by Claire Adams
“See, Brenda likes fun. I'm sure if you tried it too, you would also find that it's kind of fun.”
My coffee was getting cold, and I was growing bored with our conversation.
“So, what do you say?”
“I don't want to hang out with you, Jet.”
Instead of leaving with his tail between his legs, he started to browse my artwork. I just shook my head in disbelief. He seemed to actually be looking at my pictures with interest. He studied each and every one, and it started to make me a little uncomfortable. He got real up close and personal with them, and it made me wonder what his game really was.
“Where do you get your inspiration from? These are amazing.”
I watched him, and decided to have one little honest moment. “I get my inspiration from many things. Things I feel passionate about, things I have learned for the first time, something that just sort of tweaks, ya know?”
“I don't know at all. I can't even imagine how you do any of this, but I like it. It's all pretty incredible, just like you.”
“Awe,” squealed Brenda.
I casted Brenda a scathing look, hoping she would stop making the situation infinitely worse every time she opened her mouth.
At least he had stopped asking me out, or checking out my body. Asking about my artwork was a little more preferable.
“So if I wanted one of these, how much would it cost me?”
For the first time since Jet arrived, I actually smiled, and it felt really good. “$300,” I told him.
I heard Brenda gasp beside me, and it made the moment that much more enjoyable.
“Really, $300?” He looked back at the artwork, and I could see the wheels turning. I didn't want him to own one of my pieces, but if he was desperate enough to try to impress me, then he could pay for it.
He continued to study a particular drawing, and to my surprise, he took it off the wall and handed it to me.
“You can't be serious.”
“Oh, I am. I will have something of yours.” He chuckled as I rolled my eyes. I watched as he took out his wallet, and literally counted out $300 right in front of me. He handed the money to me, and I took it, thinking that he must have very rich parents. I handed the painting to Brenda and asked her to wrap it as I turned back to him.
“Well, thank you.”
“You're welcome. I can't wait to see what it looks like in my place.”
Brenda finished wrapping the piece and handed it to him.
“Anyway ... I happened to get here in time to overhear your little conversation.”
“What conversation would that have been?” I asked confused.
“Something about needing a changing subject.” I just stared at him, not understanding where he was going with the conversation. “You seem to be having trouble with your project, so I thought I would help you out.”
“How could you possibly help me out? You don't know a thing about art.”
“Well, that's true, but I thought maybe I could help you by being the changing object in your art project.”
“If this is some kind of an erection joke, I'm not finding it very funny.”
He laughed, and I couldn't help but awkwardly join him.
“I'm dead serious, though. I think it would be fun, and it would really help you to finish your project.”
“I don't know.”
“Natalie, there aren't too many people I'm willing to go out on a limb for. Let's just go out once and you can draw me for your project even if you never want to go out with me again. What do you have to lose?”
It was true, I didn't have a clue what I was going to do for the project, and nothing seemed to be coming to me. So maybe I should use Jet for the project, and see how it went. I could always stop it at any time if a better idea came along.
“Alright, Jet, you have a deal, but don't think for a minute you’re getting lucky with an artist. That drawing is as close to me as you're going to get.”
He grinned as he gave me his number, and told me to call him later to meet up. He then put my picture under his arm, and headed out of the tent before I could change my mind.
“Goodbye, beautiful!” he shouted over his shoulder, and just like that, he was gone.
I turned to look at Brenda. “I must be out of my mind.”
“This is the most excitement I've ever had at an art walk.”
We laughed; however, the comment was totally true.
“I can't believe you charged him $300 for that drawing after what you said to me!”
“He was an exception, and he deserved it.”
It turned out that the day was a pretty profitable one, after all.
When I arrived home from the art walk, I put my money in a jar, excited that I had made so much, and giddy that I had pulled one over on Jet. I thought about what I was going to spend my newfound wealth on as I stripped down in my bedroom. I walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower, the hotter the better. I desperately needed to relax, and a hot shower always eased my aches and pains.
Before leaving the art walk, I had sent a message to Jet about meeting that night so I could start on my project as soon as possible. I was a little on edge about the whole thing. I couldn't even believe I had agreed to meet with him, and I hoped the evening wasn't going to turn into a disaster. I didn't need the stress, especially since I would be back to square one with my changing objects project.
I quickly brushed out my hair. The stream coming from the shower drew me in, and as I stepped into the hot water, my anxiety seemed to melt away instantly. The shower had been exactly what I needed. I had absolutely no reason to be nervous. This wasn't a date with a new guy I was interested in. All we were doing was meeting so that I could complete my project. It was nothing. I would survive this meeting unscathed, and maybe even have a story to tell my friends. They would love to hear how some hot guy on campus posed for me. It would be the highlight of most of their years, including mine.
I was just about done with my shower when I heard a door slam. It must have been Julie coming into the apartment. I turned the taps off before getting out to dry myself off. By the time I got out and dressed, I felt much better about the whole situation.
I headed out of the bathroom to see Julie, who was in the kitchen pouring herself a glass of wine.
“I'll have one of those.”
Julie grabbed another glass out of the cupboard, and poured me a glass as well.
“How was the art walk?”
“Fabulous. A hilarious thing happened today. Jet showed up and bought one of my drawings for $300.”
Julie looked confused. “Jet? Jet from school?”
I rolled my eyes. “Of course. How many Jets do you know?”
“Why was he in your tent, or at the art walk, for that matter? I wasn't even there.”
“Well, he's been stalking me relentlessly for the past few days.”
“Seriously? You have seen him since the night at the bar? Why didn't you tell me?”
“I don't know. I didn't think it was important.”
“Are you new to gossip? This is incredible news. So $300, right? Wow, you really took the guy for everything.”
“He got everything he deserved,” I laughed. “I guarantee that drawing is in a trash can somewhere. The guy is clearly just trying to get in my pants.”
“I don't know, Natalie, that's a lot of money to spend on a girl who he hasn't even gone on a date with. He may actually be really into you.”
“That's ridiculous. But speaking of dates, I am actually seeing him tonight.”
“You are going on a date with Jet? Oh, this is so rich.”
“It's not a date.”
“Then what is it?”
“He offered to help me with my changing objects project, so we are meeting for that reason, and that reason alone.”
“Oh my God, this is hilarious. Just days ago you were ripping this guy apart in a bar. You didn't even know who he was, and you told him you couldn't care les
s about him. Now you guys are going out on a date? How funny is this?”
“It's not a date.”
“Who are you kidding? This guy doesn't want to be part of your project; it's just the only way you would be seen in public with him.”
“It's not a date.” I think at that point I was also trying to convince myself.
“It's a date in sheep’s clothing, for sure. Like, think about it, you're going to have to see him at least once a month, every month for the whole year. He totally conned you into regular dates.”
I laughed. “No, trust me, this is totally professional. I'm not interested in him at all.”
“I don't know, Natalie. I think sooner rather than later you guys are going to be sweaty and tangled in the sheets.”
“Oh for crying out loud, will you stop?”
“Just warning you.”
“Gee, thanks.”
I headed to the bathroom with my glass in hand to start getting ready for my “not date,” and realized that Julie was following close behind. I checked my reflection in the mirror and started applying makeup. Not a lot, just a little concealer, blush, eyeliner, and mascara. I didn't like to overdo things; too much makeup was a bad thing.
“So, how exactly is he going to help you with your project?”
“I'm going to draw him.”
“Seriously?” She started laughing. “Like in Titanic? 'Draw me like one of your French girls, Jack.'”
I couldn't help but bust out laughing. Julie could be completely hilarious when she wanted to be. I laughed so hard, I almost crumpled to the floor. When we were done cackling, she said, “Please tell me it's not going to be like that.”
“God, I hope not.”
“Watch out, he will drop his drawers for a nude drawing and the next thing you know the two of you will be grinding in the sack.”
“I never said this was going to be a nude drawing. What makes you think I want to see him nude?”
“Please, every girl on campus wants to see him nude.”
“Maybe.”
“There is no maybe. If you didn't have a male to hate on right now, you would at least admit the guy is gorgeous, in a movie star sort of way.”
“Julie, you're making me nervous all over again. I was trying to get rid of the jitters, and you're not helping.”
“Why are you jittery if it's not a date?”
“Nice try. Jet just makes me nervous, in a nonsexual way.”
“Riiight.”
She waddled off and I finished getting ready, and made sure I wasn't dressed too sexy. After all, this wasn't a date. I finished off my glass of wine with Julie in the living room, awaiting Jet's arrival.
Chapter Six
Jet
I was feeling pretty good about myself as I headed back to my apartment. The day couldn't have gone better. I was finally starting to melt the chilly exterior that Natalie had. Although Natalie had sold me what had to have been an overpriced picture, I would have gladly paid any amount to see the shocked look on her face. She never believed for a minute I was going to shell out $300 for her painting.
I could definitely see talent in her work, but I was still pretty sure she had tried to rip me off. However, I was also pretty sure it softened her up enough to ask to be part of her project. In truth, I wasn't too sure how I felt about being a model, but if that's what it took to be alone with Natalie, I would do it. I couldn't help myself, I really liked the girl, but she was impossible to please. She didn't roll over for me, which was rare. Maybe that was why I liked her so much. Most of the girls on campus would bend over backwards for me if it meant getting a date with me. Not even a date, but just to have me talk to them in the hallway. Insecure girls were incredibly unattractive. If only they knew what it truly meant to play hard to get. Natalie most definitely had the art down pat; she may have even invented it.
I put the key into the lock of my apartment door and walked into my home sweet home, and saw my roommate, Kyle, on the couch watching TV. It was one thing that he liked to indulge in the most. He wasn't just my roommate, though, he was also one of my teammates. However, he was in a different weight class than I was. But he was an all-around good guy, and a solid competitor.
“What's with the perma-grin, man?” Kyle asked.
I hadn't realized I was grinning from ear to ear when I walked into the apartment. I probably looked like an idiot. Not that I cared. I was popular, and it didn't really matter what anyone else thought of me. But I wiped the grin off my face anyway; there was no need to let on that I was gaga over a girl.
“Ah, nothing.”
“Did you just get laid, man? Cause that definitely looks like sex grin,” he joked, and winked at me as I made a beeline for the couch.
I laughed, “Well I hope I don't ever go to the supermarket with that grin, ‘cause I'm pretty sure it's my usual grin.”
“Well, where were you, then?”
“I was at that art walk on campus.”
“Oh man, why would you go there? We could have grabbed a ballgame or something. Do you want a beer?”
“No, I have a fight coming up, man. What are you thinking? Anyway, I went because there was a girl there who I wanted to see. I also bought us something for the apartment that is much nicer than all the hockey posters you have hanging up here.”
“Oh yeah, sorry. I have a while before my next fight, so I'm cool.” I shook my head; sometimes Kyle didn’t think with both sides of his brain. “So yeah, cool, man. So you did see a girl, and you really didn't have sex with her?”
I laughed. Wow, maybe I did have quite the reputation. I wasn't sure whether to be proud or ashamed at that moment. Ah, well, it'll pass; I'll go with proud for now.
“No, no sex. Like where would we have done it? In an art tent amongst her canvases?”
Kyle laughed, “You can have sex anywhere, it doesn't matter. Canvas sex might be cool, don't knock it till you've tried it.”
“Yeah, no doubt. A little weird though, man. But seriously, I went to see this girl, Natalie. She’s in the art department at our school.”
“Oh yaaaaaa, I know her! She's kind of weird, isn't she? She's that girl who sits at the bar and just drinks all the time. Like seriously, she will just sit there and not talk to anyone but her friend, and get shitfaced.”
I laughed nervously, as I hadn't realized everyone saw her in that light. No wonder no one had approached her at the bar to pick her up. They thought her behavior was a little weird for a bar atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, it certainly was, but I had always figured there was a reason behind why she acted that way. I guess I didn't need to worry about anyone stealing my thunder, after all.
“Yup, that's the girl.”
“Why are you interested in her? She's a little different for you, isn't she?”
“Meaning what? I only go after bimbos?”
“Well partly, but mainly ‘cause the girl is antisocial. She doesn't dance, she doesn't socialize, she probably won't sleep with you either,” he said and started laughing, clearly enjoying himself.
“No she's not. Well ... I mean, the antisocial part, not the sex part. There is a lot more to her than that. I think she has been through something bad recently, that's why she drinks at the bar, and doesn't want people to bother her. But she's not doing it alone, she always has her friend with her, so she isn't exactly antisocial.”
“Right, but isn't the point of going out to a bar to meet new people, have some drinks, and go dancing? Those two girls don't do anything. It must be boring as fuck.”
“Well, like I said, I'm sure there is more to that story than we realize. I've talked to her a few times, and despite a certain amount of feistiness, she's no different socially than anyone else I know.”
“Well, what makes her so different, then?”
“How about this? For someone who isn't interested in meeting new people, or is antisocial, I have a date with her tonight?”
His mouth dropped open, and he actually started focusing on me, rathe
r than the TV. “Are you shitting me?”
“No, for real. I asked her out at the art show, and she said yes. Pretty easy, actually.”
“Are you gonna bang her?”
“I hope so. It would be ideal.”
“She's easy ass, I bet. A girl like that probably hasn't had it in a while. And she's drunk all the time, so you should have an easy score, man. Nice job.”
I laughed along with him, more so because it couldn't be further from the truth. Easy ass? No way, it's the hardest ass I have had to chase in a long time.
“Where are you guys going out?”
“I’m going to her place to help with her art project.”
Kyle just shrugged, and I decided to leave it at that. If things went my way, then Kyle would eventually meet her himself, and see exactly what I was talking about. I wouldn't turn down sex at all, but it wasn't my main goal for the evening. I was just happy I finally got the girl to want to spend some time with me, even if it was for a school project. At least it was a step in the right direction.
Chapter Seven
Natalie
I sat at our small dining room table, swirling the last remaining wine still in my glass. I was thinking at that particular moment that maybe I had made a mistake in letting Jet into my life. Sure, I was desperate to get a good grade on my project, but couldn't I have asked anyone to model for me, male or female? Why did it have to be Jet?
I couldn't let this guy get close to me.
Thankfully, Julie decided to make herself scarce before Jet arrived. There was no need for unnecessary giggling and awkwardness. Julie didn't believe me for a minute when I insisted that my meeting with Jet wasn't a date. I had no intention of being part of a romance with Jet. To me the idea was preposterous. The guy was certainly handsome, but his reputation was appalling, and I didn't want to end up being another notch on his belt. Not only was he not my type, but I was still living with the scars of my last relationship, scars that I imagined would be there for quite some time. Jet was hardly the kind of guy to heal old wounds. No, Jet was the kind of guy to make new wounds. I definitely had no intention of being a victim to another wound. I would have to be crazy to put myself in another situation like that. I couldn’t stop those thoughts from running through my head over and over.