“Why are you avoiding me?” I ask her directly.
“I’m not. I have things to do.”
“Whatever,” I wave my hand, feeling a little offended. “Thank you for the massage. See you around,” I add before leaving the salon. I don’t know why I’m feeling offended. Perhaps it’s because I’m not used to women rejecting me. Luckily, no one is outside, and by no one, I mean groupies that are practically stalking my every move. I’m still baffled by how they manage to find out about my locations. I sit into my black Audi R8 and drive off. I have an hour drive ahead of me.
“Hello, I’m home,” I yell, as I enter my parents’ home. “Is anybody here?” The next second, I feel my sister Sarah crashing into my side with full force. Sarah is my little sister. She’s 8 years younger than me, a really pretty 17-year-old, and I don’t doubt all the boys are drooling after her.
“Oh, I’ve missed you so much,” she says, as she hugs me tightly. It’s been a few months since I’ve last visited my family. With all the races and practice, it was difficult to find time to come home.
“I missed you, too,” I assure her, and give her a peck on the forehead. “Where’s everyone else?”
“Mom’s in the kitchen and dad is, like usual, working on his Mustang.”
We go to the kitchen where we are welcomed by wonderful aroma. As soon as mom sees me, she grabs a kitchen towel and wipes her hands. Coming closer, she puts her hands on every side of my head and says,
“Jake, you’re finally home.” She examines me from head to toe. “You lost weight,” she adds. “Don’t they give you anything to eat? Well, it’s great to have you home, I’ll fatten you up.”
Our neighbors and long-time friends are also coming to the dinner—Maggie, Tom, their son Scott, and his pregnant girlfriend, Tara. Scott and I have known each other ever since we were kids, but we only manage to get together once or twice a year due to my packed schedule. Scott, Tara and I are sitting in the living room. Scott and I are drinking beer and Tara is holding a glass of orange juice. We are talking about motorcycling, racing, their future baby and the approaching wedding, which is going to take place on Christmas day. They are planning an intimate ceremony—only them and their parents. During the conversation, a beep from my phone interrupts me. I tap the screen and I’m surprised to see whose text is.
Ella: I’m sorry.
A smile creeps on my face.
Me: How sorry? Sorry enough to go out with me?
Ella: Um... No...
Me: Come on, I don’t bite... Much ;)
Ella: I doubt that :P
Me: What are you doing?
Ella: I’m having dinner at my parents’ house. You?
Me: Same :)
I’m still smiling like an idiot when Scott’s voice penetrates my foggy brain, and reminds me I’m still in company.
“Another one of your crazy groupies? Damn, you’re so lucky. So many hot chicks are throwing themselves at you.” Tara elbows him under the ribs.
“Hey, I’m sitting right here, remember? I can hear everything.”
“I’m sorry, sweetie,” he kisses her cheek. “You know I didn’t mean anything by that.” Wrapping his arm around Tara’s shoulders, he looks at me, waiting for my response. I laugh.
“Dude, don’t even start. These women are batshit-crazy. Not a day goes by when I don’t receive pictures of them flashing their boobs and offering their...” I glance toward Tara, trying to come up with a more appropriate word. “Umm... services. Yesterday, a huge bra came in my mail with a note attached that said, Call me and your dreams can become reality.” I take a long swig of my beer.
“Like I said, you are one lucky bastard.”
“I thought so, too, in the beginning, but its not all unicorns and sunshine in this business, you know. Well, I’m not saying I didn’t take some of those rainbows to my bed, but still.” Scott and I burst into laughter at my last remark.
“Ugh, you’re such a pig,” Tara shakes her head.
“I love you too, Tara.” Grinning, I wink at her.
Ella
Thanksgiving is finally behind us, and truth be told, I’m really glad the holidays are over. Now that Josh is gone, I don’t look forward to them. In moments like these, I realize it most, how much I miss him. I’m finally moved into my apartment, and I’m working on the last details, so I’ll finally be able to call it home. Lately, I’ve found myself thinking not only about Josh, but Jake, too. I decide to stalk him on the Internet to find out more about him. I open Google and type Jake Burns. Instantly, I get millions of hits. First, I click on his official site where his bio and picture is.