Page 31 of Tease
“Okay, okay, just imagine… A PVC pipe and a gerbil…” Uhm, there’s no smile on her face. She’s kidding… right? Nope, still no smile.
“Wait, what?! I thought those stories were myths! Who in the hell would do that?!”
“KC, some people are into real kinky shit. They shove the PVC pipe into their rectum, then push the gerbil into it. The gerbil dies trying to claw its way out.”
I think I’m going to be sick. “You have got to be kidding…” Stomach acid builds up my throat.
“Unfortunately for the gerbil, I’m not. Told you, today has been a day. Can I have another, please?” She gives her empty martini glass a shake.
Alrighty, then. This one will need to be stronger than the first. Barf, I don’t think I could keep a straight face dealing with that kind of situation…
“Shelah, I’m a little scared to ask for another story at this point. I have a shift to finish, and the last one almost made methrow up.” Her head tilts back; a belly laugh comes out of her, and it makes me smile.
“Uh-huh… And do you think you’ll go back to nursing school, pretty lady?”
Her hand brushes against mine when I place the fresh, much stronger, espresso martini down. I give her a sad smile. “Never.”
Instead of talking about any more sexual rectum fiascos, our conversation flows about her newest grandchild. He was born last week, and her other children plan to visit from out of state this weekend. I fill her in on Brittney—about her boyfriend, and how she’s almost finished with law school. Shelah’s been one of my regulars since the beginning. I’m very fond of her and have come to look forward to our chats. After her second drink is finished, this time much slower, she rolls off of her stool and walks over to the side of the bar. I meet her, and she brings me in for a tight hug. I hug her back just as tight. She’s my momma bear in Chicago.
As the night continues, the busier the bar becomes. I look up from the mixed drink I’m stirring and see the small dance floor in the corner has several ladies dancing to “All The Single Ladies” by Beyonce. The other bartender, Taylor, and I run the alcohol and keep the women happy with their half-priced drinks.
CHAPTER 25
KC
I’m currently snuggled against my oversized couch, eating vanilla yogurt topped with fresh sliced strawberries and watching a new episode ofSuits. Harvey could have me on my knees any day. Also, Donna is a complete badass; I want to be just like her when I walk into a room. Not only is her style flawless, her bad bitch energy is top notch. Harvey needs to realize he loves her already. I hear the front door of our apartment unlocking before Brittney yells, “Honey, I’m home!!!”
Quickly, I grab the remote and pause the show becausehello,eyes have to stay focused on Harvey at all times while this show is on. I twist my body on the couch to catch Brittney as she walks in. “Hey, babe! Long time no see! I’ve missed you.”
Brittney drops a large black duffel bag by the front door. She’s in an oversized yellow shirt and barely there black Spanx; her shoulder-length blonde hair is half-up, half-down, and she’s not wearing any makeup.
She grabs the plush pink blanket that’s always on the back of our couch, then drops down next to me and drapes it over us. “Skyler went out of town this morning for a scheduled fight.” She pushes out her bottom lip in a pout as she scoots closer to me.Brittney lays her head on my shoulder, and with a soft voice says, “I’ve missed you too, Kailey.”
I kiss the top of her head and snuggle into her. “Do you want some yogurt and strawberries? I can cut up more.”
“No. Skyler and I had a breakfast date before he headed out.” She smiles before adding, “I really, really like him.”
I want nothing but happiness for my best friend, as long as he treats her right. “I know you do. Does he treat you well?”
“Yeah… Yeah, he really does, Kailey.”
I nod, waiting for her to continue, because the look she’s giving me right now… It’s her tell, that she wants to talk some more.
“Do you have any plans, two weekends from now?” Brittney’s fingers are picking at the blanket’s edges.
I close my eyes and think through my schedule. Nothing stands out to me. “Not really… just my usual work schedule. What’s up?”
“Do you think Carter would care if you take off on a Friday night if you gave him enough notice?”
“Yeah, he’s usually pretty good about that, and I can always find coverage myself, if needed.”
“Well… Skyler has a cage fight coming up, and it’s close by. The fight is being hosted in a huge arena that has a hotel connected to it. He offered to pay for our tickets and our hotel room if we go…”
She turns her body toward me, her stone face letting me know she’s serious. “Please tell me you’ll go with me. I really want you to get to know him better, and it’ll be fun. We can wear fancy dresses, stay in a beautiful suite, and have front-row table tickets!”
“Britt, you know I’m not really into watching guys beat each other up.” I see the exact moment disappointment laces her face when my words leave my mouth; it quickly makes me switchlanes. “But… a night out, dressed to the nines, does sound like it could be fun…”
Brittney jumps up and off of the couch, almost knocking my yogurt out of my hand when the blanket whips out.
