by T. A. Roth
“It’s one of my mother’s favorite places. I met her and my stepdad here one night.” He leans in and gives me a peck on the lips. “They have really good sangria. I remember it being your favorite.”
I smile. “You had me at san-”
He shakes his head and laughs. The waitress comes over to take our drink order, and we take a few more minutes looking over the menu. The food is tapas style, so we order a few different dishes. Everything on the menu sounds amazing, and I’m starved.
“So, how often do you see your mom?” His face drops a little. Shit. Insert foot in mouth.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to uh . . . you don’t have to.”
“No . . . It’s okay.” He places his hand over mine.
“Uh . . . she and my stepfather travel a lot. He owns a fleet of private jets that he rents out to high profile clients. She calls when she’s in town, and we try to meet for dinner, but she’s rarely around.”
“Oh.” I don’t know what else to say, and I feel stupid for asking such a personal question. I try to change the subject.
“So, where does your grandma live?” His face lights up.
“She’s nearby actually, in San Marino.”
“Did you live with her until you went to college?”
“Yeah, Mom moved on pretty quick after my dad passed, so I went to live with her. I moved in when I was eight, and she raised me. I tried to commute back and forth to school, but she wouldn’t have it.” I look up at him surprised.
“I didn’t want her to live in the house alone. She wanted me to get the full college experience. She said that living away from home was part of it, and I couldn’t argue. She’s really stubborn when she sets her mind on something. So, I moved into the frat house.” I just fell a little harder for him.
“Do you visit often?”
“I try. It’s really hard during football season, with practice, classes, and the fraternity. She calls me every Sunday after church and went to all of my home games during the season. She’s never missed one. Not even when I was little. Now that the season is over, it should be easier to see her.”
“Aww, that is so sweet. I think I just fell in love with your grandma.” I lean over and kiss him on the cheek. The waitress brings our dishes, and we dig in.
“I wish I could have seen you play.”
“Yeah, me, too. We had a good season. It’s still weird thinking I won’t be playing anymore.”
“Did you ever think about going pro?”
“Yeah, but your career is short lived. I’m looking forward to going to law school.” I nod in agreement. I don’t follow sports, but I do know that a lot of the players’ careers are over by their mid-thirties.
“So, Eli’s been pretty tight lipped about things between him and Vonne. Do you know what’s going on?” he asks, changing the subject.
“Dang, I was hoping you knew something. She’s been playing dumb every time I ask her. She just says things are fine and changes the subject. She’ll crack soon. She can’t hold it in for long.”
“Hey, what is Vonne short for anyway?” he asks.
“If I tell you, I’ll have to kill you, or better yet, she’ll kill me.”
“Oh, I think I can get you to sing like a canary,” he whispers huskily, trailing kisses up my neck.
“Pretty . . . please,” he whispers again. I’m trying hard not to cave. His whispered words are causing a delicious tingle across my skin, and if he doesn’t stop, I’m going to take him right here in the booth.
“Aww hell. . . . you have to promise not to repeat this.” I pant out.
“Scouts honor,” he says, smiling while holding two fingers up.
“I highly doubt you were a boy scout.”
“Hey, I can pitch a tent,” he says with a straight face and I start to laugh.
“The one in your pants doesn’t count.”
“Listen here, funny girl . . .” He curls his fingers into my sides making me squirm.
“Fine . . . fine . . . stop . . . I’ll talk.” He places his hands on the table giving me a smug grin.
“One night we watched this documentary on VH1 about 90’s supermodels. She became obsessed after that. She collected old copies of Vogue, Vanity Fair, Elle, anything she could get her hands on. Every inch of her bedroom walls was covered with pictures.”
He looks at me confused.
“When she realized she wouldn’t be taller than five-foot-four, she decided to change her name. She dropped the Y and forced me to call her Vonne and it stuck. If she couldn’t be a supermodel, at least her name sounded like one.” He stares at me face free of emotion.
“Cool story, bro.”
“Ass,” I say slugging his shoulder and he starts to laugh.
“I’m kidding. Come here.” He pulls me closer giving me a kiss on the cheek. “I’m sorry, but you know I’m going to have to give her shit eventually, right? That story is just too good.”
“I told you that I’d kill you. You better not even dare,” I say taking the last bite of my pork belly taco and he laughs.
We finish everything we ordered, not leaving one scrap of food. I guess I wasn’t the only one starving.
“The food and sangria were amazing, thanks.”
“No problem, I’m glad you liked it. It’s getting late; do you want to head back?” I sigh not wanting this day to end. He’s been so great. I’ve never regretted having a full-time job as much as I do now.
“Hey, what is that pouty lip about?” he asks noticing the change in my mood.
“I’m fine,” I answer while shrugging my shoulders. I’m being stupid. He came to see me for lunch and took me to dinner. I’m turning into one of those annoying, needy girls. Blah. I want to slap myself.
“I’m good,” I answer again forcing a smile.
“Come here.” He wraps his arm around my waist and slides me over so I’m practically sitting on his lap again. He leans in bringing his mouth to my ear.
“I’m trying to be responsible here, babe. I want nothing more than to spend all night with you, but I won’t interfere with your job. I know you have to get up early, and that’s the only reason I’m taking you home.” Not helping. Now I only want him more.
“I know,” I answer feeling frustrated.
BEN
She’s quiet on the drive home. The radio is on, and she’s humming along, staring out the window. I would pay money to know what’s going on in that head of hers.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
She turns to look at me. “Nothing. I love this song, and I was just thinking about what a good time I had today.”
I’m relieved. “Good. So, what’s on the agenda for tomorrow?” She frowns.
“Work,” she says rolling her eyes. “You?”
“I only have a few more days before school starts up again. I was hoping I could spend the rest of them with you?”
Her face lights up. “I’d like that.”
“Cool, you want to come over to the frat when you get off tomorrow?” Her smile drops and a look of dread replaces it.
“It’ll be fine. Most of the guys are away, and there are no parties planned. I’ll pick us up some dinner, and we can hang out in my room.” I park in front of her house. She doesn’t respond right away, and she’s wringing her hands in her lap. I lean over and gently tug at her chin, bringing her face up to meet my eyes.
“Ari, I don’t want to put you in an uncomfortable situation. I just figured you could wait out some of the traffic at my house.”
She sighs. ”You’re right, I’m sorry. I’m being stupid.”
“You’re not stupid. I don’t want to force you to do anything you’re not comfortable with. So if you really don’t want to come over, I understand.” She puts her mouth on mine, and I quickly forget what in the hell I was just saying.
She pulls back and whispers across my lips. “It’s fine . . . really.” I pull her in, and we go at it like two teenagers for at least another twenty minutes. She pulls awa
y with a frustrated sigh. “I better go inside, it’s getting late.”
“All right, so tomorrow then?” She nods. “It’s going to be fine, I promise.”
She leans in and gives me another kiss. ”I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She turns to open the door, and I grab her wrist to stop her. “Wait; let me walk you to the door.”
She turns to look at me. ”Ben, if you walk me to the door, I’ll pull you inside and I guarantee you that I won’t make it to work tomorrow.”
“So call in sick.” Well, there went the whole not wanting to interfere with your job speech. She brings her lips to mine for one more kiss, and I devour her. She pulls away breaking our frenzied kiss.
“I can’t; we’re getting ready for trial. My bosses would kill me.” She places one last kiss on my cheek and jumps out of the car. She leans down to the open window.
“Thanks again, see you tomorrow.” She turns and races up her steps. I wait until I get her text letting me know she made it inside.
ARI
After sending Ben a text to let him know that I made it inside, I notice that I have a few missed texts from my sisters and Vonne. I respond back to my sisters and decide to give Vonne a call. I’m having all these weird thoughts and feelings, and she’s the only one who can calm me. I dial her number, and she picks up after just a few rings.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s me. You still up?”
“Who? I’m not sure I know who this is. The voice sounds familiar. Ari?”
“Okay, smartass, I know I’ve been MIA the last few days but give me a break, okay?”
“Fine, but only because I want details. So, to what do I owe this honor?”
“I just wanted to talk. Everything is going well. He took me to lunch today and then we went to dinner tonight. I just got back.”
“But?” I swear she’s part psychic.
“Ugh . . .” I flop back on my bed.
“I don’t know. It’s just . . . I don’t know how to do this. If I didn’t already know he was a player, I would call you a liar. He’s awesome, and I’m trying really hard not to fall for him but . . .”
“Holy shit, Ari, seriously? You were supposed to just have fun for a night. Then you go out with him the next day and now. Have I taught you nothing?” she shouts.
“Ugh, he’s just so damn perfect. He sees right through me and says all the right things. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t want to get hurt.”
“Has he given you any reason to think that he’ll hurt you?” She softens her tone.
“Not yet. But see, that’s the problem. He’s too good to be true. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. He invited me to the frat tomorrow night, and I sort of freaked.”
“What do you mean you freaked?”
“I didn’t say anything, I freaked. I don’t even know why. Well, I know why. It’s just, I’m going to be out of place there and what if that bitch shows up? I don’t know. Ugh! See, I’m a freak. Why does he even want to go out with me?”
“Calm down, crazy. He sees everything that everyone who meets you sees.”
“Yeah. That I’m fucking crazy.”
“Will you shut up, you are not. You’re beautiful, honest, and funny. Now will you just stop?”
“Okay you’re starting to sound like Aibileen from The Help, and it’s freaking me out. Hurry, say something stupid.”
“Well, if it doesn’t work out for you two, we can always go with plan A.”
“What?” I ask confused.
“Plan A. You know the one where I marry Nick and you marry Joe Jonas. We’ll live next door to each other and have barbecues every Sunday.”
I laugh. “I’m hanging up now.”
“I mean have you seen Nick lately. Dayuuum! It could happen.”
“Bye, Vonne.”
I hang up. The girl is certifiable sometimes, but at least she got my mind off tomorrow.
This day is going by in slow motion. I’ve caught up with all of my work, and my bosses are in meetings all day. I have nothing to do but stress out about tonight. I need a damn distraction. I couldn’t sleep at all last night. My damn brain just wouldn’t shut off. I want so bad to come up with an excuse to flake tonight. He was so excited and the thought of disappointing him keeps me from doing it. Dammit, Vonne is right. I need to just suck it up. It’s finally quitting time. I pack up my desk and send the text I’ve been dreading all day.
BEN
I’m glad to have the break from school but having nothing to do while Ari’s at work all day sucks. My laundry is washed and folded. I got my car washed, and I’m about three hours into playing Madden. You don’t realize how long eight hours is until you have absolutely nothing to do. She finally texts to let me know she’s on her way. I grab my keys and head out to pick up dinner.
I pull up just as Ari is parking. The Mexican spot around the corner took forever today. I grab the bag of food and walk over to open her door.
“Hey.”
“Hey, yourself.” I lean in to give her a kiss. She’s wearing another drool-worthy outfit, and it takes me a second to meet her eyes.
“You okay there?” she says smiling.
“Better now.” I lace our fingers and lead us into the house. Shit.
We walk in, and Maria is sitting on the couch with Jake. Did I say sitting? I meant she’s dry humping him with her tongue down his throat. Ari’s grip tightens, and I start to pull her toward my room. The sound of the screen door shutting behind us gets their attention, and Maria pulls away.
She picks her head up and narrows those stormy gray eyes at Ari. I know this is the exact reason Ari didn’t want to come over. Fuck. Maria stands up and wipes her mouth with her thumb. Her shirt has a few buttons undone, and her cleavage is on full display. She’s completely unfazed. She whips her hair over her shoulder and walks toward us. I tug on Ari’s hand, but she holds firm. I look over at her, and she’s meeting Maria’s narrowed gaze with a cocked brow. Damn, she’s hot when she’s angry. I know, bad timing.
ARI
You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. This is my worst nightmare realized. I walk into the frat house, and Maria is straddling some dude on the couch and not just any dude. It’s that drunken asshole from Thursday night. I tighten my grip on Ben’s hand and I know he’s trying to get me the hell out of the room as quick as possible, when the damn screen door slams behind me. Shit. Adrenaline starts running through my veins. I’ve heard Maria isn’t afraid to go toe to toe, and she thinks I stole her man. I’m definitely on the top of her shit list.
She narrows her eyes at me, and I’m just waiting for the bell. Ding, ding, ding! Let’s go, bitch. Relax, I’m not about to throw down like some chola, but a verbal throw down might be fun. Here Ben, hold my earrings. I grin at the thought and the fact that I look so calm seems to piss her off.
“So Ben who’s your friend?” Heavy emphasis on the F. She plasters a fake smile on her face and waits for him to answer.
“I’m Ari and you are?” I say before he has a chance. I’m trying to be polite, so I proffer my hand. She lets out a huff, completely dismissing my gesture.
“Oh, you know exactly who I am.” I shrug my shoulders and shake my head, playing dumb.
“No, I can’t say that I do.”
“Well, Ben knows me really well. Don’t you, Ben?” She’s trying to piss me off, but the fact that she was just dry humping some dude on the couch and is now putting her claim on Ben. Really? It’s just sad.
“Oh, so you know Ben the same way, you know . . . Oh, I’m sorry, I never got your name.” I look over at the dumbass watching the show from behind the couch.
“Jake,” he answers, recognition crossing his face. “Hey, weren’t you here with Vonne last week?” he asks stupidly. I smile. This is only pissing her off even more.
“Yeah, I think we might have danced for a minute.” Bens grip tightens.
“Okay, now that we have all the introductions out of the way, our food is
getting cold. Later!” Ben tugs at my arm but not before I can get one more in.
“Nice seeing you again, Jake.” He waves like an idiot. I turn my eyes back to Maria.
“Nice meeting you, too. Maybe next time I’ll get your name.” I turn and follow Ben up the stairs. Ari-1 Maria-0.
BEN
I underestimated her. My girl has some spunk, and good God, if it wasn’t a fucking turn on. We get inside my room, and as soon as she closes the door behind us, I push her up against it and crash my lips onto her mouth. She yelps in surprise but quickly melts into me.
“What was that for?” she asks trying to catch her breath.
“That was fucking hot.”
She grins and pushes past me. “Enjoyed the show, did we?”
“Remind me not to piss you off,” I say, and she starts to laugh.
“Scared?” she asks coyly looking over her shoulder.
I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. “Very,” I whisper into her ear causing tiny goosebumps to break out on her neck. “Now let’s eat, our food is getting cold.”
I unpack the small Mexican buffet I ordered. “I wasn’t sure what you were in the mood for so I got us a few options.”
“I’m starved, everything looks good.” I hand her a plate then head over to my mini fridge and grab us some drinks.
“Sorry about that downstairs. They weren’t here when I left to get the food. I wouldn’t have-”
“Don’t worry about it. You looked just as surprised as I did,” she interrupts.
“I don’t want you to have to put up with that.”
She puts her hand in mine and squeezes. ”Hey, it’s okay. I can handle her. I knew what I was getting myself into. She’s pissed, I get it, but I’m not going to let her walk all over me.”
“I know, and I’m sorry that you even had to see her.”
“Okay, I’m done ruining my dinner with this conversation; these taquitos are calling my name.” She leans over and gives me a quick kiss, and we finally dig into our food.
We eat in comfortable silence with the occasional moan when she bites into something she likes.