9. Stella
Chapter Nine
STELLA
Gemini
The world is what you make of it. Take a risk. Do something out of the ordinary. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
I held two different outfits up in each hand, testing one and then the other over my body so I could see what it looked like in the mirror.
Either I could go with a classic black wrap dress that falls just above the knees, or I could choose the sparkly red dress that hugs my curves and shows off my cleavage.
Decisions, decisions.
Fuck it. The red dress was the clear winner.
A pang signaled in my chest as I slid it over my frame.
This was just the kind of thing I would have asked Andi’s opinion on.
Hell, she’d probably be over here helping me get ready, giving me unsolicited dating advice and taking a million pictures on her phone, and insisting I update her after the date was over. Fuck, I missed her.
After curling my hair into submission, applying my makeup, and putting on my favorite fragrance, I was ready.
We were meeting at a rooftop bar downtown, named Artemis, known for its signature astrological drinks and stunning city views.
I’d never been, but some of the dancers I worked with praised it as one of the best spots around.
They usually knew what they were talking about, so even if the date ended up being a bust, I at least had the drinks to look forward to.
Callahan and I had been texting every day. Silly little things. But every time my phone buzzed, I felt a churning of giddiness fluttering about in my stomach.
He sent me a picture of his tarantula, who he said he named after Stevie Nicks, and dammit that fact alone made me like him more than I already did.
A part of me had been hoping he possessed the personality of a wet sock so I could write this off as a stupid little attraction.
Something I could shove down and forget about.
But with each text, the possibility of wanting to forget about him became harder and harder. Did he have to be so fucking likable?
A quick ride share later and I was standing outside the building looking up to where I was supposed to meet Callahan for our date.
Admittedly, despite all the reasons I kept telling myself this was a bad idea, there was a large part of me that was curious to see if I was wrong.
That maybe I’d been playing it safe when it came to relationships and the shit I was so scared of was not all that scary.
As a kid, I was terrified of horror movies and would cry if someone even suggested we watch one.
I would be plagued with nightmares, convinced the bad guys or monsters were going to show up in my room at any moment to hurt me and my family.
It wasn’t until I was a teenager that Andi told me I was being ridiculous.
“They’re just using special effects and makeup, Stell. It’s not even real. You’re letting them manipulate your emotions,” she’d said.
Turned out she was right. The real monsters and bad guys ended up taking my family anyway, but they weren’t from some low-budget movie. It was from real human men. So, yeah, I guess I did have a reason to be scared. Good thing I knew how to kill a man if it came down to it.
The sharp taste of blood flooded my mouth, and I realized I’d accidentally dug my top teeth into my bottom lip a little too hard.
At least the blood matched my lipstick, I thought as I looked into the compact mirror I’d brought with me in my purse along with some mace, my favorite knife, and another knife strapped high on my thigh out of sight. A girl could never be too careful.
“I thought you might not show,” Callahan’s voice said from behind me and my stomach flipped.
I snapped my compact shut and shoved it into my purse, turning around to find him standing there with a fist full of white calla lilies and that devastating smile I loved pulling at his lips.
He wore a nice, fitted suit that looked expensive and had his hair pushed away from his face.
There was one rogue curl that found its way to his forehead that I found endearing and admittedly adorable.
“Must be your lucky night,” I replied, having pushed down my nerves that were churning away in my stomach.
He smiled even wider and offered his arm to me. “Shall we?”
I took his arm, lacing my elbow around his. “Lead the way.”
His woodsy scent hit me like a warm hug around my middle. From the corner of my eye, I could see him staring at me, and my cheeks heated. Did he have to be so good looking?
The door to the building opened automatically as we walked towards it, enveloping us in a warm burst of air. It was mildly cold out tonight, but not enough that had me thinking I should have brought a coat with me.
“These are for you,” Callahan said, handing me the bouquet of lilies. They were stunning and smelled amazing. A part of me was flooded with emotion at the simple gesture because no one had ever gotten me flowers before, but I wasn’t about to admit that to him.
Instead, I took them with a smile and a thank you, burying my nose in the white petals as we headed into the elevator, courtesy of the elevator operator who pressed the rooftop button.
His dark skin popped against the glittering silver uniform he wore, complete with a matching hat.
The light from above made the glitter sparkle all around us like he was our own personal disco ball.
Soft, classical music filtered through the speakers above us and continued to play as we exited into the restaurant.
The air was cooler up here, but they had several heating stations positioned throughout the space and a large outdoor fireplace with plush seating all around it.
Several twinkle lights were situated all around the area.
It’s when we’re being led to our table that I realize, I have actually been here before, only I was running for my life.
Glancing around the area, my heart started racing as my eyes scanned for possible cameras.
I clock two in the corners and one on the terrace.
Could they have caught my face when I was running?
If they had, the Underwoods would have killed me by now, I reason trying to settle myself down.
It was difficult to not have a sliver of paranoia though when it came to that rotten family.
Especially after seeing what they could do.
The lattice I had taken out hadn’t been replaced yet and while not glaringly noticeable, it grabbed my attention as a sobering reminder that I was a wanted woman.
A waitress with neon pink hair and pale skin wearing a similar outfit to the elevator attendant showed us to our table.
I slid into the black seat, setting down the flowers next to me, looking around at the others who were seated around us.
No one seemed to be paying us any attention, and were instead engrossed in their own conversations, enjoying their colorful drinks that looked social media worthy.
“Your birthday, madam?” The waitress asked, eyebrows raised in a way that suggested she was repeating herself. I realized I’d gotten so distracted with my mini freak out, I’d blocked out everything else.
“Sorry. Uh. May 28th.”
“Ah, a Gemini. And you, sir?”
“June 2nd.”
“Two Geminis. How interesting,” her tone suggested she felt it was anything but interesting and was instead laced with heavy judgement. “I’ll bring you those signature zodiac drinks.”
As she left, Callahan looked at me and leaned across the table on his elbows. “Don’t you hate how judgy people get when they learn your astrological sign?”
“Oh my god! Every single time! I swear. People love to hate on a Gemini.” I found myself mirroring his body language, elbows on the table, head leaning towards him.
“And we arguably have the best sign. Not everyone has the skills to juggle a million different thoughts and interests like we do.”
“Tell me about it. Sometimes I feel like no one can keep up while I flit from topic to topic. Meanwhile, my brain is buzzing at me, playing a constant song playing in the background while I hold a conversation and have more tabs open in my head than a computer is able to hold.”
He laughed, green eyes sparkling. “It sounds like we have that in common. My brain never shuts the fuck up.”
“Same. If overthinking was an Olympic sport, it would be won by a Gemini.”
He laughed again. I liked the melodic sound he made like it was coming from deep in his stomach, but also it sounded like it was something he didn’t do often.
“Your drinks,” the waitress announced, balancing our elaborate cocktails on a tray.
The bottom of the drink was a deep emerald, green color that morphed into a glittering gold color towards the top.
As she set them down in front of us, the entire concoction became visible.
Since we were both Gemini’s we were given the same design.
A Gemini symbol etched into the gold with flecks of stars surrounding it, and on the side a decorative lemon swirl.
“Thank you,” Callahan said at the same time as me. Our eyes met over our drinks, and I had to avert my gaze, looking down into the golden flecks of my drink instead.
“Enjoy,” the waitress said before walking away.
“Did I tell you how stunning you look tonight?” Callahan asked.
“I don’t think you did but thank you.” My fingers found the silky-smooth petal of the flowers he’d given me, and I rubbed them absentmindedly between my pointer finger and thumb.
His hand reached across the table then, taking mine in his. My pulse quickened and I snapped my gaze up to his. “Sorry, is this okay?”
A consent king? Fuck.
“Yeah,” I squeezed his hand. “It’s okay.”
His thumb skated against the back of my hand sending a wave of goosebumps up my arm. I wanted to blame it on the cold night air, but we were sitting right next to a heater. This response? These feelings he was able to evoke from my body? They were all because of him.
“I don’t go on many dates,” I confessed.
“Neither do I.”
That surprised me. He seemed so collected and sure of himself when he asked me out. “Really?”
“Really.” He picked up his drink with his free hand and took a sip. “Oh. Wow. That’s tart.”
I took a sip of my own drink and tasted a mixture of lemony zest that fizzled on my tongue and then turned sweet. It felt like I was drinking a pack of Sour Patch Kids. I didn’t hate it.
After a beat, I worked up the courage to ask him what I wanted to. “I guess I’m surprised to hear you say you don’t date a lot. Why is that?”
“Work. It keeps me busy. I spend a lot of time away from home so there hasn’t been time to settle down.”
“What is it you do?” I asked.
He took another sip, coughing and then pulling a grimace before setting the glass down. Clearly, he wasn’t a fan of Sour Patch Kids like I was. “I’m in the uh, restaurant business.”
“The restaurant business,” I repeated wondering if he was going to elaborate.
He nodded, looking over my shoulder at something. I turned to look to see what it was, but all I could make out was the bartender pouring another set of drinks.
“It’s not as glamorous as it sounds, but it pays the bills.”
“If you weren’t in the restaurant business, is there something else you would be doing?”
He looked surprised by my question, like he never thought of that possibility before.
“You know. I… haven’t given it much thought, but if money wasn’t an issue and I could walk away from my job tomorrow, I think I’d like to find work in helping families escape dangerous situations.”
Well, slap my ass and squeeze my heart.
“Why’s that?” I asked.
“Because I know what it’s like to be trapped in a place where you don’t feel safe. An upbringing like that… it can shape your whole life. People should have a better way of being able to leave a situation like that.”
I squeezed his hand again. “So, why don’t you quit? Your dream sounds life changing. And definitely worth pursuing.”
His lips folded into a thin line. “It’s complicated.
Leaving my business comes with a lot of red tape.
It’s not something I can quit. I’ve got…
contracts I have to uphold. But you make a good point.
I’ve been examining my life more lately.
Deciding what I want. What I don’t. It’s why when I saw you at that diner, I knew I had to ask you out. ”
“So, you weren’t stalking me?”
“No.” He laughed again. “I figured it was fate giving me a do-over for not asking for your name and number when we first met. You’d run off so quickly I didn’t have a chance.”
“Yes, well. Dating and my job don’t mix easily.”
He nodded. “I could see that. There are a lot of guys out there that want to control a woman and treat her like property.”
“That’s for sure.”
“But that’s not me. I want you as you are. Not anything else.”
I absorbed his words, searching his face for the catch. There had to be one. No guy was this good. Maybe he had a basement full of bodies. Or was part of a secret society that ate people’s toes.
“So… you want me?” I asked, feeling emboldened by the mixture of alcohol and his words warming my veins. My foot reached out beneath the table finding his calf. I slid it up and he gripped onto my hand harder, his green eyes turning molten.
“Yes. I want you,” he practically growled and it sent a jolt of heat to my core. My body was buzzing with anticipation, wanting to get out of here so he could make that declaration happen. Was it too soon to suggest getting out of here because the heat pooling between my legs was distracting.
He seemed to be on the same wavelength as me because he signaled for the check, not even bothering to look at the total before putting down a wad of cash. What must it be like to not have to worry about your finances like that?
We hurriedly made our way back to the elevator, his hand gently resting on my lower back right above the swell of my ass.
The heat from his palm seared my skin and became all I could focus on.
A frantic energy took up residence in my body, needing the elevator to move faster.
Callahan was equally antsy, watching the lights shift from floor to floor until we were finally at the lobby again.
“Are we really doing this?” I asked, heels clacking quickly as the automatic doors opened for us. The street was fairly empty, and the air had taken on a chill, leaving goose pimples on my skin.
“That’s up to you,” he wrapped his hands around my arms, rubbing up and down. “I have my car. I can take you home. Anything further is your call, Stella. I want you. It’s all I’ve thought about since I met you. But if you’re not up for it or having second thoughts.”
“No. I want this. Take me home.” I grabbed him by his tie and pulled him towards me so that our eyes were level. “Take me home and fuck me like you’ve been fantasizing about. I want you to make me scream.”