Stop it, Dora. Get a grip. Out of your league.
“Shoots?” Ron asks.
“Oh, Ron, I’m sorry. How rude of me. These are my roommates.” I make the introductions and watch as poor Ron seems to sink into his chair. He’s intimidated and I need to correct the situation. “Surely you’ve heard how I ended up with these nerds.” I watch three sets of eyebrows shoot up, but I ignore them. “Liam has a superstition that the number four is lucky for him. Their old roommate left and they were so desperate they bullied me to move in.”
“I had heard a rumor around campus about this, but thought it was just gossip.”
The food arrives, saving me from having to talk anymore. Hopefully a few glasses of wine will relax Ron. My stomach growls and laughter erupts, breaking the tension, thank heavens. I would have been embarrassed, but for once I’m glad my stomach loves to talk.
After a couple of glasses of wine myself, I’m feeling like this evening has been salvaged. Ron seems like he’s finally enjoying himself, and my roomies have made him feel like an old friend. They really are a cool bunch of guys. Pushy, yes, but they have hearts. Even Jeff is having fun, although that will end quickly when I ream him for his antics when we get home.
Papa and Mama stop by our table whenever they can. All in all, it’s a great evening. Sal has been amazing, refilling empty glasses and making sure we’re kept satisfied. I catch Ron looking at his watch. I check mine and see that it’s almost one in the morning. I grab Sal and ask for our checks.
“Checks are taken care of,” he replies and I shake my head.
“Who?”
Sal points across the table to Drew, who smiles at us. What a beautiful—I mean, handsome—smile.
Okay, so it’s a freaking hot smile.
“It’s the least I could do after crashing your date.”
I watch his luscious lips as he talks, wondering what they would feel like against mine. Damn, Dora, time to go home.
“Hey, Ron, you live close by, right? Why don’t we take Dora home? I know you have that thing in the morning,” Jeff casually says.
“Well …” Ron starts, and then everyone reassures him that they’d be happy to take me home.
“Is that okay, Dora? You won’t be upset?” Ron looks at me anxiously.
“No, Ron, it’s fine. After all, they know where I live.” I smile and then kick Jeff’s leg, which goes unnoticed since it’s hidden by the red-and-white checkered tablecloth. He grimaces, glaring in my direction. I stand and pull Ron up with me.
“I’ll walk him to his car and meet up with you guys in a bit.” I don’t wait for an answer as we maneuver through the still-crowded restaurant.
“I had a really good time, Dora. Your roommates seem cool. Sorry I’m not taking you home.”
“No worries, Ron.” I kiss his cheek and then watch as he gets into his car.
Well, that went well. So happy there wasn’t too much awkwardness. I’m also glad he didn’t ask me out again since I hate letting people down.
I walk back into the warm restaurant and find our hosts and kiss them goodbye. My escorts wait patiently for me by the front door. I also kiss Sal on the cheek on my way over to meet up with Jeff and my roommates. Yes, I’m a little unsteady. I lost track of how many glasses of delicious wine I had. I don’t say a word as they move aside. Jeff pushes open the door letting in the cold, frigid air. I don’t remember it being cold when I said goodbye to Ron. The car is silent on the way home. I wish I could read minds.
This time, I stay awake until we reach the loft. Jeff takes his key and puts it onto the lock of my private entrance. I wave to the three as they go through the main entrance.
I hit the bed to stop the room from spinning and proceed to pass out.
14
I swear, that will be the last time I ever drink. Alcohol will never touch these lips again. My head feels like it’s ready to explode, and my mouth feels like it’s full of cotton, wool, or enough sand to fill the Sahara Desert. I’m so thirsty, but no water for me. That’s not what I need. I spy a hand holding a glass with red liquid in it, and I know it’s Jeff’s special “you drank too much wine last night” drink concoction.
“Here, Ms. Lush.”
I take the glass, giving him my evil, stink eye.
“How come you can drink as much as I do, but then you’re fine the next day?”
“Good genes,” The jackass says. Wait, that’s not his name. It’s already taken by the other jackass, my ex.
“I feel awful. I’m so glad I don’t have to work today.” I gulp down about half of the mysterious creation, and to be honest, it doesn’t taste half as bad as it looks.
“Yep, but we are expected at your parents today, remember? It’s Sunday.”
“Did you have to remind me? Call them and tell them I’m sick.” I end my sentence with a moan and put my pillow over my head.
“Nope. I’ll tell your mom the truth. That her sweet little daughter has a vino hangover.”
“You’re so evil sometimes, Jeff, you know that? Oh, and what was with that stunt you pulled last night? Bringing everyone to Papa’s?”
I feel him sit on the bed. “Well, it’s like this: I like your roommates. And in my opinion, either Drew or Colin would be good enough for you.”
He’s smiling, I can hear it in his voice.
“So you set me up on a date just to sabotage it. Great, that makes sense.” I open one eye and glare at him. Yep, he’s smiling.
“No, Ron was an experiment. Yes, he’s nice looking, but boring, and you need excitement in your life. Shake it up a little.”
Now would be the time to tell him he’s right, but I’m not going to give him the satisfaction. No, not going to happen.
“Now, it’s time for little Dora to get up and get ready. We have a fun day ahead of us.”
“Where did you ever get the impression I need more excitement? Spending time with my fam is plenty.” I groan as I sit up, putting my feet in the plush carpet.
“See, that wasn’t so hard. Now march your cute little butt into the shower, and I’ll get some decent clothes for our outing.”
I carefully close the bathroom door. I want to slam it, but I don’t think my head could take the agony it will produce. Lukewarm water streams over my head and down my body, making me feel a little better. Minutes later, with my body wrapped up in a towel, I open the door and see Jeff lounging on the bed he apparently just made. Next to him are the clothes he picked out for me. Frankly, I could care less if they match. In fact, the bed looks so inviting I’m tempted to push him off and steal under the covers. But the determined look on my torturer’s face makes me reach for my clothes and start to get dress.
“For the holy socks of mother earth, please turn down that screeching.” The pounding music from Jeff’s elaborate speaker setup in his car doesn’t make me feel any better.
“Hey, you like this group. Don’t be a grouch. You know I like listening to music when I drive.”
Sliding down into the plush leather seat, I pull my sunglasses out of my purse to shield my eyes from the unforgiving onslaught from the sun, and try to relax.
What feels like only seconds later, I hear Jeff’s joyful voice say, “We’re here,” and it pulls me out of my semi-sleep state.
“Just leave me in the car and—”
Before I can finish, he’s out of the car, pulling open my door, and I’m standing on my parents’ driveway. He tucks my hand in the crook of his arm, and I’m half walking, half being pulled to the front door.
Jeff opens the door and yells, “We’re here,” which shoots pain through my head like an electric shock. Seriously, no more wine for me, ever.