Oh, and my Focus is in the driveway.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell Monica, before making my way over to Gabe.
When he sees me headed in his
direction, he smiles and meets me halfway. Hey there. Noticed your car among the fleet outside. Thought I’d stop in and say hello and also . . .
Don’t Kiss Me, Don’t Kiss Me
Not in front of this crowd.
Not in front of Syrah.
Not in front of Monica.
But he knows better,
and besides that, he
has important news.
I was just at the AM/PM.
Overheard some cops talking about this party.
Someone called about the noise. They’ll either show up knocking or wait around the corner for people to leave.
“Thanks for letting us know.
I’ll spread the word.
Maybe it’ll help clear
the place out. This isn’t
the kind of party we had
in mind, at least not in
my mind. It’s Monica’s
birthday. I was just thinking cake, ice cream, and a drink or two. Big game tomorrow.”
He smiles. I know. I’ll be there, at least if you want me to be. And I’ll help clear the place out.
It’s a Grudging Exodus
But most everyone leaves
peacefully. Monica and Syrah
disappear into the kitchen
and now Gabe comes over.
He kisses me, but not on the lips.
Instead, the warmth of his mouth caresses my forehead. I’ve got something to tell you, but not here.
Not tonight. Not at your friend’s birthday party. Can we talk after your game tomorrow? Even in the low light, an air of sadness is evident in his beautiful eyes.
“Sure. But is everything okay?”
His nod is not at all convincing.
Nothing to worry about.
In fact, I hope you’ll be happy for me, but that’s all I’m saying now. He steps back. Better go.
Good luck tomorrow. I’ll be cheering for you. He turns and walks out the door.
That Sounded Vaguely Ominous
What can he possibly want
to tell me that he thinks
it needs to wait for a more private moment? Concern
manifests itself in a sudden need to pee. I wander down the hall to the bathroom,
relieve my body, if not my mind, and when I exit, find myself face to face with Garrett.
Feeling better? His grin is an actual leer, and he
bumps into me. Hard.
“What are you doing here?
Didn’t you hear the cops
are on their way?”
I try to step around him.
He pushes me backward
against the wall, pins me
with his substantial bulk.
Ain’t no cops gonna bother us now everyone else is gone.
How ’bout we have a little fun?
The alcohol on his breath
almost buckles my knees.
I look him straight in the eye.
“The last thing I want is
a little fun with you, Garrett.
Now please get out of my way.”
His eyes flash a strange
combination of anger and
amusement. Aw, come on.
You been flirting something awful. You a cock tease?
“Flirting? With you?”
My brain scrambles to think what I might’ve done to give him that impression. “Garrett, you know that’s not true.
I’ve got a girlfriend.”
Maybe, but I saw you with that dude, too. And I watch the way you check out guys at school. You a switch-hitter?
He actually licks his lips.
“What I am or am not
is none of your business.
Now leave me the hell alone.”
I hold my ground, fight hard not to look scared, but the way I’m trembling is obvious.
Ooh. Tough girl, huh? Tough goddamn dyke. Let’s see if you’re into guys or girls.
Bet I could eat you better.
He pushes me sideways
and back, into a nearby
bedroom, and is on me
so suddenly I can’t react.
Next thing I know, I’m on
the bed beneath him, held
fast by the weight of his body.
“No, Garrett, no! Stop!”
But the words are trapped
by the booze-flavored drool inside his mouth. His teeth rake my lips and one hand
snares my hair, snaps my head against the mattress.
Don’t fight, baby. I’ll make you feel so good you’ll never want a girl again. Here, check this thing out.
His free hand unzips
his jeans, and just as I start to panic, a familiar voice
interrupts the scene.
I don’t think that’s a good idea.
Suddenly, Forcefully
Garrett is lifted into the air, freeing me. I jump up and
away from the bed. “Gabe!”
He ignores me completely,
too busy with Garrett. What the hell do you think you’re doing?
Garrett doesn’t back down.
What the fuck’s it to you?
I’m just breaking her in a little.
And, hey, if you want, you can take a turn, too. A good screw or two might flip her totally.
Gabe assesses the front
of Garrett’s pants. Breaking her in? With what you’ve got there?
Nah, I don’t think so. What I witnessed looked like assault.
You like forcing yourself on girls?
Garrett shakes his head. Nope.
Can’t assault the willing.
Goddamn cock teaser wanted it.
“That’s a lie! You’re the last
person on this planet I’d want
to have sex with. The last!”
Behind them, backup arrives.
Monica and Syrah in my corner,
Keith, of course, in Garrett’s.