"And do you have a problem with that?" he asked, resting his hand on my thigh.
Nervously, I took another swig of my margarita. By this point, I was feeling the effects of all the extra alcohol that my slender frame wasn't used to.
"I'm trying hard to stay sober here," I said, placing the empty glass back on the counter.
My eyes widened, as the last gulp sent me over the edge.
"Why?" he asked.
I had no response except for an awkward chuckle.
"Renae seems nice, where do you know her from?"
"I met her while I waitressed at the sandwich shop she used to eat at."
"When were you a waitress?"
"I put myself through school as a waitress."
"Was it hard to go to medical school and work at the same time?"
"I…uh…well you have to do what you have to do, right?" I stuttered.
"Right."
"So how's a beautiful doctor like you still single?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "Just lucky I guess."
"Lucky for me."
"Well—that's enough about me. What's it like to be a big shot CEO?"
"Changing the subject I see. It's ok if you wanna remain an international woman of mystery a little longer," he said flirtatiously, leaning in closer, skillfully grazing my ear with his bottom lip.
The anticipation he induced tantalized me, and just as our lips were about to touch, we were interrupted by his phone.
"I'm sorry, I have to take this."
Turn that stupid thing off.
I plastered on a fake smile. "No worries."
"Hello," he said, walking to the corner of the room, leaving me unsatisfied and alone.
I signaled the bartender for another round of margaritas while I waited. In a flash, there were another two glasses of the green liquid sitting in front of me. Deciding to start without him, I was nearly done with my drink before he sat back beside me.
Jay looked at me, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, slow down there champ. I don't wanna have to carry you over the threshold just yet."
Marriage?
I melted inside. His phone rang again, but this time he dismissed it.
"I'm so sorry about the interruptions. I have to go back to work."
"What?!?! Are you serious? It's like one in the morning," I said, shocked by the abrupt end to our evening.
"I know, but its business hours on the other side of the world, and I'm gonna need to get out of here to take a conference call from Japan. It needs my full attention, which I can't give while I have that dress distracting me."
His flirtation was dually noted as I took another sip, finishing off my drink. "Okay. I understand."
Picking up his belongings off the counter, he handed the bartender his credit card, and said, "Needless to say; this job hasn't left much hope for a decent love life."
"I see."
"But you know how that feels, being a doctor. Keeping all those crazy hours?"
I nodded and rolled my eyes. "Totally!"
It wasn't precisely a lie. I knew how it felt to watch Ben work all his crazy hours.
"Are you ready to get out of here?" he asked.
"Yup."
I stood up but quickly had to grab onto his shoulder, the alcohol making my legs feel like noodles.
"Oh my, tomorrow isn't going to be a good day for me," I said.
"No, it doesn't look like it." He chuckled.
We walked out the main door to find his driver patiently waiting outside.
"29 Furman Avenue," I mumbled, climbing into the back of the limo.
As soon as Jay sat down, I laid my head on his shoulder, instantly falling asleep.
Not two minutes later, I woke up to Jay jostling my shoulder as the limo pulled up to the curb. "Wake up, Necie."
Jay looked at the rundown building, and asked the driver, "Are we here?"
"Yes, sir."
"Wow, we're here already," I said, lifting my head from his shoulder.
"Yeah, it looks like it, unless you gave him the wrong address. Did you give him the wrong address?"
I looked out the window. "Nope, this is my place."
"Ok, well, I guess that settles it. You're home," he said, stepping out of the car.
I grabbed on to his outstretched hand, planting my feet on the curb as best I could.
"I know this might be forward, but I would love it if you would come to visit me in Paris when I go home in a couple days. I could show you the sights, and we could spend some real time together. Women like you are so hard to find—beautiful, with a career that compliments mine. I just feel like we have so much to offer each other," he said, shifting a wisp of hair from my face.
"Paris?" I asked, still trying to get my bearings.
"I'll buy you an open-ended ticket, and have it delivered to your apartment tomorrow."
"But—"
He interrupted. "No, don't decide right now. Think about it. It's a big decision, and you'll probably have to make sure you can get time off work. It's probably hard getting time off at the hospital, but I promise I'll make it worth your while."
"Worth my while? Time off?" I echoed.
Stop copying him!
"It's the city of romance, and hopefully we can create some of our own," he whispered before gently kissing my lips.
My brain was caught in a whirlwind of emotion. Between the kiss and the invite, I had no clue how to respond.
I pointed at my apartment building. "Well…this is me," I said, trying to change the subject.
"Yes, it would seem so." He smiled.
His phone rang in his pocket.
"I'm sorry," he said, pulling it out to check who it was.
"The conference call?"
He nodded. "I'm sorry, I have to go."
"I understand," I whispered.
He leaned in and kissed my cheek, then quickly jumped in the limo without another word.
"Umm, okay, I guess I'll talk to you soon," I said, half waving through the tinted window.
He rolled the window down, and said, "Plane ticket. Tomorrow. Hopefully, you'll be getting on the plane with me."
I smiled and parted my lips, but before I could reply, he turned and began to speak to someone on the phone. "Yes, hello, I'm here. No, I wasn't doing anything important. I'm all yours."
Nothing important?
He rolled up his window, without giving me a second look.
"Will you be okay here by yourself, ma'am?" the driver asked.
"Uh…yeah, I live just upstairs. I should be fine. Thank you," I said, rocking back and forth on my heels.
"Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, ma'am. Have a good evening." He tipped his hat then made his way over to the driver's side.
Although I was disappointed Jay hadn't offered to walk me to the door, the culmination of ten plus years of pining away for him, afforded him some leeway—at least in my eyes. After all, he was handsome, rich, and Jay Aston for goodness sake—what more could a girl ask for? Apparently, a ticket to Paris, according to Jay.
This could be my life now—in love, living in Paris.
The driver pulled off, leaving me tipsy and alone on the curb. I took in a calming breath and made my way to the main entrance, squinting as I fumbled with my keys to get the door unlocked.
These were the times I wished we lived on the first floor. Slowly, I climbed each wobbly step, making sure not to fall. Making the morning headline was the last thing I needed. I could see it now:
DRUNK WOMAN FALLS DOWN STAIRCASE, AFTER CONFERENCE CALL RUINS DATE
I traipsed into the apartment instantly relieving my feet of the cumbersome three-inch heels, before dropping my purse on the floor.
Heading for my room, I stopped halfway, too excited to keep the news to myself. I turned and headed to Ben's room, lightly tapping on his door.
He must be asleep already.
I pushed the door open and sauntered over to his bed.
"Ben," I said, rubbing his shou
lder.
"Hmm?" he mumbled.
"Wake up," I said, trying to sit on the bed in the tight dress, which wouldn't cooperate.
Without thinking, and probably because I was as drunk as a skunk, I slid off the cumbersome material and flung it by the window. I had to have been drunk. Why else would I have undressed in front of him?
I sat down next to him, only wearing a strapless lace bra with its matching panties.
"Ben, wake up. I have something to tell you."
All of a sudden he shot out of bed, gripping onto the side of my arms. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Nothing," I said a little startled.
"You scared me half to death," he said, staring straight into my eyes.
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to tell you about the reunion," I whispered, looking down at his hands.
"The reunion," he echoed, looking down at my scantily clad body.
"Yes," I said excitedly.
"Where's your dress?"
I looked over at the floor by the window. "It's over there."
"Have you been drinking?"
"Only a little." I chuckled.
"C'mon, let's get you to bed," he said, edging off the bed.
"No. I want to tell you what happened," I said, yanking him back.
"You need to go to sleep."
"No! I need to talk to you," I said adamantly.
"Necie, this is not the time. I have surgeries, and with you dressed like that I won't be able…"
"Shut up," I yelled, before pressing my lips to his to shut him up.
How was I supposed to know what sort of life changing decision I was making at that moment? I was tipsy, but my plan worked. He shut up alright, and so did I. The alcohol gave me the courage I needed, to do something I had always wanted, but was never brave enough to attempt.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, fully immersing myself in the kiss. I had to admit—he was a good kisser.
BEN
I couldn't believe I was kissing her. I wanted to pinch myself to see if I was still dreaming.
I pulled away, raking my fingers through her hair. "Are you sure?"
"Are you?" she whispered.
"You know this is all I've ever wanted. You are all I've ever wanted."
She smiled softly as she leaned in, pressing her warm lips against mine. I rested my hand on the back of her neck, and eased my back toward the bed, pulling her with me.
Her body was soft next to mine, and as I raked my fingertips up the soft flesh of her thigh, I knew what was about to happen next would change the course of our relationship forever.
Sliding my finger under the edge of her panties, I tugged the lace toward me, savoring the moment before I pulled the material off her body.
"I love you, Necie," I said in between kisses.
She didn't reply, except to tighten her grip on the fistful of hair she was grasping on to.
"Did you hear me?" I asked softly.
"Shhh," she said, pressing her finger against my lips to quiet me.
I let loose of her panties and pulled her hand away from my mouth.
"What do you mean 'shhh'?
She stared at me. "Why do we need to talk about this right now?"
I laid there, contemplating her question. "When else should we talk about it?"
"Not now," she said smiling, moving her lips toward me.
I ripped away from her, jolting out of bed. "Then when?"
"I don't know," she replied, looking up at me, startled.
"In ten years? In twenty?" I asked angrily.
She chuckled slightly.
"I don't think this is funny at all."
"Ben. I just don't know."
"But you knew enough to come in here thinking you would what—keep me on the hook even longer?"
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"What don't you get? I love you. I have always loved you. This was not just going to be a one night stand for me."
She sat up, pulling the covers around her. "I just came in here to tell you about Jay, and how he invited me to Paris—" she stuttered before I interrupted her.
"Wait a minute; you came in my room to tell me that another man invited you to Paris, but instead, you woke me up to have sex? What kind of shit is that? Who does that?"
"I wasn't thinking. I—"
"Were you weighing out your options? Don't I matter? Doesn't what I want matter?"
"It's just a visit, nothing permanent."
"So temporarily seeing if he's the man for you makes it better?"
"No. Stop putting words in my mouth!" she yelled angrily, but her feelings didn't matter to me at this point.
"Would you like me to wait a few more years so that you have time to figure out if this guy is Mr. Right? Do you know how many men I've had to sit and watch you date in the last ten years?"
"I would never ask you..." she whispered.
"Deadbeat after deadbeat, and I'm left to pick up the pieces when they break your heart," I said, pointing at my chest.
She shook her head. I waited to hear if she had anything else to say, anything that would soothe the beast that was pacing back and forth in my body, but she said nothing.
I took a deep breath and walked to my door, pulling it open. "Please leave."
She looked at me then slowly got up from the bed, taking the sheet with her.
NECIE
I stood next to him, confused, looking into his eyes. "I'm sorry."
"I don't wanna hear it," he said sharply.
Tightening my grip on the sheet, I shifted my gaze to the wooden floor and walked out into the living room. The door slammed behind me, sending a cold chill through every fiber of my body.
I glanced back at his door, wishing I could turn back time and had never gone into his room in the first place. My head hung in despair as I made my way across the living room to my bedroom door.
I turned to take one last look before walking into my room. The light was on, and his shadow moved back and forth in the gap between the door and the floor.
What have I done?
RATS
"Purr."
Monster jumped on the bed, making his way under the covers, snuggling up to my face. I laid my arm on him, pressing him in for comfort as the alcohol and emotional rollercoaster I was on worked together to wrestle me to sleep.
Bright and early the next morning, I woke up to the phone ringing through the pillow I had placed over my head to keep the world out.
I hope I didn't leave my phone out there.
I threw the covers off and peeked out into the living room before running over to my purse, still half naked. I pulled my phone out and looked at the caller ID. It was Jay.
"Hello?"
"Hey beautiful, do you wanna go to breakfast?"
I looked at Ben's door. "Breakfast?"
"You know, eggs, bacon, pancakes."
"How'd you get my number?"
"You're not an undercover CIA agent. You were sort of easy to find."
"What time?" I asked, still looking at Ben's door, realizing there was nothing I could do right at this moment.
"Thirty minutes?"
"Uh, yeah, I can be ready."
"Okay, I'll pick you up."
"Okay," I said, hanging up the phone.
I sighed and turned to walk back to my room. After throwing on a white sun dress, I tried to cover up the bags under my eyes the best I could, not wanting Jay to notice and ask about them.
I was ready just in time to hear Jay's limo honk from outside. I took one last look in the mirror and headed downstairs. Jay was standing next to his limo with a dozen white roses in hand.
"Hey beautiful," he said, kissing me on the cheek.
"These are perfect. Thank you," I said, smelling the flowers.
"Where are we headed?"
"Pretty close actually. I heard about this great restaurant, and since it's down the street, it gave me the perfect excuse to see you again," he said with a big smile on his fac
e
"I know of a great place and its right down the street. No waiting, my treat."
"Your treat? I don't remember the last time a woman treated me to anything."
"Well today is your lucky day, sir," I said, tugging him by the arm.
"No. I think yesterday was," he replied with a wink.
I took Jay to a hot dog vendor who had given me the stink eye a few weeks back. I had ordered a hot dog with the works but ended up not having enough money for the works part. He reluctantly gave me the hot dog and let the difference go, but the look he had given me was seared into my brain for all eternity.
Even though he hated me, he had the best hot dogs in the city, and I wanted to show Jay that my side of town wasn't that bad. As we neared the cart, the vendor's smile instantly turned upside down.
"Two hot dogs with the works, please," I said with an awkward smile, hoping he wouldn't remember me.
"Do you have money this time?" he asked sternly.
I nervously laughed, hoping Jay hadn't heard.
"Why would he ask if you had enough money?" Jay whispered.
"Oh, it's a joke between us. He always likes to joke, don't you?" I asked the vendor as I handed him the money in exchange for the hot dogs.
He didn't reply, as he was too busy counting the money I handed him, making sure it was all there. I chuckled nervously, hoping I hadn't shortchanged him. The vendor looked up from the money, and for a split second, I just knew I hadn't given him enough.
He smiled, and said, "Thank you, have a great day."
Whew!
"Wow, these are great," Jay said, taking a second bite.
"Right!?! Ben and I love it here," I said, instantly wishing I could stuff the words back in my mouth as they floated out into the air.
"Who's Ben?" Jay asked as he chewed.
Here we go.
"Oh. Ben's my friend and my roomma'—'tol-o-gist. I mean he's a rheumatologist at the hospital—he's a coworker—yeah, that's what I mean," I stuttered, trying to explain my lie well enough to be believable.
I realized if I told Jay that Ben was my roommate, it would lead to the inevitable question—Why would you need a roommate if you're a doctor?
While Ben had a plausible and almost sweet excuse as to why he had a roommate, his reasoning wouldn't work for me, which meant I needed to keep lying to Jay. More lies. Just the thought made me cringe. My mind was already a million miles away, thinking about Ben and our current situation, and now I had to keep all these lies straight in my head.
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