by Ingrid Diaz
“Well, I was just hoping you’d be here,” Valerie admitted. “But now that you mention it, there were a couple of things I wanted to do.”
“Do share, madam.”
Valerie grinned. “Well, the first would probably be inappropriate at this point in time.” She winked. “But, the second was for you to show me around campus, if you’re willing. I understand if you’re busy.”
“Do I look busy?” I asked, motioning around me.
“Does that mean you’ll be my tour guide?”
I smiled, meeting her eyes. “Gladly.” I swung my legs over the side of the bed. “Just gotta put some clothes on first.”
Valerie’s eyes traveled up the length of my body, and I felt myself growing warm under her gaze. “Don’t do it on my account.”
Suddenly, I was at a loss for words. For a split second I wondered what she’d do if I pushed her down on the bed and started kissing her. Getting a grip, I made my way to the closet to find a pair of jeans. I debated whether or not to tell her to look away, and then noticed that she averted her eyes of her own accord. I changed quickly, and pretty soon we were walking side by side along the empty sidewalks of Baldwin University.
As we walked, I pointed out all the different buildings, and guessing that she wanted to see the art department, I led us in that direction.
“You never told me how your audition went,” Valerie reminded me.
I glanced up at her, both surprised and touched that she’d remembered. “It went well, I think. Tough competition though, so I don’t know if I’ll get in.”
“When do you find out?”
“I don’t know. They’re supposed to call, but I’ve been sitting by the phone all day and nothing. I’m not sure if that means that I didn’t get in, or that they’re just taking a while to decide.”
Valerie nodded thoughtfully. “Got any more auditions lined up?”
“Not for a few weeks.” I nodded to the building straight ahead. “That’s the Art Department. Would you like to check it out?”
“I was there earlier getting information,” Valerie stated. “I like what I’ve seen so far.”
“I feel like a real estate agent,” I said, laughing. “How long have you been on campus?”
Valerie stared straight ahead as she contemplated the question, then looked down at me to answer. “Several hours.”
My eyebrows shot up in surprise. “All of that time and you came to visit me now?”
Valerie shrugged and looked at her feet. “Well, I didn’t know whether I should bother you. It took me a while to decide.”
I had to smile. The entire concept of her sitting around for hours trying to decide whether or not to visit me was endearing. “What finally convinced you?”
“I really wanted that tour of the campus,” she answered, smiling.
Laughing, I looked up to catch her gaze on my face. My eyes met hers and for a brief moment I was caught in the intensity they radiated. “I’m glad I could be of assistance,” I replied, looking away before my heart had a chance to beat its way out of my chest. “Is there anything else you’d like to see?”
I caught the brief smile that crossed her lips. “Oh, you mean of the school? No I think we covered everything.”
“Does this mean you won’t be needing my services anymore?” I teased.
She caught my gaze. “You’re flirting again.”
“No I’m not,” I lied. “What would you like to do now?”
Valerie looked at her watch. “I should probably get going.”
Keeping the disappointment from my tone, I said, “I’ll walk you to your car.” The walk to the visitor’s parking lot was far too short for my tastes, and when we approached her Bronco II I silently searched for a reason to get her to stay longer. Coming up with nothing, I reminded myself that I’d be seeing her again the following day and chastised myself for being so clingy. “So where should I meet you tomorrow?” I asked, standing a few feet away as she unlocked the door.
Turning back to me, she considered. “Is there a good pet shop around here?”
“A few,” I responded.
“Pick you up at three?” she suggested.
I nodded.
She smiled. “See you tomorrow.” And then before I knew it she was driving away, and I stood there watching after her until I could no longer see the tail lights in the distance.
Chapter 10
The following morning my alarm clock didn’t go off. Or else it did go off and I didn’t hear it. Or else I heard it but in my sleepy state of consciousness decided that sleep was more important than classes and shut if off without further consideration. My point is, I overslept.
I was awakened instead by the ringing phone. I reached for it and without opening my eyes, said, “Hello?”
My voice was mirrored at the other end of the line. “Hey. Dinner at Mom’s tonight, don’t forget.”
This time my eyes did open, and I ventured a look at the time. It was two. Silently I cursed myself. I’d missed two theater classes and Valerie would be there in an hour. Calculating the amount of time remaining with the amount of time it would take me to get off the phone with Rachel and take a shower, I decided I had time. I sat up and yawned, then returned my attention to my sister. “Okay. What were you saying?”
Rachel audibly sighed. “Dinner at Mom’s tonight. She’s been leaving messages with your roommate all week.”
I walked over to my desk and looked around. A second later I spotted the message tacked to my bulletin board. Your mom called. Dinner on Thursday at 6. It was circled in red and underlined in blue. How the hell had I missed that? “I didn’t get the message.”
“Well, Mom’s expecting you so you better be there. You know how sensitive she is about these things.”
“But I made other plans,” I whined.
“Your problem, not mine. See you at dinner. Bye.”
The phone went dead in my ear, and I clicked the “end” button. Then tapped the receiver against my forehead chanting, “Think, think, think.” It was too bad I couldn’t lie to her. I could be an Academy Award winning actress some day and I would still not be able to pull off a lie to my mom. I dialed her number and crossed my fingers, hoping for the best. “Hi, Mom,” I said, when she picked up.
“Hi, Alix. Will you pick up some milk on your way over here. I totally forgot this morning when I went shopping.”
“Sure. Um, Mom. I have a bit of a dilemma.”
“What’s wrong?” I could hear the alarm in her tone. “Is it drugs?”
I shook my head as though to clear it. “No, nothing like that. It’s just that I didn’t get your messages and I made other plans today.”
“You’re missing my dinner?” Disappointment.
Ouch. I couldn’t bear that tone. “No . . . it’s just—”
“What are your plans?” she interrupted.
“I’m helping my . . . friend . . . buy a puppy.” Why did I pause like that?
“That’s nice of you, dear. Well, go with your friend and then come to dinner. It won’t take you all day to do that.” She sounded as though there was something else she wanted to add so I remained silent. “Is this friend . . . a girl friend?”
My heart stopped beating for a moment. This wasn’t a subject we ever discussed. “Um. Not exactly. I mean, she’s a girl. She’s not my girlfriend. I mean I’m not dating her. I mean, I am, but it’s not like—”
“Bring her to dinner.”
My jaw fell open. “What?”
“Rachel’s bringing Jonathan, so feel free to bring—?”
“Valerie.”
“Valerie,” she finished. “It was about time you started dating.”
I was speechless.
“See you at six, okay, honey?”
“Okay, Mom.”
“Don’t forget the milk. I love you.”
“Love you too. Bye.” I hung up and leaned against my desk for support. That was an unexpected turn of events.
Ò
It’s amazing what cute animals will do to people. All around the pet store there was a chorus of ooo’s and aww’s. I looked around, watching as people turned to mush, then returned my gaze to Valerie who was holding a pug. She looked so cute standing there with the puppy in her arms that I wished I could take her home with me.
“Do you think we make a cute couple?” Valerie asked suddenly.
It took me a moment to realize she was referring to the dog. “Uh, yeah. Adorable. Is it the one?”
Valerie held the puppy in front of her and looked into its eyes. “I think I’m in love,” she said, and hugged the dog to her chest, kissing it on the head.
I had to smile. “You’re going to be very happy together.”
Valerie grinned and headed to the counter to purchase the new addition to her household. She also had to buy dog food and play toys and a bunch of other things that pretty much cost her a small fortune. Later she revealed that she’d been saving for the special occasion, so I was flattered that she’d invited me along.
We sat in the car, Valerie playing with the puppy on her lap. “She’s so cute.”
I studied her silently for a moment. “What are you going to name her?”
“Alix.”
I looked at her in surprise, and she smiled.
“Kidding.” She looked at the dog who was now licking her hand. “I think I’ll name her Loki.”
“Loki?” I must have looked puzzled, because she laughed.
“From Dogma.”
“Oh, I haven’t seen that.” I stared down at the dog and smiled. I’d always thought pugs were ugly, but little Loki was rather cute. I then glanced at my watch. It was a quarter past four, and I still hadn’t asked Valerie to dinner. Wasn’t meeting the folks a big step in a relationship? Were we in a relationship? Paranoia was becoming a constant presence in my life. “Are you hungry?” I found myself asking.
“A little,” Valerie responded, her gaze fixed on the puppy.
I bit my lip, trying to come up with a casual way of asking her. “I’m having dinner at my mom’s at six and she said to invite you.” I held my breath as I waited for her to respond.
This time she looked up. “You want me to have dinner with you and your mom?”
I couldn’t read her face and the tone of her voice revealed nothing. “My sister and her boyfriend will be there too.”
She studied me silently, my heart beating faster and faster with each second that her eyes held my gaze. “I’d love to,” she responded.
“Good.” I felt a momentary sense of relief, followed by a new wave of paranoia. What if my mom hated her? What if Valerie hated my mom? What if a huge fight erupted?
“Are you okay? I don’t have to go if you don’t want me to.”
Blue eyes were staring at me with concern. I smiled to put her at ease. “I want you to come.” And I did. In spite of my worries.
“Do you mind if we stop at my apartment first? I need to get Loki set up.”
I grinned. “I’ll take the dog up the stairs with me . . . you can take the elevator with the stuff.”
Valerie arched an eyebrow. “You’re so generous.”
“I try,” I responded, reaching for the dog. “Come here Loki. You and I are going to be stair buddies. You don’t like the elevator either, do you?” Loki barked in reply. I smiled, giving Valerie a satisfied look. “See?”
Valerie sighed, throwing the car in reverse. “Of all the girls in the world, I pick the one who’s afraid of elevators.”
“Hey at least you got a choice. I got stuck with the one who’s afraid of feathers.” Loki barked. “Yep, you’re stuck with her too, babe,” I said to the puppy, petting her. “And you have to live with her.” I caught Valerie’s smile, but didn’t say anything. Instead I let her concentrate on driving while I played with the dog on my lap. In that moment I felt happier than I had in a long time. I glanced between Valerie and Loki for a moment, smiling to myself. I felt at home.
Ò
When we reached Valerie’s apartment building, I noticed for the first time that Loki wasn’t potty trained. And if she was, she’d confused my jeans with the toilet. “Um, Valerie,” I called, not wanting to get out of the car.
Valerie was already unpacking the stuff from the back. “Yeah?”
“We’ve got a situation here,” I replied.
She appeared at my side a moment later and then started laughing. “I think you got her a little too excited.”
“I have that effect on women.” I smiled down at Loki, then picked her up so I could carry her out of the car.
Valerie hung a bag from one of my fingers. “There, you can carry that.”
“Yeah, thanks,” I replied, glaring in mock annoyance. I waited for her to grab the rest of the stuff, and together we walked into the building. “You know, you could make two trips.” She looked like she was about to fall over from all the stuff she was carrying.
“No thanks. One is enough.”
“Your mommy is a freak,” I whispered to Loki, loud enough so Valerie could hear.
“I heard that.”
“But there’s nothing wrong with her hearing,” I added.
Valerie and I split up when we reached the elevator and Loki and I took the stairs to the fourth floor. “One of these days,” I informed the dog as we walked toward Valerie’s apartment door, “that elevator is going to get stuck, and you and I are going to get to laugh at your mommy together.”
“If my dog ends up being terrified of elevators, I’m coming after you,” Valerie announced, unlocking the door and allowing us to pass through first.
“Hey, I’m the one she marked as her territory. Loki and I have bonded. What we have is special and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Valerie closed the door and laughed. “We’ll see about that.” She walked over and took Loki, then grinned at me. “Strip.”
“I guess you’re not much into foreplay,” I joked.
She smiled. “If we hurry I can get your jeans washed for you before we have to get to your mom’s.”
Take off my pants, I thought. I can do that. She’s a girl. I’m a girl. I looked into her eyes and felt the world disappear around me. Yeah . . . that’s the problem. I took a deep breath. “Well, if I have to take my pants off, then so do you.”
She stared at me in surprise. “What?”
“Yeah,” I insisted, wondering if she’d actually go for it, “if I have to parade around your apartment in my underwear, then so should you.”
“They’re your pants.”
“It’s your dog.”
She narrowed her eyes, then relented. “Fine. Give me your pants though, ’cause I have to go to the basement to do it and I’m not walking down there in my underwear.”
I hesitated a moment but obeyed, relieved that I’d thought to shave that day. I felt a draft on my bare legs and was extremely self-conscious under the intensity of her gaze. I handed her my jeans and tried not to blush. “You will stop looking at me like that.”
Valerie smiled. “Sorry, can’t help it.” A couple of minutes later she walked out with my jeans, and I was left standing in the middle of her living room wearing nothing but underwear and a Nine Inch Nails tee shirt. I felt like a big dork.
Loki had ventured down the hallway so I decided to follow her. I found her in Valerie’s bedroom and I stood in the doorway looking around. Like the rest of the apartment, the room was perfectly neat. There were a few posters on the walls: Labyrinth, Save Ferris, Dance Hall Crashers, and No Doubt. A full-sized bed rested against the wall with a night stand beside it.
I looked down and noticed that Loki had left a little present for Valerie on the carpet. I laughed to myself and then hurried back to the living room as I heard the door opening.
Valerie smiled as she entered. “You should have your pants back in an hour or so.”
“Mm. Thank you. Pants off.”
“I love a dominant woman,” Valerie joked. She seemed to hesitate
for a moment, then went ahead and took off her jeans.
I don’t know why, but I blushed. I tried to keep my eyes from wandering, but I couldn’t help it, which in turn made me blush more. I wished suddenly that Loki had aimed for my shirt as well, then smacked myself mentally for the thought.
“Happy now?”
You have no idea, I thought, but simply smiled. “Yep. Oh, careful where you step in your room.”
She frowned. “Why?”
I pointed down the hall, and she walked there slowly as though afraid to confirm her suspicions. She stopped at the doorway to her bedroom and shook her head. “Guess we’ll have to potty train her some how.”
We? “Yeah or else you’ll need to replace your carpet quite frequently,” I replied, still wondering what she’d meant by “we.”
Chapter 11
The drive to my mom’s house was a relatively quiet one. I was too busy worrying about introducing Valerie to my mom and sister to come up with conversation topics, and Valerie was probably worrying about leaving Loki alone in her apartment. I almost suggested that we call the whole thing off, but I didn’t. I’m not exactly sure why, but I’m pretty sure that it had something to do with the fact that in spite of my fear, I was extremely curious to see how my family would take to Valerie.
“Are you nervous?” I asked as the sign reading “Welcome to Baldwin City” rolled into view.
Valerie threw me a sideways glance and grinned. “Should I be?”
I shrugged, looking out of the passenger side window. “Truthfully I don’t know what to expect. I’ve never brought a girl home so-to-speak.”
“You’ve kept your other girlfriends well hidden?”
The question caught me off-guard though it didn’t really surprise me. “I’ve never had a girlfriend,” I responded quietly. I wasn’t exactly embarrassed, but I was a bit worried about what Valerie would think.