“You might feel some discomfort—tell me if you need me to stop.”
“I will.”
He moves over me, bending his arms next to me with his hands right above my head. He knows what he wants and my body is in agreement. I have a strong feeling of wanting to connect with him, not realizing I’m holding my breath.
“Jamie, breathe.”
At that moment his eyes lock with mine, his voice soothes me, and my hands go into his hair, pulling him down to kiss him. “I want you.”
He pushes as I let out a small noise, watching him watching me. “Okay?”
“Yes.” From that point on, our bodies take over, leading us to pleasures that were a long time coming.
*
We lay in his bed, our limbs tangled up as I trace circles on his stomach. He nuzzles against my hair, as I make more circles on his chest. He grabs my hand, placing it against his.
“Your hands are petite next to mine.”
“Yes they are, so I fit inside yours perfectly.” I wrap mine around his, bringing it to my lips kissing his knuckles. “You know as a girl I had thoughts about my first experience with a guy, but I didn’t know my body would react that way—which leaves me curious about other things.”
He flips me over where he’s above me smiling. “Is there anything you want to try right now? I am more than happy to nurture a healthy curiosity.”
Chapter 24
We spend the next few days exploring my curiosities, especially one in the shower that will stay in my memory bank for a long time. In fact, thinking of that got me in trouble with my professor who wanted to know what was more important than his class. Not able to give him one out loud he volunteered me to return video equipment to the library, so I could get a breath of fresh air which I did gladly. Michael has taken me to a place of no return which suits me fine. The one thing I am not looking forward to is the HCSW meeting tomorrow. I decided to withdraw my membership but I needed to do it in person. Her personal agenda and actions of late prove to me I can’t be around her. Maybe next year when she is gone I will reconsider.
*
I slam the door to HCSW behind me. UGH! The most ridiculously one-sided meeting I’ve ever attended. Why does Stacey or any of the senior board members think they can get away with all the changes without writing them up, presenting them, and having a vote? No warning, no discussion. Heck, over half of the new girls will leave and the work won’t get done. All those families, the tutoring program, all for what? Dressing a certain way, paying outlandish dues? That’s not going to fly. I rub at my arm where her nails dug in to keep me from leaving. I walk briskly, shaking my head and trying to purge what just happened. That altercation with her was my last and now I am done. I check my watch for the time when I hear my name.
“Jamie wait, stop walking.” Ashley is coming towards me fast and out of breath. “Clearly I need more physical activity. Did she threaten you?”
“You heard all that?”
“Yes. What the hell is wrong with her?”
“I’m dating her ex so that drama is nothing new.”
“History or not, that was wrong. You might want to call campus security.”
“I put up with so much—as of today I’m done. I hope others figure out who she is before investing too much.”
“Look, as a new member I don’t know either of you well but when she grabbed your arm and said those words, well, that girl is crazy.”
I giggle at her facial expression. “Well, thank you for saying that. I liked the work they were able to do when I joined last year, but now there is no way I can stay.”
“Oh, after what I encountered, I’m out too.”
“Good decision. Hopefully others will pull away or make her leave. I need to get to work. See you soon.”
*
When I arrive at 42 I’m less agitated, but still frustrated by what she did. I head to the back and clock in, then grab my bucket and begin bussing tables, filling water pitchers, and soda orders. I load the washing machine with towels, then put the dishes into the washer. I step back, take a breath, and put my hair back up. As my fingers fumble with the tie, arms wrap around my waist.
“I’ve had an image of your hair falling down your bare back all day.”
I turn to face him. “Have you now? Well I have the memory of a particular shower that lingered over into class, which got me in trouble with Professor Yates.”
“Thoughts of me over philosophy, I like it.” He kisses me. “I saw you come in but with the flu and electronic issues I couldn’t properly say hello.”
“Pete texted that three people are out, and no one has heard from Leslie.”
“I finally did, and she has strep. Do you need help on the floor? I could free up a bartender?”
“No, they make you money and I can do this alone for now. I have a lot of energy.”
“How was your meeting?”
I’m still fuming on the inside but it’s not a conversation to have now when we’re so busy. “We can talk at dinner.” I place my arms around his middle, just needing the weight of his hug.
“Come on guys, the two of you make me very happy, but we are dying out there.” I walk past Pete and smile. “Thank you, Jamie.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Man, I need you behind the bar because two taps aren’t working properly and I’m going upstairs for change.”
“Okay, I’m on it. Crazy tonight huh?”
*
The evening progresses without incident even though we’re short on employees. I take a moment to drink some water when I feel a tap on my shoulder. It’s Caleb, sitting at the table next to me with two other guys. I’ve seen him twice since our talk, but we text regularly. I want to help so Michael and I both agreed being there for him is what he needs.
“Hey, Jamie.”
“You made it.”
“These guys arrived about an hour ago. This place is packed. What’s the specials tonight?”
“BBQ and hand cut chips and two-for-one wings.”
“This is Oron and Rob—my friends from high school I told you about.”
They stood reaching for my hand. “Nice to meet you both. Welcome to 42! Um, Jenny is your waitress but she’s over there, so let me take your order.”
I drop the order at the back window along with my bucket in the kitchen, then head to the bar. All the bartenders, including Michael, are slammed. I look over at Caleb and he does seem better. He cut his hair, started going to the gym, hasn’t had alcohol or drugs, and is back in school full swing. His parents encouraged him to see a counselor which he does Tuesday and Thursday nights. I head back to their table with drinks after letting Jenny know what I did. She gives me a hug for helping her out.
“Here are your drinks, food will be out soon, and I have tokens for all of you. Go crazy! We have new video games in the back room, enjoy!”
I return to the kitchen when an order bell dings. “Delivery to table five—Jamie, can you do it?”
“I got it.” I head to table five, when I notice a small group of girls come in and sit down at a table I have yet to clean off but was going to get next. What I hear then is a nails-on-the-chalkboard kind of voice.
“Excuse me, excuse me. Can we get our table cleaned off? Or maybe I should wave down the owner. He should know about his inept workers.”
Oh no you don’t. With a smile on my face, I turn to find Stacey with three girls, one of whom I remember from the night of the party outside my apartment.
“I can clean it for you.”
“Oh, Jamie. I never realized it, but this job fits you perfectly. Cleaning up trash, washing dishes—I guess you aren’t old enough yet to be a real waitress.” The girls are snickering at her comments.
Every muscle in my body stiffens. Breathe, be the bigger person. They all back away from the table as I remove the bottles and sanitize. When I’m all loaded up, I go to walk away.
“You missed a spot.”
I see nothing bu
t wipe it once more.
“Look, ladies, there he is—Michael Tucker, captain of Hopson’s rowing team.”
“He’s cute—why did you walk away from him?”
“What I wouldn’t do to run my fingers through his hair and feel those whiskers brush against my skin.” She made a motion across her chest. She leans on the table with her elbows. “He has many hidden talents.”
Do they really believe her? I need to leave before this escalates. When I turn away from the table, I feel a push against my back. The bottles on the tray shift and in a few horrible seconds it goes crashing to the floor. A loud crash to me, but because of the music no one really noticed. I’m mortified and immediately bend down to clean it up. When I finish, I look over at her table where I see them whispering. She did this to me. I walk closer to them.
“You pushed me—what is wrong with you?”
“Why would I do that? I am a customer waiting patiently to be serviced.” She looks past me and spots Caleb. “I guess you’re inadequate with a tray as you were with him.” She gets out of the booth, making her way to me. The only thing separating us is my tray. “Just like I said earlier, pathetic.”
I go to walk away without another word but stop. “Why are you here, again?”
“I’m here for him. He’ll know soon enough why he needs me.”
“You’re a sad delusional person if you think he’ll ever take you back.”
“I know him better than you think. He’s a guy who needs to let loose, take a walk on the wild side. You’re plain, simple, and uninteresting.”
“Michael was right when he said you were crazy and even that word is not strong enough to cover your insanity.” I turn to walk away but find myself heading face first towards the floor with the tray and all its contents, again. It takes me a moment to shake off yet another embarrassment, but I come back up to face her. “You tripped me.”
“No! Girls, did you see anything?” She reaches out and pushes my shoulder. I try to hold back, but it’s too late. I push her backwards with both hands and in retaliation, she comes at me this time pushing me into a table of customers.
“That’s it!” Everything I have bottled up inside of me explodes and I push her so hard, her tall frame in her expensive shoes fall against a chair. I hear a noise coming from her that sounds like a crazed animal and she reaches for me with both hands. I find my inner fighter and for however long we’re two girls locked in a hair pulling, kicking and screaming match. When we break away from each other, I fall back on the floor and she stumbles and catches herself on a table. I stand up, moving my hair from my face as she paces back and forth.
“You’ll never have him, Jamie. He’s my future, not yours.”
“Stacey, this is over. Michael is with me. You need to accept it and move on.”
Just like that, she walks forwards and slaps me across the face hard enough to jerk my head to the side. I pull back my fist to hit her, but someone grabs me around my waist. I turn to see Caleb holding me in place.
“She smacked me in the face.” I turn back to her and she does it again. My face is now on fire. “Caleb, let me go! I’m not done with her.”
This time he yells at her. “Stacey, stop! This is not what you need to do.”
She looks at him almost like what he said registered with her. They’re locked onto each other. The crowd thickens, keeping us in a private circle.
I struggle against his arm breaking the silence. “Caleb, let me go.” He tightens his grip.
“Jamie, she will use this against you because she’s incapable of backing off.”
She steps up close to us. I wait for her to say something but instead she draws her hand up to hit me again, until her hand is caught by someone. She whips around to face Michael.
“This ends now.” He looks at me. “Okay?” I nod. He turns his attention back to her. “You are not allowed back in the 42. You went too far this time.”
She tries pulling away from him, but he tightens his grip on her wrist, pulling her away from us.
“Jamie started it. I was only trying to protect myself, protect you.”
“Me? What the hell for? You protect no one but yourself. You are incapable of caring or being rational.”
“You have to hear me out.”
“NO!” He pulls her towards the door as her friends follow. She goes to reach for him but the bouncer is now helping to assist her departure as all three head outside.
*
Outside the bar…
“Michael, you’re not listening to me. She started all of this. Why are you listening to her poison?”
“Enough! Not another word about Jamie. You need to listen to yourself and remember why we broke up. We were done long before I caught you sleeping with my best friend. You pushed me to do things that were destroying me, so you could show everyone you saved me. I was stupid to let you do it as long as you did. Stop making a fool of yourself and get on with your life. I will file papers tomorrow so you can’t come back.”
“You and I are tied together, you’ll see.” Blowing me a kiss she leaves with her friends.
Pete had walked out and is now next to me, so I ask him. “What the hell is wrong with her?”
“What does she mean that you both are tied together?”
I turn to go back inside. “Not sure.”
“Michael, if she’s not concerned about doing this to Jamie in public, what will she do if they’re ever alone?”
That thought hits me hard. “I need to go check on Jamie.”
“Go. I’ll wait to be sure she’s gone.”
Back inside the bar
“Caleb, you can let go of me.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure.” I go about picking up everything off the floor and he bends to help.
We start back to the kitchen when a few people cheer for me. One girl said Stacey needed the beat down, but I’m devastated I let her get to me.
Caleb sets the tray on the counter. “Jamie, you can’t let down your guard. She seemed desperate to do this in here. She had to know he would be on your side.” He touches my face. “Does it hurt?”
I see Michael standing in the doorway. Caleb looks at him. “I’m going to leave so you two can talk.”
“Thanks for your help,” I say.
“I’m sorry it went that far.”
Michael slaps Caleb on the shoulder. “Thanks for your help back there.”
Caleb smiled. “I’m glad I was there.” I watch him leave, turning my attention to the one walking towards me. He places a finger on my chin, tilting it to see my cheek better. “How you doing, slugger?”
“I’m so sorry.” He walks to the first aid kit on the wall and activates a cold pack. “Here, put this on your cheek and tell me why you’re sorry.”
“I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. I’m sorry it was here, it’s so embarrassing.”
“Look, we both know she needed an ass kicking.” I giggle, grabbing my face. “She probably didn’t think you would fight back.”
“It’s unnerving to me what she said.”
He pulls me to him, locking his arms around me, and kissing the top of my head. “She’s not allowed back here. I will file papers in the morning.”
“We had words earlier and I quit the club.”
“Do you think that’s what sparked the fight?”
“She said some threatening words, grabbed my arm, and some of the other girls saw it.”
“I’m sorry you have to be a part of this. How about we get you some soup or a steak for your cheek.”
I poked him in his chest. “Real cute, mister.”
“Come on my little spitfire—I have to write a report on the incident.”
“Serious?”
“I’m afraid so.”
*
After my altercation with Stacey, coming home to a long hot shower is exactly what I needed. We crawl into bed and my body collapses against his. The weight of his arm across my hip lets m
e relax and I fall asleep quickly. I wake up sometime later from a nasty dream that Stacey hit me but realize from my tender cheek it was real. I go seek out ice and a small snack. I fill a freezer bag with ice and spread slices of bread with almond butter and strawberry jam. After the first bite, I decide on a tall glass of milk. Three bites in, Michael appears rubbing his eyes.
“Did I wake you?”
“No, I woke up and you were gone. How is the chewing and your cheek?”
“Okay. Would you like a sandwich?”
He pulls up a stool next to me. “Sure.”
I deliver him his sandwich and he pulls me in between his legs. He eats his in about four bites. “Good choice.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“You know the Colorado trip is coming up. I called my parents and it will just be you and me.”
“In that case, I would love to go with you.”
He places a kiss on my shoulder. “Great. I’ll book the flight tomorrow but right now, you need to get your cute butt back to bed.”
He picks me up, placing me on his shoulder, and takes me to bed for the second time that night.
Chapter 25
Our trip to Colorado is really happening and my bags were packed two days before our departure day. Our first trip as a couple is going to be in cold weather, but I packed a few small treasures I think he will like to warm things up. We spend the airplane ride with him telling me about where we’re staying, along with a little history about the area. His parents took care of all the arrangements, his mom showing excitement over the phone that I could go with him. Arriving at the cabin, I’m taken back by the size of it, plus our view of the snow covered mountains. Michael visited often as a child which gives him a huge advantage on skiing as I have never been on a real course before. The door opens to an impressive looking room with overstuffed furniture and thick rugs covering the hardwood floors. The kitchen was next, with stainless steel appliances and an island separating the space from the living room. I open the fridge, never having seen one so big in a residence before and I find platters of fruits, veggies and meats along with containers of prepared foods.
My Heart Page 13