On The Floor (Second Story) (10 page)

Why did I just do that?

***

I get to Jenna’s room and the door is wide open. She’s sitting on her bed with a bowl of kettle corn (my favorite) and the remote.

“Talk then Channing, or Channing then talk?” She gives me a sad smile.

I love her.

“He doesn’t remember,” I say holding back tears and going to lie next to her on the bed. This is the type of thing I would have gone to my mom about, and before Jenna, I would have to deal with it on my own. She’s the only one, other than my family, who knows about everything I went through after my mom died. She’ll never be able to replace the comfort and love my mom gave me, but she usually knows just what I need. She’s amazing.

“What do you mean? You said he sounded and acted fine. He couldn’t have been that drunk,” she asks quietly.

“Well, apparently, he was. He says he doesn’t remember how he got home. And he acted like nothing was different between us.”

“What did he say when you told him about it?”

I do some sort of a sad laugh/sob thing. “There is no way I’m bringing it up. If he just said those things to get in my pants and didn’t really mean them, I’ll be more crushed than I already am. I’d rather think that he meant them and doesn’t remember, than know that he doesn’t feel that way about me.”

And here is where the best friend truth-that-you-don’t-want-to-hear-but need-to-hear comes. “You’re full of shit. You know he feels the same way. Just tell him.”

And I do know he feels the same way. I could see it in his face when I told him about my upcoming date with Nate. He was jealous. But just because she is right about his feelings, it doesn’t mean it is what I want to hear from her. “Talking done. Time for Channing,” I say reaching for the bowl of kettle corn.

Jenna shakes her head at my stubbornness, but then she smiles at me and holds up two movies. “
The Vow
or
Magic Mike
?”

Sad and teary, you don’t remember our love? Or hot male strippers?

I want to escape my situation, not think about it.

“Definitely
Magic Mike
.”

She smiles. “I may have to call Will after the movie is over so I can have a live reenactment!” We both start laughing. This is just what I needed.

***

On my way back to my room, I run into Jake on his way out. I decide to try to make an effort to be friendly and stop being so chilly towards him.

“Hey Jake!” I say smiling, trying to make the effort.

“Hey,” he says and walks right by me. No smile. Nothing.

I don’t see Jake for the rest of the week.

Chapter 7

I was in a foul mood all week. Jake was never in his room when I went to go see him. I didn’t run into him in the halls. And he certainly didn’t come looking for me.

Jenna arranged for her, Will, Nate, and I to go to dinner and then Sound on Friday night, which is tonight, and I am seriously regretting my decision. I don’t really want to entertain anyone. I just want to curl up in my bed and think about all of the weirdness that will be there between Jake and I during the trip to LA tomorrow. As much as I enjoyed that kiss, I wish that night had never happened.

Jenna ends up coming down to my room to get ready with me, and even the
Getting Ready Mix
isn’t able to lift my mood.

“Rachel! Snap out of this mood! Nate is a really great guy. You’re going to have a ton of fun. And you’re going to forget all about Jake.” She grabs my shoulders and leans down to look me right in the eye. “Trust me. I met him. You’re going to like him.” She smiles big and I can’t help but smile back.

“I’m sure he’ll be just fine. Maybe he’ll turn into a great friend, but I’m really not in a place to start dating him. I just got trampled, Jenna,” I say, my smile turning sad.

“I know, I know. But I really want you to give him a chance. I really think you guys will hit it off.”

“Fine. I’ll keep an open mind. But my heart stays closed.”

“I can’t believe that I finally find a guy with a friend that is perfect for you, and the timing is terrible!” She seems to really think I’ll like this guy.

“I told you I will be nice. I’ll turn my mood around by the time we get to dinner.” I smile a big fake smile at her. “See! Look how happy I am!”

“You better be able to fake it better than that, Rach!” she says, straightening her blonde hair. “And hurry they’ll be here at five. Will has to work at ten and I know you have an early drive. We’ll have to leave Sound at nine.”

“That’s fine. I’m not up for an all-nighter anyway,” I respond.

“Hey! Frowny face! Turn it upside down and smile why don’t ya?” She smiles at me and we start laughing.

***

After Nate and Will pick us up at the dorms, we head to dinner. To say that dinner goes well would be an understatement. Dinner is perfect. Nate is actually really great. He rivals Jake in the looks department. He is taller than Jake and has dirty blonde hair that goes to his chin. He has brilliant green eyes, almost the same color as mine, and he is all muscle. In a good way. He is sweet and thoughtful opening doors, pulling out my chair, and making sure to tell our terrible waitress when I need a refill. He is funny and charming, and, so far, has me smiling all night.

He’s from the Midwest, and when he came out here for school he loved it so much that he never wanted to move back. I find out that he graduated last year, pre-med, and is taking a year off of school before he goes to med school. Right now, he is working at the hospital and playing drums in his band. And when we fight over the last bite of our shared dessert, I learn that his favorite food is also chocolate. Same as me.

We get to Sound at seven. It’s pretty quiet seeing as they just opened, but it allows us the opportunity to keep talking. After finishing the first round of drinks, Jenna and I head to the bathroom.

As soon as the door closes behind us, she’s on me. “So?” She looks like she already knows the answer to her question.

“So he’s pretty great!” I say a huge smile growing on my face. “Seriously, how is it that you found such a great guy at such a bad time?”

“I know! But you’ll go on another date if he asks? I can tell he really likes you.”

“I think I will. We’ll see how he is for the rest of the night. He might turn into a creeper now that we’re drinking and dancing,” I say unsure.

“No way! This guy’s a keeper. I know it!” She smiles.

We go to the bathroom and then touch up our make-up in the mirror before we head back out to get another round.

It’s eight o’clock, and I’m two rounds in. We’re still sitting near the bar talking. Nate has had five beers, including the two he had at dinner, and I can tell he is a happy drunk. He’s smiling and joking. And if at all possible, he’s even more charming. He seems less nervous and more sure of himself. But not in a cocky way, in an attractive way. I’m having a lot of fun with him. Jenna and Will are already on the dance floor. Jenna’s not a big drinker and Will isn’t drinking since he has to work.

Nate stands up and puts one hand behind his back and holds the other out for me. “Will the lady honor me with a dance?” he asks with a big smile on his face.

I grab his hand and smile back. “The lady would love that!”

The crowd in Sound has started to grow as we weave our way to the dance floor. Then I feel someone come up too close behind me and grab onto my other hand bringing me to a halt.

“You know this guy just wants in your pants, right? He’s thinking the same things I said to you, he’s just too much of a pussy to say them.” I turn around and come face to face with Mike.

Nate has realized that I’ve come to a stop and he turns around to see Mike in my face.

“Is everything okay, Rachel? Do you know this guy?” The happy, jovial Nate, has turned into my protector. My face tells him that even though I may know him, I am not a fan of this guy.

“Hell yeah she knows me! She’s a cock tease. She’ll dress all slutty, but then you find out she’s a prude,” Mike spits out, and I can smell the alcohol on his breath. I can tell he’s pretty drunk and is acting kind of crazy. I’m scared, and I shrink a little back into Nate.

Nate can tell I’m uncomfortable and he pulls me behind him, stepping up into Mike’s face. Nate has a few inches on him and is definitely in better shape. He’s also had a lot less to drink. “Hey pal. Why don’t you leave her alone? We’re on a date here. Just trying to go dance. Step back.” His last words are definitely a warning.

“I just thought I’d warn you. You’re not going to get anything out of her,” he snarls at Nate.

“Lucky for me, I’m not looking for a one night stand. She’s a quality woman and deserves to be treated with respect. I can tell that you’re not man enough for her. Get the fuck away from us.” He just defended my honor. He’s like my real life knight in shining armor.

Mike starts to step up to Nate. “Is there a problem here?” I hear as one of the bouncers steps up to us.

“No problem here, right?” Nate says, his eyes cold as he looks at Mike.

“Nah, man. She’s not worth it!” barks Mike as he walks away. Thanks for
that
guy, Jenna.

As soon as Mike is out of view, Nate turns back around. “You okay?” he asks, concern written all over his face.

I smile at him and nod. Definitely. More than okay. Great. Perfect. Swooning.

“Good.” He smiles. “Ready to dance?” he asks.

I nod again and follow him to the dance floor, holding his hand.

We dance for the rest of the night. He’s a great dancer and I feel a little spark there, but still nothing compared to Jake. Nate is great and since things seem to be going nowhere with Jake, I decide to really give this guy a chance. I’m attracted to him, and we get along well. Maybe that heat will come with time?

We leave just after nine, but I’m glad it’s not going to be a late night since I have a big drive early in the morning and want to get at least a little sleep.

Nate and Will decide to walk us back instead of driving because the parking lot for Sound is only one block away from our dorm. When we get back, Will and Jenna connect at the mouth and stay that way for about five minutes while Nate and I say good-bye.

“I had a lot of fun tonight. I’m glad we got set-up,” he says smiling.

“Me too,” I respond and smile back.

He’s still holding my hand and moves to grab the other one. “I’d like to go out again. Maybe next week?”

“I think I can manage that,” I say, smiling even bigger.

“Cool. Can I get your number?”

We exchange phone numbers and practically pry Will and Jenna apart.

Jenna walks inside and I go to follow her. Before I get inside, I hear Nate calling my name. He comes running back and stops right in front of me. He looks down into my eyes and smiles at me as he leans down to kiss me. Our lips meet and I feel a little spark. The kiss is short and very sweet. It is a perfect first kiss.

Second best I’ve ever had.

“Bye, Rachel,” he says grinning and walking backwards.

“Bye, Nate,” I say back, with the same goofy grin on my face.

The boys leave and Jenna and I head up to her room. As soon as we get to her room, my phone alerts me to a text message. It’s from Nate.

Nate:
Can’t wait to see you again. How does Saturday sound?

Me:
Good. Can’t wait to see you either :)

I smile.

Jenna sits down on her bed and I take a seat in her chair. Then begins the inquisition.

“Sooooo… what did you think? Good? Bad?”

“I had a really good time with him. I like him a lot.” I smile, remembering my night. “We’re going to go out again next week.”

“Really?! I’m glad. He seems like a really great guy. I saw Mike walk over to you guys while we were in the club. What happened there?”

“Oh, no big deal. Just knight in shining armor type stuff.” And I go on to tell her all about the little interaction between Mike and Nate.

“Wow! He said he wanted more. That’s huge!”

“Yeah. I like him, but the chemistry that I have with Jake just isn’t there. Had this been a month ago and I hadn’t met Jake, I would have thought that Nate was perfect. There’s a little spark with Nate, but nothing compared to what I get when I’m near Jake. And now that I’ve felt it, I don’t know if I can be with a guy without it, you know?”

“Yeah. But you’re giving him a chance?” she asks.

“I’m thinking that when I’m further removed from the Jake kiss, I’ll be able to better assess how I really connect with Nate. But I’m looking forward to our date next week. I just don’t want to lead him on.”

“So you feel something, just not what you feel with Jake?”

“Yep. I’m attracted to him, I’m just hoping that maybe the attraction will grow,” I say hopefully.

“Well, if you feel something for him, you’re not leading him on. Attraction is instant, but it isn’t always what builds a lasting relationship. I’m glad you’re giving him a chance.” She smiles at me.

“Yeah, me too. Anyways, I’ve got to finish packing and get to sleep. Early morning for me,” I say standing up out of her chair.

“Have fun! Maybe talk to Jake and figure out what is going on there before you move on with Nate?”

“Whatever, nosy girl! See you later, and thanks for letting me borrow your car!”

“Anytime!” She waves at me from her bed as I close the door to her room.

I head downstairs to my room and go inside. I barely have a chance to take off my shoes when I hear a knock at the door. I open it and of course it’s Jake.

“Hey Jake! Come on in!” I say moving out of the way so he can come into my room.

“No thanks. I just wanted to confirm that we were leaving at eight in the morning,” he says without a smile.

“Um, yep. Eight. Then we’ll go to the hotel and drop off our things before we head over to the art show.” I smile at him, hoping that he’ll return it.

“Ok. See you in the morning,” he says, barely finishing his sentence before he turns around and walks back to his room and closes the door.