Page 5 of Oh Boy!
She’s on her third beer and drinks half of it in one go. “I needed the buzz to take the edge off.” It loosens her tongue as well. “I was more nervous than I care to admit. Life is odd,” she pauses.
“Where did this profound thought come from?”
“Well…” She leans back in her chair. “I almost bailed on Krav Maga because I was… afraid to get injured… and now, I may be about to hook up with the father of my kids.”
“Don’t you think you’re getting ahead of yourself? I’m not trying to diss you, but you don’t even know the guy.”And if I were a true friend, I’d tell you that I learned the hard way that you can’t trust anyone… Unless they are Rupert Smith, whose name might be common, but his qualities aren’t.Not eager to share my past, I opt for the worst case scenario. “Nathan Price might be a serial killer!”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Sally. It may come as a shock, but not every good-looking guy hides a Ted Bundy.”
Wolves are everywhere, Courtney. Sheep’s clothing isn’t even a requirement these days. Who doesn’t like a bad boy because he’s forbidden? Should I be the party pooper? Nah…
To each their own, yet in my book, hooking up with a stranger is a red flag. Before I know it, nausea strikes, and I hide behind my poker face. I lean her way and stroke her forearm in support. She’s right. I tune her out when she starts babbling about his hot body and the fact that she thinks she spotted ink on his back. I beam. I eat. I nod.
“I’m in no state to drive. Good thing you’re the DD. My salad was okay, but the dressing wasn’t great. So glad I ordered it on the side.” Her inebriated gaze lands on what’s left of my plate. “You finishing those?” I shake my head. That’s all the permission she needs to grab a handful of fries. “Here’s the key to the rental. Any special plans with your Guitar Hero later?”
“Nah, Rupert’s gone to aself-discoveryclass.” I air quote the word. “My e-reader is full. That’ll keep me occupied until he gets back. He claims that these classes strengthen his mental and musical skills, especially before he goes live. Whatever floats his boat!”
“By the way, you sure you guys don’t mind that I’m not going to the festival?”
“No problem! Why drag you along to your personal nightmare?”
“True. I’m not the Coachella type. Too many people. Too much noise. Too much excess… and I’d rather enjoy the latter in bed—or elsewhere—with Mr. Price!” She licks her lips suggestively, then snickers, which sounds about right.
Once I’m back at our suite, my conversation with Nathan resurfaces. Do people have ulterior motives when they enroll in such classes? Is that why Rupert recommended it? For me to meet someone else? Is that why he’s attending a class himself? Nah, honesty is key in our relationship. We’re good together.
Nathan Price’s irksome behavior shouldn’t matter. But why would he want to shake my hand when it wasn’t even the last day? Why was I so rude to him? Why am I making such a big deal out of nothing? Lost inside my head, I eventually admit that my own attitude towards him was even stranger. Well, that’s what you get for rubbing salt in an old wound.
As for how my traitorous body and devious mind responded to Nathan Price’s presence, let’s not even go there. Trust me, I don't do hot and bothered... anymore. That’s why it made no sense yesterday or today.
Courtney has every right to be excited about her plans. I, on the other hand, have no right to be anything but happy for her. He’s nothing to me, unlike Rupert.
My savior.
