Nikki couldn’t believe any of this. It was surreal.
She saw Sam’s head hang just a bit, her posture change. A guilty look in her eye and Nikki knew it to be true. Even after their talk, Sam was still lying about their relationship. It was one thing to say they were together. Another to lie about her whereabouts. Make up stories and spread rumors about her.
“Are you kidding me? What is wrong with you? We just talked about this. I thought I was clear and the next day you are still spreading rumors.” Nikki tried to forcibly calm herself. Yelling was not going to solve anything and there were a mess-load of players just a few feet away. “Sam, I think you should leave.”
“Nikki, I’m the assistant coach. She should be the one to leave. She is the one that is ruining everything. Pulling us apart.”
“No she is not. You are doing that all on your own. I don’t trust you anymore. I can’t work with someone I don’t trust. Please leave.”
Sam glared at Mia before she stormed off to her car. The small green door slammed. Gravel kicked up as Sam sped off. Her tires leaving a plume of dirt in her wake. Nikki watched the whole ordeal, but still couldn’t believe this was the same person she had coached with for years. She turned to see the whole team watching the exchange. How much could they hear?
“Let’s go ladies. We’ve got a game to get ready for.”
Mia stayed in place. Rigid. She didn’t know what to do. This was her fault. Going out with Nikki was one thing. Softball, however, was Sam’s territory. Mia felt as if she was encroaching on the only piece of Nikki that was Sam’s. Should she feel bad about that? It isn’t like Mia knew anything about softball. That she was an asset to the team. She was only trying to help. Fill in, since Sam wasn’t there. Now she had been run off.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to start anything. I just couldn’t take her lying to me again. Maybe I should go.”
Nikki’s hand stopped her retreat, “Mia, this is not your fault. You didn’t make her lie. You didn’t force her to skip practice and games. None of this is your fault. I’m glad you’re here. Please stay, for me.”
The rest of the game, thankfully, was uneventful and the Lady Bulldogs were headed to states. The bus ride back was much louder. The girls were in good spirits from the win.
“Is it always like this?” Mia had to yell for Nikki to hear her.
“No, not like this. Just big wins.” She yelled above the noise circulating around the bus. “You just wait until we win states, there will probably be police to escort us into town. Yelling. Sirens. Air horns. It’s a lot of fun.”
Nikki had instructed the team to go straight to the bus after the game. There would be time to review on the way back to town. She stood to address to the team. The girls noticed and quieted to allow the coach to speak.
“This was a big win for us. We need to keep this momentum going into states. We can win if we stick together. There is no practice tomorrow, but we will be working hard Monday to get ready for our game against Taylor Allderdice Dragons.”
The bus erupted again.
Nikki looked down at Mia, “Did you have anything to add?”
Mia swallowed the lump in her throat and stood up. She fought the nerves caused by public speaking. Her hands trembled slightly. She had to do it in school, sure, but not since. She dealt with people one on one, not in crowds. Clenching her hands at her sides to hide the tremor, “Congratulations. You all worked hard today and it paid off. I can’t wait to see you bring home the title.”
The bus was louder than ever. Nikki smiled and clapped along. Mia sat back down and enjoyed the good cheer. Riding the wave of nervousness that still danced in the pit of her stomach.
When Nikki sank down in her seat she asked, “So did you have an answer about dinner?”
“I’ll answer that with a question of my own, your place or mine?”
“Well mine doesn’t have food, but we can stop to pick some up on the way.”
“Good. I like your bedroom,” Mia said thinking back on the cozy room. She decided it was the best description, cozy. It was comfortable and sexy and soothing to the soul. “I need to go get clothes.”
“No you don’t. Do you have somewhere to be tomorrow?” Nikki knew the answer, Mia did not make plans.
“I was going to go dress shopping, but I guess that could wait until Sunday. I still have to get toiletries and clothes.”
“Fine, I guess you can bring clothes,” Nikki leaned closer. She looked around to make sure the girls were still busy celebrating, “But once you are in the house I’m enforcing a strict no clothes policy.”
Nikki could barely contain herself. She was sitting with her thigh up against Mia’s. The heat was spreading throughout her body. It took every ounce of self-control to stay in her seat. To not steal a kiss or touch Mia.
“How about you grab food, while I get supplies.” Why were they still driving? Shouldn’t they be at the school yet?
Mia could see that Nikki was getting agitated. Kind of fidgety. It was adorable and mirrored her own need. Mia tried not to speculate, to find any hidden meaning behind the need. Just go with the flow.
“Don’t worry so much. We’ll get there soon.” Mia nudged Nikki playfully with her elbow.
“Not soon enough.” She was right, this was way too long a ride to be sitting side by side.
The bus pulled up five minutes later. Nikki waited for the equipment to be dropped off, then closed and locked the door.
“Finally,” Nikki said before kissing Mia. “I thought I would never feel you in my arms again.”
“A little dramatic?”
“Nope, I was sure the world was going to end about six or seven times.”
“You do know you have to stop kissing me for us to get to the house,” Mia reminded her between kisses.
Nikki groaned, “That is an awful thing to say. I don’t think I can let you go.”
“Well, we can’t do what I want to here.” The players laughing could be heard through the door, “Not only will they hear us, but what if someone knocks on the door?”
Nikki looked over Mia’s body and felt her pulse quicken. Her body ached to defy Mia’s logic.
“Uhh… You’re right. Unless…”
“No, to whatever you are thinking. No.”
Nikki couldn’t give in to Mia. Her body wouldn’t allow it. Her mind was running through scenarios, trying to find a way around the problem.
“Alright. Fine. You should probably go then.”
Nikki knew if she stayed behind closed doors with Mia any longer, well, let’s just say she would not be able to restrain herself. Nor could she be blamed for any predicament that would arise from the situation.
Mia’s lips were soft, sensual and tasted of honey. She tried to pull away, to leave, but Nikki couldn’t let her go. Couldn’t relinquish her hold on something so precious. Couldn’t be without her for another moment. The nibble on her bottom lip threatened to push her past the breaking point, enticing her. Her resolve nearly broken. Her center throbbed and the aftershocks raced throughout her body. Finally she had to push Mia away. Holding her at arm’s length. Trying to regain her composer.
“Soon.”
Nikki rushed out of the school once the last player left. She grabbed food and was at the house in record time. But the rushing only meant she would have nothing to do while she waited for Mia. Maybe if I call it will help pass the time.
“Hello?”
“Please tell me you are almost here,” Nikki begged. She felt desperate and she was sure she sounded it.
“Why? Do you miss me?”
“Yes!” Screw playing it cool. Mia drove her wild and she knew it.
Mia giggled, “Guess I can come in then?”
Nikki opened the door and saw Mia holding an overnight bag.
“What took you so long?”
They spent all night and day in bed. They only got up out of necessity. Of course that would just lead to them having sex in the kitchen, in the showe
r and anywhere else they needed to go. Sunday came too early. Mia wasn’t ready to leave. She traced circles around Nikki’s stomach, loving the feel of soft skin over taught muscles.
“Have you thought about prom yet?” Nikki asked.
“Was that what I was supposed to be doing?”
“Yes. I gave you two whole days to think it over.”
“Sorry I missed the memo. Guess I just wasted the last two days,” Mia said as she slid her hand a little lower.
“Well, I don’t know about that,” Nikki stilled the hand as it neared her mound. “Mia,” she finally looked up, “Will you go to the prom with me?”
“I bet you look amazing in a tux.”
“That’s the only reason, huh? You want to see my outfit.”
“Well, I already know you will put out. Do I get a corsage?”
“I can get you a corsage. What makes you think I will put out?” Nikki loved this game. The give and take. Mia always kept her on her toes. She loved how Mia’s mind worked and never knew what she was going to say.
“Oh, I don’t know. Are we going to be able to stay out of the bedroom long enough to go to prom?” Mia gestured at them lying naked in bed.
“Touché. Do you want me to go dress shopping with you?”
“No. Do you need to rent a tux?”
“Nope. I go to this every year. So I bought one,” Nikki leaned over top of Mia, “So is that a yes?”
After days of love making Mia could no longer feel her toes, yet somehow still felt the stirring between her legs when Nikki kissed her. Her mind started to fog over.
“What was the question?”
Nikki kissed down her neck and the room got blurry.
“You’re avoiding the subject.”
Nikki was passing her breast and still loving lower.
“I am not. You make it hard to think. Were we talking? What am I saying yes to? If it is more of this then absolutely.”
Nikki stopped just short of Mia’s nub.
“I am not going to touch you until you answer me.”
Nikki’s breath tingled. Mia could feel lips moving over her mound. The tongue that ran over her swollen lips.
“Oh god, Nikki, please.”
“Not until you answer me.”
“YES! Anything. YES! Please just touch me.”
Nikki smiled. She was bluffing and knew she couldn’t have waited much longer before touching Mia, but Mia didn’t need to know that. My first prom date.
Chapter Twenty-One
Mia couldn’t get out of bed Sunday. Monday she barely made it through the day. Mia stayed late just to watch Nikki’s practice, which had been agonizingly long. Immediately following, they tumbled back into bed. Tuesday they stayed at Mia’s apartment, mostly so she could get clothes and do laundry. Leading to a washing machine incident. If the landlord asked she was going to say it was like that when she moved in. Mia had never felt so happy, so blissfully satisfied in every way.
Wednesday, while Nikki was busy with the team, Mia finally went in search of a prom dress. She picked out a teal colored lace corset bodice with cap sleeves. The best part of the dress was the open back. It was hard to be away from Nikki long enough to go shopping. Actually it was difficult to be away long enough to drive to school. Every moment they were apart, all Mia could think of was being back in Nikki’s arms. While she picked out the dress, she pictured Nikki’s reaction. Would she like it? Would she complain it covered too much? She thought a long dress would be better for a school event. Mia knew she had to cover up a little, but she didn’t want to look like a nun.
Mia went to school Friday knowing it was only a half day. She had planned out every minute leading up to the Prom. She had a lot to do, but was sure she would be finished in time. She already had her nails done and her hair appointment scheduled. She didn’t let Nikki see her dress, wanting it to be a surprise.
She hoped it went better than her first prom. Mia hadn’t went to junior prom. Senior year, she found a clearance dress at the mall and did her own hair and makeup. She didn’t care, most every kid couldn’t afford such luxuries. Her date was her best friend, Devon. Since he was gay, they agreed it would be easier to go together. There were metal detectors to enter the school, as always. Police watched every inch of the gym, just in case. The dance consisted of a DJ and a couple streamers. They didn’t have a budget to decorate, but the music was good enough that it was always worth going to any dance. Of course it ended as every night did, in violence.
It would’ve been nice to have brought a real date, but she knew better. The safe thing to do, for both of them, was go with Devon. Mia tried to shake herself out of the past. After all, they were just chaperones to the event. It didn’t feel that way to her. It felt like she was getting a redo. A chance to make prom a happy memory. She was so excited, there were butterflies in her stomach. Especially since this would be Nikki’s first. As her first prom date, Mia prayed she didn’t disappointed.
Nikki couldn’t wait for the day to be over. She had to see Mia now. They had spent hours together this week and it was never enough. Was there such a thing as enough? She was certain the answer was no. It had been the best week of her life. For once she was rushing through school to get home. Not filling her day to avoid the empty house. Mia had filled the void in her life and Nikki knew she would never be the same.
Roses had been delivered to Mia’s apartment today. When she got home and they would be waiting at her door. The corsage had been picked up yesterday. Nikki had even gotten a haircut, which was way overdue. Her tux was cleanly pressed. Everything was falling into place.
“Good morning coach.”
“Good morning, Elizabeth. Is Ms. Sanchez in yet?”
“What kind of question is that? Of course I’m here. Come on in coach.”
Mia closed the door and was not disappointed. Nikki’s lips pressed to hers in a possessive manner.
“I missed you last night.”
“I’m sorry I got held up at a meeting. Did you cut your hair?” Mia was running her hands over the short hairs on the back of Nikki’s neck, causing a tingling sensation in her hands. “That feels really good.”
Nikki shivered, “You have no idea. Do you like it?”
“I love it. Why the change?” She asked, unable to stop herself from rubbing the back of Nikki’s neck.
“Oh you know, I got a hot date and wanted to look presentable.”
“Is that right?” Mia would have laughed if Nikki’s hands weren’t on her. Nikki drove her to distraction and she couldn’t afford that right now. “I only have a few minutes before my first appointment. Short day and all.”
“You’re telling me I should make the most of the little time that I get with you?”
She stopped Nikki’s questions with a kiss. It was inevitable, Mia should have known they wouldn’t stop at a kiss.
“Nikki,” Mia said when she felt the wandering hands.
Looking properly scolded, Nikki put her hands in her pockets.
“Oh, okay. I just wanted to tell you that I’ll pick you up at six. We have to be there before the students.”
“Sounds good.” Six! That was eleven hours away. She hoped she was so busy that the day flew by. Really, she had students, her hair, and makeup. Before she knew it, Nikki would appear at her door in a tux.
“If we are going to get through the day you need to stop petting me.”
“Fine,” Mia said reluctantly relinquishing her hold on Nikki’s head. “But this isn’t over.”
“Not by a long shot.” Nikki punctuated each word with a kiss, “I’ll see you at six.”
* * *
Nikki was waiting for the bell to excuse her last class of the day. She saw Tommy and Eric pushing each other on the bleachers. It sounded like they were fighting over a girl, as was common for the two. Nikki climbed the bleachers to stop them before it progressed. Just her presence stopped most any confrontation. The boys went their separate ways as soon as she was within arm’s re
ach. Thank goodness no punches were thrown. That was too much paperwork. If one hand was laid on another student, Nikki would have three pages to fill out. Another one if there was blood and she didn’t even want to think about if a hospital visit was needed. Let alone the need to speak with both of the student’s parents. All a big headache she would rather avoid today. She just wanted to enjoy tonight with Mia. Whether they were alone at her house or she had to share Mia’s joy with the entire student body. All that mattered, that really made any difference in her day was that see could see Mia again. Pinch me.
On the way back down the bleachers, she saw Michael sitting alone as always. His head in that green notepad. Oh Michael, what am I gonna do with you? She had forgotten to talk to Mia. They hadn’t spent five minutes out of the bedroom for them to talk about anything. She promised herself she would make the time. Somehow she would need to stay on topic long enough and not get distracted. As she got closer she could see drawings on the page. She leaned over slightly to see what he was interested in. Maybe it would give her something to talk to him about.
What she saw took her breath away. There were guns, corpses and one person standing on a roof. What on earth? Maybe it is a video game or something. The drawings were really detailed. If it wasn’t so morbid, she would have stopped to ask if he was interested in art. The figures all looked alike, with the same shoulder length black hair and glasses. All of the corpses had the same clunky black boots. Each one was killed a different way and every figure was Michael. Oh my god!
Nikki didn’t really know what to do. Should she talk to him? Call his parents? Talk to Richard? The thought that rang loudest in her mind, Mia will know what to do. As much as Nikki wanted to stop Michael, to keep him from leaving, she wasn’t sure what to do in this situation. She knew he had become withdrawn, but she never considered that he might be suicidal. She looked up as the bell dismissed everyone. Shit!
When she looked back down, Michael was walking out the door and into the hallway clutching his notepad. Nikki speed walked to the guidance office and tried to open Mia’s door without knocking, but it was locked. Shit. Mia must have already left to get ready for tonight. Nikki looked around. Most of the students going to prom were leaving. It would be hard to find anyone in the crowd.
Trusting Again Page 20