Page 15 of If My Wishes Came True
“Open-door?” I ask.
“It’s when sex happens on-page, versus off-page. Closed-door romance novels are pointless, if you ask me. Why would I suffer through three hundred and fifty pages of sexual tension if I don’t even get to be there for the release?”
I laugh so hard a tear rolls down my cheek. Sam is hilarious. “Don’t worry,” I say after I regain composure. “Her book is open-door. Like, wide open.”
Sam pumps her fist in the air. “That’s my girl. I knew Sunny wouldn’t let me down.”
“What did I miss?” Vanessa asks, finally returning with Sam’s plate.
“Jenna and I were just bonding. Turns out we have another mutual friend,” Sam says with a little wink at me.
I smile back, relieved she didn’t mention anything about Dex. My friendship with Vanessa is new, but she doesn’t seem the least bit intimidated or threatened by me, which is refreshing. That might change if she knew I used to sleep with a movie star.
“How haveyoubeen?” Sam brings her focus to Vanessa. “Since the breakup with Nico?”
Vanessa sighs. “Well, a guy asked for my number this morning, when I was waiting in line to get coffee.” She shakes her head. “He was attractive, too…but I couldn’t do it. I ended up giving him a fake one.”
Sam nods knowingly. “Did he look like he’d be bad in bed? Sometimes you can tell right away. It’s something about theirposture, I think. The way they slouch, youknowtheir hips are tight.”
Vanessa laughs. “It most definitely wasn’t because of that. I guess…I’m just not ready to date yet.”
She bites her lip, her brow crinkled, and I know what’s on her mind. The angst in her eyes looks familiar to me, because it’s something I’ve seen in my own many times.
When will I be ready to move on? What if I never am?
I sigh. “You know what we need? We need to finish this incredible meal and get out on that dance floor.”
And that’s what we do. Sam and I get mojitos and rum punches from the bar, since we’re not driving; Vanessa gets virgin daiquiris; and the three of us dance our broken hearts out.
Well, I’m not sure Sam’s heart is broken. I don’t know her story yet, but she seems pretty free-spirited and carefree. Although, finding non-clingy men with loose hips does appear to be a thorn in her side.
After we close down the restaurant, Vanessa drives us home. First she drops off Sam, who gives me a big squeeze when she gets out of the car. Maybe it’s because she’s had one too many rum punches, but I do think she likes me now. I guess it’s safe to say I have two friends in Chicago.
Or three. Does Charlie count?
I can’t stop thinking about him the closer we get to my building. It doesn’t help that I’m tipsy. I want to run into him again by the elevator. I want to bring him into my apartment. I want to feel his kissable lips on mine, and his muscular arms around my waist, his hands traveling up my back, unhookingmy bra and?—
“I really have to pee,” Vanessa tells me when she pulls up to the curb. “Too many virgin daiquiris. Mind if I come upstairs?”
“Oh my gosh, of course! Follow me.”
Two visitors in one day! I’m on a roll. Damn, those drinks were strong.
I take Vanessa to my apartment, and I’m disappointed we don’t run into Charlie in the elevator or the hallway. I show her to the bathroom. But while she’s in there, I have a thought.What if Charlie’s in the hallwayright now?It’s silly, but I’m tipsy. Maybe even drunk. I open my front door and peek out, but he isn’t there. Bummer.
“Hey lady,” Vanessa says behind me.
Startled, I slam the door shut.
“What was that all about?” she asks with an amused look on her face.
I shake my head and laugh. “I have a new neighbor, and he’s incredibly hot. I was hoping to catch him in the hallway, but he’s probably asleep. We’re having coffee tomorrow morning.”
“That’s so exciting, Jenna!” she says with a beaming smile. “I’m happy for you.”
I shrug. “I don’t actually know if it’s a date. Maybe he only wants to be friends.”
Vanessa raises an eyebrow. “You’re kidding, right? Have youseenyourself? It’s probably safe to assume he’s interested in you. And the way your eyes light up at the thought of him?” Her playful grin turns hopeful. “Do you think this could be more thanjust ‘casual’?”
