Chapter Fifteen Lexie
As much as I love my therapist Julie, some days retail therapy is the best kind.
The instant serotonin I feel when I receive a package or open a shopping bag—it can’t be beat.
Especially now that I can’t actually talk to her about what’s really going on in my life outside vague expressions about my current emotions.
I think she’s starting to notice, so my time with her is probably running out.
I’ve decided to put our sessions on hold until I can untangle some of the giant complications that have recently twisted up my life.
At least I have a box waiting for me at the front desk for today’s dose of excitement.
Taking the sharp edge of the scissors to slice through the tape, I pull one of the box flaps to peek at what’s inside. “It’s here,” I announce to no one in particular as I open the box. I lift the oversized panda from the package, hoisting its considerable weight.
“What is that?” Callum’s voice speaks over my shoulder, closer than I expected him to be.
He’s always standing so damn close.
“It’s a weighted stuffie.” Pulling the bear to my chest, I give it a test hug. The weight of it feels satisfying in my arms. Hopefully it’s heavy enough to crush the anxiety out of me long enough to fall asleep at night.
“I didn’t figure a girl like you would try to replace a man with a pillow when you’re lonely at night.” Callum’s comment has a wave of heat washing over me, a mix of arousal and embarrassment.
“I’m not,” I say defensively, frowning up at him over my shoulder. Despite my protest, he remains unconvinced. His hazel eyes take their time looking me up and down, his lips twitching smugly under his beard.
“That poor panda doesn’t stand a chance when you need satisfaction, Dewdrop.” There’s a patronizing edge to his voice. His taunting pisses me off.
“It’s not for that, Callum,” I insist, growing exasperated. The smirk on his lips spreads into a self-satisfied smile.
“Then what’s it for?” His brows raise, waiting for another explanation. He’s not expecting there to be one.
“It’s so I can actually sleep when—” Realizing I’ve said too much, my voice trails off and I press my lips together. All humor drops from Callum’s face, growing intensely serious in the blink of an eye. His eyes narrow.
“When what?” he asks slowly, distinctly. There’s no way out of this, I’ve dug myself too big of a hole. I let out a sigh and avert my eyes.
“When I have nightmares,” I admit. A line forms between Callum’s dark brows, his shoulders tensing.
“Nightmares about what?” He’s demanding answers that I’m not going to give him. Callum’s compulsive need to know everything I’m thinking until he’s in my head is an exhausting game I’m not in the mood to play. All teasing aside, there are some things he doesn’t get to know.
“That’s none of your business.” Toting my new stuffed friend, I skirt around his demanding stare and head to my room.
Placing the oversized panda on the bed next to my pillow, I mull over what to name her. If we’re going to be cuddling every night, she deserves to have a name. And a cute one to match how adorable she is.
Buttercup. It’s perfect.
My phone chimes as a notification from one of my dating apps lights the screen—Eric C. matched with you! Opening the app, I click on Eric’s profile. He’s cute with a full head of dark curls, and dimples decorating his wide smile. His entire profile screams “golden retriever energy.”
I’m in the bathroom getting ready to go out for the night when my phone chimes again, this time with a message from the golden retriever. I pause my makeup sponge mid-beat to open the message.
Eric
You are stunning
Lexie
Aww stop, you’re making me blush. Thank you! You’re not so bad yourself.
Eric
Oregon, huh? What brings you all the way to NYC?
Lexie
I’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to get bitten by someone on the subway. This was my chance
Eric
And were your dreams fulfilled? I’d hate for you to miss out on the real NY experience haha.
Lexie
Absolutely, and I have the teeth marks to prove it. On another note, my tetanus shots are up to date in case you were wondering.
Eric
Good, I was worried about that. If you’re planning on eating anywhere in Brooklyn, you’ll probably want to get a rabies shot too.
Lexie
I have yet to eat in Brooklyn, but I’ll keep that in mind.
Eric
We’ll have to change that, won’t we?
Lexie
I guess that depends on what you have in mind…
My chunky heels click on the floor as I walk into the kitchen. Tossing my curled hair to one side to put my small gold hoop earring in, my fingers struggle with the backing. Callum sits facing the tv on the other side of the living space, a newscaster displayed on the screen.
“I’m leaving,” I announce, finally securing my jewelry.
“Where are you going?” Callum’s deep voice carries from the living room. I look over as he stands from the couch. When he turns and his eyes settle on me, his entire body turns to stone. The man could be a statue if it weren’t for his searing gaze moving over me from head to toe.
“Girls’ night out.” My brows come together in confusion. What’s his problem?
“That’s what you’re wearing? It’s a fucking napkin.” The accusation in his voice has me looking down at my outfit.
My emerald top has an open corset front, the strings connecting the two halves stretching over a large gap that doesn’t cover much past my nipples and ends right above my high-waisted wide-legged black pleather pants. This top cuts down the globes of my breasts and puts them on full display.
Too open to wear even the lowest of plunge bras, I’m taped to high heaven.
This industrial-strength boob tape is a miracle worker, and it’s definitely fighting for its life against gravity.
Somehow, it’s winning—because my giant boobs are currently defying the laws of physics. Best fifty-five bucks I ever spent.
“This napkin is gonna get me lots of free drinks tonight.” There’s not an ounce of apology in my voice. I have nothing to be sorry for, I look great.
“Drinks? Looking like that, they’ll think they can buy you.” Coming closer, his eyes keep finding their way back to my cleavage, his expression darkening considerably.
Grabbing my handbag from the counter, I saunter over to the door. Pausing with my hand on the doorknob, I throw him a taunting smile over my shoulder. “In that case, don’t wait up.”
“Are you serious?” Ronnie cries the instant I step out of the car. “Girl, your boobs! You look so hot, I can’t even stand it.”
“I was just going to say the same thing to you. You look so good.” I mean it.
Ronnie’s vibrant orange monochromatic look pairs incredibly with her rich, dark skin.
And she knows how to pull off a look, her mini dress matching both her bold orange lipstick and the shoulder-length, wavy orange wig completing the ensemble.
“You know I gotta show up and show out,” Ronnie laughs, doing a little spin to show off the full effect. She then turns to gesture to the beautiful woman standing next to her. “This is my girl, Maya. She’s my best drinking buddy, she knows how to have fun.”
“I’m Lexie, so nice to meet you.” I introduce myself with an excited smile. “I’m always looking for fun drinking buddies.”
Maya is simply stunning. With thick straight, black hair hanging to the small of her back. Her tan complexion and dark features hint at a Hispanic heritage, with a curvy hourglass figure to die for. “I’ve heard so much about you, I’m very excited to see you get on stage,” Maya laughs.
“Oh, you better believe I’m getting on that stage.” I grin, excitement buzzing through me. “Let’s go in, I’m ready for a drink.”
The bar is large, colorful, and packed with people in various stages of inebriation.
A stage that stands along the back wall is lit by colorful spotlights that change with the music.
The music playing over the buzz of the crowd has a pulsing beat that vibrates through the floor and makes me want to dance.
This is the perfect place to get drunk, let loose, and forget about my problems.
“Lexie, I can’t get over your outfit. How did I not know you have a body like this? You’re doing the world a huge disservice by ever wearing a shirt.”
“I mean, scrubs aren’t exactly the most flattering.” I laugh as we make our way over to the bar. “Besides, I try not to show off for the randoms in the ER.”
“So true,” Ronnie agrees readily. “Look at us, the blonde, brunette, and redhead.” And between my top, Ronnie’s dress, and Maya’s skirt, we’ve got tits, legs, and ass covered tonight. We’re a hot group of ladies. This is already gearing up to be a fun night.
The first round of drinks has us loosening up nicely. We dance, cheer for the drunken karaoke performers, and just laugh together. Maya is hilarious, and she’s definitely as fun as Ronnie described. She’s ordering shots and matching my energy on the dance floor.
Lots of male eyes are on our trio from the moment we walk in, and it’s not too long before men are trying to join us on the dance floor.
They think they’re so slick, slipping behind us like we won’t notice they’re trying to grind on us.
Each one is pushed away, but that doesn’t stop them from trying.
If men have one thing, it’s the audacity. Cue the drunken asshole who looks like he has at least one photo of himself holding a fish on his dating profiles. The type who thinks he’s God’s gift to women but can never actually land one. Including me.
“My boys like your friends.” He jerks his head to where two other incels stand at the other end of the bar, both leering at where Ronnie and Maya stand a few feet away.
“Oh, really?” My tone clearly says I don’t give a single fuck. He can’t take a hint.
“Yeah, so guess I’ll take one for the team.” He leans closer, glassy eyes staring straight at my cleavage. “I hear big girls give the best head. Why don’t you give the twinkies a night off and put those pretty lips to good use.”