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Laura
“I don’t like this one,” I tossed the dress on the bed. It was my first weekend off since Mr. Emerson’s retirement. That was shocking, but the promotion was a dream come true, and the reason my best friend was curled up on my bed with wine, trying not to laugh, and failing at it.
I groaned, “A night out sounded like a good idea, but now, I’m not so sure. We should cancel.”
“Please,” Stacie waved off my statement. “I’m not taking your damn meltdown seriously because your eyes lit up when I said Dorian would be linking up with us. You two hit it off at Jack’s last week. Don’t deny it. I noticed the way you blushed during the conversation Please screw him and release all that pent-up tension.”
I shot Stacie a dirty look. She doubled over in a fit of laughter but didn’t spill a drop of wine. My dating life needed serious work, but it wasn’t from not trying. It was different. I sighed, “I don’t like you sometimes.”
Stacie stopped laughing long enough to catch her breath, “You love me, and I’m not twisting your arm. It’s one date, you know, the thing two people do when they like each other.”
“Oh, very funny,” I huffed. “I’ve been on dates.”
“How many? Don’t count the exhausting situation you have with Cameron.” Stacie waited for an answer
I was thinking about what she said. Cameron was a safe choice for me. We were friends with benefits, and it was comforting, but I didn’t tell Stacie because she’d point out no one ever measured up to Rex. It wasn’t a good time to lose myself in memories. It’s been an entire year and the pain was still there. He didn’t care about me, so I wouldn’t waste my energy on him. I picked out another dress. “I’ve been out with three men, well, four if you count lunch with the guy renting a corporate suite.”
“We’re not counting that. It’s work-related, so three dates in the past few weeks. Not bad.” Stacie sipped from her wineglass and motioned to my dress. “Wear that one. I don’t want to be late. What’s his face will be there.”
“Liam,” I put emphasis on each syllable of his name. “You two have been inseparable for months.”
“I’m bored. There’s only so many sexual positions a person can try,” Stacie paused. “That’s not true. I met this incredible Greek God last year.”
“Jorges Cosse,” I said his name before she had a chance to repeat it for the hundredth time. “He was the perfect gentleman and a wild beast in the sack.” I recited word for word. “You spent the week at his beach villa having kinky sex and mind-blowing orgasms for hours.”
Stacie released a dramatic sigh, “I mention him so much because he was the real deal. They don’t make them like him anymore.”
I laughed, “I’m pretty sure they do. Men are around.”
“I haven’t found his equal and I’m trying. Tonight is not about me. Pick a dress and throw on sandals.”
“Don’t rush me. You’re not even into what’s his face anymore,” I teased her.
“Liam, I know his name,” she sucked her teeth. “Dorian will get there early, knowing him, and you don’t want him to lose interest.”
Stacie finished her wine. “I’ll pour another glass, so you need to be ready by the time I’m finished it.” She eyed my lingerie, “I like the lace, wear it,” Stacie left the bedroom.
I shook my head. She would be in rare form. Maybe I could have fun and not worry about hooking up with someone. I tried not to think about Rex. It was awful when I compared men to him.
I took a deep breath and studied my reflection in the mirror. I looked pretty good. I could handle spending time with Dorian. Maybe it would be the start of something.
My phone chimed. I was startled by the sound but quickly picked it up. Cameron was calling. I tapped the screen to answer. “Hi, how’s Chicago?”
“The food is good. It’s colder than what I’m used to.”
“That’s because we have mild weather here,” I sighed. “I haven’t traveled in a while and would love to experience something new.”
“You’re welcome to come along next trip.”
“Thanks. I might do that.”
“I hope so, you could keep me company in-between these boring meetings. Are you nervous?”
I paused, “What do you mean?”
“You have a date. You mentioned it earlier this week.”
I wracked my brain and still wasn’t sure when my date was the topic of conversation.
Cameron chuckled, “You’re trying to figure it out. I asked about your plans, you said it then.”
“Okay because I don’t remember.”
“It was four words at the most.”
I smiled, “I have a date is four words, very funny. I can’t believe I told you. It’s weird since we hookup sometimes.”
“Really?” Cameron teased. “It’s not a problem for me.”
I sighed. “I feel awful about mentioning another guy. I was an emotional mess last year, and I’m so glad you were there to lend an ear, but you don’t have to keep doing it.”
“You’re not leading me on. I wanted to be there for you after the breakup. I understand how tough it is.”
“Thanks, and I can’t wait to hear about your trip.”
Cameron chuckled, “I’m glad you said that because I’m hoping we can talk over dinner.”
“Sure, sounds good. I’ll text you tomorrow. Have fun while you’re there.”
“I will and enjoy your night.” Cameron ended the call.
I relaxed on the bed for a second. My life was different not too long ago. I wanted a serious relationship, but I would be fine with a guy that had a few things in common with me. It wasn’t settling, well, that’s what I told myself, but there were times where I wondered if things could’ve been different. I released a deep sigh. It was a waste of time. A trip down memory lane wouldn’t change anything.
I slipped into a dress, jewelry, and sandals. I didn’t go overboard with the makeup. My outfit looked great for a first date, but it took a few minutes to calm my nerves.
Stacie was in the living room on her phone. She looked in my direction and quickly ended the call. “You look cute. Our ride will be here soon. Do you have everything?”
“No. I left condoms in my other purse,” I batted my eyelashes. “I might need to borrow some of yours.”
“Sure,” Stacie replied without missing a beat. “Let’s hope Dorian is built well in all the places that count.”
“I agree with you on that,” I said without thinking.
She gave me a wide-eyed stare. “All joking aside. Are you trying to take it there? I’m not judging. I’m curious.”
“I wouldn’t be against the idea,” I blushed, “My sex life is not the greatest.”
“Really? I figured you would’ve banged a co-worker or maybe a client. Cameron is always on standby too.”
I laughed, “You make it sound so wrong.”
Stacie shrugged, “It’s annoying the way you two avoid talking about having a relationship. How would you react if he popped the question?”
My smile faded, “Why? Did Cameron say something to you? Is that why he asked to link up for dinner?”
I hurled questions at Stacie until she put an end to it. “Slow down. Laura, take a breath.”
I exhaled and relaxed my shoulders. “I’m okay, well, I’m not. I was surprised by your question.”
“I can tell, but I wouldn’t know if he had plans. I’m not his friend. I asked because you’ve been on and off with Cameron for a year.”
“It’s been seven months,” I corrected her.
She ignored it, “Cameron will want more than sex at some point. I can see you’re not prepared. Maybe it’s time to be honest. You don’t love him,” Stacie checked her phone. “Our ride is here.”
I was relieved we weren’t talking about my love life anymore. “What car service did you use?”
“If by service, you mean a person getting paid to drive us where we want to go, then sure, but I won’t be paying for a luxury service like your Dad does,” Stacie glanced at me. “Don’t tell him I said that. My birthday is around the corner, and I want my gifts.”
“Hmm, I bet,” I teased her. “Admit you’re spoiled too, and I won’t tell on you.”
“Quit being a damn brat and let’s go,” Stacie replied.
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