Page 43 of Justus
Mollyis a seventy year old lady with gray hair and a bright smile. She’s probablyone of the nicest people I’ve ever met.
“Thatobvious, huh?”
“Guytrouble?”
“Aren’tthey always trouble? I was seeing someone and it was getting serious, at leastI thought so. Now, I think I’ve been dumped.”
Ourcars are parked side by side and Molly looks over the top of hers as sheunlocks her door. “Try not to let it get you down, hun. There are a lot of fishin the sea, and you have plenty of bait.”
Laughingfor the first time that day, I reply, “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Lettingmyself into my house, a sadness drapes over me. For years, I never dated anyoneseriously. I wasn’t whoring around or anything, I just hadn’t met anyone whomade me feel the things Justus did. I was happy spending my evenings alone, butnow the apartment seems too empty. There’s no goofy over-the-top man making melaugh and constantly trying to get me in bed.
Itry to shake off the gloom and jump in the shower, washing the day away. Atleast I’m meeting Ayda at the dance studio tonight. We haven’t spent much timetogether lately. I’ve been catching up at work and hanging out with Lisa.
Aydarushes into the studio right after I arrive, making a beeline for the dressingroom. It’s after hours, so we have the place to ourselves. “Sorry I’m late, Ionly have an hour or so. I promised I’d make chili for the guys tonight.They’re all getting together to play some stupid video game.”
Ayear ago, I practically had to pry this woman out of her apartment. She had nofriends apart from me, and hadn’t dated in years. The scars on her face andbody were her prison. She thought no one would ever want her. To see herrushing about, busy, with friends and an active life makes me so happy.
Herweird through-the-wall romance with Dare turned out to be just what she needed.What they both needed. Now they’re so in love it’s kind of nauseating. Still, Ilike to think there’s someone out there who will love me like she’s loved. Fora moment, I allowed myself to think I could have that with Justus, butapparently my prince isn’t a smirky stripper.
“Anhour is plenty. I just want to burn off some energy.” And sexual frustration.It’s amazing how fast you get used to multiple orgasms per day.
“Comeover and hang out when we’re done. Leah is coming, and Zoe is bringing Frannie.I figured we could hang out and drink wine while the guys geek out.”
Asnort of laughter makes her stare at me. “What?”
“Justthinking how ass backwards this is. I used to be the one dragging you out ofthe house to socialize.”
Aydastands at the barre, running through her warm up exercises. “Hey, you’re theone who encouraged me to talk to Dare, remember? Not my fault he came with awhole crew of hot guys.”
“Yeah,no offense, but hot guys are on my shit list at the moment.”
Iget to my feet and head to the stereo, but I can feel her gaze on me. “I wish Icould tell you what’s going on with Justus, Sade. I’ve pestered the hell out ofDare and Jeremy, but all they’ll say is he’s away on ISH business.”
“Yeah,something tells me that business probably has big tits and goes down like a fatkid on a see saw.”
Bitingher lip, her expression turns pensive. “I really don’t think so, Sade. I mean,I don’t know what he’s up to, but I saw how he was with you. He’s never beenlike that with a woman before.”
Mylips purse with doubt. “Have any of the other guys just disappeared for twoweeks forwork?”
“No,”she sighs.
“It’sokay. He’s done with me. I’ll get over it. I am pissed he didn’t have the ballsto at least call and let me know. Even a text is better than going silent. Now,I don’t want to talk about him anymore. I want to shake my ass and try to sweatsome of it off.” I press play on the stereo and Ayda laughs as an upbeat popsong fills the room. It’s way too fast for her ballet, but perfect at themoment.
“Sayyou’ll come and hang out tonight.”
“Fine,but I’m drinking too much wine.”
“Thenyou’ll fit right in.”
* * * *
“Sadie!Good to see you!” Dare’s sister, Leah rushes up and hugs me when I enter. Leahis going to college to be a psychologist, but she spends most of her holidayswith Dare and Ayda.
“You,too! You have a few days off school?”
“Somethinglike that,” she replies with a grin.
