“Yes, I’m from Australia, and I’m not stealing anything. Just leave us alone.” I said as maturely as possible. It didn’t work. He looked from Amanda, to me, to Rachel, and lingered. He made no effort to hide what he was looking at.
“Come on baby, one dance.” He said, reaching out once more for Rachel. She backed up and stood behind me. I grabbed the guys arm pulling him towards me and then pushed him away causing him to stumble off balance.
“I’ve told you multiple times. Leave us alone. She’s not interested!” I said, but it seemed words were no good. He recovered from his stumble and rushed me.
He threw his right fist at my face as hard as he could. I extended my left arm forward and upwards using my forearm to catch his punch, and change its direction. He stumbled at the lack of contact as I grabbed his punching arm with my left arm, and locked it in place. I pulled him towards me and kicked out his front leg which he was using for balance. He fell hard on his ass, as it met the concrete floor. He landed awkwardly and hopefully painfully, and I ushered the girls ahead of me.
We made it off of the dance floor, and Rachel found the nearest bouncer to tell him everything that had happened. She pointed out the guy and the bouncer called over his radio for assistance. They converged on the trouble maker and escorted him off of the premises.
Finding an empty booth in the back we sat for a while as each girl tried to look after me with ice for my head and a glass of water. They frequently asked how I was until I managed to convince them I was fine.
“That was really cool how you knocked him over at the end though.” Rachel said.
“Something I picked up when I was a bit younger. I used to do some martial arts. I hate fighting though.” I replied.
The bouncers found us and asked us a few questions, ensuring I was alright then returned to the floor. Our night had been great except for one idiot which always seemed to be the way of things. Thinking back I realized I had been that idiot before, but in a different light. Sometimes alcohol gets the better of us all, and our actions are no longer our own.
Amanda and Rachel were determined to not let our night end like this. After asking further whether I was alright, we finally made our way back to the dance floor, this time with no troubles.
Plenty of guys were hitting on them, but each could take no for an answer. I even ended up talking to one guy who was speaking with Rachel. Apparently, he had seen our earlier troubles, and was one of the guys who held the annoying drunk back from jumping on me after he had knocked me down. Troy was his name. He seemed like a good sort.
“I appreciate you stepping in to stop that jackass from earlier.” I was saying, “A fight is not really my idea of a good night!” I added, rubbing my head where I had been hit.
“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure you would have done the same if the roles were reversed. Besides, he really was a dickhead.” Troy said with a grin.
“Seemed like it! A few too many, or god forbid… He’s like that all the time.” I replied, a soft laugh escaping my lips.
“Surely not!” Troy said, laughing with me.
“Either way. He’s gone thankfully!” Rachel said smiling at Troy. It seemed like she might be interested.
“Seriously though, thanks mate!” I added. Leaning over towards him, I shook his hand firmly with a grin.
“Any time.” He replied with a nod. Turning my attention back to Amanda I left Rachel and Troy to their conversation.
“May I have this dance?” I asked Amanda, offering my hand. She took it with a smile.
“I thought you’d never ask.” She replied. We stood together hand in hand. My arm was around her waist as I looked in her eyes. My smile was wide across my face as we danced together step by step. I didn’t care one bit if the music didn’t suit our dancing.
We danced like that until last call was shouted and the lights flashed off and on. Rachel gave her number to Troy with a playful smile and a ‘call me’, and she came over to join us. I grinned at her and nodded in Troy’s direction. She smiled shyly back at me, and shrugged her shoulders.
We left the club together in a jovial mood, and lucked out as we managed to flag down an approaching cab. With my arms around each of the girls we made our way home in the back seat. My head throbbed but I still had a smile on my face.
Back home we stumbled inside, laughing the whole way. We had gotten more drunk than I thought and it was starting to show by our stumbling and slurring of words. Making for the kitchen I pulled out the cheese from the fridge and found a loaf of bread. “Grilled cheese!” I yelled happily.
“Yes-sssss!” Rachel replied, slumping over onto the couch. “I can’t believe some guys.” Rachel continued, “After a few drinks, if everything doesn't go their way, they go cr-az-yyy.” She finished with a wave of her hand.
“Some people feel they have something to prove.” I added, “It’s just shitty he had to prove something using my head as an example.” I said, laughing and rubbing my head. My laughter cut short as I winced when I found the bruise.
“We had fun in the end though.” Amanda said, joining in. She was sitting on the couch with her feet tucked under her, and a shoe in one hand which she used to emphasize her point by waving it around.
“Yeah we did! I’m glad we went. It was fun.” Rachel added, “We’ll have to do it again soon.” She said as she tried to get comfortable.
The girls put the TV on and talked while I finished up the grilled cheese. “It’s time.” I said in a dramatically deep voice. Walking over to the couch I handed out each plate. “Just what we needed.” Amanda slurred slightly, and her arm wobbled as she took the plate.
We spoke drunkenly together until we were all about to fall asleep. Rachel lay with her head against Amanda, and her legs over me. She was mostly passed out already. Amanda looked over at me and smiled and winked. I smiled back and indicated I was going to go to bed. I gently removed Rachel’s legs from on top of me, and made my way to my futon.
Throwing myself into bed was not a good idea as the metal bar running through the middle of the futon greeted me harshly. Rolling off of it I stripped off my clothes this time, and fell asleep in no time. I was exhausted from a big day and an even bigger night. LA was turning out to be entertaining!
The morning greeted me poorly. I thought of the standard hangover response to swear off drinking, but that inevitably only lasts a few days. Rolling off the bed, I landed on the floor and groaned.
My head was pounding more from being punched than drinking. Picking myself up off of the floor, I made my way to the shower and opened the door. Rachel was sitting on the toilet her head in her hands.
“Seriously Rachel, you need to start locking the door.” I mumbled. She replied with some sort of groan. I closed the door behind me and made my way to the kitchen to pour myself as many glasses of water as I could stomach. Amanda walked out to greet me.
“Morning.” She said, her hair was everywhere and she looked half asleep. Joining me she poured herself some water and slowly stumbled her way to the couch. Setting her glass on the table, she unceremoniously collapsed into the cushions and let out a groan. “How’s your head?” She asked through the couch.
“Horrible! Feels like someone is playing the drums using the inside my skull.” I replied, closing my eyes and massaging my head slowly.
I moved over to her and sat on the end of the couch picking up her legs in doing so and returning them to my lap. I closed my eyes again and we sat there for a long while. Rachel came out of the bathroom and said something. We both grunted a nonsensical response, and continued to doze.
Out of nowhere I finally got the energy to go and have a shower. Walking straight in, I threw my clothes off and got in the shower. Adjusting the temperature as hot as I could handle, I let the water run down my body and soak into my pores. I looked up into the stream of water and closed my eyes. The pain in my head slowly subsided. I stood like that for a long time.
Turning the shower off, I stepped out a
nd reached for a towel just as the door opened. Amanda walked in, and as she looked up she caught me standing there completely naked. Her eyes traced my body still dripping in water. My hair slicked back. It took me a few moments for my mind to register and finally feel self-conscious and grab for the towel wrapping myself in it.
“Not you too!” Amanda said, with a smile on her face. “Although, I didn’t mind this so much.” She added, now grinning.
“It didn’t even cross my mind! I just needed a shower.” I said, feeling like an idiot, “If you enjoyed the show so much you could have at least tipped me.” I said, turning around and shaking my ass in her direction. She laughed at the sight of it and rushed in and slapped me firmly on the derriere.
“You have to work for your tips.” She said. I turned around and grabbed her in an embrace using my soaked body to advantage.
She was wet in no time and laughing while struggling to get out of my grip. Picking her up in one arm I walked us to the shower and turned it on. My towel falling off a little bit at a time in the process. Ignoring it I positioned Amanda under the shower, as she squealed still dressed in her PJ’s. Laughing, she tried to escape, but gave up as the water soaked her completely.
Grabbing my arm, she pulled me into the water. Looking down at her with the water running over my eyes I put my left arm around her waist, and pulled her closer. Guiding her head with my right hand, I drew her into a kiss.
“You bastard.” She said, smiling faintly as she pulled away and punched me on the chest.
“I regret nothing.” I said. With my head held high, I grinned the whole time. Backing out of the shower, I noticed the door was still wide open and Rachel was there watching the commotion and laughing to herself.
“Can you grab me another towel please Rachel?” I asked, smiling at her. She took a moment to reply as she looked at my body with the now soaked towel only barely wrapped around my waist
“Sure thing.” She said, this time taking her time to once again look over my body.
“Rachel… My eyes are up here.” I said, pointing.
“Sorry about that, I was just showing you what you looked like the other day.” She said with a laugh and turned around walking down the hall to get me a towel, the laughter following her.
Upon return she threw a towel at me, and looked toward Amanda, who had stayed in the shower. She pulled the curtain and threw her wet PJ’s over the top. “I guess I’ll get changed in my room. I’m not making any tips after all, so I don’t need the audience.” I said, as I gathered my things and walked out. I closed the door behind me, and in front of Rachel.
“You’re a smooth one aren’t you?” She said, looking up at me with a grin.
“What do you mean?” I asked in genuine confusion.
“Naked wrestling, throwing her in the shower with you, and not to mention scoring a sopping wet kiss?” She replied in turn.
“Oh that.” I said, amused, “We were just having fun.” I finished. I couldn’t keep the smile off of my face though, and Rachel saw it.
“You’re an idiot! You should have stayed in there with her.” She said, throwing her hands up in disappointment, “Oh well, keep it up. You obviously like each other, and it’s great to see Amanda so happy.” She said, slapping me on the back firmly, leaving a red mark. She walked back towards her room leaving me standing staring after her, while I dripped onto the hallway floor.
Holding my dry towel in hand, and wet one still wrapped around me. I felt the effects of being wet in the cold air of the hallway. Dashing to my room I flung the wet towel off of me to the side, and dried myself off. This time with the door firmly closed, and locked, I got dressed while whistling a happy tune. I looked forward to what the day might hold.
“Hey Rachel. What are you up to today?” I asked, as I joined her in the kitchen. She was cooking up a storm. Egg shells lay all across the counter with an open milk carton next to a used glass. Six pieces of bread in their monster toaster were cooking away.
“I’m free as a bird today! You hungry?” She replied, and motioned towards the scrambled eggs she was making.
“Starving.” I said, as I took a seat at the counter, “How long have you and Amanda lived together anyway?” I asked.
“Well.” She said, as she took on a thoughtful look, “We’ve been here for two years now. Before here we lived together in a piece of shit place for a year.” She added.
“At least you’re in a good place now. You two seem to get along really well! It’s great.” I added.
“Thanks. Yeah, Amanda is amazing.” She said, taking on a serious tone, “Be good to her. She hasn’t had the best run with guys in the past.” She added, looking me dead in the eye. I could tell she was concerned for her friend.
“I will.” I said sincerely, “She’s lucky to have you as a friend.” I added.
Amanda joined us, and we sat at the table together to eat breakfast.
“Thanks for stopping that guy last night, James.” Rachel said. Amanda nodded her agreement.
“He wasn’t letting go! I couldn’t just leave him, but I didn’t mean to get in a fight, I’m sorry about that.” I replied.
“Don’t apologize! You kicked his ass!” Rachel said, laughing.
“Kung Fu moves!” Amanda added, while punching the air. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Kinda.” I said.
“Well thanks anyway.” She added.
“Anytime.” I replied.
“So, what happened with that other guy last night, Rach?” Amanda asked in conspiring tones. Winking at me as she did.
“What a good question!” I added, as I leaned towards her.
“Nothing serious… We just traded numbers. He seemed pretty nice though.” Rachel said defensively.
“Yeah he seemed like a decent dude.” I said, nodding my agreement, “Then again I was pretty much knocked out, so I have no idea who we’re talking about.” I finished with a smile, and started clearing the plates.
“Think you’ll get in touch with him?” Amanda asked.
“Who knows? Maybe.” Rachel replied. I stood and left the girls talking as I washed up.
Chapter Ten
The next few days were fun. I spent most of my time with the girls as they showed me around LA. We explored all the sights and I soaked it all in. I liked LA, but the traffic got under my skin. After living in the Rocky Mountains, I would watch people in LA, and it looked like everyone needed to be somewhere 20 minutes earlier.
I was here to be with Amanda, and that’s what I focused on. I knew that I couldn’t stay here forever, but I didn’t let that bring me down. No matter what happened I’d always have the memories.
It was the seventh night I had stayed with the girls. Amanda and I sat together on the couch watching the end of a movie, and that’s when it hit me. I was wearing out my welcome. Not because of anything Rachel or Amanda had said, but more so out of my own concerns. I had such an amazing time here and it was everything and more that I had wished it to be, but it was time to move on.
Leaning across to Amanda, I took hold of her hand. “Did I thank you for having me in your home for so long?” I asked softly.
“When you first arrived you did. Yes!” She replied, looking at her hand in mine and back up at my face.
“Can I thank you by taking you out to dinner tonight?” I asked. Her soft fingers gently linked to my own made me smile.
“I would love that.” She replied, smiling.
I held Amanda’s hand as we walked together towards the entrance of the restaurant. Amanda was stunning as usual. She was dressed in a deep scarlet dress that hugged her body and accentuated her features perfectly. A dark gray shawl was also gently wrapped over her shoulders. I wore my tailor made, charcoal suit with a red and white thin check dress shirt, and a mauve and gray scarf.
Opening the door for Amanda, I followed her in and we were greeted immediately. “Good evening.” The hostess said.
“Hi there.” I replied.
“Do you have a reservation?” She inquired.
“Yes we do. It should be under James.” I responded.
“Ah. Yes here we are. May I take your jacket, sir?” She asked.
“Thank you. Yes.” I said as I took it off and passed it to her. After hanging it up, she gathered various menus into her hands.
“If you would follow me please I will show you to your table.” She said as she moved on.
She led us through the restaurant and guided us to a table for two. “Will this be alright?” The hostess asked.
“Yes, this is perfect.” Amanda responded.
The table sat against a window with a candle lit in the center, creating gentle flickering shadows. Silverware was lined perfectly on the table top with beautifully crafted glasses set for wine. Walking behind the better seat, I offered it to Amanda.
“Thank you, sir!” She said, smiling as she sat down. Taking my own seat, I looked over to Amanda and caught my breath. The lighting of the room and the flickering of the candle created a gentle, warm glowing ambiance. Amanda’s hair shone in the light. Her face was perfectly flushed and alive.
“You look absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Beyond words.” I said seriously, looking her in the eye. I soaked in this perfect moment. She looked like an angel. A slight blush crept through her cheeks and a gentle laugh escaped her lips as she looked away.
“What do I say to that?” She said, brushing a stray hair from her eyes behind her ear. We watched each other until a slight smile creased Amanda’s face and she broke the silence.
“You’re looking very beautiful yourself.” She said playfully, looking me over as she said it.
“Thanks. I think this shade of lipstick really pops for me.” I replied, puckering my lips. I smiled my warmest smile, “Handsome would work too, but you know. I’ll take what I can get.” I added with a grin. We looked at each other sharing a moment of silence as our waiter came to join us.
“Good evening folks!” He said with an earnest smile. “How are we this evening?” He added, looking first to Amanda and then to me.
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