“Well, Kris, who is it?”
“You won’t believe it. Or maybe you will. I don’t know.”
“Try me.”
“Nathan Black. As in Black Industries who hired me to work on his websites.”
“Well this just got interesting. Call him.”
“No way, besides I’m technically working for the guy.”
“For one, you’re working on his websites it’s not like it’s that big a deal. And two he doesn’t know that. It’s not like he met you when he hired you.”
“Regardless, he’s an arrogant ass. Calling him will only prove him right and make him even more egotistical.”
“Baby girl, I hate to tell you but I don’t think that’s possible. Did you get a look at the guy?”
“Yes, I did. I was looking right at him talking to him.”
“No, I mean really look. The guy has the looks to be arrogant about. I’m confident enough in my sexuality to admit when another guy looks that good. I mean he’s not me but there can be only one me. And besides that the money the guy has who wouldn’t be arrogant if they had his wealth let alone both looks and wealth?”
“Now who’s arrogant. But yeah one of you is more than enough.”
“Right, anyway, add to that the guy owns how many companies? Come on, don’t you think he’s earned some bragging rights?”
“Okay maybe you have a point. A small point. That doesn’t mean I’m interested.”
“Now I have a serious question to ask you?”
“I’m afraid to know but what?”
“Are you ever going to be interested in anyone again?”
“Honestly? I don’t know Nick. I want to say yes but I don’t know.” I just wasn’t going to admit I was attracted to the man. That would only add fuel to the fire.
“That’s better than the answer I thought I was going to get. Don’t get mad at what I’m going to tell you, but it’s time to get over the past and move on.”
“I am.” In my own way I was. Just because it wasn’t to start dating doesn’t mean I was still stuck in the past.
“No, you’re not. Clearly. The past still has a hold on you.”
I truly honestly thought I was over it but maybe Nick was right. Maybe it was still holding me back. “Okay, maybe you’re right.” But I was okay with my life at the moment. I didn’t need to be in a relationship to be happy.
“Maybe?”
“Yes, maybe. But even if that’s the case I don’t know what to do. It’s not like I’m unhappy because I’m not.”
“Is it that you don’t trust guys or that is it that you’re afraid of falling for someone just for them to find out about everything and leave?”
“I don’t know. Maybe a little of both? But like I said I’m good. I don’t need to be with someone to be happy.”
“Yeah, I heard you. I just think you could be happier. I know you hate hearing it but, have you talked to your therapist about it? And don’t give me that look. It could help, if you actually gave it a try.”
“I did, remember?”
“Oh, I remember you going. But did you actually talk to them and tell them everything? There’s a difference between going and actually participating.”
“I’ll think about it.” I needed to pacify him so we could be done with this. “Now don’t you give me that look. That’s the best you’re going to get from me.”
“Fine, but if I get the feeling that you slipped back to that place you go to I’m calling John and he’ll request a family session.”
“You’re such a rat.”
“I’m your best friend who’s worried about you.”
“Fine, can we be done with this conversation now?”
“For now, yes.”
“Well you finish your egg whites and spinach, gross by the way and I’m going to get some work done for Mr. Ego.”
“Anyone ever tell you that you’re stubborn?”
“I can say the same about you.”
The next few hours went by in a blur. I had to make a few changes to the main website. They liked my ideas for the most part. I just needed to make a few tweaks. When that was done I got started on the Eclipse Casino. This one needs a major overhaul which I don’t mind at all.
Just when I needed a break to eat Nick had ordered delivery. “You read my mind.”
“I thought you’d be hungry by time you were done working.”
“I could eat. What’d you order?”
“I got grilled with vegetables and a salad. I got you a burger with the works and fries.”
“Mmm mine sounds better than yours.”
“That’s your opinion.”
“And it’s my opinion that counts.” We both got a laugh out of that one. The mood feels lighter now that we’re not discussing such a heavy topic anymore.
“So, next weekend a group of us are going to the Limelight. It’s a karaoke bar. I was hoping you’d come.”
“I already told you I don’t do karaoke.”
“You don’t have to. Just come with me and watch everyone else make fools of themselves.”
“Okay, fine. But…if you try and force me to sing I’m outta there.”
“Got it.”
“You know you really are a pain in my ass.”
“I know, but you love me.”
“And you’re lucky I do.”
“I know.” He said with a grin. “It’s worth it to get you out of the house.”
“You just don’t know when to quit.”
“Nope, just like I’m not goin to stop trying to get you to give Mr. Black a call.”
“Persistent. That’s all I can say.”
“Yes, I am. Now it doesn’t hurt to stop being so damn stubborn and give the guy a chance. What’s the worst that can happen?”
“I honestly have no idea.”
“Let’s take it from another angle. What are you afraid of?”
“Nothing.”
“Bullshit.”
“I’m not. I’m just not ready.”
“I think that’s as honest as you’ve been with me or yourself. Elijah can’t hurt you now. It’s time to free yourself of the past.”
“This has nothing to do with Eli.”
“Again, bullshit.”
“Okay, you know what? I’m done with this conversation now. Just drop it.”
He held up his hands in surrender. “On that note I’m gonna call it a night and head home. You good? You need anything first?”
“I’m sorry for snapping at you. But no I’m good. I’ll see you this weekend.”
“Don’t worry about it. I know I can tend to push too hard. Well text or call me if you anything before Saturday.”
The rest of the week just flew by. I have to admit the wok I’ve done for Black Industries so far has increased my clients. My workload has been so full but I like how it’s kept me busy. Before I knew it, it’s Friday night and with how much work I’ve done all week I’’m going to take the weekend off.
I was just about to dive into my book again when my phone started ringing. Does everyone know when I’m about to read so they can call me then? “Nick what’s going on?”
“Just calling to make sure you’re not planning to bail on me tomorrow.”
“No I don’t plan to bail. I told you I would go and I don’t go back on my promise.”
“So no excuse about having to work?”
“Nope, I got a lot done this week so I’m taking the weekend off.”
“Did I just hear that right? Kristina Thomas is taking the weekend off?”
“Yes, Nick Davis, you did.”
“I can hardly believe it.”
“Well believe it.”
“I’ll pick you up around six tomorrow. We’ll get something to eat then head to the Limelight.”
“Sounds like a plan. Just remember if you try and make me sing I’m outta there.”
“I remember. I promise I’ll behave.”
Even though I’m not working, the next day I still check my email. I don’t want to miss anything important. I see an email from Black Industries and almost regret looking thinking I’m going to have to do some work after all. To my surprise it was just letting me know they are happy with the work that has been done so far. They want to keep me on full permanent retainer. This guy has so many businesses that he can keep me busy that’s for sure.
After that I make some lunch and watch some mindless television. When I’m bored with that I pick up my book an begin reading. I got so lost in the story that I ended up finishing it. Onto book three. I check my phone to see what time it is and didn’t realize how much I lost track of time. It’s already five thirty. “Shit.” I jump up find something to wear tonight and hop in the shower.
I get out and dry my hair. I throw on my tight blue jeans and a black long sleeve top with a skull on it. I pair that with my Doc Martins and my motorcycle jacket. There that should work. After all I’m just going to be siting there watching people act like idiots. It was just after six when Nick came walking in the door and I was finishing up. “Hey, baby girl, sorry my last client ran late so I ended up running late getting ready.”
“No worries, I just finished getting ready myself.”
“Let me guess you ended up working anyway and lost track of time.”
“Nope, I was reading and lost track of time. I told you I was taking the weekend off and I meant it. This client has had me working my ass off all week.”
“Sorry, but I know you can understand why I would think that. Ready to go?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Come on it won’t be so bad.”
“Right as long as you let me just sit there and be entertained.”
“Promise.”
“Okay then let’s go.”
“We arrive at The Limelight and it is pretty crowded. What is with Nick lately and dragging me to these highly over crowded places? I hate large crowds. I swear he owes me.
“What’s going on in that head of yours Kris?”
“I’m wondering why you keep taking me to all these crowded places when you know I hate large crowds.” That’s when I see the look on his face. This has all been planned. “Why, Nick? Is this really necessary?”
“Don’t you think it’s time to start getting over it?”
“It’s completely fucked up. We’re supposed to be best friends but you trick me multiple times. I really want to just leave and go back home right now. I’m so mad at you.”
“Don’t, I’m sorry. I just wanted you to come and every other time I’ve tried I couldn’t get you out of your apartment. You are my best friend an I’ve missed you. I was just hoping this would help you move on.”
I relent but he still has some work to do to make this up to me. We get to our table and Nick makes the introductions. He introduces me to his friend Lennox and his girl Quinn. Then there’s Bill and his girl Nadine. Then there’s Liz. Lennox seems cool and Quinn and I hit it off right away. We’re pretty similar in some ways. She’s probably the first girl I got along with. Bill seems nice. Quiet but nice. Nadine doesn’t seem to fit in at all. I don’t think her and Bill really match but its none of my business. Liz I could see myself getting along with but not as well as Quinn.
As the night went by and I watched this group it would appear that Liz has feelings for Bill and they might be mutual but for some reason neither one of them chooses to do anything about it. I plan on asking Nick about that.
“So who’s next?” Quinn asked the group. She looked at me and smiled. “Kris?”
“Oh. Hell. No. I already warned Nick that was not happening. That was my condition for agreeing to come here tonight.”
She made a sad face but moved on. “Then, Liz, you’re up.”
“Okay, I already put my choice of song in.” She went up to the stage they had and sang Sweet but Psycho by Ava Max. She was actually pretty good.
Everyone had their turn going up there and it was actually fun but there was no way I would ever do that.
“One of these days you’ll get up there Kris.”
“Never gonna happen, sorry but nope.”
“Boo, that’s no fun.”
“Sitting here enjoying the humiliation of others is plenty of fun for me.”
“Trust me Quinn, she’s the most stubborn person I know it won’t happen.” I made an expression and feigned hurt at his comment. “Oh, don’t even try it. You know it’s true.”
“Eh, maybe. But you love me anyway.”
“I do no matter how frustrated you make me.”
It made everyone laugh as they got a kick out of the banter. Well, everyone except Nadine. I swear the woman has a stick up her ass. What does Bill see in her? After spending these couple of hours with her I know I don’t like her and I don’t see us being friends at all.
When we all had our fun for the night we all headed out and went our separate ways. It was silent in the car on the way home. I can tell Nick was still feeling a bit guilty over tricking me again.
“Still mad at me?”
I sighed as I contemplated what to say. “No, I’m not. I just wish you would have been honest with me instead pulling this shit.”
“I get it. But, would you have come along?”
“I honestly don’t know. Maybe not, but you never gave me the chance. And that’s what upsets me the most.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I won’t do it again. It was Mike’s stupid idea any way.”
“Of course it was.”
“Please don’t say anything to him. I wasn’t supposed to tell you.”
“Oh no my friend. I will be having words with him. But don’t worry I won’t tell him you told me. I pretty much had it figured out anyway.”
We arrived at my place and I got out of the car. “Talk to you tomorrow?”
“Absolutely. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight baby girl. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will.”
I closed the car door and went up to my apartment. I was so over tonight. While I did enjoy myself I was done with everyone meddling. I’m mentally drained. I get changed and climb into bed. After reading a few chapters my eyes get heavy and I’m ready to sleep.
