Breaking Kate: The Acceptance Series

by Kelly, D.

  There’s a long silence before I finally give him an answer, “Okay, Connor, I’ll come for you, so you don’t look like a jerk to your friend. But make no mistake, I’m not happy about it and you totally OWE me.”

  I hear the biggest sigh of relief from Connor and have to laugh. “Thanks, Kate! You seriously have no idea how much this means to me! Daniel hates driving in Friday traffic; he’s already on the road and it’s about a two-hour trip from Santa Barbara, so I really do owe you! The last thing I need is to have you, Jess, and Daniel all mad at me on the same night. See you soon. Hey, do me a favor, Kate. Dress really sexy so he can see what he’s missing by not putting himself out there anymore.”

  I’m not really sure how to respond to that so I don’t. “See you in a bit, Connor.” I hand Jess her phone back.

  I know Jess did this on purpose, so I stare her down with my arms crossed and tap my foot.

  “Okay, okay. Yes, I purposely didn’t tell you until a little while ago so you couldn’t back out. Seriously though, Kate, can you blame me? All you do is study! Occasionally, you will actually go to the gym and hang out with Marc, but lately you’ve been avoiding him, too. Don’t think he hasn’t noticed, either. I miss my friend, my party buddy, and it is long past time you finally get another boyfriend. I know you don’t like to talk about him, but Michael is in the past, the very long ago past, and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it but move on. That asshole shattered your heart, and mine, into a million pieces. Even though my heartbreak was different than yours, it doesn’t make it any easier. Let’s make tonight a new beginning for both of us, swear off all assholes, and have some fun.”

  I can already tell this is going to be a long night, but I have to admit it will be nice to get out for a bit. I didn’t realize how hard I’ve been working until Jess just threw it all out there. I guess one night of fun won’t kill me. I just hope that Jess doesn’t think she’s going to make me look like a slut because right now I would be super happy in a pair of shorts and a hoodie. I walk into the bathroom and Jess is bouncing up and down, happy to have a girls night, and also reveling in the fact she gets to make me up for the night.

  “Here’s what I picked out for you to wear, and don’t even roll your eyes at me, you know I dress you better than you do. Now, let’s hurry up. We don’t have much time to get ready.”

  I have to give her credit where it’s due. She didn’t do a bad job in picking out clothes. She stuck to my style and picked out a sexy pair of jeans that hug all my curves and a green V-neck long sleeved shirt that shows a good portion of my breasts, but in a tasteful way.

  I look at my reflection in the mirror next to Jess. As a child, I did gymnastics and I still do some basic routines to keep toned, although I haven’t competed in years. Unlike Jess, I’m on the short side—five feet five inches in my bare feet—which in my opinion is why I get the ’cute’ title from guys instead of the sexy, gorgeous, and beautiful that Jess gets. I’m actually okay with that. I like being the girl next door, and if I could find the boy next door kind of guy I would be happy.

  My best assets are my eyes, which are a bright emerald green, and my auburn hair that hangs down to the middle of my back with perfect, loose curls that almost always fall into place with no maintenance on my part. I inherited both assets from my mom and look more and more like her every day. I’m glad Jess picked out a green shirt because it really accentuates my eyes, which Jess is now covering with smoky eye makeup.

  Finally, after what seems like forever, Jess declares us ready. “You’re done and you are perfect! No one is going to call you cute tonight. You are beyond hot. Actually, Kate, you’re a total sex goddess!” I just laugh and shake my head. God I love her, dramatics and all.

  Jess and I have known each other since the first grade when she moved in down the street from me. She was a chubby little girl. Her mom was rarely home, always off on some tropical photo shoot. Jess didn’t really have a relationship with her dad. He only came to town every now and then and usually took her to dinner one night and then stood her up the next. She was mostly raised by Maryanne, who is her aunt and her mom’s younger sister, but Jess always calls her mama. Maryanne has not yet had a family of her own but she was an incredible influence on Jess.

  Whenever Jess’s mom, Chloe, would come to town she would say very inappropriate things about her being chubbier than most kids. It would break her heart when her supermodel mom, who is super famous and so nice to everyone else, would be so mean to her only daughter. Maryanne made things better for Jess and did her best to get Chloe to back off. Eventually, when we hit about twelve years old, Jess grew over a foot and the weight just fell off. I don’t think she was ever more than twenty pounds overweight, but the complex Chloe gave her about it has stuck with her forever.

  Jess is probably the least superficial person I know, but she wants to look good for her man and wants me to look just as good so we can both land men at the same time. She would love nothing more than for the two of us to fall in love, get married, and have kids all at the same time. We are sisters in every way that counts; she is my oldest friend and my biggest confidant. She’s also a huge romantic at heart. Right now, she knows what I need probably more than I do and that is why I’m letting her make me up and take me out. With one last look in the mirror, we grab our purses, lock up the condo and head out to Jess’s BMW SUV.

  When we’re about five minutes away, I start to get nervous. I know Jess can tell because she decides it’s time to sing and dance. She rolls down all the windows and starts singing along to the music, so as usual, I join in. We’re singing and dancing as we pull up to an audience mid Britney song. They laugh and clap at our car performance. It’s hysterical; we do it all the time, just not with forty witnesses. Par for the course, Jess gets out and bows to her audience which in turn causes more laughing and some high fives.

  Jess wraps her arm though mine and tugs me close. “Come on, Kate. I need a drink, and you need to get drunk tonight and I don’t want to hear another word about it!”

  I actually don’t argue with her because I could honestly use a drink and a distraction. It’s been a long week and I really need to unwind.

  Inside the house, the music is loud. Mama Said Knock You Out by LL Cool J is playing, and we soon spot Connor sitting on the stairs talking to a friend of his. Once he sees us, he excuses himself and gives us both a hug. He whispers in my ear, “Thanks, Kate, I really owe you one,” then flashes me one of his dazzling smiles. No wonder Jess wants him; he really is the whole package.

  “Connor, can you show us where we can get a drink? We need one after our sing-along.”

  “Oh no, you two were at it again? What was it now, Justin Timberlake?” he says, laughing.

  Jess looks at him with indignation and retorts, “Just so you know, it was the incredible Britney Spears this time.”

  Connor looks intrigued and asks, “Which song?” as he casually puts his arm around Jess; I think I know where this is going.

  “Hit Me Baby One More Time. Why?”

  Connor gets a devious look on his face and says, “I was hoping you would say that. I was just wondering if you have the outfit that goes with it and if maybe I could get a private performance.”

  Jess slugs him on the shoulder. “You are such a perv!” she shrieks as she laughs. “Besides, I only perform as a duet.”

  Connor’s getting ready to say it so I cut him off, “No, Connor, we don’t perform threesomes, either!”

  Connor feigns innocence. “I am an absolute gentleman, Kate. I would never ask that, at least not on a first date.” Again, he flashes me his gorgeous smile.

  As we make our way into the kitchen, I grab a vodka and orange juice and Jess grabs a vodka tonic. We both also take a shot of vodka to loosen up. Earlier, we agreed to take it easy so we can drive back to our house later, but now Connor informs us he already has the guest room ready in case we need a place to crash. Jess is so excited she squeals, although they both can tel
l I am less than enthused. She excuses herself to the bathroom with a “Be right back” thrown over her shoulder in typical Jess fashion.

  Connor takes this time to drill me. “Okay, Kate. I really like Jess, and I think she likes me, too, but I don’t want to move too fast. Can you tell me what the best way to woo her is?” I look up at him and stop myself from laughing because he’s being dead serious.

  “Connor, why do you think we’re here? You know it’s not me that dragged Jess along, but the other way around. She doesn’t know you well, so she wants a buffer, but I don’t think she’s going to need me around long at all. In fact, I’ll bet you she ditches me as soon as your friend shows up. Just be yourself. You’re doing fine. She likes you, more than likes you; it’s all good, no wooing necessary. But just for future reference, if you ever want to know how to woo me it’s chocolate, coffee, and chick flicks—in that order.”

  I see relief flash in Connor’s eyes as he laughs at me and wraps me in a hug. Connor sees someone he knows in the crowd and waves him in our direction. He releases me and pulls his friend in for a quick guy hug before making introductions.

  “Daniel! Hey, man, it’s good to see you. I’m glad you were able to come up a day early. Kate, this is Daniel. Daniel, this is my beautiful friend Kate.” Asshole! That’s the first thing that pops into my mind as I watch Daniel’s eyes look me over from breasts to toes and back before finally looking me in the face to say anything.

  “It’s very nice to meet you, Kate. I’m glad I was able to come up early, too, man. I would have been here earlier but the traffic was a nightmare.”

  Part of me is shocked that he just so visibly checked me out. I mean, seriously, not the best way to start the night. This guy is obviously cocky, and if Connor hadn’t already told me he wasn’t dating and hasn’t dated in over six months, I would assume he’s a complete player. The other part of me is probably just as obviously checking him out; he’s effing gorgeous! Daniel is tall—at least six foot three. His eyes are the lightest shade of brown I have ever seen; I could just look into them for hours and get lost in them. His arms, which are my favorite part of the male body, are perfect. They are perfectly proportioned to his broad shoulders, definitely a football player’s build. They’re muscular, but not in an excessively gross body builder kind of way. It looks like he hits the gym every day.

  God, I hope he isn’t a dumb jock. I really don’t want to waste my time with a ditz all night, but he is good eye candy. I know as soon as Jess makes it back she’s going to take Connor off somewhere ’more quiet’ and I’ll be on my own. I silently pray to myself, please don’t let him be a dumb jock and please just let us get along at least for the night.

  I quickly finish my drink and grab another just as Daniel finishes talking about the traffic. I get my wits together and finally speak, “Nice to meet you, too, Daniel. It’s nice to finally meet one of Connor’s infamous friends.” I extend my hand to shake his, which now seems really awkward, but oh well.

  He shakes my hand delicately, as if he’s going to break it, and I laugh out loud. I totally couldn’t hold it back. Of course he’s looking at me, completely puzzled. Connor can tell I am going to say something and is biting his lip to stifle his laugh.

  Daniel asks, “What’s so funny?”

  I give him a very serious look. “I’m guessing you are, or were, a football player? You’re definitely built like one. So, while a big guy like you being so delicate with me is touching, let me fill you in on a little secret—you can be rough with me. I promise I don’t break that easily.” Fuck. Freudian slip? I can’t believe I just said he could be rough with me. I’ve got to be a million shades of red.

  When he releases my hand, he shocks me. Connor slaps Daniel on the shoulder, no longer containing his laugh. Daniel looks at Connor and says, “You weren’t kidding. She’s a spitfire, and sexy, too. This night just got a lot more interesting. Kate, I have a feeling we’re going to get along just fine,” Daniel says as he winks at me.

  In the meantime, as I’m trying to pick my jaw up off the floor, Jess comes back. “See, Kate, I told you, you look hot tonight!” I shoot her a look to kill and she just laughs. I’m so not looking forward to the rest of this night. Daniel just talked to Connor as if I weren’t standing right in front of him. What is this, the god damn fifties? He’s obviously a chauvinistic pig, and I seriously doubt we’ll have anything at all to talk about tonight.

  I tell myself to breathe as I slowly sip my drink while Connor introduces Daniel to Jess. Interestingly enough, he doesn’t give Jess the onceover that he gave me. That is super strange, everyone gives Jess a onceover. They can’t help it; she definitely looks like a model even though she hates being classified that way.

  Connor excuses himself to use the restroom, gives Jess a peck on the cheek, and winks at me. Daniel excuses himself to go with him after the long drive, which gives Jess the perfect opportunity to drill me. “Oh my god, Kate, he’s so fucking hot! He’s definitely NFL bound; just look at his build. If I was not so into Connor I would be all over that. My god, woman, why are you just standing there looking irritated? You’ve just been given a hot piece of ass wrapped in a fancy bow and he’s here just for you.”

  She squeals in excitement as I sigh loudly. “Jess, everything isn’t about looks. So far, he hasn’t made the best first impression. He’s cocky, arrogant, chauvinistic, and ugh! Just remember I’m doing this for you so you can have time with Connor, but I really wish I was home.”

  Jess glares at me and I know I overstepped—she’s upset. “Kate, I’m going to try and ignore the fact that you basically just called me superficial because you and I both know that nothing could be further from the truth. I met the guy two seconds ago and he is HOT, and you, my friend, need to get laid. You haven’t had a relationship in over three years. I want to see you happy. I want to go on double dates. I want to swap sex stories with someone who is actually getting some, but most of all, I want to see that sparkle that has been missing from your gorgeous eyes for the last three years. I know how broken you’ve been, and you have every right to grieve your losses, but it’s time to move on. My god, Katie Grace, you met the man all of ten minutes ago and have already decided he’s a jerk. Maybe he’s nervous. If I were you, I would give it an open mind and see where it goes. If it’s awful, well, you wasted a night. But if he’s great? God, Kate, if he’s great maybe you can be happy again. Besides, I don’t think Connor would set you up with a jerk. He’s way too over protective of you to put you in that kind of situation. When they come back, I’m going to ask Connor to show me around and you need to play nice with Daniel, if for no other reason than to do me a favor. Can you please do that for me?”

  I sigh. She’s right; I am judging him prematurely. I guess it can’t hurt to see where it goes once he’s on his own. He got roped into this just as much as I did.

  “You’re right, Jess. I’ll lighten up, have another drink, and give it a chance. Go ahead and tell Connor we need the guest room because there’s no way I’ll be able to drive later and we both know you can’t say no to a good drink or a good lay.” I smile deviously at her and she smiles back so I know we’re okay.

  When the guys come back, Connor casually throws his arm around Jess who leans into him like a pro. Daniel helps himself to a shot of tequila and a beer. Maybe it will help him loosen up a bit so I can get to know the real him. I can definitely feel my buzz and realize that I better slow down my drinking. Jess, true to her word, asks Connor to ‘show her around’ and they’re gone.

  The music is loud and the house is getting more crowded by the second. Once again, I’m reminded why I hate parties. It’s almost as if Daniel can read my mind.

  “Kate, do you want to go outside and get some fresh air? The backyard is big and hardly anyone ever goes out there.”

  It actually sounds like a really good idea, so I nod my head. Surprisingly, he grabs my hand and a couple of beers and leads the way. It’s obvious that Daniel knows the house well.
He leads the way to a private little side yard where there’s a small fountain, swing, a flower garden, and a gardening shed. It’s really a beautiful space and it’s such a clear night—the stars are all out and the view is breathtaking.

  “Wow, this is gorgeous! I would have never known this was out here,” I say to Daniel.

  “Yeah, I’ve spent a lot of time here with Connor and his older brother Jake. This house was our home away from home. I used to live here with them until I graduated two years ago. Connor loves to throw parties, but I would honestly just rather have a few friends over in a smaller setting. Usually when Connor throws a party, it’s to impress a new girl, but don’t tell him I said that.” He gives me the most beautiful smile when he says that and my heart races.

  “Sounds like he and Jess will get along just fine; she loves parties and she loves attention. Personally, I’m a homebody. I don’t like parties, either; I would rather be in a small group as well. Honestly, though, I really don’t do much except go to class and study, I don’t have much of a social life—I haven’t felt the need to make it a priority.”

  Daniel looks at me while he pulls a bottle of tequila out of his pocket. I laugh because I didn’t even see him put it there. He holds it out to me and asks if I want some and I shake my head. “I learned long ago not to mix alcohol types or colors or I’ll regret it in the morning.”

  Daniel laughs. “Girls usually learn that lesson pretty quickly but some hardly ever pay attention to it. There is always one dumb enough to keep mixing up her alcohol. Usually, those are the ones at the end of the night who have someone, usually me, holding their hair back while they’re puking their guts up. It’s nice to know you’ve learned the lesson.”

  Wow, maybe he isn’t so bad after all, I think to myself. Not too many guys will hold a girl’s hair back willingly while she’s throwing up everywhere. I realize that I really do want to get to know him.