We continue our conversation and a few minutes later Rob arrives. As we sit at the dining table together, we eat and converse about our lives. Rob’s working on some hotshot case at his firm. He’s no longer the newest associate and has been promoted to a junior associate level. He spends most of his time in the courtroom or conducting some sort of legal research and he loves it.
I’m happy for Rob. In high school, he was always the jokester. Nobody could ever take him seriously. He was also a ladies man. Every single week, he had a new girl. Flirting was his forte and we all knew it. I’ve always loved that about Rob—his confidence, his demeanor, his attitude—but it’s his loyalty that holds no bounds. Whenever I needed something, he was always there, and still is. We don’t see each other as much as we used to, but we at least try to hang out every few months or so. It’s not like Taylor, who kind of dropped off the face of the earth.
“You will never guess who I ran into at the hospital.”
Everyone replies, “Who?”
“Taylor.”
Duke’s fork falls out of his grip, reeling from the revelation. “Taylor? Holy shit. How is he?”
“He’s doing well actually. He was at the hospital visiting his uncle. We spoke for a few minutes. He looks so different.”
Rob speaks up, “Yeah, it’s that fighting. His body did a complete one eighty. Who would have thought skinny little Taylor would have grown into a beast? I saw one of his fights on TV last month. That dude is an animal.”
“Really? I didn’t know his fights were televised. He didn’t tell me. He’s actually in Vegas right now for a fighting competition.”
Raya smiles. “I’m glad he’s doing well.”
Duke glances at Rob and me. “Do you know when he’ll be back? A few years ago I reached out to him, but it was no use.”
“I don’t know when he’ll be back. I actually told him that maybe one day he could come with me to visit you guys in Long Island. He wasn’t too thrilled about it.”
Rob huffs. “He’s still got a lot of anger inside after all these years, hence his fighting. My firm actually signed him on as a client because he kept getting into trouble, in and out of the ring. I’m keeping him out of jail 24/7.”
We continue to eat our meal, talking about the good times in high school. Raya keeps quiet throughout most of the conversation, only because it’s still emotional for her. It’s only been four years since she was saved and frankly her abuse started way before she was taken. High school was not easy for her and none of us even knew about it at the time. She kept everything a secret: the abuse, the alcohol, her murderous stepfather. I know for a fact her weekly therapy sessions help. She’s come a long way these past few years and I admire her for it. Her courage and determination is so profound and exhilarating. I can only imagine what she’s been through.
Raya helps me wash up the kitchen while Rob and Duke chill in the living room. “So, what was that look on your face that I saw earlier? Something about being preoccupied?”
“You saw that huh?”
“Yeah. Spill.”
Raya listens as I tell her everything about Easton, from the moment we ran into each other at Fusion to the all night dancing, the make out session by the bathroom, and the mind blowing sex. I divulge stories about that moment in the stairwell at the hospital and our daily sexcapades. Her face lights up with curiosity and concern all at once. She listens attentively as I talk about my concerns about Easton and what kind of relationship we have—or as Gia would call it, being fuck buddies. After I finish my spiel, she takes it all in. “So, do you want to take things further with him? Be a couple?”
I stare out, diving deep within to determine what I really want. After deciding, I glance at her with a smile. “Yes.”
Melanie
“I LOVE SEEING YOU NAKED.”
I smile as Easton trails kisses down my neck. Moans escape me as his kisses of pleasure soothe and tingle my body. He’s been here at my apartment for the last two hours and we have yet to leave the bed. I glance outside at the moonlit Manhattan streets and gaze into the darkened sky. Sounds from outside echo throughout the bedroom, bouncing off the walls. Car horns beep at one another, dogs bark in the distance, and a faint sound of someone playing the strings of a guitar trickles in. I love this city. It truly never sleeps. Glancing at the clock, it reads two AM.
As his soft kisses continue their path I whisper, “You don’t have to leave.”
He stops kissing and looks at me. “What do you mean? Like staying the night?”
I reach over and run my fingers through his hair. “Yeah, it’s already late. You don’t have to rush out.”
He lifts his head, looking at the clock. “What time is it anyway?” In an instant, he lets go of me and jumps out of bed, looking for his clothes on the floor. “Shit, I gotta go!”
Sitting up, the sheet falls off my chest, exposing my breasts. I grab the sheet to cover myself. In a weird way, I don’t want him to see me right now. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, I just have to…uh–I gotta go.” He rolls his t-shirt on, slides on his boxer briefs, and grabs his jeans off the floor. Pulling them on, he scavenges the floor for his sneakers. I reach out and touch his arm. “Why the rush? I kind of wanted to talk to you about something.”
He smiles, giving me a quick peck on the lips. “Promise we’ll talk soon, but I can’t stay tonight.”
“Okay, I can come over to your place tomorrow.”
As he bends to tie his sneakers, he hesitates. “Actually, I’m in the middle of packing all my shit up for the move. My place is a disaster right now.”
“You’re moving? Where?”
He loops his laces together and bends down to kiss my lips. “Sorry, I’ll see you at work.”
“But wait—”
With that, he grabs his jacket and races out of the room. Seconds later, I hear the front door slam shut. What the hell?
I hold on to the sheet, covering my naked body as I stand up and glance out my bedroom window. I notice Easton racing out of the building, crossing the street, and walking briskly toward the subway entrance. In a matter of seconds, he’s out of sight.
This is the first time he’s left my apartment so abruptly. I settle back on the bed and think about our last times together. For the past two weeks, he’s only been at my place. I haven’t been to his in about a month. Maybe he really is moving. But, that wouldn’t matter, would it?
Usually he’ll stay at my place for a little bit after we have sex. We’ll talk, have a few drinks, and then go for round two, but lately he’s been leaving right after, always ready to go back to his place. Racking my brain, I try to give him the benefit of the doubt, but there’s an inkling inside of knowing full well that he’s avoiding me, and I want to know why.
******
The aroma of the fresh ground coffee permeates the apartment as it’s brewed. I sit on the sofa, watching the morning news and waiting patiently for my warm cup. I glance at my phone, wondering if Gia is awake. It’s only eight in the morning; I doubt she’s up. Hoping she is, I grab my phone and send a text.
Me: Hey, are you free today? I need to talk.
The coffee pot finishes up the brew and starts to boil its last drops. I place my phone down on the coffee table and walk over to pour my cup. Adding cream and sugar, I tip the mug and sip on the bold blend. The fragrance immediately explodes in my nose as the hot liquid glides into my mouth and down my throat. The exhilarating bitterness wakes up my taste buds, and I already feel energized for the day. God, I love coffee.
As I bask in my morning routine, my phone dings, indicating a new text message. Walking over to the coffee table, I glance down and read the text from Gia.
Gia: Yeah, I can get away for a bit. You okay? I can come over.
Reading her text, I smile at her response. Gia and I have really bonded these past couple months and I’m happy to have found someone like her. She may be the complete opposite of me and have a mouth on her, but I app
reciate her spunk and honesty.
Me: I’m fine. I’ll be here waiting for you.
Gia: Be there in forty-five minutes.
Me: Okay.
Gia: Make breakfast. I’m starved.
Me: Lol pancakes and sausage?
Gia: Pancakes and bacon! Who eats sausage? Ew!
Me: I do!
Gia: Bacon!!
Me: Ok bacon! See you soon
A half hour later, my apartment bell buzzes. Racing to answer I ask, “Who is it?”
“Bitch you know who it is. Open up, I’m starving!”
Bursting out in laughter, I reply, “What’s the magic word?”
“Open it now Melanie! It’s too damn early for this shit.”
I hesitate for a couple seconds, fueling her anger, then finally let her in. I unlock the front door and head back into the kitchen to finish up the pancake batter. As I pour the contents of the first pancake onto the skillet, Gia busts through the door, slamming it shut.
I peer out into the foyer. “Morning! Whoa, you look a mess!”
Her hair is completely disheveled and her eye makeup is smudged. Mascara runs down the side of her face. I glance at her outfit and she’s clearly wearing a clubbing dress.
Gia kicks off her heels in the living room and strolls into the kitchen. “Gee thanks. Breakfast ready yet?” She picks up a crispy strip of bacon and takes a bite.
“What happened to you?”
“Rough night.”
“Care to divulge?”
“So, I was at Fusion last night, you know, doing my thing.”
“Yes, I know. On the prowl.”
“Yeah. Anyway, so I hit it off with this guy with a sexy accent. I think he was from London or something. So, you know, we dance for a few songs and he takes me back into the lounge area.”
I flip the pancake, listening to her story. “And?”
“And, we start making out, nothing too graphic. I’m not jumping his bones or anything.”
I snort. “Well, that’s a first.”
She snarls. “Shut up. So, this guy is all over me and I love the attention. He lays me back on one of the lounge sofas and climbs on top, heating up the action. And then, out of nowhere, Brad pulls him off of me and starts beating the shit out of him.”
“Wait, Brad the bartender? I thought you guys hooked up once and that was it.”
She glances to the ground, avoiding eye contact. “Yeah, well a one time hook up turned into a thirty time hook up.”
My jaw drops as I slap her shoulder. “Gia, why didn’t you tell me?”
“We’re just fooling around! Like you and Easton!”
“Then why did he beat up the English guy?”
“I don’t know. Adrenaline.”
I give her a ‘don’t be naïve’ look. “Really? He likes you. He was jealous.”
“Yea, well. I wasn’t ready for it.”
As I start a new pancake, I ponder. “Wait, so why the same outfit? Who were you with last night?”
“Who do you think?”
“Let me guess. You were wildly turned on by Brad’s act of courage so you fucked his brains out.”
She scoffs. “Melanie, I’ve never heard you speak like that. I love it!” She pulls me into a warm embrace and pretends to sniffle a cry. “That’s mama’s baby. Growing up so fast.”
We laugh in unison as I wiggle out of her embrace and focus on the pancakes. “I’m right aren’t I?”
She grabs another strip of bacon. “Of course you are.”
“Then why the pissed off mood? You obviously got what you wanted.”
She shrugs with a blank look. “I ended up falling asleep at Brad’s house and no it wasn’t intentional. Well, I wake up this morning to a man who tells me he has feelings for me and wants me to be his girlfriend.”
My eyes grow wide. “Gia! And you walked out on him?”
“More like ran out.”
My head hangs low as I imagine her running out on him. I look up at her, hoping to see any sign of remorse from her. “How could you?”
She throws her hands in the air, raising her voice. “I don’t want a relationship. I’m not programmed to run on just one penis, I’m sorry.”
“You sound like a guy, I swear.”
At that moment, her cellphone starts ringing from her clutch. She takes it out and ignores the call. I glance at her, not happy with her decision. “Brad I’m assuming?”
She rolls her eyes. “He’s been calling since I left.”
My body inches forward as I try to get through to her. “You know what’s so crazy about this whole situation? You have someone who wants to be with you, yet you ran out on him, while the one person that I want ran out on me last night. It’s literally the exact same situation. You are Easton.”
“I am not. You’re telling me that you spilled your guts to him last night?”
“Well, I—”
Her brow arches. “Yeah, I didn’t think so. Why did he run out?”
“That’s why I asked you to come over. I think he’s avoiding me.”
“Like today, or you’ve noticed for a while?”
As I finish up cooking the pancakes, I tell her all about last night and how Easton has acted for the past few weeks. She listens as I explain how I haven’t been to his place for a while and how he’s apparently moving.
Her eyes expand as I tell her. “I didn’t know he was moving.”
“Yeah, me neither.”
I place a serving of pancakes and bacon on a plate and pass it to her. She sits at the dining table as I arrive with my own plate and the bottle of syrup. After we eat, Gia takes a quick shower and I dig in my dresser, looking for something she’ll agree to wear.
As I clean up the kitchen, waiting for her to change, her cell phone rings again. I have the urge to pick up the phone but she would probably kick my ass if I did, so I let it go to voicemail. A few minutes later, she steps into the kitchen wearing a pair of my bootcut jeans paired with a light pink pastel blouse. Her face is free of makeup and her black hair is pinned into a messy bun.
I’m surprised by her appearance. “Wow, I’ve never seen you look so…so normal.”
She shrugs her shoulders. “Thanks. I’m kind of digging the new look. So, I have a plan about Easton.”
Planting my hands on her shoulders, I pray she has a good plan. “Okay, please tell me it’s not something outrageous, like stalking or something.”
She gives me a conniving smirk. “No, we are going to get your friend Duke to investigate him.”
I immediately start shaking my head no. “Nope, not doing it. I won’t get him involved in my personal life.”
Her face immediately forms into a pout. “Come on, it’s brilliant.”
I stand my ground. “Not happening.”
“Well, then your only options left are to tell him how you feel or stop fucking him. Other than that, you have no other choices.”
“I think you’re right.”
“Exactly. Wait, right about what? You’re going to talk to him?”
“I think I need some space for a while. Maybe that’s the issue. I want him but not enough to be treated in the way that you’re treating Brad. It’s fucked up and you know it.”
“You’re really going to say no to him? What if he wants to come over tonight?”
“Then I’ll just tell him that he can come over but we won’t be hooking up.”
“Sure you will. I’d love to see how long that lasts.”
“It’s a good plan. If he wants to be in a relationship, then he’ll come over no matter what. He’ll enjoy spending time with me.”
Gia’s lips curve into a hesitant smile. “Listen, I’m trying to be real with you. Don’t get your hopes up, okay?”
A low sigh escapes my lips. “Okay.”
Gia grins and pulls me to the bedroom. “Come on. We are going to spend the day together. I’ll take you to all my favorite spots. Hurry up and get dressed.”
She practically pushe
s me into my own bedroom. I glimpse at my reflection, taking in the woman in front of me.
Strong. Confident. Elegant.
Melanie
“SO, WHERE TO NEXT?” I glance at Gia as we exit the Manhattan Mall hauling bags of new clothing.
We walk toward the subway as Gia peeks at me. “Have you ever been to the little Greek place in the village? Their food is delicious.”
“Greek? No, I haven’t.”
“Come on, we’ll go there for dinner. You’re going to love it.”
Forty minutes later, we arrive at the restaurant and make our way inside. The male host greets us immediately. “Welcome to Pylos. How many will be dining with you beautiful ladies today?”
As I behold the beautiful ambiance and decor of the restaurant, Gia responds, “Just us two. Thank you.”
The host grabs two menus and instructs us to follow. “Right this way ladies.” He leads us inside the dining area and seats us at a table in the back.
The lighting of the restaurant is a soft and somewhat golden hue. Comfy seat cushions line the brick walls with tables opposite them. Small vases are placed elegantly on each table, adding a hint of freshness and class. The finish of each table shines under the glow of golden lights. Plants and flowers cover each corner and windowsill, adding an organic element to the restaurant.
In the back, a wine rack full of exotic wines is displayed. I watch as a waitress restocks the selection, adding new flavors to the mix. Next to the wine rack is a small bar area. A few customers are seated there, sipping on multicolored drinks while enjoying their exquisite meals.
The host hands us our menus. “Your server will be right with you. Enjoy your meal.”
Gia and I thank the host and peek at our menus. Everything sounds so delicious. I have no idea what to choose.
I take a peek at Gia while she scans her menu. “You know, we’re not far from Easton’s place. He lives three blocks away.”
Gia sneaks a peek at me. “Thinking about stopping by for a quickie?”
“No! I was just saying that we’re close. This place is gorgeous. How do you know about all these places?”
Little Moments Page 8