oneeeee
MONDAY
*BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* "Err..." *BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* Early morning texts should be illegal! I stretch out so my body looks like a giant "X" and sit up. I look around my barely lit room. Outside my window the sky is a deep dark blue with a couple rays peaking through. It must be around 6a.m or so. I lay back down and snuggle up on my pillow and place another one over my head. I don't usually believe in getting up before the sun. I slowly begin drifting back to sleep. *BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* Oh for crying out loud!! *BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* I already know who it is. I grab my phone: TWO TEXT MESSAGES WAITING. I hate how that's always in caps. It brings a false sense of urgency. Gotta see if there's a setting to change that.
Text 1: [Good Morning lovely. Get up and get ready! We're meeting everyone at Luke's for some breakfast. :)] Mmm... Luke's.
Text 2: [I'm guessing this one will get you out of bed. ;) I'll be there right before 7. XOXO]
I can't help but let my dislike for mornings melt away. I smile as I text back: [Hey babe, GOOD MORNING!! :P Breakfast sounds good and necessary! See you soon and thanks for gettin me up.] I put my phone back on the bedside table and grab the remote for the stereo. Music fuels me. I turn on some Ludacris - Blueberry Yum Yum. I walk over to my desk where the ashtray is and I'm pleasently surprised/unsurprised to see the perfect sized roach outed in it. Time for a wake and bake! I grin idiotically to myself. I pick up the roach and the lighter of the day and head over to my washroom. The parentals should be out of the house by now. I look out the window to check if the car is in the driveway. As I suspected I'm in the clear. I place the roach on the window sill and head to the sink to brush my teeth and turn on the hot water in the shower. I always say, "If you're gonna do it up, might as well go that extra mile." Just like perfect timing Bob Marely - Sun is Shining begins to play. I turn it up and shut the door so the steam can really build up. I kill the roach and hit the shower. Feels like rain. The stupid grin comes back on.
The doorbell rings as I come out. I rush down the stairs in just a towel wrapped around me.
"Well, well, this is a nice welcoming." Denise says as I open the door for her. I give her a quick peck on the lips and head back up the stairs. I make sure to switch my hips as I climb up, stopping midway I turn with a hair flip, "Easy access baby." and wink at her. This completely gets her and we race to my room in giggles.
I sit on my bed as Dee closes the door behind her. She starts unbuttoning her shirt and lets it fall to the floor while walking towards me. "Dee, you know we're gonna be late for breakfast...", I tell her with a sly smile. She spreads my legs and stands between them. I look up at her and she cups my chin, "You know how everyone rolls BABZ, if anything... we'll be right on time." She returns the sly smile.
- - - -
Everyone's in the parking lot when we pull up. Josh is the only one in the car. I knock on the window and he rolls it down. "Hey stud, hard at work I see." I kiss him on the cheek.
"You know it."
"Looks like you're almost done, I'm gonna check everyone else."
"Ayt, I'll let you guys know. Should be another minute or two. The blunt wrap is mad dry, I gotta be really gentle."
"Art of rolling - it's all good. Just don't crack it."
"I'm almost insulted by that. If I didn't have so much faith in my skills, you might of hurt my feelings right there." He says jokingly. He rolls the window back up and I head to the back of his Yukon.
Evan is sitting on the bumper with Atille on his lap, Dee next to them, while Brett, Dominic and Tyler are playing hacky sack infront. "Morning y'all!" I say with a little too much enthusiasm.
"Y'all?! What the eff BABZ, you some hick now?" Brett says with his eyes locked onto the hackey sack.
"Why you gotta bring the woman down like that? She's just saying what up." Tilly comes in my defense as she leans towards me and gives me a hug while managing to still be attatched to Evan.
"Now now children, it's way too early for this bickerig shit." Evan says outstretching his arm to give me daps.
"And I'm too damn sober to tolerate that." Dom says, looking up from the game to give me the nod of acknowledgement.
Ty stops playing, walks over to me and puts his arm around my waist. "Morning B, ready for that Mexican Kush?"
"You know it T-Dawg. Mexican Kush, eh? Didn't even know that strand existed."
Ty gives me a confused look. "Common B, you're a ganja queen. You should know by now that there isn't a strand that DOESN'T exist."
"Well duh. I meant I have yet to experience this one." I say sticking my tongue out at him. "Possibly." I add knowing fully that I may have smoked this stuff before. Dealers like to change the names of the chron they're chopping, to personally brand it so smokers come to only them to get it. It can get totally confusing. And annoying, especially when amature dealers try to rename Chna Bud or Local. Although none of them would dare do that with anyone from our crew. With exception to Tilly, we can spot crap chron from a mile away. Apparently we hold a rep at our old high school, the niners call us "UFOs". Supposedly because we're usually spotted high ("unidentified FLYING objects", get it?). Brett's twin siblings who are in grade 10 think they call us that because we're "green heads". Either way I get a good chuckle from it.
"What the hell you laughing at man?" Ty snaps me out of my thoughts like he always does.
"UFOs man. UFOs" I laugh more out loud this time.
"You stoned?" He asks, giving me that annoying look that says I'm a total weirdo.
"I wouldn't be a UFO if I wasn't." I giggle, "But seriously, I'm burnt out."
And like perfect timig Josh rolls down the window, "BABZ come grab shotty."
We all pile in, Kid Cudi - Up, Up and Away is playing and Jay sparks the blunt. *BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* Seriously? Who else is up this early? Not to mention anyone who'd normally text me is currently with me. *BUZZ BUZZ* I flip open my phone but Josh passes me the blunt before I can read the message. I take slow long hits and break out into a coughing fit and send it on it's way to Ty.
"Wow babe. you okay? That must be some good shit. eh Josh?" Dee says breaking the silence.
"You know it. My cousin copped this shit from his dealer who just got back from Mexico or is Mexican, or something."
"Sick." Most of us say in unison. I find this extrememly hilarious and burst into a giggle fit.
"Yo B, you okay?" Josh says, beginning to giggle himself.
"UFOs MAN! UFOs!!!" I say excitedly inbetween stiffled giggles. Then everyone explodes into laughter.
"Whoever nicknamed us that got it straight on, son!" Brett says after coughing.
"Honestly man, I've smoked with enough pot heads in my life and none of them are as chills as you guys. The best thing about us is that we're smart with our smoke. It's like what we all have in common. We're not some loser burn outs. We can actually function while being at an elevated state of mind. I mean granted we get those really intense highs where we end up tripping the fuck out, but I mean that's inevitable if you smoke as much as we do..." Dom says trailing off to take his turn in rotation.
"Whoa Dom that was deep. Where you going with that?" I ask.
"Man, I don't even know what I was saying yo."
Another explosion of laughter.
Eventually the intense high fades a while after the session is over and we're all just happy campers sitting in the Yukon basking in second-hand. Gosh, you gotta love these guys. Dom was right, most chills crew ever. I look down at my lap and notice my phone is open. Oh right, that text. I read it, it's from Josh. [Stay back after sesh.] I wonder when he sent it. The thought last mere seconds before I look up and focus my attention to the breakfast joint infront of us. Definitely want bacon. Or grilled cheese. With syrup. And juice. Or should I have an omlette? Damn... I've got hardcore muchies. Oh wow, I think I'm even drooling. I look at the rearview mirror and notice everyone's starring at the restaurant too. Except Evan and Tilly or are making out in the back. "TIME FOR FOOD!" Ty declares.
"YEAH SON!" Brett adds to the enthusiasm. Everyone starts to pile out.
"Shit, forgot to hit the bank. THUMBALINA come with?" Josh asks.
"I don't see why not. For some reason I buckled myself in before the rotation."
"You're such a goof." Evan laughs, messing my hair up while he gets out.
"Yo save us seats!" Josh yells out as he starts the car. He drives off before I can say anything to Dee or even see her reaction. I'm sure she's still too high to have noticed. But just incase I send her a text: [Going with Josh to the bank babe.] *BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* [Kay.] With Dee it's not necessary to tell her but I feel like it's common courteousy. Oh wow, the sky is really nice right now. The clouds are so puffy and the sun is fully up. The clouds are so puffy. I giggle, puffy is a funny word. Is puffy a real word? Or did someone screw up when they were trying to say fluffy? Oh, my aunt has a cat named Fluffy. I'm allergic to it, but it's white and... holy crap it's PUFFY! WHOA. Wow... Mexican Kush huh? This shit is no joke. But I guess it kind of is. I giggle again. I look over to Josh who looks like he's trying really hard not to trip out while driving. He's doing the speed limit and is within the lane, so I'm not worried. I could never be this high and drive. But I guess Josh is either used to it. He pulls into a parking lot down a couple blocks and parks. I honestly haven't a clue what this is about but I'm getting a sense it doesn't have much to do with an ATM.
"So B, how are things with Denise?"
"They're really good actually. She totally gets me. I'm really happy with her."
"Oh." Oh no. He has that look. The one where he's probably, most likely going to tell me he has feelings for me or some shit. Or maybe he saw Dee with someone else? Either way I have a feeling what comes next isn't gonna be too good. But I'm still pretty stoned that it could just be parnoia. God I hope it's parnoia. Well.. "What is it Jay?" I finally respond.
"B, when you gonna stop this lez phase and come be with me?"
"What the..? Are you serious? Don't even pin this on me."
"Listen, this is no joke. I think we'd be really good together. I know you think so too. Just kick the phase and get real."
"Are you actually being for real or is this the Mexican Kush?"
He looks a little defeated. It makes feel a little weird because Josh is always so put together, rarely let's his guard down and lets vulnerable emotions show. If I think about it, Evan and I are probably the only ones who've seen Josh be emotional. "I'm being real man."
"Okay, okay." He's being totally serious. "Here's what it is: first of all, I'm not a lesbian, I'm bisexual. Secondly, that means this isn't a phase. I like both men and women. Which means I will have real relationships with both. And lastly... Josh... you had your chance. If you remember clearly, Valentine's Day last year when I put you in a similar situation, telling you I had developed feelings for you and we had that kiss. Remember that?"
"How could I forget?"
"Oh I don't know. Maybe I thought it slipped your mind because the effin' next day you came around with that hoochie on your arm introducing her as you 'girlfriend'?! Ring any bells? Or did you forget about that part too?! And you told all the guys how you were actually serious about her. What the fuck was that?" She ended up cheating on him at his own party a few weeks later.
"I'm sorry. I freaked out alright? We've known each other since time. Our moms went to flippin' day care together for crying out loud. Our families are so tight. Since we were kids you've been like a blood sister. And yeah, puberty changed things up a little. Watching you grow into a woman made things a bit different. You couldn't be my sister no more. But you were my home girl. No one has a clue what dynamic our relationship has. You've been there through EVERYTHING. And just when I was getting comfotable with how things were, you brought in a whole new game. And it was enticing. And we kissed. B, you know how many girls you seen me roll through with, NONE of them made me feel what you did in the single kiss. It fuckin' blew me mind. I stayed up all night thinking about it and I was really excited at first. But then I freaked out. I told Evan about it and he reminded me how good we got it. And then he reminded me of my track record. B I could not risk screwing up what we got. You are one of like three people in my life who've been there from beginning to end. Who knows me inside out. If I screwed things up with you, who knows if we'd recover from that. I mean... not one of them girls from my past is down to talk to me, not that I'd wanna talk to them... that's not the point. All I know is I couldn't risk it. I pussied out. And I brought Sheila out and scrapped our little Valentine's whatever like it hadn't happen. I ended up testing my "boyfriend skills" with her to see if I could actually make something last, so if down the line we had another opportunity I would know I could make it work."
"So that's what that was?"
"Yeah."
"That's effin' stupid."
"I did it for you."
"Oh my GOD you didn't just say that. Josh you have no idea what that did to me. To open up to you about what I felt and the NEXT DAY you come around saying some skank bitch is your wifey. YOUR WIFEY! Like I could deal with your hoes, I know that's just for play. But the day after, you're tellin' people that you wanna lock down some slu?! Nah. It did not settle well to say the least. But you know what? I let it drop. You're my boy and I just sucked it up and dealt with it. I played your little game, and put up a front like nothing went down between us. Then I moved the fuck on."
"I'm sorry."
"And it took you over a year to say that?"
"After Sheila you were already dating that nerd guy so I held off. Then there was that other loser, the one in the band. There didn't seem like a good opportunity to bring it up. I wanted you to get over these fucks before I made my move. But we were still playin' it like nothing happened and I felt like you maybe even forgot. Then Dee. I can't even express what I think about this Dee thing. This feels like a total joke, I'm sorry, but it doesn't seem real."
"But it is."
Again with the defeated look. I took a moment to breathe and stopped playing the victim. "Jay..." I stumbled for words. In the past before Valentine's Day last year Josh and I have had a more or less very platonic relationship. That sounds so contradicting but is the only way I can describe it. He was right. We were like siblings. Then after grade 7 or something we were just plain tight. During high school he came at me with cheesey lines and propositions to hook up. We always flirt and we're just naturally close. So close that anyone who didn't know us would just assume we're dating. "... Valentine's Day was special, not considerig what happended after. I told you something was there. But that something at the time was small. The whole Sheila situation helped me get over it. When I let it drop, I also let what I felt cease and disist. Dee and I have got it good. We just work. I... I can't screw this up." He took my hand and placed it on his heart.
"You got me, ayt? I get it. I really do. I'll drop it. I just needed you to know what was real. I needed you to know that you and I aren't off the table. When the timing is right and we're both ready, I know this can be amazing. And TRUST me, it would not be a repeat of my past tings. You're legit wifey material in my eyes. It just took me a while to get that. One day..." he let my hand go and held my face up so I was looking him straight in the eyes, "...one day." he repeated. He kissed me on the forehead and started up the car.
As he parked back infront of Luke's he asked, "So how we gonna play this, ma?"
"Nothing changes."
"You can do that?"
"If you can."
He smiles at me. His guard is back up. "Done deal." he says and gets out of the car. I take a second and wonder if I can actually do it. Well, I have for other things... this can't be much harder. I get out of the car, run towards the door and push Josh out of the way so I can walk in first. Nothing changes.
Breakfast was fairly normal, for us that is. We headed to Dom's place after. Dee and Tilly had to work. I posted up with Ty amd watched a couple episodes of Weeds while the rest of the males played two on two in the driveway. Inbetween episodes I felt like it was an acceptale time of day for a drink and made a pitcher of strawberry-mango daquiris. Ty came into the kitchen just as I poured him a glass. "So B, what happened this morning?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You and Jay think you so slick, but I know you best. Well... I know you at least second best and I read you the moment you stepped into Luke's."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah yo, your eyes give you away."
"As far as I'm concerned, my eyes were squinty and red just like everyone else's."
"Nah, nah. Behind all that red, something serious was a'brewin'."
"Ty you're so whack."
"Mmm-hmm... you know if you don't tell me now you will eventually. You always do. In the meantime I'm gonna have to let the assumptions settle in." he says walking back to the couch.
I sigh. "Nothing happened."
"Whatever you say princess." he winks at me.
"You're such a sicko!" I hit him with a pillow.
It was safe to say Josh knew me best. Tyler on the other hand did have a knack for being able to read my body language. He can always figure out when something is up, but thankfully he can never pin-point what it is. Ty's been my best bud since grade 5 or something. He was totally right about me fessing up eventually. It's not that I don't trust him. Ty isn't exactly a vault but when it comes to me he has yet to leak info to anyone. Maybe because I have just as much dirt on him. I was just so uneager to relive this morning. There was a lot said that I needed to process on my own first. Replaying the whole thing to myself will definitely be put on my procrastination list. That was heavy duty, and I'm all about being at ease.
"So we done with this show? I wanna get my Rockband on." he says snapping me out of my thoughts.
I take nice long sip, "Shotty drums!"
"Aw common!"
"Just a few songs and then I'll switch to mic."
"Alright!"
The afternoon easily transitioned to evening without us really noticing. We're scattered around the coffee table playing Big-2. It reminds me of a scene from That 70's Show.
"So what's the plan tonight?," Dom asks.
"Nothing epic.", says Josh.
"Epic or not we are DOING something tonight!", a frustrated Dom replies.
"Or someone..." Brett adds nudging Dom.
Dom shyly smiles, "God I hope so."
"How long has it been man?", Evan asks.
"I dunno... a couple months I guess..."
"More like FIVE!", Ty spills.
"Ouch", Evan says, expressing the group's reaction to this news. "How man?! You're like this deased, suave gentlethug. Chicks are lined up at your door as we speak."
"...Legs spread, condoms in hand. For real son, you're what we call a Grade A Ladies Man. Tell him B.", Brett adds.
"No lie Dom, you're definitely hot shit. Why the drought? Want me to hook you up?"
"With what? Cock? Common THUMBALINA you roll with straight mans." Josh states so damn matter-of-factly.
"I've got girls", I say defensively.
"Tills don't count 'cause you weren't girls 'till long after Evan brought her through. And you're tappin' Dee so that's ruled out too.", Josh argues.
"I've got girls!", I repeat.
"Uh-huh.... like who?", Brett butts in.
"Girls from volunteering at the shelter." The guys make a face at this like I just offered them all cock on a stick. "What's wrong with that!?"
"Shelter girls aren't exactly what we're looking for."
"... yeah, them chicks are dutty."
"Oh shut up Brett. They VOLUNTEER, they're not at the shelter 'cause they NEED to be. I take offense to this, I volunteer there too! I'm a 'shelter girl'."
"Tone down that PMS woman! We ain't tryin to diss you BABZ.", Evan says.
"Sure sounds like it." I say annoyingly.
"Don't be soft THUMBALINA. You're right, we're passing judgement too quickly. Call up these girls you speak of and we'll hook Dom up."
"Yes please!", Dom eagerly adds.
I go into the other room and make a few calls. I come back and stand amongst the eager faces. "None of them can come out on such short notice." This news gets a reaction of various "Boo!"s and I get assorted junk food thrown at me.
"She has no girls!", Brett says.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever.", I reply with an eye roll and sit next to Dom. I nudge Dom, "You up for a blind date?", I whisper.
"Uh yeah I guess. When?"
"Thursday? Her name is Lacey. She's 5"2, brown hair, hazel eyes. She's got TNA. Athletic build. Totally outgoing. Totally fun. Not slutty. But I'm pretty sure it's been a while for her too, she hasn't been on a date in a few months. So...", Doms eyes light up.
"Count me in."
"I'll send her your number and you guys can text up your plans and get to know each other."
"Thanks B."
"I gotchu man."
"HEY! WHAT ARE YOU BOTH WHISPERING ABOUT!?", Brett so abruptly asks.
"Don't doubt your girl 'cause B's got the hook up for real.", Dom says.
I wink at Brett, "You know it.'
"You set him up?", Josh asks.
"Yes sir."
"We'll see how that turns out.", Josh says.
"A little faith man. A little faith.", Dom replies.
"Shotty next link if it works out!", Brett says.
"Nah man. If she's playing cupid, her boy T-DAWG got next, right B?"
"Y'all fools. First you talk smack and now you're jumpin' at me like I got a love potion for y'all. Monkeys!"
"Love?! I just need me some.."
"Anyways. So if the girls ain't coming with us, let's go search for them!", Ty says interrupting Brett.
"Where at?", Evan asks without really being interested.
"Dunes?", Brett suggests.
"Dunes is played out. My cousin told me about this live place called Sky High downtown."
"I'm down to see what's poppin'.", Ty says.
"Vote?", Josh asks.
"I'm good to go.", Brett says.
"Sure.", Evan says.
"Hot girls?", Dom inquires.
"My cuz says this place is packed with fine G's."
"Down.", Dom says.
Josh looks over to me. "B?"
"Uhh... I gotta run it by Denise?" This sets off another series of "Boo"s.
"Are you seriously whipped like that?", Brett asks.
"Common courtousy man. Evan you know what I mean, right?", I say hoping he knows what I mean.
"Nah B, sorry. Tills and I are at a need-to-know stage. She's got a next crew and I got you and the guys. When I'm out with the boys, I'm out with the boys. I dunno, we just trust each other like that. She knows I'm happy with where I'm at."
"Just like that, huh? Straight trust, no questions asked?", this got me curious.
"Well she can ask, and I'll tell her straight. But just like that. To each their own though. That's just our dynamic. We got that understanding."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. B, you down or not?", Brett asks and all the guys turn to me awaiting an answer.
"I guess I'll check it out. But I'll probably dip early."
"Alright! Well if we gonna hit this place up let's get prepped for it.", Dom says.
"Like get dressed? What's wrong with what I'm wearing now?", Ty asks.
"Nothing. It's a nice spot but it's all casual.", Josh responds.
"No, no, no. I mean...", Dom starts but runs up the stairs, we all stare at each other wondering what that was. He comes back with his hands behind his back and a ridiculously huge smile on his face. "...we gotta get PREPPED for it." He places one arm infront of him and he's holding a bottle of Grey Goose. Chant and cat calls are made by his audience and he nods with a stupid smile. Then he places the other arm infront of him and it's the lovely glass bong. We give him a standing ovation and he bows.
TECHNICALLY TUESDAY
It's about 3 or 4am and Josh and Ty are just dropping me home.
"B, we're here." I hear Ty say but my face is burried into the back seat and my body refuses to move. "B. YO B! Oh damn, yo is she alive?"
"She's probably taking a nap. Let's give her a moment." Josh says while lighting a captain black.
"Ayt. Live night, eh? Get that chick with the perky tatas number?"
"Yeah. She dove her hand into my pocket to fish my phone out, typed in her degits and told me to call her."
"Was this before or after you guys disappered for a good half an hour?"
"Before. Made me wonder if her hand went into my pocket initially for the phone or something else."
"You sly dog, you. So...? What went down man?" I hear shuffling but my brain is throbbing so bad I can't help but wonder if it's just my brain kicking me for drinking so much. "What? She's asleep yo. And would it matter if she wasn't? You tell her all your dirty details anyways. Why do you think she's so cool with us? You manfluenced her since toddlerhood."
I her a throaty chuckle. "B knows all about my adventures. Thing is, I didn't do nothing with that broad tonight."
"Say what?!"
"Serious man. We made out a bit, that was more or less it."
"Made out a bit?! MORE OR LESS?!"
"Stop that. Yeah, there was no down and dirty."
"Hm."
"What? Why you looking at me like that?"
"Something is suspect here. You never turn down poon."
"I didn't turn down poon. Poon wasn't offered and I didn't feel like pursuing it." There was a short silence. Either that or I fell asleep actually for a minute.
"Ayt man, whatever. Did you see how much mack was layed on Evan and Babz? I swear being taken is like having a magnetic field attract the horny and willing."
Another throaty chuckle. "Our girl got game, huh?"
"Yeah, she's a certified G." Ty says with a laugh. "I swear I thought she was actually gonna dip with this one guy."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah, this business looking type. He definitely got her well wasted."
"It's amazing, eh? When girls lay mack they get free drinks. When guys lay mack they just lose money."
"That's why you do what I do. You wait until they're already well wasted!"
"You get any play tonight?"
"Yeah actually. This girl was helping her sick friend and I helped her out, walked them to the car, played that prince charming shit."
"And?"
"Digits written on the arm. Oh shit, the last number got blurred. You think that's a 7?"
"Can't tell."
"Yo, I gotta be home by 5."
"Word, me too."
"How we gonna get this woman to wake the fuck up?"
"THUMBALINA!" I hear Josh call out. I grunt as a response. "Yo, watch this." I hear him say and soon after I hear the flick of the lighter and soon the car is basking in the smell of the lovely green. I slowly rise and peak my head over the middle seats to see Ty's eyes widened look straight at me with a huge smile.
"You're seriously a pot fiend, you know that right?" He says and then laughs.
"Shut up." I say as Josh turns around to send me the J. I inhale nice and slowly.
"Wake and bake and sleep again?"
"I guess so." I say with my breath being held in. I exhale and watch the smoke fill the car. I take another nice hit and send the spliff over to Ty.
"Yo, did you guys see Brett getting slapped by the cute, curvy brunette?"
"What?!" Ty says choking on his exhale. Josh laughs.
"Yeah. They were dancing for a while and I'm not sure what went down but I look over and I see her slap him right across the face."
"Say word." Josh says.
"Word. The more fucked up thing is that I seen her push him onto the booth RIGHT after and she straddled him."
"And?" Ty eagerly asks.
"Damn, I dunno. I seen this weird smile go over his face and I knew I didn't wanna see what else was gonna go down."
Josh laughs, "Brett went and got him a crazy freak."
"Wow." Ty laughs too. "I wonder if he'll keep her around."
"If she's crazy for real then whether he's down or not you'll surly see more of her."
We all laugh. "Good night?" I ask.
"LIVE night." Ty says.
"Live spot." Josh adds.
"True, true. But seriously... good night." I say and make my way over to the middle seat and kiss them both on the cheek and let myself out of the car.
I creep up into my room undetected by the parentals. I quickly change into a baggy tee and lie on my bed. I still feel pretty drunk but the haze from the session is making me tolerate the hangover symptoms I feel coming. I look up at the ceiling and replay the night in my head. The business looking guy Ty referred to earlier was named Paul. Aside from getting me drunk, we had an amazing conversation. If I wasn't with Dee, the game he ran definitely would have gotten me to leave with him. I'm not really a one-night stand person. But something about Paul made me believe that if I had gone home with him, he'd still actually call me. Dating is such a crock. It's literally a game. Flirt but don't be too racy or you'll seem like a slut; if you seem like a slut there will be no future aside from the walk of shame the following morning. Don't talk about your guy friends or he'll get the impression that there is already a man in your life, one too many infact. Avoid telling him you're bisexual because he won't stop picturing you in bed with him... with another girl. I hate situations where it's as if you're just constantly altering yourself. Where you absolutely have to edit your words and actions not necessarily because you care what other think but more so you'd rather not have them perceive you as something you're not. That's sort of contradicting. I do that a lot. But you've got to admit there's truth within it. I swear when you're dating someone in the beginning they're like this good fit for you (otherwise you wouldn't be with them) and then a few months time true colours start to show and you have to question whether it was your mistake for not noticing it before or if they had kept these qualities, quirks, flaws hidden from youm waiting until you got comfortable. But I guess that's how it is in any sort of relationship; you never fully KNOW someone I suppose. Mt thoughts jumped back to Paul. I barely remember everything we talked about. I barely remember what he looks like. But small details kept appearing in my head. His stubble that showed a previously shaved beard. His beautiful lips, a slightly thin upper lip and more full bottom lip. His hazel-green eyes. The only other thing I remember is his black silk tie. I felt a bit guilty thinking of him but I hadn't commited a crime. I kept my distance. We talked. Infact I didn't give him my number and even told him I was involved with someone already. Strangely enough he still bought me drinks, we still carried out a lengthy converstation and he didn't ask for my number again. That's the game that appealed to me, because it didn't seem like he was running one. He was real. I couldn't help myself but be intrigued. I felt a slight pull on my heart, it might have been the guilt again, or the fear that I let something really good slip away. This is downside to relationships. If you meet someone new and you wonder if you're life would be better with them instead of who you're already with. That right there is why I usually am never in something long-term. Don't get me wrong, Dee is amazing. But with Dee I can't ever imagine more than tomorrow with her. Like, I know our relationship is virtually smooth sailing and I don't have any intentions of calling it quits because what we have is too good to just drop. But I can't exactly picture a wedding and... isn't that the point in dating? Well.. I don't actually believe in that, I guess that's just something society has imprinted in my mind. I believe personally in companionship with it's own rules. Unwillingly the remaining images I have of Paul appear in my mind again. The stubble. The lips. The eyes. The tie. I drift in and out of sleep with these images before I completely knock out.
*BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* I open up one eye. Aw man, my effin' head is throbbing. *BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* SERIOUSLY?! What is up with this wake-up texts lately. I roll over to the edge of my bed and lazily have on arm over trying to find my jeans I wore last night. I find them and take my cell out of the pocket. I open it up and OH WOW it's almost 2pm. Considering what time I got home, and what time I finally fell asleep that makes sense I guess. Next thing I notice is: EIGHT TEXT MESSAGES WAITING. Effin' caps. I put the phone on the bed side table and hook up the charger. It's the middle of summer, 2pm, Tuesday I think... is there anywhere I have to be today? I instant sit up and panic. DO I HAVE WORK TODAY!? I look at my huge calendar over my desk... oh good, that's next Tuesday. This week I work tomorrow, Thursday and Friday. Alright I'm in the clear. I'm annoyed that I panicked for no reason because it has woken me up. Something I wasn't quite up for yet. I avoid the phone and head over to the shower. After I get last night washed off of me and am prepared to face the new day I make my way down the stairs into the kitchen. Must Have Orange Juice! I open the fridge and pour myself a glass. I take a sip, hop onto the stool and then rest my head on the kitchen island. The I hear newspaper shuffling.
"Crazy night?" I hear my mother's voice say. I look up and sure enough she's at the dinning table infront of me.
"Mom, what are you doing home?"
"I had a dentist appointment after lunch and decided to take the rest of the day off."
"Oh wow, you haven't done that in forever. Are you feeling okay?"
She laughs. "I feel perfectly well, but you my darling dearest daughter, do you feel alright?"
"Slight hangover." She laughs at me again, not in a cruel mocking way but in a 'My daughter is such a party animal' kind of way. She smiles and walks over, and starts to stroke my hair.
"You want me to make you anything dear?"
"No thanks. This orange juice will do the trick."
"Alright dear. Your sister called not too long ago. She said she tried texting you?"
"Oh, I haven't check my messages yet."
"I told her you had a late night, or early morning that is. She'll be coming to visit in a few days."
"Anything wrong?"
"Not that I know of. She seem to be alright over the phone so I'm sure she's fine. She was just saying how her vacation days were piling up so she thought she'd take advantage and visit."
"Is she bringing Roy?"
"I'm not sure honey. You'll have to ask her. If she says yes, tell her he can't stay at the house."
"Really mom?"
"You know the rule honey. No boys sleepover."
"What about Josh and Ty?"
"No boyfriends. Plus, you kids sleep in the living room when they stay over, it's quite different. How are those two by the way?"
"They're okay."
"I haven't seen them in a while."
"Because you're always working."
"Not always. I was thinking of going to the nail salon of a little mani-pedi. Would you like to come along?"
"No thanks mom. I need to nurse my throbbing headache."
"Oh dear." She makes a frowny face. "Would you like me to pick you up anything?"
"No it's fine. Denise is coming over in a bit with a couple movies. We'll probably cook something up when she gets here." I smile at the inuendo.
My mom makes a face that I can't quite read. "Alight dear. I'll be back around 6 and your father should be home around the same time."
"Should I cook for all of us?"
"No that's fine. We have dinner plans with the Smiths tonight."
"Kay." She kisses me on the forehead and heads off. I wonder what that look was about when I mentioned Denise.
*BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* "Err..." *BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* Early morning texts should be illegal! I stretch out so my body looks like a giant "X" and sit up. I look around my barely lit room. Outside my window the sky is a deep dark blue with a couple rays peaking through. It must be around 6a.m or so. I lay back down and snuggle up on my pillow and place another one over my head. I don't usually believe in getting up before the sun. I slowly begin drifting back to sleep. *BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* Oh for crying out loud!! *BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* I already know who it is. I grab my phone: TWO TEXT MESSAGES WAITING. I hate how that's always in caps. It brings a false sense of urgency. Gotta see if there's a setting to change that.
Text 1: [Good Morning lovely. Get up and get ready! We're meeting everyone at Luke's for some breakfast. :)] Mmm... Luke's.
Text 2: [I'm guessing this one will get you out of bed. ;) I'll be there right before 7. XOXO]
I can't help but let my dislike for mornings melt away. I smile as I text back: [Hey babe, GOOD MORNING!! :P Breakfast sounds good and necessary! See you soon and thanks for gettin me up.] I put my phone back on the bedside table and grab the remote for the stereo. Music fuels me. I turn on some Ludacris - Blueberry Yum Yum. I walk over to my desk where the ashtray is and I'm pleasently surprised/unsurprised to see the perfect sized roach outed in it. Time for a wake and bake! I grin idiotically to myself. I pick up the roach and the lighter of the day and head over to my washroom. The parentals should be out of the house by now. I look out the window to check if the car is in the driveway. As I suspected I'm in the clear. I place the roach on the window sill and head to the sink to brush my teeth and turn on the hot water in the shower. I always say, "If you're gonna do it up, might as well go that extra mile." Just like perfect timing Bob Marely - Sun is Shining begins to play. I turn it up and shut the door so the steam can really build up. I kill the roach and hit the shower. Feels like rain. The stupid grin comes back on.
The doorbell rings as I come out. I rush down the stairs in just a towel wrapped around me.
"Well, well, this is a nice welcoming." Denise says as I open the door for her. I give her a quick peck on the lips and head back up the stairs. I make sure to switch my hips as I climb up, stopping midway I turn with a hair flip, "Easy access baby." and wink at her. This completely gets her and we race to my room in giggles.
I sit on my bed as Dee closes the door behind her. She starts unbuttoning her shirt and lets it fall to the floor while walking towards me. "Dee, you know we're gonna be late for breakfast...", I tell her with a sly smile. She spreads my legs and stands between them. I look up at her and she cups my chin, "You know how everyone rolls BABZ, if anything... we'll be right on time." She returns the sly smile.
- - - -
Everyone's in the parking lot when we pull up. Josh is the only one in the car. I knock on the window and he rolls it down. "Hey stud, hard at work I see." I kiss him on the cheek.
"You know it."
"Looks like you're almost done, I'm gonna check everyone else."
"Ayt, I'll let you guys know. Should be another minute or two. The blunt wrap is mad dry, I gotta be really gentle."
"Art of rolling - it's all good. Just don't crack it."
"I'm almost insulted by that. If I didn't have so much faith in my skills, you might of hurt my feelings right there." He says jokingly. He rolls the window back up and I head to the back of his Yukon.
Evan is sitting on the bumper with Atille on his lap, Dee next to them, while Brett, Dominic and Tyler are playing hacky sack infront. "Morning y'all!" I say with a little too much enthusiasm.
"Y'all?! What the eff BABZ, you some hick now?" Brett says with his eyes locked onto the hackey sack.
"Why you gotta bring the woman down like that? She's just saying what up." Tilly comes in my defense as she leans towards me and gives me a hug while managing to still be attatched to Evan.
"Now now children, it's way too early for this bickerig shit." Evan says outstretching his arm to give me daps.
"And I'm too damn sober to tolerate that." Dom says, looking up from the game to give me the nod of acknowledgement.
Ty stops playing, walks over to me and puts his arm around my waist. "Morning B, ready for that Mexican Kush?"
"You know it T-Dawg. Mexican Kush, eh? Didn't even know that strand existed."
Ty gives me a confused look. "Common B, you're a ganja queen. You should know by now that there isn't a strand that DOESN'T exist."
"Well duh. I meant I have yet to experience this one." I say sticking my tongue out at him. "Possibly." I add knowing fully that I may have smoked this stuff before. Dealers like to change the names of the chron they're chopping, to personally brand it so smokers come to only them to get it. It can get totally confusing. And annoying, especially when amature dealers try to rename Chna Bud or Local. Although none of them would dare do that with anyone from our crew. With exception to Tilly, we can spot crap chron from a mile away. Apparently we hold a rep at our old high school, the niners call us "UFOs". Supposedly because we're usually spotted high ("unidentified FLYING objects", get it?). Brett's twin siblings who are in grade 10 think they call us that because we're "green heads". Either way I get a good chuckle from it.
"What the hell you laughing at man?" Ty snaps me out of my thoughts like he always does.
"UFOs man. UFOs" I laugh more out loud this time.
"You stoned?" He asks, giving me that annoying look that says I'm a total weirdo.
"I wouldn't be a UFO if I wasn't." I giggle, "But seriously, I'm burnt out."
And like perfect timig Josh rolls down the window, "BABZ come grab shotty."
We all pile in, Kid Cudi - Up, Up and Away is playing and Jay sparks the blunt. *BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* Seriously? Who else is up this early? Not to mention anyone who'd normally text me is currently with me. *BUZZ BUZZ* I flip open my phone but Josh passes me the blunt before I can read the message. I take slow long hits and break out into a coughing fit and send it on it's way to Ty.
"Wow babe. you okay? That must be some good shit. eh Josh?" Dee says breaking the silence.
"You know it. My cousin copped this shit from his dealer who just got back from Mexico or is Mexican, or something."
"Sick." Most of us say in unison. I find this extrememly hilarious and burst into a giggle fit.
"Yo B, you okay?" Josh says, beginning to giggle himself.
"UFOs MAN! UFOs!!!" I say excitedly inbetween stiffled giggles. Then everyone explodes into laughter.
"Whoever nicknamed us that got it straight on, son!" Brett says after coughing.
"Honestly man, I've smoked with enough pot heads in my life and none of them are as chills as you guys. The best thing about us is that we're smart with our smoke. It's like what we all have in common. We're not some loser burn outs. We can actually function while being at an elevated state of mind. I mean granted we get those really intense highs where we end up tripping the fuck out, but I mean that's inevitable if you smoke as much as we do..." Dom says trailing off to take his turn in rotation.
"Whoa Dom that was deep. Where you going with that?" I ask.
"Man, I don't even know what I was saying yo."
Another explosion of laughter.
Eventually the intense high fades a while after the session is over and we're all just happy campers sitting in the Yukon basking in second-hand. Gosh, you gotta love these guys. Dom was right, most chills crew ever. I look down at my lap and notice my phone is open. Oh right, that text. I read it, it's from Josh. [Stay back after sesh.] I wonder when he sent it. The thought last mere seconds before I look up and focus my attention to the breakfast joint infront of us. Definitely want bacon. Or grilled cheese. With syrup. And juice. Or should I have an omlette? Damn... I've got hardcore muchies. Oh wow, I think I'm even drooling. I look at the rearview mirror and notice everyone's starring at the restaurant too. Except Evan and Tilly or are making out in the back. "TIME FOR FOOD!" Ty declares.
"YEAH SON!" Brett adds to the enthusiasm. Everyone starts to pile out.
"Shit, forgot to hit the bank. THUMBALINA come with?" Josh asks.
"I don't see why not. For some reason I buckled myself in before the rotation."
"You're such a goof." Evan laughs, messing my hair up while he gets out.
"Yo save us seats!" Josh yells out as he starts the car. He drives off before I can say anything to Dee or even see her reaction. I'm sure she's still too high to have noticed. But just incase I send her a text: [Going with Josh to the bank babe.] *BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* [Kay.] With Dee it's not necessary to tell her but I feel like it's common courteousy. Oh wow, the sky is really nice right now. The clouds are so puffy and the sun is fully up. The clouds are so puffy. I giggle, puffy is a funny word. Is puffy a real word? Or did someone screw up when they were trying to say fluffy? Oh, my aunt has a cat named Fluffy. I'm allergic to it, but it's white and... holy crap it's PUFFY! WHOA. Wow... Mexican Kush huh? This shit is no joke. But I guess it kind of is. I giggle again. I look over to Josh who looks like he's trying really hard not to trip out while driving. He's doing the speed limit and is within the lane, so I'm not worried. I could never be this high and drive. But I guess Josh is either used to it. He pulls into a parking lot down a couple blocks and parks. I honestly haven't a clue what this is about but I'm getting a sense it doesn't have much to do with an ATM.
"So B, how are things with Denise?"
"They're really good actually. She totally gets me. I'm really happy with her."
"Oh." Oh no. He has that look. The one where he's probably, most likely going to tell me he has feelings for me or some shit. Or maybe he saw Dee with someone else? Either way I have a feeling what comes next isn't gonna be too good. But I'm still pretty stoned that it could just be parnoia. God I hope it's parnoia. Well.. "What is it Jay?" I finally respond.
"B, when you gonna stop this lez phase and come be with me?"
"What the..? Are you serious? Don't even pin this on me."
"Listen, this is no joke. I think we'd be really good together. I know you think so too. Just kick the phase and get real."
"Are you actually being for real or is this the Mexican Kush?"
He looks a little defeated. It makes feel a little weird because Josh is always so put together, rarely let's his guard down and lets vulnerable emotions show. If I think about it, Evan and I are probably the only ones who've seen Josh be emotional. "I'm being real man."
"Okay, okay." He's being totally serious. "Here's what it is: first of all, I'm not a lesbian, I'm bisexual. Secondly, that means this isn't a phase. I like both men and women. Which means I will have real relationships with both. And lastly... Josh... you had your chance. If you remember clearly, Valentine's Day last year when I put you in a similar situation, telling you I had developed feelings for you and we had that kiss. Remember that?"
"How could I forget?"
"Oh I don't know. Maybe I thought it slipped your mind because the effin' next day you came around with that hoochie on your arm introducing her as you 'girlfriend'?! Ring any bells? Or did you forget about that part too?! And you told all the guys how you were actually serious about her. What the fuck was that?" She ended up cheating on him at his own party a few weeks later.
"I'm sorry. I freaked out alright? We've known each other since time. Our moms went to flippin' day care together for crying out loud. Our families are so tight. Since we were kids you've been like a blood sister. And yeah, puberty changed things up a little. Watching you grow into a woman made things a bit different. You couldn't be my sister no more. But you were my home girl. No one has a clue what dynamic our relationship has. You've been there through EVERYTHING. And just when I was getting comfotable with how things were, you brought in a whole new game. And it was enticing. And we kissed. B, you know how many girls you seen me roll through with, NONE of them made me feel what you did in the single kiss. It fuckin' blew me mind. I stayed up all night thinking about it and I was really excited at first. But then I freaked out. I told Evan about it and he reminded me how good we got it. And then he reminded me of my track record. B I could not risk screwing up what we got. You are one of like three people in my life who've been there from beginning to end. Who knows me inside out. If I screwed things up with you, who knows if we'd recover from that. I mean... not one of them girls from my past is down to talk to me, not that I'd wanna talk to them... that's not the point. All I know is I couldn't risk it. I pussied out. And I brought Sheila out and scrapped our little Valentine's whatever like it hadn't happen. I ended up testing my "boyfriend skills" with her to see if I could actually make something last, so if down the line we had another opportunity I would know I could make it work."
"So that's what that was?"
"Yeah."
"That's effin' stupid."
"I did it for you."
"Oh my GOD you didn't just say that. Josh you have no idea what that did to me. To open up to you about what I felt and the NEXT DAY you come around saying some skank bitch is your wifey. YOUR WIFEY! Like I could deal with your hoes, I know that's just for play. But the day after, you're tellin' people that you wanna lock down some slu?! Nah. It did not settle well to say the least. But you know what? I let it drop. You're my boy and I just sucked it up and dealt with it. I played your little game, and put up a front like nothing went down between us. Then I moved the fuck on."
"I'm sorry."
"And it took you over a year to say that?"
"After Sheila you were already dating that nerd guy so I held off. Then there was that other loser, the one in the band. There didn't seem like a good opportunity to bring it up. I wanted you to get over these fucks before I made my move. But we were still playin' it like nothing happened and I felt like you maybe even forgot. Then Dee. I can't even express what I think about this Dee thing. This feels like a total joke, I'm sorry, but it doesn't seem real."
"But it is."
Again with the defeated look. I took a moment to breathe and stopped playing the victim. "Jay..." I stumbled for words. In the past before Valentine's Day last year Josh and I have had a more or less very platonic relationship. That sounds so contradicting but is the only way I can describe it. He was right. We were like siblings. Then after grade 7 or something we were just plain tight. During high school he came at me with cheesey lines and propositions to hook up. We always flirt and we're just naturally close. So close that anyone who didn't know us would just assume we're dating. "... Valentine's Day was special, not considerig what happended after. I told you something was there. But that something at the time was small. The whole Sheila situation helped me get over it. When I let it drop, I also let what I felt cease and disist. Dee and I have got it good. We just work. I... I can't screw this up." He took my hand and placed it on his heart.
"You got me, ayt? I get it. I really do. I'll drop it. I just needed you to know what was real. I needed you to know that you and I aren't off the table. When the timing is right and we're both ready, I know this can be amazing. And TRUST me, it would not be a repeat of my past tings. You're legit wifey material in my eyes. It just took me a while to get that. One day..." he let my hand go and held my face up so I was looking him straight in the eyes, "...one day." he repeated. He kissed me on the forehead and started up the car.
As he parked back infront of Luke's he asked, "So how we gonna play this, ma?"
"Nothing changes."
"You can do that?"
"If you can."
He smiles at me. His guard is back up. "Done deal." he says and gets out of the car. I take a second and wonder if I can actually do it. Well, I have for other things... this can't be much harder. I get out of the car, run towards the door and push Josh out of the way so I can walk in first. Nothing changes.
Breakfast was fairly normal, for us that is. We headed to Dom's place after. Dee and Tilly had to work. I posted up with Ty amd watched a couple episodes of Weeds while the rest of the males played two on two in the driveway. Inbetween episodes I felt like it was an acceptale time of day for a drink and made a pitcher of strawberry-mango daquiris. Ty came into the kitchen just as I poured him a glass. "So B, what happened this morning?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You and Jay think you so slick, but I know you best. Well... I know you at least second best and I read you the moment you stepped into Luke's."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah yo, your eyes give you away."
"As far as I'm concerned, my eyes were squinty and red just like everyone else's."
"Nah, nah. Behind all that red, something serious was a'brewin'."
"Ty you're so whack."
"Mmm-hmm... you know if you don't tell me now you will eventually. You always do. In the meantime I'm gonna have to let the assumptions settle in." he says walking back to the couch.
I sigh. "Nothing happened."
"Whatever you say princess." he winks at me.
"You're such a sicko!" I hit him with a pillow.
It was safe to say Josh knew me best. Tyler on the other hand did have a knack for being able to read my body language. He can always figure out when something is up, but thankfully he can never pin-point what it is. Ty's been my best bud since grade 5 or something. He was totally right about me fessing up eventually. It's not that I don't trust him. Ty isn't exactly a vault but when it comes to me he has yet to leak info to anyone. Maybe because I have just as much dirt on him. I was just so uneager to relive this morning. There was a lot said that I needed to process on my own first. Replaying the whole thing to myself will definitely be put on my procrastination list. That was heavy duty, and I'm all about being at ease.
"So we done with this show? I wanna get my Rockband on." he says snapping me out of my thoughts.
I take nice long sip, "Shotty drums!"
"Aw common!"
"Just a few songs and then I'll switch to mic."
"Alright!"
The afternoon easily transitioned to evening without us really noticing. We're scattered around the coffee table playing Big-2. It reminds me of a scene from That 70's Show.
"So what's the plan tonight?," Dom asks.
"Nothing epic.", says Josh.
"Epic or not we are DOING something tonight!", a frustrated Dom replies.
"Or someone..." Brett adds nudging Dom.
Dom shyly smiles, "God I hope so."
"How long has it been man?", Evan asks.
"I dunno... a couple months I guess..."
"More like FIVE!", Ty spills.
"Ouch", Evan says, expressing the group's reaction to this news. "How man?! You're like this deased, suave gentlethug. Chicks are lined up at your door as we speak."
"...Legs spread, condoms in hand. For real son, you're what we call a Grade A Ladies Man. Tell him B.", Brett adds.
"No lie Dom, you're definitely hot shit. Why the drought? Want me to hook you up?"
"With what? Cock? Common THUMBALINA you roll with straight mans." Josh states so damn matter-of-factly.
"I've got girls", I say defensively.
"Tills don't count 'cause you weren't girls 'till long after Evan brought her through. And you're tappin' Dee so that's ruled out too.", Josh argues.
"I've got girls!", I repeat.
"Uh-huh.... like who?", Brett butts in.
"Girls from volunteering at the shelter." The guys make a face at this like I just offered them all cock on a stick. "What's wrong with that!?"
"Shelter girls aren't exactly what we're looking for."
"... yeah, them chicks are dutty."
"Oh shut up Brett. They VOLUNTEER, they're not at the shelter 'cause they NEED to be. I take offense to this, I volunteer there too! I'm a 'shelter girl'."
"Tone down that PMS woman! We ain't tryin to diss you BABZ.", Evan says.
"Sure sounds like it." I say annoyingly.
"Don't be soft THUMBALINA. You're right, we're passing judgement too quickly. Call up these girls you speak of and we'll hook Dom up."
"Yes please!", Dom eagerly adds.
I go into the other room and make a few calls. I come back and stand amongst the eager faces. "None of them can come out on such short notice." This news gets a reaction of various "Boo!"s and I get assorted junk food thrown at me.
"She has no girls!", Brett says.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever.", I reply with an eye roll and sit next to Dom. I nudge Dom, "You up for a blind date?", I whisper.
"Uh yeah I guess. When?"
"Thursday? Her name is Lacey. She's 5"2, brown hair, hazel eyes. She's got TNA. Athletic build. Totally outgoing. Totally fun. Not slutty. But I'm pretty sure it's been a while for her too, she hasn't been on a date in a few months. So...", Doms eyes light up.
"Count me in."
"I'll send her your number and you guys can text up your plans and get to know each other."
"Thanks B."
"I gotchu man."
"HEY! WHAT ARE YOU BOTH WHISPERING ABOUT!?", Brett so abruptly asks.
"Don't doubt your girl 'cause B's got the hook up for real.", Dom says.
I wink at Brett, "You know it.'
"You set him up?", Josh asks.
"Yes sir."
"We'll see how that turns out.", Josh says.
"A little faith man. A little faith.", Dom replies.
"Shotty next link if it works out!", Brett says.
"Nah man. If she's playing cupid, her boy T-DAWG got next, right B?"
"Y'all fools. First you talk smack and now you're jumpin' at me like I got a love potion for y'all. Monkeys!"
"Love?! I just need me some.."
"Anyways. So if the girls ain't coming with us, let's go search for them!", Ty says interrupting Brett.
"Where at?", Evan asks without really being interested.
"Dunes?", Brett suggests.
"Dunes is played out. My cousin told me about this live place called Sky High downtown."
"I'm down to see what's poppin'.", Ty says.
"Vote?", Josh asks.
"I'm good to go.", Brett says.
"Sure.", Evan says.
"Hot girls?", Dom inquires.
"My cuz says this place is packed with fine G's."
"Down.", Dom says.
Josh looks over to me. "B?"
"Uhh... I gotta run it by Denise?" This sets off another series of "Boo"s.
"Are you seriously whipped like that?", Brett asks.
"Common courtousy man. Evan you know what I mean, right?", I say hoping he knows what I mean.
"Nah B, sorry. Tills and I are at a need-to-know stage. She's got a next crew and I got you and the guys. When I'm out with the boys, I'm out with the boys. I dunno, we just trust each other like that. She knows I'm happy with where I'm at."
"Just like that, huh? Straight trust, no questions asked?", this got me curious.
"Well she can ask, and I'll tell her straight. But just like that. To each their own though. That's just our dynamic. We got that understanding."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. B, you down or not?", Brett asks and all the guys turn to me awaiting an answer.
"I guess I'll check it out. But I'll probably dip early."
"Alright! Well if we gonna hit this place up let's get prepped for it.", Dom says.
"Like get dressed? What's wrong with what I'm wearing now?", Ty asks.
"Nothing. It's a nice spot but it's all casual.", Josh responds.
"No, no, no. I mean...", Dom starts but runs up the stairs, we all stare at each other wondering what that was. He comes back with his hands behind his back and a ridiculously huge smile on his face. "...we gotta get PREPPED for it." He places one arm infront of him and he's holding a bottle of Grey Goose. Chant and cat calls are made by his audience and he nods with a stupid smile. Then he places the other arm infront of him and it's the lovely glass bong. We give him a standing ovation and he bows.
TECHNICALLY TUESDAY
It's about 3 or 4am and Josh and Ty are just dropping me home.
"B, we're here." I hear Ty say but my face is burried into the back seat and my body refuses to move. "B. YO B! Oh damn, yo is she alive?"
"She's probably taking a nap. Let's give her a moment." Josh says while lighting a captain black.
"Ayt. Live night, eh? Get that chick with the perky tatas number?"
"Yeah. She dove her hand into my pocket to fish my phone out, typed in her degits and told me to call her."
"Was this before or after you guys disappered for a good half an hour?"
"Before. Made me wonder if her hand went into my pocket initially for the phone or something else."
"You sly dog, you. So...? What went down man?" I hear shuffling but my brain is throbbing so bad I can't help but wonder if it's just my brain kicking me for drinking so much. "What? She's asleep yo. And would it matter if she wasn't? You tell her all your dirty details anyways. Why do you think she's so cool with us? You manfluenced her since toddlerhood."
I her a throaty chuckle. "B knows all about my adventures. Thing is, I didn't do nothing with that broad tonight."
"Say what?!"
"Serious man. We made out a bit, that was more or less it."
"Made out a bit?! MORE OR LESS?!"
"Stop that. Yeah, there was no down and dirty."
"Hm."
"What? Why you looking at me like that?"
"Something is suspect here. You never turn down poon."
"I didn't turn down poon. Poon wasn't offered and I didn't feel like pursuing it." There was a short silence. Either that or I fell asleep actually for a minute.
"Ayt man, whatever. Did you see how much mack was layed on Evan and Babz? I swear being taken is like having a magnetic field attract the horny and willing."
Another throaty chuckle. "Our girl got game, huh?"
"Yeah, she's a certified G." Ty says with a laugh. "I swear I thought she was actually gonna dip with this one guy."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah, this business looking type. He definitely got her well wasted."
"It's amazing, eh? When girls lay mack they get free drinks. When guys lay mack they just lose money."
"That's why you do what I do. You wait until they're already well wasted!"
"You get any play tonight?"
"Yeah actually. This girl was helping her sick friend and I helped her out, walked them to the car, played that prince charming shit."
"And?"
"Digits written on the arm. Oh shit, the last number got blurred. You think that's a 7?"
"Can't tell."
"Yo, I gotta be home by 5."
"Word, me too."
"How we gonna get this woman to wake the fuck up?"
"THUMBALINA!" I hear Josh call out. I grunt as a response. "Yo, watch this." I hear him say and soon after I hear the flick of the lighter and soon the car is basking in the smell of the lovely green. I slowly rise and peak my head over the middle seats to see Ty's eyes widened look straight at me with a huge smile.
"You're seriously a pot fiend, you know that right?" He says and then laughs.
"Shut up." I say as Josh turns around to send me the J. I inhale nice and slowly.
"Wake and bake and sleep again?"
"I guess so." I say with my breath being held in. I exhale and watch the smoke fill the car. I take another nice hit and send the spliff over to Ty.
"Yo, did you guys see Brett getting slapped by the cute, curvy brunette?"
"What?!" Ty says choking on his exhale. Josh laughs.
"Yeah. They were dancing for a while and I'm not sure what went down but I look over and I see her slap him right across the face."
"Say word." Josh says.
"Word. The more fucked up thing is that I seen her push him onto the booth RIGHT after and she straddled him."
"And?" Ty eagerly asks.
"Damn, I dunno. I seen this weird smile go over his face and I knew I didn't wanna see what else was gonna go down."
Josh laughs, "Brett went and got him a crazy freak."
"Wow." Ty laughs too. "I wonder if he'll keep her around."
"If she's crazy for real then whether he's down or not you'll surly see more of her."
We all laugh. "Good night?" I ask.
"LIVE night." Ty says.
"Live spot." Josh adds.
"True, true. But seriously... good night." I say and make my way over to the middle seat and kiss them both on the cheek and let myself out of the car.
I creep up into my room undetected by the parentals. I quickly change into a baggy tee and lie on my bed. I still feel pretty drunk but the haze from the session is making me tolerate the hangover symptoms I feel coming. I look up at the ceiling and replay the night in my head. The business looking guy Ty referred to earlier was named Paul. Aside from getting me drunk, we had an amazing conversation. If I wasn't with Dee, the game he ran definitely would have gotten me to leave with him. I'm not really a one-night stand person. But something about Paul made me believe that if I had gone home with him, he'd still actually call me. Dating is such a crock. It's literally a game. Flirt but don't be too racy or you'll seem like a slut; if you seem like a slut there will be no future aside from the walk of shame the following morning. Don't talk about your guy friends or he'll get the impression that there is already a man in your life, one too many infact. Avoid telling him you're bisexual because he won't stop picturing you in bed with him... with another girl. I hate situations where it's as if you're just constantly altering yourself. Where you absolutely have to edit your words and actions not necessarily because you care what other think but more so you'd rather not have them perceive you as something you're not. That's sort of contradicting. I do that a lot. But you've got to admit there's truth within it. I swear when you're dating someone in the beginning they're like this good fit for you (otherwise you wouldn't be with them) and then a few months time true colours start to show and you have to question whether it was your mistake for not noticing it before or if they had kept these qualities, quirks, flaws hidden from youm waiting until you got comfortable. But I guess that's how it is in any sort of relationship; you never fully KNOW someone I suppose. Mt thoughts jumped back to Paul. I barely remember everything we talked about. I barely remember what he looks like. But small details kept appearing in my head. His stubble that showed a previously shaved beard. His beautiful lips, a slightly thin upper lip and more full bottom lip. His hazel-green eyes. The only other thing I remember is his black silk tie. I felt a bit guilty thinking of him but I hadn't commited a crime. I kept my distance. We talked. Infact I didn't give him my number and even told him I was involved with someone already. Strangely enough he still bought me drinks, we still carried out a lengthy converstation and he didn't ask for my number again. That's the game that appealed to me, because it didn't seem like he was running one. He was real. I couldn't help myself but be intrigued. I felt a slight pull on my heart, it might have been the guilt again, or the fear that I let something really good slip away. This is downside to relationships. If you meet someone new and you wonder if you're life would be better with them instead of who you're already with. That right there is why I usually am never in something long-term. Don't get me wrong, Dee is amazing. But with Dee I can't ever imagine more than tomorrow with her. Like, I know our relationship is virtually smooth sailing and I don't have any intentions of calling it quits because what we have is too good to just drop. But I can't exactly picture a wedding and... isn't that the point in dating? Well.. I don't actually believe in that, I guess that's just something society has imprinted in my mind. I believe personally in companionship with it's own rules. Unwillingly the remaining images I have of Paul appear in my mind again. The stubble. The lips. The eyes. The tie. I drift in and out of sleep with these images before I completely knock out.
*BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* I open up one eye. Aw man, my effin' head is throbbing. *BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ* SERIOUSLY?! What is up with this wake-up texts lately. I roll over to the edge of my bed and lazily have on arm over trying to find my jeans I wore last night. I find them and take my cell out of the pocket. I open it up and OH WOW it's almost 2pm. Considering what time I got home, and what time I finally fell asleep that makes sense I guess. Next thing I notice is: EIGHT TEXT MESSAGES WAITING. Effin' caps. I put the phone on the bed side table and hook up the charger. It's the middle of summer, 2pm, Tuesday I think... is there anywhere I have to be today? I instant sit up and panic. DO I HAVE WORK TODAY!? I look at my huge calendar over my desk... oh good, that's next Tuesday. This week I work tomorrow, Thursday and Friday. Alright I'm in the clear. I'm annoyed that I panicked for no reason because it has woken me up. Something I wasn't quite up for yet. I avoid the phone and head over to the shower. After I get last night washed off of me and am prepared to face the new day I make my way down the stairs into the kitchen. Must Have Orange Juice! I open the fridge and pour myself a glass. I take a sip, hop onto the stool and then rest my head on the kitchen island. The I hear newspaper shuffling.
"Crazy night?" I hear my mother's voice say. I look up and sure enough she's at the dinning table infront of me.
"Mom, what are you doing home?"
"I had a dentist appointment after lunch and decided to take the rest of the day off."
"Oh wow, you haven't done that in forever. Are you feeling okay?"
She laughs. "I feel perfectly well, but you my darling dearest daughter, do you feel alright?"
"Slight hangover." She laughs at me again, not in a cruel mocking way but in a 'My daughter is such a party animal' kind of way. She smiles and walks over, and starts to stroke my hair.
"You want me to make you anything dear?"
"No thanks. This orange juice will do the trick."
"Alright dear. Your sister called not too long ago. She said she tried texting you?"
"Oh, I haven't check my messages yet."
"I told her you had a late night, or early morning that is. She'll be coming to visit in a few days."
"Anything wrong?"
"Not that I know of. She seem to be alright over the phone so I'm sure she's fine. She was just saying how her vacation days were piling up so she thought she'd take advantage and visit."
"Is she bringing Roy?"
"I'm not sure honey. You'll have to ask her. If she says yes, tell her he can't stay at the house."
"Really mom?"
"You know the rule honey. No boys sleepover."
"What about Josh and Ty?"
"No boyfriends. Plus, you kids sleep in the living room when they stay over, it's quite different. How are those two by the way?"
"They're okay."
"I haven't seen them in a while."
"Because you're always working."
"Not always. I was thinking of going to the nail salon of a little mani-pedi. Would you like to come along?"
"No thanks mom. I need to nurse my throbbing headache."
"Oh dear." She makes a frowny face. "Would you like me to pick you up anything?"
"No it's fine. Denise is coming over in a bit with a couple movies. We'll probably cook something up when she gets here." I smile at the inuendo.
My mom makes a face that I can't quite read. "Alight dear. I'll be back around 6 and your father should be home around the same time."
"Should I cook for all of us?"
"No that's fine. We have dinner plans with the Smiths tonight."
"Kay." She kisses me on the forehead and heads off. I wonder what that look was about when I mentioned Denise.