Chapter 5 Jake
FIVE
JAKE
I crawl into bed with a groan, flopping onto my back, utterly exhausted.
Tiara, my black, silver, and white Maine Coon, jumps up and takes over her half of the mattress.
“Hello, darling.” She rubs her head against my palm and purrs like an outboard motor.
“Do you need some love? Of course you do. Because you’re a good girl and you deserve it.
” I roll onto my side and give her my full attention, concentrating my scritches just under her ears, which is her favorite spot.
Her purring gets even louder, and in what is probably a Pavlovian response, my sore muscles relax.
Regardless of how much I adore being spoiled, showering those I love with affection and care is even better.
And at this point in my life, that’s Lee and Tiara.
“This is so much nicer than being hunched over my laptop all day.”
Sexy Pottery Boy: Hey been thinking. If you still want to play with clay on our apology date then we need to go somewhere we can dress casually or bring a change of clothes. Pottery is messy
What does he mean if I want to play with clay? I said I did, didn’t I? Honestly, I’d rather play with him, but I suppose I should rein in my overeager libido. Besides, pottery sounds intriguing.
Me: Either works. Dinner first, right? What kind of food do you like?
Sexy Pottery Boy: Yes please. And I’ll eat just about anything
I smirk at that and let my mind drift to very naughty places.
Me: That so? winking_face emoji
Dots appear then disappear. Then appear again.
Sexy Pottery Boy: Mind out of the gutter, gorgeous
Ooh. I like that pet name.
Me: That’s no fun but OK. Do you like Italian? I know a great place. Family run and everything is homemade. Very casual. Plus they love me
Sexy Pottery Boy: Of course they do
I raise my eyebrows, unsure if I should be hearing the words laced with sarcasm or sincerity.
Sexy Pottery Boy: I love Italian food. The place sounds great
Me: Perfect. I’ll make a reservation for 7pm. Does that work?
Sexy Pottery Boy: Works for me
Me: Maybe we can grab a to-go coffee at French Press in between dinner and pottery. It’s right down the street from the restaurant.
Sexy Pottery Boy: I LOVE coffee, so yes please
Sexy Pottery Boy: This is the start of a brewtiful friendship
Me: Oh, that sucked!
Me: Pardon my French roast
Not my best effort, but what can you do when you aren’t expecting to need pun banter?
Sexy Pottery Boy: I’ll bet it made you laugh
Sexy Pottery Boy: And the ends justify the beans
I groan, and then chuckle.
Me: Stop! OMG. This conversation is going to pot
Sexy Pottery Boy: Good one!
Did he have a list of coffee puns in case this ever came up?
Me: Don’t press your luck
Sexy Pottery Boy: Oh I see what you did there! That was mug-nificent!
That one makes me cackle so loudly that Tiara raises her head to glare at me. “Sorry, love. I didn’t mean to disturb you.” I stroke down her back, which she allows, even earning me another rumbling purr.
Me: OK LOL. Enough with the puns. I’m running out of steam
Sexy Pottery Boy: Thanks for giving it a shot
Me: *rolling_eyes emoji* Is this a thing now? Will we converse only in puns?
Sexy Pottery Boy: I mean, it could be our thing
Sexy Pottery Boy: But for real, it’s been a long day
Sexy Pottery Boy: I’m a bit punchy. Sorry, I didn’t mean to be annoying
Me: Not annoying. It was fun
Me: Not like I was doing anything important
Me: Just lying here with my bed buddy
I snuggle with Tiara and bring up the camera. She’s a queen when it comes to selfies. We both look directly at the phone, and I take the shot and send it as my next message.
Me: This is Tiara, my gorgeous housemate.
Me: Do you like cats?
Oh god. What if he’s allergic? Shit! We’re doomed!
Sexy Pottery Boy: That isn’t a cat
Sexy Pottery Boy: That’s a dog in cat drag
Me: She’s a Maine Coon
Sexy Pottery Boy: Is it a requirement that everyone in your house is gorgeous?
My belly swoops at the compliment and I’m glad this is a text conversation because my cheeks are on fire.
Yes, I can be bold and a bit out there sometimes, but everyone appreciates compliments.
Well, the sincere ones. At least, I do. Especially if they’re from very handsome, adorable, down-to-earth, sexy men.
Sexy Pottery Boy: I’ll never be able to set foot inside your place
Me: Trust me. You’ll fit right in
Sexy Pottery Boy: *blush emoji* So, where is Tiara’s tiara?
Me: LOL she does need one. I named her for my favorite Drag Race drag queen, Plastic Tiara
Sexy Pottery Boy: So I was right! Cat drag
Sexy Pottery Boy: I love Drag Race
Me: Maybe we can watch it together sometime
Sexy Pottery Boy: Date night!
Me: Second date night
Me: We already have plans for our first date
Me: Italian restaurant, coffee, pottery
Sexy Pottery Boy: Can we work kissing in at some point?
Oh, yes please! I’m so glad he’s on the same page with that because I’ve been thinking about kissing him ever since we almost kissed in Lee’s kitchen.
Me: I think we can make that work
Sexy Pottery Boy: Whew!
Me: laughing emoji stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye emoji kissing_heart emoji
Sexy Pottery Boy: I hate to cut this short but I need to go
Sexy Pottery Boy: mom’s leaving for work
Sexy Pottery Boy: I want to say goodbye before she heads out
That’s right. Lee told me he and Charlie live with their mom. I’m torn between thinking it’s sweet and rolling my eyes at the stereotype reinforcement.
Me: Go say goodbye. I’ll see you tomorrow
Me: Night
Sexy Pottery Boy: Night. Can’t wait to see you in person
Me: smiling_face_with_three_hearts emoji