“So, not much fun for Jamie this summer?”
“You weren’t having any fun either. I could tell from your voice over the phone.”
He says nothing at first. “You have a protein bar to eat.”
“Yes, I do.”
Susan comes into the living room and Michael gets up.
“I’m going to make a list for groceries while you two talk.”
I pick up the bar and start eating, demolishing it in seconds.
Susan sits on the sofa. She looks at him then back at me smiling. “He is really cute.”
“I’m sorry that I can’t do much while you are here. Bad timing on my part.”
“It’s okay. Jamie you work too hard pushing yourself to do it all. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone except yourself. Now take a nap and I will go assist Mr. Gorgeous with his list.” She leans over, planting a kiss on my head.
I snuggle down in the sofa, falling asleep to the sound of my two best friends discussing food options.
The next couple of hours we catch up while Michael goes to the store coming back with enough food for two weeks. They both put the groceries away, make dinner, and now Susan and I are watching a movie. Michael grabs his keys after being on the phone.
“Jamie, do you need anything?”
“No, I’m fine. You are leaving?”
“Just for a little bit. I talked with Pete and I’m going down to the 42 for a while. He said if I was in town, he could use my help.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, just paperwork issues. Can I bring you back anything?”
“No, but thank you.”
He comes over to the sofa. “How about some peach pie?”
I smile, thinking how good Tom’s peach pie is. “Oh, pie sounds scrumptious.”
“On it. Susan, what about you?”
“Peach pie sounds good.”
He pushes his wallet into his back pocket. “I’ll see you ladies later.”
Susan cranes so hard watching him walk away that she falls into me. “I still don’t know why you haven’t hit all that yet.”
“Once again, friends.”
“Hello, but friends with benefits are the best kind of friends.”
*
After several days of much needed rest and attention from them, I was eating normally and drinking plenty of liquids. I had a follow up doctor’s visit and he said I was doing well. He wanted me home another week. I was itching to get out and enjoy some summer sun, maybe go for a run, but I promised I would not. Susan was leaving tomorrow and I already missed our late night girl talks. Michael would have to go back as well, and then I will be on my own. But this time I would do better and pay attention to what my body needed. But right now, my body is craving some outdoor time. I pop my head into the living room. Michael is on his computer, Susan on her phone.
“Hey guys, how about we go and do something fun down at the lake?” They both shot me a look.
Susan jumps out of her chair, “Count me in!”
Michael lays the computer aside. “Are you sure you’re up to it?”
“Yes, I’ve been a model patient and the both of you need a distraction. Maybe some cheeseburgers on the grill. You could call some of the guys who are in town.”
Susan chimes into the begging party. “Unattached guys, I hope.”
Michael pulls out his phone. “I’ll try my best.”
Susan brushes by me, heading for my bedroom. I look back at him. “Thank you.”
*
We’re standing in the living room ready to go, when he comes out, wearing red trunks with no shirt. Susan hits my arm and I look up. What I saw was all the worry gone from his face that he’d had for the past several days. She pinches me and when I look at her, she’s looking at him. I just smile.
“I called a few guys in town. I told them of our plans and they’re bringing anyone who is here. Shall we go?”
I poke Susan so she can close her mouth. “Yes.”
“Then let’s go.”
We follow him out the door.
She whispers. “You live with that every day,” Then she bites her knuckles.
We arrive at the lake and there are a lot of people already set up. It’s perfect—just what we all need.
Susan grabs Michael’s arm. “Who’s that guy?”
“That’s Brody, he just moved here from Nevada.”
“Do you know anything about him?”
“Are you looking short term?”
“Yes, I am in the moment.”
“Then go, he’s cool.”
She wraps her arm around my shoulders. “What do you think?”
“He’s attractive.”
“Jamie, will you be okay if I, um go over to him?”
“Yes, go make friends.”
She looks past me at Michael. “I’ll be back, keep an eye on her.”
I watch my friend peel off her shirt, then her shorts, kicking off her flip-flops and head straight towards Mr. Right Now.
With a quick introduction, she’s flirting fiercely, and he’s buying all of it. I kick off my flip-flops, and then peel off my t-shirt. I look up towards the sun, close my eyes, and take it all in. I peek over at him.
“Michael, you don’t have to sit here with me.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?”
I turn my head to face him, pulling on my sunglasses. “No.”
He leans back on the blanket. “Good.”
I sit down wrapping my arms around my knees. His eyes are shut, arms above his head tucked underneath, displaying the muscles in his arms as his stomach slowly moves up and down.
It wasn’t just the sun warming my skin. I feel warm being near him all the time now. When did my feelings flip and would I tell him?
“How is your dad with you being here and not at work?”
“I told him why I was here. He understood—at least that’s what he said.”
“I know putting up with the two of us and my illness was probably not what you bargained for your last summer before senior year.”
“It’s been fun and you needed help. I didn’t realize how many shades of blue polish there was or the horrors of bikini waxing until now.”
I cover my face, embarrassed. “Okay, you were not supposed to hear that, but yes, it can be tough.”
He sits up. “When you’re released from the doctor, promise me you will cut your hours back at the bar.”
I go to say, “I need the money,” but catch the look on his face, so instead I just agree I’ll do all the right things to keep him from worrying. I need him to feel good about leaving. I owe him that.
“How about a race to the water and a swim?” I stand waiting for him to do the same.
“How about a walk into the water and maybe a float?”
“Fair enough.”
*
I had been terribly spoiled by having them with me. Susan left for her flight and we were both in tears. She made me promise to take it easy, or get laid. A few days later it was Michael’s turn to leave. He was moving about the apartment, staying busy not saying much. Finally, he sets his bag by the door and returns to the living room, standing with his hands on his hips, just looking out towards the balcony.
“Okay, you have your instructions for what you can do and what your limits are. You have food—I restocked the pantry. Pete has you on the early shift. No more late nights for the next two weeks. I bought more juice and bottled water. And sleep, remember to sleep.”
I get up from the chair, walk over to him, and then wrap my arms around his body, lying my head on his chest. “I’ll be fine.”
His body relaxes and he rests his chin on my head, letting out a breath.
I lean away from him. “You know, I owe you big for all you’ve done for me.”
“I’ll collect my fee when I return.”
“I appreciate everything you have done.”
We both smile and then he walks to the door. “I’ll see you back
here in a few weeks.”
“Definitely.”
*
End of the summer
Michael is due home today, my classes are over, and I’m feeling good. I’m standing on a chair hanging a “Welcome Back” sign, with music playing in the background as I sing along. As I jump off the chair, he walks thru the door. “Michael!”
I run over to him as he drops his bag in anticipation of my hug.
He sets me down. ”You look good. How are you feeling?”
“Back to normal. I hope you don’t mind, but I planned a welcome back home party.”
He sits on the sofa, loosening his tie. “I missed this.”
“You missed the sofa?”
He smiles at me. “Among other things.”
I nudge him on the arm.
“How did you do with your classes?”
“I passed them all even with the delay of an illness.”
“I knew you would.”
“How was surfing in California on your mini business trip last week?”
“Large waves and totally the best part of that assignment.”
“I’m glad you got to go and have some fun away from the stuffy office scene. You deserved some rest and relaxation. How does it feel to be a senior?”
“No different. Except my dad set up for me to meet with the legal team while I was back home.”
“Still hoping you’ll change your mind, huh?”
“Probably. What time is the party?”
“About eight. Just a small crowd.”
He stands. “I’m going to shower, unless you need me to help.”
“No, the sign was the last thing. The guys helped me stock the beer and all the food is ready.” He grabs his bag walking down the hall to his room.
“I missed you to Jamie.”
Chapter 16
For the past five years on the second Saturday of September, the HCSW holds an auction to raise money for their programs. Tonight is the “Men in Sports Bachelor Event.” All the advertising, planning, and phone calls are done. All the captains and co-captains of the sports teams at Hopson are registered. The packets of information are handed out and my attire is to be short, black, and sexy. Not sure if I filled all requirements, but with my black heels on, I left before Michael, arriving one hour before go time. I arrive at the venue where I see lots of shiny stars hanging from the ceiling, twinkling candles, and tables covered in white linen tablecloths. Stacey is standing along with her other officers all in red. She’s wearing a tight fitting, mini dress with what looks like glass slippers. Go figure. We gather around them but only she steps forward to speak.
“Listen up everyone. This is the evening we worked so hard to accomplish. Thank you for responding to the many emails, phone calls and meetings over the past few months. Without it, none of this would be possible. We are ready to let people in, but before that happens, the senior committee has an announcement.” She pulls out a piece of paper, handing it to Karen, our Vice President.
“All of you in white will work the welcome desk, putting on nametags, ushering guys to the bar and food. Those in black will be escorts. You are responsible for making them look good, while pumping up the audience to spend money. As for the seniors in red, we mingle. The board put into place the new rule last night when it was brought to our attention the ugly situation last year, so therefore those in black can’t bid. Sorry ladies for the last minute change.
No one expected this, so the words that spill out from some were not nice ones. Stacey waves her hands to get everyone quiet then steps up and interjects.
“Calm down and I will explain. Members dressed in black are the closest to our bachelor’s before they come out. Trust me, if it were me I would be rubbing some elbows backstage ladies. Therefore, some might think you’re working deals, so to keep it fair, this decision had to be made. Let’s rally for the real reason why we’re here and pull together as sisters.” She grabs the microphone. “Megan, open the doors!”
*
The athletes begin trickling in and are met by their future dates along with many female students. About 20 minutes into the meet and greet, Michael arrives with Jackson, his co-captain. They’re both very attractive in their tuxedos and others think so as well. I watch as they make their way through, saying hi. Jackson even kisses two on their cheeks. I move up next to Michael.
“Are you looking for someone special?”
“Uh no. Jamie?”
I frown, looking down at my dress. “What?”
He looks it over but says nothing, just shaking his head, and then an awkward smile comes across his face and he puts his hands in his pockets.
Jackson hits Michael in his side. “What he should say is that you look hot!”
With that, the hair on my arms stands up.
“Are you both ready for all this?”
“No!” Michael exclaims.
I giggle as Jackson hits him in the shoulder. “Finally, he speaks.”
Michael develops a serious scowl on his face, looking at his friend. “Jackson, would you excuse us?”
“No problem, I’ll grab us a beer. You seem a little uptight.”
Michael takes my elbow, leading me to the side, out of the way of traffic. “Can I ask a favor?”
“Sure.”
“Bid on me tonight and I will drop $500 in your account.”
“I would do that for you but the senior committee made a rule that escorts wearing black can’t participate in the auction this year.”
“That’s bullshit. Why?”
“A certain situation last year. We’re to show you off and make everyone spend money. If you’re worried about Stacey bidding, Jenny told me she is seeing someone, so maybe she’s not interested.”
“Who would want to be with her?”
I cut my eyes at him.
“Look, you’re a strong, handsome, tall, sexy beast of a man who I’ve heard many ladies want this evening. You’ll be fine. Now, go drink a beer or two and enjoy being wanted by all.”
He walks away, just shaking his head at me. He’s really worried about this and of course I need an untraceable plan. I have to think fast. Miranda my friend from English 102 last year. This might work after all.
All bachelors are asked to go behind the curtain, stage right with escorts. Julie, the student body president, comes out to begin the event. The first bachelor comes out with his escort and they dance together. She peels him out of his coat and he sells for $250. The next guy picks up his escort, carrying her onto the stage. He reaches into his jacket, presenting her with a flower which she tucks into her hair. He kisses her hand, which melts the audience and he brings in $355. The baseball captain is bought by two girls and goes for $500. They literally jump onto the stage and pull him off. The evening is fully charged with eager ladies spending their summer cash. When it’s time for the rowing team, Jackson goes first. He shows off unique dance moves, leaving Ally, his escort, spinning even after his moment is done. He then untucks his shirt from his pants, showing well defined abs. He goes for $500 after a great battle for his attention. Both girls are escorted out by security and the winning bid is awarded to the girls swim team. Let’s just say he was more than pleased. Michael is up next, so Julie begins to run down his fact sheet. He’s taking in deep breaths, blowing them out and stretching his head side to side, cracking his knuckles.
I place my hand on his arm. “This is a first—are you nervous?”
“I’m unsure about this because in the past I was drunk and didn’t care.”
“Everyone is doing a great job and so will you.”
He looks at me with those big brown eyes and places his hand around mine.
“Teamwork.”
“Trust me,” I say before I hear, “Give it up ladies, for Michael Tucker!”
We come out from behind the curtain, but the music stops, and we stood looking at each other. When it begins again, it’s as if we had just entered a strip club, unlike the songs before us. Julie seems
confused by the switch and I look over at Stacey’s table. There she sits, sipping wine, smiling up at us. The screen is showing pictures of him like the other bachelors, but his are mostly all bare-chested, partying and she is in some of them. Not the pictures I’d seen at rehearsal. My whole body stiffens. I don’t want to go any further, but one look at him makes me muster the will to keep going. I did say trust me.
I squeeze his hand. “We can do this.”
He nods in agreement, reaching up to loosen his tie, and taking off his coat. What happened next is a blur, a miracle of the gods, and truly amazing. He leads me into moves and I guess we both channel our inner dancer. We’re left winded, shocked at our performance, and the crowd screams, raising their paddles.
He looks at me. “We made that happen.”
“We killed it!”
“Yes we did.” He picks me up in a hug, setting me down and I go to walk away, but he catches my hand. “We finish as a team.”
I smile, but I am nervous about what might happen next.
Julie begins to open the bids. I look over at Stacey as she casually stands up and her arm raises with a paddle to bid on him. I swallow hard, but just then, a service person bumps into her with a tray and she’s knocked back down, full of anger and disbelief. In that perfect moment, Miranda yells out $500, then stands in shock as Julie hits her gavel down on the podium.
“Sold to #43. First and only bid out. Congratulations!”
Michael tightens his grip on my hand then blows her a kiss.
Stacey’s mouth flies open and then she shoves the waiter out of her way, heading up to the podium to speak with Julie. When she doesn’t hear the response she wants, she leaves in a haste.
We begin to walk off the stage when I had to explain. “Those were not the pictures approved during rehearsals.”
“I realized that when I saw some were real personal. Thanks for sticking with me. Nice moves by the way.”
“I just followed your lead. Now go meet your date.”
*
After speaking with Miranda about our date, I go for a much needed drink. Near the back of the room, Stacey is speaking with a guy in a baseball hat. She leans in close to his ear and I’m able to see his face. Caleb? What the hell? He has a beard and seems thinner. I try making my way over to them but I’m stopped by a group of girls heading up front to see more bachelors. What’s he doing with her? Could this be the mystery guy that Jamie was talking about and why he hasn’t returned any of Jamie’s calls? How do I tell her?
My Heart Page 7