Alone #2
“We’re bound, right? You can give it back when I get home.”
“Okay.” She adjusted her glasses, causing him to smile.
“I’ll see you later.” He started to leave but I hopped up before he could.
“I wanna go to work with you! Can we go to work with you? Let’s go to work with him!” I turned to Ari on the last part.
“Sure, if you want to. I start in about twenty minutes.”
“We have to change and get ready and you’re not wearing a t-shirt this time.” I ran past him to get Ari from the couch.
“I’m not wearing one of your tiny pieces of fabric.”
“Bye Sean.” I waved as he left before turning back to Ari. “Okay, so here’s what we’re gonna do. I’m gonna drink a bunch of alcohol at the bar while you seduce Sean—”
“Absolutely not.”
I kept dragging her upstairs and listing our plans for the evening.
“You need a cuter outfit,” I insisted as we reached my room.
“Think spicy.” I ushered her into my chair.
She was shaking her head so I clasped my hands.
“At least wear half my clothes? Just a shirt and some shoes, and you can keep your jeans. You need to stop wearing converse and t-shirts to the bar because it’s not very sexy. ”
“Okay, fine. If it’ll get you to calm down.”
“Perfect take my shoes!” I pulled off a heeled boot and threw it at her.
“Ow! No, I’m not wearing heels—” She dove aside as the other came flying at her face. “How many inches are these?”
“High enough to make you look sexy without falling to your doom.” I searched my closet for a shirt to assign her.
We’re the same size in everything. ‘Tis only a matter of finding something seductive but still modest enough for her to be comfortable.
I settled on a top that ties in front and tossed it over my shoulder.
“Will this fall open if someone unties it?”
“Probably.” I switched my own outfit while she changed into my shirt. I was lacing up my favorite boots when she walked up to look in the mirror.
“I feel so weird.” She ran a hand along her barely exposed stomach, eyeing the unusual amount of cleavage in her reflection.
It was still nowhere near my recommended amount.
“I feel like you. Especially with these boots on.” She turned to the side, getting the view from behind.
“I kinda like it.” She adjusted her hair so the loose waves were even cuter than before.
“That’s my girl!” I clapped her on the back. “You know what I always say: when in doubt, boobies out!”
“Speaking of, you know you’re supposed to put something over that, right?” She pointed to my purple and black bustier.
“And you know I don’t care. I have a bra under it for extra cleavage and support. What more do you want from me? Let’s go already.” I spun and ran from my room, speeding downstairs like someone was chasing me.
Life is chasing me. I’m excited to go to work with Sean. And excited to debut the seductive Aurelia to the world. And so hoping Dennis will pop up at some point or another.
“Wait for me.” Ari’s footsteps were trailing behind.
“Then hurry up. Are you ready yet?” I asked as she finally caught up. “Oh, no! I forgot the laundry.”
“I finished it while you were off in your own little world earlier. You should really pay more attention to what’s going on.” She laughed, patting my cheek as we reached the door. I carried our bags outside before the realization hit that I still haven’t shown her.
“Guess what I got!”
“What’d you get?” She eyed me suspiciously. I was bouncing. She’ll never guess. I should just tell her. I dropped our bags and ran down the driveway, then did a twirl beside my new baby. My new perfect baby. “Emy…” Ari frowned, following me down the walkway. “Did you buy this today?”
“I did!” I clapped before running my hands along the shiny paint. “That’s the other thing I did this morning.”
“You promised you wouldn’t get another motorcycle.”
“Did I?” I furrowed my brows, wondering why she’s making things up. That doesn’t sound like me. “No, I’m pretty sure I’ve been planning to get one for a while. We’ve been looking at them together.”
“No, we haven’t.”
“Yes we have.” I gave her a strange look. “Why’re you being so grumpy? I love her! I haven’t named her yet but I will soon.” I squealed and gave my brand new motorcycle a hug. “I think I’ll sell Tuffy today. Wanna help me find a buyer? We can sell it real quick on the way to the bar.”
“Let’s wait,” Ari said quietly. “We can do it later, okay?”
“What’s wrong?” I asked. It looked like she was about to cry.
“Nothing.” She took my hand and led us away. I waved goodbye to my new baby. “Will you pack our bags? Please.”
“Sure thing, skippy!” I did just that while she got in the driver’s side. I sang the whole way to the condo. We reached it in record time. I carried our bags up the familiar stairs while Ari twirled Sean’s key. She unlocked the door and we walked inside. The room was dark.
“Mateo?” She flicked on a light.
No response.
“Dennis?” I called. Still nothing. I held back an annoyed growl and set our things near the tv, then turned to see Ari watching me like I might crash and die. “Maybe Dennis is taking a nap,” I said. She burst out laughing. “What?”
“Nothing.” She grinned. “He just doesn’t seem like the napping type. Naps are too normal for him. Unless he naps in a cemetery or something. But a normal nap doesn’t sound like him.”
“You never know. I’m gonna go check.” I skipped down the hall to his closed door and knocked.
“Dennis?” I called a bit louder. I’m trying to convince myself he might be here, but I already know from the lack of heartbeats that we’re alone.
I gave up and trudged back to the living room. “He’s not here. We can go.”
“To the bar?”
“To the bar!” I pulled the door open and ran out, turning off the lights along the way.
Ari locked up before following and then we were off.
I tried to follow along with our conversation but my mind was abuzz—mainly on Dennis, trying to figure out where he could be.
Maybe off hunting? But he always waits for me so I can join.
Or maybe he’s killing someone else. But he never takes this long to kill people.
He decides to kill and then they’re dead, so that can’t be it. Or maybe—
“Do you have my fake ID, by any chance?” Ari nudged me. I started and glanced around. “I forgot the one you gave me. I don’t know how you’re still breathing, by the way. You haven’t stopped talking the whole way here.”
“I was talking?” Everything is such a blur of excitement, I didn’t even realize we’re already parked and walking to the bar.
“Nonstop. You didn’t notice?”
“Sorry.” I laughed and pulled out both our IDs. “This is a spare for you.”
“How do you have so many fake IDs for me?” She flipped the small card over as we approached the door.
“Because,” I paused dramatically to tell her the story of why and how I have so many but got distracted instead. I sniffed the air, picking up a whiff of something delicious.
“Are you okay?” Ari waved a hand in my face.
I blinked and everything came back into focus. My eyes scanned the lot for whatever scent was permeating the air, but it was already gone. “I’m fine.” I ran a hand through my hair as we started walking again, trying to shake off the weird craving.
“What was that? You were staring at some guy until he got in his car and left,” Ari said. “It was really creepy. And then your eyes got all dark.”
“My eyes got dark?” That seems like something important I should know, but I cannot for the life of me figure it out. I tugged at my hair, trying to remember.
“Dark purple. They’re normal again now, but it was creepy as fuck.” She paused to let me enter the bar first, then flashed her fake license and came in behind me. “You’re feeling okay, right?”
“Perfectly fine!” I brushed her off and led the way to the bar area. Too many questions, not enough drinking. I waved at Sean and hopped onto the nearest stool.
“Wow.” His attention was on Ari as she sat beside me. “You’re, uh… new clothes?”
“Kind of.” She glanced down, trying to hide her blush.
“You look nice. As always.”
“Thank you. Here’s your key.” She fished it from her purse and gave it back. “We dropped our stuff off at your place. Thanks, again.”
“No problem.” He smiled while she smoothed her hair.
“Hi, Nate!” I shouted as I spotted him further down. He’d just finished serving a drink to someone. “C’mere.” I waved him over. “It seems like you’re in here every time I come to hang out. Why’re you always here?”
“I’m not. Maybe you just like following me?”
“Ha, you wish.” I rolled my eyes as he smiled. “Why is it so empty in here?”
“It’s a Tuesday night. This shift is always slow.” Sean leaned against the bar, still taking in Ari’s outfit change. “You guys want anything?” He gestured to the assortment of alcohol along the wall.
“Yes, please!”
“I can’t. I have to drive.”
“Yes, please!” I repeated.
Sean laughed and grabbed a glass, but Ari stopped him. “No?” he asked, looking between us.
“No. She’s not drinking.”
“Why not?” I whined.
“You’re manic,” she said, dropping her voice. “You shouldn’t drink. You actually need to call Dr. Kelsey, remember? You were supposed to this morning.”
“Oh, c’mon.”
“Emy, you shouldn’t drink right now.”
“I kinda agree.” Sean slowly put the glass away. “You haven’t been yourself for a couple days. From what I can tell, at least. If she says you shouldn’t drink, you probably shouldn’t.”
“You guys are being ridiculous. I’m perfectly fine and there’s nothing wrong with me. You’re acting like I’m about to explode and it’s pissing me off.” I stopped ranting when something caught my attention. The scent from the parking lot. I licked my lips, gazing around to pinpoint its source.
“You’re zoning out again.” Ari nudged my side.
“Oh.” I blinked and the haze disappeared. “Sorry. I don’t know what that was.” I turned back to face everyone. “What’re you doin’?” I asked, watching Sean mix a drink.
“Making myself a drink.”