Page 151 of Stage Dive: Short Stories & Novellas
“Molly?”asks Dean.
“It’s like you said.Not only is his name Dick, but he is soul deep committed to being one.”Frankie turns to me with a curious gaze.“Who is this?”
“This is my new friend Jude.”
“I’m so sorry for disturbing your date,” she says, stealing another piece of sushi off the platter.The way she pops it between her lush lips without disturbing her lip gloss is real talent.
I cross my arms over my chest once again, despite the hoodie.“Oh, it’s not a date.We were, um, we were just having dinner.”
Dean gives me a glance.No idea what it means.
“Not a date, huh?”asks Frankie, finishing chewing and focusing her full attention on Dean.“Because, hon, I was hoping we could talk.I’ve been rethinking some things lately.If we could talk in private?If you don’t mind, Jude?”
“Frankie,” says Dean with a frown.“This isn’t right.You can’t just barge in here and take over.”
“Don’t give me that look, hon.It won’t take long, I promise.”
Okay.I can read his look this time.It’s an apologetic one.“It’s fine,” I say, heading for my bedroom.“Nice to meet you.”
“You’re so sweet, Jude!”Frankie gives me a finger wave.“See you later.”
Now Dean is shoving a hand through his dark hair.If anything, he seems frustrated.But he doesn’t say another word.
As soon as I get behind my closed bedroom door, I slump dramatically.Then I get the torture booties off my feet.My poor innocent toes.Now it would be a lie to say I am not disappointed.But there’s no way I’m going to compete for the man’s affections with a freaking supermodel.Not a chance.They’re obviously still close and talk often.Maybe they were just on a break.It happens.Or maybe they have an open relationship.Whatever.It’s none of my business.
I take a selfie before beginning the process of removing all of my makeup.Because Lena did a great job.I look amazing.There’s every chance I needed reminding of this fact, how I can dress up and have a life outside of my job.Of course, my heart and groin are sad about Dean.It’s amazing how quickly you can get carried away and start imagining happy ever afters.Especially with the help of hormones.But oh well.I can choose to see the positive side of this experience and view it as a wakeup call.Might be time for me to make some effort and contact a few old friends.See if they want to go out Saturday night.
I give my reflection a pleased nod.
It’s a plan.
My empty stomach wakes me at around one in the morning.Because I definitely did not go back out there again after being sent to my room by Frankie.Not that that’s what she did exactly.Some people just have big personalities.Or maybe I am a little jealous and cranky because she got the man.It’s only been a day since we met.I’m sure I’ll get over the disappointment soon.Anyway.I creep out to the kitchen.Odds are Dean and his guest are in the throes of a heated reunion.But the house is quiet.Maybe they’ve already done their sexing and settled down to sleep for the night.
A cold wind is blowing a gale outside, but we’re safe and warm within.By the fridge light, I inspect my snacking options.There’s no sushi left, naturally.But there are the other necessary basics in life.Some slices of cheese, turkey, and pickles.With a couple of Oreos for after, of course.
“Hey,” says a deep voice from out of the dark.
I jump and hug the jar of pickles to me like their poor innocent green lives depend on it.Which they do.“Holy shit.”
“Sorry.”He ruffles a hand through his mussed hair.And once again, he’s half naked.This is outrageous, all of this male nipple showing.The man should be ashamed of his beautiful body.And I should not be repeating the crime of lusting after someone who is taken.What a seriously bad idea.“Didn’t mean to scare you, Jude.”
“Where did you come from?”
“I was just sleeping on the couch.”
My mouth opens, but nothing comes out.Finally, I manage a whispered, “You were?”
“Yeah.Got hungry, huh?”he asks, leaning his hip against the kitchen counter.“I wanted to apologize for earlier.For Frankie just showing up like that.She, ah…she’s kind of hard to predict.She tends to make her own rules.But I’m sorry our dinner got interrupted.”
“That’s fine.”I put the jar of pickles on the counter.“It’s no big deal.”
“It wasn’t?”
I just shrug.Which is about when I realize I’m still wearing his hoodie.It was just so cozy and smelled like him, so I decided to allow myself that one little treat.
Dammit.I had totally forgotten.
Talk about busted.
