Take it Deep (Take 2) (2 page)

“I think you need to get up, get a wash and come with us.” 

I look startled.  “Why, where are we going?” 

“Jessie and I are going to take you
out to get something to eat and maybe even get a few drinks in you.  You need to get out of the house and you need to get drunk.” 

I start laughing.  I’m not in the mood for it
, but I know if I protest, I will just be dragged out anyway.  Maybe going out with two good friends is just what I needed.  I smile at both of them.  “Okay, well you need to get the hell outta here guys so I can get a wash; otherwise you’ll see my ass in a bit.”  I make a move to get up and Jessie laughs and heads for the door.  Michael however is still sitting on the bed staring. 

“Michael
, come on.  What are you doing?” Jessie asks. 

“Well she did
say if I wanted to see her ass.” 

He smiles mischievously and I throw a pillow at him.  “Michael, get.” 

He gets up, stomps towards the door and says, “You spoilsport.”

Chapter 3

After a heavenly shower that makes me feel somewhat more human again, I blow dry my hair, apply some makeup and put a floral dress on.  I need to try and make an effort as Jessie and Michael are going out of their way to help me.  I suddenly wonder about Jerry, Jessie’s significant other.  She hasn’t mentioned him since I moved in.  I hope I haven’t completely taken over any plans for her to see him.  The thought sends a knot in my stomach. I certainly didn’t want to be the cause of people walking on eggshells because of me.  I must speak with her about this. 

I also—in my haze—
spare a thought for Matthew and what he must be going through.  He was never one to hide his feelings on the subject of my mother, and I admired his honesty on the subject.  I know I must contact him as he is probably hurting and I’m not helping the situation.  I will call him; I just don’t want to pick up the phone right now and have to go through all those messages.  The pain in even seeing his name on screen will be too much.  I will do it tomorrow, I have to.  I can’t be a complete wuss forever. 

I look at myself in the mirror thinking I’ve done the best I can to cover up my tiredness
from the lack of sleep.  The nightmares are back again.  Poor Jessie has been running into my room every night trying to calm me down.  It’s no wonder she isn’t dead on her feet, too. 
Damn Alan, damn Tony and damn you, Jake!
 

I grip the sink in the bathroom trying to regain some composure.  I can’t let this take over me.  I must kick myself up the backside and move on.  The whole situation is just beyond ludicrous.  Jake made his choice and I have to live with it
, no matter how much it tears me apart.

After completing my pep talk, I make my way out to the living room where Jessie and Michael are sitting, patiently waiting.  They both stare up at me and Michael rises from his seat.  “Quite the gentleman, Michael,” I say amused.  He smiles at me and puts his hand to his chest. 

“I do try my best.  You look amazing
, Ana.” 

Jessie rolls her eyes.
  “Okay, Casanova, I think you’ve said enough.  Let’s go before my stomach kicks my ass.”

W
e all start laughing as we head out of the door.  “So, where are we going?”  I ask. 

“I thought we could
go to one of my favorites called, Dino’s.  It’s within walking distance so we can all have a drink there and not worry about driving.” 

“What about Michael?”
I ask, looking toward him. 

“Jessie drove me here and I left my car at the station.  I’ll get a taxi back.  I don’t start work until quite late tomorrow
, so I can most probably get a lift in from one of the guys.  I’ll be okay.” 

We walk outside and the sun nearly blinds me.
  It is setting now, but it’s still bright nonetheless.  Boy have I neglected myself.  I’m a sun worshipper; I should be revelling in this instead of hiding away.  I rummage through my bag and take out my sunglasses.

“So
, Michael, how is Tom doing?” I ask, sliding my glasses on.

We’re at a level crossing
, and as we’re the only ones walking, we get stared at.  It is a great area of Fairfax that Jessie lives in, as you can walk to lots of shops from where her apartment is.

“He’s found a
new best friend,” Jessie says. 

“Oh yes, David.  Is he still causing trouble?” 

“I think he has made it his sole mission to take to bed any woman in a skirt.  Tom seems to dig that kind of thing.  I know we are good friends—well we’re partners so we have to be—but just because he feels that way, doesn’t mean I do, too.” 

We finally manage to make our way across and
I spot the Dino’s that Jessie mentioned.  “Well good for you, Michael.  I’m glad.  I always thought you were the nicest one out of the two.”  He smiles at me with that cheeky grin of his. 

“Well shucks
, Ana, that’s nice to hear.  I think that was some sort of a compliment.”

I giggle,
“Sorry Michael, I didn’t mean it like that.” 

“I know, I know.  Forget about it.”  He puts on a New York gangster accent and all of us laugh again.
 

It’s
nice to be able to laugh even though the pain is still simmering on the surface.  I feel better knowing I have true friends who are there for me.  It makes me feel humble. 

“So here we are,”
Jessie says as she opens the door. 

We walk inside and it reminds me a bit of the Silver Diner
, where most of the booths are situated at the side of the restaurant.  The only item missing were the little jukeboxes at each of the tables.  Our waitress, Sandy comes over with a bright smile and leads us to our booth.  Jessie and I sit together while Michael places himself opposite. 

“Here are your menus, I’m Sandy and I’ll be your waitress for this evening.  Our specials today are John Dory with Saffron
, and ribs with a Jack Daniel’s barbecue sauce.  What can I get you to drink in the meantime?” 

She flashes her bright teeth
at us and I can’t help but return the smile.  She is quite the stunner with her golden brown locks and bright blue eyes. 

“Do you still
do those cocktail deals up to eight o’clock?” Jessie’s asks. 

“We sure do.  You have
about thirty minutes left, so I would maybe order a couple each if I were you.”  She giggles and we all laugh in unison. 

“Well then
, I think I’ll have two Sex on the Beach and Ana here, I think should have two Painkillers.” 

   
I look over to her with a frown.  “I don’t think they do tablets at a restaurant Jessie,” I smile. 

“I think they’ll be just the thing for you
, Ana.” 

She raises her eyebrow at me and I don’t complain.  I’ll try anything.
 

“What about you
, Michael?” 

H
e puts his hands up, “Hey, I know I’m surrounded by estrogen, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to be sipping cocktails and shaving my legs anytime soon.  I’ll have a Bud please, Sandy.” 

He gives her his best winning smile and I think I almost see her swoon.  I’m hardly surprised by this.  Michael is a very attractive man
, and if Jake wasn’t in the picture I think he would certainly make boyfriend material.  The only problem is he isn’t Jake.  The thought sends the knife deep in my stomach again.  I know I need to eat, but the pain makes it hard for me to even contemplate putting food anywhere near my mouth.  Jake would have a fit if he knew just how little I had been eating the last three days.  I give myself a mental kick.  I can’t keep thinking of Jake, comparing everything and everyone to Jake.  It’s just not healthy.

Sandy makes her way to the bar with her order and Jessie makes her excuses to use the restroom
, leaving Michael and I behind.  We stare at the menu for a few moments and I’m wondering what I can order that won’t be too much for me to eat.  I come across a kids menu and think it may be best to order the Dino’s Classic Burger in the hope the portion won’t be too big.  I can’t stomach a big meal and I’m sure it may have shrunk from the lack of food that’s been going in there lately.  I look up, the decision made and spot Michael still frowning over his menu.  I give him a little while to browse over it and once he places his menu down, I know he’s made his decision. 

“So how’s life treating you
, Michael?  Got anything happening?  Any special someone that you want to tell me about?” 

He shakes his head,
“No, nothing much happening there.  I sometimes work long hours and that can make it difficult to hold down any relationship you know?” 

I n
od my head, “You originally lived in New York right?  What made you move to Virginia?” I asked, intrigued.  There wasn’t much I knew about Michael and thought it was about time I set out to know more, considering of course how kind he’s been with me ever since that Tony business. 

“Yeah,
” he answered.  “I was born and raised in Brooklyn and my parents never really wanted to bring a child up there.  My dad loves cars.  He’s a mechanic and loves to tinker with all sorts of machinery.  My uncle, Bob owns a garage up in Richmond and offered him a job there.  I was about nine years old when we moved.  My parents said it was the best decision they made.  He’s now a partner with his brother, and to tell you the truth hanging around there was what got me into law enforcement.” 

“Really, how’s that?”
I ask. 

“Well, I used to spend a lot of time
in the garage.  I think my dad really wanted me to become him when I was older, take over the family business.  I like cars—don’t get me wrong—and thanks to my dad I know my way around a car if something goes wrong, but the local police used to bring their cars into Bob’s.  They trusted him and his garage was extremely reputable.  I remember being this nine year old boy looking up to these big huge looking cops thinking how cool they were, and I wanted to be just like them one day.” 

I suddenly think how cute a story that is.  I can just se
e a little version of Michael standing in awe of the big police officers.  I think it’s sweet. 

“How did your dad feel when he eventually knew that’s not what you wanted?” 

“He wasn’t too happy, but knew the job I wanted to do was a noble one, so he didn’t push the business too much after that.” 

We are quickly cut short of the conversation when Jessie taps my shoulder to move back into her spot. 

“I just spoke to Jerry.” 

Oh shit. 

“Jessie, I meant to ask you about him.  How come you never saw him the whole weekend?” 

She waves her hand at me.
 

“You were more important
, Ana.  I told Jerry you needed me.  He understands, in fact I think it scored me a few more brownie points in his eyes.” 

“I feel terrible tearing you away from him.  He must secretly hate me for it.” 

“Don’t be stupid.  I have plenty of time to see him.  In fact he wants to take me out tomorrow night if that’s okay?” 

“Jessie,
” I sigh, “I’m not a child I can look after myself.  I think you’ve done more than enough for me already.  Please go and enjoy yourself.  You more than deserve it after putting up with me these last three days.”  Jessie is about to retort when Sandy comes over with the tray of drinks.  Michael and I frown as she puts six cocktails and one beer on our table.

“
What’s this?” Michael asks. 

“I ordered you two
Cosmos, Michael.  I thought you needed getting in touch with your feminine side.” 

He huffs out a laugh and shakes his head as we thank Sandy for our drinks. 

“Are you ready to order now?” 

Both Michael and I
look to Jessie as she hasn’t had a chance to glance at her menu yet.

“Hell yeah, I know
exactly what I’m having.  The Double Dino’s classic cheeseburger with fries, please.  I’m really very hungry,” she smirks. 

I order mine and Jessie just looks on disapproving
, but thankfully keeps quiet.  Michael orders Baby Back Ribs with fries and off Sandy goes to place our order. 

“Jessie, seriously?”
Michael asks, pointing at the drinks. 

She starts laughi
ng.  “I couldn’t help it sweet cheeks.  Stop trying to be all manly and drink the Cosmos, Michaela.” 

I almost choke on the sip
of drink I’ve just taken.  The Painkillers aren’t that bad, but even they look manlier than the Cosmos.  Michael picks up the two drinks and adds them to the pile we already have. 

“Oh dammit, looks like we have to drink three cockt
ails now, Ana.  What a bummer.”

“Yes that is a shame
,” I smirk.  “I was looking forward to seeing Michael drink those.  Oh well, one man’s loss is another woman’s gain.”