Chapter Seven
Melonie
I ’m sad I wasted my expensive red lipstick this evening. At least I didn’t waste my time by shaving above my knees. Chase picked a scary movie, so I’ve been covering my eyes half the time. I hate scary movies, but he didn’t ask my opinion on the movie we saw. The rest of the time, I’ve been fighting off his hand from roaming too high on my thigh.
Chase shovels a handful of popcorn into his mouth, a few pieces dropping to his lap. He offers me the bag, and I politely decline. Guess it’s good we didn’t go to dinner. If he eats like this at a dinner table, I wouldn’t have an appetite.
I’m relieved when the ending credits start rolling across the screen and the lights come up. I’m ready to get out of here. I want to take a hot bath and curl up with a book.
Chase drops his popcorn bag on the floor and stands up, leaving his cup in the cupholder. “Ready?”
“Yeah. Um, are you going to grab your trash?”
“That’s what the janitors are for.”
“No, that’s not really their job.” I bend down to pick up the bag. “I got it.” He just keeps walking, not thanking me or offering to take his own trash from my hands.
We make our way out of the theater, and I pull up the app to order a car.
“Wanna go grab a drink?”
I tuck my phone back into my purse and shake my head. “I’m good. I have a busy day tomorrow with appointments for my friend’s wedding. I just ordered a ride; it will be here in a couple minutes.”
Chase moves closer to me and puts his hands on my hips. I try to back away, but he has a pretty good grip. I’ve been removing his hand from my leg the whole night, and now he thinks he can continue to put his hands on me?
“I’d like to see you again.”
“I’d appreciate it if you remove your hands.” Thank goodness he respects me enough to release me. “Listen, Chase. Tonight was fun, but I’m going to be super busy with my friend’s wedding over the next couple of months, so it wouldn’t be fair of me to agree to anything beyond this evening.”
“I understand, I guess. If I can’t see you again, how about we don’t let this night end? You have a car on the way. We could go back to your place.”
This man is clueless.
“No, thanks, my parents are visiting and staying at my place this weekend. I need to get back to make sure they’re settled in.”
“You’re a very busy girl, Melonie.”
Thank God my car arrives. “Yeah, I’m a busy bee! Well, that’s my car. Thanks for the movie, Chase. I’ll see you around.”
I don’t wait for him to answer. I get into the car and shut the door. I buckle my seatbelt and lean my head back. Linc was wrong. You can get to know a guy pretty well on a date at the movies.
I meet the girls Sunday morning at Bostonia, our favorite brunch spot. When I scan the dining room, I see Audrey and Gigi already seated at a table. Gigi sees me first and starts waving, her red waves bouncing.
“Hey, Melonie!” Gigi stands to hug me, followed by Audrey.
“Sorry, I ran a little late.”
“No apology needed. Gigi got here right before you did.” Audrey sits and pulls her tote bag into her lap. I really hope she doesn’t have any binders in there this morning. I’m relieved when she only pulls out a notepad and pen.
“How was your date with Chase last night?” Gigi asks.
“It was horrible. He ate popcorn like an untamed animal, didn’t throw away his trash, and then tried to invite himself home with me.”
“Ew.” Gigi grimaces.
“Sorry you didn’t have a good time.” Audrey places her hand on my arm.
I shrug. “I think I’m going to voluntarily go celibate.”
Gigi’s eyes go wide. “Don’t do that. Even if you don’t want to date, don’t deny yourself sex. Plus, you’re not the one who will have to deal with a hard-up Melonie. You turn into a monster if you go too long without.”
“I do not!”
“Yeah, you sort of do.” Audrey winces.
“I’m just sick of putting in effort. Dating is exhausting. I just wish I had someone that I could be friends with, but we fuck like animals once a month. All the fun and orgasms without the disappointment.”
At that very moment, our server clears their throat behind me. Dear God. I cover my face in embarrassment. Gigi starts turning red with the laughter she’s trying to fight off. At least Audrey is able to keep her composure long enough to order a round of mimosas and sweet potato doughnuts for the table.
“I’m so embarrassed.” I lower my hands from my face once the server is gone.
Gigi shakes her head. “Never be embarrassed about declaring your wants or needs.”
Audrey smiles. “Gigi, I wish I could be more like you.”
She shrugs. “Most people do.”
Audrey turns to me as our drinks are delivered. I still can’t look the server in the eye. “I’m going to say something, but before I do, keep an open mind and hear me out.”
Audrey’s not usually the one to be cooking up a plan, so I’m intrigued. “Okay, mind is open.”
“I’m serious, open mind, no preconceived notions.”
I shift in my seat, straightening my back. “Preconceived notions gone.”
“Linc.”
“What about him?”
“He could be your monthly great sex friend.”
I almost spit out my drink and I feel like my eyes are going to pop out of my face. “Really, Audrey? That’s the solution you’ve come up with?”
“I said to have an open mind. You’re both single, you haven’t killed each other yet with wedding projects, and you already know that you’re sexually compatible.”
“Nope. No, ma’am. It’s Linc! One-night stand guy, playboy, one of Jax’s best friends. How could you even think that would work?”
“He won’t admit it to anyone, but he’s slowed down with women a lot lately. I think you both could compartmentalize the sex. And remember, sex with Linc was, and I quote, ‘the best sex you’ve had in years.’”
I turn to Gigi, who has been sitting, quietly taking in our conversation. “What do you think of this little plan, G?”
She tilts her head back and forth like she’s thinking about it. “I don’t know. I mean, I get the whole one-night stand thing sucked. But he’s apologized more than once, and he’s made a real effort to be friends with you. And you did mention something about multiple orgasms when recapping that night. That’s hard to find.”
Memories of that night flash through my mind. Thoughts of his mouth, those orgasms, and his dick almost have me considering Audrey’s suggestion. But then I come back to reality and know hooking up with Linc could cause chaos.
I shake my head. “No, too messy, Audrey.”
“All I’ll say is think about it. I really like Linc. Deep down, he’s a good guy, and I think he would make sure that monthly fuck gave you what you needed. And he would be able to keep things simple.”
“Agreed,” Gigi chimes in.
I down the rest of my mimosa. These two women are insane if they think anything between Linc and me would end up being simple.