the next one.”
“Cart before the horse, Mom.”
“You two little shits started it that way.”
“You owe me two more bucks, Nonny,” Dante says. “I got your checkers too.”
“That ought to teach you,” I say.
She sighs. “Love you, son. I’m going to go put this little light out.”
“Love you, Mom.”
“Love you, Troy!” Dante shouts just as she ends the call, and my heart flips in my chest.
Lauren’s Eggs Benedict
Commercial Specialist, New Jersey
Makes 6 servings
20 minutes
Hollandaise Sauce
2 Egg yolks
1 stick of butter
1 tbsp real lemon juice
3 English muffins
Margarine
6 Thin Slices Fully Cooked Canadian-style Bacon or Smoked Ham
1 Tsp. Butter
6 Poached Eggs
To prepare Hollandaise Sauce; slightly beat egg yolks, add one half stick of butter and lemon juice, stir over low flame until butter melts. Add the rest of the butter and stir until it thickens. * increase the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste. Keep warm. Split English muffins and toast. Spread each muffin half with margarine and keep warm. Cook Canadian-style bacon in 1 teaspoon margarine over medium heat until light brown. Prepare poached eggs. Place 1 slice bacon on split side of each muffin half and top with poached egg. Spoon warm sauce over eggs
Clarissa
“You look tired,” Troy says as I settle into bed.
“Thanks.”
“That’s not the way I meant it.”
“I know. I am tired. You spoiled me when you were here, and I guess I got used to it.”
“I’ll be home soon.”
“I know.”
“It’s been hard to get ahold of you.”
“I’m sorry. I meant to call you back last night and fell asleep when I put Dante to bed.”
“It’s cool. Everything okay?”
“Yeah, fine. Why?”
“Parker’s been trying to get ahold of you too.”
“Yeah, I spoke to her, thanks for ratting me out.”
He winces. “My bad.”
“Yeah, you’re going to pay for that.”
“I’ll make it up to you.”
“I’m going to hold you to it. It feels like forever since I’ve seen you.” My eyes water and I curse my stupid hormones.
His expression grows serious. “What’s wrong?”
I sniffle and do my best to get it together. “I just miss you. It’s stupid, right? You’ll be back in a couple weeks.”
“It’s been a long fucking month. The longest of my life, if I’m honest. Too much time away, from Dante, from you. I don’t know how I’m going to feel when I’m on the road.”
“You’ll be playing, not training. Doing what you love. Right now, you’re jumping through hoops to make it happen. It’ll all work out in your favor.”
His beautiful blue eyes penetrate me through the screen as he lays on a pillow, his hand behind his head, bicep bulging. “Fuck, I wish I was there.”
“Me too, I would lick the shit out of that bicep.”
“You like that?”
“Uh huh.”
His mouth lifts. “Will you like me when I’m old, fat, and have saggy man butt?”
I smirk. “Doubt it.”
“Damn, that’s cruel.”
I shrug. “Just being honest. Mind tipping that camera down a bit?”
He slowly moves the phone down his torso to his happy trail. He’s always been muscular, but now he’s got the build of a gladiator. My fantasies kick into overdrive as I soak him in.
“A little further.”
“Nope,” he says through perfect lips. “Skin for skin.”
“I’m already naked.”
“Really?”
“No. I have on a grumpy cat T-shirt with a strawberry oatmeal stain. You’re dating a single mom, dude. Wise up.”
“Not single anymore.”
“Sorry,” I wince. “Force of habit.”
“Yeah, well sexiest mom I’ve ever seen.”
I drop the phone to my T-shirt and zero in on the stain. “Like that? That doing it for you?”
“Fuck, yes, that’s hot,” he chuckles.
“Oh, wait, here’s some toothpaste, freshly sprayed.”
“Damn, let me get one-handed real quick.”
We laugh together as I pull the camera back up.
“Do you want more?” He asks.
He rolls his eyes. “You know what I’m asking.”
“Kids? Sure…probably.”
“How many?”
I can’t stop staring. He’s glowing, literally glowing on the screen. For just a second, I revel in the fact that he’s mine. “I don’t know.”
“How about five?”
“I’m so sorry this had to end. It was awesome knowing you,” I say, lifting my finger to end the call.
“Don’t you dare,” he warns. “I’m serious.”
“Why five?”
“Because I’ve always pictured myself with a big family one day. I don’t know. I love the idea of a houseful of kids.”
“Well then, you can push them out of your penis. Let them suck the marrow out of your breasts and bones and scream in your ear for the first five years.”
He shrugs. “We can negotiate. You know, seeing how this is an adult relationship.”
“Smartass. Are you always going to use that against me?”
“Probably.”
My curiosity gets the best of me. “Have you ever been serious with a girl?”
“Yes,” he says easily.
I feel my hackles rise, but I asked. “Tell me about her.”
“Gorgeous blonde. Shaggy hair, perfect teeth, doe eyes. I was so in love. Never been in love like that and never will again.”
“Really?” I ask, swallowing. “So, what was her name?”
“Maura.” I hate that name. I hate her.
“What happened?”
“We had to put her to sleep.”
“You ass, you were talking about a dog!”
“God, you’re sexy when you’re jealous.”
“I don’t get jealous.”
“Liar. You so do. Your nostrils flare. Dead giveaway.”
“Eat poop, Jenner.”
“What about you?” He asks.
“I had the typical high school love story that ended out of boredom, and then I had the great honor of dumping the guy who didn’t give a damn about my affections in college.”
He snorts. “Sweet revenge.”
“Exactly.”
“I love that you dumped him for me.”
“It was because he was not for me…and because I wanted to keep making out with you. I’m a classy bitch.”
“So classy and beautiful.”
“So, you’ve really never been in love?”
“I have. October 5th, 2012, was the first time I fell.”
“I love that he’s the love of your life. He’s mine too.”
“He told me he loved me the other day on the phone while I was talking with my mom.”
“He did?”
“Yeah. I’m glad I was alone after.”
“Why? Did you get emotional?”
“Little bit.”
“Such a softie.”
“You’re making me this way.”
“Am I?”
“Yeah.” He bites his lip. “Between you and that kid, I’m so screwed.”
“Listen to your pillow talk, who knew you were so romantic?”
“I finally found the right girl. Maura may have to take second.”
“Troy,” I murmur.
“Oatmeal stain or not, if I were in the bed with you right now, I wouldn’t take my lips off you all night.”
“Trust me, all of me misses you.”
“Miss my lips?”
“Yes,” I sink into the bed.
“Show me where,” he whispers hoarsely.
“No way.”
“Come on. I’ll show you what’s missing you.”
“Troy—”
“Nope, if you tell me there’s no sexting in adult relationships, I’m calling bullshit.”
“I was just going to say, let me lock the door.”
“Oh, well then, carry on.”
“Give me a second.”
I drop the phone and lock my door while running my fingers through my hair and slipping off my T-shirt. Getting comfortable in bed, I fan my hair out on my pillow and lift my phone.
“Are you naked now?”
“Panties.”
“Which ones? Tell me the ones with the black lace and purple bows.”
I slip the phone beneath the sheets and hear his groan. “Hell, yes.” I pull the phone back up, face hot with embarrassment.
“So, what are you kissing first?” I ask.
“Sucking, I’m sucking on your lips.”
“Okay,” I giggle. “Troy, this is—” I shake my head. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
He rakes his bottom lip with his teeth, a habit I now love, his voice coated in heat. “Trust me?”
“Yes.”
“I miss you,” his voice is gravelly, and instantly he’s with me in the room. I can practically feel his whisper in my ear.
“I miss you too.”
“You’re so beautiful, from those lips to that neck to those nipples. Show me what I’m missing, show me how you touch yourself,” he murmurs.
“Tell me what to touch,” I whisper back, hypnotized by the heat of his voice and the neon blue eyes gazing back at me.
“Start from the top.”
I lift the phone, angling it down and uncover one of my nipples, circling it with my finger. His eyes close briefly before he opens them, setting me on fire. He’s turned on, and there’s nothing funny about it.
“You’re so perfect, lick those lips for me,” he whispers, and I can see his hand descending as I dart my tongue along my lips.
“Let me see.” The phone drifts down his ripped torso, and I nearly gasp when he pulls out his rock-hard cock. My mouth waters at the sight of it.
This is really happening.
I imagine what I’d do if he were in front of me.
“Brush your thumb over the tip,” I order, and he does before giving his cock a long pull.
“Good, but I would have licked that pre-cum off first.”
His eyes close as he slowly strokes his length. “Jesus, Clarissa.”
“I’m swirling my tongue over the head, waiting for you to buck your hips so I can take you to the back of my throat.”
“Fuck, yes,” he’s working his cock now in full view as I slip my hand in my panties.
“Uh uh,” he says, watching me intently. “Let me see.”
“I’ll give you a partial view,” I say, shying away from his demands.
“No. Fucking. Way. Let me see that beautiful pussy,” he’s working his hand faster, and I use my free hand to slip my panties off.
“Naked?” He drawls out, slowing his pace.
“Yes.”
“Show me.”
I lower my phone and spread for him using my middle finger to rub my swollen clit. I tilt the camera, so I’m able to get a partial view and am surprised at how turned on I am by the sight of us both touching ourselves so intimately.
“I need you here,” I whimper, “I don’t want to do this without you.”
“I’m there,” he says, pumping his cock, his breaths coming fast.
“I’m with you,” I bow a little off my mattress, the sight of him enough to have me working my fingers, massaging my clit in circles. I’m soaked, and I can feel the onslaught coming.
“Look at me,” he orders as his body tenses, his strong jaw locking as his cock spills over, and he pumps his orgasm out. It’s so fucking filthy on the screen, and all it does is turn me on more.
“Show me,” he groans as I work my fingers flicking my clit, over and over until finally I tip and spill, gasping out his name more frustrated than sated. I need him too much. I want him too much. I miss him too fucking much for not having had him long enough.
“I need more,” I say softly.
“I’ll give you everything,” he promises, his voice sincere, “everything.”
“Hurry up and come home.”
“Soon.”
Clarissa
“Golding wrote The Lord of the Flies, penn
ing one of the best representations of the end of innocence.”
“Funny, I witnessed the end of innocence in my back seat last week.”
The whole class bursts into laughter. Inwardly I cringe before turning to face him, the one cocky student who thinks it’s fun to goad me until I lose my cool. Every classroom has one.
I narrow my eyes at the little bastard who’s wearing a satisfied grin. “How fantastic for you, Mr. Timmons. I’m sure she too was enlightened as well on how experience really does make the man.”
“Trust me, I’m good,” he snickers, and every student in the room looks on at me with expectation. I refuse to give in.
“I’ll just have to take your word for it.”
“No need,” he kicks back in his seat, lifting his chin in suggestion. “I’m free tonight.”
“Watch it,” I snap in warning, which does nothing to wipe the smile off his face. Gathering myself together, I glance at the clock. Four more minutes until I’m free of this adolescent prison. “So, what do you think Golding’s ideals were regarding government?”
I perch on the side of my desk, imploring thirty students to raise their hands. It’s been one of the toughest years of my career. The longer I teach, the less relevant I feel. Or maybe it’s this particular day that has me bummed. I search the crowd of students and am relieved when a hand pops up in the back. It’s the face and body attached to the hand that has me reeling.
“Sir, mind telling me what you’re doing in my classroom?” I’m elated to see him looking sexy as the devil in a hoodie and jeans and of course, his signature Cheshire smile.
“Rumor has it, it’s your birthday.”
“Happy Birthday, Ms. Arden,” one of the girls squeaks, her eyes glued to Troy. It’s all I can do to keep from rolling my own eyes.
Troy’s remain trained on me, an infuriating smirk on his lips. “And I’d like to answer the question, if I may.”
“This question is for my students.”
“Technically, I am a student.”
Commotion erupts in the back, and I can hear the faint whispers of a few of the football team. “That’s Troy Jenner, man.”
