Whispering Wishes (12 page)

“I think it sounds like a win,” then she looks at me with a gleam in her eyes, “besides, maybe you guys will end up dating or something.
You said you like him.”

“No.
No freaking way. He’s super nice to me but he is not interested in me in that way at all. I really think he acts all protective big brother on me and nothing else.”

“Why do you say that?
He asked you to move in with him!”

“
Nothing else has gone my way lately, why would this? He’s just being nice and he has probably figured out from our interactions that I’m not a psycho. I think he’s just lonely sometimes and he’s never acted like he thinks, or wants, anything more. No, I don't think he's interested. Besides, he thought I, we...”

She interrupts
. “Okay, Aspen,” she sing songs, “we will see.”

“No, we won’t see anything.
You are crazy. Besides, Meg is setting me up on a blind date soon. Maybe he will end up being the one.”

“Maybe, who knows?
What I do know, it will be fun to see how it all pans out.”

“Fun?
Whatever. This is my life you know.”

“I know and it is damn entertaining, let me tell you.”

“Very funny.”

“You know I love you.”

“Yeah, yeah. Oh and what I was about to say...can you believe that when Wes met us, he initially thought we were lesbians?”

Mischa tilts her head to the side and looks past me lost in thought
. “Well, I guess I could see why he would think that.” She starts laughing, making me laugh, too. “Yeah, you may be right that he isn't thinking of you in a girlfriend like way, I guess. Too bad.”

We talk about my starting to work at the shop and while I’m there
, she takes me to the back and shows me some new merchandise she got in that she’s really excited about. Some new organic lip balm, an oil that’s supposed to help speed up healing or help to relieve deep wrinkles, and a meditation book. I love how her whole face lights up when she talks about this stuff. I really am proud of her and all she’s accomplished, and it makes me slightly envious that my own life is in such disarray.

“So, don’t forget we have Meg’s party tomorrow night.”

“I won’t forget. What time is it again?”

“It’s at 7:00 PM at her house.”

“Okay, sounds good. How about I drive to your place and we can leave from there together?”

“Okay, perfect, that sounds like a great plan.”

She gives me a hug, we tell each other goodbye, and I make my way to the rental car. My mind is on to the next task, already thinking about where I can obtain some packing boxes. Stopping to get some on my way home seems like a good plan. I can’t believe I need to pack so I can get ready to move. Move in with a guy. A hot guy. A hot guy that I’m not in a relationship with. A hot guy that I’m not in a relationship with, that I will be sharing living space with, and will likely see without a shirt on. Or even less. My vagina is unbelievably happy at that thought. Oh boy.

I’m standing in
my closet trying to decide what to wear to the party. Nothing is standing out so I think of what I’ve done so far – I’ve taken time with my hair and makeup and just had a little fun. Meg said the party will be laid back and all women, but I still felt like taking some extra time to get ready. I don’t know what it is about dressing up and doing my hair and makeup that makes me feel all pretty, but I figure my self-esteem could use a bit of a boost right now.

Grabbing jeans, a white tank
, and an open sheer kimono top from my closet, I slip them on. I love this kimono. The rich caramel, dark brown, and blue colors create a really pretty pattern. I add gold earrings and long necklaces for accessories, and complete the look with gold flats. Mischa will love my outfit since the kimono was a gift from her.

I switch out my purses, deciding to carry a gold one instead of the black every day bag I’ve been using, and I’m ready just as the doorbell rings.
Opening the door, Mischa’s standing there looking great. Her tall frame looks fantastic in anything she wears. Tonight she’s got on a bohemian skirt and peasant blouse, and she’s left her hair flowing long with a cute headband around her forehead. I swear - it’s a look only she can pull off. My hair would puff out the top making me look like a mushroom where she looks sophisticated and beautiful.

“Hi doll,” Mischa smiles broadly, “you look great!
Nice kimono. An awesome person with excellent taste must have really liked you to have given you something that special.”

“Oh, she’s alright I guess.
Kind of quirky and into strange things, though.”

“Ha, ha!”

“You look great too, as always. I’m ready to go.”

“Okay, why don’t I drive?
I figure after the last few days you’ve had, a little extra wine may be needed tonight. Am I right?”

“You would definitely be right.
Speaking of wine, let’s stop on the way. I would like to get a couple of bottles to bring. Is that okay?”

“Of course.”

It isn’t long before we are pulling up to Meg’s place. She lives in an apartment, but her set up is pretty nice. Somehow she managed to ascertain an apartment in the bottom corner of the complex, and it’s on the end. With the way the building is built, she’s kind of out there by herself. No one above or below her. She totally lucked out.

We knock on the door and when it’s opened
, instant chatter greets our ears. “Aspen! You made it, I’m so glad!” Meg gives me a hug, “And you too Mischa. I’m so glad you could come. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

“Yes it has, it’s great to see you
, too,” Mishca gives her a hug in return.

Stepping into her little apartment, I see there are four other women mingling.
I’ve met three of them before and I let out a sigh of relief when I see they are all personal friends of Meg’s. I didn’t realize how nervous I was about seeing people from work until this moment. That definitely would not have been the ingredient for a relaxing evening, that’s for sure.

Walking further into the room, Mischa and I greet everyone.
The other girls I know are Celeste, Manda, and Irina. I politely introduce Mischa to the couple of girls she hasn’t met yet then turn to Meg. “Thanks so much for inviting us. We’re looking forward to some wine and great conversation.”

Meg laughs a little too loud.
I wonder how many cocktails she’s had already. “Well, our evening is going to be much more than that! I have a little surprise for everyone.” She claps her hands together and even bounces on the balls of her feet a little.

Mischa and I exchange nervous glances
. “A surprise?” I ask.
Please don’t let there be strippers. Please don’t let there be- wait… maybe that wouldn’t be so bad actually.
“Are strippers coming?” I blurt somewhat excitedly.

Meg and the other girls all laugh
. “No, sorry to disappoint you, Apsen.” She turns to the woman in the room that I don’t recognize. “I would like everyone to meet Leslie. Leslie is a romance consultant for the company, Wet and Wild Romance.” Meg looks around nervously at all of us and seeing our confusion, explains further, “Basically, she’s here to do a sex party!”

My mouth drops open.
Oh god, is this like… an orgy? How fast can I get out of here?
“A sex party?” I ask nervously.

“What’s a sex party?”
Mischa asks bravely. I don’t know if I want to know the answer.

“I’m sorry, I like all of you girls
, but I’m not about to get naked with you,” Irina says and we all laugh because she said what we are all thinking.

Leslie takes control of the conversation
. “No, not that kind of party,” she says, laughing as well at Irina’s comment. “Can everyone take a seat, please? Just give me a minute to set up and then we can get started. In the mean time, here is a pleasure portfolio for each of you. You will find a questionnaire in the front, please fill it out. These are the only questions I will ask you today.”

I take the purple folder from Leslie, and looking at Mischa, we take a seat.
Her eyes are large and she looks as confused as I feel. We all sit around Meg’s small living room and get ready to begin, heads bent reading the questions put in front of us.

Manda
whispers to Meg, “I’ve heard of these parties! I’ve always wanted to attend one, because I was too nervous to host one of my own. I’m so excited!”

“I must be living under a rock because I’ve never heard of them before,” Mischa whispers to me.

“Don’t worry, I’m right there with you,” I respond.

After giving each guest a wine glass, Meg puts three bottles of wine – two white and one red- on the coffee table in the center of everyone.
I quickly take in the labels and note there is a Riesling, a chardonnay, and a red blend. She disappears into her kitchen and returns carrying cheese, fruit and a veggie tray with an array of crackers. There are also those flavored sausages and some meatballs. And lastly, she places long slices of bananas and apples with chocolate and caramel sauce for dipping. It looks yummy and I waste no time pouring myself a glass of wine and placing a few items on a small plate and sitting them on the table in front of me. I take a good couple of gulps of the Reisling, which is delicious and it quickly leaves me feeling a bit airy. Just the effect I was hopeful for because the fact is, I’m going to need every bit of courage it can help me muster if I’m going to get comfortable enough to participate in this party. I have absolutely no idea what to expect.

While sipping my wine
, I notice that Leslie is setting up a table off to the side with all kinds of gizmos, contraptions, and bottles. This should be interesting. I had better return to the assignment so I open the folder and quickly answer the questions that are listed on the paper.

“Did everyone fill out their questionnaire?”

“Yes,” we all say together.

“Okay, great, if everyone can pass them to me that would be great.
I am going to use them to enter you into a raffle and the winner will be chosen at the end of the night.”

We all pass her our forms that asked us for our name, email and mailing address.
I snicker imagining what my mailman will think when he starts delivering sex catalogs to me, then stiffen in horror when I remember I’m going to be living with Wes. Oh shit.

“Um, can I ask if you are likely to mail things to our addresses…like a catalogue or similar items?”

Leslie smiles. “No, just a thank you note with my contact information should you place an order.”

I let out the breath I didn’t even realize I was holding.
Thank goodness I avoided that humiliation.

“Okay, we are going to go around the room so that you can introduce yourself to me.
Let’s start with you,” Leslie says pointing to me. “What is your name and how do you know Meg?”

“My name is Aspen.
Meg and I worked together and we were fortunate enough to become friends outside of work. She’s one of my closest friends.”

“Okay, now for the fun part,” she smiles wickedly
. “Who is one person you would do upside down and sideways?”

“Do?”

“Yes,” her smile widens. “Do, as in sexify, the naked tango. As in do the horizontal cha cha. And if you are so bold, as in fuck.” My eyes widen and I look around the room laughing nervously to see everyone else doing the same. I want to curse when Wes instantly comes to my mind. I’m in so much trouble with thoughts like those. “Person?” No way am I going to say Wes’ name.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I mean a celebrity.
What celebrity comes to mind?”

I almost sigh in relief
, but with everyone’s eyes on me I blurt out, “Channing Tatum.”

There is a chorus of agreements and Irina says, “I read an article where one of his past girlfriends said he only lasts three minutes in bed.”

We all laugh. “Thanks a lot, Irinia. Who was I hurting with my fantasy, I mean come on!”

“Who cares?
I bet it’s three minutes of heaven,” Meg says, making us all laugh.

Leslie turns to Mischa next
. “What is your name and how do you know our hostess?”

“I met Meg through my best friend, Aspen,” she says smiling at me. “Oh, and my name is Mischa.”

“Same question to you, Mischa. Who is one celebrity you would do every which way to Sunday?”

“I would have to go with…. Robert Downey
, Jr. I don’t know what it is about him, but I think he’s so cute.”

“Oh nice.
Is it because he’s a reformed bad boy?”

Everyone laughs and Mischa shrugs as her cheeks color a little.

Leslie makes her way around the room asking everyone else the same question. The answers are Ryan Reynolds, Brad Pitt, Shia Lebouf, and Leslie brings the house down with an unexpected William Shatner.

I have to admit, if Leslie’s goal was to get us comfortable with each other, it certainly worked. Much of the initial awkwardness and slight smiles have vanished, replaced by laughing, giggling
, and everyone seeming increasingly relaxed. I look and notice that two of the three wine bottles are empty – so it’s possible that the wine may have something to do with letting down our inhibitions a bit, and I nearly salute the wine in gratitude.

“Well
, let me tell you all a little bit about Wet & Wild Romance. We are a company that specializes in adult products to help stimulate your sex life. But that’s not all. Yes, we have all the fun potions, creams, paints, costumes, and toys, but we even have a wonderful line of lotions, butters, and perfumes too. Over the next little hour, I’m going to show you a bunch of products that you will not only get to touch, but some of them you’ll also get to taste.” She raises her eyebrows at us and chuckles at our “oohs” and “aahs”. We are really getting into this.

“There is no shyness allowed in this room.
Any and all questions are welcome. At the end of the party, if you would like to place an order, we will do so - just you and I - in the bedroom Meg has set aside for us. As comfortable as you may all get with one another, I still think that the ordering should be done in private. Does anyone have any questions?”

We all remain silent as we look around at one another.

“Okay, great, let’s get started! The first item I’m going to show you is one of our top sellers. It’s called vajayjay cream.”

The girls giggle at the name, and I snort.

“I promise you ladies, this is the cream you want to have for all of your shaving needs.
It not only helps you shave your sensitive areas, but it’s also a lotion and hair conditioner, all in one. I can guarantee the man in your life will probably end up stealing this himself. Well, assuming he doesn’t get put off by the name.”

Again, we all giggle, no doubt just as she planned.
She passes it around so we can each feel it and smell it. It’s kind of crazy, but fun.

“This cream is fifteen dollars and well worth the money.
The next thing I’m going to show you is the rash treatment that’s a great companion to the shaving cream. If you’re the kind of girl that has trouble with itchy red bumps when you shave, this is for you. After you use the vajayjay cream, it actually closes the hair follicle so that ingrown hairs and a rash cannot occur.”