Proof 7.5
I slipped into my bedroom and pulled on a pair of leggings, stopping to look at myself in the mirror for a moment. Between my lopsided ponytail, frazzled bangs, and tomato-red face I looked like hell. My skin was warm and clammy from our tryst in the kitchen and I blew out a heavy breath before reaching for the door handle.
“The redhead?”
“No-no, it was definitely that one girl. What’s her name? The girl who handles our Twitter?”
“Katie?”
“Yeah, Katie! She seems like she would.”
“What are you guys talking about?”
“Trying to figure out who’s been sucking on Lindy’s neck.” Matt slid a cup of coffee across the island and nodded to the table where Elias and Johnny were sitting. I took one of the open seats and grabbed a bagel from the bag, tearing it into two pieces. Matt took the other chair and turned to me. “Do you take cream?”
It was a loaded question considering the time and place but I shook my head and pulled the lid off of my cup. “Just sugar.”
I grabbed two packets and tore them open with my teeth, keeping my eyes on Elias as I stirred my coffee. He watched me with a smile as our guests debated his possible mystery girl.
“LeighAnne?”
“She’s engaged.”
“Danielle?”
“Married. To a woman.”
“Really?” Johnny chewed thoughtfully and nodded before swallowing. “Good for her. Was it Maggie?”
“You can guess all you want, guys.” He stood and grabbed the pan from the stove, piling the two eggs he’d made onto his bagel. “I’m not telling.”
“C’mon man, give us a hint.” Matt turned to me and leaned close. “Did you see her?”
“I was in my office all night. But I heard her.”
“And?”
“Sounded like someone was skinning a cat. I almost called the police.”
Elias choked out a laugh as the guys chided him, both celebrating his conquest. I picked at my bagel and listened to them talk for a few minutes as my mind drifted back to what happened on the table before they got here. Johnny nudged my foot with his and waved a hand in my face.
“Yes or no?”
“Hmm?”
“Clubbing tonight. Yes or no?”
“What time?” He told me and I shook my head. “Sorry, I’m swamped with work right now.”
“Didn’t you say you worked all night?”
“It’s a big project.”
“Take a break, Looch. Come with us.” Johnny was insistent and he continued before I could answer him. “It’ll be good for you to go out, meet some people.”
“John-”
“You’re coming.”
I stuffed the rest of my bagel into my mouth and stood, grabbing my coffee as I did. All eyes were on me as I turned to leave, making a point to slam my office door when I got to the top of the stairs. Overstuffed pillows cushioned my fall onto the couch and I stared at the ceiling fan until my eyes crossed.
“Working hard?” I jumped and Johnny laughed, ambling over to sit on the arm of my sofa. I kicked my feet onto his lap and he slipped into the spot under them, running a hand over my ankle. “When’s the last time you shaved?”
“Do you need something?”
“Are you mad at me? For what I said downstairs?” I decided to let him stew for a minute and sat silent, setting my eyes back on the fan. “Because I just... I’m worried about you, Looch. You were so much fun back in Boston. We’d go out all the time, parties and games. It seems like you’ve shut down since you got here.”
I pulled myself up and settled against the opposite side of the couch to watch him.
“And I don’t know if it’s... I know you haven’t been feeling your best self since you gained-”
“Excuse me?” I crossed my arms over my chest and glared. “What are you saying, Johnny?”
“I’m not saying anything, I just- you mentioned that you’d wanted to lose a few pounds. If that’s why you keep blowing me off, I-I’m trying to help.”
“By calling me fat?”
“I’m not calling you fat!”
“Sounded like it.”
“Looch, you know that’s not what I meant. You’re- you look beautiful.” His eyes were wide and his cheeks reddened as he backtracked, leaning back as I stood. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think.”
“Yeah, you didn’t.”
“I just miss you. I miss the old you.”
“I’m the same person I’ve always been, Johnny.”
“Then come out with us!” I stopped in front of him and frowned. “Give me a good reason why not. And don’t say work! Work doesn’t count.”
I didn’t have one and so I turned on my heel, dropping into my desk chair without a word. He ambled over and dropped his head onto my shoulder.
“C’monnnn Looch, it’ll be fun.”
“Why are you being such an ass about this?”
“Why are you hiding in your office? You said you were here all night, right?” He spun me around and leaned in until his nose was touching mine. “Elias has been here for a month, if that, and he’d already got more friends than you. He fucked somebody. When’s the last time you did?”
“I think we need boundaries in our relationship.”
“That long?” I pushed him away and he continued. “When was the last time you went on a date? Last one night stand?”
“Not counting your mom?”
“Very funny. Come out with us.”
“I’m not a club person.”
“Then we’ll go to a bar. An arcade. A golf course. Pick one, Lucia. The choice is yours.”
I sank into my chair and crossed my legs, bouncing my foot for a moment. Elias called him from downstairs and he looked at his watch, mumbling about practice as he started towards the door. He stopped and turned back to look at me.
“Please?”
“Why are you pushing this so hard?” He shrugged and kept staring, a long minute of absolute silence passing before I caved. “Send me a time and place.”
