chapter 9
(Luke)
The afternoon of JJ’s showing at the gallery, I head to the stadium with Mikey. I love the atmosphere of being here for playoffs. I hang back and watch the game from the locker room. The last thing I need is for a reporter to interview me now that I’m back in Tampa. For some reason, knowing that JJ is here makes the stadium suddenly feel much smaller; knowing we are in the same place at the same time. After the Rays win another game, Mikey and I head home on our shiny new toys.
***
(Jesse)
Deanna and I hurry home after the game to get ready for the evening. I’m feeling anxious and excited as I slip into the new dress I bought from the boutique on 7 Avenue. Deanna is across the room, getting her new dress on as well. I’m so happy having my friends and family to support me. My dad flew in this afternoon and is attending with Cheryl. Dad’s trips to Florida are becoming more frequent. Cheryl and he have seen each other quite a few times over the last several months. I’m happy for him. There was a time or two over the last couple of years that I thought he may be ready to start dating again. Yet, nothing ever came of it other than friendship. I’m hoping that this thing with Cheryl turns into something more serious, I really like her and they seem to enjoy each other’s company. The last thing I want is for my dad to be alone for the rest of his life. He was too young when my mother was taken from us.
“Mya, let’s go. Are you ready?” I call out as Deanna and I wait by the door.
“Coming,” she says dryly as she steps out of her room.
“Wow, you look amazing!” Deanna says, as she stands in the hallway.
“You do look beautiful,” I agree.
“What’d you expect? My best friend is being honored tonight. This is a classy event.”
Mya once again surprises me by dressing like a girl for once, okay, maybe twice, since I have known her. The classy black cocktail dress fits her body nicely, and her hair is perfectly styled into her cute little pixie cut that normally is spiked out all over the place. She even went as far as to wash the purple out for the evening. Her pretty diamond earrings are her only visible piercings, and her lightly applied make-up shows off her porcelain skin.
I thank her and give her a hug.
I’m happy that Deanna and Mya have grown to like each other over time. Mya is not as dark as she wants you to believe, she has a good heart, something I realized right from the start. I consider her to be one of my best friends, as well. I’m not sure how I would have made it through the last couple of years without Mya.
***
(Mikey)
“Yo, man, I feel bad leavin’ you here. Are you sure you’re okay with staying here while I head over there?” I ask, coming from my room neatly dressed in black dress pants and a button up, dark blue shirt.
“Sure, I’m fine. This is an important night for her, you gotta be there. I might meet up with a couple of the guys to grab something to eat. I’ll see ya when you get back,” Luke says, coaxing me out the door.
***
(Jesse)
It’s exciting to see my name across the Billboard in front of the gallery. Many people come out for the evening to view my work. It’s a success and Frank has many inquiries. He proudly introduces me to possible future clients. However, as much as I’m having a good time, all I want is to spend time with my friends. I make my way over to Mya, Deanna and Mikey standing on the other side of the room.
“Hey, guys, what do you think? I’m sort of ready for this to be over. I feel like just hanging out with you guys for a while when this is over. I didn’t get to spend any time with you tonight.”
“This is awesome! You did a great job,” Mikey says.
“Thanks. So, are you guys up for going out afterwards?” I repeat, waiting for a reply. Before they answer, Frank is standing beside me as he casually slides his arm around my waist.
“Jesse, how about when this is over, you and I hang out and have a drink together?” he whispers, but loud enough so that the others can hear.
“Sure, of course,” I reply, giving him a smile.
“Great. When you get a minute, clients of mine from Miami are here. I would like to introduce you to them.”
“Okay. I’ll be there in a second,” I answer as he walks away to mingle. “Crap, now what? I felt like just hanging out with us?” I say to my friends.
“It’s okay, Mikey and I are going to head home anyway, he’s got his game tomorrow.”
“Me, too. I have an early shift in the morning,” Mya chimes in.
“Besides, Frank would like to spend time alone. Maybe, he’ll make that move we talked about the other day,” Deanna whispers in my ear. I laugh and give her a playful shove. Before they leave, I agree to meet Deanna before we head to the game. She’d like some time to ourselves in order to talk.
***
(Luke)
After Mikey leaves, I try desperately to distract myself by flipping through the numerous cable channels. I finally settle on an HBO movie, but I’m finding it hard to focus on it, even though it’s one of my favorite Will Ferrell movies. I stare at the TV as he comically moves across the screen, but it may as well be a silent movie because the dialogue is not registering in my brain. All I can think about is wishing I was a part of JJ’s big night. I didn’t realize how much time has passed until I notice the movie is over and a new one has started. Finally, giving into temptation, I jump in the shower.
I know the event is till ten, if I hurry, I may just make it in time to see her and her paintings before it closes. I convince myself that by the time I get there, the evening will be coming to an end and she will have had the whole evening to enjoy her night. Who knows, maybe she’ll be happy to see me, knowing that this is an important night for her and I want to be a part of it. I continue to convince myself as I rummage through my closet, deciding on something to wear. God, I think I’m turning into a girl. I laugh, realizing I’m taking forever to choose something. I finally decide on black pants and a charcoal colored button up shirt from Mikey’s closet.
I jump on my bike and race to Ybor City, arriving well past ten. I’m banking on her still being there, socializing. When I reach the huge glass doors to the gallery, I notice that not many lights are on inside. I peer through the tinted glass, trying to see in. There is a light coming from the back area. Then, I spot her. She looks incredible. She’s sitting on a stool with her legs crossed, wearing a long black dress that hugs her body. The long slit up the side shows the top of her gorgeous legs all the way down to her black strappy high heeled shoes. My eyes drift back to her face. She’s so pretty. Her hair is sleek, pulled back and hung long over one shoulder. She looks happy, she’s smiling. She’s talking to someone, but I can’t see the other person. I continue to watch, taking in her beauty.
Just as I get my nerve up and am about to open the door, a man comes into view. He hands her a glass of wine. She smiles and takes it from his hand and holds it to her ruby colored lips to take a sip. Suddenly, a strange feeling comes over me. It looks as though it is just the two of them. I continue to watch as they toast their glasses, and each takes another sip of wine.
My first thought is that he is a co-worker, but the way he is looking at her tells me differently. He’s looking at her the same way I’m looking at her. He’s a good-looking guy, but older. I can see he’s well dressed, wearing a designer suit.
They look to be in a deep conversation and she continues to smile at him as he stands in front of her, moving closer. He then, tucks a piece of hair that has fallen over her eye behind her ear. I feel as if I’m run over by a bulldozer when I finally realize what is going down. My heart pounds out of my chest as I watch him softly brush the side of her face with his hand, she leans her head into his hand and smiles. The world seems to go into slow motion as he places his hand softly under her chin, tilting her face upward towards his…
***
(Jesse)
I’m relieved when the gallery finally clears out. It was a great night, but all of the anxiety and excitement left me exhausted. As I wait for Frank to lock up the office, I sit down on the mahogany stool and replay the evening in my mind. Frank walks over and hands me a glass of wine. We toast to a wonderful evening.
“Jesse, there’s something I would like to talk to you about.”
I have an idea as to what he might say. I like Frank. We’ve known each other for a while now and have grown closer the last couple of weeks. I feel it’s time for us to take the next step in our relationship. I know that Frank wants more than a friendship and up until now, I wasn’t sure if I was ready.
“Jesse,” he says, smiling down at me. “Most importantly, did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?”
“I think you did.” I smile.
“Well it’s definitely worth repeating.” He laughs, causing me to blush. “I just want you to know that I enjoy the time we spend together. I’m sure by now that you know my interest in you goes deeper than friends. I guess, I’m wondering if maybe you feel the same way.”
“Well, I have to say, I was hoping you didn’t treat all of your employees this way,” I joke. “But to answer your question, yes I have feelings for you as well. I enjoy the time I spend with you.”
He smiles, brushing a piece of hair from my face. He tilts my head towards his and for the first time, he kisses my lips. Not a casual kiss, but a long, soft, parting of the lips kiss. His tongue brushes against mine and we move them together briefly. It’s the first time in a long time that I actually enjoy kissing someone. He plants soft kisses on my lips and pulls me towards him, asking if I’m ready to leave.
I get the impression that he would like to continue the evening elsewhere, but I begin to have second thoughts about moving too quickly. I want to be sure that I’m ready for a relationship with Frank and that it’s not because I’m swept up in the moment due to this memorable night. I make up an excuse that Deanna is waiting for me at my apartment and that we haven’t had a chance to spend time together since she’s been in town. Putting my mind at ease, Frank is understanding and walks me home. Worried that he may feel put off by my sudden departure, I invite him to Mikey’s game tomorrow.
After changing into my pajamas, I join Mya on the couch. She’s waiting on the details of the remainder of my evening with Frank. I fill her in and give her all of the reasons of why we should be together.
“Who are you trying to convince, me or you?” Mya asks.
“I don’t get it, what do you mean?” I ask defensively.
“Well, Jess, you don’t have to sell him to me. I like Frank. You’re the one he’s interested in, how do you feel about him?” she asks.
***
(Mikey)
As De and I drive home from the gallery, we discuss the night. I can’t help feeling guilty for leaving Luke at home, knowing it was a special night for her and he would have liked to have been a part of it.
“I feel bad, too, but I think it was the right thing to do,” De says.
“I know. Besides, you’re gonna tell her tomorrow that Luke is back, right?”
“Yes. I’m nervous. We made plans to grab something to eat before your game. I’ll talk to her then.”
I open the door for her as she steps into our condo. I’m finding it hard to peel my eyes away as she bends over in her clingy, red, satin dress to take off her heels.
“God, I can’t wait to get out of this dress,” she says as she turns her back to me, holding up her silky smooth dark brown hair, waiting for me to unzip her.
I’d like to be the one helping her out of the dress completely. I fight the urge to touch the base of her neck with my mouth as my fingers slowly glide down her back, unzipping her dress. I take pleasure at the sight of goose bumps forming in the area my fingers trace. My hand lingers on the small of her back and she doesn’t move. I debate on whether to turn her towards me, but I end up backing down and stepping back. I’m rarely afraid of anything. This thing between us scares me. Does she feel it? I need to know more about this other guy before I make any type of move to acknowledge the feelings I’m starting to finally realize that I have for her. She’s been with him for a while now and the last thing that I want is to ruin something for her if it’s what she really wants.
As she heads into my room to change, she notices that Luke’s bedroom door is open.
“Mikey, Luke’s not here,” she calls out with concern.
“He’s not? He said he might meet a couple of the guys to grab something to eat,” I answer casually. “Do you want a drink?” I call from the kitchen.
“Yeah, if you have one.”
I pour a glass of wine for her and grab a beer for myself as she comes from the bedroom, looking just as sexy in her comfortable clothes.
“Let’s sit on the patio,” she says.
I hand her the drinks and tell her I’ll be out in a second after I change into shorts and a t-shirt. When I return, she is sitting on the lounge chair, rubbing her ankle.
“What’s wrong?”
“My shoes were new, they hurt my ankles,” she says, scrunching her perfect face.
I sit on the end of her chair and lift her feet into my lap. I massage her feet and ankles, reveling in how good I feel when she is near me.
“Oh my God, that is awesome,” she says, smiling.
“See, if you moved to Florida, I’d do this for you all the time,” I say, teasing her.
“You’re going to be sorry. I’ll be taking you up on it because now it’s official,” she says enthusiastically.
“Get out! Really? When?”
“I swear, ask JJ. I don’t like it there. I broke down last week, laid it on extra thick to my dad and you know them, they felt horrible that I was so unhappy, so they agreed to let me transfer to USF next semester.”
“You’re a baby,” I tease. She pushes me. “I’m kiddin’, that’s awesome. It’ll be great, you gonna stay with us?”
“No. I wouldn’t want to crowd you.” She laughs. “I’m moving in with JJ.”
“Cool. Wait a minute… what does Jerk off, I mean Jeffrey, have to say about it?”
She rolls her eyes and shoves me again. “Basically, he gave me an ultimatum.”
“Are you serious? Please tell me you dumped his ass.”
“I’m still moving, aren’t I?”
“Good. I thought he was an a*shole anyway.”
“What is your deal? You say that about everyone I go out with.”
“I know. You have shitty taste in guys.”
“Look who’s talking. Who’s got worse taste than you?”
“Totally different. I don’t fall in love with everyone I date.”
“That’s because you don’t love anyone but yourself.”
“Is that right?” I say as I begin to tickle her. “You think you got me all figured out, don’t ya?”
She’s laughing hysterically, pushing me away “Stop, I’m teasing you.”
I let go of her, as I sit back, shaking my head at her.
“What?” she asks, smiling as she watches me.
“Nothin’, you’re funny,” I say quietly, looking into her big, brown eyes, absorbing every inch of her.
“I was just kidding.”
“I know. You love giving me a hard time.”
“You’re the one who said I have shitty taste in guys and that I fall in love with every guy I meet.”
“Truce?”
“Truce,” she agrees. “You better get some sleep. You have an important game tomorrow,” she says as she sits up in the chair, removing her legs from my lap. “Besides, I expect you to hit a home run.”
I laugh. “You expect me to hit a home run? Well, if I do, it will be especially for you, but… ”
“How did I know there would be a but?” She smiles.
“If I hit a home run just for you, you better do something for me in return.”
“Really? Like what?” she asks, slyly playing along.
“Hmmmm...” I think for a second. “I know, you have to make me dinner. Here. Just the two of us. Me and you. No one else.”
“I can do that.”
“Now, what if I hit two home runs?”
“If you hit two? Let’s not get ahead of yourself,” she teases.
“If I hit two, then it’s my choice, you have to do whatever I ask.”
“In the same game?”
“Yep.”
“Deal,” she agrees.
Just as we shake on it, I get a frantic phone call from Luke, telling me to stay put and he’ll be home soon. The phone call leaves us on edge wondering what he has gotten himself into.
***
(Luke)
I’m crushed as I witness JJ kissing some guy. What makes it worse is how happy and comfortable she seems with someone besides me. I back away from the glass as if it’s fire, jump on my bike, drive around the corner and pull over. I pull out my cell. I can barely breathe.
“Yo, dude, where are you?” I ask Mikey.
“We’re home, where are you?” he asks.
“Stay there, I’ll be home in about twenty minutes.” I race through the streets and jump on the highway, taking the quickest route home, my heart beats a million times a minute.
I burst through the door. Mikey and De sit nervously on the couch, watching the door as I enter.
“Where were you? What happened?” De drills me as she jumps from the couch. “We’ve been worried sick.”
For some reason, seeing their terrified faces makes me laugh.
“What are you two, my parents? What did ya think? I killed someone again?” I know it’s nothing to joke about, but the look on their faces makes me feel the need to crack a joke.
“Not funny. You scared the hell out of us with your cryptic phone call. It’s after eleven,” Mikey reprimands me like a little kid.
“Sorry, didn’t know I had a curfew… Dad.” Mikey shakes his head, he seems genuinely worried. I realize they are probably still worried about me after all I have been through. “I know. I know. Sorry,” I apologize.
“What happened?” De asks.
“I went to the gallery. I wanted to see her… ” I pause, letting the initial shock wear off their faces.
“By the time I got there, it looked like everyone was gone. I thought I’d catch her at the end of the night. It’s an important night for her. I wanted her to know that I wanted to be there, too.” I hate when they look at me like I’m nuts, but I continue anyway. “I took a peek in the window before going in. I saw her sitting on a stool. She looked amazing. Just as I’m about to open the door, this old guy comes out of nowhere with his slicked back hair and fancy suit, feeding her wine. Then, they toast their glasses and he starts kissing her. What the hell is that about? Who’s the old guy gettin’ her drunk and takin’ advantage?” I demand as I pace back and forth.
“Luke, relax.” Mikey laughs.
“That’s Frank,” Deanna chimes in, almost as if she’s excited for her.
Suddenly it hits me. “The Frank Simone Gallery. She’s dating the freakin’ owner?” I say to myself, but it comes out loud. “You’re shittin’ me, right?”
Mikey shakes his head.
“Nope. That’s Frank, and he’s not that old… He’s like thirty-five. Not to mention, you had her drinking at CJ’s when she was sixteen,” De says defensively. “We told you about him. God, I just talked to her about him, she said things were moving really slow. It was probably just one of those things. The show went really good, they were probably just celebrating the night,” De says as if she’s making me feel better, when actually, she’s making it much worse. Mikey’s grinning and still shaking his head back and forth.
“What are you laughing at?” I ask.
“I was just thinking… that really sucks. The poor guy has been interested for like five months and the night he decides to make his move, you show up.”
“Yeah, well, they didn’t see me, and he could still be trying to make his move. You need to call her now!” I order Deanna.
“What? It’s late. Are you out of your mind?” she asks, looking at me as if I’m crazy.
“Actually, yeah I am. Tell her you’re callin’ to say you had a good time. Ask her what she’s doing. C’mon, De, you have to. I’m freakin’ out. I waited this long because you two idiots keep telling me I have time.”
She reluctantly agrees and dials her number while I hover over her.
“Hey, JJ, are you still up? I just wanted to tell you what a great time we had tonight. We’re really proud of you… You’re welcome… Uh huh… He’s here… We’re watching TV.” She rolls her eyes at us. I give De a signal to keep the conversation rolling, I want more info. “What are you doing? Are you with Frank? What did you do after we left?” I’m practically in her face, telling her to ask more questions, De is shushing me away. “Oh my God, really? He was staring at you all night… He is really handsome…” I hold up my hand as if I’m slicing my throat. Is my sister really going to go there with me sitting right next to her? The last thing I need is De encouraging the relationship. In my defense, even Mikey slaps her on the leg to shut her up. “Alright… Are we still meeting before the game?... Oh… Okay…. He’ll leave them at the window. I’ll meet you there… Love ya.”
“Jesus, De, hang me out to dry, why don’t ya. I thought you were going to go on and on about what a great guy he is.” Mikey agrees with me as we gang up on her.
“Are you satisfied, you idiot? Why didn’t you just pull the phone out of my ear? She seemed suspicious. See, nothing happened. They had a drink at the gallery and then he brought her home. I hate to tell you, though, she cancelled on me tomorrow. She’s running errands with him before the game… and, she’s bringing him with her. They’re going to meet me there. I’m not going to get a chance to talk to her about you,” she says sympathetically.
“Shit. I need to talk to her before things go any further between them. At least she’ll know how I feel. Then she can decide what she wants to do.”
“What if she doesn’t choose you?” Mikey asks casually.
“Then I’ll be crushed and have to return to therapy,” I joke. “Well I’m not goin’ to make it easy on her. I’m not goin’ down without a fight.”
“Luke I need to warn her that you are here. I’m sorry, but I can’t keep this from her. We swore we would never let you come between us and I’ve been covering for you for a long time. All joking aside, I’m not comfortable with what I just did. It’s not right,” Deanna says, feeling guilty about the call.
“I know, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have made you do that,” I say sincerely.
“I have to at least let her know that you are here, in Florida. She has no idea. This way, she can be somewhat prepared.”
“I get it,” I agree. “Just please do it as soon as possible. I really want to talk to her.”
That night in bed, I plan my strategy. I have no intention of trying to confuse her or change her life in any way. I just want a chance to say I’m sorry and tell her how I feel about her. If she doesn’t want any part of me, I’ll have to deal with it.
I pray that maybe, she might still love me, too. Why the hell did it have to be the freakin’ owner of the gallery? Could it be any worse? Yeah, I guess. She could be married to him.