I Got It

Placing the boxes down in nearly the exact spot they they gestured, J made sure the boxes aligned perfectly on top of each other before remembering he had been asked a question. “Oh,” he shot up, turning to look at them with his hands moving into his pockets. “I went to George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.” He smiled, hinting at the pride he held in attending university, as he was the first to do so in his family – as far he knew. “I mean, I was born and raised in this tiny, uninteresting town in Virginia with barely a population so… You know… Hermosa Beach is a nice change, less overwhelming as the years go by.” 

With a shrug, he followed them a distance behind towards the kitchen, nodding along with their offer of water. “Water is fine, please,” he mumbled, fake coughing into the bend of his elbow because he hated asking for things, but couldn’t turn down an offer and seem rude. “Do you like it here, compared to where you are from? I’ve never been there so I don’t even know where it is in comparison to beaches and the fun Hermosa Beach-y stuff. Is it a completely different kind of atmosphere, or only slightly different?”

“George Mason? Very cool. I’ve never spent much time in Virginia. Lots of passing through though. Tiny town though, yeah this is definitely a change of pace. Once you kind of get a handle on things, know where things are, it’s a piece of cake. And the people here are ridiculously endearing. Like the island of misfit toys,” they joked and let out a soft laugh. They nodded and grabbed the filtered pitcher from the fridge before grabbing him a glass. “Palo Alto is about 7 hours from here way more up north. It’s closer to more mountains and green but I grew up near Stanford because my father is a professor there. So it was an interesting place to grow up. I enjoyed it though. Hermosa allows me to be around people who are more involved in my line of work. I write about arts and entertainment and of course LA is a hub for that. So it’s nice to be close. And I’ve met good people, I’ve had good times. This apartment is amazing so I’m definitely getting settled. It’s...home, I guess. Or at least home for now.”

“For the most part, yeah. But not as much as I used to back in College.” Nicole had learnt that mentioning her daughter as one of the reasons for her scaling back in revelry usually put a damper on the mood, or ruins it completely. Perhaps Paige was right; maybe there is a silver lining in this mishap for J, he needed and deserved it. Barely able to contain herself, she burst out laughing, Paige’s reaction to her flirting was priceless and adorable. "Likewise Paige, and I’ll even toss in an extra very, just because.” Nicole teased with a mischievous glint in her hazel eyes. When Paige came closer, she rid her hand of the empty glass so she’d be free to wrap her arms around their waist. “I’m Nicole– resident pet whisperer.” she giggled, not even sure how that fit in to her introduction at the moment. Yet, she liked it enough to remember it for the sober version of herself to use in the future. 

“Well then we have to bring out the college party girl in you, don’t we?” Paige bit their lip as they felt Nicole’s arms go around their waist. “Nicole,” they repeated with a nod before laughing. “So I take it you work with animals then? How cute, I like that. Let’s add you having a job to the list of reasons why I am very happy I ran into you tonight.” They smiled sweetly, eyes never leaving Nicole’s as they still moved with the music. Paige reached to brush some hair from her face, moving a little closer as the song slowed down a bit. “Do you maybe want to go somewhere more quiet?”

“I’m pretty sure most men want food. Isn’t that the old saying?” He told them with a grin. He had no shame in watching them continue to move, half-sure that they were doing it on purpose anyways. “Hey now, my microwave has gotten me through a lot. It’s a trooper.” He said it with a laugh, following them towards the elevator. He knew it was a bit sad to be a grown man who didn’t know how to cook, but he just had never gotten the hang of it. “I think it’s a combination of bad luck and never learning how. My Ma was likely to smack me if I ever went in her kitchen, and didn’t have much opportunity after that.”

“Is that what they say? I thought it was usually that most men want sex, though I suppose some are archaic enough to see the two as the same,” they said with a shrug. “Your microwave has gotten you through a lot? You have to love yourself a little more. Take some cooking classes or something. Life is amazing when it’s not reheated,” they teased. “Ah so fear and laziness,” they summed up as they got to their floor and led him towards the apartment. “Well out of the kindness of my heart, I’ll offer to cook for you but only if you let me teach you at the same time. A simple meal, nothing too crazy.”

        “When was the last time someone left you satisfied, hm?” Gen thought of this and smirked, it’s been a good two years since she’s felt anything with anyone other than Daniel. Then when Paige kissed her, she melted into the kiss. SHe didn’t know what she was supposed to do or how she was supposed to feel, but Paige’s lips were so soft, how could she feel anything other than that? Kissing back, Genevieve caressed Paige’s cheeks and brought them closer to her. All the tension in the air coming down to their kiss, making it passionate, needy, sexy. Gen deepened the kiss, adding a bit of tongue as she towered over them, leaning Paige back on the couch with her own body. She didn’t want to answer the question, and she definitely didn’t want to think about Daniel right now. 

Paige was glad when Genevieve returned the kiss, though they didn’t have any doubts that she would. They let their hands fall to her waist, pulling her down with them as she deepened the kiss. Paige happily obliged, sliding their own tongue into her mouth, their hands trailing up her back as they did. Paige dragged one hand up her body so they could cup her cheek, biting down on Gen’s bottom lip slightly as they pulled away for a moment to catch their breath. “Seems like you’re very good at a lot of other things too,” they said with a soft laugh, brushing their thumb across Gen’s cheek before leaning in to kiss them again, this time a lot more passionately as their other hand reached down to grip Gen’s ass a bit.

“If he wouldn’t have killed me, all of this–” she paused, waving to the festivities around them, the liquid in her sloshed over the rim a bit. “–could have been my doing. He’s not big on parties, or people really. I think someone set him up.” Nicole got her way with dragging James along to smaller scale events but nothing of this caliber. Nicole downed the rest of her drink, and in good timing too because her hands went up in the air while grinding against Paige to the beat. “I should ask you the same thing.” The question was the perfect set up for her to use Rihanna’s lyrics for Where Have You Been? “I’ve been everywhere, man, looking for someone…Someone who can please me– could you be the one?” Okay so the last part was her own twist, but did it matter? 

“And you? You’re big on parties. Of course someone did because we live in a town full of some people who are simply children. It’s a shame but who knows, maybe in some weird way J will find this to be a blessing.” Paige’s eye widened slightly as Nicole replied and they let out a laugh, turning around to look at her. “Did you just quote Rihanna to me? Fuck,” they said and put their hand on their chest. “I think I’m actually swooning right now, don’t be alarmed but it’s happening.” They smiled as they met Nicole’s eyes, sue they were blushing for the first time in a while as they looked at her. “Gorgeous, you can dance, you know your R&B queens. You just keep hitting all the right notes.” They smirked and draped their arms over her shoulders as they met her eyes, clearly intrigued and excited. “I’m Paige,” they said, leaning closer so she could hear her more clearly. “It’s very, very nice to meet you.”

“I used to, now I more of a  mellow kind of girl. I prefer my music calm and often times, with the certain amount of heartbreak. Think Damien Rice’s kind of melancholy.” Of course she was exaggerating, but Alice mostly used music nowadays to get into a certain kind of mood. As the definitely uplifting music started to fill the room, an invitation was held for a dance. Alice could not remember the last time she danced for no reason other than the music playing and laughed at the other, throwing her head back momentarily and shaking her head. “Oh no, you do not want to see my lack of dance moves, I’m like an undercooked spaghetti.” She joked, but still, she gave her hand to the beautiful brunette and allowed her hips to follow the beat.

“Damien Rice? Shit that’s super sad. I don’t think we can get turnt to Blower’s Daughter though, hate to break it to you.” They laughed before shaking their head. “Undercooked spaghetti? Well now that you’ve given me such a visual, I have to see it for myself.” They smiled when she took their hand and spun her around for a moment before pulling her back onto the dance floor. “That’s not so bad!” They laughed and moved along to the music, smiling up at Alice as they did. “It’s not about dancing well, not if you’re not paying attention. Just let go, do what feels right and fuck the rest!”

       It wasn’t below her to admit she was embarrassed, and she was. “Looks like I do, and i apologize.” speaking on the Oscars, there was no doubt in Gen’s mind that Paige’s coverage would be good. Great even, there was no limit to it. “I’m excited too. I really can’t wait to read it.” She smiled at them and laughed at their comment. “You’re excellent Paige.” Holding on to their hand, Gen was pulled in closer and blushed slightly. “Oh, I’ve got moves. Can you keep up?” The doctor said fearlessly and started moving them, sending Paige a wink, 

       “Good call on the upbeat.” Being caught by surprise that Pink Floyd maybe was their style, Gen felt bad for thinking otherwise. “Sorry.” She smirked inwardly and sighed. “Oh right, Oscar weekend. That sounds like some busy fun. Can’t wait to read all about it.” She smiled now at Paige, happy to be talking to them again after the day they shared together. “I was here for the movie marathon, how’d you know?” She joked, knowing her shirt gave it away. 

“It’s alright, you wouldn’t be the first person to underestimate me,” they teased. “Just means you might have to get to know me,” they joked. “Very busy. I hope my coverage is good. I’m excited for it.” Paige laughed as they took in her shirt. “I mean it was just a lucky guess, I’m that good.” They reached for Gen’s hands, swaying their hips slightly as they pulled her closer. “Come on, I know you have some moves in this hips, Dr.”

        It was nice to see a friendly face in the crowd. “Well, then this party is officially worth staying for,” Gen said, smirking and leaning against the wall. “I’d say Pink Floyd but that doesn’t seem to be your style so I’m going to bother.” She laughed lightly, crossing her arms. “How have you been?” 

“Is it now? I mean don’t get me wrong, I love me some Pink Floyd but I don’t think these people are really in a mood to jam out to Us and Them right now,” they said with a soft laugh, finding it amusing that Gen thought Pink Floyd migt not be their style. “Maybe if we were all a lot higher. No, we need something a little bit more upbeat tonight,” they said, putting on some Charli XCX before moving away to talk to Gen. “I’ve been good, really good yeah. Fucking busy, work has me all over and it’s Oscar weekend coming up so I’ll be disappearing for deadlines,” they said with a laugh. “How about you, beautiful? Let me guess, you were here for the apparent movie marathon that was supposed to happen, hm?”

       Gen smirked at this, eyes scanning over Paige’s flattering features. “Thank you.” She said softly, eyes finding their lips and she bit her own gently. “No, I’m a New York City baby actually. I moved for college. Needed a change of scenery and ended up falling in love with the place.” Genevieve nodded her head in confirmation and listened to Paige’s answers thoughtfully. “And you say i’m impressive? Look at you.” She smiled wide now, getting a little closer. “I’ll pay way more attention to the LA Times now. that’s amazing, i’m very impressed.” Beauty, brains, heart… what more could a person ask for? Getting closer, Gen found herself giggling at Paige’s comment and she bowed her head. “Thank you. You’re stunning.” Gen returned truthfully, biting her lip a little harder this time. Air so thick between them, Gen could cut through it, but she didn’t mind. In fact, she welcomed it.

Paige knew from the moment Genevieve had decided to help them that just moving boxes wouldn’t be their only exchange. They had seen the woman around before, met her at one of Rubén’s infamous dinner parties. And the attraction had always been there but time had never really allowed for it. Now though, Genevieve was sitting in their apartment and just the way she was looking at them was enough to make them a little hot and bothered. “Impressed? I’m glad I didn’t disappoint. What can i say? I’m the whole package,” they replied with a wink, biting their lip as they met the woman’s eyes. “Stunning? Now you’re just trying to make me blush.” They set their glasses down on the table, their eyes staying on Gen’s as they moved closer to her. Their fingers brushed against her sides before moving up her arm, a small smile playing on their lips as they brushed their fingers across her cheek. “Tell me, Dr. Genevieve,” they said with a soft laugh, their voice just a bit above a whisper. “When was the last time someone left you satisfied, hm?” They licked their lips slowly as they looked into Gen’s eyes. They stared for a second longer before leaning down to kiss her softly and slowly.

“Alright, touché . You make a worthy opponent,” Peter snickered, actually impressed by their muscle game. “Don’t be putting words in my mouth, Paigey. I just know that not a lot of people are willing to go hardball when it comes to their liquor. Wasn’t sure where you stood on the whole issue.” He nodded and readjusted the box in his arms, peering over the top towards them. “A little redecorating, eh? It’s good to cleanse your aura and feng shui the place, or whatever are those weirdo, new-age hippie people say. Good on you.” Peter stumbled slightly, his expression showing that he was taken off guard when they asked about his song of choice. “Oh, I, uh…” he trailed off, considering picking a song from the top of his head before he let out a heavy sigh. “You caught me at a moment when I was listening to shit I don’t usually have playing. It’s just a random playlist on shuffle.” He sighed once more, realizing he was stalling. He pointed the screen of his phone in their direction, showing that he was listening to Breathless by The Corrs. “It’s fast paced…makes it good for running, you know.”

“Go hard or go home,” they joked. They nodded at is question and smiled. “Yeah, something like that. Just kind of want a brighter vibe. A lot of the stuff in my apartment was a little darker colored and it was throwing me off. Plus I bought some new art and the rest of the place needs to accomodate it,” they half joked. “Are you embarrassed?” Paige laughed softly as he tried to give them an explanation. “As long as it wasn’t Taylor Swift then it’s not likely I’ll judge very much.” They raised an eyebrow and looked over before laughing. “Oh come on, some trashy pop? That is my aesthetic,” they joked. “Don’t be ashamed, own it. I’ll give you a chance to tell me what you usually listen to though, if you’re feeling that shy.” They smirked as they lead him to their apartment and pushed open the door before walking over to set some of the boxes down. “So what’s your go to drink?”

“Oh God no, I wouldn’t want to, in no way, be responsible for ruining the mood of the party.” Most music Alice was into matched her mood and was indie, something people would probably not take it with the ambiance of the party. The person who decided to take over the music, though, seemed to have their knowledge, of music— she would have no idea if they knew the first thing about DJing. “What are you planning on playing? You know that’s some pretty big shoes you’re willing to fill.

“No? Don’t think you have the party vibes?” They smirked as they scrolled through their selection. “This place needs a little jump. Do I? Well then consider them filled,” they said with a smirk as they started playing their song choice. “Now, you have to dance with me, Paige said and wiggled their eyebrows as they held out their hand. “Come on, we gotta see your moves.”

Nicole laughed at their very accurate description of James. “Yes, that’s James! The one and only.” Right now she pictured him trying to find some way to either not engage the throngs of people or tackling some form of damage control. Hopefully his home won’t look like the aftermath of a frat party, she mused. Much to Nicole’s surprise one of Tinashe’s newer songs began to play. The new DJ had outdone themselves, and it was only the first tune. “Excellent choice,” she bopped her head to the beat, and sang along. Instead of answering, Nicole moved toward them in response. “Try to keep up.” She challenged.

“I didn’t know he was so popular,” they said with a laugh and shook their head. “Surprised? Please, I have taste and my girl Tinashe is vastly underrated.” They smirked as they started to dance to the song and moved closer to Nicole. “Keep up? Oh just remember you said that,” they joked, moving closer as they got more into the song. They laughed as they turned around and backed their ass up against Nicole, this house party proving to be exactly what they needed to end the week. “Tinashe fan and you can move your waist like that? Where have you been all my life?”