by Annie Brewer
“Thanks.” She takes it graciously, bringing it to her lips. I smile. “I’m so sorry I got so drunk. God, I feel like such shit.”
“Yeah, we were both pretty trashed, although mine wasn’t as bad.”
“What time is it?”
“It’s 10:00.” I have to get ready for work. I’d rather be sleeping.
I take a shower and let the hot water beat down on my skin as I lather the soapy, wet loofa over my body. Once I finish rinsing my hair and body of any soap lingering, I get out and towel dry my body, blow dry my hair, brush my teeth and get dressed. I make a quick breakfast and leave enough for Andi.
I grab a glass of orange juice and fix my plate of pancakes and bacon. Andi joins me at the table, her hair a disheveled scene. I try not to laugh. “How are you feeling?”
“I feel a little better. But the room needs to stop spinning.”
“You should go back to sleep for a few more hours.” She waves her hand and fixes her plate. “Thank you for making breakfast.”
“Of course. The perfect hangovers cure…bacon.” She wiggles her eye brows once in agreement while she sips her coffee. Coffee’s another cure, for all things.
“So how pissed was Landon about Noah being at the bar?”
“It doesn’t matter, I told him last night that I was going to be his friend whether he liked it or not. He didn’t argue. Maybe he’s coming around to finally accepting he and I will never be anything more than friends. But then again, I should’ve been more firm with him instead of letting him hang around so long. He has needs and I know that, but I won’t give it to him. Someone else should. We’re not in high school anymore.”
“Thank god for that. Although high school was easier. The real world sucks.” I couldn’t agree more. Actually, I’m on the fence with that one. In high school my life was always rocky. I was good in school but I had to preoccupy my mind most of the time to keep from slipping into a depression. I wasn’t always a good person, but thanks to Andi and Linda, they really helped me through all my emotional and mental issues. I took pills but only for a year, I refused to talk to a therapist though. No matter how many times Andi would bring it up, I ignored it.
I get ready for work and make my bed. “Have a good day at work, love.” Andi kisses me on the cheek and pads off to her room.
“Bye. Have a good day, and feel better.” I get in my car and back out of the driveway and onto the road. I turn the radio on and laugh out loud when “Back to Life” comes on. Story of my life.
“Hey Maddy, you’re chipper today.” I hear a co-worker take notice. I work into the clinic in a better mood than last week. I can’t say why, my body just acts jittery. I smile in return.
At lunch, I take my break in our breakroom. We have coffee and snack machines which I usually buy chips or a protein bar. There’s a knock on the door, followed by Jill, a part-time employee. She sticks her head in and says, “Hey you have a visitor.”
“Me?” I answer for her and get up, being that I’m the only one in the room, so of course she’s talking to me. I follow her to the lobby and stop short when I see who it is. “Noah?”
“Hey, I figured this was where you worked since it’s the only clinic in town. I’m not stalking you or anything.” I put my hand up to silence him and laugh. “It’s fine. I’d be worried if you couldn’t find my work.” I smile.
“Listen, I’m sorry for leaving the bar so suddenly and not telling you goodbye. Um,” He looks around for a minute and then back at me, “I’ve gotta pick up my best friend from the airport tomorrow. Would you like to accompany me?
“Oh, I’d love to but I have to work.” He looks disappointed but quickly masks it with a smile. “But I’ll stop by tomorrow night to meet him.” That makes him smile, and we stand there awkwardly for a few minutes.
“Okay, awesome. I’ll let you know when we get in.” He makes his way to the door and looks back at me, “You sang really great Maddy.” He turns and leaves me staring after him, feeling all warm and tingly from his compliment. But more than that, it was the intensity in his eyes and the softness of his voice, low and sexy. Crap! Crap! Crap!
Chapter 20
Noah
“Yeah, I’ll be there. Have a safe flight.” I hang up the phone with Spencer, take a shower and get dressed. Ever since I got this apartment, I’ve felt like a new man. It’s the beginning of my new life, my own.
When I thought Maddy was avoiding me, I tried to find ways to keep my mind busy and not demand why she’s the one who suggested we be friends and then blow me off. It was driving me crazy and I didn’t know why. But when she came over and initiated a painting party, I didn’t want to turn her down. And as lame as a painting party would sound, it was anything but. Now my living room feels warm, maybe a little dark with the color but for me, for a guy, it works. And I love it. And I have to admit, I had fun.
And then I find out that she sings, not only sings, but sings well. I was amazed. It’s like all these pieces are falling into place and I realize she reminds me of Lex. Everything this girl does remind me more of the girl I lost years ago. It has to be why I’m getting so attached to her. I’m adamant about building a friendship with her, but I’d be lying if I said I couldn’t see it turning into more. Just right now, I want her friendship and trust. The problem is, I have too many emotional scars, I’m not sure I should let her in…I can’t let her see them. I can’t.
It was nice to do something normal and fun. Painting with her, I never did that with Lex. But with Maddy, it was awesome, watching her let loose and dance while moving the brush was entertaining. She wasn’t tall enough to reach the entire wall, but she didn’t fuss about it and just found her a chair and climbed up. It was obvious she’s had experience with painting. I loved the color we picked-together and how it contrasted to the rest of the room.
But enough about her, I could go on all day, listing the qualities I like in her. Now if you asked me to do that with the other girls, for instance, Kasey, I’d only be able to list one or two. She’s hot and always smelled good. Oh wait and she has a pretty smile. But that’s it. She might have more but I never cared to learn more about her unless it was discovering what color her panties were that night before I stripped them off and discarded them on my bedroom floor. I had my chance to discern her great qualities but I didn’t take it. I didn’t want it then and I don’t want it now.
The problem is, I’m worried Spencer will say something in front of her to think there could be more. I can’t lead her on. I don’t know what would or could happen, I just want whatever happens to happen on its own, forcing. Dammit, I can’t. Why am I torturing myself?
After my shower, I straighten my apartment up a bit and then laugh at myself, wondering why I bother. It’s Spencer. He saw my old apartment, and he’s far from being a neat freak himself. I do like this place much better than the one my father paid for. It was bought with my own money, not his. I don’t need him throwing it back in my face. Thinking of him puts me in a bad mood so I get him out of my mind.
I check the time and realize I’ve got some to kill but decide to leave early anyway. I can sit in my car and listen to the music or something. I grab my keys, ready to roll and then there’s a knock on the door. I pause, wondering if perhaps, Spencer’s plane arrived early and he took a cab here to surprise me. But he doesn’t know where I live, does he? I shake my head and when I answer the door, I’m surprised to see Maddy standing there, but it’s a pleasant surprise. I smile.
“Hey.” She smiles too, with her arms behind her back.
“Hey, I was just about to leave. What are you doing here?” Not that I’m complaining.
“Oh, I just thought you could use the company afterall. I managed to get my shift covered. My boss is pretty lenient with me.”
“That’s a nice boss. I’d love the company.” I lock up and lead her to the jeep.
The drive is thirty minutes with traffic.
“How long will he be here?” Maddy asks cutting throug
h the silence.
“I think a few days.” I look off, in thought. “I actually don’t remember.”
I pull up to the airport and check the time. Still early. I park the car and lean back against the seat I bounce my right leg up and down and tap my thumbs on the steering wheel. I act like a caffeine addict on pills. Maddy’s also anxiously fidgety.
“We’re early. Do you want to stay in here or go inside and wait?” I need air.
“Oh yeah, we can go in.” We get out of the car and walk through the doors. I look at the screens and find his flight information. It’s still on time.
“Hey do you want a snack?” Maddy calls from the vending machine. I turn around and walk towards her. All the junk food makes my stomach moan with hunger. I realize I haven’t eaten much all day. And let’s be honest, I’m not one to turn down junk food.
“Hmm, they’re all begging to be eaten. How does one choose?” Maddy laughs and chooses her selections. I decide on Doritos and a Twix. We eat and drink our sodas, I lose track of time and then hear…
“Holy shit, I’m here. I made it. And that was one boring ass plane ride.” Spencer says it loudly, drawing attention to him but he seems not to notice. Maddy looks from Spencer to me, knowing he has to be my company. She grins. “Well, fuck what a boring ass ride.” He repeats.
“Hi Spencer.” I stand up and shake his hand. Maddy stands up. Spencer looks her over, his eye twitching. And they linger a little too long on the chest region. I have the urge to smack him.
“Let me guess, Maddy?” Fuck me; he’s going to embarrass me.
“Lucky guess. I assume, Spencer? Nice to meet you. Noah’s told me so much about you.” She glances at me, “Good things that is.”
“Awesome. I just know your name and the fact that you’re his cousin’s best friend. It’s nice to meet you too.” I relax in relief. “And you’re really hot, by the way.” She blushes and I do smack him in the back of the head.
“What? I’m allowed to tell a woman she’s hot. They like compliments.”
“Thank you Spencer. We do like compliments.” She winks at me .
“See?” Spencer glares at me, leading Maddy to the baggage claim. I roll my eyes and follow them, praying he doesn’t make a fool of himself, or me.
Maddy tells Spencer about Colorado and life in the country and they exchange ideas on which is better living. Spencer lived in the country before he moved to where his family is now since middle school. He likes the city life. She’s only lived in the country. Soon the belt begins moving and a few minutes later, the baggage starts to fall. People surround the conveyor searching for their bags. “So how long are you staying here? I drew a blank when Maddy asked me earlier.”
“I’m here for four days, I’ll leave Sunday morning. I wish it could be longer, but I’ve got shit to do.” He turns back to the luggage passing by. “So what’s the plan?”
Maddy and I exchange a look, both uncertain how to respond. I totally suck for not having a plan for his visit.
“Well, we could have dinner at my place or Noah’s and go swimming.” I smile, liking the idea and the fact that she came to my rescue. Spencer is thrilled with the idea too.
“Dude, dinner and swimming for four days sounds like heaven. I’m up for anything with my boy.”
“We also go to karaoke.” She tells him. He raises a brow at me. I shake my head and point at Maddy. “She sings, I don’t.” I clarify.”
“You could meet my best friend.” She smiles, so does he. It dawns on my that Andi is his type. That should be interesting.
They chat some more as we gather his suitcase and walk back to the car. “So have you ever been to New York Maddy?”
“No, I’ve always wanted to but haven’t had the opportunity.”
“Man I hear you. Life is so busy you don’t have time to wipe your own ass anymore.” I snort at him in shock and hear Maddy chuckle from the back seat.
“That is so true.” She finally says. Spencer grins at me as if he’s won a battle. I’m just she has a sense of humor. You need one to be around him because he’s left his filter in his mother’s womb.
“So how old are you?” Spencer addresses her. I regret inviting her to come. Should’ve known he’d bombard her with questions.
“I turned 23 this year. You?”
“I’m going to be 25 later this year. Only 5 years left in my twenties. What a crock of shit.”
“Age is just a number.” She chimes, I glance at her in my mirror and smile but she’s looking out her window.
Spencer leans his head back to look at her, “Maybe to you sweetheart. But men don’t age as well as women. I’m not looking forward to my receding hairline. My father started his at age 36. Hell.” I laugh but receive a death glare in return. And then I think about my own hair. Absently I run my hand through it but then stop obsessing over it. It’s no sense in worrying over something that may or may not happen for a while. Hell, if John Stamos, aka Jessie from Full House can live with it, so can I. I feel lame for remembering that show. I continue driving, not paying attention to the conversation. It seems like they’re slipping into an easy, friendly, type of friendship. I expect a full report from Spencer once we’re alone. He just better be respectful of her and Andi or I’ll kick him in the nuts.
We pull up to the apartments and Spencer gazes around. “These are nice.”
“And cheap.” I pipe in.
“Where do you live Maddy?”
“On the other side of the complex. It’s walking distance.” She answers him. I catch his smirk.
We unload his stuff into the apartment. “I can cook dinner tonight. Give me an hour or so. Do you guys like baked ziti?”
“Yes.” We both answer simultaneously.
“Okay, see ya later then.” I catch the door before it closes and follow her outside. “Hey wait up.” She turns around, her hair hangs over her eye and I itch to move it. “Thanks for coming with me today.”
She leans against the wall by the door and smiles. “It’s no problem.”
“I’m sorry for Spencer’s unfiltered mouth. I should have warned you, he doesn’t bother to tame his sarcasm or personality.”
“Oh no he’s totally fine. I like him already. I think Andi will like him too.” Or put him in his place like someone should.
We part ways and I return and catch Spencer snooping through my stuff. “Well, this is a nice place you got here. What happened to the bean bag chair furniture you were set on getting?” He asks.
“First of all, we need to go over some ground rules.” I hand him a beer and I put a pot of coffee on. We sit at the table. “Do not embarrass me, do not ask about Maddy, do not ask Maddy about me, do not make suggestive comments that are rude or insulting and for God’s sakes do not use your dick for thinking while you’re here. Use your head.” I let out a breath and Spencer bursts out laughing. “Spencer.” I become aggravated that he finds this funny.
“You really know how to kill a buzz.” My coffee is done; I get up and pour a cup. “By the way, I have two heads and often get them confused. Sorry.”
“This isn’t funny Spencer. Don’t be a jack ass please.”
“Well, since you said please.” He laughs. “Do you like Maddy?”
“No, we’re friends and that’s it. I thought I told you not to ask about her.” I hide my expression, which gives me away.
“Then you wouldn’t mind me tapping that because fucking damn, she’s hot.” I stop mid-pour, contemplating dumping my steaming cup over his head. Okay so that would be cruel, but he’d deserve it. I inhale; I exhale and calmly say, “Do not say shit like that. You need to respect women, at least in my presence.”
What the fuck is wrong with me? I never cared before how he treated anyone. Why am I so uptight?
“O-kay. Moving here has really fucked with your head. So if you like her, then why aren’t you doing something about it? And don’t give me that bull shit of “I don’t like her that way, we’re just friends” because I ca
n tell you do. Your whole demeanor has changed. You’re like a different person and I can’t tell which version I like better.”
“We need to get ready. Behave yourself.” I finish my coffee and clean up.
“Yes mommy.” I glare at him, but he clamps his mouth shut. Once he finishes his beer, we head over to Maddy’s.
Chapter 21
Maddy
I finish dinner and clean up the apartment for company. After telling Andi about our plans, she made certain we wouldn’t be having anyone else over tonight. I have a feeling Andi and Spencer will hit it off and I don’t want any distractions. Not that I expect anything to happen but if it does, I won’t discourage it.
Part of me is nervous, hoping that Spencer and Noah like my cooking, not that cooking pasta is really that difficult. I mean, it’s baked ziti for crying out loud. It’s one of the easiest things to make.
“Andi, they should be here soon.” I set the table with food and plates. She walks into the kitchen with a mid-length dress, black, her favorite color. I didn’t dress up, why should I? I love wearing jean shorts, they’re comfy and it’s warm outside, so it’s perfect. I have a cute red tank top and pulled my hair back in a ponytail, left my face bare. “I didn’t get any alcohol.”
“I guess it’s water or coffee for the guys, then.” I nod in agreement. “It looks and smells great, Maddy.”
“Thanks. You up for swimming later?”
“Do you even have to ask? I’m always up for a late night swim.” I wonder if they would be up to it. She looks at me curiously, “Tell me about Spencer. What’s he like, his personality? What does he look like?”
“He’s very good-looking, brown hair and eyes, tall, muscular like maybe a basketball player, he’s 24, very funny but he has no filter to his mouth. So if he says something uncalled for, just smack him.” We both laugh.