Chapter 14 Madelina #2
With my frustration growing by the minute, I get out of the shower and straight into my pajamas even though it’s only six in the evening.
I choose my Hello Kitty pair tonight since they are my comfiest, and it’s not like I need to impress anyone aside from a potential delivery driver, which is probably some teenage boy. And that thought makes me shudder.
I plop down onto the sofa, the cushions sinking under my weight, and with a few taps, I order a pizza from Pedro’s. He makes the best Hawaiian pizza, and pineapple is a worthy topping. I will argue that fact to my grave.
As I wait for the doorbell to ring with my comfort food, I aimlessly scroll my Instagram only to realize I haven’t stalked Elliot’s account. I sit up straight, this newfound curiosity is eating away at me.
“I wonder what Nicole looks like,” I mumble to myself while searching for his name via Eva’s profile.
I see Elliot’s name and a profile picture of a plate of food.
On closer inspection, it appears to be some fancy dish.
The only thing I recognize is the garnish on top.
Desperate to learn more, I scroll through the rest of his photos.
There are scenic pictures of Paris and Cannes, and plenty of food.
I click on the image of what appears to be a group of friends at some restaurant.
I zoom in for a better view, and right there beside Elliot is a beautiful woman.
His arm is around her, so I can only assume it’s Nicole.
She reminds me a lot of Jennifer Aniston in Friends.
My eyes read over the caption, trying to spot if she’s been tagged so I can stalk her account. I see a handle and assume it’s hers, so I click. The account is private, marking the end of my stalking.
“Just great,” I mutter, sinking back into the sofa.
At long last, my pizza arrives, and the inviting aroma wafts through the air, filling the room with a mouthwatering scent. I remind myself to resist the temptation to devour the entire thing in one go, especially since I ordered a brownie as well.
With a heavy sigh, I start channel surfing, my eyes flitting across the screen, but nothing catches my interest. The fact that I’ve binge-watched most of these shows already is a true testament to just how single I am.
My phone chimes, interrupting my woes, so I lazily reach for it on the coffee table. Glancing at the screen, I see a message from Elliot.
Elliot
This shopping date of yours, I’m going to have to rain check. Eva asked me to come into the city tomorrow, and I’ll probably need to spend a few days there to get everything done.
I roll my eyes at his pathetic excuse.
My fingers type profusely, but then I erase the message and start again.
Me
Is that the excuse you’re going with? I get it, you hate shopping. The testosterone is crystal fucking clear.
Elliot
I don’t hate it. Sometimes it’s fun. Like when you’re lingerie shopping with a sexy woman and contemplate how quickly you can get it done inside a changing room.
Me
Aren’t you the little daredevil? Since your fantasy seems far-fetched, you might as well admit you hate it.
Elliot
You assume I hate it. Just like you assumed I was on a date tonight.
This time, I sit up and read the message over. Unknowingly, I bite my knuckle, unsure how I should respond to this piece of information. Even if he was on a date, it’s none of my business.
Me
I never said that.
Elliot
Jealousy looks hot on you, Bugs.
My heart races, and my lips curve upward at the mention of the word hot.
Me
Why would I be jealous? You’re single, I’m single. If I wanted to go sow my oats, who would stop me?
The phone jolts to life, its shrill ring slicing through silence.
“I’m not jealous,” I declare, trying to sound more assured than I feel.
“Defensive. Is that really the stance you’re taking?” Elliot teases.
I let out a groan, but keep my smile at bay. “What’s so urgent? Why are you calling?”
“Because you didn’t believe me. I just received a text from Eva inviting me to the city for dinner with her and Aston.
It’s supposedly important, and I’m pretty sure it has something to do with the wedding.
Plus, there’s a meeting with a supplier.
Eva is keen to switch flour companies, but I’m not so sure. ”
I wonder if Eva will finally tell Elliot she’s pregnant. Though to tell Elliot she has to tell Aston, unless she’s doing it all in one night. God, she’s out of control!
“This really sounds like a stretch, you know,” I say, pretending to question his motive.
“You don’t trust me?” Elliot protests with an air of arrogance. “Fine! Why don’t you join me in the city?”
The thought crosses my mind, but hanging out in the city would mean leaving Billie here all alone.
Lately, Chloe has been busy with God knows what, so she’s not working as many shifts as she should.
I think she likes the lifeguard at the swimming hole.
It explains why she’s always hanging out there with her friends.
“Um, pass,” I drag, pretending to be uninterested. “My brother is getting on my nerves. Plus, no offense, but nothing sounds more boring than sitting through a meeting about flour.”
“Okay, suit yourself. So, about this wedding,” he shifts the topic smoothly.
“Semiformal attire, look hot, and don’t worry about the cowboy hat,” I explain, my tone light but firm.
“And chaps?”
“That would just be plain awkward.” I snort out a laugh. “Wait, are you serious?”
“But they go great with my shirt,” he chuckles.
I laugh softly, but soon a hint of weariness creeps back. “What are you up to tonight, apart from driving me crazy?”
“Reading,” he answers simply. “Had to help my neighbor, Ronald, out earlier with his boat.”
“Oh? How’s Margaret Anne doing?” I ask, missing the squishy pug.
“She’s actually staying over with me tonight. Ronald had to spend the night in the hospital, so she’s keeping me company.”
“I hope Ronald’s okay.”
“He’ll be fine.”
“So you have a woman staying over, huh?”
“I wouldn’t exactly call Margaret Anne a woman,” he says with amusement. “She’s more like a lady.”
“Refined and poised?” I question with a grin.
“Uh, try lying belly up, snoring very loudly. It’s quite the sight.”
“It’s nice not to be alone,” I say wistfully. “Anyways, I should probably go. I’ve got a whole lot of nothing planned tonight.”
“Sure. Good night, Madelina.”
“Good night, Elliot.”
I hang up the phone, but not even a minute later, it pings with a text.
Elliot
Hey, so about sowing your oats… maybe don’t. As your man friend, I advise you to wait for the right one. I bet it will be worth the wait.
My lips part as a flutter of excitement rushes through me. I reread his text to make sure I understand him correctly. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was jealous.
I send an emoji, simple but straight to the point.
Me
Tonight took a turn into unknown territory, but for the first time in a long time, the journey is exciting. Anything could happen.
Between my legs, a gentle quiver builds and spreads through my entire body. I reach down, carefully swiping past my throbbing clit, only to yelp at the sensation. With a deep breath, I reluctantly pull away as Elliot’s text echoes in my mind…
Wait for the right one. I bet it will be worth the wait.
I don’t know if Elliot is the right one, but all I can think about now is him between my legs.
And that, in itself, is a dangerous thought to have.