Page 11 of Dare
Ayda
Ihate to admit it, but I’ve started looking forward to my nightly conversationswith Dare. It’s nice to have a man to talk to, someone who likes the same showsI do. Over the past month, he’s invited me over to watch T.V. and tried to getme to invite him countless times, but I don’t want to ruin this. The way it isnow, we can talk about our favorite shows and books, and I can laugh at hisjokes without worrying about keeping my face turned away or wondering howdisgusted he is by my marred skin. We’ve never met, and as soon as he sees thewoman he’s been spending so much time with, I know it’ll come to an end.
Myprotesting muscles make me groan as I climb out of bed. I’ve been dancing muchmore than usual, spending time at the studio about four nights a week workingon choreographing a new number. Sometimes it feels like a waste, since I knowno one will ever see it, or know the hard work I put into it, but it doesn’t matter.I dance for me, for my own health and peace of mind.
I’vebarely dried my hair after my shower when Sadie knocks on the door. When I openit, she flounces in with a wide smile. “Good. You’re ready. I figured you’d tryto back out again.”
“Nope,a movie sounds great.” I think I’ve pushed Sadie to the end of her rope lately,canceling plans or finding a reason to turn her down. I don’t want to lose herfriendship, so tonight I’m determined to go along no matter how uncomfortable Ifeel in public. Besides, theaters are dark, so I shouldn’t have to deal withtoo many whispers or stares.
Igrab my coat and follow her out to her car. A chilly breeze blows my hair intomy eyes, and I tuck it behind my ear. The weatherman has predicted belowaverage temperatures this week and apparently he’s right. A shadow flashesbeside me and I turn to see Tucker making his way back to his sleeping bag. Hemust be cold, and probably hasn’t eaten all day.
“Tucker!”I call, heading over to him.
“Heythere, Miss Ayda. You look pretty. Going out tonight?”
“I’mgoing to a movie with my friend.” I hold out my spare apartment key. “Myapartment will be empty for a few hours. Why don’t you go grab a hot shower andwash your stuff? There’s a big pot of chili in the fridge. Just needs popped inthe microwave.”
Tuckerhesitates, surprised I’m offering him a key. “That’s really nice of you, but Ican’t—.”
“Also,my toilet has been running something awful. I’d hate to have my water billskyrocket. Maybe you could have a look at it?”
Hishand goes to the back of his neck, giving it a rub. “I—yeah, I can take a lookat it.” He takes the key with a smirk, letting me know I haven’t fooled him onebit. “Thank you.”
Sadiestares at me with her jaw agape when I return to the car. “Did you just givehim a key?”
“Yeah.”
“Toyour apartment?”
“Yeah.”I should’ve known she’d freak out.
“Yougave a homeless man a key to your apartment?”
“Nothinggets past you.”
Sheholds up her hands. “Oh no, you don’t get to bring the sarcastic Ayda out toplay on this one. This is serious. What if he robs you? Or lays in wait for youto come home and decides you’re going to give him more than food?”
Laughing,I fasten my seatbelt. “He won’t even take money from me, so I doubt he’s goingto run off with my computer.”
“Maybehe’ll just settle for a piece of ass,” she argues.
“Ican’t give that away,” I snort. “He sure as hell isn’t going to take it.”
Herface darkens as we pull out into traffic. “There are plenty of guys that wouldlove to get with you, Ayda, you just don’t give them a chance.”
“Whatever.The point is, he’s a decent guy who’s having a hard time. I’d want someone tohelp if it were me.”
Sadiesmiles softly. “Sometimes, you’re too damn nice for your own good.”
“Noted.What movie are we going to see?”
“Yourchoice. I can’t decide between the new Kevin Hart comedy and a romance withChanning Tatum.”
“Comedy,”I decide. “I’m not a big romance fan.” I used to adore a good love story, but Idon’t watch them anymore. It’s too depressing and only reminds me what I can’thave. There were two main things I wanted in life when I was young: a career indancing, and a loving family. Any hope of either was stolen from me by onecompetitive bitch and her devoted psycho boyfriend.
Themovie is funny and we have a good time. Some of the lewd jokes made me snortwith laughter and my first thought each time was that Dare would’ve liked itand probably had a crude add on to contribute.
Sadiedrags me to a little restaurant famous for its chocolate cheesecake, and weboth order a slice. “Look out hips, here it comes,” I remark with a grin,taking a large bite.
