Ugh, I have to talk about with someone. "There's this woman…She came into the bar last night and well she's not what I typically go for."
"And…?" He urges me on.
"And, I may have sent her a private message."
"DUDE! This is major! You never do that! Awww someone's getting married!" He teases.
Tensing up at the word, "No. I don't think so. Maybe I just had one too many that night." I try to reason.
"When did you meet this girl?"
"Friday night after Gwen's class."
I can practically hear the gears in his head spinning. "What made her so different? And why didn't you make a move? I mean no one has said no to you before." Yeah, don't I know it?
"Well she's not like any of the other women I have been with. You know my type. This girl, she's short, wears glasses, came in wearing jeans and a t-shirt and get this, Chucks." I spill.
He lets out a hearty laugh on the other end "Yeah, definitely not the type you go after." Dan goes quiet again, this can't be good. "So, you're telling me that you haven't banged a girl for two, count them TWO days? What about today?"
Agitated now that my best friend doesn't think I have any self-control. "NO! None in three fucking days, OK?" I know I shouldn't snap at Dan, considering he's the only person who knows the real me and how I operate. Maybe it's the lack of sex…
"All right! Got it man, I'll drop it. It's just unlike you that's all, kind of proud honestly. I mean since the whole Nicole thing." He's sincere.
"Yeah. Thanks." I don't want to even continue on with that subject, so I turn it around. "When are you going to find the 'right girl' as you like to put it?"
"I'll know when I see her." Ugh, someone needs to have their ovaries removed.
Dan starts laughing at my obvious tone of disgust. "One day you'll try it again."
"Whatever. Hey I gotta get to my Dad's place, when are you coming back into town?" I am eager to have a few beers and a jam session.
"In a few weeks actually."
"Awesome. Sounds good dude." And we sound off.
Me in a serious relationship? He is freaking mad.
I pull into my father's driveway on my bike, and look up at the semi-mansion on the cushy cul-de-sac. I liked it here. Dan lived just down the strip, so getting together every day to work on our band skills was pretty awesome. It was a safe community, a typical neighborhood.
Well I may as well face Dad's girlfriend, after her Friday class.
I walk in and Caroline rushes me and gives me a tight hug. She's fifteen now, growing up, but she's still my baby sister. She's about half a foot shorter than I am now, man when did she sprout up? She is definitely getting older. Instead of braided pigtails she now has a chin length bob with bangs. With her hair as black as mine and rouge lipstick, she is reminding me of a nineteen-twenties flapper. "Benji! Thank God you're finally here! I was dying listening to her talk nonstop about her class and her adventures in the sixties."
"Well, I am here now and it's time for me to feel embarrassed too..." Caroline hasn't exactly had the picture perfect childhood, after we moved to the states she in a way shut off. She was young when we made the move and I know it was a big change for her. I know it wasn't just Dad's job offer here that prompted our sudden move, but because of my troubles at the other schools and law. But recently she's been more distant, which is odd considering we were so close years ago. I'll have to pull her aside later to find out what's up.
We walk through the foyer to the kitchen to find our father with his arms wrapped around Gwen's waist from behind as they look out the kitchen window.
"Hey Dad," I announce when we walk into the large chef's dream kitchen. They turn in unison. It isn't odd to see Dad with a woman; he's had his fair share since mum passed away. He didn't jump right into dating, though. It took him about five years before he could even look at a woman, but once some of the wounds had healed he tried to find his perfect match again, with a few flings in between. He explained that no one would ever compare to our mum, that she was beyond beautiful, and she was classy and full of life.
"Hello Ben," Gwen greets me with a wink. Oh God, here we go, and as long as these two are together I am never going to live this down.
I take in a deep breath. "Hey Gwen, I hope your students were able to accomplish what you wanted."
"Well, you know I need you to come back to the class tomorrow so my students can finish their drawings," she said with a huge grin. Yeah, how could I forget about going back to a classroom with twenty or so students staring at my naked body as I sit up on display for them?
"Yeah, I know, I won't forget and I will be there." I give her a reassuring nod.
After dinner we all move into the living room. Dad talks about his recent achievements at the hospital. A big award was presented to his surgical unit, along with a rather large donation. But what catches my attention is how attentive he is with Gwen. I can't remember the last time I saw him so attracted to a woman he was seeing. It's just sort of odd, because they are polar opposites. Dad is a successful doctor and she is a community college art professor. Well, I always hear "opposites attract," so why not in this case? As long as she isn't a gold digger, like the last girlfriend.
Caroline excitedly tells us all about this summer fashion program she applied to in New York City. Apparently she would get to help out a few up-and-coming designers by fetching materials, making calls, and sorting mail. This is apparently huge to Caroline. She has always been a fashion freak; since she was three she was picking out her own clothes and trying new things. By eight, she was designing clothes and began learning how to sew. Now, at fifteen, her whole closet is full of her creations, and I'll even admit they aren't half bad (and I'm so happy they're nothing like the girls at the bars wear!)
"So Benjamin how's the magazine doing?" Dad asks. He has always supported my interest in music. Hell, he told me all about the old-school punk shows he would sneak into as a teen in London. He even bought me my first bass. But expected me to do that kind of thing in my free time and ultimately I think the bass was a bribe to get me to even go to college. Eventually Dad grudgingly accepting my choice to study writing, Dad wanted me to follow in his footsteps. To be a real career man, a doctor like him. This was always a sore subject that usually ended with us ignoring my career of choice or me storming out in a rage.
"Really good, I have a few shows coming up to cover and I'll be interviewing the bands." I love my job and I know it shows on my face. I am proud of what a success the magazine has become. And even when I'm not set up for work I still go to as many rock shows as I can.
"You know Ben, when are you going to come to realize that writing about a band for a column isn't going to last you your whole life. Eventually your boss will want to hire someone younger, more up with the changing music? That they will let you go without a second thought? Then what? What will you do for the rest of your life to fall back on?" My Dad rambles the same speech at least every other month.
I suck in a deep breath preparing to recite my typical lines on the subject. "Dad, I don't know how long this will last or where it will take me. That's the adventure in it. I don't want to be hog tied down in a position that not only brings amazing outcomes for your patients, but so much heartache and devastation. I can't do that to good people. To have that much trust set in your hands, with the risk of messing up and killing someone, I... I just couldn't handle that."
He looks like he's about to set his standing argument when I finish what I want to say, "I may not write for Tones forever and that's fine. But I will always write and I hope it's about music, but if not that's fine, because I'll still be doing what I love."
I look from my father who is starting to stand to leave, just as he always does, when my eyes meet Caroline's. She looks blank and her eyes teary. "Caroline? Are you alright?" I ask my sister.
She blinks, rubs her wrists and nods at me before replying, "Yeah, I'm fine, just a lot of stuff on my mind. School stuff you know."
Her voice is soft and dull. Non-Caroline. She darts her eyes to our father, who is looking at her. "Dad doesn't want me to go to New York this summer." She states.
That's all it took for dad to blow up "You know why that is Caroline! Do you know how many people actually get jobs in the fashion field? Where they can make an honest living? Hmm? Not many, I can tell you that. Now if you were to focus more on your science studies, well now that's where you could excel."
"I don't want to be a doctor Dad." She responds to our father with a lifeless tone. It breaks my heart, because I know exactly what she's going through with him. Hell that's why I rebelled so much back in London. When mum passed he got real strict.
Not being able to stand seeing her take his crap anymore tonight I stand, "Let's go sit out back for a few, it's nice out." I suggest. She stands and we make our way out the patio doors in the kitchen to the large deck out back.
She nods and wipes a single tear from her face with the back of her wrist, her gray sweater absorbing the moisture.
Once outside I speak, "I know it's tough with Dad, and you know I know how bad it gets. But just remember before you know it, it'll be summer and you'll be in New York putting your foot in the door of your dream. You can do this Caroline, I believe in you. This will be the best thing for you."
I see a spark of hope in her eyes, "And before you know it, you'll be living in New York going to fashion school. Just listen to your heart and a little less of Dad. Hell I had to."
I got to sleep in this Monday morning for once, because I didn't have a shift at the coffee shop. It's just as well. I'm too distracted. I can't stop seeing the image of Big_Ben's sexy smile as he left Chatz with that other girl. I had some tea. I cranked up my music and busted out my paints. I sang, I danced around, and I got paint all over. How exactly one get paint in their armpit?
Before I know it, it's time to get to class. Seeing as we are continuing with the beefcake of a man from last week, and I am determined to not be late today! I want a better spot and a better view. I got dressed in my black and red striped skinny jeans and my cute black peplum top with a thin red belt and my over the knee boots. Yeah, I may be trying a lot for this class, but why not? I threw on a little mascara and lip gloss.
In the parking lot, I see a few of my female classmates also got a little dressed up, probably trying to catch the attention of the dark-haired hunk. Well, at least I'm not the only one. But what was I thinking, that I could even compare to the girls in my class?
Inside, I see a spot in the front. Score! I don't see the model yet, but I pass Ms. Sawyer coming towards the classroom. "Ah, Tess, I am glad to see you on time!"
To calm myself down I decided to put one ear bud in and turn on my iPod. Music is the only calming thing except for wine and rum, and I am pretty sure that's frowned upon on school property.
Ms. S instructs us to begin.
I look up.
I let out a big gasp, and then he looks right at me...
It's him! Holy crap, it's Big_Ben! What the hell?! Oh my effing God! And he's naked! Well, duh dummy! That's why you're here! To DRAW him!
He looks as shocked as I am. But I am not looking away. My eyes begin to travel and he notices when I stop below his waist. He is sitting partially upright, leaning his upper body up against what looks like an overstuffed beanbag chair, probably from Ms. S's own house.
The lower part of his body is bent at the waist and one leg is arched, with his knee towards the ceiling, where the other is bent, but lying on the table. And there he is. Right. In. The. Open. I can't move, I can't look away, but then I hear a throat clearing and I look up at his face, and he winks at me. Holy crap, he just winked at me! I know my face is red, I can feel it. I can also feel the heat from my cheeks spread down my body. I quickly look down at my sketchbook, pick up one of my pencils, and attempt to look anywhere but there. So I start with his head, and when I look up at him he is still looking at me! How am I going to do this for an hour?
So I just start. I don't make eye contact but I can feel his eyes on me the entire time. His body is slender but sculpted, and the tattoos that I had noticed during last week's class carry over to his pecs. He also has art on the outer parts of his forearms. His abs are defined, but not bulging, with a happy little trail leading down to his, well…impressive size. And I swear as I am looking at him there attempting to focus and do him justice, I think I see him twitch… all sixty minutes of the class.
When Ms. S tells us that our time is up, I look down at my drawing and I am quite pleased with it. I got the shading and proportions right on. The only thing I didn't finish was his face; I just couldn't bring myself to look up at his face, knowing he was looking at me the entire time. I close my sketchbook and pack up my pencils as fast as I can, while this amazingly gorgeous man hops down from the table. Most of the class has already left, minus a few of the other girls, who are watching him grab a sheet to wrap around his waist.
"Benjamin, will you wait a moment before taking off?" Ms. S asks him. He nods and walks over to the corner.
As I am about to leave, Ms. S asks the same of me. Why oh why can't I just escape?
"Tess, will you show me your sketch, please?" I oblige. She studies it for a moment and says, "Benjamin, you can go on into the back room and get dressed, but don't leave just yet, please."
She takes my book and looks it over. "I knew you had it in you, Tess! This is outstanding! Although I see you haven't finished the face. I noticed you avoiding it earlier, so that's why I have asked you to stay behind."
Crap. Where is she going with this?
He walks out from the back room in a pair of jeans, a light gray fitted V-neck tee, and black boots, carrying the same black leather jacket he was wearing at Chatz on Friday night. He's heading for the door. But Ms. S steps in front of him. "Ben, I would like to have you stay for a few extra minutes so one of my students can finish her sketch. All she needs is to observe your face." As she stops talking she looks over at me across the room.
His eyes shoot to mine and I die. No really, my heart just stopped. OK, not really, but it certainly feels like it did. "Ben, this is Tess, one of my most talented students, so this is why I would like her to finish her piece," Ms. S explains, handing him my sketchbook. Crap.
"Of course, Gwen, that's fine." Oh God he's British! Can my panties drop any faster? He has a wicked grin as he looks down at my drawing of him, studies it for a second, and walking towards me. Holy crap, he's stalking towards me…I think I need fresh panties. Oh. My. God.
"Hi, I'm Ben." He extends his right hand, waiting for me to return the gesture. I fumble with my bag and drop it. As I bend to pick it up, he reaches it first, stands, and hands it back to me. I set it in the chair next to me and turn back to him.
"I believe this is yours." He's handing my book back to me.
I blush. "Thanks. Um, I'm..." I take my sketchbook.
"Punky_Painter?" he asks me with a wink.
And I come back with, "Big_Ben? Seriously?" I look down to his pants and shrug a little, not that I have seen many—OK, none till now, except in a movie or two. But I'd best be keeping him on his toes.
He smirks and says, "Yeah, well…" I have no idea what to say to that.
He sits in front of where I am sitting about a foot away. Yeah, kind of close. Ugh, he smells so good… "I guess I'll just sit pretty 'til you finish your drawing. And I want to thank you for doing me justice in my boys' department," he adds, sounding cocky.
I just sit and blush. And draw. What do you say to a complete sex god sitting in front of you and you have all the rights in the world to stare at him and do what you love best—create? Hmm...wonder if he'd mind if I put my headphones in. Can't hurt to ask...
"Do you mind if I listen to some music?" I ask shyly.
"No, of course not. How long do you think you need to stare at my face? No rush or anything, I was just curious." Wow, he's being kind? I stand and pull my iPod out of my back pocket. I can feel his eyes scan over my bo
dy and I feel my knees start to shake, so I quickly sit my butt back down. I unravel my headphone cords and just as I am about to pop the buds in my ears, he speaks up.
"Oh you're not going to let me listen?" He asks with a little bit of a pouty face. It melts my heart. I don't know how serious he's being right now, but either way I like it a little better than purposely trying to embarrass me.
I look right into his eyes. "Well, I don't know what kind of music you like and I don't want to sicken you and make your face scrunch up while I am trying to draw it."
"Try me," he challenges. Oh really, I would like to. Maybe run my tongue from the tip if your chin and taste that freshly grown stubble down your neck, then make my way all the way down to that happy little trail of yours…Snap out of it, girl! Fine, if he wants to play this game I will play too. Hmm…what playlist to put on…let's see how he likes a little bit of Britney, bitch! I click onto the play list and hit play. The song "Womanizer" comes up first and I think he's about to piss himself by the look on his face! Oh, this is too funny! He chuckles and shakes his head and just when I think he's about to protest he surprises me.
"You're a womanizer oh, womanizer oh, womanizer baby..." And he keeps humming with the tune! Holy shit! He knows Britney songs! Oh, I did not expect that and he can tell I am shocked off my rocker.
"I wouldn't have taken you as a Britney fan," I tell him, without looking up from my work.
"I wouldn't have guessed you were one either," he shoots back, "although I can never tell when it comes to girls. But then again everything about you so far surprises me." Huh. I didn't expect that answer. I guess my mystery level is satisfactory. Erin would be proud. He's coming off as honest, not like the bad boy his appearance gives off. But I'm not going to let that take the lead. I don't trust easily and with good reason. If he wants in he's going to have to beg and prove himself worthy…that is, if he even wants to...
"So why the message on Friday night? Didn't you leave with someone? That couldn't have made her too happy to see you messaging someone else, because I know if it were me..." Shut up Tess! Shut Up! You're rambling again! Why did you have so much tea before class? You know what caffeine does to you and your mouth!
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