7. Maeve
My drive homepasses in a blur, as if my car is on autopilot. I’m worried that my whirling thoughts were such a distraction, but I’m thankful I made the twenty-minute drive safely.
I let myself in the front door and lock up as quietly as possible. It’s almost midnight, and I don’t want to wake Niall or Lucy.
Removing my heels, I carry them to my bedroom and put them on the closet floor. I turn the lamp beside my bed on and set my phone and keys down on my nightstand. I grab a t-shirt and pajama bottoms from my dresser and change into them. I bury my torn underwear in the trash, my cheeks flushing as I remember what happened to them. I shove my discarded clothing into the hamper that, as always, is filling up quicker than I’d like. If only my bank account had the same problem.
Moving down the hall to the bathroom, I run through my nightly routine as quickly and noiselessly as possible.
After giving my damp face one final swipe with a towel, I return to my room and shut myself inside.
I slip underneath my dark-purple comforter and then turn off the lamp.
Lying on my back in the dark makes it easier to call up James’s face. Sweet Jesus, he’s one handsome man. The threads of silver peppered through his brown hair and the stubble on his chin only add to his appeal.
For the first time in my life I understand why a man with “daddy vibes” is so hot. When he told me to be careful because I might get my ass spanked, it turned me on more than I was willing to admit. I’m a little sad I didn’t get to experience his palm meeting my flesh. I also didn’t get much of a chance to explore his body. My hands never even made contact with his dick.
Talk about a travesty!
There didn’t seem to be a time when he wasn’t focused on me, and now I’ve missed my opportunity.
Why God? Why?
Oh well. I can’t go back in time and grab his dick. But at least I’ll have the memories from tonight to help me through the lonely nights.
* * *
My cell phone vibrates on my desk at work, pulling my attention away from the email I’m currently responding to. Glancing at the screen, I see a message. I finish typing my reply before opening the text.
Sheryl: I’m home today. Try not to miss me.
Are you playing hooky, or are you really sick?
I’m sick as a dog. I think it’s the flu.
What can I do to help?
Send a handsome doctor with the good drugs.
Her reply makes me laugh out loud.
How about some chicken soup? I can have some delivered.
I guess that’ll do.
I’m gonna order you some stuff now. I’m assuming you’ll be out for the next couple of days too.
Yes. This isn’t going away anytime soon.
You poor thing. I’ll check in on you later.
When I’m better, I want details of your date.
Sounds good.
I pull up one of the local grocery store websites and add everything I can think of that Sheryl might need over the next few days.
And I make sure to throw in some of the deli section’s homemade chicken soup and oyster crackers to the order.
When I check out, I can’t help but grimace at the total dollar amount. I’m not paying rent right now, so I can afford to help a friend. But at the pathetic rate I save money, I’ll be living with Niall for longer than I’d like. At least I have a roof over my head and a safe, comfortable place to sleep every night.
My cell phone vibrates, and I assume it’s Sheryl again.
Lucy: Want to get together for lunch?
Yes! Where and what time?
I’ll meet you at the sub shop near your work at noon. If you get there before me, I want pizza.
A little zing of satisfaction runs through me as I’m reminded of the safe word I chose.
Perfect. See you then.
I smile as I send my reply.
What a nice surprise! With Sheryl out sick, I had planned to eat at my desk, but now I have something to look forward to, which hopefully will help the morning pass quickly.
* * *
I’m already seated at a table for lunch when Lucy enters the sub shop. She smiles when she sees me, and walks right over.
“Hey, bestie,” I say. It’s kind of a joke about how quickly we clicked when we met.
But she really is the closest thing I have to a best friend in South Carolina.
“Hey, Maeve. How’s your day going?”
“Better now. I’m so glad you texted me. I love getting out of the office for lunch.”
“I’m working from home today, and I needed a break too.”
Lucy hosts a local show about Bigfoot, and she’s been gaining more attention lately, which is increasing her viewership. She’s hoping for national syndication.
“I ordered a pizza for us, and it should be ready soon,” I tell her.
“Thank you. I’m so hungry. I’ve been staying at your brother’s so much that I haven’t done any of my own grocery shopping. I basically had a handful of crackers with my coffee this morning.”
“I didn’t eat this morning. I was running late. Well, not late, but late for me,” I say, laughing.
She laughs too. “If you’re ever late for anything, I’ll know the world is ending.”
“I don’t know why I’m so prone to punctuality. My brothers aren’t.”
“It’s not a negative, Maeve.”
“Yeah, I know. It makes me seem uptight, though. Like some goody-goody who doesn’t want to get in trouble. Or like I’m sucking up to my boss.”
“I think you’re wasting energy thinking about this. Let’s talk about your hot date instead.” Lucy raises her eyebrows and cocks her head. “C’mon, now, no holding back. Get talking.”
“Who said anything about it being hot?”
“Oh, please. Don’t waste my time denying it. You had sex and an orgasm.”
Propping my elbows on the table, I lean forward. “Actually, I had more than one, but how can you tell?”
“You seem extra cheerful, and who isn’t happy after great sex and orgasms?”
“That’s so true. I feel like the sun’s shining a little brighter today.”
Lucy laughs. “It’s amazing what consistent sex has done to improve my mood. I haven’t yelled at anyone on my crew in months.”
“Whenever we have discussions about sex, I really wish you weren’t in love with my brother.”
She snickers. “So tell me what happened on your date.”
“We met on the rooftop deck at BLITZED, and he was even better looking than his profile pic. He was personable and kind. He bought my drink, and we had good conversation. It didn’t feel awkward at all.” I pause for effect. “Then we went to his house.”
“Where does he live?” she interrupts me.
“Mount Pleasant. And yes, his home is beautiful, and he shares it with his thirteen-year-old daughter.”
“She lives with him all the time?”
I shake my head. “No, it sounds like she’s with her mom most of the time and with him less.”
“So, the sex was good?”
“No, it was amazing. James is older and knows what he’s doing.”
“How much older?”
“He’s forty-two.”
Her brown eyes open wider. “Hello, daddy.”
I laugh. “I feel like referring to him that way should disgust me, but it doesn’t.”
“It’s not about him being your daddy as in a father figure. It’s about him being older and able to take care of you in all the most important ways,” she points out.
“Yes. That’s it exactly.”
“When are you getting together again?”
I roll my lips inward and prepare myself for Lucy’s inevitable disappointment. “We’re not.”
She gasps loudly. “Why not?”
I shrug. “It was just a hookup.”
“Yeah, but if you had chemistry, why not continue?”
“I don’t know. Neither of us mentioned anything about making plans again.”
She rolls her eyes up and shakes her head. “Here’s some unsolicited advice… When you find someone you gel with sexually, take advantage of the opportunity.”
“Okay.”
“Maeve.” My name is announced.
I jump from my chair. “Our order’s ready.”
Lucy also rises. “Let me help you.”
I grab the tray with the pizza and paper plates while she collects our drinks and napkins.
We place everything on the table, and Lucy adds a slice to a plate in front of me.
“Thank you,” I say, already picking it up for a bite.
“You’re welcome.” She takes one for herself, biting off the pointed end and humming as she chews. “This beats crackers, for sure.”
“Yeah, I love this place. They’ve got great prices too,” I say.
“That reminds me,” Lucy says, reaching into her front pocket. She slaps a twenty-dollar bill down on the table. “That’s for you.”
“No.” I shake my head. “I don’t want that.”
“Too bad. I want you to take it, and you’re going to.” She sticks her tongue out at me, and I laugh.
“Thank you.” I tuck the money into my purse.
“I remember what it was like being your age. I was always broke.”
I nod. “That sounds about right.”
“I don’t miss that part of being young. But I miss my perky boobs.” She glances down at her chest and shrugs. “Oh well, your brother doesn’t seem to mind.”
My nose wrinkles. “Ugh. I’m trying to eat here.”
She laughs. “I’m sorry.”
I arch an eyebrow in her direction. “I doubt that.”
We fall into silence as we work on devouring the small pizza.
When I’ve had enough, I brush the crumbs from my hands and take a sip of water.
Lucy blots her lips with a napkin and looks at me like she wants to say something.
“What? Do I have sauce on my chin or something?” I ask.
“No. I was thinking you should message James and make plans to get together again.”
“Nah, if he wants to see me, he’ll reach out. I’m not going to be the one to make contact again.”
“Why not? This isn’t the eighteen hundreds. There’s no shame in going after a guy you want.”
“I know, but I’m still leaving the ball in his court.” I can’t explain to Lucy or myself why I feel so strongly about it; I just do.
* * *
I add another pillow to the stack behind me and lie back on my bed to watch an episode of a home improvement show. I like shows like this because I can watch any episode at any time. There’s no story to follow along with, and even though I don’t have my own place, I’d like some decorating ideas for when I do.
For the entire day and night, James has been intruding on my thoughts whenever my mind isn’t otherwise occupied.
After lunch with Lucy, where she planted the seeds of hope, it’s been even worse. I was prepared to never see him again, and now I’m wondering if she was right. He and I are compatible sexually. Why go to the trouble of sleeping with other guys if he can scratch my itch?
I give up on the show I’m watching after ten minutes. It’s not holding my interest, and I’m still thinking about James. Grabbing my phone from the nightstand, I tap the Finder icon on the screen. My heart leaps to my throat when I see a message, and my fingers feel uncoordinated as I open it.
James: Mae, I know we didn’t make plans, but I’d like to see you again. How about you meet me at my place tomorrow night at eight?
Oh my God!I shoot straight up in my bed.
He wants to see me again.
I wave my arms and kick my heels into the mattress as I do a celebratory dance. I start to type out a reply and then I pause for a moment. I need to slow down, think about what I want to say, and not react like a flattered schoolgirl—even if I feel like one.
After a few minutes of sifting through my thoughts, which are spinning like a tornado, I come up with what I want to say.
Me: Hi, James. Tomorrow night works for me. I’ll see you then.
I send it through before I can change my mind, and place a hand over my racing heart.
Flopping back on the pile of pillows, I stare up at the ceiling with a goofy smile arcing my lips. More orgasms, and I’m going to get another chance to get my hands on James’s hot body. This time, I’m going to make sure I don’t miss out on the opportunity.