by J Wells
Leaning forward, she applied another layer of dark cherry gloss to her lips, and then fluffed out her long blond hair. She stood back and smiled, recalling how Slade’s eyes had been transfixed on those same lips. Obviously, he liked the rich crimson color.
“You ready to go, Melody?” asked her best friend Taylor, who was frantically texting someone on her phone. “It’s getting late and I told Ricky I’d stop by after we left the club.” She looked up and giggled. “Booty call, baby.”
“What about us?” asked Veronica, looking pissed. “I thought we’d agreed that I was staying at your place tonight, Taylor?”
“You’re welcome to wait in the car. It won’t take long,” she replied. “He’s like a jack-hammer.”
Melody and Veronica looked at each other, and then burst out laughing.
Taylor bit her lower lip. “Actually, now that I think about it, I’m not in the mood for thirty seconds of Ricky. You know, I’d almost rather go eat somewhere. We could go back to that diner up the street. Remember how awesome their food was last time we went?”
Veronica’s eyes lit up. “Ruth’s? Girl, I’m starving. Let’s do it.”
“Uh… sorry. I can’t, guys,” said Melody. “I’m meeting someone.”
Taylor raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? Who?!”
Melody stared at her side-view in the mirror, sucking in her stomach and thrusting out her chest. She was glad she’d worn her new leopard-printed pushup bra with the matching thong. She wondered if Slade liked animal print. “Wish I could tell you, but it’s kind of a secret.”
“Excuse me,” replied Veronica, putting her hands on her hips. “We’re your best friends. You have to tell us!”
She hesitated, wanting to share the news, but her friends had big mouths. “I can’t. Look, I’ll tell you tomorrow. I just don’t want to blow my chances tonight.”
“Blow your chances? He’s not married or anything, is he?” asked Taylor.
“Please,” replied Melody, rolling her eyes. “I’m not into married guys. I just can’t tell you who it is because I promised not to say anything.”
“That’s just weird,” said Veronica.
“If you knew who it was, you wouldn’t think so,” she replied with a sly smile.
“Are you going to be okay? I feel uncomfortable taking off like this and not knowing exactly what’s up,” said Taylor.
Melody dug into her Louis Vuitton purse and took out a small bottle of perfume. She spritzed some into the air and then stepped into the fruity mist. “Don’t worry about me. Everything is totally cool.”
Veronica studied her face. “He’s not some freak, is he? You know him pretty well?”
Melody smiled. “Of course, and he’s not a freak. Chill out, guys.”
Veronica sighed. “We’re just worried about you.”
Melody zipped up her purse. “Look, I appreciate your concern, but I’ll be fine. Take off and get some breakfast.” She winked. “While I go and get me some dessert.”
Veronica laughed. “Girl, I hear that. Next time get some for me, too. I haven’t had sex since Jerome and I broke up last summer.”
“We know,” said Taylor. “You complain about it at least twice a day.”
“You would too if it wasn’t for the ‘Jack Hammer’,” she replied.
“Speaking of… maybe I should meet up with Ricky,” said Taylor, biting her lower lip.
“Oh, hell no,” replied Veronica. “I’m not going to be the only one not getting some tonight.”
Taylor laughed. “Fine. I’m sure the food will be more satisfying than thirty seconds of Ricky anyway.”
“Especially if you order the cheesecake again,” said Melody. “Remember how much you loved it?”
“Mm… that’s right. Well, call us tomorrow,” said Taylor, dropping her phone into her satchel. “And give us the dirt.”
“You know it,” she replied, hugging her. Melody turned to Veronica and hugged her as well. “I’ll fill you both in on all the steamy details.”
“You’d better. But not before noon,” said Taylor. “I’m going to hold you to it.”
After Veronica and Taylor left, Melody glanced at her reflection one more time.
This time, Slade, you sexy bastard, she thought, you’re going to make me sing. All night long…