I realized looking at my cream comforter and bright orange throw pillows that Cole had not once in the two years we had been sleeping together been to my apartment. He had never spent the night in my bed, wrapped in the blanket I had purchased for myself when Gracie and I had moved in.
I had never shown him the pictures of my family and friends from back home. Hell, I don’t think he even knew whether I had siblings.
And again, just like that, and despite Cole’s funny yet crude text that had made me laugh, I felt hollow.
“Wear this. You’ll look gorgeous,” Gracie said, holding out a classic grey pencil skirt and blue silk blouse.
“Wow, I didn’t realize I owned something like this,” I said, taking the clothes from her.
“They’re Maysie’s. You borrowed them for the wine tasting we went to last year,” Gracie remarked dryly.
“Oh, well that makes sense,” I said, quickly changing.
“You really need to do some shopping. Halter tops and hooker shoes won’t cut it at The Claremont Center,” Gracie advised.
“Maybe we can go after work! Oh, goodie! Retail therapy!” I enthused, clapping my hands together.
Gracie smiled and nodded. “Sounds great!” she said, just as excited by the idea of shopping as I was.
“Thanks again, G,” I said with a smile before shooing her out so I could sort out my makeup. It required my total and complete concentration. The perfect blending of foundation and blush was a work of art.
My phone buzzed again and I saw Cole’s name flash across the screen. It was eight fifteen on a Monday morning. This had to be a record for him. Normally he’d sleep until the early afternoon.
“Hello,” I said as I wiggled into my skirt. I smoothed the material down and looked in the mirror. Gracie was right. It fit me perfectly.
“Did you like it?” he asked immediately.
I smirked, knowing exactly what he was referring to, but I decided to play coy.
“Excuse me?”
“The picture, Viv. I knew you’d enjoy an eyeful of my tackle. What better way to start your day,” Cole stated with enough arrogance that it tiptoed between attractive and obnoxious.
“Well, I couldn’t really see anything. It was so small,” I responded, trying not to laugh.
Cole growled in my ear. “Don’t play that game with me, baby girl. Size has never been a problem. I’ve got more than enough package to keep you happy.”
I laughed. “Yeah, me and every other girl out there.” I just couldn’t help myself. The jealous shrew seemed to be rearing her head already and we had only just started talking.
“Don’t start that shit again, Viv,” he warned and I knew my remark had annoyed him.
I could almost hear Cole grinding his teeth.
“Just stating facts,” I said.
“Always about the other chicks! Look, I love your possessive shtick. It’s hot and all. But not so much when I’m trying to have a little conversation.”
Was he serious?
“Well, I sent you a picture of my boys, you need to send me a picture of your boobs,” he said, bringing us back to more important topics apparently.
“What?” I asked incredulously.
I could hear Cole sighing. “Your boobs, Vivian. I want a picture of your magnificent tits.”
I laughed. I couldn’t help it. He was so unbelievable sometimes that it was hard to take him seriously.
“I am not, and I repeat, not texting you a picture of my boobs. So get that thought out of your head right now,” I said firmly.
“Aww, come on, baby! I need something to whack off to this morning,” he whined.
“I’m sure there’s a magazine or two under your pillow as we speak. I’m sure you can find more than enough wank material,” I assured him, applying some mascara. It was getting late. I was going to have to leave soon.
“But it’s not the same. I know what yours feel like. It makes the fantasy so much more real.”
I wasn’t sure if I should be flattered or repulsed. I settled on a strange mixture of both.
“Sorry, Cole. I can’t help you out. I’ve got to get to work. I start a new job this morning, so I can’t waste time texting you pornographic pictures.”
“This is bullshit,” Cole muttered.
“Stop being such a baby.”
“Stop being such a prude!”