The Friend Zone (The Relationship Quo Series Book 2)

by Nicole Strycharz

  Jenzy had taken back the hose but she choked on the smoke when she heard and the two of us laughed.

  I winced, “I kind of took to pickpocketing while I was homeless and I didn’t know it was him.”

  Moses bugged his eyes at me, “I didn’t change that much in a month!”

  I glared, “it was dark and raining.”

  He threw his head back then forward, “but do you always have to shove me? First, it was a sandbox over ninja turtles then it was an alley over a wallet.”

  I was laughing too hard and so was Jenzy but then she stopped and set her tea down, “so he caught you?” she asked.

  I snorted, “hell no, I’m faster. But I got back to the club to check for cash and saw his driver’s license. It had his address and all and I went to find him.”

  Moses blew out smoke then smiled, “made a broken nose worth it.”

  I shoved his arm, “it wasn’t broken you, wuss, it was scrapped.”

  Jenzy dragged her fingers through her hair, “oh my God, that’s a wild story… and I guess you were off the street after?”

  “Moses’ mom had passed away during the month they couldn’t reach me but his dad insisted I move in. When I made enough money at the club I got my own place. Now I don’t strip but I pole dance professionally. I even have a big show coming up in July.”

  Jenzy looked like she really admired my story but I don’t trust girls.

  Moses’ phone rang and he checked it. “Oh, it’s Gerda at the gym…I’ll be right back ladies…”

  We mumbled okay and he answered it then hurried out. Here we go. I braced myself for the Columbus takeover. Alone time was when girls made their hidden threats to me of, “stay away from my man, or I’ll cut you bitch,” or “you’re so nice and so pretty, why don’t you have a boyfriend so Moses can spend more time with me.”

  So as Moses’ back retreated I readied for the friendly girl chat that would result in me seeing my friendless.

  Jenzy sat forward and held her teacup, “you guys have an amazing relationship. It’s…”

  Here we go…

  She shook her head, “it’s beautiful.”

  I raised my brows while she wasn’t looking then swallowed, “but…it’s also just friendship. I mean…he’s like, my brother so…he and I have never been more than this and we wouldn’t.”

  She frowned then said a silent ‘oh.’ “You don’t have to explain that Chloe. I know all about guy/girl friendship. My best friend in the world is my husband’s brother. We were best friends in high school, all through college and even now. It was never sexual.”

  I felt wowed.

  Then she reached and touched my hand with a grimace, “ugh, no worries, I’ve been in your seat. The whole catty, intimidation shit girls pull on the female friend. I always had to reassure them we weren’t together but you don’t have to do that with me. I think Moses is cool enough to handle both of us.”

  Wow. I really want to like her. She’s not like the others. She’s real. I want to trust her too, I’m just not sure. She took her hand back and I smiled, “thanks, and if it’s anything to you, Moses is pretty hung up on you.”

  She laughed, “yay. Me too. I like him a lot. We have so much to share, even this place. I love coming here I had no idea he liked it too. Chris hates the smell of hookah so…”

  I watched her blow out a stream of steady white smoke, “who is Chris?”

  She wet her lips, “my soon to be ex-husband.” Her eyes went to the table, “he’s not into stuff like this.”

  I nodded, “so, if you don’t mind my asking, why are you divorcing? Did he cheat or something? I told you my life story so you owe me.”

  She took a deep breath, “uh, I don’t think he cheated, but I don’t know for sure. I filed because…I don’t think he likes me anymore. He doesn’t see me, he hasn’t for years. I’m kind of like this big weight around his neck, and I don’t want to feel like that the rest of my life.”

  I shifted on my pillow, “I can’t judge. I’ve never even had a steady fella for more than six months. When is the divorce final?”

  She ground out the words like she was pissed, “technically we could’ve been divorced asap,” she sighed, “but he put off signing to force me to give him a chance. He has some conditions to signing and he won’t tell me for how long. I think he’s up to something but I’m done now. I know what needs to happen, he just needs to let go. I want him happy too, but we can’t be happy together.”

  “Men rock, don’t they?”

  She laughed, “that’s no lie.”

  Chapter Seven

  MOSES

  Now that Chloe and Jenzy have met I feel like this has a chance. Chloe says she likes her and Jenzy thinks Chloe is the coolest girl she’s ever met.

  Every morning I live to see a text from Jenzy or a call. She’s queen of my days. Even now as I’m headed to the gym all I can think about is that tonight we’re having another date. This is date number seven. She’s coming to my cabin to make dinner and I’m anxious.

  I cleaned like the Queen of England was coming over. She and I haven’t kissed yet but I’m thinking tonight might be it.

  I get a text from Jenzy just as I park my car. She says,

  “Two hours and thirty minutes.”

  I grin at my phone like an idiot then reply,

  “Two hours exactly. I pick you up at 6:30.”

  She comes back,

  “That’s right!!! Even better. Are you at class yet? I’m sorry. I didn’t think about that.”

  I hurry to say,

  “I would unbend from any yoga pose in the book to talk to you.”

  I see her replying and wait.

  “That was sweet. I’m blushing now.”

  I can see her turning pink and my body gets hot. Everything about her does that to me. So I respond,

  “I hope to keep you that way all evening.”

  I’m praying that wasn’t too much. I don’t want to spook her but God! I see the writing bubble and shut off my engine. She says,

  “You’re off to a great start.”

  I smiled to myself and got out to go in. Heading for the locker rooms I keep checking my phone because I’m that whipped.

  I went into the locker room to find Chris pulling on a shirt. I pause. This is the worst. I walk this line for Jenzy because she’s worth if but I am walking a narrow road of morals. If I’d known she was Chris’ wife I think I’d of fought this harder but now it’s too late.

  He saw me and gave me fair warning with his eyes.

  “Hey,” I said as I slowly came in and went to my locker. He didn’t answer as he pulled on socks. This is crazy, I have to attempt to fix this. I don’t even know how we avoided each other this long. “Listen,” I said leaning my back into the lockers, “can we just…talk?”

  My phone went off in my open locker.

  I looked and saw Jenzy had texted me saying,

  “Now it’s one hour and fifty minutes.”

  Her message was cute but I don’t feel right answering it now so I silenced it and tried again with Chris, “I really didn’t know Chris, I swear.”

  He wouldn’t look at me as he finished getting dressed.

  I tried again, “I wouldn’t have, if I’d known.”

  He stood and picked up his bag, “now you know. Plan to stop?” he dared.

  I swallowed and avoided his eyes. I can’t.

  “Yeah,” he shook his head, “that’s what I thought,” he said as he shoved my shoulder with his, going past.

  “Would you be able to?” I questioned. “You know what it’s like to want Jenzy. Would anything have stopped you?”

  He looked back, “hey, I get it. I don’t have to like it, or support it. I don’t have to like you. I believe you if it makes you feel better, I know you’re not that kind of guy, I still want to break your face.”

  I nodded and slung a towel over my shoulder. “I really am sorry, though.”

  He looked me up and down like he was as
sessing something. “Just know that if you hurt her at all. I’ll hurt you.”

  I understand, fuck, I respect that. But then a glint of humor sparked. “But for the law’s sake that’s hypothetical right?” I asked.

  He flashed a closed mouth smile, “yeah,” and smile gone. He left.

  After the gym, I went straight to Chloe’s because it’s closer and I need to shower. I brought a change in my bag and when she gets in I hear Goliath go nuts with excitement.

  “I walked him already,” I call through the bathroom door when I hear her getting the leash.

  “Thanks!” she calls back.

  I come out in a fitted gray t-shirt and dark jeans. “Is this okay?”

  Chloe strolls over and tosses her purse on the bed. She circles me and cocks her head. “Is this the night?”

  I just stare. She knows I hate talking about women and sex. “Not answering that.”

  “I need to know. If it is, then this is fine but wear the vest.”

  “How do you know I packed a vest?”

  She went to my bag and dug around, then pulled my charcoal vest. “I’m your girl, I know everything. Wear it.”

  “I feel like I’m trying too hard if I do. I want her comfortable. I don’t want her spooking.”

  “Jesus, she’s not a gazelle, she’s just as into you as you are her.” She looked at my neck and I realized she was seeing my charm was off.

  “It’s in my pocket…” I told her.

  She smiled a little. “You’re going to miss Game of Thrones.”

  “Sorry.”

  “It’s no biggie.”

  The door buzzer went off and she went over to answer the intercom. It was Brandon, and I instantly felt a little on edge. I hate that guy. I don’t know why, I just do.

  “I better head out.” I said.

  She toyed with the other half to our charm around her neck and nodded. “Good luck tonight. Jenzy is…a nice person.”

  I gave her a quick hug because something felt off about her. Her big eyes look heavy. “You okay?”

  She pulled out of my arms and went to her kitchen, “I’m fine.”

  I was about to make her tell me when Brandon came in. Goliath was no fan, and he growled a lot.

  “Goliath!” Chloe scolded as she rushed over. “Stop that. It’s Brandon, you know Brandon.”

  I went over with her and held Goliath’s collar. He’s loyal to Chloe but if he’s upset, Chloe can’t hold him back. I scratched his ears and under his chin but he really didn’t like Brandon.

  “Am I okay to come in?” Brandon questioned from the door.

  Chloe beckoned him, “he’s fine. Harmless love bunny. He won’t bite.”

  How many times have I told her not to tell people that? I cut in, “he’d only bite if he felt threatened or if Chloe was threatened.”

  She sent me daggers but I ignored her and Brandon set his hands on his hips, “that’s good. Chloe lives here all alone it’s good to know she has protection.”

  It bugged me this guy always knew what to say, but that’s unfair. Goliath calmed down when Chloe went over to hug Brandon. When he caught her cheek and kissed her something in me made a screaming noise. She picks idiots and I know why. She picks men she thinks are too good for her and will inevitably let her down.

  She’s a romantic that wants all the good stuff a guy in armor can offer but she doesn’t think she deserves one so she either picks an undercover jerk or self-sabotages the ones that come close.

  Brandon smiled at her and I have to admit he looks genuine. He even tucked one of her curls behind her ear.

  “I’m heading out,” I said coming to my feet. “You guys have fun and I’ll see you around.” I grabbed my bag and at the door I took Chloe’s hand and pulled her into my arms for a hug. I’m being as territorial as Goliath. That’s pretty petty but Brandon is watching. “Bye Baby Girl,” I tell her and kiss the top of her head. She’s narrowing her eyes at me but I just smile, “bye Brad.”

  Brandon smiles and waves, “bye man and oh it’s Brandon.”

  I wince, “sorry man. Slipped my mind. I’m bad with names.”

  Chloe is basically closing the door on me now.

  I get to Jenzy’s place on time and see her coming out with bags so I rush out to help. “Hi,” she says.

  I think we both smile dopily when the other is around. “Hey, Sunshine.”

  I got her situated then drove. Talk between us is easy, almost like with Chloe. Jenzy gets to my house and she looks stunned but I think in a good way. Then she made herself at home in my kitchen and fought me off from helping. A glass of wine later and the tension of tonight is easing.

  I’m not going to mention that I cook and I just watched her screw up big on the Eggplant Parmesan she’s making. I think she’s nervous and I would eat brick if she made it.

  She came to sit with me at my two person table and the conversation kept flowing.

  “So you’ve never been married?” she asked.

  I shook my head, “no, never found the right person.”

  “What about kids?”

  I pushed my palm down my leg, “I want them but with someone I love not someone I’ll end up fighting with.”

  She looked reflective and I image her thinking of Chris when I said that. “You’ve been great with my nephew Connor and my little niece Penny. Does your sister have kids?” she inquired.

  “Yeah, she’s a single mom of twins. Two girls. They’re awesome. She had them here in California but then got a really good job offer in New Mexico. After Mom died I don’t think she wanted to be reminded of her daily with Dad and me.”

  “Are you close at least?”

  “We talk on the phone and I FaceTime the girls.”

  She smiled. “If your name is Moses and you aren’t even Jewish, then I have to ask what your sister’s name is.”

  I laughed, “Autumn.”

  “Oh, that’s not too out there.”

  “Here,” I dug out my phone and searched my pictures then handed her my phone. “Keep swiping left and you’ll see a bunch of pictures from when the twins were born.”

  Jenzy’s face lit up at the sight of my nieces. I’d been an obnoxious Uncle, taking shot after shot, up close, far away, holding them, Dad holding them, my sister and even Chloe.

  Jenzy gasped, “oh wow, Moses, they’re beautiful. So tiny.”

  “They’re eleven now. Autumn had them at home.” She really lit up now. I know she’s in love with midwifery and Doula practices. “That’s a big deal for her, she’s very straight lace. She wouldn’t do prenatal yoga because she thought it was religious.” I shrugged, “They’re starting one at the gym.”

  After a long while of talking about babies she got flustered and went to stir the stuff on the stove. Jenzy is a true Sagittarius though and burnt her hand. Lucky I have Aloe on hand but it might be fate because she somehow ended up tripping and sitting across my lap while I tended it and then I told her I palm read.

  Having an excuse to touch her hand was making me nuts. She’s not listening as I explain; she’s looking at me. When I caught her she apologized but those eyes are like traps and I turned her face and kissed her.

  Kissing Jenzy is more than what I thought. It’s not fireworks, it’s rockets. She has a sweet tongue and she yields under my lead. Smoothing my hand down the long length of her neck is sending so much blood south, I’m light headed but then I disconnected from her and closed my eyes.

  “I didn’t mean to do that.” I said. I opened my eyes and her pink lips made me hungry.

  “I did,” she pulled me back and I decided against being the voice of reason.

  I held her face so I could go in further and felt in the way she grabbed me that she was just as in need. Her husband hadn’t touched her in ages and I haven’t been with a woman in a long time.

  Jenzy is still a Sagittarius though so when she knocked over my wine I didn’t give a shit but she came off my lap and stood, “Oh God, I’m so sorry, I don’t k
now why I can’t manage to-.”

  She’s talking but I don’t hear her. I just see this sexy woman with swollen lips and a heaving chest that needs more kissing. I need her. I got up and slammed my mouth on hers, “I don’t care,” I took more from her lips, “you can break my whole kitchen. I don’t care.”

  She laughed but I’m serious. I want her on all these surfaces. I don’t care. I stopped to bring her in the living room. I’m prepared to stop. I can stop. If she decides tonight is only a make-out night I can handle that, I’m not pushing her. I just knew tonight would be a kiss.

  One look at the couch though and she tugged me to the loft where my bed is. Now I hope she means what I think because I’m in pain wanting her.

  In my room, she sinks to sit on my low mattress and holds my eyes before lying on her back. My cock gave a jolting twitch at her submission to me. She’s trusting me and it’s hot.

  I came up over her and the squirm she did made my chest tighten. I pressed my hips down into hers so I could feel it when she moved and kissed her.

  “I haven’t done this in a long time,” she breathed.

  “Do you want me to slow down or stop?” I can do that. I can think of the president or Barney the dinosaur to slow down the heat in my blood.

  “No,” she took my shirt from the bottom. “Please don’t stop.”

  I sat back and pulled my shirt off. She looked at my chest like she wanted me, like it was making her breathe harder but then the way she breathed seemed tight. “Jenzy?” she looked into my eyes, “you’re sure?”

  She nodded and set her arms over her head. This pushed her chest out and forced the buttons of her white blouse to stress.

  I bent to kiss her and started to unbutton her top. She wants me to fondle her because she’s arching her back to make me want it. I like seeing her drop hints like she’s suffering the lack of me. Then she reached down and took the shirt off.

  Her skin is like cream and I found her in a sheer lilac bra that looks like nothing more than a wrapper for candy. Did she wear it for me? Thinking that made me even harder, were it possible.