“My day was…well, not too bad actually. It flew by, but I was able to knock out a good portion of my to-do list, including lunch with my father.”
I do my best not to show any sort of reaction at the mention of him.
“How, uh, how are your parents?” I ask because I know it’s expected.
“They’re…well, to tell you the truth, we’re struggling a bit.”
“Oh?” Her brows lift as my voice jumps two octaves. I cough. “Sorry, swallowed wrong,” I lie. “What’s going on?”
She sighs heavily, setting her empty plate on the counter next to her. “For starters, my father has cancer.”
“Cancer? Jesus fuck, Frank.”
Her lips pull up on one side. “I don’t think my father would appreciate that language very much.”
I ignore her smartass comment. “I had no idea he was sick. How bad is it?”
“We just went to the doctor earlier this week. It’s not any better, but it’s not any worse right now. We’re sort of in limbo with it. It could go either way.”
“Shit. I know you’re close with your parents.”
“Was. I was close with them. I haven’t been for years.”
“What happened?”
She flicks her eyes my way. It’s brief, but it’s enough for me to know I have something to do with it.
“We wanted different things for my life and had a difficult time compromising. My mother came around first, but my father was a different story. We’ve only been speaking for six months now, since we found out about the cancer.”
I cross the kitchen, not stopping until I’ve planted myself between her legs, wrapping my arms around her.
She stares up at me with her pouty lips parted, her big brown eyes filled with sadness.
I cup her jaw, running the pad of my thumb over her freckled cheeks.
“I’m sorry, Frank.”
She knows I’m not apologizing just for her father’s cancer, but for us too. We both know I’m partially to blame for the demise of her relationship with her parents, and it guts me to know that.
I see it in her eyes: the forgiveness, the acceptance that the past is the past.
Her hands find my hair as I drop my lips to hers. It’s like she’s holding me to her, not wanting me to let go.
I didn’t plan on it.
Our mouths tangle together, and it’s not long before we’re both needing more.
Frankie is the first to pull away, resting her forehead against my shoulder.
“I thought you said no ulterior motives.”
“I did, and I meant it…but I couldn’t help myself.”
“I’m sure you couldn’t.” She smiles. “How are your parents doing?”
I cough out a laugh. “Did you really just ask me how my parents are doing when I’m standing between your legs with my cock trying to bust out of my jeans?”
“Yes. Is your boner going away now? Do you still want to kiss me?”
“I always want to kiss you, Frank.”
She laughs, shoving at me. “Stop it.”
“No, I’m serious. I always want to kiss you. I’ve always wanted to kiss you.” I take a step away and shove my hands into my pockets so I don’t reach for her again. “I’ve kind of had a crush on you since I first saw you.”
“Oh bull.”
“No, I’m serious. I did. It was your first day. I saw you in the office and there was just something about you that I liked. Then we sat next to each other in first period and I was a goner.”
“No.” She shakes her head. “You’re just saying all that to make me feel better about my crush. You didn’t see me.”
“Are you kidding me, Frank? You were all I saw.”
“Then why didn’t you ever do anything about it?”
“You were my pastor and my principal’s daughter. I was…well, me. I couldn’t touch you. We both know that.”
“But you did,” she murmurs, both hands placed on either side of her. “You did touch me.”
“And I don’t regret a single moment of it.”
She doesn’t say anything, just sits there swinging her legs back and forth, avoiding all eye contact with me.
“Do you?”
“Do I what, Jonas?”
She’s really going to make me say it…
“Do you regret it?”
She sighs. “I’ve tried to.” Finally, she glances up at me. “I’ve tried to so many times over the years.”
“And?” I press.
“No, Jonas, I don’t regret it.”
“Good.”
“Good?”
“Yeah.” I grin at her. “It means I still have a chance.”
Laughing, she hops down from the counter, sauntering past me, wiggling her hips in a way she knows drives me crazy.
When she reaches the doorway, she looks back at me over her shoulder with a sassy smirk.
“Wanna go make out on my couch?”
Who am I to turn her down?
* * *
I can’t stay away.
I’ve tried.
Well, not very hard, admittedly, but I’ve thought hard about trying, and it’s ultimately the thought that counts, right?
In between my short shifts at Slice and upping my physical therapy routine, I’ve shown up at Frankie’s every day for the last two weeks. Sometimes it’s late at night, sometimes early in the morning. Sometimes I stop by for a meal and a movie, and sometimes just for a kiss. Sometimes it’s just to drop off our notebook.
I’ve kept her on her toes, and she’s loving every second of it.
I’m about to throw her yet another curveball because I have to see her tonight.
I hit the green button on the phone, bringing it to my ear on an unsteady breath, suddenly nervous about making a simple phone call.
“H-Hello?”
“Frank!” My voice is too high. I’m too eager. I clear my throat. “I mean, Frank!”
Shit. Nope. That sounded exactly the same.
“Jonas?”
“Do you have many other people in your life calling you Frank? If so, I’ll need names and numbers. They have some explaining to do.”
“How did you get this number?”
“Julian is very accommodating.”
“You do you realize you just made it sound like you exchanged sexual favors for my work number, right?”
“Shit. No.”
She laughs. “What do you want, Jonas?”
“I want you to go to the fair with me tonight. You’re not allowed to say no. Just say you’d love to go and I should pick you up at eight.”
“So, basically, you’re not asking me, you’re telling me I’m going to the fair with you and you’re picking me up at eight?”
“Yes.”
“Well, then, okay. I’ll see you at eight.”
“Wait, seriously?” I’m surprised that worked.
“Yes.” She giggles. “I mean, I’m not allowed to say no, right?”
“Right.”
“Then eight it is.”
“Damn, that was easy.”
“Like Sunday morning.”
“Hey, Frank?”
“Yeah, Jonas?”
“You’re giving me twenty dollars. You’re not allowed to say no.”
“No.”
“But I just said you can’t say no.”
“It doesn’t work like that.”
“But it just did.”
“The fair thing worked because I’d actually love to go to the fair with you, but I don’t want to give you twenty dollars.”
“Oh, how convenient.”
“Yeah—for me. See you at eight, Jonas.”
Slice Ten
Frankie
“I’m fine, Mom, I promise. Quit fretting over me.”
My mother titters on the other end of the phone. “I’m not fretting. I’m simply concerned.”
“Because I have plans tonight?”
“Well…yes.” At least she doesn’t lie about
it. “You never have plans.”
“I do now.”
She sighs, and I know exactly what’s going to leave her mouth next. “Your father and I sure will miss you at dinner, Frankie.”
Yep. Knew that was coming.
I’m never included in deciding when these weekly dinners will happen. I’m just supposed to keep my schedule clear and be ready when they call.
I knew dinner with them was a possibility for tonight when Jonas asked me to go to the fair with him, but I said yes anyway.
Truth is, I need a break from my parents. It’s not that I don’t love them, because despite everything we’ve gone through over the last several years and the distance that’s formed between us, I still love them fiercely. It’s just that they can be…overbearing. Pushy. And I have a tough time saying no to them, which never seems to end well for me.
“I’ll make it up to you later this week.”
“Make sure you do. I have to run now, gotta break the news to your father.”
More guilt.
“I love you, Francis.”
“Love you too.”
I toss my phone onto the bed and meander over to my closet to continue my search for the perfect outfit.
What does one wear on a first date that hasn’t actually been designated a date?
A thought hits me, and before I can overthink it, I pick my phone back up and tap Julian’s name.
I already know he’s going to just love getting this phone call.
“Hello?”
“I need help.”
“With?”
“I need an outfit.”
He sighs. “We’ve been over this—I am not your gay best friend who’s going to give you makeovers and braid your hair and do other bullshit girly crap.”
I laugh. “Except you already did give me a makeover.”
“I encouraged you to do your hair and get contacts. Big whoop.”
“And forced me to go to that beauty counter in the mall, and then bought me makeup.”
“Okay, fine. Then we’ll say I gave you a makeover. Whatever.” I can practically hear him roll his eyes. “Where are you going?”
“Out.”
“With?” I can picture him sitting forward, excited and eager to hear my answer because he already knows what it will be.
Julian’s been walking on air since he—according to him—reunited Jonas and me.
I groan. “Stop it.”
“Nah, I’m good. I want you to say it.”
“Jonas,” I grind out begrudgingly. “Are you happy now?”
“Delighted.” He laughs like the jerk he is. “Now, where are you two lovebirds off to?”
“I’m not telling you. You’ll show up.”
“You really think I’m going to show up and cockblock you? After you’ve pined after him for years? What kind of best friend do you think I am?”
“The best of the best, Igor. And also, an asshole.”
“Fair enough.” He chuckles. “But I kind of need to know where you’re going so I can dress you properly.”
“Oh.” I didn’t think of that. “Fine. We’re going to the county fair.”
“Well this is easy: put on your shortest pair of shorts and a tight tee. Boom. Done.”
“Are you serious?” I growl. “That’s all you’re going to say?”
“Yes, because believe it or not, dressing yourself isn’t rocket science.”
“Help me. Be more specific.” I feel the sting of tears hit my eyes and I blink them back as fast as I can. “I don’t want to screw this up, Julian.”
I can hear him swallow. “Shit. Don’t cry, Frankenstein. I hate it when you do that. I’m sorry. I’m taking this seriously, I promise.”
“I am too, which is why it’s so damn scary.”
“You really like him, huh?”
“So much. I know I shouldn’t because of what happened before, but I can’t help it.”
“Can I be honest with you?” He doesn’t wait for me to answer. “Who gives a flying fuck about the past? You were kids. You did something dumb. It didn’t pan out the way you wanted it to. Get over it. You’re not the same person you were four years ago, and neither is he. Quit living in the past and start living in the now. You deserve it.”
I don’t even try to hide my tears.
He’s right. About all of it. We aren’t who we were before. Our lives have changed so much, and so have we. I can give him another chance and not beat myself up about it.
Maybe he’ll surprise me this time around.
He has already, with the cake, the notebook, and all the times he’s shown up over the last two weeks.
I just need to let go and enjoy whatever it is we’re doing.
“I do, so help me pick out what to wear.”
“Your dark wash shorts with the frayed hems. They make your ass look amazing. Pair it with your army green shirt with the lace on the top. It shows just enough cleavage without making you feel exposed, and it’ll give Jonas something to look forward to later. And before you ask, yes, wear your gray boat shoes. They’ll look just fine. I promise.”
“Thank you.” I blow out a breath. “You’re my hero.”
“I know, but just remember, you owe me.”
“I promise to bring extra donuts on Monday.”
“You’re gonna make me wait until Monday for donuts?” he cries. “After everything I’ve done for you?”
“Fine. I’ll let you buy me post-coitus breakfast tomorrow and rehash all the dirty details of tonight.”
“Wait…seriously?”
“No!”
“Boo, you non-whore!”
“Love you, Igor.”
“Love you too, Frankenstein.”
* * *
Julian was right.
These shorts do make my ass look amazing.
“One fried Oreo for the lady.”
I wrinkle my nose at the treat Jonas insisted we try. “Do I have to?”
“Where’s your sense of adventure, Frank?”
I pat my pockets. “Shit. Must have left it at home.”
“You left your adventure and your wallet at home? How convenient.”
I wish I could crawl into a hole.
In my rush to get out the door and get this date going before I lost all my nerve, I completely forgot to grab my wallet.
“It wasn’t on purpose, I swear!”
“That’s what anyone would say.”
“I’ll make it up to you.”
“Did you just offer sexual favors in exchange for a delicious fried cookie?”
I lift my brows. “First, I said nothing about sexual favors. Wishful thinking, much? Second, I did not agree to try that monstrosity of a creation.”
“You’re gonna turn me down now? After I spent my hard-earned money on it?
“I am ninety-five percent certain you bought that with your tip money, and considering how much pizza I’ve ordered in the last few weeks, there’s a good chance those were my dollars.”
He tries to hold back his smile at my logic but fails, and I love the way it lights up his face.
I think a smiling Jonas is my favorite thing in the world.
He holds the concoction up in front of my face. “Please?”
“Fine, but if I hate it, you owe me a funnel cake.”
“Are you kidding me? That line is insane!”
“And the line for the fried Oreos wasn’t. That should tell you something.”
“Yeah, that everyone else in town has shitty taste.”
I shake my head and snatch the fat-laden chunk from his hand, stuffing it in my mouth in one bite.
“Frank!” he shouts just as my mistake dawns on me.
It’s hot.
Very hot.
My mouth is on fire and I’m doing everything I can to put it out, chewing unattractively with my mouth wide open while fanning the molten dessert.
Jonas doesn’t once look at me in disgust, and not even concern.
No.
I swat at him and he doesn’t care, cradling his stomach in laughter.
When I finally manage to swallow the last of the dangerous, albeit delicious, treat, I glare at him.
“You are evil!”
“How is this my fault? You’re the crazy one who just grabbed and ate like she hasn’t ever had a meal before.”
“You could have warned me!”
“I was about to, but you just snatched it away.”
“My mouth hurts. My—”
Before I can say anything else, he crashes his lips to mine and steals the breath right from my lungs.
His hands cradle my face, his thumb caressing my jaw.
It’s a quick kiss, but it’s packed with so much attention. So much emotion.
I loathe the moment he pulls away.
He grins at me. “Do your lips feel better now?”
“I said my mouth was on fire, not my lips.”
“Well, in that case…”
He goes in for another kiss.
“Damn, Schwartz. Nice job.” Timmy Drake, my least favorite guy from high school, whistles as he walks by. “Can’t believe you bagged the virgin.”
Jonas stiffens, and I see in his eyes the moment he decides he’s going after Drake.
He takes one step toward the jerk, and I latch onto him, digging my heels in.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“To beat his ass,” Jonas growls. “He really fucking needs it.”
“Jonas…” He leans forward, and I push back. “Jonas!”
He comes to a halt, staring down at me with hard eyes.
“What?” he grinds out, and I’ve never heard such malice in his voice before. It almost scares me.
“What exactly do you think you’re doing?”
“Well I thought it was pretty obvious I’m going to go kick that guy’s ass, but apparently not.” He looks down at me, eyes still full of ire. “Hey, Frank, I’m gonna go beat that guy’s ass.”
“You can’t be serious right now.”
“Oh, I’m dead serious. I’m so serious that guy is about to be dead.”
“That barely makes any sense,” I argue.
“I’m not trying to make sense—I’m trying to defend your honor.”
“I don’t need you to defend me, Jonas.”
“Tell me why I’m supposed to just let him walk away after that bullshit.”
A Slice of Love Page 10
