Learning to Live (20 page)

The next morning I’m feeling better and can’t wait for coffee with
Jax. Practice is awesome and everyone is such a good dancer. Ellery is
my favorite to watch though. She is so tall and slim, and she excels at
Ballet. She’s trying out for the Joffrey Ballet company soon, and I’m
sure she’ll get it. I learned she’s originally from Brazil but was born
here in the States. She was raised in Brazil, and her parents and
father’s family still lives there. Her mom’s family lives here though,
and so she lives with them to attend school.

After our last dance for the day, sweat is pouring from me. I’m
bent down with my hands on my knees and don’t notice as a hand
wraps around my waist. Still creeped out from that note, I let out a
scream. When I see it’s Jax, just as sweaty as me, I start to laugh.

He holds his hands up in surrender. “Sorry, babe. I didn’t mean to
scare you.” He wraps his arms around me, and I try to push him away
because I probably stink. “What?” he asks, looking offended.

“Look at me...” I motion to my body with my hand “...I’m all
sweaty and I’m sure I stink.”
He smiles and walks over to me and grabs my waist to bring me
closer. “I like you sweaty.” He winks at me and my stomach flutters as
I shiver. “Besides, I’m sweaty too, and I was hoping we could be
sweaty together.” He wags his eyebrows and I know it won’t be long
before I jump him and show him what he does to me.
I playfully push him away and grab my things so we can head out.
My class is later but I still want a shower after my much needed coffee
break. When I reach his side, he entwines his fingers with mine and
walks me to his Jeep.
Once we’re seated beside each other, he puts his arms around me
and brings me closer to his side. I take a sip of my warm coffee and
ask, “How was practice?”
“It was same as always I guess. I was able to leave a few minutes
earlier today. How was yours?” he asks, taking a piece of my muffin.
“Hey, that’s mine!” I say and try to take it away, but he stuffs it
into his mouth before I can and smiles with muffin all over his teeth. I
can’t help but laugh and stick my tongue out at him because I feel so
relaxed around him “We are doing a show in the fall. I think we’re
doing three different performances, but we still need a lot of work. At
least everyone’s really good and serious about it.”
“Yeah. Not as good as my girl I bet.” He kisses my temple. “How
was work?”
“It was work. Nothing exciting happens on Thursday night
because of all the females there for
Ladies’ Night
.” I don’t want to
mention Benji’s attitude all night because it’s my problem, and I’m
sure it’s over, so I change the subject. “I think I need to get a car.”
“That’s cool, but why? Do you not like riding with me or is it
Jazz’s psychotic racing skills that scare you? Believe me, she’s scared
the shit out of me a few times.” He holds a piece of muffin between his
fingers and places it against my lips. I slowly open my mouth while
maintaining eye contact and watch with amazement as his eyes turn
black while he places it on my tongue. My breath hitches and catches
his attention. He brings his eyes back to mine and smiles because he
knows exactly what he’s doing to me.
Crossing my legs in an attempt to alleviate the ache he’s just
produced, I look down at the table to break our stare. I glance behind
me because I feel like someone is watching, but I don’t see anyone and
turn back around. “No. I just think it’s time for me to start driving
myself places. It’s not fair to drag Jazz out of bed at night or you.” I
expect him to argue, but he doesn’t, and I’m relieved because I know
I’m not budging on this and I don’t want to have an argument.
While I finish my coffee, I once again have the urge to turn back
around just to check, but I ignore it.
“When do you want to go look for one?” He stands and grabs our
trash before he helps me up, and we start to walk out.
“I don’t know. My schedule is so busy and so is yours during the
day. Why don’t I ask for next Saturday off and we can go then?”
He squeezes my hand before he answers. “Anything for you, Tru
.
Anything.”

Sunday arrives and I’m so nervous because tonight is our first
official date. My first
ever
date. Nobody besides Ms. Freeman has ever
taken me out to eat, and that was just to Chuck E’ Cheese.

I haven’t given the note any more thought because I believe it was
just a stupid freshman who wants to be a pervert when he grows up.
I’m looking through my closet when there’s a knock at my door. I
answer it and see a bouquet of red roses on the floor in a clear vase.
Glancing down the hall, I see no one there. I take them in and remove
the note that’s attached:
Can’t wait to see you
.
I feel the flutter start and soon it’s in full force because of Jax. I
know I’m falling for him but won’t admit it to anyone. Sure we get
along great now, but what happens in a month or more. I just want to
wait and see how this plays out, but it’s going to be hard.
I look at the note again and know a female wrote it by the loops
and swirls of the letters. It must be the florist’s handwriting. Smiling, I
set them on my desk and attack my closet again.
After a few minutes and no luck on finding the right outfit for
tonight, I go knock on Jazz’s door knowing she will work her magic.
When she answers she holds her finger up and tells me to give her a
minute because her phone is attached to her ear. I go sit on the bed but
can’t help listening to her conversation.
“But I want to see you tonight, Ollie.” Pause. “I know but I miss
you.” Pause. “Yeah, I remember. What about tomorrow?” Pause. Her
smile spreads. “Okay, just tell me where and I’ll be there.” Pause.
“Okay you too, bye.” She hangs up while doing a happy shake with
her butt. When she’s done and looks my way, she’s still smiling. “So
what’s up, chickadee?”
“I need help.” She looks at me with concern. “No, it’s nothing
bad. I’ve never been on a date before, and I have absolutely nothing to
wear.”
Her face lights up and while she does a curtsy, in her best southern
voice, she says, “Well,
darling
, you came to the right place.” Then she
yanks me up and opens her closet or should I say the Holy Grail of
clothes.

Okay. I’ve been out on many dates. And I’m not saying that to
brag. It’s just the truth. Tonight though, I’m nervous as hell and
shaking like a fucking leaf. The reason for this ridiculous reaction is
because I know it’s Trudy’s first date. I want tonight to be something
she’ll always remember and make her smile, even if she’s having a bad
day.
I picked two different places to eat tonight. I’m going to wait until
I see what she’s wearing to make the final decision. One is real relaxed
with a casual atmosphere and the other is more formal. I know she’s
tight on funds and doesn’t have many things, but I want to remedy that
in the near future. I don’t ever want her to lack anything in this life,
and I’ll do whatever I can to give it to her.
Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I run my fingers through
my hair once more before stepping out of my room. Usually I’m not a
bitch about what I wear, but I like looking good for Tru. I’m wearing
Khaki pants and a green polo that matches her eyes and the outfit can
go either way for wherever we eat.
After a short drive, I’m outside her dorm and start walking toward
the steps trying to calm the fuck down. I notice some guy coming out
of the building, so I grab the door before it shuts and locks me out. I
try to continue walking but he stops me.
“Hey, man, you got a light?” he asks, holding up a cigarette. He’s
very thin and has a scar on his cheek. His sunken eyes make him look
sick. He gives me the creeps, and I don’t like the fact he just came out
of Tru and Jazz’s building.
“Sorry, man, I don’t smoke.” I shake off my caveman attitude and
make my way into the building in search of my girl.
I’m standing at the door ready to knock a second time when the
door opens. Instead of the person I came to see standing there, it’s Jazz
instead.
“Well, looky looky, you sexy cookie? I didn’t know you could
clean up so nice.”
“I can’t say the same for you,” I say, walking past her and earning
a punch in the arm. I just laugh it off and see the roses on Trudy’s
desk.
Who the hell bought her flowers?
I walk forward to read the note
I see sitting beside it ready to beat the fuck out of whoever it was, but I
feel a tap on the shoulder that makes me stop.
I turn to find Jazz standing there with her hand on her hip and
head cocked to the side. “Hey dork, are you ready to check out your
girl before she finds a better looking guy?”
“Another guy my ass,” I say under my breath and forget about the
flowers for now because tonight I just want to focus on Tru. “Yeah. Is
she ready?”
I don’t get a verbal answer, just the sound of the bathroom door
opening and my fantasy walking out. She’s wearing a sexy, one
shoulder, white dress that has a black stripe along the hem. It only
reaches mid thigh and hugs her hips perfectly, and I already know the
sight of her ass is going to drive me bat shit crazy. The front has some
kind of shiny, black glitter or something because when the lights catch
it, it instantly draws your eye to her tits.
I’m one lucky sonofabitch
.
My eyes travel down her long, tanned legs and see she is rocking
a pair of black and white heels. I picture those legs wrapped around
my waist in nothing but those shoes while I pound into her and
swallow loudly. Dammit, I need some ice chips for my dick.
I can’t think and just let my eyes travel back up to her face, but
still I’m speechless. Her hair is up but she has some curls framing her
beautiful features. But what I can’t stop staring at are her eyes. Those
sea green eyes pop with her dark eye make-up. I feel pride when I look
in them and can’t wait to show her off.
I roll my tongue off of the floor because I’m sure a fly might catch
in my mouth soon if I don’t say something. “You look absolutely
stunning.”
I watch as her sexy ass pouty lips pull back to form the most
beautiful sight. “Thanks.”
“My work here is done, so I’m out.” I hear Jazz shut the door, but
I can’t take my eyes off of
my
Tru Love. I hold out my hand and ask,
“You ready to go?”
She laughs and says, “I’ve actually been ready for almost an hour,
but your sister said ‘It’s good to make him wait.’ So she made me stay
in her room until after you were in here for a few minutes.”
We both laugh as we head out to my Jeep for the only date I’ve
ever been on that actually matters.
After about a good thirty minute ride, we finally pull into our
destination. Felix’s is a nice seafood restaurant that has wonderful food
and a great view of the bay. I timed dinner perfectly, and we watch
through the window as the sunset shines colors of oranges and pinks
on the water ripples. In the distance you can see the USS Alabama
battleship that is now a museum for old Navy memorabilia.
“Wow,” Trudy whispers, and I’m thinking the same thing about
her with the orange light cascading on her features.
I glance out at the water for just a second when the waiter comes
up. He’s around our age I guess, and I notice the way he keeps
glancing at Trudy. I don’t mind them looking. Just don’t fucking touch
what’s mine and I won’t kill you. Simple and besides, I can’t blame the
kid for looking though; it’s hard to concentrate on the menu.
“What would you like to drink this evening?” he asks, not looking
in my direction after Trudy orders a daiquiri and water.
I clear my throat to get this kid’s attention, and when he finally
looks, I say harshly, “I’ll have a Heineken.” When he leaves I look at
Tru and she’s smiling at me. “What?”
In a soft voice she says, “Nothing. I just wanted to say you look
really handsome.” She looks down and shrugs her shoulders. “That’s
all.”
I grab her hand across the table because I just have to touch her
soft skin. “What else?” I can tell she wanted to say more and after
everything she’s shared with me already, I hope she continues to open
up and not shut me out.
Looking up at me, she answers, “It’s just,” she pauses. “I just
wanted to say thank you. I’ve never been to a place this nice and never
thought I would unless I worked here. Everything is beautiful and
more than expected. The view’s incredible and to eat on actual table
cloths is surreal, even though I feel
way
out of place. It’s different and
it’s something I will keep in my memories for a long time to come.”
She takes a breath and looks so fragile regardless of the sex goddess
outfit she’s wearing. Squeezing my hand she says, “Thank you.”
I smile because I can’t help but be happy when she’s around.
“Well this might sound selfish, but I’m glad I’m the first one to ever
take you out to someplace this nice.” I want to tell her that if it’s up to
me, I’ll also be the last, but I don’t want to scare her. I’m kind of
scaring myself.
During our meal I share with her how I want to follow my father’s
footsteps and become a pediatric cardiologist. When I ask her what she
wants to do she answers right away, which is good because I love
watching her mouth move.
“I’m leaning toward a business degree so I can open a home for
abused women. I want to offer not only shelter but also self-defense
classes and maybe dance classes. Dance helps me forget and maybe
it’ll help others too.” She shrugs her bare shoulder. “I might just be
dreaming right now, but it’s what I want.” She smiles and looks down
at her clasped hands on the table.
“Well I think it’s a great idea and original too. If anyone can do it,
Trudy, it’s you.” I watch her smile grow as she makes eye contact with
me.
“Thank you,” she says, looking past my shoulder and her smile
drops.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” I turn around and see Ashton walk in with
her friend Amanda. Then her snobby ass parents follow suit, and she
sees us right when they sit down and winks.
What a bitch,
I think to
myself and turn around to look at Trudy. “Don’t worry about her, Tru.
Has she been giving you anymore shit lately?”
“I haven’t really seen her, but at lunch and Jazz is usually with me
so she keeps her distance.” She looks my way and smiles. “I’m not
worried. It just caught me by surprise seeing her walk in, that’s all.”
She takes a sip of her drink, and we continue our earlier conversation.
I tell her about my siblings and how we became the family we are
today. She tells me some about her past, but I know she likes to discuss
this subject in private.
After a while we ask for the check, and she excuses herself to the
restroom. I watch her walk past Ashton’s table, and I’m surprised
when she follows Tru after a minute. I get ready to follow, but Richard,
Ashton’s father, stops me.
“Jaxon, how are you this evening?” He smiles and stands up
extending his hand.
I shake it because I was raised to respect your elders, but as I try
to get past him our waiter from earlier comes and hands me the bill.
As I take out my wallet, Ashton’s dad says in a low tone, “So I see
you’re playing with lower teams now. Ashton told me as much.” He
smacks me on the back like we’re best friends. I guess his dumbass
misses the glare I’m giving him. “Well, can't say I blame you.
Mmmmm! Why don’t you send her my way when you’re done
playing?” He wags his eyebrows right before my fist connects with his
smug ass face, and he falls into the table.
I always thought he was a dick and always hated being around
him. And like I said before, I was raised to respect your elders, but
when you fucking insult the girl I love, you just signed your ass up for
a ride to the ER. So technically it’s his fault he has a busted lip and is
covered in food from the table. I see Amanda and his wife run to his
side while giving me a horrified look.
I notice then that I’m being escorted out by the manager and staff,
but before I’m too far away, I shake their hands off and point my
finger in Richard’s direction. “I don’t think your wife or Amanda, your
sideline fuck, would appreciate you trying to pick up another woman
for your sick ass games. And it
damn
well won’t be what’s
mine
.”
I’m not sure it’s true or not about him and Amanda, but right now
I couldn’t give two shits. I walk out and wait by the door for Tru. Man,
I hope she’s okay with Ashton and her evil ass mouth.