Lily held her silence.
Kim hoped she was listening. “The entire time you were in your room before dinner Jimmy asked about you. I’d noticed how he looked at you while you pretended to ignore us at lunch, and how he’d light up when he’d make you laugh. I’ve been kidding myself for weeks that I had a chance with him. And tonight, I made such a fool of myself over him.” In her best high-pitched pathetic girl voice, Kim parroted, “Oh, Jimmy, can I get you more pizza? Oh, Jimmy, I love your boots. How many big bad snakes did you have to kill to make them? Oh, Jimmy, you’ll have to show this silly dumb girl the difference between a wrench and a screwdriver.”
Lily spoke up, now willing to participate in the conversation she’d anticipated before Kim went all therapist on her. “I wondered what in the world was wrong with you. I’ve never seen you play the dumb girl part to get a guy.”
“He wants you, not me, and the truth is... that I’m okay with that. I shouldn’t have to work that hard to get noticed.”
Lily pressed her palms into her eyes and exhaled. “What about what I want?”
“I don’t know that Jimmy’s overly concerned with that.” Kim got up and walked into her room, but left the door open.
“I’m sorry, Kim. Before tonight’s fiasco, I promise I did nothing to encourage him.”
“You never do.”
7
Lily knew her roommate too well to believe that her conveniently timed epiphany regarding the powers of karma were enough for her to rebound from her crush on Jimmy. And Kim blasting the Johnny Lee song Lookin’ for Love in All the Wrong Places while hiding out in her room day and night proved it. However annoying and loud her self-inflicted therapy sounded to Lily and the neighbors, it seemed to work. Kim emerged three days later as her cheerful old self again.
Practicing her most exercised remedy, avoidance, Lily started taking her lunch breaks at her desk, claiming that Simon needed this or that done right away. Kim, of course, knew better; never in the year she worked at the library had there been a paperwork emergency. Simon, even more distracted than normal since his relationship with Judith began six months ago, had no idea what was happening outside of his cerebrum. If he declared a state of emergency, it would most likely concern dating advice, not the cataloging of documents. But Kim played along and made excuses for Lily to the Rogers boys at lunch every day.
In truth, Kim knew she wasn’t so totally over Jimmy that she could stand by and watch him fawn over Lily, not that he was the fawning type. To her disgust, she remembered that, in fact, she was the fawning type. She wished she could have a do-over with pizza night. This time she’d play hard to get. It always worked for her roommate. But then again, Lily wasn’t playing.
Two weeks passed and still Lily kept her distance. Spending all day inside was taking its toll. She missed the sunshine and the fun of lunches at the fountain. Jimmy’s stories about the dumb stuff he, his brothers, and his cousins did as kids always made her laugh. At night, while lying in bed, she thought more about his stories and drew pictures in her head to go along with the words; she could easily imagine his happy childhood adventures and pretend her childhood had been different.
Even with Kim’s permission, Lily didn’t think dating Jimmy was wise. She almost liked his company too much. Her awareness of him was different and intense. Before, dating guys had never really required liking them overly much. She could date someone for months and never give them a thought in between dinners, and so keeping things light was never a problem. By choosing men who could wine and dine her, she knew that their old money and protected lineage, if not good sense, would prevent commitment. What good family would bother with someone whose background was shady at best? Who would want to bring her home to mom? She was content with her role as trophy, because she was just as guilty of using men for attention and affection without strings. But even with her clear rules and strict boundaries in place, her plan often backfired. Men saw her as a challenge, not the lost cause she embraced.
She did think about Jimmy and that was new and unsettling. His company affected her like a good book. Books helped her forget. Books helped her relax. But with books, she could stop reading it if she didn’t like what was happening or re-think the ending if she wasn’t satisfied. However easygoing Jimmy seemed, she sensed he wouldn’t be easily dissuaded if given the slightest bit of encouragement. And he wouldn't be shelved without a fight. Besides, she struggled with the idea of needing to run him off anyway. She feared there’d be two casualties this time around and that was a chance she wasn’t willing to take.
Remembering the feel of Lily’s curves pressed against him that night on the carport consumed his thoughts. Jimmy was primed for action. He intended to make sure it happened again, but this time for their pleasure, not solely for the purpose of ticking off an ex. And just when he'd decided to make his move, she disappeared. He‘d always considered himself a patient man, but he tired of waiting for his charms to win her over; he needed a plan. It was time to take the bull by the horns.
Jimmy’s brother, Tom, who was also blessed with that dark hair, blue eyed combination inherited from their mother and which attracted women to them like flies to stink, taunted Jimmy about his thoughtful pursuit of women. Where Tom gave very little consideration to anything other than a woman’s eagerness to join him in the sack, Jimmy had only given a chosen few his attentions and unlike his brother those relationships were few and genuine. He was searching for the real thing, not just a good time.
As a little boy, Jimmy remembered watching his parents talk and laugh together over dinners and chores. They appeared nothing more than big kids on a super-long play date. His parents’ smiles and teasing defined the images etched in his mind of love and marriage. So when approaching relationships, he always first pursued the friendship part and gave it some time to grow and simmer, confident the rest would fall into place.
Charlie, his father, often told the story of the day in the third grade when he fell head over heels in love with Grace, Jimmy’s mother. Grace was sitting outside at recess playing jacks with her friends when the school bully, Dominic Tate, walked up to her and took the little rubber ball they were using. Her friends started crying, but not Grace; she got up and followed Dominic. He returned to his friends with his stolen prize thinking to join them in celebrating his most recent crime, but they weren’t hooting and hollering like he’d expected. When his pals explained that he’d been followed by one of the runts he’d just picked on, Dominic turned to growl at her, but he never got the chance. Grace, with her dark bouncy curls and innocent blue eyes, kicked him in the crotch as hard as she could with her white patent leather shoes. Dominic hit the ground. Grace picked up her ball, returned to her friends and her game of jacks, as if humiliating someone three times her size was nothing new. And Jimmy's dad fell in love. Finishing his story, Charlie smiled at his sons and wiggled his eyebrows, always adding, “Now remember, boys, pretty is nice, but spunky is excitin’.” He’d blow a kiss to his wife who’d promptly throw at him whatever unbreakable object she could get her hands on, proving his point.
Lily left work Friday night looking forward to a nice quiet evening curled up with a book. All hopes for that vanished when she crossed the parking lot to find her little car boxed in by Jimmy’s truck. She could see from a distance that it was impossible to pull forward because there was a brick landscaping wall in the way and she couldn’t back out because Jimmy had parked his truck perpendicular to her parking spot. She was trapped.
She hurried to her car with her purse smacking her hip the whole way and blurted, “What the hell?”
“Good evenin', Lily." His amusement was at war with his polite facade. "I’d hoped you’d let me take you to dinner tonight.”
Her fight or flight instincts took over. With her preferred method—flight-- blocked, she crossed her arms and answered through a fake smile, “No thanks. Please, move your truck so I can go home.”
“I’ll gladly move my truck after you get
in it and let me take you to dinner.”
“I’m not going to dinner with you.” She knew she needed to come up with some convincing reason, but her brain was on pause. Kim had warned her that Jimmy was interested, but she’d hoped that in her absence he’d move on. No such luck.
The more flustered she became the calmer he sounded, which Jimmy knew was just making things worse, but he wasn’t a guy who gave in. He knew what he wanted and he wasn’t leaving until he got it. “Now Lily, you’ve got to eat and so do I. It’s my treat.”
Rattled by his stubbornness, her fake smile slipped. “You can treat me by moving your truck.”
“There’s no need to get yourself worked up. I talked to Kim today and there’s nothing to be concerned about. So let’s get to it.”
“What? You talked to Kim… about me?” I can't think. She fumbled through her purse for her keys, unlocked her door, and got in. She cracked the window open. There was no point in starting the car; her air conditioning didn’t work. She just needed a minute away from Jimmy’s intoxicating cologne and sexy confidence. Damn him. She had no doubt that he knew the affect he had on women and used it to his advantage whenever possible.
Jimmy followed and rested against the car door. Lounging there like a man who knew his victory was imminent, he said, “Now, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. It’s your choice.”
“What’s the hard way?” she asked, nibbling a nail.
“Well, I’ll let you sit in the car for a while till you’re close to gettin' sick from the heat and you start beggin' me to take you to dinner.”
She dropped her hand from her mouth and pinched it between her thighs. “Could I please have a minute to think? Alone.”
“It’s probably over 100 degrees in there. I figure you have a good five minutes before you start feelin' light headed. Think away...while you can.” Jimmy strutted back to his truck.
Lily could already feel sweat pooling on her upper lip and running down her back. She considered her options. If she walked back to the library, he’d follow her and there’d be more of this verbal sparring which she knew she couldn’t win. She could call Kim to come rescue her, but apparently Kim was Jimmy’s accomplice, and Lily could only fight with one person at a time. She could give in and do the opposite of what she thought was right to maintain her safe, uncomplicated existence, which would eventually leave them both miserable. Or, she could die a slow death in sweltering car. But then Jimmy would save her and he didn’t need any more fuel to inflate his ego. She turned her head in the direction of her house and her freedom and sulked.
Salvation came in the form of a university security guard driving from that same direction in a golf cart. She sprung from the car and waved her arms, yelling, “Excuse me. Excuse me. I could use some assistance, please.”
The campus cop made a quick u-turn and headed her direction.
Jimmy walked over to her, noticed who she’d flagged down, and said, “It’s not gonna work.”
“Of course, it’s going to work. It’s this man’s job to help. Don’t worry; I won’t let him arrest you. I’ll just have him make you move your truck. No hard feelings, okay?” Lily smiled, now sure of her victory.
“Darlin’, don’t you worry your pretty little self about my feelings. You’re still going to dinner with me tonight.”
She left Jimmy with a huff and rushed to meet the officer.
The campus security guard heaved himself from the small cart, smoothed the wrinkles of his shirt, pulled up his pants, and straightened his cap, preparing himself for official business. He was built like the Michelin Man with a crown of salt and pepper hair. He greeted Lily with a generous grin that lacked all concern for the damsel in distress hurrying towards him or the beat up truck illegally parked behind her. With a heavy drawl that rivaled her assailant's, he asked, “Howdy, miss, did you need some help?”
“Yes, I was hoping….”
He stepped around her. “Jimmy, is that you? I thought I recognized your truck. It’s good to see you, boy.” They clasped hands and shared a half hug. “What are you still doin’ on campus? You should’ve clocked out a long time ago. Hey, did you see that game last night? That sure was a nail-biter right up to the end. I think the Cards could go all the way this year.”
“Uncle George, it’s good to see you, too. I missed the game, but I heard it was a good one. How’s Aunt Laura feelin’?”
“Ah well, she’s doin’ better. I think those new pills the doc gave her are workin’ some.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Maybe she’ll feel well enough to come to the next family picnic.”
“I hope so. She hates to miss it. So what’s got you out here so late?”
“Well, I’m just hangin' around waitin' to take this young lady to dinner.”
Remembering now what caused him to stop; George turned to admire Lily but continued addressing his nephew. “She sure is pretty. I’ve noticed her coming out of the library before. You sure can pick ‘em.” George laughed and gave Jimmy a friendly swat on the shoulder. “I’m guessing this one’s smart like the last one. Anyone who spends time around books is usually smart. Now me, I only read in the bathroom. It helps pass the time while I’m…”
Jimmy interrupted, “I’m certain my friend, Lily, here needs no further explanation, Uncle George.”
George shrugged off the edit and got back to official business. “So what’s the problem? Did your car break down or somethin’? Did you need me to call a tow truck?”
Lily saw her chance and jumped in. “Sir, the problem is that I don’t want to go to dinner with your nephew. I’d like you to make him move his truck so I can go home. Alone.”
George lifted his hat and scratched his head. “Well, sweetheart, why don’t you want to go to dinner with Jimmy?” Lily started to answer but he steamrolled right over her. “He’s a fine boy. I can vouch for him. In fact, he might even be the best of Gracey’s sons. Ladies go wild over this guy. You should’ve seen the way they lined up after he got back from chasing that last one all the way to New York City. I guess that was a couple years back now. Right, Jimmy?”
Jimmy, concerned with where this tangent was going, tried to interrupt and failed.
George continued, “Ah, she was a looker just like you, but she didn’t want to settle down like Jimmy did. They’d both just graduated from college, you see, and Jimmy was looking to find a place, get settled, start a family, but she wasn’t interested. She had her heart set on living in the big city for a while and seeing what that was all about. He went after her, but I guess they couldn’t figure it out. It took Jimmy a while to bounce back after that, and there was a line of women ready to help him.” He chuckled.
"Believe it or not, this isn’t helpin',” Jimmy complained.
George surfaced from his flashback and noticed that his nephew’s lady friend looked ready to make a run for it with or without the car. His wife was a big romantic and she'd want him to help Jimmy. Nudging Lily back toward her car, he said, “You young people need to go along now and have some fun while you still can. When you’re my age you can’t go out so much ‘cause everything gives you gas. Go on now. Jimmy you can’t leave your truck there. You’ll get me in trouble. Sweetheart, lock your car up. Jimmy, you be a gentleman and get the door for her.”
Lily did as she was told, even waving good-bye to Uncle George, promising to have a good time. Suddenly, she found herself sitting in Jimmy’s pick-up headed to dinner.
Jimmy waited until they were well on their way before breaking the silence and saying the very thing he knew Lily was waiting to hear, and would get him in more trouble, but he said it anyway. “I told you it wouldn’t work.”
He’d lit the fuse and she exploded. “How in the world was I supposed to know that your uncle was a campus cop? Surely there’s more than one, but I get the one who’s not only related to you but also thinks you’re wonderful.”
“Actually, I have two more relatives who do campus security and a couple of fri
ends as well. There was a pretty good chance it was somebody I knew.”
“Tell me, just in case I’m abducted again, do you have friends and relatives who work on the city police force?”
“A couple.”
“Any state troopers in your family?”
“Yup.”
“FBI?”
Jimmy laughed, “Probably. I’ve got a lot of family.”
The conversation ended. Lily stared out the side window as Jimmy sang along with the country music playing on the radio. She knew his carefree attitude was just another ploy to get her to erupt again. She couldn’t figure out why, if he liked her, he was trying so hard to piss her off. She’d been pursued in many ways, but abduction and aggravation were new to her.
Maybe that’s the best way to end this before it starts.
If he wanted her mad, she’d give him mad with a big shot of bitchy. Typically, this wasn’t how she scared men off; evasion usually worked, but Jimmy was different. If he was going to enjoy annoying her, why shouldn’t she have some fun doing the same?
Even with her mind made up, she doubted her method and motivation. She squared her shoulders and asked, “Where are you taking me?”
“I thought we’d eat at Tulip’s Bar and Grill. I’m hungry for a burger. How ‘bout you?”
She summoned the spirit of every hoity-toity character from the hundreds of Regency romance novels she’d read and answered, “I’m not in the habit of eating at such a provincial establishment, but then I guess I should consider my company.”
Jimmy’s brows rose. He’d never heard an uppity word out of Lily’s mouth, not that she spoke much. Hopefully, this was another game and not poor judgment on his part. “I go to Tulip’s a lot. They serve the best burgers in town.”
The Blueprint Page 9