Jess sighed, and though Mina couldn’t see her face, she could tell that she was still crying. When she spoke, the anger was gone from her voice, leaving it quiet and wistful. “Yeah. I just wish I could be like everyone else.”
Mina laid a hand on Jess’s shoulder. “Tell you what. You and I will spend the evening together. We’ll do whatever you want. I have to go make a phone call, and while I’m gone I want you to think about what you want to do.”
Alone in the living room, Mina dialed Eric’s number on her cell, her heart heavy. When would they ever have a chance to be truly alone together? She felt as if she was falling more in love with him every day, but she had yet to be able to truly express that. But he’d understand – or at least, she thought he would. After all, he’d known that Jess was and would remain Mina’s first priority when their relationship had started.
“Mina?” Eric’s voice was a balm to her frayed nerves.
“Hey Eric. I have some bad news. Jess’s date backed out on her today at school and now she’s not going to the dance. She’s really upset, so I’m going to spend the evening with her.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” There was more than a hint of regret in his voice, whether for Jess or for himself and Mina, Mina didn’t know. Probably both – he was sweet like that.
“Yeah. I’m sorry too.”
“So how are you and Jess going to spend the evening?”
Mina chewed her lower lip. “I don’t know yet. I’m trying to get her to suggest something, but I don’t know if it’ll work. I can’t even remember the last time she was this upset.” She lowered her voice, just in case Jess could hear her. “She’s feeling really down about using a wheelchair. Usually she doesn’t let it get to her, but I think this whole thing has her feeling left out. That’s why I want to try to get her out of the house. I don’t want her to feel stuck in here with just me while her friends are all out having fun.”
“Would you like me to take you two somewhere?”
Mina thought for a moment, taken aback by his offer.
“I mean, if you think it’d be better if it was just the two of you, that’s fine. But if not, maybe we could take her to Ruby’s – I know how much she likes that place – and to a movie or something. My treat.”
“I think that’s a good idea. She really likes you. I’ll call and invite Karen too – she offered to help me out with Jess tonight anyway. Hopefully between the three of us, Jess won’t feel so isolated.” Hope sparked in Mina. While a group of twenty-somethings wasn’t exactly ideal company for Jess, inviting Jess’s friends wasn’t an option, as they would all be at the dance. Jess really liked Eric and Karen, and at least this way, she wouldn’t have to be alone. “Do you want to meet us here?” Mina asked.
“Sounds good.”
“OK. Just give me an hour or so to get Jess calmed down and ready.”
“See you then, Mina.”
Warmth spread over her as he said her name. The night would be a far cry from what they’d originally planned, but she was touched that he was willing to sacrifice his evening to help her cheer Jess up. Her heart ached as she remembered his story, and she was sure that he would have done the same for his own sister, Amanda, if he’d had the chance. After saying goodbye, she ended the call and dialed Karen’s number, explaining their plans. When she agreed, all that was left to do was to get Jess on board.
“Hey,” Mina said, standing in the doorway to Jess’s room. “What are you drawing?”
Jess was sitting at her desk, bent over her sketch book, her hair hanging around her face like a curtain. She shrugged. “Nothing. Just a design.”
Mina crossed the room and stood behind her, craning her neck to see what little bit of the paper wasn’t obscured by her hair. “A floral design? It looks a little like my tattoo.” The vines Jess was sketching were gnarled and more thorn than blossom, but Mina chose not to mention that.
“Yeah. Kind of.” She sketched harder, her pencil scratching loudly across the paper.
“Have you thought about what you want to do tonight?”
Jess shrugged again.
“Well unless you have a different idea, Eric, Karen and I would like to take you out. We were thinking Ruby’s and a movie – your pick. How’s that sound?”
“Fine, I guess.” She agreed easily enough, but her tone was flat and devoid of enthusiasm.
“I’m really sorry about the dance, Jess.”
She kept sketching, and after a couple moments, Mina returned to the living room. She’d give Jess a few minutes to cool off before she suggested that they get ready. After all, she had an hour before Eric and Karen would show up. She took a seat at their small kitchen table and began cutting up an apple, snacking on the sweet slices as she watched a couple birds hop around on the sill of the kitchen window, where her favorite potted geranium was in full bloom. She was almost done with the apple when a knock came at the door. Had Eric or Karen arrived early? She frowned. Jess wasn’t ready yet.
But it was neither Eric nor Karen at the door. “Blake?”
Her teenaged neighbor stood at the threshold, a small bouquet of wildflowers clutched in one hand, the other shoved deep into his pocket. “Hi Mina.” His cheeks were a blazing shade of pink.
“Hi…” She eyed the colorful flowers, noting the similarity between the fuchsia daisies and his flushed face. God, could they be for her? Alarm coursed through her as she remembered the ways he’d been so helpful over the past few weeks, always helping her to carry things and never failing to say hello when they passed in the corridor or the parking lot.
“Is Jess here?” Blake asked, finally meeting Mina’s gaze. His eyes seemed larger than ever.
“Yeah, she’s…” She was sketching angrily in her room, maybe still crying. But Mina couldn’t say that. “She’s here,” she finished lamely.
“Could I talk to her?”
Realization settled over Mina. The flowers weren’t for her. Dual waves of relief and wariness washed over her. “What exactly is this about, Blake?”
He looked down at his toes. “I heard at school that she’s not going to the dance with Will anymore. I was wondering if she’d like to go with me. I mean, if she doesn’t already have another date.”
Mina eyed the bouquet again, as well as Blake’s furious blush. He seemed genuine, and when she thought back over the past few weeks, it all suddenly made more sense. Could Jess’s night be saved? She knew she shouldn’t get her hopes up – after all, she had no idea how Jess would react to Blake’s offer – but she couldn’t help it. “Wait right here. I’ll go get Jess.”
Chapter 8
Jess had given up sketching and was sitting in her chair, looking glum as she stared at nothing in particular. “Jess, there’s someone here to see you.”
Jess replied without meeting Mina’s gaze. “Eric and Karen?”
“No.”
Jess looked up suspiciously. “Who?”
“It’s Blake.”
“Why’s he here?”
Mina fought the smile that was threatening to spread across her face. “Why don’t you go see?” Maybe Jess would accept Blake’s offer and end up having a good time after all.
Jess hesitated for a moment before finally relaxing her frown just a little and rolling out of her room. Mina followed her, her stomach churning with nervousness. Would she say yes? Her dress hung in her closet, ready to be worn. There was still time for her hair and make-up to be done. It could work. The night could be saved.
“Hey Jess.” Blake stood in the doorway, looking more nervous than ever. “These are for you.” He thrust the flowers toward Jess before she could say anything.
She accepted the bouquet and stared down at the vibrant riot of blossoms, looking faintly bewildered. “What for?”
He seemed to have spent his time waiting working up the courage to ask a single question. “Will you go to the homecoming dance with me tonight?” It came out rushed, but clear enough.
Mina’s heart wrenched as Blake and Jess made eye contact and simply stared at each other for a moment. Blake’s gaze was nervous and hopeful, while Jess’s was wary, but beneath their inhibitions, they both wore identical expressions of hope.
“You’re not asking me just because you feel sorry for me, are you?” Jess asked, her tone suspicious, but softer than Mina had expected.
He shook his head. “No. I wanted to ask you weeks ago, but I was nervous and Will asked you first.”
“Well then…” She dropped her gaze to the flowers in her lap, stroking a deep purple petal. “OK.” She smiled up at him tentatively, and he beamed back.
Mina turned toward the kitchen, hiding a huge grin. When she was able to smooth her features into a somewhat less ecstatic expression, she faced Jess and Blake again. “We’d better hurry to get you ready,” she said, crossing the room and placing a hand on Jess’s shoulder.
“When do you want me to come back?” Blake asked.
“How about six?” Mina suggested.
Jess and Blake both nodded. “See you then,” Blake said, casting one last glance over his shoulder at Jess as he retreated toward his own apartment.
“OK, let’s get started on your hair.” Mina ushered Jess down the hallway, pausing only to call Eric and Karen to inform them of the change in plans. Karen offered to drive Jess and Blake to the dance, as well as to a restaurant beforehand if they wanted. Mina thanked her profusely, her heart fluttering as she imagined her half a night alone with Eric. Everything was back on, and for a moment she felt almost as nervous as Blake had looked when he’d come to the door asking for Jess. The remembered feel of the warm press of Eric’s lips and tongue between her hips put a little fire in her blood, quelling her worries a little. She couldn’t wait to finally have him and the apartment to herself.
****
“Hey.” Mina dusted a few flecks of fine glitter from her palms as she greeted Eric. She’d misted Jess’s perfectly curled hair with a shimmer spray before she’d left with Blake and Karen, and a little of it had stuck to her hands.
“Hey.” Eric stepped inside, cradling a porcelain pot against his chest. “This is for you.” A slender stem rose from the pot, ending in half a dozen perfect violet blossoms.
“An orchid,” she said, relishing the way her body warmed when Eric’s fingertips brushed hers as he handed her the plant. “One of my favorites, and it’s beautiful. Thank you.” She sat it carefully in the center of the kitchen table – she’d find a permanent place for it later. Right now, all her thoughts were locked on Eric.
“I’m glad you like it.” Eric pulled the door softly shut.
Mina’s heart began to speed as she looked at him, drinking in the image of his perfect figure; slim muscles concealed by well-fitted denim and a shirt that was decidedly, deliciously on the tight side. His jacket hung unzipped, granting her a view of his flat stomach and – oh God – the bulge at the front of his jeans. She glanced down at her own ensemble self-consciously, wondering if his arousal meant that the form-fitting top and skirt she’d chosen were as flattering as she’d hoped. The skirt was long enough to cover her thighs, but it still complimented her figure. Originally, she’d bought it for work, but had decided afterward that it was a little too flattering and had never worked up the courage to wear it to the bank. Tonight, she’d put on the outfit after Jess had left, choosing her clothing for sex appeal – something she virtually never did. She’d even donned a pair of heeled boots despite the fact that she’d sworn off heels after losing her job at the bank.