Him Her Them Boxed Set (26 page)

"I would love to show them to you. Here is my card, stop by anytime Shari."

Geo gracefully retrieves a business card from his lapel and holds it between two fingers for Shari to take. She plucks it from his hand and gives a little giggle. I am starting to feel invisible the way they are acting. To bring them back down to Earth I clear my throat. Shari glances over at me and looks a little flustered as if she doesn't know how she got there.

"Oh, well I have to get back to work. It was nice seeing you again Luna and meeting you Geo."

She turns and walks off as I wave her bye I notice she blushes again as she runs smack dab into a waiter and plates crash to the floor. Could this situation get more 'Hollywood-Movie'? She's Sandra Bullock and I, of course, am Cate Blanchett, because this is my fantasy and I can be whoever I want!

"Who is us?"

I hear Geo ask me, so I turn back around to face him.

"I don't understand? Us?"

"Yes, your friend Shari said you told 'us' how excited you were about your new job. Who is 'us'?"

"Oh, her boyfriend, Corbin. He's actually my ex-boyfriend. That's how I know her. I only met her this past week at Thanksgiving."

He gives me a curious glance before taking a sip from his cup. Looking like he is calculating something in his head as he places the gold rimmed coffee cup in the matching saucer, he lifts his head to me.

"So, you are friends with your ex?"

"Sort of. I just moved back here from Minnesota and am living with my best friend temporarily until I can find my own place. My friend, Jos, happens to be married to Corbin's best friend. I went to Thanksgiving at Jos's mother-in-law's house. So, it's a bit of a small world in my group of friends. Almost impossible not to have my ex in my life."

He nods and a gleam flashes across his eyes, something about it is unsettling.

"So, Shari has a boyfriend then. She is pretty, a classic beauty."

"Yes, she is beautiful. Are you thinking of photographing her?"

I am trying to understand that expression. Perhaps it's his artistic eye coming up with an idea.

"Perhaps. I shall see, but I first want to photograph your smile. Come, let's get back to the studio. There is still so much to teach you."

I hear what my father would have referred to as "Hens cackling" coming from downstairs. Ah, my dad, I wish he was here right now, but we can't make the impossible happen.

Taking a swig of the beer in my hand as I sit on the guest bed in Jennifer's house, I stare at Pierce as he looks out the window. He seems nervous and I don't blame him. What man wants to be at a baby shower? Sure, it's for his baby, but all the stuffed animals and onesies. How do I even know that word, "onesie?" I have been talking to Jos too much. It's my own fault, calling her all the time and asking about Luna. She must have invited me to this as punishment.

"I'm going to kill the baby."

Pierce's voice shatters my thoughts and my heart rate picks up at his words.

"What?"

He finally turns to face me and he looks white as a ghost. Pierce walks over to me and gets down on his knees and looks up at me pleadingly.

"I mean what if I kill the baby? Jos wants sex all the time now. I think we have more sex now than we ever had, but what if...you know...my penis hits his head? They say babies have a soft spot, what if I hit that and kill him?"

My shoulders start to tremble as a belly laugh rips out of me and I close my eyes and open my mouth unable to hold it back. It takes a good minute for me to calm down. I finally open my eyes and look at him. Peirce is still at my feet looking at me with a serious expression plastered to his face.

I wipe away the tears with the bottle still in my hand.

"Oh god Pierce, that was good. That was so good! But I don't think I can take anymore."

"I'm serious man!" Pierce gets up in a huff and resumes his pacing.

"She gets mad that I am too gentle with her, but I am so afraid."

"You're serious!" I state, still not sure if he's joking.

"Yes, of course. You don't have a pregnant wife, you wouldn't understand."

"Look, Pierce, I think her doctor would have told you or her if it was dangerous. Besides, men and pregnant women have been going at it like bunnies for thousands of years. I have never heard of a man killing a baby in the womb due to his dick size. I am sure you are substantially well endowed, not that I ever care about knowing that, but I can't imagine it's that long. Your baby is perfectly safe."

He stops pacing and lets out a breath, sighing in relief.

"Thanks man. It feels good to get an outsider's perspective. I talked to Jos about it, but it just pisses her off. Most things piss her off. If she isn't hungry, tired or horny then she's angry. I can't wait until she has the baby in a couple months and goes back to her old self."

I pat Pierce on the back and shake my head, directing him to the door so we can grab some food from downstairs.

"Then you just have to deal with a hungry, tired, crying baby. Oh and you get the added bonus of smelling like poop, pee and spit up all the time."

Pierce sighs and I can hear him mumble under his breath, 'oh god'.

As we reach the bottom step the women yell and squeal and call out for Pierce.

"Oh Pierce! Perfect timing. This game involves you. Come on, hon," Jennifer calls, waving her son over. I pat Pierce on the back, his expression one of a condemned man heading into the arena, and duck into the kitchen before they can snare me into anything. Walking over to the kitchen table where there is enough food on display to feed a small country, I grab a plate and some small sandwiches and fruit. When I turn around I almost walk straight into Luna. A strawberry rolls off my paper plate and down her cleavage. Oh god! This is weird.

"I'm sorry Luna, I didn't realize anyone was in here."

My hand instinctively goes to retrieve the lost morsel, but I stop before I embarrass myself even further. She reaches into her shirt and gets the fruit herself and then brings it to her lips and takes a bite.

"Mmm. That's a good strawberry, considering they are out of season."

I just stare at her mouth as it moves around the berry. She is so incredibly sexy and most of the time she never realizes it. Most women are aware that they are putting the moves on a man, though they may act innocent, but Luna was always so blissfully unaware. It makes her so hard to resist. As I hear Shari's rather loud laugh float into the kitchen from the living room, I realize how much I need to resist Luna and all her bliss.

I clear my throat, placing the plate down and lean against the counter.

"Yeah, Jennifer put out quite a spread." I say trying to look anywhere but Luna.

She follows me and is standing in front of me, reaches around to toss the stem of the strawberry in the garbage disposal. Her breast skims my upper arm and I catch a brief whiff of her scent causing my breath to hitch.

"Oh Luna I missed you." I whisper without thinking.

Her head snaps up to look at me as her eyes widen. For a moment neither of us move, we just take our time to drink in each other. I remember how soft her lips are and how she tastes of mint and peach. I wonder does she still drink peach tea all the time or was that a passing phase.

Looking down I see her wonderful neck and I remember how she moans when I give it tiny bites. I would spend so much time just licking and nibbling that when we were done she looks like she has a sunburn only on her neck.

Without thinking I reach out and trace my finger from her earlobe to her collarbone causing her to gasp. I should stop. I know it, but I can't she is...so...beautiful.

Before I realize what I have done, my hands have cupped her chin, bringing it to mine and my lips have overtaken hers. She moans and parts her lips inviting me inside.

Still so soft, so sweet and it makes me want more.  Suddenly I feel her hands on my chest but they are pushing me back. We break free from one another and all I can do is stare at her swollen lips.

"Oh god Luna, I am so sorry. I...I didn't mean for that to happen...I...I got carried away. I'm so sorry."

She has her arm wrapped around herself and looks to the ground.

"Why did you do that Corbin? You are with Shari. I don't understand."

Shit.

What did I just do? Luna's right, I am with Shari, although by now it's obvious I shouldn't be. I need to end it with her. How foolish I have been trying to spare Shari's feelings when I was only going to cause more pain dragging it out. I can't help how I feel for Luna; I can't even control my actions.

"You're right Luna, I am with her. I am sorry I got carried away. I will make things right. Perhaps it's best I leave, this isn't really a guy thing anyway."

I start to head out of the kitchen and turn to look at Luna who has turned her back to me. I want to go back to her and tell her how much I still love her, but I need to end it with Shari first. It wouldn't be fair if she found out that Luna knew of the breakup first.

Heading into the living room, the women are busy writing something down on paper. Pierce is sitting next to Jos. He looks so pained I smirk despite my discomfort. I catch his gaze as it silently screams "Help me!" and take pity on the man.

"Hey Pierce, I need some help outside. Can you break away for a bit?"

Pierce springs to his feet. Jos looks up and rolls her eyes.

"Sorry, my dear, but Corbin needs my help. You ladies have fun."

Pierce dashes past me and out the door as if he were spring-loaded. If life were a road-runner cartoon, there would be a tiny puff of smoke behind him. I bend down and whisper in Shari's ear that I'll be right outside and to come get me when she's ready to leave. She smiles but it doesn't meet her ears. She has been a bit distant the past couple of days; I wonder if she realizes my feelings for Luna.

I stand at Jos and Pierce's door, fumbling with my key to open it feeling his warm breath cascading down my neck. Goosebumps shiver over my skin and I have to admit, after the last couple of days with him in such a beautiful location, I can't help but grow closer to him. Even though my mind keeps telling me he's my boss, Geo is quite the charmer.

"Here we go...got it. Would you like to come in for some coffee or tea before you head home?"

I swing open the door and turn to look at him carrying my luggage as if it's light as air, he is smiling his panty-disintegrating smile.

"That sounds lovely. I would love to see where you spend your days, when they aren't with me."

We enter and I motion for him to drop the bag by the desk along the wall. Upon walking into the living room, I bring him to the couch.

"Here Geo, have a seat. So, coffee or tea?"

He casually sits on the new brown leather couch; Jos thought leather would easily clean up spills.

"Coffee would be refreshing,
bellissima
. You have a wonderful place, Luna."

"Oh this isn't my place. I am staying here temporarily until I find an apartment." I explain from the kitchen, as i scurry after the coffee. "I have a few places to look at the end of next week and the beginning of the following week. Hopefully one of them will work out. Do you prefer cream, milk, sugar in your coffee?"

He is looking around and is now standing by one of Pierce's artworks, a pin-up of a woman whose apron is falling off her shoulders.

"Nothing, just black."

I turn back to finish his coffee and grab two of the mugs, nearly knocking into Jos as she enters the kitchen.

"Whoa, lady! Back from Puerto Rico already?"

"Hey Jos, didn't see you there. Yeah, Geo and I touched down about an hour ago. I invited him in for coffee."

Her eyebrow raises, basically the only movement she can do now without moaning in pain. Jos turns her head and notices Geo looking at the artwork. Waddling over to him she holds out her hand.

"Hello, Mr. Torlo, my name is Jos; it's lovely to meet you."

Geo turns and smiles; as he takes in her stomach his eyes widen and his grin softens. Per usual, he takes her hand in his and brings it to his lips for his trademark whisper kisses.

"Well, Luna never told me what a
grazioso
roommate she has. It is a pleasure to meet you Jos, but please call me Geo. Only my lawyer calls me Mr. Torlo."

He may be many things, original isn't one of them. But, he has captured Jos's attention as she blushes and giggles. I don't think I have ever seen her so...so...silly. It must be the pregnancy. Hormones mixed with Geo and a woman turns into a 16 year old with a crush in a heartbeat.

"All right Geo. Please have a seat. You must be tired after your long trip."

He hooks his arm for her to take as he walks her to the couch. As he helps her down onto the sofa, I place the coffee in front of him. The way he is looking at her I can't help but wonder, he does know she's pregnant, right?

"So, Luna; tell me about Puerto Rico."

Jos is staring at Geo as she talks to me.

"It was beautiful. All the different beaches. Some were perfect for sunbathing, while others were at the bottom of cliffs and very hard to get to. Then we explored the interior and the mountains with the lush forests. Geo got some amazing shots of wild birds and spiders. I freaked out on the spiders, wouldn't go near them."

"Yes, Luna was my little soldier as I made her hike the mountains and get her hands dirty. But we did get a chance to enjoy the scenery. I have to say I enjoyed having her around. Usually on my work trips I just get the pictures and get out, but having her there made me stop and smell the wildlife."

I smile at his misinterpretation.

"I think you mean stop and smell the flowers Geo."

He looks at me with a darkness overtaking his eyes.

"No, I meant wildlife."

Oh. Okay.

Jos looks at me then back at him and then at me again. Geo puts down his cup and rises from the couch.

"Well, it was nice meeting you, Jos and you have a lovely place here. Luna, I will see you on Monday, we have to go over the negatives from the trip so be there bright and early. Thank you for your hospitality, but I must be off."

I get up and show him out while Jos waves bye to him. When I return, I sit next to Jos on the couch she is giving me an evil grin.

"What?"

"Well, that was interesting Luna. You never mentioned how gorgeous your boss was."

"I am not there to date him Jos! I am there to learn and grow as a photographer. He is a great teacher."

She wiggles her eyebrows.

"I bet he is."

I elbow her in the arm.

"Ha, ha. Jos. It's not like that. Yes, he is a tremendous flirt. Yes, he is drop dead gorgeous. Yes, he is Italian. Wait. What was my point?"

We break out laughing. One of those laughing fits where we are wiping away tears at the end.

"Seriously Jos, it really isn't like that. On my first day at lunch we ran into Shari, Corbin's girlfriend and he flirted with her too. Not that she minded. So, I think he is just like that with everyone. Even you. He was hitting on you."

Her smile has faded into a frown.

"What, am I so repellent that a man can't find me attractive?"

"Oh, god no. That's not what I meant Jos. I meant you are pregnant and I have told him how you are married, yet he still hit on you."

This is not going to go well.

"So, if he flirts with everyone then that shouldn't stop him with me."

"Exactly Jos, that's what I am saying. Even if he wasn't the biggest flirt in the world, I think it would be hard for him not to want to catch your eye."

She is smiling now. Whew! Now I understand why Pierce is on edge around her lately.

"Thank you Luna, that was sweet. Speaking of Shari, you know she broke up with Corbin."

"What?"

"Yeah, it happened while you were gone. Apparently she just doesn't feel for him the way he feels for her."

Oh god, that's probably why he kissed me last week. I imagine she has been distant to him lately so he must have been grasping at any emotional connection. Suddenly I am there and he thought perhaps I could show him affection. Now he's lonely and also feels guilty about kissing me. I should give him some space. Maybe I should skip the holiday party next week.

"Oh that's too bad. Is Pierce keeping him company?"

"Yeah, he's over there tonight for a guy's night. I think Pierce just wants an excuse not to be around me."

Jos is rolling her eyes and I think she might be right, but I'm not going to tell her that.

"Oh no, he's just keeping Corbin company. I wish there was something I could do. Perhaps it's best if I wasn't around him for a while. Maybe I shouldn't come to your party next week."

Jos's head snaps to my face and I see a confused expression.

"What are you talking about Luna? You are coming to my party. Why would Corbin have a problem with that?"

I should have told her what happened at the baby shower. She is already so emotional I didn't want to cause anymore drama in her life.

"Well, Corbin kissed me at your baby shower and then he ran off. I knew he regretted it, but now with his break up I think seeing me will just confuse him."

Jos's eyes are so big I think an aircraft carrier could land there.

"Why did you not tell me? He kissed you? When?"

"We were both in the kitchen getting something to eat and he just leaned into me and told me how he missed me and before I knew it we were kissing."

Jos has propped herself up and is trying her best to lean into me, grabbing onto my shoulder.

"Do you still have feelings for him Luna?"

Yes. God yes I do.

"I...I...don't want to hurt him anymore than I already have, Jos. First me leaving after he asked me to marry him, and then Shari leaving, it's too much. Even if I do still care for him, what if things change? I can't have him get hurt again."

Her grip is getting tighter to the point I have to shake her off me due to the pain.

"Ouch, Jos! That hurts!"

"Sorry Luna, but he asked you to marry him? When the hell did this happen and why have you never told me? Does Pierce know? Did Corbin tell Pierce?"

I didn't want anyone to know. It was so romantic, so rushed and seeing his face when I said no it broke my heart.

"When he took me to the airport when I was leaving for Minnesota the first time. We were saying our goodbyes at the line to go through security. I was crying and out of the blue he just proposed. I think he was desperate and I don't want a man to marry me out of desperation. There was no ring, he didn't put any thought into it, he just said the words, 'Please marry me Luna' and for a moment I almost said yes. But then I thought what if he changes his mind? What if he finally does put some thought into it while I am with my father and he changes his mind? That's why I wanted him to think of it ahead of time and not do it spur of the moment. That's why I had to watch his heart break when I said no."

Jos was silent for a moment, which is unusual for her. Then she nods her head while patting my back.

"Well, I don't think you should avoid him. If Corbin wishes to not see you then he shouldn't come to the party, but I have a feeling he will want to see you."

Luna struggles to get off the couch and starts to walk into the Kitchen.

"So Luna, you want to make a girls' night then to counter the guys' night? I have been craving pizza lately and we could watch some old cheesy 80's movies on TV."

I hop up and smile at her; she always knows what will make me happy.

"Sounds great. I'll call in the pizza, what do you want on it?"

"How about pineapple and green olives?"

I scrunch my face as if I just sucked on a lemon.

"Really?"

She starts to laugh.

"I got you! No, just pepperoni with green peppers, my usual."

I roll my eyes and dig out my phone. We spend the rest of the night talking, laughing and acting like she isn't knocked up and I'm not lonely. It's fun while it lasts, but when my head hits my pillow later that night all my thoughts turn to Corbin. Corbin and that kiss.