We're One: Two wrongs always make a right

Chapter Four

Sia

I toss my purse on the counter as soon as the door shuts behind me. Like a zombie I walk to the couch and slouch down with a big sigh. The events of the day are swirling through my mind like a whirlwind.

“That’s a big sigh,” Nikki says as she sets her computer down.

“What are you working on?” I ask, not quite ready to talk about my day.

She beams at me. “My cooking vlog. I did an amazing video yesterday where the mixer exploded flour all over the place. I wasn’t going to redo the recipe so I went ahead and posted it, and the followers loved it. Makes me think I need to quit cutting out all of the mistakes I make. It seems they like the mess-ups as much as the recipes themselves.”

“We all want to be entertained. It’s harder to keep our interest in this ever-changing world of technology where we can literally look up anything we want with a few keystrokes,” I tell her.

“I love cooking so much and want this to be all professional, but it’s not really who I am so it might come across as fake.”

“I’ve been telling you from the beginning to be yourself because you’re amazing,” I insist.

“Well, I’m not going to fake disasters, but I’m going to let things play out. It will save me a massive amount of time in editing.”

“With all the extra time we can exercise more,” I tell her. Neither of us get enough of it.

A shudder runs through her. “Now you’re talking me into editing again. That’s much better than running.” We both laugh as the tension leaves my shoulders. I should’ve known being with her would instantly cheer me up. It’s always been that way.

“I wouldn’t want to do that,” I say, smiling with my lips, but knowing it’s not quite reaching my eyes.

“Okay, you’ve stalled long enough. How did it go with Zach?”

“I don’t know,” I say, confused. “He doesn’t remember me. There’s something niggling on his brain, and he asked if we know each other. I don’t know what makes me feel worse, that he can’t quite place me, or that he’s been with so many women that the greatest experience of my life was only a tiny blip on his radar.”

“I wish I could tell you it’s not a big deal, but that does kind of suck. We’re simply choosy about who we want to be intimate with, while others think a hole is a hole.”

I cringe. “That’s so gross.”

“I agree it’s gross, but a lot of men are pigs,” she says with no apology.

“I know my share of crappy women too.”

She laughs. “Believe me, I agree. We just look at lovemaking as something special. People like Zach look at it as nothing but pleasure. I’m not saying one way is right or wrong, but the two philosophies usually don’t mix. You can’t want an exclusive, beautiful relationship with someone who wants a new woman beneath him each week.”

“Why in the hell am I still attracted to the man when I know what a pig he is?” I throw my arms in the air.

Nikki smiles. “He’s hot. We can appreciate beauty while still knowing it’s poisonous.”

“Well, I’m not going to fall for his charm again.”

“So you didn’t take the job?”

I cringe again. “No, I took the job. It pays too much to turn down, and if I can show this job on my website it will really boost business. I can’t let my messy emotions keep me from a great business opportunity.”

“You’ll be fine,” she says, then hops up. “I’ve been on the computer all day and you’ve been stressed so we need to go out.”

I shake my head. “I’m not in the mood.”

“I don’t care. You always say you’re not in the mood, then you’re totally into it. We’re going out and I’m not taking no for an answer.”

It’s useless to keep arguing. We’ve played this game many times before, and she always wins. If we were in prison, I’d certainly be her bitch. It is what it is. I get up and head to my tiny room to pick out an outfit. It has to be a dress, or she won’t let me out of the house, which isn’t a bad idea, but she’ll only make me change. She’d prefer I get more figure-hugging and shorter dresses, but I can’t change who I am, so she’s caved on my way of dressing. I really do love my bestie. We balance each other. I help calm her, and she helps break me from my shell.

I get dressed, then Nikki fluffs my hair. My glasses are left behind and I relent on the bright pink lipstick. I do like how she does my hair and makeup. I always feel so pretty, which is never a bad thing.

Before I can change my mind, we’re heading out of the apartment and stepping into an Uber. There’s no point in driving in downtown Seattle as neither of us are comfortable driving in wall-to-wall traffic. We can walk, take public transportation, or get Ubers. It all works. Then we don’t have to worry about having a few drinks.

As we enter the club, the music is sexy, and the crowd enthusiastic. I smile. I do enjoy going out when Nikki talks me into it. If it wasn’t for her, I’d probably never leave our place as I’m perfectly comfortable sitting at home, vegging out on my favorite television series of the moment. This place soothes my soul though.

We find a table in the back and order a couple of drinks. It doesn’t take long to down them, then we’re ready to dance. We aren’t out too long when a man approaches us. He leans into me, his smile confident, his attitude clear. He thinks he’s a catch.

“You ladies look beautiful.”

“Thanks. Go away,” Nikki says barely giving him a glance. He turns his full attention on me.

“Let’s dance,” he demands. I give him a winning smile and see the satisfaction in his eyes.

“I don’t do playboys. You can play with yourself instead of me,” I tell him. His eyes widen in shock before he ducks his head and sulks away.

We lose ourselves for a good thirty minutes before we take a break. We head back to our table for a second round of drinks, but the music soon calls us back to the dance floor. We don’t need men to enjoy ourselves. We simply need a few drinks and great music, and of course, each other.

I’m dancing when a shiver races down my spine. I sense a body behind me and then warm breath whispers across my neck as a greeting is spoken in a low, deep voice... that I instantly recognize. What in the heck are the odds for this?

I turn, my heart thudding in my chest, and come face to face with Zach. He looks at me for a moment with a bit of confusion, then light dawns in his eyes. I should, once again, be offended it took him a moment to recognize me. I do look much different from how I looked earlier, especially without the glasses, and wearing expertly applied makeup, but I’m a bit sensitive when it comes to this man.

“Sia?” he says as if questioning himself. He seems a bit floored. Do I look that different? Well, that was the goal, to go from business professional to free woman out for a night on the town, so I should look different.

“Hi, Zach,” I say before I remember I want to use his last name so I can keep some distance between us. It seems so strange to do in a club setting though.

“I guess we’re meant to keep running into each other,” he says.

“You need to work on your pickup lines.”

He throws his head back and laughs, and I refuse to admit how much I like the sound of his enthusiasm. He had me wrapped around his little finger nine years ago, and it wouldn’t take too much to be wrapped around his entire body again. I can’t let this happen. I can’t afford the adult heartbreak. It nearly killed me at eighteen. It would most likely cripple me now.

“We know each other,” he says. I see his eyes narrow a bit as if he’s scratching at his memory. This sends me into a whole new panic. I don’t want him to remember me. I was offended at first, but if he remembers it’s going to change everything. There’s no way I can do the job if he places me as the girl who was basically his willing slave for weeks.

“I’m sure it’s the club lights. It makes all of us women look the same,” I tell him. I’m not normally a liar, but this one lie is imperative for my very survival.

“Let me buy you a drink,” he says, his charming smile firmly back in place. I stare at him for a moment and realize he’s one-hundred-percent confident I’ll agree. I wonder if any woman has ever turned him down. My guess is no. He’s incredibly handsome, obviously successful, and the air of confidence about him is quite appealing. I probably wouldn’t turn him down, if there wasn’t already history between us.

“No, thank you. Have a great night.” I begin to turn away, seeing his shocked expression, and don’t get far before he reaches for my arm. He’s not rough by any means but he doesn’t appreciate being dismissed.

“Why not?” he asks. His voice is so dang sure. He must think he can change my mind.

“You do realize that not taking no for an answer is stalking,” I say, pointedly looking down at where his fingers grip my arm. He quickly releases his grip, but doesn’t move back. His gaze narrows the smallest bit.

“I’ve never had to stalk a woman in my life,” he says, his voice now defensive.

“Well, you’re doing it now. Just because you’re my client doesn’t mean I’m obligated to spend time with you outside of work.”

I expect him to get angry, but instead he shocks me as he throws his head back and laughs. He looks me straight in the eyes, his gaze now holding me captive instead of his beautiful hands. There’s a glint of determination in his eyes, a flash of something that sends a thrill coursing through me. Dammit. I will not be swayed.

“Enjoy dancing, Sia,” he says, then turns and walks away. I let out a relieved sigh and ignore the tiny spark of disappointment that he’s given up. I can’t say what’s wrong with me right now.

“What in the heck was that?” Nikki asks, instantly appearing at my side.

“Zach.” I don’t need to add another word.

She lets out a low whistle. “Damn, that man is hot.”

“You’re not helping.”

“Well, I need to cool down after that exchange. I wasn’t sure if I needed to step in and help you or call the fire department to hose you both down. Steam was rising.”

I roll my eyes and go back to our table. I need another drink, maybe ten of them. We should leave immediately. That’s what I’d do if I were smarter. But I’m not letting the man chase me away. He’s already taken far too much of my time in thoughts alone. I won’t give him the power of intimidating me now.

Nikki and I have another drink, dance a few more songs, then drink a bit more. We’re mixing water in between our alcohol so we aren’t sloshed by any means. We’ve learned that life lesson already and neither of us enjoy hangovers. We also don’t want to become so inebriated we can’t protect ourselves. At home we can do what we want, but in public we’re cautious.

At least an hour passes before that same shiver as before travels down my spine. I turn and see Zach once again. He leans against the table, and I glance at Nikki who’s looking at him with awe. I’m sure he’s far more used to her reaction than the cold shoulder I’ve been desperately trying to give him.

“Want to dance?” he asks, confidence once again oozing out of him.

“That would be a definite no,” I say, giving him my most sugary sweet smile. I hate that I’m somewhat happy he’s back. I’ll never understand myself. I don’t want to crush on this man, and I don’t want to fight feelings for him while I’m doing my job, but already I want him to be here. It’s not safe or smart. Maybe it’s simply that I want to have a man want me so much he’s not willing to give up. It will take me a while to figure out my own mind, and I might have to accept that it will never happen.

He turns to Nikki, and for a brief moment I’m terrified he’s going to go after her. She won’t accept. We’d never do that to each other, but it will still crush me if he can so easily replace me with my adorable best friend.

“What will it take to get your friend to dance with me?” he asks.

Nikki beams at him. “I don’t think it will happen. She doesn’t date very often, and when she does, it’s never with players,” she tells him while batting her eyes.

“How about I buy you a drink and you can help me break down her walls?”

I wait for Nikki to give him a definite no. Her grin widens. “We’re both drinking Lemon Drops,” she says. My mouth falls open at my traitorous best friend. Zach nods at her and heads to the bar.

“I can’t believe you just did that.”

“Hey, drinks are expensive here. I’m not turning down free ones.”

“What if he drugs our drinks?” I pout.

She laughs. “Really, Sia, you think that’s going to happen?”

“No, but I’m trying to drive him away.”

She gives me a long look. “I don’t think you are, but don’t worry, the best friend code is firmly in place. I won’t share anything too intimate.” She winks at me; I glare at her.

“You’re reading into nothing.”

She laughs again. “That man wants you bad, and you’re not completely opposed to it. A best friend knows these things. It’s not lust in your gaze as your staring at him while trying to pretend he doesn’t exist.”

“I am too,” I say, sounding like a petulant five-year-old.

Zach returns surprisingly fast. I shouldn’t be too shocked. This man isn’t a person who ever has to wait for anything. Life comes easy to him while Nikki and I have to struggle for everything we achieve. I might be a bit jealous that some have it so much easier than others.

“Two drinks for two beautiful women,” Zach says as he sets the drinks down then takes a seat at our table. I want to tell him to go away, but Nikki has invited him, so I’d simply come out sounding like a shrew.

“We don’t do threesomes, if that’s what you’re hoping for,” Nikki says with another flutter of her lashes. Her words make me choke on my drink. Zach reaches over and pats my back.

“Never been my thing. To each their own.” He looks at me. “I prefer taking my time and giving all I have to one beautiful woman.”

Oh, I remember how much time he spends on the female body. He was good back then. I don’t want to imagine how he’d be now. It’s got to be out of this world. But this is a path I absolutely can’t afford to go down.

“So, are you excited about your house?” I ask, needing to change the subject. He beams at me.

“I am, but it’s going to take a lot of planning. When can you come by again? The sooner the better. I’ve cleared my schedule for the entire month.” My thoughts of not having to spend much time with him are getting thrown right out the window. He’s going to definitely be a hands on client . . . and I wish I could hate the thought of this a whole lot more than I do. Maybe Nikki has a point.

I lift my drink and down a bit too much. “Of course I want you to be happy with the finished product, which is why I’ve put some things together. I’m not done, though. I want a complete package before you see it. I can drop off samples for you to peruse at your leisure.” I don’t need to be with him for that part.

He shakes his head. “I’m hopeless with this sort of stuff. I’ll need you to walk through every... single... detail with me. I’m more than willing to pay extra, as I know it will eat into your time and make it impossible to do other projects.” He makes sure to emphasize these words so it’s more than clear he expects to spend a lot of time with me.

I’m not sure if he’s saying I need to be available twenty-four/seven, or what he’s implying, but again, I can’t lose this job. It’s too important for my career. I’m going to have to suck it up and deal with it like the adult I am.

“I normally take a week to get things together. If I put in extra time, I can have something together by Tuesday,” I offer.

“Maybe we can do it all together. We could meet tomorrow,” he suggests.

I shake my head. “No, that won’t work. Tuesday’s the soonest.” I stay firm with this. If I start allowing him to walk on me now, it will all be over. His grin grows as if he knows this is a battle of wills. He nods, deciding to give me this little victory. I should be thankful for small favors.

“Tuesday will work. I have your number if I have questions over the weekend.”

Another shudder goes through me. I’ve had nightmare clients before who want me to be at their beck and call. It’s all part of the business. I don’t think any of them will compare to Zach though. I can tell he’s going to be a thorn in my side for the duration. I have to keep reminding myself how much this will grow my business. I’ll get through it, and I might have a few scars after all is said and done, but scars mean I have a great story to tell. No one has an adventurous life without having a few marks left on their bodies and souls.

I excuse myself to use the restroom and pull myself together. When I come back out Zach and Nikki are talking like lifelong friends. I want to punch both of them. I put up with it for a bit longer before I say I have a headache and it’s time to go.

Zach stands, tells us he’s had a great evening, and walks away. Nikki chatters away as we leave the club. I can’t allow them to be together again. If Zach gets Nikki on his side, I’m well and truly screwed. And I desperately need her to remind me what a bad idea it is for me to get involved with him. He’s a player and I’m not going down that road again. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll eventually convince myself of this.