“What do you mean? You said he sounded and acted fine. He couldn’t have been that drunk,” she asks quietly.
“Well, apparently, he was. He says he doesn’t remember how he got home. And he acted like nothing was different between us.”
“What did he say when you told him about it?”
I do some sort of a sad laugh/sob thing. “There is no way I’m bringing it up. If he just said those things to get in my pants and didn’t really mean them, I’ll be more crushed than I already am. I’d rather think that he meant them and doesn’t remember, than know that he doesn’t feel that way about me.”
And here is where the best friend truth-that-you-don’t-want-to-hear-but need-to-hear comes. “You’re full of shit. You know he feels the same way. Just tell him.”
And I do know he feels the same way. I could see it in his face when I told him about my upcoming date with Nate. He was jealous. But just because she is right about his feelings, it doesn’t mean it is what I want to hear from her. “Talking done. Time for Channing,” I say reaching for the bowl of kettle corn.
Jenna shakes her head at my stubbornness, but then she smiles at me and holds up two movies. “The Vow or Magic Mike?”
Sad and teary, you don’t remember our love? Or hot male strippers?
I want to escape my situation, not think about it.
“Definitely Magic Mike.”
She smiles. “I may have to call Will after the movie is over so I can have a live reenactment!” We both start laughing. This is just what I needed.
***
On my way back to my room, I run into Jake on his way out. I decide to try to make an effort to be friendly and stop being so chilly towards him.
“Hey Jake!” I say smiling, trying to make the effort.
“Hey,” he says and walks right by me. No smile. Nothing.
I don’t see Jake for the rest of the week.
Chapter 7
I was in a foul mood all week. Jake was never in his room when I went to go see him. I didn’t run into him in the halls. And he certainly didn’t come looking for me.
Jenna arranged for her, Will, Nate, and I to go to dinner and then Sound on Friday night, which is tonight, and I am seriously regretting my decision. I don’t really want to entertain anyone. I just want to curl up in my bed and think about all of the weirdness that will be there between Jake and I during the trip to LA tomorrow. As much as I enjoyed that kiss, I wish that night had never happened.
Jenna ends up coming down to my room to get ready with me, and even the Getting Ready Mix isn’t able to lift my mood.
“Rachel! Snap out of this mood! Nate is a really great guy. You’re going to have a ton of fun. And you’re going to forget all about Jake.” She grabs my shoulders and leans down to look me right in the eye. “Trust me. I met him. You’re going to like him.” She smiles big and I can’t help but smile back.
“I’m sure he’ll be just fine. Maybe he’ll turn into a great friend, but I’m really not in a place to start dating him. I just got trampled, Jenna,” I say, my smile turning sad.
“I know, I know. But I really want you to give him a chance. I really think you guys will hit it off.”
“Fine. I’ll keep an open mind. But my heart stays closed.”
“I can’t believe that I finally find a guy with a friend that is perfect for you, and the timing is terrible!” She seems to really think I’ll like this guy.
“I told you I will be nice. I’ll turn my mood around by the time we get to dinner.” I smile a big fake smile at her. “See! Look how happy I am!”
“You better be able to fake it better than that, Rach!” she says, straightening her blonde hair. “And hurry they’ll be here at five. Will has to work at ten and I know you have an early drive. We’ll have to leave Sound at nine.”
“That’s fine. I’m not up for an all-nighter anyway,” I respond.
“Hey! Frowny face! Turn it upside down and smile why don’t ya?” She smiles at me and we start laughing.
***
After Nate and Will pick us up at the dorms, we head to dinner. To say that dinner goes well would be an understatement. Dinner is perfect. Nate is actually really great. He rivals Jake in the looks department. He is taller than Jake and has dirty blonde hair that goes to his chin. He has brilliant green eyes, almost the same color as mine, and he is all muscle. In a good way. He is sweet and thoughtful opening doors, pulling out my chair, and making sure to tell our terrible waitress when I need a refill. He is funny and charming, and, so far, has me smiling all night.
He’s from the Midwest, and when he came out here for school he loved it so much that he never wanted to move back. I find out that he graduated last year, pre-med, and is taking a year off of school before he goes to med school. Right now, he is working at the hospital and playing drums in his band. And when we fight over the last bite of our shared dessert, I learn that his favorite food is also chocolate. Same as me.
We get to Sound at seven. It’s pretty quiet seeing as they just opened, but it allows us the opportunity to keep talking. After finishing the first round of drinks, Jenna and I head to the bathroom.
As soon as the door closes behind us, she’s on me. “So?” She looks like she already knows the answer to her question.
“So he’s pretty great!” I say a huge smile growing on my face. “Seriously, how is it that you found such a great guy at such a bad time?”
“I know! But you’ll go on another date if he asks? I can tell he really likes you.”
“I think I will. We’ll see how he is for the rest of the night. He might turn into a creeper now that we’re drinking and dancing,” I say unsure.
“No way! This guy’s a keeper. I know it!” She smiles.
We go to the bathroom and then touch up our make-up in the mirror before we head back out to get another round.
It’s eight o’clock, and I’m two rounds in. We’re still sitting near the bar talking. Nate has had five beers, including the two he had at dinner, and I can tell he is a happy drunk. He’s smiling and joking. And if at all possible, he’s even more charming. He seems less nervous and more sure of himself. But not in a cocky way, in an attractive way. I’m having a lot of fun with him. Jenna and Will are already on the dance floor. Jenna’s not a big drinker and Will isn’t drinking since he has to work.
Nate stands up and puts one hand behind his back and holds the other out for me. “Will the lady honor me with a dance?” he asks with a big smile on his face.
I grab his hand and smile back. “The lady would love that!”
The crowd in Sound has started to grow as we weave our way to the dance floor. Then I feel someone come up too close behind me and grab onto my other hand bringing me to a halt.
“You know this guy just wants in your pants, right? He’s thinking the same things I said to you, he’s just too much of a pussy to say them.” I turn around and come face to face with Mike.
Nate has realized that I’ve come to a stop and he turns around to see Mike in my face.
“Is everything okay, Rachel? Do you know this guy?” The happy, jovial Nate, has turned into my protector. My face tells him that even though I may know him, I am not a fan of this guy.
“Hell yeah she knows me! She’s a cock tease. She’ll dress all slutty, but then you find out she’s a prude,” Mike spits out, and I can smell the alcohol on his breath. I can tell he’s pretty drunk and is acting kind of crazy. I’m scared, and I shrink a little back into Nate.
Nate can tell I’m uncomfortable and he pulls me behind him, stepping up into Mike’s face. Nate has a few inches on him and is definitely in better shape. He’s also had a lot less to drink. “Hey pal. Why don’t you leave her alone? We’re on a date here. Just trying to go dance. Step back.” His last words are definitely a warning.
“I just thought I’d warn you. You’re not going to get anything out of her,” he snarls at Nate.
“Lucky for me, I’m not looking for a one night sta
nd. She’s a quality woman and deserves to be treated with respect. I can tell that you’re not man enough for her. Get the fuck away from us.” He just defended my honor. He’s like my real life knight in shining armor.
Mike starts to step up to Nate. “Is there a problem here?” I hear as one of the bouncers steps up to us.
“No problem here, right?” Nate says, his eyes cold as he looks at Mike.
“Nah, man. She’s not worth it!” barks Mike as he walks away. Thanks for that guy, Jenna.
As soon as Mike is out of view, Nate turns back around. “You okay?” he asks, concern written all over his face.
I smile at him and nod. Definitely. More than okay. Great. Perfect. Swooning.
“Good.” He smiles. “Ready to dance?” he asks.
I nod again and follow him to the dance floor, holding his hand.
We dance for the rest of the night. He’s a great dancer and I feel a little spark there, but still nothing compared to Jake. Nate is great and since things seem to be going nowhere with Jake, I decide to really give this guy a chance. I’m attracted to him, and we get along well. Maybe that heat will come with time?
We leave just after nine, but I’m glad it’s not going to be a late night since I have a big drive early in the morning and want to get at least a little sleep.
Nate and Will decide to walk us back instead of driving because the parking lot for Sound is only one block away from our dorm. When we get back, Will and Jenna connect at the mouth and stay that way for about five minutes while Nate and I say good-bye.
“I had a lot of fun tonight. I’m glad we got set-up,” he says smiling.
“Me too,” I respond and smile back.
He’s still holding my hand and moves to grab the other one. “I’d like to go out again. Maybe next week?”
“I think I can manage that,” I say, smiling even bigger.
“Cool. Can I get your number?”
We exchange phone numbers and practically pry Will and Jenna apart.
Jenna walks inside and I go to follow her. Before I get inside, I hear Nate calling my name. He comes running back and stops right in front of me. He looks down into my eyes and smiles at me as he leans down to kiss me. Our lips meet and I feel a little spark. The kiss is short and very sweet. It is a perfect first kiss.
Second best I’ve ever had.
“Bye, Rachel,” he says grinning and walking backwards.
“Bye, Nate,” I say back, with the same goofy grin on my face.
The boys leave and Jenna and I head up to her room. As soon as we get to her room, my phone alerts me to a text message. It’s from Nate.
Nate: Can’t wait to see you again. How does Saturday sound?
Me: Good. Can’t wait to see you either :)
I smile.
Jenna sits down on her bed and I take a seat in her chair. Then begins the inquisition.
“Sooooo… what did you think? Good? Bad?”
“I had a really good time with him. I like him a lot.” I smile, remembering my night. “We’re going to go out again next week.”
“Really?! I’m glad. He seems like a really great guy. I saw Mike walk over to you guys while we were in the club. What happened there?”
“Oh, no big deal. Just knight in shining armor type stuff.” And I go on to tell her all about the little interaction between Mike and Nate.
“Wow! He said he wanted more. That’s huge!”
“Yeah. I like him, but the chemistry that I have with Jake just isn’t there. Had this been a month ago and I hadn’t met Jake, I would have thought that Nate was perfect. There’s a little spark with Nate, but nothing compared to what I get when I’m near Jake. And now that I’ve felt it, I don’t know if I can be with a guy without it, you know?”
“Yeah. But you’re giving him a chance?” she asks.
“I’m thinking that when I’m further removed from the Jake kiss, I’ll be able to better assess how I really connect with Nate. But I’m looking forward to our date next week. I just don’t want to lead him on.”
“So you feel something, just not what you feel with Jake?”
“Yep. I’m attracted to him, I’m just hoping that maybe the attraction will grow,” I say hopefully.
“Well, if you feel something for him, you’re not leading him on. Attraction is instant, but it isn’t always what builds a lasting relationship. I’m glad you’re giving him a chance.” She smiles at me.
“Yeah, me too. Anyways, I’ve got to finish packing and get to sleep. Early morning for me,” I say standing up out of her chair.
“Have fun! Maybe talk to Jake and figure out what is going on there before you move on with Nate?”
“Whatever, nosy girl! See you later, and thanks for letting me borrow your car!”
“Anytime!” She waves at me from her bed as I close the door to her room.
I head downstairs to my room and go inside. I barely have a chance to take off my shoes when I hear a knock at the door. I open it and of course it’s Jake.
“Hey Jake! Come on in!” I say moving out of the way so he can come into my room.
“No thanks. I just wanted to confirm that we were leaving at eight in the morning,” he says without a smile.
“Um, yep. Eight. Then we’ll go to the hotel and drop off our things before we head over to the art show.” I smile at him, hoping that he’ll return it.
“Ok. See you in the morning,” he says, barely finishing his sentence before he turns around and walks back to his room and closes the door.
Wow. What is his problem? I know I was kind of a bitch last week, but I had a reason to be. Even though he didn’t understand the reason. Now he’s being a total dick. Maybe his reason for being a dick is because I was a bitch to him for no reason, at least that he knows of.
Um, what?
This is turning into one big misunderstanding and I hate that things are so weird with us now. Maybe Jenna is right? Maybe I should talk to him about the kiss while we’re in LA?
***
The drive up to LA is long. There is a ton of traffic and we don’t make it to the hotel until almost noon. We grab lunch on our way to the art show and eat in the car.
Everyone is having a blast exploring all the different booths and galleries. They’re talking to the artists and gaining a ton of knowledge on how to sell and market their art. It’s really a great experience.
Jake avoids me and only talks to me when I prompt him, and even then it’s brief. He is great with our group though. He listens to their critiques of the art on display, and has opinions himself. I love listening to his interpretation of the artists’ works.
Before I know it, it’s six o’clock and we’re heading back to the hotel. All the freshmen are planning to go to an eighteen and up club two blocks west of the hotel. I overhear some of the girls giggling as they invite Jake. He declines. I wonder what he has planned.
***
It’s eight o’clock and I am bored out of my mind. I forgot to bring any of my homework, and there is nothing on TV. I’m about to spend ten dollars on a movie, when I decide that I should call Jake.
It rings three times before he picks up.
“Hello?”
“Hey Jake, it’s Rachel!”
His voice cools down a bit. “Hey Rachel.”
“What are you up to?” I ask smiling. My mom used to tell me that people can hear a smile in your voice and I want him to know that I am trying to be friendly.
“Just doing some homework,” he says. I hear no smile in his voice.
“Oh, well I was wondering if you wanted to go grab a drink downstairs. I have something I wanted to talk to you about.” I’m really nervous because with the way things have been going, I’m worried he’ll straight up deny me.
“Is this about why you went all cold on me last Sunday?” How did he know?
“Uh, yeah, actually.”
“Cool. I’ll meet you down there in thirty minutes. I just want to finish my paper. See you soo
n.” His voice is a little less cold, but he doesn’t sound enthusiastic to be meeting me.
I decide to go down to the bar now and get a drink or two before he shows up. Hopefully that will give me enough courage to talk about what happened between us last weekend.
I take a seat at the bar and order two shots of tequila. How appropriate.
After the shots, I order a beer and wait for Jake at the bar.
I’m in the bar for forty-five minutes when he shows up. “Hey,” he says sitting on the stool next to me. “Sorry I’m a little late. I got stuck on my sources. But I’m done, so I’m free for the rest of the night.” He gives me a smile.
“That’s good.” I smile back. He signals to the bartender that he wants the same as me, and he brings it over.
“I’m glad you called. I’ve been wanting to talk to you too,” he says taking a drink of his beer. He looks me right in the eye and the butterflies start. This is what I was missing with Nate.
“Yeah. Why don’t we go over to one of the tables back there?” I indicate a quieter corner of the bar.
“Sure,” he says as we stand. He puts his arm out, letting me go first and pick the table. As I start to walk away, he puts his hand on my lower back and guides me through the bar. His touch sends tingles through my body. We find a booth that is pretty secluded and take a seat.
“So, you go first,” he says looking at me with a nervous smile on his face.
I take a deep breath. “So about Sunday. I’m sorry I turned so cold. I should have told you the reason.” I pause and take another deep breath. “When you got home from going out on Saturday, you stopped by my room and you told me all sorts of things. Then we kissed.”
Now it’s his turn to take a breath. “I kind of thought that was a dream. I vaguely remember something like that happening, but I was sure it was a dream,” he says looking down at the table and running a hand though his hair. “No wonder you were pissed at me. I maul you and then don’t even have the decency to remember or apologize.”
On The Floor (Second Story) Page 8