Entangled (15 page)

“Hi Spencer.” I stand up and shake his hand. Maddy stands up. Spencer looks her over, his eye twitching. And they linger a little too long on the chest region. I have the urge to smack him.

“Let me guess, Maddy?” Fuck me; he’s going to embarrass me.

“Lucky guess. I assume, Spencer? Nice to meet you. Noah’s told me so much about you.” She glances at me, “Good things that is.”

“Awesome. I just know your name and the fact that you’re his cousin’s best friend. It’s nice to meet you too.” I relax in relief. “And you’re really hot, by the way.” She blushes and I do smack him in the back of the head.

“What? I’m allowed to tell a woman she’s hot. They like compliments.”

“Thank you Spencer. We do like compliments.” She winks at me .

“See?” Spencer glares at me, leading Maddy to the baggage claim. I roll my eyes and follow them, praying he doesn’t make a fool of himself, or me.

Maddy tells Spencer about Colorado and life in the country and they exchange ideas on which is better living. Spencer lived in the country before he moved to where his family is now since middle school. He likes the city life. She’s only lived in the country. Soon the belt begins moving and a few minutes later, the baggage starts to fall. People surround the conveyor searching for their bags. “So how long are you staying here? I drew a blank when Maddy asked me earlier.”

“I’m here for four days, I’ll leave Sunday morning. I wish it could be longer, but I’ve got shit to do.” He turns back to the luggage passing by. “So what’s the plan?”

Maddy and I exchange a look, both uncertain how to respond. I totally suck for not having a plan for his visit.

“Well, we could have dinner at my place or Noah’s and go swimming.” I smile, liking the idea and the fact that she came to my rescue. Spencer is thrilled with the idea too.

“Dude, dinner and swimming for four days sounds like heaven. I’m up for anything with my boy.”

“We also go to karaoke.” She tells him. He raises a brow at me. I shake my head and point at Maddy. “She sings, I don’t.” I clarify.”

“You could meet my best friend.” She smiles, so does he. It dawns on my that Andi is his type. That should be interesting.

They chat some more as we gather his suitcase and walk back to the car. “So have you ever been to New York Maddy?”

“No, I’ve always wanted to but haven’t had the opportunity.”

“Man I hear you. Life is so busy you don’t have time to wipe your own ass anymore.” I snort at him in shock and hear Maddy chuckle from the back seat.

“That is so true.” She finally says. Spencer grins at me as if he’s won a battle. I’m just she has a sense of humor. You need one to be around him because he’s left his filter in his mother’s womb.

“So how old are you?” Spencer addresses her. I regret inviting her to come. Should’ve known he’d bombard her with questions.

“I turned 23 this year. You?”

“I’m going to be 25 later this year. Only 5 years left in my twenties. What a crock of shit.”

“Age is just a number.” She chimes, I glance at her in my mirror and smile but she’s looking out her window.

Spencer leans his head back to look at her, “Maybe to you sweetheart. But men don’t age as well as women. I’m not looking forward to my receding hairline. My father started his at age 36. Hell.” I laugh but receive a death glare in return. And then I think about my own hair. Absently I run my hand through it but then stop obsessing over it. It’s no sense in worrying over something that may or may not happen for a while. Hell, if John Stamos, aka Jessie from Full House can live with it, so can I. I feel lame for remembering that show. I continue driving, not paying attention to the conversation. It seems like they’re slipping into an easy, friendly, type of friendship. I expect a full report from Spencer once we’re alone. He just better be respectful of her and Andi or I’ll kick him in the nuts.

We pull up to the apartments and Spencer gazes around. “These are nice.”

“And cheap.” I pipe in.

“Where do you live Maddy?”

“On the other side of the complex. It’s walking distance.” She answers him. I catch his smirk.

We unload his stuff into the apartment. “I can cook dinner tonight. Give me an hour or so. Do you guys like baked ziti?”

“Yes.” We both answer simultaneously.

“Okay, see ya later then.” I catch the door before it closes and follow her outside. “Hey wait up.” She turns around, her hair hangs over her eye and I itch to move it. “Thanks for coming with me today.”

She leans against the wall by the door and smiles. “It’s no problem.”

“I’m sorry for Spencer’s unfiltered mouth. I should have warned you, he doesn’t bother to tame his sarcasm or personality.”

“Oh no he’s totally fine. I like him already. I think Andi will like him too.” Or put him in his place like someone should.

We part ways and I return and catch Spencer snooping through my stuff. “Well, this is a nice place you got here. What happened to the bean bag chair furniture you were set on getting?” He asks.

“First of all, we need to go over some ground rules.” I hand him a beer and I put a pot of coffee on. We sit at the table. “Do not embarrass me, do not ask about Maddy, do not ask Maddy about me, do not make suggestive comments that are rude or insulting and for God’s sakes do
not use your dick for thinking while you’re here. Use your head.” I let out a breath and Spencer bursts out laughing. “Spencer.” I become aggravated that he finds this funny.

“You really know how to kill a buzz.” My coffee is done; I get up and pour a cup. “By the way, I have two heads and often get them confused. Sorry.”

“This isn’t funny Spencer. Don’t be a jack ass please.”

“Well, since you said please.” He laughs. “Do you like Maddy?”

“No, we’re friends and that’s it. I thought I told you not to ask about her.” I hide my expression, which gives me away.

“Then you wouldn’t mind me tapping that because fucking damn, she’s hot.” I stop mid-pour, contemplating dumping my steaming cup over his head. Okay so that would be cruel, but he’d deserve it. I inhale; I exhale and calmly say, “Do not say shit like that. You need to respect women, at least in my presence.”

What the fuck is wrong with me? I never cared before how he treated anyone. Why am I so uptight?

“O-kay. Moving here has really fucked with your head. So if you like her, then why aren’t you doing something about it? And don’t give me that bull shit of “I don’t like her that way, we’re just friends” because I can tell you do. Your whole demeanor has changed. You’re like a different person and I can’t tell which version I like better.”

“We need to get ready. Behave yourself.” I finish my coffee and clean up.

“Yes mommy.” I glare at him, but he clamps his mouth shut. Once he finishes his beer, we head over to Maddy’s.

Maddy

I finish dinner and clean up the apartment for company. After telling Andi about our plans, she made certain we wouldn’t be having anyone else over tonight. I have a feeling Andi and Spencer will hit it off and I don’t want any distractions. Not that I expect anything to happen but if it does, I won’t discourage it.

Part of me is nervous, hoping that Spencer and Noah like my cooking, not that cooking pasta is really that difficult. I mean, it’s baked ziti for crying out loud. It’s one of the easiest things to make.

“Andi, they should be here soon.” I set the table with food and plates. She walks into the kitchen with a mid-length dress, black, her favorite color. I didn’t dress up, why should I? I love wearing jean shorts, they’re comfy and it’s warm outside, so it’s perfect. I have a cute red tank top and pulled my hair back in a ponytail, left my face bare. “I didn’t get any alcohol.”

“I guess it’s water or coffee for the guys, then.” I nod in agreement. “It looks and smells great, Maddy.”

“Thanks. You up for swimming later?”

“Do you even have to ask? I’m always up for a late night swim.” I wonder if they would be up to it. She looks at me curiously, “Tell me about Spencer. What’s he like, his personality? What does he look like?”

“He’s very good-looking, brown hair and eyes, tall, muscular like maybe a basketball player, he’s 24, very funny but he has no filter to his mouth. So if he says something uncalled for, just smack him.” We both laugh.

“Wow, sounds like my type. Hell, I’ve no filter either. You should know that doesn’t bother me.” She’s very much like that in the sense that she doesn’t put up with shit and she’ll tell you straight up if she has a problem. That’s what I love about her, and she’s also very protective.

A knock on the door shifts our focus and we both exchange a look. I glance around, satisfied with the apartment. The table is set, we’re ready for company. And to eat. “Go let them in Maddy.” Andi smooths out her dress.

I open the door, they walk through. “Hey guys.” Noah gives me an approving smile. His casual wear, khaki’s and a dress shirt which is tucked in, leaves my mouth dry. His hair is slicked to the side, away from his eyes. He’s handsome.

I stand beside Andi, she’s checking Spencer out, not subtlety either. “Spencer, this is Andi.” I glance at her, “Andi, Spencer.”

“Hey.”

“Hi.” They both say at the same time.

“Well this meal looks delicious.” Noah eyes the food with hunger.

“It is good, Maddy is a fabulous cook.” Andi winks at me.

“I don’t know about all of you, but I’m starving,” Spencer takes his seat. When I pull my chair out to sit, I notice Noah staring at me across the table. My heart races and my nerves flutter. I can feel the heat creep up my neck and into my cheeks from the intensity of his gaze. I almost ask him if I have something on my face or if a bugger is hanging out. But then he snaps out of it and takes his seat next to his friend, who’s conversing with my friend.

I watch them fill their plates and laugh. Like I thought, they hit it off. We eat somewhat quietly with the exception of glasses and silverware clanking with each bite and sip. Noah and Spencer drink water, while Andi and I sip on our coffee. When he’s not looking, I take notice of the guy across from me. I watch him eat, the way his hands move, the shape of his long fingers and nicely trim nails, the shape of his mouth and the way he licks his lips, the curve of his jaw…

“Maddy.” I whip my head around and catch Andi’s amused expression. Noah appears oblivious, still consumed by his food, which he seems to be enjoying, thankfully.

“Damn Maddy, this shit is good!”

“Thank you Spencer. There’s really nothing to cooking, especially pasta.”

“Whatever, you have to learn how not to burn the water and noodles before you can move on, otherwise it just tastes like shit. My cooking skills suck ass.”

“As ours all do when we first start. I did a lot of burning in the beginning too. But it was fun to explore with food.”

“Do you cook Noah?” Andi asks with a sarcastic tone.

He’s caught off guard and appears uncomfortable being put on the spot. With my elbow, I nudge her arm lying on the table. She pulls it back, a puzzled look on her face. “What? I was just asking.”

Spencer pats his friend on the back,
“Noah here is a great cook. He saved me from living off of Ramen noodles after high school. He taught himself and even after screwing shit up at first, he learned, never giving up.” I smile at Spencer, realizing how much they care for each other. Friendships like that are rare, especially after high school.

“So you knew each other back then?” Andi smiles at Spencer.

“Yes, we knew each other a long time, and survived a lot of fucked up shit. But he’s been my best friend and I’m happy to see he’s doing okay here so far.”

“Can we please talk about something else?” Noah’s expression appears conflicted, understanding the need to bypass talking about the past. “Yes, we can talk about something else.” I tell him. The corner of his mouth lifts slightly.

Laughter echoes through the kitchen as we finish eating, as Spencer cracks jokes, keeping us entertained. Dinner finishes with awkward silence and then Andi suggests we go for a late night swim. “That sounds like an awesome idea.” Spencer pipes in.

“Okay, then we’ll clean the kitchen and get ready. You guys meet us by the pool in an hour.” She says happily. Spencer complies, as if she’s the boss.

“Do you need any help?” Noah approaches me at the sink as I start washing the dishes. “You cooked; it’s only fair for someone else to wash the dishes.” Taken aback by his offer, I shake my head.

“That’s not how I did this.
I got it though. I’m used to doing it myself, but thank you for offering.” We both glance at our friends, “You guys go get ready, and we’ll see you at the pool soon.”

“Okay, thanks for dinner. It was as delicious as it looked.” I see a twinkle in his eye, or maybe it was just my imagination.

“Yes, thanks Maddy. It was good! See you ladies in a bit.” Spencer pulls Noah away. They both walk out the door and I let out a breath.

“Well, I’ll say dinner was a success.” Andi saunters to the kitchen, clearing the table.

“Of course it was, you were totally hitting on Spencer.” I joke, even though I’m so serious.