We got back with just enough time to help Gran unload before I needed to pack a bag for Beatriz’s house. Morik had thoughtfully brought the insulated pants, but I knew from the last party, it would be too hot to wear them the whole night.
The ride to her house was much more enjoyable when I wasn’t freezing. Beatriz, alerted of our arrival by the noise of the motorcycle, met us at the door with a welcoming smile. They were already starting to set up. She and I stayed in the kitchen prepping the food they’d be putting out in stages throughout the party. Brad enlisted Morik’s help outside on the deck.
We took a break for a late lunch - takeout pizza again - before continuing with the party preparations. Finished outside, the guys went downstairs. The last snack prepped and ready in the kitchen, we went downstairs to check on their progress.
They had just finished stocking the bar with the liquor Brad had somehow purchased and were carrying ice from outside. Seeing there wasn’t anything we could do, we sat at bar stools closest to the stairs. Brad asked Morik if he could help carry down a half barrel with Tommy. Morik waved away Tommy’s help and said that he’d manage on his own.
Beatriz stared after Morik before turning to me. “Tell me how he kisses.”
I couldn’t keep the confusion from my voice. “I thought you already kissed him…”
She grinned at me. “I kissed him, but he didn’t kiss back.” She sighed dramatically. “His bottom lip… it’s got this little pout to it. I just want to bite it.” I couldn’t decide if I were shocked or amused. She laughed at my expression. “So tell me, how is it when he kisses you?”
“It’s not like that…” I said referring to our relationship.
“Are you kidding me?! It is like that. I see how he looks at you.” She studied my face seriously for several moments. I squirmed under her scrutiny. “Don’t tell me you haven’t kissed him yet,” she gasped.
“It’s complicated,” I mumbled feeling a little harassed.
“How can it be complicated?” she insisted.
I looked around the room. Jay straightened the cue sticks and Tommy checked the air hockey table. Brad stood behind the bar wiping down the soda dispenser, finishing the bar set up. The music was loud enough to completely mute our conversation.
“It’s new for me,” I admitted quietly looking at her again.
Her mouth popped open for a moment before she snapped it shut. “Seriously?” A grin spread over her lips. “That is so damn cute!” She said it loud enough that Brad looked up from his bottles. I gave her a droll look. “If you want practice Brad would be happy to help.”
“What’s up?” he said walking over.
A blush crept into my cheeks, and I nudged Beatriz with my foot in warning. She took it as prompting and said, “Tess wants a kiss.”
Just then, Morik walked around the corner a half-barrel set over his shoulder as if it weighed nothing. His jaw clenched tightly, he stopped just inside of the room. The music had masked the sound of his descent on the steps. The timing couldn’t have been worse. Had he heard only the last part of the conversation?
His blazing red and orange eyes didn’t meet mine. They focused on Brad. I glanced at Brad, who gave his sister an exasperated look. Beatriz winked at her brother. Neither saw Morik’s eyes.
I glanced back toward Morik, but he had vanished. Only the half-barrel remained on the floor standing on its end.
Brad noticed the direction of my gaze. “Awesome. I didn’t even hear him bring it down.” He waved Tommy over to help him get it into place behind the bar.
I leapt from the stool and raced up the stairs, Beatriz calling after me. She hadn’t noticed Morik at all.
Opening the front door, I saw the motorcycle still parked where we’d left it, but he was nowhere in sight. Beatriz caught up to me as I closed the front door.
“What are you doing?”
“He heard you.” I wasn’t mad at her. She’d only been playing around, but I was worried about Morik. He’d obviously just popped out of the basement. I hoped the motorcycle meant that he’d be back… soon.
I couldn’t put off talking to him any longer. I needed to know where we stood. Was he just getting upset because he still thought I was entertaining other choices or was there more?
“Oh my god… I’m so sorry, Tess.” I nodded, accepting her unnecessary apology. She looked out the window seeing the bike like I had. “He couldn’t have gone far. Just let him cool off. Maybe this is a good thing. It might help move things along.”
She had no idea. I just hoped Morik wouldn’t direct his anger at Brad. As we stood there in the entry, the first car loaded with partygoers pulled into the drive. Distracted, Beatriz yelled down the steps warning her brother before rushing to prop open the door. I moved back from the cold blast of air and listened to the heat kick in.