He's The Goal

by Faith M Troyer

  “She’s on the list too, Monica Perry. She’s Vada’s plus one.”

  The man watches me, watching Vada with soulful eyes. She lets out a loud, snorting laugh as she and her best friend walk into the building with their arms linked together, both in perfect step.

  “You be good to her. It’s not easy to find someone good these days. I saw the way she looked at you. And I can see the way you look at her. Don’t hurt her, man.”

  What he doesn’t know is that I’ve already hurt her, but I nod in his direction, shaking his hand once more before catching up with Monica and Vada.

  The music of Harry Belafonte plays over the speakers when we all three walk into the main ballroom. ‘Shake, shake, shake Senora, shake it all the time.’ I smile, hearing Vada sing quietly to herself as she moves her hips to the music; all smiles now. Monica throws me a wide grin over Vada’s head, lifting her chin in approval. I must have affected her with my words of encouragement on the way here, but I was only honest. She’s got nothing to be embarrassed about, and I wasn’t kidding about having to fight off the unsolicited male suitors who will be asking Vada to dance. She’s off the market.

  It’s a big turn out tonight, and everyone looks great; so many unique costumes that were handmade and didn’t come from a store. Vada has no clue just how sexy she looks tonight, and as predicted, many prying eyes from the male variety steer our way. Fucking voyeurs; this one is mine. I pull her closer to me, wrapping an arm around her waist, and slipping a hand just underneath her tutu, and pinch her ass. She squeals, spinning around to meet my eyes, trying not to laugh. I watch Vada’s eyes grow large with wonder taking in all of the beautiful decorations. Orange, red, and cream sheer ceiling curtains hang from above our heads, billowing just slightly, making the space look fantastical and otherworldly.

  The large windows on each side of the room are decorated with more silk dressings, and the candles sitting on the wooden sills flicker against the glass’s reflection. It’s hauntingly majestic.

  “Maxwell,” I hear my coach, Joe, calling my name from behind.

  I turn around to face him and see he came as Danny, from Grease, and I must say he looks pretty cool. I wouldn’t admit it under normal circumstances, but it’s one of my favorite movies. He has a leather jacket slung over his shoulder, his dark hair quaffed perfectly in that 1950s style, and a cigarette is tucked just behind his ear. I shake his hand and try not to laugh as he glances at my costume.

  “Vampire?” he remarks, and of course, my fangs are a dead giveaway.

  “I’m Callum Dempsey, Vada’s favorite book character, who just so happens to be a vampire.” She smiles next to me and squeezes my hand.

  “The famous Vada, it’s so nice to see you again, young lady. I hope Max is good to you,” Joe says.

  Vada looks up to me, grinning, and replies, “He is.”

  “I hope you all have a minute to pay a visit to the food tables; Nicole has outdone herself again this year. Speaking of which, I have to go and find her. She's Sandy to my Danny.”

  Joe’s wife, Nicole, has been in charge of catering for the past three years, and she always chooses the best restaurants to come and cook for us. As always, the food tables are just as fancy as the rest of the party. There are three of them total, and one is just for desserts.

  Vada and I look around to find Monica since she’s been so quiet, but no sign. It’s not until I see a pair of fuzzy cat ears and a long black cat’s tail poking out from the crowd at the meat carving station, with a plate in hand and one tucked under her arm.

  “There’s your girl,” I say to Vada, but she’s distracted by a particular scantily clad Playboy bunny from across the room.

  Vada observes Bianca’s blatant ogling of my bare chest, and all I can think of is the drama that might erupt. Bianca’s gaze meets mine, and mouths, ‘Fuck me.’

  I close my eyes, wishing this wasn’t happening. Who is Bianca even with, anyway? No entry unless you’re with someone on the team, but Kane, a fullback on the team, comes into view. Of course, she would ask him to take her to the party; no one else on the team can stand Bianca. Kane is young, and he has no idea just how crazy this bitch is or what she’s capable of doing. He waves at me, and I can’t help but feel for the poor bastard. His costume consists of a red, crushed velvet robe, back pajama bottoms, and the signature pipe. It dawns on me that he has come as Hugh Hefner, leaving Bianca as his ‘Playmate.’

  Then Vada shocks the shit out of me once again, but this time it’s for the better. She turns to me, smiling, and pulls me in for a long kiss. I know this has revenge written all over it, but holy shit. Vada’s lips are soft, supple, and full, and even slips me some tongue; now I’m worried about having to hide my erection like an excited teenage boy watching porn for the first time. Vada holds me close, her fingers gliding through my hair, pulling just slightly as she moans softly against my lips before pulling away. I’m dizzy from the experience, and now I’m positive my new girlfriend has caused the catfight of the fucking century. I sneak a peek across the ballroom floor to see Bianca’s eyes are void of emotion. She stares at me as if I just ripped her heart out for the second time.

  She throws up her middle finger to me before stomping off through the exit, Kane on her heels. Vada stands next to me and folds her arms over her ample chest.

  “Well, she did say ‘fuck me,’ but didn’t specify how. I was happy to make her wish come true,” Vada remarks at my side. “Now she knows what’s mine.”

  This girl is a savage, and I have to say I’ve never been so proud of her until tonight. Bianca and Vada are opposites and sworn enemies since the day they met. Vada can get along with just about everyone; Vada is naturally sweet and friendly. Bianca, she’s a different story.

  Bianca requires the spotlight to shine on her all day, every day. And as proven, she has a spiteful demeanor about her. Before Vada and I became close, I’m sure that Bianca realized who held my interest, which only made her a stronger rival to Vada.

  “Come and get some food, guys!” Monica says as she approaches us. “The veggie plate alone is huge, and they have a whole honey ham up there, and the guy who was cutting it was hot as hell. I gave him my number.”

  Monica offers us some carrots, and Vada takes the vegetable from her friend and slips it between her lips a few times, planting tantalizing thoughts throughout my mind. Monica, the ever light-hearted friend, can’t help but laugh.

  “I think you have the right idea, Vada. I’m going to see if the ham-guy would like some help with his carrot.”

  “For fuck’s sake,” I whisper, and the girls burst into a chorus of loud giggles.

  The night goes off without a hitch as we dance the night away. I haven’t seen B at all for the remainder of the night, and I’m grateful. She got what was coming to her, and I have a feeling that Vada’s going to be putting Bianca in her place a lot more if the situation calls for it.

  As the night begins to wind down, the DJ plays a string of slow, romantic love songs. The dance floor has thinned out considerably, making it easier to dip and twirl Vada around. She softly laughed when I scooped her the first time and brought her back up to kiss me.

  Monica and her ham-man are taking in a slow dance themselves, and I have to say they look pretty cute together.

  ‘Wonderful Tonight’ comes on next, and a familiar feeling of dread and heartache fills my chest. I watch Vada slowly swaying to the music as I hold her close. This song was the same song playing in the car that night I brought her home from Night Beats. I wanted nothing more than to dance with her to this same song and take away all of the pain she was feeling. I don’t think she remembers that part, though— Vada looks up at me through her lashes, her head on my chest.

  “You know, we never discussed what we are now or what we could be. When you said ‘my girlfriend, Vada,’ it took me by surprise. And it was one of the best astonishments I’ve had in a long time. I don’t think you know just how much you truly mean to me. Before you moved in,
I was kind of lonely. Jack isn’t home often, so it’s nice to have someone there when I come home.”

  I smile warmly and kiss her cheek.

  “Can I be honest, Vada?” And soon as I say that, I feel her entire body stiff from under my hands, and my heart lurches.

  Stupid Max, Stupid!

  Don’t begin with a ‘Can I be honest’ comment after pouring her guts out to you.

  I look into her eyes, and she seems nervous, but in an attempt to ease her worry, I smooth down a few dark wisps of hair that are curling up near her ear, offering her a reassuring smile.

  “When I first moved in, I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with you.” A slow smile spreads across her lips. I dip down to kiss her and decide to reveal the truth on the ballroom floor as I whisper into her ear, “I was already in love with you.”

  Her eyes snap open with shock, and for a second, I’m afraid she’s going to slap me for keeping this from her for so long. Vada pulls back a little bit to stare at me, steadying herself at the side of my biceps as she takes in the news. My mind is fucking spinning now, and I’m desperate to keep her locked within my arms once again.

  Did I do the right thing?

  She slowly folds herself back into my arms, resting her cheek against my chest like before, and sighs deeply.

  “How is that even possible, Max?” Vada inquires.

  “It’s impossible not to be attracted to you, Vada. The first time we met, I knew I had to have you. I wanted to ask you out on a date, but I knew I blew it the second I began talking. But I was a different person then, Vada.” As I continue to explain myself, I can feel Vada tense up, but I can’t help myself. The words won’t stop coming forth. “I pretended to be someone I’m not because I’ve had nothing by heartache and disappointment from those I cared for— first my mom, and then Josie. But I’ve always wanted a love that was all mine. With Jack leaving for Germany, I used that opportunity to act.”

  “You moved in so you could be closer to me? Does Jack know about this?” Vada asked, but her voice isn’t sweet or tender like usual. She sounds hurt and confused, and I know why. Fuck.

  “Jack helped me to plan it,” I answer as regret flashes across my face.

  I hate myself right now.

  “My brother is a dead man. How could both of you conspire like that? Lying to me? Coming clean from the start is how normal people do this!”

  “It’s not like that, Vada. I wasn’t trying to keep anything from you on purpose. He knew I was crazy for you from the beginning, and he wanted to help bring us together.”

  She lets go of my hand and backs away.

  “You say that you loved me from the start, but you still fucking around with Bianca? In my house, Maxwell! You’ve always known how I’ve felt about her being around, and you continued to parade her around. She even destroyed my Granny’s gift to me!”

  “Vada, I know it sounds messed up, and that’s because it is. I’m so sorry. I was fighting my feelings for you because I was afraid you hated me, and I was scared of getting hurt again.”

  Tears fill her eyes as she gazes into my eyes, and it’s the worst fifteen seconds of my life. Vada quickly wipes a few tears away, takes a deep breath, and promptly walks away.

  Suddenly like that, my world began to crumble.

  Vada

  November 1st

  After walking out on Max the way I did, I felt stupid. Not just because I didn’t truly just hear him out or give him a chance to explain himself better, but also because I had no way home. I quickly called a cab to take me home, so I didn’t have to face him until he got back later. I know I tend to judge too quickly and way too harshly at times, but I need to stop pushing the people that mean the most to me away, or I’m going to end up very much alone.

  Max came home that night, but he didn’t try to talk to me, even though I waited up for him. Hearing his heavy footsteps come down the hall, then pass my door and into Jack’s room kind of sealed the deal on that night. Actually, I closed the deal with my wild behavior.

  It’s only been one night since Max confessed his love for me and his choice to hide it away. We haven’t talked since, and I had class all day today. He’s been on my mind heavily; I didn’t pay much attention to the lectures. All I can see is Max’s deep blue eyes begging for forgiveness and another chance.

  I’m driving home now, hoping he’s there and didn’t move out on an emotional whim. Pulling up to the parking spot I always use, I put my car in park and pray Max is still here. I look around for Max's black Audi but feel my stomach sink when it’s nowhere to be found. He’s gone, and it’s all my fault.

  Sighing, I climb the stairs, letting my shoulders slump. I’m shamelessly pouting, and I don’t care who sees. How could I have done this? I drove my dad away with my sharp tongue after he cheated on my mom. Yes, I was angry. I was furious at him, but my mom forgave him, and they still talk from time to time. Though Jack and I have decided to cut ties with him, there are times I wish I hadn't.

  I push my key into the door, making it open when a very vocal Chester comes walking up to me, demeaning pets and treats, in that order. Closing the door, I smile, picking him up, and as I do, I hear a male voice trailing from down the hall.

  “Vada?” My heart almost stops because I know it’s him.

  I give my cat a gentle squeeze before setting him down. Walking down the short hallway, through the kitchen, and into the living room, I see Max is sitting on the couch with the same red duffle bag he had when he moved in. Tears threaten to erupt in my eyes as I quickly understand what is going on.

  “Please don’t leave, Max. I overreacted last night. I was hurt, but that didn’t give me any right to treat you the way I did. We weren’t even official at that point, and we still had an understanding that this was just a temporary situation. I don’t want us to be temporary, ever. I love you, Maxwell. I always have.”

  His eyes search mine, taking me into his arms for a warm hug. This is where I belong. I need to be in his arms. A low chuckle vibrates through his chest, and I look up at him, confused.

  Why the hell is he laughing right now? I guess I deserve it. I almost bit his head off last night after he attempted to tell me how he felt, and I’m worried about a few chuckles?

  “I’m not leaving, silly. The washer just took a shit, and I gathered some of your things that were in the hamper. Some of mine, a lot of yours, all in the bag.”

  My face grows hot as I chew on my lower lip, trying to hide my smile.

  “You don’t know how good it feels to say you love me too, Vada. I should have told you sooner and just left Bianca alone. The thought of you rejecting me, though, ate at me, and B was just there. But I give you my word, Vada, I’m yours and yours only.”

  I feel a lump growing in the back of my throat, and I try to swallow it back when Max’s soft lips come into contact with my cheek.

  “Where’s your car?” I manage to get out before tears begin to roll across my face. I’ve never felt so relieved before in my entire life.

  “There wasn’t any room in the front lot, so I parked in the back. You didn’t think I left, did you?” Max takes my chin in his fingers and tilts my face to meet his.

  Those eyes insanely affect my heart and mind.

  I swallow hard, feeling Max’s strong arms snake around my waist.

  “Last night was crazy, Vada, but I wouldn’t leave you, not unless you told me to. I should have been honest with you from the get-go about everything. It killed me walking past your door last night, Vada. I wanted just to bust the thing down and show you how much you mean to me.” He stops to kiss me and slides his full lips down the length of my neck.

  I shiver from under his touch. My breathing escalates as Max slides his hand up my t-shirt, pulling the soft cup of my bra to the side to have access to my breast. A muted whimper escapes from my lips the minute I feel Max twist my nipple in his fingers.

  “I want you, Maxwell. Right now. I’m ready.”

  He pauses, breat
hing heavily just near my ear.

  “Vada, I don’t want to push you into anything you’re going to regret later. We can slow down.”

  I’ve waited for so long to be held, kissed, and tasted by this man, for years in fact, and now that I have the chance to show him in a physical way just how much he means to me; I’m going to take him and show him just how far my love goes.

  I pull away slightly and remove my gray t-shirt over my head, revealing my heaving breasts that beg for his touch. Max’s eyes become that dark shade of blue, his lids becoming heavy with lust as he leans closer to kiss me.

  Our lips connect in a passionate, mind-blowing way unlike before. He quickly loses that sweet boy next door persona and morphs into an aggressive, sexually charged animal who’s just on the brink of ripping my panties off in one yank.

  Max scoops me up in his arms, my legs naturally finding their way around his hips like I’ve been doing this forever. He presses me close to his hard, tight body and walks me to the bedroom, his lips trailing supple, wet kisses over my collarbone and in between the valley of my breasts.

  My hands find their way through his thick hair in an explorative fashion, as if this is the first time we’ve ever touched. I see Maxwell with new eyes, and there are other places on my list that I’d like to explore with a fresh perspective as well.

  He leans me against the wall, using his massive frame to keep me in place. We’re both panting and out of breath, feeling more as if I’d just run an entire marathon versus taking part in a hot and heavy makeout session.

  “I want you to fuck me, Maxwell. Make me feel good, baby.” My hands work impatiently at his zipper, trying my best to pull them off, until Max takes my wrists and pushing them above my head, his forehead pressed against mine.

  “Pace yourself, Vada. Go ahead and get ready. I have an idea.”

  My mind quickly clears away the sexy fog-filled lust as I come back to reality. What the hell does he mean? Does he have an idea?