Out of The Box Awakening (36 page)

“Oh, hell, yeah! You look delicious!”

“You’re too funny! Get back to your book. You’re embarrassing me!”

“I’m just stating a fact, Mr. Studious Harper. You look very studious and sexy!”

“Read! Enough with the flattery. It will get you everywhere!”

I snuggle up to him. He gently strokes my arm. “You make it very very hard to concentrate, Olivia Petersen! You may be waking something, so you’d better watch it!”

I smile and continue my reading. I just love our quiet nights alone.

I hear three bings on my phone and I get a text from Lainey.

“OMG! Dad’s gonna to be a father again…EWWWW! DISGUSTING!”

I sit up and laugh out loud. “What?” Ash asks.

“Lainey just texted me. Seems Alan and Kelly are expecting.”

“Expecting what?”

“A baby! For God’s sake. Can you believe that?”

“Well, I can’t wait to see what the kids have to say when they get back. Better get a pot of coffee going hon. My guess is that they’ll be home very soon. Unbelievable!”

Just as I expect, the kids arrive back home shortly. The three of them and Kellan are talking as they come through the door. We all go into the kitchen and I have coffee waiting. “Okay. Spill the beans, guys. I’m dying to know!”

Bradley, my opinionated one, speaks first. “Mom! Can you fucking believe this? This is wrong. It’s just wrong!”

“Not only is it wrong, it’s gross! Gross, gross gross! EWWW!” Lainey says.

I ask when this little addition is due. Dalton volunteers that tidbit. “It’s due in August. So, first off Dad will become a grandfather, and shortly after that a dad again! Unbelievable! So I guess he’s going to marry her, and I’ll tell you one thing, she’s not my stepmother. I’ll never view her as anything other than a bitch home-wrecker!”

“So, speaking of, how did y’all like Kelly?” I ask.

“We don’t. None of us do. And no more questions, Mom. We don’t like her, and we never will.”

“Well, you’ll soon have a little stepbrother or stepsister, you know. That fact remains, so you’d better get used to it. I’m just saying.”

I laugh. And they laugh. And Ash laughs. We all laugh. We laugh until we are crying from the laughter. I know we shouldn’t be laughing, but it’s so damn funny. As much as Alan wanted out of a commitment, he’s now thrust into an eighteen-plus year commitment, emotionally and financially. Geez! The man is going to be seventy-five years old when his child graduates from high school. What goes around comes around, I guess. And, while I’m not the type to ever deliberately seek revenge on anyone, I do find a small bit of satisfaction knowing that Alan has gotten himself in a bit of a pickle after what he’s done to me. Feels good. Very good indeed! He’ll be doing homework and going to little league games or ballet recitals while I’m traveling, enjoying my golden years…hehe!

After all the preparations, Christmas has once again come and gone, as it always does too quickly. The kids will leave the day after New Year’s, except for Dalton, who has to leave tomorrow evening, and I’m pretty bummed. I understand, since he has to get back and is moving into his new apartment, but it doesn’t make it any better. I’ll really miss him!

New Year’s Eve is finally here. Tonight is Ellen’s party, and I’m so excited to wear my new dress. My new Carmen Marc Valvo designer dress, that is. I’ve taken a long, relaxing bath, gotten into my new over-the-top expensive lingerie, which feels yummy on, and I throw on a robe to cover myself. As I begin to get ready, Lainey is there to help me with my hair and makeup.

“Mom, let me do your hair.”

“Lainey, I was just gonna blow dry it like I always do. You know me; I just like my hair plain. I don’t want anything that’s not natural. Nothing fancy.”

“Mom, just sit down. I’ll fix you up. I know what you like. Relax. Let me create!” She coifs my hair with some gel into a slightly messy, sexy look. Scrunching, she calls it and I actually love it. “Mom, you have such great hair! You look hot. So, what do you think,” she asks.

“You’re too good to me. I love it!” It actually looks very natural and unconstructed. Definitely me. I think back to the day when I would get ready for my dances and parties. I remember my Mom letting me get my hair done. I’d go with my girlfriends to the beauty shop and we would get those ridiculous, over-teased beehive hairdos. Hairdos with way too many bobby pins, teasing and hair spray.

I think our mothers purposely did that to us as a sexual distraction to our dates. Instead of sexy, desirable young ladies, we ended up looking like aliens from Mars. A definite turn-off. Good job, Mom! I remember feeling totally uncomfortable with my hair all done up like that. I was never one to pull off that look and I couldn’t wait to get home and get all of those nasty bobby pins out of my hair. All the girls got their hair done like that, but geez! How God-awful!

Lainey helps me with my makeup, applying shadow, eyeliner, mascara, and carefully lining the insides of my eyes with a black eye pencil. She has some false eyelashes on the counter.

“I hope those are for you, because I’m not putting those on.”

“You sure, Mom? They would be smoking hot on you.”

“No, thanks. Not going there. You wear them.”

I look in the mirror and am stunned. I actually do look hot, I think! Lainey helps me into my dress and brings me my shoes.

“Mom! You look gorgeous! Your dress is beautiful! How totally En Vogue!”

I tell her that Ash bought it for me at Neiman’s when we went Christmas shopping. She is getting ready in my room too, as she is going with the guys to watch Tommy and the band play.

“I just hate that we won’t be together at midnight. I’ll text you, Mom!”

I’m all dressed and I have my beautiful new pendant around my neck. Lainey stands back and puts her hands on her hips, assessing me.

“Mom, you look absolutely stunning!”

I feel like the roles have been reversed. She is doing for me exactly what I did for her when she got ready for her proms and formals. We used to hang out in her room, doing hair and makeup getting ready. I sure miss those days. My little girl is a grown woman. A woman now helping her own mom get ready for her mom’s date with Prince Charming.

She gives me a kiss, a great Lainey hug, and turns me around toward the door. “Come on, let’s let Ash have a look at his beautiful date!”

We go downstairs. Ash is standing with the boys at the bar, having a drink. He is dressed in a fabulously sexy black tux. His gray hair is styled and he looks to-die-for good! I realize that I would be more than content to just stay here and curl up with him in bed tonight! When I get to the bottom of the stairs, Lainey clears her throat and opens her arms…

”Ahhemmm….Ta-Da!”

Ash walks over to me with his arms extended. “Whoa! Olivia, you’re beautiful—so, so so beautiful!”

Bradley comes up and twirls me around. “Damn, Mom! You look hot!”

“Nice, Mom! Very nice!” Dalton says.

I feel confident that I do look good, and hearing it from three good-looking guys pretty much confirms it. Hayden and Wesley come up to Ash and I.

“Dad, Olivia, you guys look great! Let’s get a picture of you!” They take pictures of us and Ash tells them that we need really to get going.

“No posting these on social networks, remember guys?” I say. Wesley and Hayden look confused.

Lainey reassures me, “I’ll fill them in mom…no worries! You guys get going.”

Ash takes my hand. “Come on, you gorgeous woman! I can’t wait to show you off!”

He has a glass of champagne for me to take in the car for the ride over to Ellen’s. When we get to Ellen’s, she has pulled out all the stops and the party is so much fun! I’m talking to Ellen
and her friends, who seem really nice. They are easy to talk to, and I feel more at ease than I did at Melissa’s shower.

Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I spot Jocelyn. Crap! Of course, she looks amazing. She’s wearing a deep red, slinky, revealing dress that barely covers her breasts. No bra, of course and her nipples can be seen conspicuously peeking through the dress, just like she planned it. Of course, her figure just plays to the dress and every man at the party probably feels sinful sensations when she passes by. She has on very high heels—I think there is a name for those types of shoes—and is dripping in jewelry. She waves her arm over the top of her head.

“Ash! Come here you sexy man! Give me my New Year’s kiss…mmmmmm! You look devilishly delicious!”

Ash, looking embarrassed, has me snugly on his arm walking with him. She throws her arms around him and he tastefully removes them. “Jocelyn, you remember Olivia?”

“Ah, yes! The roommate! How are you dear? It sure was nice of Ash to bring you. Ellen mentioned you’re going through a divorce. What a pity! But, on the upside, I may have a few men I could hook you up with—you know for a dinner date or something sometime. I’ll check my little black book and see what I can come up with. We’ll talk!”

All I want to do right now is slap her silly, but I refrain. Remembering that the best defense is a good offense, I engage in conversation.

“Jocelyn! Happy New Year! It’s so good to see you again. What a great dress. And those shoes…to die for!” (Not!)

She looks at me with a smirk on her face. “So, darling, I need to steal your roommate for a dance. You don’t mind, do you, love?” she comments with a rather shitty smirk on her face.

Ash tells her “We were just headed to get a drink. Maybe later?”

She looks really put off. As we’re walking off, I turn my head around, smile at her, and give her a little wink. Just a little, “How ‘bout them apples bitch?” wink.

“Sure thing, Ash.” she says. “Don’t forget about me though!”

I’m really ticked that she has the nerve to come talk to us, and I certainly don’t want her to think she’s gotten to me. This is so high school, and I can’t believe I’m even letting this bother me, but it does! She’s drop-dead gorgeous and loves to taunt me.

“Liv, you okay?”

“Sure. I’m fine.”

Sensing I’m pissed, Ash tells me. “Look, don’t let her bother you and don’t let her spoil our evening…promise?”

“Okay. I Promise!” Seeing Jocelyn is watching, Ash takes me into his arms and gives me an over the top, so romantic kiss. “There, that should convey to her that we’re more than roommates.”

“Uh, yeah, I should hope so! Wow! What a kiss! More please.”

We walk around, arm in arm, mingling. Ash knows everyone, and I find myself wishing Melissa and Trey were here. I really don’t know anyone else besides Ellen and David, so am pretty much sticking close to Ash. Ellen has hired a fabulous band tonight, and they play just about everything—great dancing music. Ash and I go out to dance, and I can see Jocelyn out of the corner of my eye. She looks like she is just waiting for her chance to dance with my man, and I so don’t think that’s happening!

I decide to reiterate that Ash’s roommate is more than just a roommate. I make it a point to be over the top with my PDA’s, and Ash obliges me. I kiss him whenever the opportunity presents itself and do the touchy-feely thing, which really isn’t me, but serves the purpose tonight for the benefit of Jocelyn. The band is playing a Michael Buble song called “Everything,” and Ash looks into my eyes. He puts his hands on my bare shoulders and I get chills—electrifying chills. Every nerve in my exposed bare skin comes alive. I shiver.

“What’s wrong,” he asks.

“Nothing‘s wrong! Oh, my God! When you touch me, it just gives me chills. Every single time you do it, I swear!”

“Damn! I love you, Liv!” He starts to sing softly in my ear. I could just stay wrapped up in his arms, dancing forever! Just then, someone taps on my shoulder.

“Excuse me love, do you mind if I cut in?” It’s Jocelyn.

“Next one, sorry!” Ash says, dismissing her politely.

I laugh. I laugh again so she can see me, just in case she didn’t see it right the first time. “She just wants to get you into her arms really bad, Ash.”

“Well that’s not happening, I can assure you! I’m not letting you get away!”

“But you promised her a dance”

“Well, I can break a promise, in this case.”

Ellen comes up and cuts in. “Liv, do you mind?”

Ash interrupts her, saying “Not this one, sis! Sorry, but this is our song. Next one though?”

“Sure thing, big brother!”

Jocelyn is eyeing us and the look on her face is evident. A defeated woman! I love it! When the song ends, David comes out to take me from Ash and we trade partners. “Olivia, you look so beautiful tonight!”

“Thanks, David! I’m having such a good time. Thanks so much for inviting me!”

“I have a feeling we’re going to be spending lots more time together. This family is coming back around full circle. Ellen and I are delighted!”

It’s close to midnight. We all gather around. The band counts us down.

“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one! HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

We all have our glasses of champagne and toast. Ash takes me into his arms, brushes my cheek with his thumb, and gives me a kiss. Then another. Then another and another.

“Honey, there’s your over-the-top kiss I promised. God! I love you! Happy 2013! To you and me… Ash and Olivia, Mine and Yours!” He puts his hand over my pendant. “You and me, Honey!”

“Awww, Ash, I love you back so much! Happy, happy New Year! You are my everything!”

We dance another song. While we’re dancing, his phone goes off.

“Damn! This is a call I’ve been expecting from overseas. A case I’m working on. I need to go up to David’s office and get online for just a few minutes. Don’t mind, do you?”

“Not at all. Just don’t be too long!”

He kisses me again and goes upstairs. I find Ellen. We hug and talk for a while. After about ten minutes, Ash isn’t back. I see Jocelyn heading upstairs.

Okay, now I’m fuming! That damn bitch! I get another glass of champagne and wait before heading upstairs to see what’s going on. The door to David’s office is closed, and I stand outside the door listening. I hear Jocelyn talking to Ash.

“Oh, my God! You’re so friggin’-ass hot, Ash! Ummmm, just do me. Come on, please? No one will miss us. Look, feel how wet I am for you!”

I hear Ash tell her, “Jocelyn, you’ve had way too much to drink. You need to stop it now!”

“Nooooo! I want you so bad. Come on! Just a little fun? Come on…here.”

“Jocelyn, don’t do that. Stop! You’re drunk!”

“Ummm…Just let me touch you…Ummmm, God! I can make you feel so good, just relax and let it happen. Look, baby, you can’t tell me you possibly have a thing with your little roommate, can you?”

“Jocelyn, yes, Olivia and I are together.”

“Seriously?” She laughs. “What can she possibly give you? I mean, she’s a little hick from Houston, Texas, for God’s sake. Ash! Come on! She’s a nobody! Just look at her.”

“Jocelyn, look, you’ve had way too much to drink, and I think you need to go home. You don’t even know what the hell you’re saying. You’re starting to make me really angry.”

“Of course I do! I’ve had it bad for you for so damn long. We could be so good together. Just give it a chance. Sex would be fucking amazing; don’t you see that, baby? God! You’re packing a huge weapon! Let me just show you just how I can rock your world!”

That’s all I can take! I open the door and Jocelyn laughs. “Uh-oh! The roomie is here! Hello, little roommate! Yeee -hawww! We were just getting started. Look, maybe you can come back in ummm, about an hour? Buh-Bye! Go on, now…Adios!”

She flips her hand up at me in a dismissive way. Instinctively, I throw my glass of champagne in her face.

“What the hell? Are you kidding me bitch?” she yells at me. I slap her hard in the face.

“Nope, not kidding one bit, you little tramp! Get the hell out of here!”

Feeling embarrassed, she tries to recover. I know her face must be stinging, because my hand sure as hell hurts. I think I’ve broken a blood vessel. It’s throbbing. Defensively she tries one last attempt. “Ash, don’t you want to tell your roommate about us? About our history?”

I look confused.

“Jocelyn, there is no history and you damn well know that. Look, you’ve had way too much to drink. Don’t do anything you’re going to be sorry for, please. Just go.”