by J. Nichole
“No, Timmy!” Starting to rethink my boredom. It can’t be all that bad.
“Thank God. I was seriously starting to doubt our friendship. But wait, why the story about you being underage?”
“A mystery to me,” I groan. “I can only assume someone is trying to make something out of nothing.”
“Would be worth digging into. What are you up to tonight?”
“I was calling to see if you were out having fun. But I think sitting home alone isn’t all that bad anymore.”
"I'm on my way out. A few of the other interns are meeting at the bowling alley. Do you want to come?"
“Sure. You driving?” Although bowling with the other interns is the last thing I want to do in my free time I have to get out of the house.
Timmy picks me up and he fills me in on the interns who will be at the bowling alley. When we arrive, the guys are in their bowling shoes at the lane while the girls are sitting behind them at a table. Timmy leans over and says, “Think the chicks will mind if I sit with them and admire the assets on those guys?”
I laugh at Timmy and shake my head. The girls turn to look at us, and Hailey’s eyes widen as I approach. She jumps up from her seat and comes towards me. “Hey, Laila. I’m glad you came out.” Her words are flying out before I can even respond. “Was starting to think you didn’t like us.” A smile creeps onto my face but my lips don’t move.
Timmy interrupts and says while looking at Hailey's feet, "Not bowling?"
“No. We were actually about to go to Ethan’s house.” She points to the screen above the lanes. “They are wrapping up their game now.”
Timmy pouts his lips. “I was hoping I could enjoy the view for a while.”
“What a great view it is.” She winks at Timmy. “But we’ve been here for a while and ready to change it up a bit.”
I look at Hailey and say, “You said Ethan’s house. Is he from Jacksonville?”
She shakes her head. “No, but instead of staying in the dorms his parents rented him a house for the summer.” She rolls her eyes. “Wish I had parents like his.”
Maybe we are more alike than I thought. My parents would never rent a house for me for a few weeks. They hardly wanted to chip in for my dorm expenses while I’m here on internship. Hailey signals for us to follow her and we take a seat at the table.
One of the other girls, Veronica, asks me about my interview with Dante. Of course she heard about the now infamous kiss. “It was a good interview.” All the girls start talking about how they would love for their interviews to be as exciting. One girl even said she specifically picked an athlete hoping she would get more than an interview.
Timmy looks at me with his eyebrow raised and says, “Told you.” My phone vibrates and my heart beats rapidly. I’m almost too nervous to pull it out of my purse. “Maybe you really are a virgin.” He looks at me with his eyebrows narrowed. “I don’t mind if you are, I would still be your friend.”
I ignore both my phone and Timmy. Rolling my eyes I say, “It was a kiss. You speak as if he had me laid out on the sidewalk. Besides, I'm not looking just to be another chick on the side."
Veronica looks at me with her lip curled up. “Side, top, bottom, back.” She taps her fingers on the table. “I’m not going to lie. I wouldn’t mind at all.”
“On that note, let’s get out of here.” Hailey rises from the table and waits for us all to join her. “We should follow Ethan.”
Timmy leans over and whispers in my ear, “Maybe you aren’t a virgin, but by the way that one hopped up.” He nods at Hailey. “Maybe she is.”
Either I couldn’t care less about anyone’s sex life, or I couldn’t care less about the interns. But whatever it is, I don’t care. While we wait for the guys to pay for their games I stand aside and unlock my phone.
Dante: Plans tomorrow?
Instead of being excited, as I should be, I'm disappointed that Chris hasn't responded to my text message. I scroll to the message I sent him and check the phone number on his contact record. The right phone number. If he hasn't changed it.
With Timmy chatting my ear off we walk to his car and follow Ethan to his house. When we pull up Timmy and I both say, “Wow.” I look at Timmy and say, “If this is a summer house, I’d love to see his family house.”
Timmy nods in agreement. “Think he likes boys? I could be a kept man.”
Laughing, I shake my head before stepping out of the car. Instead of leading us through the house Ethan walks around the back. The girls are giggling and I’m almost certain Timmy isn’t the only one plotting to be Ethan’s love interest. Veronica catches Ethan by the arm and acts as if her heels are suddenly too high to walk.
The lights are dim as we make our way to the back yard, but the pool lights are illuminated. Ethan escapes Veronica’s grasp by sitting her on a nearby lounge chair. He disappears, and before he returns, music fills the air.
A couple of the guys throw their shirts off and dive into the pool. Water splashes Veronica and she hops up from the lounge chair. The other girls clap, and cheer for the guys who have emerged with their six packs on full display. I catch Timmy gasp from behind me and I applaud as he toes off his shoes and jumps in the pool.
Ethan returns with a handful of red cups and a case of beer. Someone yells out, “Beer!” The beers are passed around and I grab one but the thought of drinking it makes my nose turn up. Hailey taps my arm, “Not a fan?”
“That obvious, huh?” I grit my teeth and look down at the beer.
“I don’t blame you. Most of it tastes like hot piss. Not that I would know the taste of hot piss.” She points to the beer. “But this stuff here is pretty good. Tastes a little like apple cider.”
We clink bottles and take a swig. It goes down smoother than I expected and I smile at Hailey. “Not too bad actually.”
After a few beers, I convince myself that I’m interested in the lives of the interns and I join in a game of Have You Ever.
The first questions start off light, and most of us are drinking. Then Timmy takes it up a notch and says, “Never Have I Ever had a threesome.” Veronica takes a sip as she stares Ethan down, without shame, confirming that she has had a threesome before. Timmy whisper-shouts, "Damn."
Hailey goes next, “Never Have I Ever kissed a girl and liked it.” Her cheeks blush and we are all equally surprised. The other girls, Timmy, and I watch as the guys hoot and holler while they take a sip of their beers.
The game continues until we are out of beer and none of us are safe to drive. Ethan announces that we can crash at his house as long as we are up early and out of his way. We play ‘Paper, Rock, Scissors’ for the beds and couches available in the house. Timmy wins a bed and pulls me along with him. "Don't have to worry about me rubbing up on you."
Hiccups rattle me and I respond with a shrug. The inside of the house isn’t as exciting as I had hoped, but it’s fully furnished and the bed is much more comfortable than the rock I’m sleeping on in the dorm.
I throw my purse on a chair nearby the bed and my phone falls out. I lie in bed, staring at Chris' contact record. I push the dial button and wait for him to answer. His voicemail picks up and I hiccup a few times before I say, "You could at least answer the call. You still owe me an explanation." I close my eyes and concentrate as I think of my next words.
When I open my eyes and try to say, ‘I still love you,’ Timmy is looking at me with his eyes wide open. He leaps for my arm, snatching my phone out of my hand. “No drunk dialing.” He hangs up my phone and puts it on the chair and collapses beside me. “To sleep, Laila.”
Before I can argue with him, Timmy is snoring.
Chapter Seven
“I’m glad you decided to go out with me. I promise we’ll stay low key. I know a spot free of paparazzi.” Dante opens my door and waits for me to climb inside.
"Good, after the kiss seen ‘round the world I think I enjoy staying out of the limelight." He settles into his seat and pulls away from the dorms.
/>
Dante has a slight dimple that I notice for the first time. His eyes stay focused on the road and I watch his mouth as he apologizes, again, for the photo being leaked. He still hasn’t apologized for the kiss.
Crossing over the bridge, I watch Jacksonville disappear and I ask, “Where is this undisclosed, private, location anyway?” I second-guess my common sense to go away with this guy whom I hardly know. Who cares that he is a celebrity. Celebrities commit crimes too, right? He probably has the money to do what he wishes and could get rid of my body before anyone could even suspect him. I tap out a text to Timmy telling him I’m with Dante, just in case.
Dante looks steadfast ahead without even a grimace. “Are you a picky eater?” He asks calmly without taking his eyes off of the road.
“Apparently you aren’t going to answer my question.” I watch his face for a sign of confirmation or objection, but I get nothing. “I’m not a picky eater. Your turn.”
A smile finally spreads across his lips. “I don’t have to answer you.” He nods out the window. “We’re here.”
We are parked in front of a building that is dimly lit and barely standing. Now my heart is in my throat, and I turn to him cautiously for an explanation. “We’re where?”
“I admit its rave reviews don’t consider the decor or location.” He gives the building a second glance before reaching for the door handle. "But the ribs and the barbecue sauce are banging." He steps out of the car and opens my door. Reaching for my hand he interlocks our fingers as we walk into The Pit. “I couldn’t guarantee that we wouldn’t be spotted, so I had to make a special request for the night. I hope you don’t mind.”
Clueless about what type of special request could guarantee my anonymity for the night I look at Dante with my head cocked. He continues leading us into the restaurant and the hostess greets us with a knowing smile. “Right this way, Mr. Jones.” She directs us to a table in the middle of the restaurant.
Dante pulls out my seat and waits for me to sit before he sits across from me. “No wait. Must be nice to be Mr. Jones.” I emphasize ‘Jones’ as our hostess did, lacing it with every ounce of flirtation in her body.
He laughs, then nods towards the table next to us, and I stop staring at him long enough to realize the restaurant is empty. Not another single soul sitting in the restaurant. My eyes widen as I comprehend what he said earlier. “Free of paparazzi.” I nod my head. “Thank you.” As I look around again I continue, “But you didn’t have to do this. The initial shock of being a trending topic on Twitter was overwhelming, but whatever.”
He shakes his head, “No, sometimes I like to be out of the spotlight too.” He calls the server to our table and orders enough food to feed his team. After the server leaves, he says, “Besides, you probably don’t want to be splattered across the Internet with BBQ sauce all over your face.”
I nod my head, agreeing with him, "You got me there." Smoke fills the air, and although it's not overwhelming, I'm sure I'll smell like a BBQ when I leave. The tables are bare, except sauce and napkins. "Do you come here often?"
“Either I come in and pick up an order or someone delivers it. Either way I have The Pit saved as a favorite in my phone.”
After the server sets a basket of cornbread on the table I take a muffin and ask Dante, “Now that we are comfortable. Who is trying to ruin your career with the rumors about you messing with a kid?”
He adjusts in his seat. Finishing up his bite of cornbread he clears his throat and says, “After explaining to the team your affiliation with the magazine and convincing them that you weren’t underage, they agreed to do some digging.”
Expecting him to continue I sit waiting. When he takes another bite of cornbread I ask, “And outside of the team investigating you have no idea who it could be?” I place my arms across my chest.
He shakes his head. “The author should be issuing a correction.” He cringes. “The team’s public relations department demanded it.”
“Another cycle of it hitting the news?” With my lip curled I say, “It’d be better if they just let it die down.”
He nods his head. “I said the same thing.”
Uncrossing my arms I lean forward. “Guess that’s the sacrifice you make as a celebrity. No privacy, or say in how things are handled on your behalf.”
Dante looks around the empty restaurant. "It's even more overrated than you can imagine."
"Being a celebrity attracts plenty of women too, I’m sure.” Dante shrugs his shoulders. “Why me?"
He leans back in his chair and takes a sip of his sweet tea. “I’m not sure how to take that. Either you feel I’m too good or you’re not worthy of my attention, but neither is true.” He looks towards the kitchen and then continues, “Granted, I don’t know much about you. When we met you were so un-phased by my presence it immediately caught me off guard."
With my eyebrow raised I point to myself and say, "Me un-phased? Please elaborate."
He smirks and says, "I've learned to read people's intentions. Chicks..." He adjusts in his chair. "Other ladies in your position would have acted as if I was the best player in the league and would have convinced me they have never missed a game."
His revelation reminds me of the other interns who are more than willing and ready to meet a professional athlete and become a housewife. “Do women actually do that?” The server stands beside our table, waiting with another plate. Hardly looking my direction, she sits the plate of chicken wings in front of Dante, smiles, and asks if he needs a refill.
He shakes his head, not ever making eye contact with her. When she finally walks away, defeated, he smirks. "Unfortunately, yes. Yes, they do." He grabs a wing and bites into it. "Don't be shy. Tell me if I'm lying about how good this place is."
We both enjoy the wings, ribs, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, all that follow. I’m stuffed beyond the point where I can move and I’m glad the paparazzi are nowhere to be found. “I’m not sure The Pit will make it to a favorite in my phone but I’ll certainly be back a few more times before I leave Jacksonville.”
Dante's smile deepens and he shrugs, "I got you covered whenever you're ready." He cocks his head and says, "I have one more place to show you." He stands and grabs my hand. I reluctantly stand up. Still feeling like I could cripple over from my over-gorged belly I walk behind him.
Weaving his way through the empty restaurant and past the grimacing hostess Dante opens his car door. I climb in and happily sit. We drive away from The Pit and farther away from the city. I relax in the seat. At least if I die today I’ll die happy and full. “We both agree that I’m not a gold-digger.” Dante laughs and looks at me with a pleased grin, putting all his teeth on display. “I’m still curious. Tell me more.”
“The journalist in you never sleeps. Huh?” He focuses on the road before he leans over and turns the music off. “Only because you are persistent. I had a girlfriend in college. We actually started dating our senior year in high school.” He looks at me and I nod for him to continue. “When talks of me being drafted started, she started to shy away from me. When I decided to go into the league, she told me we wouldn’t work out. She didn’t want everything that came along with dating a celebrity.”
“I can half understand that. I can only imagine it’s a hard life to deal with. I’ve only witnessed a fraction of your lifestyle and it was a little overwhelming.”
He nods his head. "Well, you remind me of her. The love I lost."
“Oh.” I begin to pick at a piece of lint on my pants. Concentrating on everything except making eye contact with him.
“I thought anyone like her would be a turn-off, but I was wrong.” He groans loudly. “I’m sorry I shouldn’t be talking about my ex.”
“Really, it’s fine. I asked." Leaning across the center console I say, “Where is she now?”
He hunches his shoulders and says, “I honestly lost contact with her and it’s probably for the better.”
I laugh and Dante looks at me with h
is head cocked to the side. “You found my phone number and where I stay. I don’t really believe you can’t find your ex.”
“Right. You think I’m a stalker. Enough about my ex. What’s keeping you from spending time with me?”
Choking on my words I pat my chest before responding. “Honestly. I am getting over my ex and wanted to chill this summer and not get involved with anyone.”
“What’s your story with him?” He puts the car in park and I look around the dark driveway up into a massive house.
Before I can respond I eye him and then the house. “Is this your house?” Staring at the house I say, “Why are we at your house?”
“There aren’t too many places I can guarantee no cameras. I was hoping you didn’t mind watching a movie.”
His eyes don’t give away his intentions. If he had any negative intentions. “Watch a movie yes. Anything more… no.” I arch my eyebrow at him until he nods in agreement.
Inside the house, he gives me a tour. Several bathrooms, guest rooms, the kitchen, master bedroom, and finally the man cave where a huge television spans across the wall.
We sit side by side in leather recliners. As I snuggle into the seat Dante starts drilling me about movie preferences. He loves action and I love romantic comedy, and we both love Crime movies. We agree to watch American Gangster.
“Romantic comedy and crime movies. I’m not sure I know too many other females who like crime movies.” Dante smiles at me. “Too bad we are both stuck on our exes.” He places his hand on my leg. “We may have hit it off pretty well.”
As his fingers run across my bare thigh I feel a tingle between my legs. “Right. Too bad we are stuck on our exes.” He rubs his finger across the hem of my dress.
“You feel cold. Do you need a blanket?” He reaches behind him and lays a cover over my legs. His hand finds its way back to my thigh. “I hope you don’t mind my hand. Your legs are soft.”