by Dawn Umrie
The phone call disconnects.
I answer, again.
“Hi, Ma.”
“Sorry, Hun, I’m still trying to figure this phone out. Your dad is much better with this kind of stuff. I’m doing well. How’s my favorite son?”
“I can’t complain, life is being kind.”
“That’s my boy. Your father and I are leaving for our cruise tomorrow, so anything short of the sky falling, you won’t be hearing from us,” she laughs.
“You and dad just concentrate on having a good time and relaxing.”
“That’s the plan. Wait, your dad wants to talk to you. I’ll see you when we get back, and hopefully, I’ll figure out how to take a picture without it coming out blurry. I want to show you some pictures. Oh, and when do you think you’ll be bringing home a nice girl?” She laughs, knowing it’s her signature question.
The cutest mom, ever.
“I’m working on it, mom. Have fun, love you.”
“Wow, you’ve never answered like that. Something you want to share with your mother… who desperately wants grandchildren in this lifetime?”
“Didn’t you say that Dad wanted to talk to me?”
“He does, and remember this, a mother never forgets.”
“Don’t I know it,” I say while laughing. “Bye, mom.”
My dad gets on the line.
“Seth, how are you? How’s business treating you?”
“I’m great, Dad, so is business. You all set for your cruise tomorrow?”
“I’ve got a reserved seat in front of the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ slot machine. I’m glad business is good.”
“Yeah, well, win big, dad.”
“Ah, that’s my intention. Or to at least pay for this expensive trip.”
“Good luck with that, but don’t forget about mom.”
“Are you kidding me? Your mother will be in the spa getting the works.”
“Alright, dad. Enjoy. I’ll talk to you when you return.”
“Thanks, son, as long as your mother doesn’t throw my ass overboard. Love you, kid.”
“Love you too, pops.”
Merissa
Dressed in a pair of comfy sweats and a t-shirt that says, ‘Coffee Before Convos.’ I open the back door using my elbow to push down the handle, while I carry a bowl of cereal in one hand and half a pink grapefruit in the other, a spoon dangling from my mouth. I close the door using my hip and watch the milk almost spill over the rim. Breakfast on my screen enclosed patio is my new favorite thing about this house.
Birds with their morning music, squirrels chasing one another up trees, a light warm breeze ruffling the palm fronds make for the perfect foundation to my day.
At some point today, maybe, I need to finish putting my belongings away. But, since this house is fully stocked, and I don’t have to work until the wee hours of the night, I haven’t felt the need to rush. I fully expected to have to go shopping for necessities, like towels, pots, and pans, etc., but everything I could need, and more, is here and in brand-new condition. I’m guessing the owners had planned on renting it as a vacation rental or something, otherwise, I can’t explain the reason behind it, but you won’t hear me complaining.
Making my way back into the kitchen, I place my bowl and spoon in the dishwasher, my second favorite thing. I look around the room to see where I set my phone down, knowing that I need to thank both Tim and Seth for the housewarming gifts—with more emphasis on, Seth.
Even though I know that he’s single at the present, doesn’t mean that he would automatically be interested in me anyway. The man is successful, beyond good-looking, and charming, so why in the hell is he still single?
Holy shit, maybe he’s gay.
I hadn’t thought of that as a possibility until this very moment, my heart sinks at the thought of him being off limits. Not just sinks, but ties itself into a knot that would rival any sailors—and I hate my heart for its melodramatic reaction to him, even though, I hold the strings.
What’s confusing me is that when I thought he had a girlfriend, it almost felt safer to hide behind that knowledge, rather than to be exposed out in the open like an animal being hunted with no camouflage to blend into. On the other hand, after hearing he doesn’t date Sylvia, puts my mind at ease and opens a can of snakes at the same time.
I walk back to the patio area and sit sprawled across two chairs with my bare feet propped up, searching through my small list of contacts for Tim’s number, so I could shoot him a text.
ME: Tim, I wanted to thank you for the fruit basket. It was lovely.
When in doubt, send fruit. Leave another person holding the check… send fruit. The fruit tastes amazing, though.
TIM: Glad you liked it. Sorry, again.
ME: No worries.
I always hear about awkward phone calls, but what about awkward texting? I cut the text short in case it headed for cringe-ville. Instead, I find Seth’s number and begin typing out a text, then delete it, type again… delete. You would think I was sending a message to the Pope or something.
ME: Thanks so much for the gift card to Perks. I plan to break it in today. I love the effing mug, too. :)
I’m biting my nails while waiting for his reply, knowing I can’t move on with my day until he responds.
SETH: You’re effing welcome. Are you settling in okay?
ME: I am, thanks. I still have boxes to unpack, but most of it’s done. And since the new owner of Graffiti’s gave me some time off, I can take my sweet old time.
SETH: He sounds like a great guy to me.
ME: He is.
SETH: So, what are your plans for the day, besides Perks.
He is just making small talk. He’s probably, gay, remember?
ME: Grocery store
Perks
Get Birdseed
Krav Maga class at Gym Works.
Not necessarily in that order.
SETH: What time is your class?
Friends ask these types of questions. Conversations are built on simple curiosities.
ME: Oh, not until 6 o’clock
SETH: See you there. ;)
Damn you, winky emoji for being the cryptic mascot of texting.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Merissa
With the last of my groceries put away, I lift the 35 lb. bag of birdseed and carry it out back to the birdhouse that hangs from a mature Ficus Tree in the backyard. The root system on this tree is even lovelier than the leaves and branches are. A swing will have to go onto my wish list, as I spy the perfect thick branch beckoning me to spend lazy days swinging on it. For the time being, I need a name for this fine specimen of a tree.
Yes, I shall call him, Vicaris.
I add scoop after scoop of seed until it’s filled to the top, looking forward to seeing my feathered friends in the morning. Hauling the seed back in my arms, I place it on the patio and go back inside to get ready for the class at Mike’s.
Instead of wearing some ratty old sweats and a t-shirt, I decided to put myself together since Seth mentioned coming by. I do remember Mike telling me that Seth hits the gym after work almost every night, so it’s not like he’s making a special trip for me. Even still, I can’t go there looking like I just added birdseed to a feeder, either.
Stepping out of the walk-in shower, I grab my robe off the hook on the wall and twist my hair up in the softest of white towels. I’ve already laid out a pair of pale pink yoga pants that tie around the ankle, and a matching sports bra. I’ll bring a white hoodie in case I get cold in the AC.
Practically galloping down the stairs when I hear the doorbell ring, I see Brook wiggling her fingers in greeting.
“Don’t you look pretty in pink. It wouldn’t be because of Seth, would it?” She says the name Seth with two syllables instead of one.
“Of course, it’s because of him. I couldn’t very well let him see me in a stained shirt and shorts with holes in them. And not the fashionable kind, either, but the ones made from excessive w
ear and tear.”
Brook puts her hand up as if to tell me to stop. “You’re stunning, and I’m not just telling you that because I’m obligated to as your best friend. It’s just really nice to see you go goo-goo over a guy.”
“One that I told you probably plays for the other team. And if so, I hope to find that out right away, so I could put this entire infatuation to bed where it belongs.
Brook giggles and shakes her head. “Stop coming up with imaginary roadblocks, Rissy. Look out, I’m about to go all Titanic up in this crib.”
“Hit me with it.”
“‘If you got nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose.’” She purses her lips and nods her head in agreement.
“Shit, I can’t argue with a quote from our movie. That would be sacrilegious. Alright, let’s go before I decide to stay home and eat frosting straight out of its container.”
Brook opens her purse and pulls out a brown paper bag.
“Oh, perfect, a barf bag. I may need it, good thinking,” I say with a smile.
“I forgot to give you this yesterday. It’s that hippy shit that you burn.”
“You actually brought me a bag of pot?”
“Oh my God, it’s sage, Rissy, so you could cleanse your new house.”
She’s my sister in every sense of the word.
* * *
The Krav Maga class was amazing. Brook and I thought we had already mastered the kick to the groin move up until now. We were told that striking the soft spots of the body is essential since no matter how much a person works out, there are parts of the body that can’t be strengthened. Just that simple. In just a short hour, I’ve learned a few of the basics tonight and got in an added workout.
Wiping my hairline with the small towel that Brook handed me while exiting the room, I use my peripheral vision as much as I could to see if Seth is here without peering throughout the entire space. In my mind it makes me appear as cool as a cucumber, but I most likely look aloof. Mike’s Gym is broken up into different sections with two levels, which makes it nearly impossible to find anyone in here.
What if he already sees me? He could be on the second floor, eyeing me as I speak.
How about I just bring my aloof ass back to the locker room and gather my things before I start hiding behind the machines like a cheesy detective.
Putting it mildly, I’ve reverted to being a 10-year-old, and the weird part is, that when I’m with Seth, I feel like myself again. It’s kind of like when you fixate on a roller coaster. You stand there looking so insignificant, the anticipation of riding it is unsettling, but when you’re on it, there’s nothing more exhilarating than that first downward plummet. You’re no longer small, but larger than life for those very few short minutes.
Seth is my roller coaster.
Seth
I unapologetically stare from the elliptical machine that I’m currently on into the room where the Krav Magna class is underway, providing me the perfect vantage point to admire Merissa without looking like a goddamn stalker. I watched as she entered the room looking every bit like every guys subject of their wet dreams. Wearing all pink, I’m betting that she tastes better than cotton candy, and I feel my dick twitch in my pants at the thought of her desire coating my tongue.
For about 20 minutes, I watched her toned leg muscles flex, her exposed stomach tightens, her breasts bounce ever so slightly—a light sheen of sweat coating her beautiful smooth skin. Using my pent-up craving for her to my advantage, I pedal through the resistance, creating an effective burn to my hamstrings.
With about 10 minutes left of my session, I watch as the attendees file out of the room, Merissa, and Brook the last to walk out. Merissa doesn’t see me as she casually strolls through the room to the area where the locker rooms are.
Cutting my time short, I wipe my face and drape the towel around my neck. For the first time, I didn’t use my earbuds, strangely wanting to be here fully, knowing my music takes me to other places.
I changed from my sweats and tank to a pair of jeans and a black Henley shirt. Fairly confident that Merissa is still here based on how long Vee takes to get ready, I continue my search. From a distance, I catch sight of her just as she leaves Mike’s office, so I follow her with my gaze, not wanting to lose her in this huge gym.
Let the fuckin’ chase begin.
Merissa
Maybe he got caught up with work and couldn’t make it. A cloud of displeasure looms over my head. The unexpected weight of it causes a childish pout to form on my lips. It reminds me of when I was in the seventh grade and this boy that I had an innocent crush on would be waiting at my locker each morning to talk before the bell rang… until one day he wasn’t waiting.
“How was Krav Maga?” A deep voice, making that question sound erotic, breaks through my pity party.
I breathe in deeply, taking in the rich notes of his cologne. “It was very educational… and therapeutic. I think I’m hooked.”
“I bet. That’s pretty much how I feel about kickboxing, and everyone should learn how to protect themselves… or carry around a big ass pocket knife,” he says with a deep chuckle that vibrates right through my body.
Laughing back, “Yeah, about that…?”
“You mean, why I have one at the ready?
“I know why people carry them, but I’m just curious why you do, or did?
“I’ve never been into getting a gun for protection, so I thought a knife would be the next best thing, especially since carrying a sword is frowned upon and all.” And now I know what a twinkle in someone’s eyes means.
Damn, if that black shirt doesn’t accentuate the artwork on his muscular arms. Realizing I’m focused on it, and not actually responding to what he just said, I lift my chin back up, only to watch a slow knowing smile spread across his beautiful mouth.
“Yes, well, I’m glad that’s the case or our hallway incident would have resulted in my demise, for sure.”
“Just like in Julius Caesar, I’d have to die by the sword if that happened,” he says with a raised eyebrow.
I’ve always hated anything written by Shakespeare—up until now.
“Sadly, you would have deserved it.”
This back and forth teasing makes me want to wipe the hair off my forehead that I could feel beginning to stick from the sudden heat that’s radiating through me.
I was less sweaty during the self-defense class since I’m now face to face with another kind of threat.
“No doubt,” he says with a smile that could light up the darkest room. “Listen, would you like to grab something to eat with me?”
Toying with a stray hair that had fallen, “Oh, uh, sure, Brook gave me a ride here, so let me just go tell her that you’re going to bring me home. I mean, I’m assuming you will since the gym will be closed by then to drop me back off.” And I nervously ramble.
“You would be correct in your assumptions.”
Gulp. He doesn’t seem like a man of many words, but the ones he does say are thought out and impactful.
Seth
Fuck, if I didn’t enjoy our little back and forth. I’m thankful for the chance for it to continue since she agreed to get something to eat with me. Never have I felt such a powerful connection to a woman before, both physically and mentally. If she had said no, I don’t think I could have hidden my disappointment… not this time.
I admire her as she saunters back over to where I’m leaning against a wall, her beautiful white teeth on full display. I return hers, our expressions a mirror image to an outsider.
I’ve never concealed my fuckin’ feelings and I’m not about to start now.
I want her.
It’s that black and white for me.
“Ready, beautiful?” She took her hair out of the ponytail and it’s so long that it almost reaches her waist like a silk black veil.
It more than pleases me when I see a pretty blush rise from her delicate neck up to her cheeks. I want to follow that same path with my fingertips and fee
l the warmth that I know would be underneath them.
“Uh huh.” She strides ahead of me, so I place my hand at the small of her back and push the door open.
* * *
Not really what I had in mind after a workout, but I wasn’t going to deny her request to go to Burgers, H. D’s, and Shakes. It’s mostly fried food, so it’s fuckin’ delicious, which is why I usually avoid it. I watch her look through the menu with her eyebrows knit in thought like she’s required to make a life or death decision.
“Everything looks good to me right now. The pictures aren’t helping me decide, either. I want a burger of some kind, but holy Jesus, look at how many are on here?”
If she isn’t fuckin’ sweet, I don’t know who is. “So, don’t try to decide on just one thing then.”
She pulls at her earring, “Are you serious? No, I couldn’t.”
“Yes, you could.”
She pulls her bottom lip inside with her teeth, “I’m just going to get their double steak burger with cheese and a side of onion rings… and an Oreo shake.” She says with a sly grin on her face.
I’m so enamored with her that I’ve been sitting here with the menu open staring at her instead.
She pipes up, “What are you getting? Judging by your body, you probably don’t eat like this.” She cringed like she didn’t mean to say the last part.
“I could say the same about you,” I say while sitting back in the booth. “I’m having what you are. I’ll run the extra calories off in the morning.”
The server took our orders, then vanished for what seemed like an hour before she brought the food over.
“Look at the size of this burger, I don’t think I could even fit it inside my mouth,” she says, then shakes her head.
My mind went there, right to the gutter. I tilt my head with both eyebrows up. Her upper body seemingly wilts in the seat across from me.
“Ugh. Everything I say to you feels like an innuendo. How embarrassing. I need to screen my words before they just fall out of my mouth.”