When he noticed me loitering around at his level, Peso ran over and did a little tiny, fat version of a gazelle leap into my lap. He was so adorable. I couldn’t resist playing a few rounds of road-kill-toy to see if he had game (that’s what they call the dog toy we selected from the pet section in the store; no actual road kill will ever be used for any type of recreational purposes on my watch). Turned out Peso played to win. When we’d both had enough, I gave him a hug and pressed my head to his. Whew! I got a nose full of stinky dog.
After shaking my head to clear the nasty smell from my brain and giving Peso a reassuring smile to let him know that we’d take care of it, I called to Luke in the kitchen, “Luke, I think we should bathe Peso. He stinks. Maybe that will help us work up an appetite for the wine and cheese later.”
As I gently sat Peso on the floor and stood up, Luke stepped out of the kitchen.
“What?” he asked.
“I said I know how we can work up an appetite for the wine and cheese later,” I suggested, unconsciously smoothing my shirt and jeans and gently running my hand through my hair to put it back in place after the romp with Peso. Luke’s eyebrows shot up. As a smile replaced the surprised look, he sauntered up to me. Why is he standing so close?
“What did you have in mind?” he asked softly.
“Um, I said we should bathe Peso. He stinks,” I explained uncertainly, trying to figure out his tone.
Luke took a step back, chuckled a little, and said with a small head shake, “Ah. Of course you did.”
“What do you mean?” I asked suspiciously.
“Nothing. I just — I thought you meant something else,” Luke explained, at least he seemed to consider that an explanation. He was still smiling as he scooped up Peso and headed for the bathroom. “You’re offending the lady of the house, little dude. Something must be done.”
Meant something else? What was that supposed to mean, and what was so funny?
He called over his shoulder, “I’ll run the water and get his collar off. Why don’t you grab the shampoo?”
I strolled slowly into the kitchen to get the shampoo as I heard the water begin to run in the bathroom. I could feel myself growing crankier with each step. What had I missed?
Luke was kneeling by the tub, putting Peso into the shallow, warm water when I walked into the bathroom. I knelt down beside him, handing him a wash cloth and puppy shampoo. Peso was sitting down in the water looking at us with that same pitiful look he had on his face when we first saw him. Luke stood him up so that we could bathe him. Peso immediately plopped his rear end back down in the water. Luke stood him up again. Once again, Peso sat back down.
“Look, Junior,” Luke said, “You’re going to have to stand up if I’m going to get you clean.” Peso gazed up at him forlornly, but didn’t sit this time when Luke stood him up.
“Smart dog,” I said.
“No kidding,” Luke said with a smile. “Maybe he can recommend a good trainer for Fry.”
I playfully slapped his arm. “Leave Fry alone.” I opened the puppy shampoo and took a whiff. “Smells good. This should do the trick,” I said, trying to sound friendly and not cranky. I just needed him to believe for a few moments that I’d let it go. I hadn’t of course, but once his guard was down I would just subtly find out what that comment meant.
I cleared my throat, “So what did you mean earlier when you said that you thought I meant something else?” Oops, not too subtle. I wanted to ease my way back to that subject, but my curiosity wouldn’t allow a sneak attack. I’ve really got to work on that.
“Nothing, Maggie. Time to rinse,” Luke replied.
He’s trying to change the subject. Not a good sign. Also, not going to work.
“Tell me,” I encouraged.
“Let it go,” he countered.
“Can’t,” I explained.
“Why?” he wondered.
“It’s not who I am,” I admitted.
Luke turned to me with a sigh. “All I meant was that I thought you were suggesting another activity – that has been known to work up an appetite, since you mentioned the wine and cheese – that we’d be hungry for later after your suggestion – that I didn’t hear because I had the water running in the kitchen, so I’m going to stop talking now, because I can tell by the look of panic on your face that you now understand – so that’s all good. Great.”
I tried not to, but a tiny gasp escaped when I finally realized Luke was talking about he and I – yeah, you probably realized before I did. I can never again make fun of the light bulb over Fry’s head or the time it takes CeCe to get a clue, since here I am, practically having it written out for me in crayon by a first grader who got it before I did. The gasp wasn’t because I’ve never considered the previous referenced activity with Luke. The gasp was because I didn’t realize he thought of me that way. Sure he made jokes after the palm reading, but I wasn’t picking up a joke vibe this time. I am aware there’s a certain segment of society that would tell me all men think of all women that way all the time. However, I’ve watched Luke pretty closely for a while now, and I’m beginning to think he might be kind of different. I could be wrong, but I like my idealized view from where I’m standing, and that’s what I see.
Apparently he took my silence to mean something entirely different than what I was actually thinking.
“Look, I’m sorry I said anything, okay?” Luke said.
“Nothing to be sorry about. Just a miscommunication,” I told him in what I thought was a kind way.
“Well, I didn’t mean to upset you,” he unwisely continued
“You didn’t upset me,” I tried to clarify.
“Obviously I did, but that wasn’t my intention,” he stupidly insisted.
“Not obviously. There’s no obviously, and you didn’t upset me, okay?” I explained.
“Maggie,” Luke said impatiently and a little louder. “Believe me, you are acting upset, so just accept my apology and let’s move on, all right?”
All of a sudden Peso threw his nose straight up in the air and let out a long, loud, high-pitched, “Ah-ooooo.”
Luke and I looked at each other.
“Did you hurt him?” I asked worriedly.
“I don’t think so.” Luke directed his next question to Peso, “Is there a problem? If you’re trying to tell us you liked smelling like sausage and beer, too bad.”
Luke and I both started rinsing him faster, and a few howls later I was lifting Peso from the tub into Luke’s towel covered arms.
“Uh, I got wet. Would you mind drying him off while I go change my shirt?” I asked.
“No problem, he really doesn’t have that much hair to dry,” Luke said heading for the living room.
I picked a blue cami that said, “I Rock,” to replace my wet shirt. I thought through what Luke had said as I changed. That’s a good thing – that he is attracted to me. It’s true that I’m not interested in rushing into sex with Luke at the moment, but that’s for a whole list of reasons. I’m sure I’d feel differently if it wasn’t that I barely know him, I don’t have the best track record with men I think I know, and we’re currently removed from our daily lives which gives things an unrealistic quality that I find very romantic. Those are just a few of the things that make me question my judgment. None of that even begins to address his issues at the moment. There’s the fact that he’s grieving the loss of his last beloved relative and hoping to stay one step ahead of the cops who are trying to solve two murders. Yeah, maybe not the best time to rush into sex with the first guy I’ve met in a long time that I actually want to get to know a lot better. Still nice to know he’s interested, I thought with a smile, because he’s definitely worth more of my time and effort.
I walked into the living room to find Peso curled up in Luke’s lap wearing a little dog t-shirt that said “Rock Star.”
“I didn’t see you get that,” I said to Luke, pointing at Peso’s shirt.
“Get what?” he asked innocently.
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Oh, for Heaven’s sake. Never mind. Not worth it. I had just plopped onto the sofa when there was a knock on the door. Luke and I tensed. He transferred Peso to my lap and headed for the door.
Just as he reached for the doorknob, we heard a female voice yell through the door, “Open up Fry! Time to party!”
We both exhaled and relaxed. When Luke opened the door, two people practically fell into the apartment.
“Well, hey there,” the female who fell in first said all flirty to Luke. She looked to be early to mid-20's, blonde, petite, pretty, you know – my worst nightmare. The guy who fell in behind her headed straight to the kitchen without a word. I looked down at Peso. Still asleep. Okay. Not a guard dog.
As partier number one began to chat up Luke, I stashed Peso in my bedroom before quietly closing the door. I returned to find partier number one on the sofa literally draped across Luke, gazing at him adoringly, and giggling wildly about something. I felt a fire burning in my stomach. Not that I was jealous. I just hated her with every inch of my being for no good reason. How does she do that without spilling her drink? I mean, I could do that if I chose to. Not quite sure what to say, I just stood there with my arms crossed.
Luke finally noticed me. Well, it had only been about two seconds, but it felt like finally.
“Maggie, this is Babs, a friend of Fry’s from down the hall,” Luke said, NOT pushing her off of him.
“Hey, honey,” she said sweetly, raising her drink at me as she leaned even farther into Luke.
What – is the drink glued to her hand? I could swear it’s defying gravity, but not a drop has spilled. Thoughts of my poise and grace when I’d been drinking last night did nothing to improve my sudden bad mood.
“I’m Ty,” partier number two announced, appearing from the kitchen. “We saw the lights on and needed some hot sauce. We assumed it was Fry, since Serge is out of town. Hope you don’t mind,” he said smiling and wiggling a hot sauce bottle at us before pouring a hefty amount into the drink in his hand. Thankfully, he did not appear to be drunk like his female companion. However, he did appear to be tall, blonde, handsome, and a few years older than the girl. Not that I cared.
Ty settled into the recliner as if he had done so many times before. “My cousin Babs has an apartment down the hall. Party central,” he said with an eye roll. “She’s the only family I have in town, so we hang out a lot. Gotta look out for family, you know.”
“I don’t need looking after,” Babs said haughtily. “He just likes an excuse to hang out in the French Quarter. His house is in a boring old “established” neighborhood. One of those really old, really big houses. He’s addicted to house projects. Renovating and junk like that. He needs me to liven things up.” This prompted another air toast to us all and a big gulp of her drink. She’s practically lying down, clearly drunk, and still not spilling a drop. How does she do it? I might admire her if I didn’t hate her so much.
I looked back at Ty to find him looking me up and down and smiling. Awkward. I tried to smile back and relax a little. No, still awkward.
“Why don’t y’all come on over and join? The more the merrier,” Ty stood and walked over to me extending his hand. “You are?”
“Maggie. Maggie Eastman,” I said, finally managing a relaxed smile as I shook his hand. “We’re friends of Fry’s.”
Luke appeared at my side. “Luke,” he said to Ty but did not extend his hand, “and thanks, but we’re staying in for the evening. Maggie partied a little too hard last night, so we’ll probably just take it easy tonight.” He put his arm around my shoulder as he spoke.
It felt nice when he – wait a minute, what did he say? A really stupid plan formed quickly in my head. I liked it anyway. Time to show him I can be just as much fun as Babs, except I’m going to be sober this time. Time to show him I’m not as boring as he seems to be implying I am.
“Actually,” I said, removing myself from Luke’s arm and moving over next to Ty. “I could use some fun. We should hit the party.” Score for me. Was I cool or what? I looked at Luke expecting surprise and hopefully a “wow, you go girl look.” Unfortunately, his face just looked really hard. It’s just the shock. He’ll be impressed in a minute.
“I really don’t think that’s a good idea, Maggie,” Luke said. “Don’t you think after last night you should just take it easy tonight?”
Low blow. Now, I was getting mad. “Tonight’s a new night,” I said breezily, “and I don’t need to take it easy. If you can’t keep up, feel free to go to bed early. I’m sure Ty will keep me company.” I looked up at Ty and gave him my Barbie smile.
Ty grinned at me and then turned to Luke, “Absolutely, I’ll look out for her if you don’t want to join. It’ll be my pleasure.” Without waiting for an answer, he steered me out the door and two doors down to Bab’s apartment. When he opened the door, the blast of music made me jump.
“The music’s a little loud,” I yelled to Ty. Wait that sounded boring. “I love it!” I added. Good save, but I probably needed to remove my hands from my ears to pull it off. He stopped pushing me along when we reached the middle of the dance floor (a.k.a. her living room).
I looked around. Not two feet from me stood Luke still wearing his hard face. He leaned in to yell something in my ear, but Babs intercepted by flinging herself around his neck.
“Dance with me Luke,” she yelled.
He didn’t look happy, but his inner gentleman wouldn’t let him blow her off.
“Wait here,” he yelled, sounding way more serious than I felt was necessary.
I turned back to Ty. “He’s sooo serious,” I yelled with a wave of my hand.
Ty smiled and nodded his head in an understanding way. “Dance?” he yelled in my ear.
I nodded and prepared to shake my booty when the music suddenly switched to a slow, sultry song. Uh oh.
“Maybe we could . . . ,” I started to say, but it was too late. Ty closed the space between us in a flash and began to sway. He wasn’t being touchy-feely, but since I didn’t know him, this was really close.
“Are you interested in architecture?” Ty asked loudly in my ear, “Because tomorrow I could show you . . . ,”
Wow! How did he jump back a couple of feet that fast? Was that a dance move? It was then that I noticed Luke’s hand attached to the back of his neck. He hadn’t jumped. He’d been yanked. Luke still had a grip on Ty’s neck and was speaking into his ear, so I took a step forward to find out what was going on. Suddenly Luke gave Ty one rough shake and released him. Ty looked at me sheepishly, waved, and disappeared into the crowd.
Luke was coming at me fast. He spun me around by my arm and steered me toward the door. Why do men keep steering me around tonight? I don’t like it. When we were alone in the hallway, I yanked my arm away.
“What are you doing?” I demanded.
“What am I doing?” he asked angrily. “I’m saving you from yourself, that’s what I’m doing. Time to go home. Let’s go back to the apartment.”
“What?”
“Go inside,” he said through clenched teeth.
“Well, I don’t think so,” I said folding my arms, “Not until you . . . .” Again with the steering, except this time he was practically lifting me off my feet. I was really going to let him have it.
When we reached the living room, he sat me gently on the sofa. I immediately popped back up to my feet with a stamp of my foot. “Cut! That! Out!” I shouted.
“Me?” he said almost shouting, “What were you thinking?”
“Me?” I shouted, “What were YOU thinking?” Original.
“Why would you let some guy you’ve known for five seconds paw you like that?” Luke asked loudly.
“Paw me? We were dancing!” I said, taking it down a notch from shouting but still not calm.
“I’m surprised you could breathe in that clinch,” Luke said, which drew a gasp from me, “AND he was nibbling on your ear. It’s not like I was going to stand there and let him get away w
ith that.”
“He was NOT nibbling my ear,” I argued. “He was speaking into my ear, genius, and it’s not your decision what he gets away with anyway.”
Why did I say that? Ty was closer than I was comfortable with, and I had wanted out of that situation too. Now Luke was going to think I cozied up to strangers. Stupid, stupid.
Luke fell onto the sofa. “Fine. Go back to the party. I guess I don’t know what you want, Maggie.”
“I want,” I started but then paused to go sit in the recliner. I was suddenly very tired. “I want to stop getting myself into situations where I need to be rescued.” Deep sigh. “Ty wasn’t really being pushy. It’s possible I may have kind of given him the wrong impression, just a little.”
I could see Luke was struggling to come up with a response to that, so I decided to continue with what was on my mind. “I’m really not boring,” I said, as if that explained everything.
This got a snort of laughter from Luke. “Boring?” he asked incredulously, “I’m not sure what that has to do with anything, but no, you’re definitely not boring.” Short pause while we both mulled that over. “What does that have to do with this?” he asked.
“It’s possible that it could have in some small way affected my decision to check out the party,” I said vaguely.
Luke sat up on the sofa. “Is this about my partied too hard comment earlier? Please tell me that’s not what this was about.”
I did not appreciate his tone, not one little bit. “My life decisions are not based on your insensitive comments, Mr. Becnel,” I said snippily.
“Insensitive?” he repeated, as if I’d said something absurd.
“I don’t like where this is going,” I said standing and walking toward my bedroom, “You should sleep on it. Think about what I’ve said.”
NOT What I Was Expecting Page 22