I groan and scowl at her. “How can you be so bloody damn cheerful in the mornings? I hate you.”
She turns towards me, waving her finger like she’s scorning a child. “Now, now, grumpikins, don’t be like that…” Her eyes immediately focus on something to the right of me. “Shit, where did you get that from?”
I turn my head to what she’s looking at to find her staring at the figurine. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she? Michael bought it for my birthday.”
She comes over to the bedside and picks it up to inspect her more closely. “Looks like Michael’s got it bad. Poor little shit.”
She puts it back down as I tut and shake my head. “Jessie, that’s cruel. We’re just friends, he knows that. Nothing more.”
“Well, whatever,” she dismisses. “Breakfast is ready, so get your ass up.” She walks out the door, leaving her air of superiority in her wake.
I groan again as I throw the nice warm covers off me and make my way to the kitchen, my feet padding against the floorboards. I am so not a morning person. On the upside, Jessie has coffee ready and toast sitting, cooling on a plate. I sit down, taking a long sip of coffee then bite into a dried piece of toast.
“You’re not buttering that?”
I shake my head. “Nah, not really that hungry. Anyway, what happened last night? Did you enjoy your time with Jerry?” Her face becomes flushed. She’s obviously thinking about what transpired.
“We had a great meal and all, but what I was really focused on was what would happen after. It’s been a little while, but, boy was it worth the wait. We had sex three times before I told him to take me home. I think my period just makes me hornier than normal—if that’s even possible. I dread to think what his water bill is after last night.”
I put my toast down, suddenly feeling even less hungry than before. “Okay, I really didn’t need to know that much detail.”
She eyes me, giving me a wicked grin. “So tell me all about last night. Was Michael the perfect gentleman?”
I relay everything, including Jake turning up and what he said. She isn’t amused at all.
“Oh, before I forget,” Jessie begins. “I spoke to Mandy about going out this weekend, but she can’t make it. A lot of people can the following weekend though … if you’re up for that? Where do you want to go?”
I sit and think about it for a while, then a sudden flash of thought has the words out before I even engage my brain. “I’d like to go to a strip club. I’ve never been, and I’m curious.”
She eyes me peculiarly. “Ana, you’re not turning on me, are you? I love you and all, but I don’t love you that much.”
I giggle, shaking my hands in front of her. “No, no, not like that. I just think it sounds fun. Maybe some pole dancing. What do you think?”
She seems rather amused as she answers, “Ana, you’re a little daredevil. I think the boys will love you for it. Why not? Let’s do it. I’ll have a look online later, but maybe I should speak to Tom first? I’m sure he knows a few places.”
Yeah … I’m sure he does.
After having breakfast, Jessie and I get in our own cars and head to work. Jessie’s staying over with Jerry tonight, so she’ll want to head straight over there after work.
When I pull in the parking lot, I sit in my car and take a few deep breaths. A knock on the window makes me jump out of my skin. When I see who it is, I immediately open the door.
“Hey, Bill, how are you?”
He gives me a peculiar look like he doesn’t know whether I’ll break or not before helping me out of the car. “I’m fine. More importantly, though, how are you? I’ve been thinking about you. Terrible business all this … just terrible.” He shakes his head in dismay like he’s remembering the Jake he used to know when he was seventeen and still a rascal.
“I’m not going to lie to you and tell you I’m okay because I’m not, but I’m hanging in there. I have Jessie, and she has been great with me throughout all of this. I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”
He squeezes my hand and pulls me in for a hug. “I admire your strength and spirit. Always have. I hope whatever happens in your life,