Two Hard

by Amy Brent

  She was a pretty girl; exactly what standards would dictate that he should be sleeping with. He pulled her into the trees surrounding the party, his hands roughly pulling her to him in a kiss. As usual she was willing to do whatever he wanted and he had expected no less. He cupped her large breasts in his hands, roughly pulling on her nipples and rolled his eyes at her exaggerated sighs. He felt her hands on him too, and he allowed her access to him, sighing in pleasure as she put her mouth on him. She was good at this, and that would have to be enough for now. He took what he wanted from her, and she walked away smiling from it. He felt empty about the whole thing, almost like something wasn’t quite right. He made his way into the night and to his bike. Maybe what he needed was some sleep.

  Lynne

  She looked herself over in the mirror, sighing as she did. There had to be something more to life than just working harder and harder to lose weight that seemed to be a part of her. She had everything else she could want. She had a great career as a writer, a nice home and her boyfriend was definitely way out of her league, but her struggle with her weight was the one thing she had to fight about.

  Brad was a good guy, even if he could be hurtful sometimes. She understood where he was coming from. He was a professional football player, and if she was going to be on his arm, she needed to look her best. She knew that their relationship had started just before his career had taken off, and he was changing a little more each day, leaving her behind in everything. She loved him though, especially when he was good to her. They had days when they could just enjoy watching television together or enjoy time with family. He had days, however, when he seemed to take her weight issue to the extreme.

  For her birthday he had bought her a treadmill. The gesture alone would have been bad enough had he not done it in front of her family. She felt the sting of humiliation and it had taken her a long time to get past it. He had explained it to her, his concern for her health etc. and she had let it go. Even now she was trying to fit into a new dress that he wanted her to wear to the gala tonight, but it was no use. It was a good two sizes too small. She knew he would be furious about it. She slid on a different dress and with a deep breath she made her way into the living room where he waited.

  On the phone he held up a finger to her to wait a second. She grabbed her bag and slipped into her shoes while she waited. She heard him sing and turned to face him.

  “Lynn… what happened to the dress?” He held his hands out, gesturing to what she was wearing.

  “I couldn’t wear it Brad, it was just not a good fit.” She shrugged her shoulders and gave him a smile.

  He gave her a one over and she felt her cheeks turn pink. Why did he always have to do that?

  “Well I guess we don’t have much choice, let’s get going. This gala is the only way to secure my next contract.”

  He gave her a half smile and held the door open for her to leave. She couldn’t help but be a little hurt. She had lost ten pounds since the last party he had taken her to. Plus, the time she spent on her makeup and hair alone would have at least given him a reason to say something nice… anything at all.

  They entered the party arm in arm. As was his usual style he found their table and casually left her alone to go schmooze with other players. She toyed with the fork at her place setting, lost in thought. He always had the uncanny ability to find a way to get what he needed. She looked around the room, once more feeling inferior. The room was full of football players and beautiful women. She felt the pressure of it all at once. Standing she made her way outside to an alcove where she could breathe easier. The coolness of the evening air helped her to calm down some.

  “I see you found the best places to hide and avoid just like I do.” A dark voice said from the shadows.

  She immediately straightened. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know anyone else was out here.” She started to leave.

  “Don’t leave on my behalf. There is plenty of room for us to just hide from all of them.”

  He was still hidden in the shadows, and she couldn’t see him, she paused and turn back to the railing.

  “I’m not hiding, not really.” She whispered the last part.

  “Yes you are sweetheart, I know hiding and you are just that.” He moved out of the shadows now and she looked up at him.

  He was more than good looking, he reeked of sex and power. She felt something stir deep down and she hated herself for it. She loved Brad, and this guy was obviously very much in love with himself. That was the type of guy she couldn’t stand. She looked back out at the night in front of her, once more thinking about Brad. He was a good guy he just wanted her to be her best.

  She could tell he expected more of a response from her, but she failed to give him what he was looking for. He was likely used to getting every girl to look his way, but she wouldn’t be one of them.

  He stuck out his hand to her. “I’m Jessie, Jessie Randolph.” He waited and she slowly turned to shake his hand. “You know the football player.” He said it jokingly, but she didn’t smile.

  “Nice to meet you Jessie Randolph.” She moved again, this time straightening her dress so that she could go back inside.

  He moved in front of her, and she blinked twice as she looked up at him.

  “I introduced myself, it seems only fair that you do the same.”

  She could almost feel the heat off of him, the way he peered down at her making her heart beat a little faster, though she hated herself for it.

  “Lynne Alexander, that is. You know the writer?”

  He smiled at his small victory, and she rolled her eyes. He waited a mere second before he spoke what was on his mind.

  “You don’t like me very much do you Lynn?” He gave her a dark smile and she was surprised at his bluntness.

  “I would think that you would give one care in the world what I think about you, but since you asked. No, typically I don’t like your type. You are almost always spoiled, self-involved and selfish. I know you half expected me to fall over dreamy-eyed because you spoke to me but you’re just a guy.” She paused. “That being said, I would never really say any of those things to you, since the fact of the matter is that I don’t really know you, so I have no right to assume any of that.”

  She watched a few different emotions cross his face before he laughed loudly. “I can tell you sweetheart, almost all of that is accurate. I am self-involved, but I’m not spoilt. I fought hard to get where I am and that’s the truth. As for being selfish your right… I want what I want, and I always get it. In my mind that makes me confident.” He smiled down at her.

  She made a very unladylike noise. “Hardly.” Which brought on another round of laughter from him.

  Without thinking he crushed his mouth to hers, melding the two and making her knees feel weak. She barely had enough time to recover when he let her go once more.

  “So Lynn…” He tested out her name on his tongue. “What do you write?” He was casual about the entire situation, not once breaking stride to kiss her.

  “I do a column for The Times. Nothing sports related though. What the hell was that about?”

  “You are beautiful.” He blurted it out, and she blushed.

  He smiled at her. “Tell me something else about you then, since you seem to already know so much about me.”

  “One thing she can tell you is that she is here with me, and you need to stay the hell away from her.” They both turned to see Brad standing in the doorway, scowling.

  She felt the tension in the air go up a notch as she watched the two of them size each other up. She could only hope he had missed the kiss.

  “Lynn, now that we are friends please tell me you don’t know this piece of…” He trailed off as Brad stepped towards him, causing her to jump into action.

  “Whoa whoa, ok you two enough.” She turned her back to Jessie, and focused on Brad.

  “Let’s just go Brad, let’s just go home.” She moved to walk towards the door, jumping as she went.

/>   As they settled into the car she knew he was angry. It’s not as if she had done anything wrong, at least nothing she could think of. She waited, knowing he would tell her when he was ready to. She felt her face flaming, mainly because when her back was turned to him, Jessie had taken the opportunity to let his fingers grace her exposed back, causing her to jump.

  “Lynn, that guy is a piece of work, and he is no good. Remember the fight I had two weeks ago?” He waited for her nod. “Well he is the ass who jumped me… out of the blue and for no reason at all except I was in the same general area that he was in.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Stay away from him Lynne, he is bad news. What the hell were you doing with him out there anyway?”

  She felt the burn of anger rise up slowly from her stomach. “Jessie, really? I went out there to get some air and he was there. I didn’t want to talk to him tonight but I didn’t have much choice did I. Besides, maybe you are overreacting just a little.”

  Some part of her knew that was going to make it worse. Instead of responding, he simply pulled into her apartment letting her out. No goodbye he spun out and left her standing outside.

  “Gee thanks for making sure I got in ok.” She whispered it to herself, hating the way the tears sprang to her eyes.

  Jessie

  He couldn’t help shake the feeling he had about her. Not his usual type, not even close, but she was still beautiful. Everything about her seemed different, certainly not like any of the women he was attracted to. Perhaps it was the cat and mouse game, or her indifference to him that made him want to see her again. Whatever it was he found it very interesting. Maybe it was the kiss, something he rarely did so spontaneously. The only bad thing in the whole mix was Brad Falcor. He was a sonofabitch who had a squeaky clean demeanor and perfect image on the outside but Jessie knew him differently, he knew of the black hole in his chest he called a heart.

  He shook his head doing his best to not focus on him. It would only piss him off, and then he would do something stupid, like go to his house. After the falling out years ago he knew better than to let Brad get under his skin, if for any other reason than to not give him the satisfaction of ruining his career.

  She was definitely too good for him. What man would just leave his date alone to fend for themselves anyway? He frowned thinking about how he had learned to avoid that situation entirely by never bringing anyone with him to those events. She had looked a little lost out there, standing alone and something made him want to reach out and pull the pin out of her hair and let it all fall around her.

  He sat up with a star. “What the hell is wrong with me?” He spoke it aloud, shaking off whatever path he had been traveling down with that train of thought. She was just a girl, and not one he should be messing with anyway. Not because of any reason other than her boyfriend. He had to wonder just how serious they were though.

  The afternoon sped by and he found himself immersed in the strategy for the next game. It was a full time thing, always trying to improve yourself, and always doing your best to keep the fans happy. He had a game with Brad’s team on Friday, and it was a rivalry that was outmatched. It was also his favorite game of the year. Nothing felt better than beating the rival team. They were about evenly matched but his grudge with Brad always pushed him to be on top of his game.

  He let his thoughts drift to her again, and he smiled as he flicked the screen on his phone and silently dialed the number for The Times. It only took a little smoozing, but he was sent to her line quickly enough. He smiled when he heard her pick up on the other end.

  “Lynn Alexander, how can I help you?” She was obviously busy, he could hear her rustling in the background and the telltale click of a keyboard.

  “I’m not sure yet, you are quite a mystery Lynn Alexander.” He said it simply enough but he felt a sense of satisfaction in hearing all activity stopping on the other end.

  “Who is this?”

  “It’s Jessie, we met the other night… at the party.” He waited, still grinning.

  “Oh yes, I see. What can I do for you Mr.… she trailed off?”

  He sat up in his chair “Randolph… don’t tell me your memory is going at such a young age Lynn.”

  “On the contrary, Mr. Randolph I tend to only remember things that are important. As I said what can I do for you?”

  He felt the same discontent from before. She really didn’t like him at all. “I’d like to meet with you. I want to clear the air about me and… your boyfriend.”

  He heard her clear her throat. “I really can’t do that Mr. Randolph, I’m afraid.”

  There was a hint of something else there, as if she wasn’t being totally honest about her reasons. He never had to push this much before, but he continued on anyway.

  “Still, that’s what I’d like to discuss. I’d like to apologize, and explain… please.”

  “I have to ask you Mr. Randolph is that the first time you have ever had to say please?” When he didn’t respond right away he could hear a slight tinge of laughter in her voice.

  “Well, since you said please and everything, then fine I’ll meet with you. Just tell me when and where.”

  In my bed, and now. He wanted to say it, but he knew better. “1 o’clock. I’ll meet you at Tratorio’s. It’s near your office.”

  He didn’t wait for a response, instead he hung up, before she found a way to get out of it. Lunch would prove to be an interesting affair after all.

  Lynn

  What had she done? She glanced down at the phone on her desk and the first stirrings of guilt crept in. Brad would be upset, angry even if he found out she was meeting Jessie Randolph. Truth be told she wasn’t even sure why she was meeting with him, but she had said yes and now she was committed. Eventually curiosity got the best of her, and she did a little research about her lunch date. Sometime later she went through her day, idly writing the latest column and wen the time came she made her way out of the building and across the street to lunch.

  She didn’t give a care in the world what he thought of her, and she didn’t take the time to do make -up or anything so she was there, on time and exactly 1. He wasn’t hard to find, his height made him the first things she saw when she walked in. He gave her a smile and a nod, and she maneuvered her way across the room to him. He stood, moving around her to pull out her chair which made her blush.

  “You pull out chairs and everything.” She arched a brow at him. “I’m impressed.”

  “I may play football for a living, but I am not a Neanderthal.” He gave her a wicked smile as he settled back into his seat.

  “We will see.” She retorted back, her blue eyes glittering as they met his.

  The waiter came, taking a drink order and she ordered water as usual. She knew better than to look at the menu, she was on a very strict diet of watercress and cucumbers. She would order a side salad no dressing and be careful about dinner. She pushed the menu to the edge of the table, and sat back her eyes focused on Jessie.

  He was studying the menu hard, and she had an opportunity to really have a good look at him. He was broader than she remembered, and more than just a little good looking. She watched his hair fall on his face as he flipped page after page. She noticed how he flexed with every move and she hated herself for being attracted to him at all. He looked up at her and gave her a half grin, obviously enjoying the fact that she had been looking at him. Fortunately, the waiter came.

  “You two are just adorable. What can I get you two sweethearts for lunch?”

  She felt her cheeks burning, and yet he didn’t miss a beat.

  “Have you decided sweetheart?” He blinked at her rapidly batting his eyes in her direction.

  She cleared her throat. “Garden salad please, no dressing.”

  “What about for you honey?” The waiter practically oozed appreciation for Jessie.

  “I’ll take the lasagna, and bread. No salad for me though.” He handed the waiter the menu and she felt his eyes on her.

  “Ok
, I’m here, feel free to share with me whenever you are ready.” She paused as the waiter came back with a basket of bread, placing it directly in front of her. She sighed as she moved it across the table to him.

  “So, you don’t eat bread or real food? How do you manage to have enough energy to show such distaste for me?” He smiled at her, which she halfheartedly returned.

  “I eat food, thank you, just not like that.” She methodically placed her hands in her lap. Doing her best to avoid eye contact with him, it was more than a little unnerving.

  “Well, I have to admit I enjoy your company Lynne, you keep me guessing what you will say next, which I thoroughly enjoy.”

  “I am glad I amuse you Mr. Randolph. Now if you would be so kind to tell me what I am doing here?” She was trying not to look at him, or be drawn into his stare.

  “How long have you been with Brad?” He was watching her again, and she felt the familiar rush of heat creep into her face.

  “That’s none of your business Randolph.” She subconsciously played with the fork to her left.

  “True, it’s not, but I want to know what I am up against.” He smiled as the waiter brought their food, and set the spread out before them.

  She waited for the waiter to leave, more confused now than ever. She watched him put a thick smear of butter on his bread. She visibly heard her stomach growl. That only made her blush more.

  “A year and a half, I don’t understand what you mean.” She set out slicing and dicing her salad adding black pepper and nibbling on it as she waited for his response.