Jewel Ann - Idle Bloom

“Yep, well, actually she called me. But that’s not the craziest part. As you know I’m not really a wine and dine ’em kind of guy, but the one girl who I’d like to take to dinner and savor my time with, told me dinner was the optional part of the date.”

“She sounds like a real gem, the kind you bring home to meet the parents.” I chuckle.

“That’s just it, she is that girl. You know her.”

I sit back on my knees and squint at him. “Who?”

“Viv.” He grins.

“Vivian?”

“Yeah, Vivian Graham from The Green Pot.”

I shake my head in disbelief or maybe to clear it, because there is no way I’m hearing him correctly. “You’re full of shit.”

Chance laughs. “Sometimes, but not about this. She called me last night and said my years of annoying but diligent nagging are about to payoff. She said ‘one night’ and dinner is optional. Now, I may not have a degree from Harvard, but I know when a girl is offering up sex and nothing else.”

How does she do it? How does she blow my mind over and over again? This is ridiculous and beyond stupid on her part.

“Chance, you can’t sleep with her.”

“Um, now see, that’s the difference between you and me. I don’t have an issue with consensual casual sex. Have you taken a good look at her? Man, those long legs wrapped around—”

“Yes! I’ve seen her. Just shut your goddamn trap about her. Show a little respect would you?”

He holds up his hands. “Chill, dude! You don’t have to be so touchy. What’s your deal lately?”

“Just stop talking and get back to work.” I sigh.

Vivian

Oliver deserves the biggest prick award. What guy doesn’t want to be a girl’s first? Claim her. Plant his flag. Make his mark. Maybe he’s just selfish and assumes I won’t be good in bed, that I won’t be able to satisfy him. I put him too high on a pedestal way too quick.

My poor mom thought I was still depressed about the accident and my dad—typical guy—assumed I was PMSing when I sulked around their house for two days. I’ve felt hurt then angry then back to hurt again, finally settling on pissed, bitchy, and out for redemption. Oliver made me believe for a moment, a small moment, that I could be with a man someday. He reminded me that beauty is not skin deep. Then he made it clear that sexual experience matters.

So just like getting an unsightly mole removed, I’m going to get rid of my virginity. It’s so overrated. It’s not like I feel special still having mine. I can’t put it on a résumé or anything like that. The first time will be a stick, a pinch, and a burn just like getting my ears pierced or a shot at the doctor’s office. I didn’t make a big deal out of getting my ears pierced. It’s not as if the specialist who put two holes in my ears sends me Christmas and birthday cards. Heck, I don’t know if she ever even told me her name.

As always, Kai is letting me stay with him until Alex’s parents leave. And, as always, I’ve been invited to dinner with Alex and her parents at the place I call home ninety percent of the time. The timing is good. I need to grab another change of clothes to get me through the rest of the week.

“Do you have your key?” Kai questions as I get ready to leave.

“They’re going to be there, why do I need my key?”

“No, to your bedroom.”

I always lock my bedroom door before Alex’s parents come to visit. She told them that she’s taking up painting but not ready to share her masterpieces with the world. The crazy part? They believe her.

“Thanks, and yes, I have my key.”

“Well, you know where I’ll be.” He sighs.

I don’t even acknowledge him before closing the door behind me. Kate is coming home in a week and Kai promised he’d repaint the living room while she’s gone because she can’t handle the fumes. He’s just now taping everything off. The downside will be Kate reaming his ass because she’ll still smell it and know that he waited until the last minute to do it. The upside is Kai has something to do that doesn’t require me entertaining him.

It’s only a mile to our place from Kai’s. I’ve walked it so many times over the past two years I think I could do it blindfolded. The first thing that I notice is Alex’s parents’ black SUV parked by the curb with its New York license plates. Then I notice my neighbor walking in the opposite direction toward his place. He’s still dressed in his work clothes so I imagine he’s just gotten off the subway train. When he spots me I make a quick diversion with my eyes praying he doesn’t say anything before I can hurry into the house.

“Vivian?”

Too late!

Keeping my eyes to the sidewalk I give a quick wave.

“Vivian, wait!”

Out of the corner of my eye I see him heading across the street. Taking a courageous breath, I stop and look up at him, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Yes, neighbor ?” Smiles don’t get any more fake than mine.

He sighs. “Listen, I’m sorry about the text. It was pretty shitty of me to not just call you or tell you in person. I just—”

I hold up my hand. “Save it. It’s fine. I’m fine. Whatever.” I brush past him.

“Vivian, wait!”

I stop, keeping my back to him.

“Did you really ask my brother out this weekend?”

“Does it matter?”

“I think so, since he has the impression you’re looking for a one-night stand.”

“Does it matter?”

“Jesus, Vivian! He’s just going to use you.”

I whip around. “No, I’m using him.”

Oliver plants his fists on his hips. “To make me jealous?”

Shaking my head I laugh. “Get over yourself.” I walk up the steps to the front door and look back. “Besides, Chance is closer to my age. He’ll have more stamina to keep up with me when I ride him like it’s the Kentucky Derby.” I knock on the red door and just as it opens I throw him one last smile. “Later, neighbor .”

I’m not sure if the look on his face is horror or shock, but either way, I feel the bittersweet satisfaction.

“Viv!” Alex’s mom greets me with open arms as I step in and shut the door.

“Annabelle, nice to see you. Mmm, something smells good and I know it’s not Alex’s cooking.”

Annabelle smiles. “You’re right, it’s not Alex’s cooking but not because she doesn’t know how. Don’t let her make you think I didn’t teach her how to cook.”

“Is that so …” I glare at Alex as she watches TV with her dad.

“For the record. I never told you I can’t cook, I said I don’t cook.”

“Hey, Viv.” Her dad smiles.

“Hi, Mark. What’s the score?”

He grunts. “Zero-three.”

Alex scoots closer to him, nudging his arm. “You mean zero your team, three mine.”

“Watch it, young lady, or I’ll have your butt transferred back to where you remember what it means to be a Yankees fan.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Alex hops off the couch. “So I finally got to meet the older Konrad brother today. They were picking up some shrubs and holy moly, how did I not know he’s our … uh, I mean, my neighbor?” She makes a quick recovery. Luckily her mom is enthralled with dinner preparations and her dad is drowning in the misery of his team falling behind in the always heated rivalry.

“I’m not sure, but he’s no longer on my radar.”

Alex hoists herself up on the counter and starts picking at the colorful salad her mom’s making. Annabelle smacks her hand away. Alex pops a cherry tomato in her mouth and smirks.