by T. A. Roth
“Okay crazy, are you going to tell me what he said or are you going to continue to torture me?”
She pauses for dramatic effect, dragging out my torment. “I don’t know. How much is it worth to you?” she asks teasingly.
“I’m hanging up now,” I say frustrated.
“Fine, sourpuss. Sheesh, keep your hair on.” She laughs. She’s such an idiot sometimes. ”About thirty minutes after you left, he made his way over to talk to me. I’ve had him in a few classes so it’s not a big deal, but he looked kind of nervous. It was funny.”
“Why was it funny?” I ask, and she sighs with frustration.
“You don’t understand, Ari. Benjamin Rodriguez doesn’t do nervous. That guy has more confidence and swagger in his pinky finger than any other guy I’ve ever known. Girls chase him, not the other way around. So to see that someone affected him and made him a rambling fool is hilarious.”
The butterflies I had earlier turn into a swarm of bats. I’m struck speechless, so she quickly continues. “He came over and asked about our final tomorrow then mentioned how brutal our professor is blah, blah, blah. All of sudden, he blurts out, ‘So, where did your friend go?’ I giggled a little because he really was trying to play it cool, but he was failing miserably. I wish you could have seen his face.”
“Why?” I ask.
“I don’t really know him, but the times I have been around him, he looks so relaxed. Tonight, he looked like he wanted to shake me until I told him everything he wanted to know. He was so intense.”
I’m in complete shock. To say that I’m at a loss for words is an understatement. “So what did you tell him?”
“I told him you had to get up early for work. I know he wanted to know more and he was kind of making me nervous. So I just told him your name and that you’ve been my best friend since junior high. He was in the middle of asking me another question when that bitch face Maria came up behind him and started giving me the stink eye, so he took off.” That slaps me back into reality. I almost forgot about her.
“Is that his girlfriend?” I ask not really wanting to hear her answer.
“NO,” she yells. “Well, not exactly, they have a thing. Rumor is that they hook up casually but he doesn’t consider her his ‘girlfriend.’ He doesn’t do the ‘girlfriend’ thing. That’s why I thought it was weird that he was getting all flustered.”
So, basically what she’s saying is that he’s a player. Conveniently, I’d forgotten about the girl who was wrapped around him like a frickin’ pretzel. Damn him and that broody stare down. I have to laugh, this is just my luck.
“Are you going nuts? Why are you laughing?” she asks.
“What am I supposed to say, Vonne? He has an on-demand booty call who looks like a damn supermodel. How do I compete with that?” I say frustrated.
“You don’t. Look, I’m not saying date him. He is sort of a player. I’m talking about a hook up for a night. Damn girl, he’s hot. I’m not going to lie; if he even batted an eyelash my way, I’d be on that like white on rice.” I laugh. She’s nuts, but that’s why I love her. She balances me out, calms my crazy.
“I know you decided to be a grownup and work full time instead of doing the college thing, but there is no reason that you can’t act like a crazy twenty-two-year-old once in a while. Come on, it’s the perfect setup. You don’t go to school here so no one would even know you hooked up.” I’m quiet. She knows my brain is going one hundred miles an hour.
“Stop overanalyzing. I know he’s gonna hit me up at our next class. Let’s go to Matador tomorrow night, and I’ll tell him we’re going to be there.” She doesn’t give me a chance to respond.
“Okay done. I’m hanging up before you say no. Goodnight, love you.”
The phone goes silent and I sit there for a minute stunned. I look down and I’m white knuckling my cell phone. What the hell did I just agree to? Oh God, this is going to be bad. I quickly send her a text.
Me: Fine but don’t make me sound like some desperate loser.
Vonne: Like that would happen!! Try to get some sleep; you have to be up early, remember? LOL! Luv Ya! ;)
Me: GN Love U 2! :)
My mind is racing, thinking about every possible worst-case scenario. I wish I were normal and not a thirteen-year-old stuck in a twenty-two-year-old’s body. I don’t know how to act around guys; they make me nervous. What if I say something stupid? Argh! I need to go to bed. It’s already twelve thirty. I put my iPod on and try to relax, praying for sleep to take me.
BEN
I was in the middle of asking another question when Maria came back. We’ve been doing this dance for months. She hasn’t caused any drama, but she’s on the border lately. She’s getting territorial. I’m not hers, but she likes to stake her claim whenever we’re at the frat house. She’s like a cat in heat pissing around me in a circle. Girls stay away from me when she’s around. She’s intimidating as fuck and tonight she was going to let those claws loose on Vonne.
She didn’t deserve it, so I walked away mid-sentence. Damn, just when I was getting the info on her friend. Ari? I like that. I wonder what it’s short for. I’ll have to ask her before class tomorrow.
“What was that about?” Maria’s trying to look calm, but I see the rage burning in those gray eyes of hers.
“Nothing, we have a class together.” I’m about to start explaining then realize I shouldn’t have to.
“I didn’t like it,” she spits out.
“We’ve talked about this; don’t start making this complicated.” I grab her hand and head upstairs before this turns into a fight. I know what she wants, and if I’m being honest, I could use the distraction. I get her into my room and kick the door shut behind us. I’m no longer in the mood for her rant so I pin her to my wall and slam my mouth onto hers. I shut my eyes tight and dammit if those beautiful hazel eyes don’t flash in my mind.
I don’t do sleepovers, so I’m not shocked to wake up alone. I get up, take a shower, and head to my business law class. I’ve never been this excited to take a final. Vonne has this class with me and I can’t wait to finish getting the info on her friend.
I walk through the large double doors and immediately spot her, sitting in her usual seat. I casually make my way over to the empty seat next to her. “Hey, Ben.” She looks at me with that knowing grin again.
I smile; she’s a funny little spitfire who won’t take my shit. I’m sure she knows what I want, so I don’t waste any time. “I want to know more about your friend.”
She grins and shakes her head at my statement. “No beating around the bush today huh?”
This girl. “Nope,” I retort.
“Okay, so what do you want to know?” she asks.
“Does she have a boyfriend?” I wring my hands nervously, not knowing what I’ll do if the answer is yes.
“Nope,” she answers, mimicking my earlier response.
I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “So, what does she do besides work?”
She giggles and shakes her head. “Look, I’m gonna help you out. She works full time, goes to the gym, and sometimes I get her to go out with me.” Okay, I could work with that.
“Are you going out anytime soon?” I ask.
“Yeah, actually we’re going to Matador’s in Fullerton tonight. Have you ever been?”
“I have, my best friend goes to school near there. So, maybe I’ll see you tonight then?”
Professor Lessig makes his way to the front of the room before she can answer.
ARI
I repeat the same string of keys singing to myself do re me fa so la ti do. Mom is getting ready to leave. There are butterflies in my stomach and the tears are stinging the back of my eyes. She goes into the kitchen; he looks over his shoulder to make sure she’s gone and starts rubbing my back. I start feeling nauseous. “Keep playing beautiful girl,” he whispers into my ear. I start from the beginning and try to keep my hands from shaking. My mom grabs her car keys, my
sisters, and her purse. “I’m just going to run to the store real quick. Your tia is next door if you need anything. I’ll be right back.” I stare at my mom trying not to cry and give her a pleading look. She’s so frazzled that she doesn’t even notice. She turns on her heel and is out the door. We’re alone. He moves his hand to my knee and begins rubbing it slowly. His hot breath is in my ear again. “You’re doing such a good job.” I begin playing, but stop when I hear the jingle of keys behind me. My aunt is walking out of her front door. “Mija, your uncle’s car broke down and he’s going to be late for work. Your mom will be right back; I have to go.” My body goes stiff, and I can’t stop trembling. Silent tears run down my cheeks. She can’t see my face through the screen door so she assumes it’s okay. I look out the window and watch her walk toward her car, praying someone will come back soon. I slowly shift my gaze toward the piano keys and my fear is paralyzing. He uses his thumb to wipe away a stray tear that’s running down my cheek. He brings his finger to his mouth and sucks. A soft moan escapes him, and I’m too scared to look up. He places his hand back on my knee and continues the slow kneading. I will my shaky hands back onto the keys and begin to play. I’m hoping the distraction will make him stop. He leans over and puts his nose in my hair breathing me in. “Mmmm . . . keep playing, princess.”
I jump up from bed, gasping for air, and covered in a cold sweat. The bright morning sun is hitting me in the eyes through my open blinds, and my neighbors’ car alarm is blaring. I look over at my cell phone, and it’s 7:15am. I need to be at work by 8am. It’s been fifteen years; get it together. I scramble off my bed and hurry over to take a shower. The feel of his breath in my ear is still making my skin crawl. I put the shower water as hot as I could stand it and quickly rub my skin raw trying to get the feeling of that sick bastard’s hands off me. I don’t have time to do much so I throw my hair up in a bun, slide on a pair of jeans, a top, and run out the door. Thank God for casual Friday.
College wasn’t in the cards for me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I didn’t think about it. It’s just as the oldest of three girls, spending Mom and Dad’s money when I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life just didn’t seem fair. I tried the retail thing for a while. Two years of putting on a fake smile while telling people, “No, I swear your ass doesn’t look fat in those jeans,” got old real quick. After weighing all of my options, and being a bum and mooching off my parents not being one of them, I finally chose a nine-month program and work full-time as a legal assistant at the Law Offices of Benton and Warner.
Traffic is surprisingly light, and I make it to work in record time. I get to my desk and there is a stack of files with a sticky note attached. The note is from Mr. Warner with a list of things that need to get done and a reminder that he and Mr. Benton will be out of the office for the rest of the day. I let out a sigh of relief, turn on my iPod, and get to work. This morning’s nightmare is still too fresh. I haven’t had one in a while, but stress usually triggers them.
I’m in the zone when the buzz of my cell phone grabs my attention. I look at the screen and Vonne’s name is flashing across it.
Vonne: You busy?
Me: Bosses are gone today. Call the office.
My desk phone rings a few seconds later.
“Law offices.”
“Why didn’t you just say hello you knew it was me?” she asks.
“Because, with my luck, it would have been a client and then what?” I retort.
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” She laughs.
“So, what’s up? How did your final go?” I sound eager, and I know she’s going to call me on it.
“Ask me what you really want to know?” she says sarcastically. Damn her.
“Fine, did you talk to Ben?” I ask.
“Well, as a matter of fact, I did. He asked me about you.” My stomach does a somersault. “He wanted to know if you had a boyfriend. We only had a few minutes before class started so I put him out of his misery. I told him no to the boyfriend and that basically you go to work, the gym, and sometimes out with me.”
My stomach sinks. “God, when you put it that way, I sound kind of boring.”
There’s a long pause. ”Well, what the hell was I supposed to say? It’s the truth. You’re a good girl and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
I sigh. ”I know, I just sound pathetic, like a crazy cat lady or something,” I whine.
“Hey! I never mentioned your love of cats!” she says insulted. I have to laugh. “Anyway, I told him that we were going out tonight. He knew the place. He said he might see us there. Which is code for he’s going to show up to stalk your ass, so you need to look hot.” Shit.
“Look, it’s going to be fine, don’t stress. I’ll come over early and we’ll get ready together.” I let out a deep breath.
“You’re right. This is stupid; he’s a player and he probably won’t even show up. I’ll be off at five. I’ll pick us up something for dinner. See you around seven?” I ask.
“Yeah, that works. See you tonight,” she says. I hang up the phone and try to get back to work. My mind is racing. What if he does show up, what then? I’m so screwed.
BEN
I BREEZE THROUGH MY FINAL in record time. Coming from a family of attorneys, you could say choosing pre-law as a major was inevitable. I stall for a few minutes to double check my answers. Who am I kidding, I aced this thing. I’m just waiting to get more details about tonight. I look over and Vonne is running a frustrated hand through her hair. She has a few pages left and sitting here staring at her isn’t going to make her finish any faster. Gathering my stuff, I make my way toward the front of the lecture hall and hand in my test. I guess I’ll just take my chances and hope they show up tonight.
I’m walking through campus toward my car when I notice Maria walking in my direction. I keep my head down and cut right toward the parking structure, silently praying that she doesn’t see me. “Ben . . . Ben . . .” she calls out from behind me.
Shit. No such luck; it’s like she can smell me. I turn to face her. “Hey! What’s up?”
“Nothing. Where you headed?” she asks closing the distance between us.
“Home, I just finished my final. I’m gonna go catch a nap.” I turn away and resume my walk toward the structure.
“Do you want some company?” she calls out. She doesn’t take rejection well, and if I’m keeping count, this is the second time I’ve tried to brush her off in the last twenty-four hours.
“Um . . . it was a late night, you know. I just want to sleep. Can I get a rain check?” She narrows her eyes at me but says nothing. “I’ll talk to you later.” I turn and run toward the car.
I get back to the house a few minutes later and walk into a disaster area. The house is eerily quiet. I guess I’m the only dumbass who had a Friday class. I pick up around the kitchen and throw out a few bags of trash before heading to my room to pass out. The sound of thumping music and voices outside my door wakes me up. It’s dark outside and it takes me a minute to fully wake up. I grab my cell off my nightstand and see it’s seven thirty. I guess I was tired. Grabbing a towel, I send Eli a quick text and head to the shower.
Me: Heading your way tonight. What are you up to?
Eli is like the brother I never had. We’ve spent the last twenty-two years sharing every milestone including a birthday, we’re only days apart. Our parents were best friends, we vacationed, we spent holidays together, we even played on the same Pop Warner football team. After my dad passed, everything changed. Our parents’ friendship drifted. The fact that it only took Mom six months to move on to husband number two had a lot to do with it. She’s now on husband number four.
When Mom’s mission to find a man became more important than taking care of me, my Nana Rosemary stepped up. She made it a point to keep Eli and I close. She would pick him up to spend the weekend with us. We applied to the same colleges, but when it came time to choose, he chose Cal State Fullerton. Even though we both have
hectic schedules, we talk and get together when we can.
Eli: Really? I’m going downtown tonight. Where you headed?
Me: Matador. Wanna meet up?
Eli: Yeah, text me when you get out here.
Me: Cool, see you later.
ARI
The rest of my work day is uneventful. I manage to get back my focus and finish everything on my list. I leave my bosses a quick voicemail message, lock the office, and get the hell out of there. I pick up dinner from our favorite Mexican restaurant and pull up to the house just as Vonne is doing the same.
“Whoop, whoop . . . party time, bitches,” she yells out the window while trying to parallel park in the world’s smallest parking space.
I roll my eyes and start laughing. “C’mon, crazy. Food’s getting cold,” I yell back.
She follows me into my apartment. “Man, that smells good. I’m starved,” she says. I hand her the bag, and she begins to unpack our food while I grab plates. We quickly scarf down our carne asada tacos.
“Dang, I guess we were hungry.” I look around and there isn’t a crumb left.
“Yeah, I was so hungry I almost ate through the foil.” She rubs her stomach. “Let’s get changed before we get lazy,” she says yawning. I feel a food coma coming on so we clean up and head to my room.
Vonne is buried in my walk-in closet. “All right, time to hoochie you up,” she says full of excitement. The sound of hangers sliding across the rail fills the room.
“Yeah, right, good luck finding a hoochie outfit in there.” I lie across my bed anxious to see what she comes up with.
“C’mon, granny, you have to have something inappropriate in this closet of yours. Maybe something that might catch the boss’s attention.” She peeks her head out of my closet and winks.
“Gross, they’re both old enough to be my dad.”
She ignores me. ”This is cute” A black top and a pair of skinny jeans come flying toward my head.
“Where did you find these?” I ask surprised. Both items still have tags.