Whispering Wishes (17 page)

“Something about me?
Like what? I’m really not that exciting.”

“Hmmm, how about… have you ever been in a relationship?”

“Wow, just diving right in, huh? No easing in nice and slow just slamming your way home. Geesh.”

He laughs no doubt at my vulgar analogy
. “Wow, that bad? Okay, fine. How about… what’s your favorite color?”

I laugh
. “Orange.”

“Orange?
Why orange?”

“I don’t know… it’s cheerful and makes me happy.”

“What’s your favorite flower?”

“A sunflower.”

“Have you ever been in a relationship?”

I laugh.
“Persistent much?” He just looks at me, waiting for my answer, the movie forgotten. I contemplate how much I want to tell him. I don’t usually talk about
him
. “Yes. I’ve been in a relationship.”

“Relationship, singular?”

“Well I’ve dated more than one guy, but I’ve been in one serious relationship.”

“What happened?”

I sigh and decide what the hell? “Jeffrey and I met in college and dated off and on for a while. At one point, during an on again time, we promised each other we were done with the breaking up and getting back together over and over. We committed to each other and promised no more being immature, screwing up, and making excuses. We were all in.”

I look away from Wes’s penetrating stare, thinking about Jeffrey, picturing him in my mind.
Blonde hair with eyes as blue as the ocean that at times felt like looked right into my soul. He had freckles across his nose and dimples in his cheeks. I was lost to him, going back again and again for more, never able to say no. I wanted things to work out with him more than anything and I really thought we were going to work that time.

“And?” Wes asks quietly
, taking me out of my thoughts and bringing my attention back to him. I blink several times and Jeffrey’s face fades from my mind.

“We were hanging out at my house, much like you and I are now.
We were making arrangements for him to move in, when his phone rang. He disappeared and when he came back into the room he looked sick. Almost green.”

The night plays out in my mind like it’s happening all over again.
The look on Jeffrey’s face, and in his eyes, the phone forgotten but still sitting in his hand and the shocked look on his face. Wes silently watches the emotions play out over my face as if he knows I’m no longer really here with him.

“He said my name softly and I just knew whatever he was about to say would change everything. The phone call?
It had been Julie.”

“Julie?” Wes asks confused.

“Julie was the girl that Jeffrey would hook up with during our off times. Of course, I didn’t know that at the time. Anyway, I guess before he and I got back together that final time, they had a fling
that resulted in her pregnancy.”

Wes sits up and scoots close to me
, not saying a word.

“He didn’t even… staying with me…” I broke off and take a minute to collect myself.
I’ve gotten over and dealt with what happened, but that doesn’t mean the memory isn’t still a painful one. “Let’s just say that us trying to make it work wasn’t even an option. Not because of me. Could I have stayed with him knowing he had a pregnant ex lover somewhere and all the responsibilities that would come with it? I don’t know to be honest, but it didn’t matter because I wasn’t asked. It was no longer about us. It didn’t matter what I felt or what we said we meant to each other. It was like after that phone call, I didn’t even matter – didn’t exist. Nothing mattered but the call. I was tossed aside and Jeffrey told me he was sorry, but that he had to do the right thing, which was being there for her.”

“Aspen…” he whispers my name.

I look at him and shrug. “It wasn’t like I would have made him choose between me or the baby or something. I mean, I wasn’t even a thought. I think that is what hurt more than anything. Leaving me seemed to give him no pause, no hesitation – there was no decision – it just
was
. He was there one moment and gone for good the next.”

“I’m really sorry…I shouldn’t-

I laugh and the sound is rough and bitter. “How could you have known? It’s a normal question. They are married now, you know. Married with a one year old boy, and rumor has it they have another baby on the way.”

Wes curses under his breath.

“I’m okay.
I mean, it is what it is, but I guess I’ve been a little hesitant to date since then so the dates have kind of been few and far between the last year. I don’t want to get hurt again, but recently I decided I needed to stop thinking that way.”

“You did?
How? What do you mean?” Wes is staring at me intently like he’s holding his breath waiting for my answer.

“Well, I’ll spare you the details, but basically I decided I need to put myself out there again.
Of course my girlfriends are instrumental in that decision. They don’t exactly take no for an answer either,” I laugh.

“Well that’s great.
I agree - I mean you should. You shouldn’t let some asshole make you think that all guys are like that.”

“I know they aren’t,” I smile.
“My friends have been bugging me forever and have been trying to set me up right and left. I thought they had given up on me, but I guess not.”

“Why do you say that?”

“My friend Meg, you haven’t met her yet, she and her boyfriend set me up on a blind date.”

“What?”
Wes stands with his question.

“Whoa
. Did I say something wrong?”

“No, uh, I guess I’m just surprised.
I mean, are you sure? A blind date? What if he ends up being an asshole?”

“Geesh, don’t worry my pseudo big brother
.” His brows lower at my comment. “If he’s an asshole, then he is, but at least I put myself out there. Besides, Meg wouldn’t set me up with anyone like that. And I’m choosing to think positively. According to Mischa, the universe will take care of me.”

“The universe, huh?
That sounds like an explanation for another time. And when may I ask is this blind date of yours?” He almost sounds angry. Like he’s in protective brother mode and it makes me smile.

“Tomorrow night.”

T
he rest of
our evening the night before was pretty quiet. I guess I made things feel somber after my story about Jeffrey. Not long afterwards, Wes retreated to his end of the couch with a few quiet words about how he hoped my date was great, but he didn’t really seem genuine. Truth be told, I’m kind of pissed at him. He asked me about a relationship and I pour my heart out and tell him a story that only Meg and Mischa know, and he gets all weird. Oh well. Next time, I plan on asking him about his relationship. It’s his turn to spill.

After we finished the movie in virtual silence, we walked together up the stairs and with quiet good nights
, retreated to our rooms.

Now, here it is morning and I’m already feeling nervous for my blind date tonight.
I hope I didn’t make a mistake agreeing to do this. Hopefully Meg proves how much she loves me when I find out she set me up with a winner. If not, payback will be hell.

Trying to keep distracted, I stay in my room and unpack some more boxes.
I decide to take the boxes I’ve broken down out to the garage where Wes told me to place them. When I walk downstairs, the house is really quiet and I realize he probably left for work. It’s really weird being here alone.

After taking the boxes outside
, I walk back through the kitchen and am aware of the distinct smell of coffee. I note that the maker is full and still warm. “Yes,” I murmur. I reach out to pick up an empty mug that I assume was waiting for me, and notice a note propped against it with my name on it.

Aspen, I had to run some errands before going into work later today.
I’m not sure what your schedule is like, but hopefully I’ll catch you later. If not, I hope you have a great day. I left a key for you by the front door table. Did I mention I’m glad you’re here? Because I am. Cheers – Wes

That was sweet of him.
With a smirk, I realize he told me to have a good day though, not night. Oh well. He’ll get over it. I don’t need a big brother; I’m a grown ass woman. A grown ass woman that needs to get laid in a really bad way. I laugh out loud, wondering when I started sounding like a dude. But truth is truth. As amazing as my new vibrators are, a larger than life male companion for sex – a living and breathing one, is what I really need.

I head back up to my room and tinker around a bit then give Mischa a call like I promised.
She sounds busy at the store, but takes time to say she can’t wait to hear about my date. As usual, I promise to call her tomorrow and tell her all about it. In addition, I adhere to our rule – whenever one of us goes on a date, the other is told where we are supposed to be and when. We generally also share the name of who we are dating, but since I only know this guy’s name is Nick, I tell Mischa that and remind her that all will be fine because Meg and her boyfriend will be with me. It’s our way of protecting each other, I guess. If something ever happened, at least we would have a lead as to the expected plans. Feels safer this way – especially with little known or blind dates.

When we hang up
, I decide to go to the grocery store again. Fortunately, I don’t work today, so can get some errands done. I want to fill up on some of my favorite items in the kitchen. I also need to run to the post office and perhaps find a new outfit to wear tonight. Why not? I shouldn’t splurge, but it isn’t like I do it often.

I find the perfect outfit at a local department store, one that is my sure fire happy place.
The date dress is black, slinky, and hugs my curves in all the right places. It has a slit up the leg, displaying one of my best assets and shows an ample amount of cleavage without being over the top and screaming, “Hello, my name is Aspen and I’m a slut.” On my way to the checkout, I happen to pass the shoe department and see a pair of stilettos that are to truly to die for. They have spikes on the heel and I’ve always wanted heels like that. I figure why the hell not, and buy decide to purchase them, too.

After I run my other errands
, I land back at Wes’ – I can’t quite call it my place yet - and put the groceries away then take my treasures to my room. I sit and read for a little while, spending a bit longer than anticipated. Looking at the clock, I decide to begin getting ready. I want to give myself plenty of time. I am really tempted to use Wes’s Jacuzzi for a pre-date relaxing experience, but just can’t seem to allow myself to do that.

Instead, I take a hot bath in my own small tub and it’s perfectly fine.
I soak in some bath salts that smell like lavender, and shave and groom all the very important places in case they get to be revealed in all their glory tonight.

I put a moisturizer all over my body that has a subtle sparkle added to the lotion so it looks like my skin is gleaming and healthy.
I take time to completely blow out my hair with a large brush and instead of running a flat iron through it like I usually do, I elect to use a curling iron and put big curls throughout my hair. When I’m finished, it flows in waves down my back. I smile in the mirror as I turn from side to side; it looks shiny and very pretty.

Next up is my makeup.
I give myself a nice sultry look. Heavy on the eyes with shadow and a volumizing mascara, then light on the lips. The effect really brings out the color of my eyes. It’s more makeup than I usually wear on a daily basis, and I like the fact that I look different – made up. You can tell I put care and time into looking nice.

I go to my closet and slip into a slinky black lace bra and matching thong, then slip my dress on over them and step into my heels.
Walking in front of my full length mirror on the back of my closet door, I take in the full effect of my work and whistle low. “Holy hell, Aspen. You look goooood.” I smile at the girl I hardly recognize in the mirror and make kissy faces at her. I even grab my phone and take a selfie to send to Mischa and type, “What do you think?”

Her response is immediate.
Her “Hubba, hubba,” with hearts and smiling emoticons make me laugh out loud.

I’m to meet Meg, her boyfriend Jay
, and Nick, my blind date, at D’Vine. We elected to go there for drinks and then if Nick and I hit it off, he and I will decide what we want to do from there. I’m a little wary to go to the place I work for a blind date, but I blow it off. Meg and Jay will facilitate introductions and help break the ice. If all goes well, maybe Nick and I can leave and go dancing or something like that, which would be fun. Who knows? It’s kind of exciting to know that anything could happen. The night is open to so many possibilities and the thought makes me smile. I am so proud of myself for giving this a chance.

I make my way to my car and drive to D’Vine.
My timing is perfect. I’m not too early and I’m not embarrassingly late. I walk in the front door and take a moment to gather my bearings.

“Hi Aspen,” the hostess greets me.
“You look absolutely amazing.”

I smile at Leslie, one of the hostesses I’ve worked with a couple times during my training. “Thank you.”

I look around the room and my vision lands on Wes.
Looking at him, it appears that he is keeping an eye on the entrance and who all walk through it. His eyes pass over me, and I almost laugh out loud when I see his eyes quickly jerk back to me and widen when he realizes he almost passed me over. I smile at him and lift my eyebrows, then gesture to myself as a way to say, “Well, what do you think?”

His mouth has dropped open, and he puts down the towel in his hand on the bar and walks toward me.
At that moment, I’m distracted, as I hear Meg call out, “Aspen! Over here!”

Turning in her direction, my smile widens when I see her and take in the man standing next to her.
Holy. Hotness. Batman. He is definitely a looker. He’s not as hot as Wes, but holy hell he can sure hold his own. Tall, dark, and handsome, his chocolate eyes take me in from across the room. I start towards them, and he gently pushes past Meg to make his way to me.

Out of the corner of my eye I see Wes come to a complete stop and stare toward us, but I look away not wanting to pay him any attention or ignore this gorgeous hunk walking toward me.
I certainly would not want to be rude to my date. Nick smiles when we meet in the middle. “Aspen, you are absolutely stunning. Meg’s description of you didn’t do you justice at all.”

I smile shyly
. “Thank you. It’s very nice to meet you, Nick.”

“You as well
.” He doesn’t take his eyes off of me and offers me his arm and I loop mine through his. He really is handsome, and he smells heavenly. He’s wearing dark dress pants and a light blue shirt open at the collar. He looks very put together and polished. I look over to Meg as we approach the table and give her a secret smile and lift my eyebrows as a way to say good freaking job.

“Aspen, hi!”
she says and gives me a hug, “You look gorgeous.”

“Thanks
, Meg, so do you.” And she does. She is wearing a navy blue dress that is gathered at her hip and silver heels. “Aspen, this is Jay - Jay, this is Aspen. I’m so glad that you’re finally meeting each another.”

Jay and I smile and exchange pleasantries.
“We just got here, too, but there was someone that came to our table right away. We all ordered a glass of wine, we’ll get you one too as soon as she comes back,” Meg explains.

“That sounds wonderful.”

I’m barely seated before I look up and see Wes standing there at our table with a scowl on his face. “What can I get you to drink?”

“Oh, there was another girl that was already helping us,” Meg explains.
“We gave her our drink orders already.”

“I’m going to be helping you now.
I’ll be sure you get those drinks. Aspen, what would you like?”

I glance at Meg
, who looks at me in confusion because Wes uses my name. I ignore it and reply, “I’d like a glass of Riesling please, Wes. Thank you.”

As he walks away without a word
, it makes my brow furrow. What the hell is his problem? “Do you know him?”

“Yes, I do.” And I leave it at that and change the subject
. “So…” I turn to Nick with a smile, “do you go on blind dates often?”

He smiles at me
. “Are you kidding? No way. I don’t trust them to be honest with you, but Meg was very persistent that I had to meet you and so I finally gave in. I’m glad I did.”

His eyes take me in appreciatively.
I can tell he likes what he sees, but there’s also genuine kindness and interest there as well. “How about you?”

“I’m like you, not at all.
Too nervous to chance it, but I’m glad I let Meg convince me otherwise.”

We smile until we are interrupted
. “Your drinks,” Wes says and places all the glasses in front of each of us.

“Thank you,” I say and look at him and though his eyes are initially hard, they soften when our eyes meet.
He looks like he wants to say something, but is interrupted when Jay says, “Can we order an appetizer? I’d like to get some bruschetta, does that sound okay to everyone?”

Distracted by Jay’s question
, I look at him and nod my head. “Okay, I will put that order in. Can I get you anything else?” Wes asks but his words sound forced and not at all like himself.

“Not now, thank you.”

Wes walks away albeit begrudgingly it appears and I turn my attention to Nick once again. “Meg tells me you’re an attorney, Nick.”