I smile at the both of them. “Okay, well you need to get the hell outta here, guys so I can get a wash. I’m sure you don’t want to see me naked.” I make a move to get up, and Jessie laughs as she heads for the door. Michael, however, is still sitting on the bed staring.
“Michael, come on. What are you waiting for?” Jessie asks, frustration in her voice.
“I never said that I didn’t want to see her naked.” He gives me a wicked grin again as he raises one eyebrow.
Picking up the pillow from my bed, I throw it at him. “Michael, get!”
He begrudgingly obeys, stomping towards the door. “Spoil-sport,” he mutters under his breath, making me giggle for the second time in the space of minutes.
“I can do this,” I say to absolutely no-one as I walk towards the bathroom to get ready.
I can do this.
3
After a shower—which makes me feel somewhat more human again—I blow dry my hair, apply some makeup, and put a pink floral dress on. I have to make at least one ounce of effort as Jessie and Michael are going out of their way to help me. Three days is more than enough self-absorption.
Enough is enough.
As I ponder on this, I spare a thought for Matthew and what he must be going through. He’s never been one to hide his feelings on the topic of my mother, and I’ve always admired his honesty on the subject. I must contact him as he’s probably hurting, and I’m not helping the situation. I need to be the adult and call him soon. I just don’t want to handle picking up the phone right now and dealing with all those messages. The pain at even seeing Jake’s name on the screen will be too much. I will face the music tomorrow. For now, I will go out, enjoy the night as best as I possibly can, and try to forget the man who I mistakenly thought was my forever.
Looking at myself in the mirror, I think that I have done the best I can possibly do to cover up my tiredness from the lack of sleep. The nightmares are back again. Poor Jessie has been running into my room every night, trying to calm me down. It’s a wonder she isn’t dead on her feet.
Damn you, Alan Damn you, Tony. And damn you, Jake!
After a long, deep breath, I make my way out to the living room where Jessie and Michael are sitting, patiently waiting. They both stare up at me, and then Michael rises from his seat. “Quite the gentleman,” I quip, not hiding my amusement.
He grins at me, placing a hand to his chest. “I do try my best. You look amazing, Ana. Just like you always do.”
Jessie rolls her eyes. “Okay, Casanova. Let’s go before my stomach kicks my ass.”
A chorus of chuckles sound as we head out of the door. “So where are we going?” I ask.
“I thought we could go to one of my favorites called Dino’s,” Jessie responds. “It’s within walking distance, so we can all have a drink and not worry about driving.”
I frown. “What about Michael?” I query, looking towards him.
“Jessie drove me here, and I left my car at the station. I’ll get an Uber back. I don’t start work until quite late tomorrow, so I can probably get a lift in from one of the guys. I’ll be okay.”
When we walk outside from the confines of the apartment building, the sun nearly blinds me. It’s currently setting, but it’s still doing everything it can to make my eyes squint.
Boy, have I neglected myself. I’m a sun worshipper, so I should’ve been reveling in the sunshine instead of hiding away.
Remembering I have sunglasses, I quickly rummage through my bag and take them out. “So, Michael, how is Tom doing?” I ask, sliding them on my face. The relief from the blinding light is instant.
“He’s found a new best friend,” Jessie answers, rolling her eyes.
“Oh, yes, David. Is he still causing trouble?”
“I think he’s made it his sole mission to take to bed any woman in a skirt,” Michael begins. “Tom seems to dig that shit. We’re good friends—we’re partners, so we have to be—but just because he feels that way doesn’t mean I do too.”
“Well, good for you. I’m glad,” I reply back. “I always thought you were the nicest one out of you two.” He smiles at me with that cheeky grin of his.
“Well, shucks, Ana, that’s so nice to hear. I think that was some sort of a compliment.”
I chuckle a little. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”
“I know, I know. Forget about it.” He waves his hand in a dismissive manner, turning on his New Yorker charm.
It’s nice to be able to laugh even though the pain is still simmering beneath the surface. I feel better knowing I have true friends who are there for me. That realization humbles me.
“So here we are,” Jessie chirps as she opens the door.
We walk inside, and it reminds me a bit of the Silver Diner where most of the booths are situated at the side of the restaurant. The only items missing are the little jukeboxes at each of the tables. Our waitress, Sandy—the name I quickly read on her name tag—immediately breezes over to us with a bright smile then leads us to a booth. Jessie and I sit together while Michael places himself opposite us.
After handing us our menus, she tells us, “Our specials today are salmon with saffron, and ribs with a Jack Daniel’s barbecue sauce. What can I get you to drink in the meantime?” She flashes her bright teeth, and I can’t help but return the smile. She’s quite the stunner with her golden-brown locks and bright blue eyes.
“Do you still do those cocktail deals till eight o’clock?” Jessie’s asks, excitement in her eyes.
“We sure do. You have about thirty minutes left, so I would order two of each now if I were you.” She giggles, and we all laugh with her.
“Well then, I think I’ll have two sex on the beaches, and Ana here, I think she should have two painkillers.”
I look over to Jessie with a fake frown. “I don’t think they give out medication at restaurants, Jessie,” I joke.
With a serous expression, she cocks her eyebrow. “I think they’ll be just the ticket for you.”
I can’t argue with that.
“What about you, Michael?” Jessie tilts her head, awaiting his answer.
He puts both hands up in the air. “Hey, I know I’m surrounded by estrogen, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to be sipping cocktails and shaving my legs anytime soon. I’ll have a Bud please, Sandy.” He gives her his best winning smile, and I think I almost see her swoon. I’m hardly surprised by this. Michael’s an incredibly attractive man, and if Jake wasn’t in the picture, he could certainly make great boyfriend material. The only problem is he isn’t Jake. That thought sends a knife deep into my stomach again. I know I need to eat, but the pain makes it hard for me to even contemplate putting food anywhere near my mouth. Jake would have a fit if he knew just how little I’ve been eating the last three days.
I inwardly sigh, giving myself a mental kick. I can’t keep thinking of Jake, comparing everything and everyone to him. It’s just not healthy.
Sandy makes her way to the bar with her order and Jessie makes her excuses to use the restroom, leaving Michael and I behind. We stare at our menus for a few moments. I’m trying to figure out what I can order that won’t be too much for me to eat. I come across a kid’s menu and decide to order the Dino’s Classic Burger in hopes that the portion won’t be too big.