Now because my best friend is thinking with the wrong head, I'm looking at no vacation, and a substantial monetary loss. Bastard.
"You broke the code man, bro's before ho's."
"I didn't break the code. I'm just making the most of an opportunity. Besides if I don't go, I'll never hear from Selene again."
"And that's a problem? You barely even see this girl."
"That's exactly my point. She's thirty thousand feet in the air most of the time. She's gorgeous, with the hottest body I've ever seen, and I don't have to see her every day, or even every fucking week. That means no clinginess. No answering to her when I spend a night out with guys getting drunk."
"And getting laid."
"And getting laid," he parrots.
"And when we're out and you're doing your thing, you ever wonder what or who she's doing?"
"It doesn't matter, Noah. We have an open relationship which is a beautiful thing. We don't see each other enough to get on each other's nerves. There's no commitment. And it's the best sex of my life."
"Whatever. I'm letting you know you're putting a serious crimp in our friendship."
"I'm not leaving you totally high and dry. I found someone to share the house with you."
"Who? Marlena won't let Troy out of her sight, especially since the baby is due in two weeks. Mickey's so strapped for money he's selling his swimmers."
Cooper snickers on his end. "Whatever, dude. I think he just likes jerking off into a cup. But you're right, it's not the guys."
"A girl? Are you shitting me?" I lean forward against my desk. Now I'm interested. For the right girl I'd consider forgiving him. "A flight attendant? Is it one Selene's friends? She better be hot. Is she hot? 'Cause if she isn't you can forget . . ."
"Hey, hold on there. Yes, it's a girl. And no she's not hot."
Great. Way to let the air out of my sails.
"And even if she is, you wouldn't be seeing any action from her."
"Then what the fuck is the point?"
"The point is you still get your beach vacation. You have your distraction to help you forget the fact that Dina's getting married, and I get my money back."
Why does he have to keep bringing her up? I know she's getting married in two weeks. Why can't he let it go? "I keep telling you I don't give a shit about Dina getting married."
He snickers on the other end. "And I'm with Selene because she's got a big heart. Dude you've been hung up on that one since high school and she never so much as gave you the time of day."
"I'm not hung up on her. We're just friends. That's all we ever were. That's all we'll ever be."
"Friends. Great. You've been locked safely away in the friend zone for ten years. How's that working for you?"
I bounce the tip of my pen on a pile on a pile of papers on my desk. Sometimes I can't stand Cooper's jackass side, like right now. But I often find there's a hint of truth to what he says, like right now.
"I'm not hung up on her, and it's not like I haven't been with anyone in ten years. You've witnessed enough to know better. Dina and I are friends, and as her friend, I'm happy she found someone to share her life with. I think when you find the right person it could be a beautiful thing."
"Are you sure you're a guy?"
"Fuck you."
"Your problem is, you're looking for someone to share your life with, not someone that makes you want to live. Great for her, but what about you? I'm telling you, bring a hot piece of ass to the wedding, leave, get laid, and leave Dina where she belongs, in the rear view mirror. Go find a future, dude."
For a brief second, he sounds like he cares; like I mean more to him than someone to keep him company while he looks for his next conquest. Time to change the direction of this conversation before we end up on Dr. Phil.
"What do you need money for anyway Mr. free European vacation?"
"She's providing the hotel and ticket to get there, it's only right I pick up everything else."
"Whatever. Why don't you stop yanking me around and just tell me who the hell I'm stuck with?"
"Alexis."
I let my head fall and hit my desk. "Your sister? You're saddling me down with your little sister. What the fuck man? What am I supposed to do? Play nurse maid? Drive her to her fucking playdates?"
"Don't be like that Noah. You know she's not a kid anymore."
"Yeah, I know."
"And she promised to stay out of your way."
"Still, I'll feel funny if I want to bring a chick back with me."
"Just go and have a good time. Pretend it's me there with you."
"Yeah, you with tits and braces."
"Okay man, don't hate on the braces. They've been off for years and she's got a beautiful smile. And as far as the tits go, that's my fucking sister you're talking about. No staring at her tits. Got it?"
"Yeah, I fucking got it."
*
I look out my office window at the dull grey clouds. It's not just going to rain, it's going to pour. I wish the sky would open up already and get it over with. Can't get to the clear blue skies without releasing a little bit of pent up, heavy duty rain.
My computer dings, signaling a new email. I don't recognize the address it came from.
Hey Party-boy,
Spoke with my brother. Just want to assure you I don't plan on cramping your style. You stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours. Oh yeah, and if girls are dumb enough to fall for the bullshit you lay at their feet, make sure they're fully dressed unless in your room with the door closed. I'll make sure my guys do the same.
What a bitch! Oh yeah, this is going to be fun all right.
Acknowledgements
I’d like to acknowledge each and every one of you that has picked up this book, or any other book I’ve written. You all keep me motivated and inspired. Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to reach out to me over the years, whether through email or social media. Thank you for being you!!!
About The Author
Danielle grew up as an only child of divorced parents in Brooklyn, New York. Her imagination was developed at an early age. Surrounded by stuffed animals and imaginary friends, she transported herself into a fantasy world full of magic and wonder. Books were the gateway between her play world and reality.
In October 2011 Danielle’s debut novel For Always was released. She has since released The Heart Waves Series, To My Hero: A Blog of Our Journey Together, Into You and Regret Me Not.
Danielle graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with honors, and currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and three children.
You can visit her website at: http://www.daniellesibarium.com/
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