Dating Delaney Read online

  “Dammit, Delaney!” he shouts as blood trickles from his lip.

  “Do you remember what I did to John after he left? DO YOU?!” I scream. Gavin nods his head solemnly.

  “You deleted him from your life,” his voice breaks.

  “Yup and now you get to enjoy the same fate, fucker. I FUCKING HATE YOU. YOU DON'T EXIST TO ME ANYMORE!” I cock my arm back to take another swing but I find myself being hauled backwards by two strong arms wrapped around my waist.

  “Enough.” The word is spoken softly but sternly in my ear.

  I’m suddenly exhausted. I turn in Jake’s arms just as a sob rips through my body. I wrap my arms around his waist and fist his shirt while I drench it with my tears. His arms shift and he bends down to pick me up. I bury my face in the crook of his neck so I don't have to look at anyone as he carries me to his truck. One last strangled cry rips across the sidewalk, but this time it’s not me. “Laney, don’t do this!” Gavin cries.

  Jake sets me in the truck and closes my door. I don't even look back once as we pull away. Once he’s driven a safe distance down the street I pull my hands away from my face and stare vacantly out the window, trying to process everything that just happened.

  Dating Delaney 303

  “Laney? Are you all right?” I ask tentatively.

  “How much of that did you witness?” she asks dejectedly.

  “Somewhere around ‘you’d watch and let me struggle the way I have for the last thirteen years’ right up until you started to beat him up,” I answer. She sighs and keeps her gaze focused out the window.

  “I honestly don't know,” she whispers.

  “What?” I coax.

  “What is love really, anyways?” she rambles. “Is it dictated or chosen, and if it was ever there and it left does it mean it was never true?” Seeing her right now so upset and confused kills me, I give her what I can but it doesn’t feel like much.

  “Love is unconditionally being willing to enter into another person’s brokenness,” I say softly. She sucks in a deep breath and turns, searching my eyes.

  “That’s the perfect thing to say.” She holds my gaze a moment longer. I reach over and lace my fingers through hers. “So, where are we going?”

  “I’m not ready to go home yet. What were you doing?” She straightens her shoulders a little.

  “Owen and I were hanging at his place.”

  “Let’s do that,” she says.

  “I don't think you’d find that fun,” I say flatly.

  “Anything will be fun after the cookout,” she says in with deadpan tone, making me chuckle.

  “It’s your funeral,” I tease.

  “Bring it,” she says as a small smile spreads over her face. I want to ask about what exactly happened. I only caught bits and pieces at the end but I don't think she wants to talk about it so I let it go.

  * * * * *

  “Well bang my wang, look who it is!” Owen shouts as we walk through the door. This was probably a bad idea, bringing her here. O is buzzed and his filter is gone.

  “Bang your wang?” she says and cocks her head at him.

  “Awww, I’d love that, Laney, but you’re Jake’s girl,” he teases.

  “Charming.” Sarcasm drips off her.

  I quickly make my way to the fridge to get us a beer, hoping that it will take the edge off, for both of us. Three beers later I start wishing I hadn't given either of them even one beer.

  “Drip sill!” she squeaks.

  Owen thinks hard for a moment. “Mustache Comb!”

  “Grundle!” Laney shouts.

  “Gooch!”

  “Perineum!” she retorts.

  “Hey! No correct terminology!” Owen laughs.

  For the past three minutes they’ve been holding a contest to see who knows more words for the term taint. I’m laughing so hard I’m crying and tears are sliding down my face but they seem completely comfortable with the conversation.

  “Whatever...” Laney looks around, “is that a dart board?!”

  “Yeah, you want to play a game?” I ask.

  “Sure!” she says while pushing off the couch and heading for the board. Owen looks at me, eyes twinkling. “She’s okay I guess. I retract all previous twat blocker comments.”

  “Ha. Ha. Owen.”

  “You called me a twat blocker?!” she squeals.

  “Yup,” Owen clips.

  “Why? I haven't blocked any twat from you...” She looks at Owen curiously.

  “Laney, Laney, Laney. When the wingman technique is used, both girls are approached by the men, and the wingman automatically engages in conversation with the ugly girl. His job is then to offer the ugly girl to dance, which rarely happens to her, so she can't resist, thus leaving me to the hot girl. But ever since you showed up, he won't even take one for the team.”

  Laney looks to me. “Awww, Jake, your sandy vagina misses you,” she says and jerks her head at Owen. He chokes and spits beer all over the floor.

  “What?! I’m a what?!” he crows. Laney laughs and shrugs it off, handing me a set of darts.

  “Let’s play, pansies!” she yells.

  Three more beers later I actually feel bad for them both. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d find a woman who’d tolerate Owen, let alone get along with him. He tends to be an acquired taste--one that anything with a vagina can't acquire.

  “Listen, Sandy, I told you I was good at darts, there’s no need to get bent out of shape over losing,” she jabs. Owen and Laney have been going back and forth for the last five minutes about her current three-game winning streak. Although their banter is funny, it’s late and I’m tired.

  “Laney, it’s late and I’m getting tired, you about ready to go home?” I ask her.

  When she turns to me I notice she’s swaying slightly and her eyes are looking a little glassy. “Sure thing, Mr. Magic Mouth.”

  As soon as the words are out of her mouth her hand shoots up and clamps over it.

  “Mr. Magic Mouth?” Owen chimes in. I keep my eyes trained on hers and ignore Owen. “Have I been re-nicknamed?” I ask. A grin breaks out on her face and she blushes.

  “Umm...”

  “Hold UP! You nickname people?” Owen asks.

  She turns to Owen and grabs his face between her hands, squishing it up into a fishy face. “You’re kinda cute when I’m drunk,” she giggles. “And yes, I nickname guys. You have been dubbed Sandy, obviously, because you’re a sandy vagina!” She falls into a fit of laughter as Owen and I stand and stare at her.

  “How come he gets Magic Mouth?” Owen whines.

  “I can't tell you that,” she winks. Suddenly I feel the need to get out of Owen’s and fast.

  “Come on, let’s go, Drunk-o.” I grab her hand and lead us towards the door.

  “Bye Sandy!” she calls to Owen.

  “OH!! I get it! Magic Mouth!”

  I watch Owen dissolve with laughter as I shut the door behind me.

  Delaney

  “That was funnn.” I sound funny. Ahh, yes, I’m on the cusp of full-fledged drunkenness. I giggle at myself.

  “So, Magic Mouth, huh?” Jake asks and all giggling stops instantly, replaced by horror.

  “I said that out loud, didn't I?” I ask.

  “Yup.” He grins. He’s grinning!

  “Uh well…you know,” I try and brush it off. “Let’s listen to some music.” I am the master of suave. Obviously.

  Jake flashes his dimples at me while he turns the radio on and music floods the cab. His hand finds mine in the dark and he laces his fingers through mine while rubbing his thumb up and down my finger. It’s soothing and I find myself not wanting to lose the feeling. My heart feels like a million pounds right now and his comforting gesture makes me feel content. By the time we arrive home, the night’s events have caught up to me full tilt and I’m drained.

  “Despite the reason, I’m glad I got to see you tonight,” Jake murmurs to me as his mouth draws impossibly close to mine
without connecting.

  “Mmm, me...” is as far as I get before his mouth comes down on mine. I let my hands drift up his sides as he softly kisses me. His body’s hard in all the right places and his skin is hot and smooth. I hook my thumbs in the waistband of his jeans and drag them slowly side to side. He groans into my mouth. I like the way his muscles twitch when I touch them.

  “Laney, you’re killing me,” he groans and stills my hands.

  “The feeling is mutual,” I coo.

  “I really should go,” he tells me.

  I nod and push up on my tiptoes to give him one last kiss before he leaves. When he breaks the kiss he leans to the side and places the softest kiss just behind my ear. I love it. It’s so intimate, special. My belly whooshes.

  “Night, Laney.” His voice is rough.

  “Night,” I whisper back. He waits until I’m safely inside before getting back in his truck and heading home. Such a gentleman. What I wouldn't give to have him hold me all night, to wake up in his arms. I shake my head of the thoughts. I plug in my phone, ignoring the ten texts from Gavin, check on Claire, and collapse into bed.

  * * * * *

  “Laney!” Gavin shouts. It’s too early for his shenanigans. I yank my phone to me, ignoring his screaming, to see that I have ten missed calls and twenty-five new texts. All from Gavin.

  “Laney, goddamnit talk to me,” he caterwauls. I roll out of bed groaning and throw on a sweatshirt before heading to the door.

  “What,” I clip through the glass.

  “Jesus, let me in,” Gavin pleads.

  “No,” I bark.

  “Princess,” he begs.

  “Fuck you, Gavin,” I grind out and turn to exit the mudroom.

  “Okay! Okay, I’ll talk to you through the door,” he whines at me. I turn back around.

  “You’re really mad,” he states.

  “Thank you, Captain Obvious,” I deadpan.

  “Jesus, all right...” He runs a hand over his face before tilting his head back and pinching the bridge of his nose. “I love you, Laney. I’ve loved you for so long I can't even remember a time when I didn't,” he confides. I stand stunned. He has, of course< told me he loves me, but not like this, not like he loves me as in he’s in love with me.

  “What the hell are you talking about, Gav?”

  “I’m in love with you, Laney. I always have been. I intended on acting on that, you know, after you and John broke up. But, when I saw what I did to you.” He shakes his head. “I…I knew you needed a lot of time...and then…when I sorta tried to feel you out later on…you looked at me as just a friend, I mean, I could see it in your eyes, I knew I was always going to be just a friend. So, I chickened out and never told you how I felt. Never pursued you. Not like that, anyways.” He shuffles his feet and stares at the ground. I stand silent, shocked. “Laney, say something,” he pleads.

  “I honestly don't know what to say. You knew how much I loved John, you knew how much he loved me. You sabotaged that. On purpose. We both trusted you. Gavin, at any point in time you could have told me how you felt...without breaking us up. I just. I’m done. I see you for you now. I don't think our friendship can survive this,” I explain. And I don't. I don't see any way for us to weather this storm.

  “Laney, please…don’t cut me out of your life,” he begs.

  “I’m sorry, Gavin…I’m so sorry. This isn't high school, I don't have room in my life for friends like you. I can't do it. Go home, Gav, go home and fix things with your wife. Make yourself a good life and stay out of mine.” I cross my arms over my chest as I start to tremble. This is the right choice. I believe in it, too, but cutting someone who’s been in your life for twenty years that you cared for out is hard. He puts his palm on the glass.

  “Laney...don't.” His voice breaks and it almost breaks me but somehow I manage to keep myself together.

  “Goodbye, Gavin.” I turn quickly before my tears fall and dart back in the house. He doesn't leave. I can hear him on the porch calling me. Twenty minutes later, he finally gives up and pulls down the driveway, disappearing. It takes the better part of my morning to cry all my tears out and mourn the loss of my friend, but eventually I end up out of tears and surprisingly feeling all right.

  After writing for four hours and a late afternoon spa date with Claire, I’m feeling much better. Mostly like my good old self. Claire and I spend an hour at bedtime reading together and after she's soundly asleep I pop in The Breakfast Club and enjoy the show.

  * * * * *

  I shoot Jake a text just to say hi and see what’s up.:

  Hey MM

  MM?

  MagicMouth!

  Aww. yes. What’s happenin hotstuff?

  Funny I was just watching an 80’s flick- not 16 candles tho

  Which one?

  Breakfast Club.

  Classic. How’re doing today?

  Bit of a hangover this morning & a gavin siting but day ended up just right.

  Everything ok? Need me to take him out for you?

  Ha! I think that he got my drift. Thx for the offer tho

  So then, what's up?

  Just wanted to read your voice I guess.

  Anyone ever tell you you’re strange?

  Sure. Is it a problem ?

  Nah, I like strange.

  Sweet!

  Have an early morning... see you soon.

  Night.

  * * * * *

  “Knock, knock!”

  “Who’s there?” I laugh.

  “Uh…this wasn't supposed to be a joke...I was actually knocking,” Jake says outside my bedroom door.

  I set the laptop to the side, climb off the bed, and open the door for him.

  “Hi,” he says, holding out a plate with a sandwich on it to me. “Hungry?” The site of food makes my stomach growl loudly. I have to remember to eat breakfast.

  “Yup. Sounds like I’m starving!” I laugh and take the plate from him. “Thank you.”

  “You really do lose track of time when you’re writing, don’t you?” he teases.

  “Yeah, it’s a bad habit.” I take my plate to the kitchen and join him for a late lunch. Thinking of him moving around my kitchen making me lunch brings a smile to my face.

  “So, what’s going on Saturday?” he asks after swallowing a bite of his sandwich.

  “OH! Yeah, the Fourth. I’m going to plan on being there around noon if you want to join me. We’re going to hang at the lake and then BBQ dinner and watch the fireworks. Everyone is sleeping there and no one is bringing kids,” I smile.

  “What time should I be here?” he asks.

  “Eleven-thirty should be fine. Make sure you remember a bathing suit and bring whatever you want to drink,” I answer.

  “Got it,” he winks. “Can I show you something?” he questions. I check the clock, making sure I have enough time before leaving to pick up Claire. I can’t believe it’s three-thirty already.

  “Sure.”

  Jake leads me to the living room and up the stairs to the second floor.

  “Close your eyes,” he says when we’re halfway up the stairs.

  “We’re on stairs, I can't climb with closed eyes,” I say dryly.

  “Trust me, Laney.”

  I close my eyes and a hand comes to the small of my back while the other takes my left hand. He guides me up the last four steps carefully until we are on the landing. He twists my body slightly and brings his mouth to my ear. His breath sends tingles shooting through my body.

  “Open,” he says softly. My eyes flutter open and I pan around the upstairs in complete shock and awe. Just over two weeks ago it was just an open, peaked space. Now there are two bedrooms, both dormered. The doors to each room are open and we’re standing in the hallway. There’s an amazing built-in at the top of the landing under a brand new window overlooking the fields behind the house. I squeal and immediately go to Claire’s room first, dragging Jake with me.

  “Holy crap, Jake! This is amazing!” I g
ush. Claire’s room has two perfect dormers with windows that will fit a full-size bed into them with gorgeous built-in bookcases and shelving surrounding each window. Both windows are open and a summer breeze that smells like the ocean moves through the room.

  “It’s perfect! I can’t believe you got her room done so quickly!” I rave.

  “Want to see your room?” he suggests.

  “My room’s done too!?” I crow. He nods at me, takes my hand, and leads me to my room.

  The full dormer is amazing. It opens the space up so much it looks like a completely different room. When we step into the room I instantly am drawn to the three large windows looking over the fields. He built shelving around my windows too and each shelf has a small vase on it with hydrangeas, peonies, or dahlias in them. The whole thing is overwhelming.

  “Jake, it’s so perfect. The flowers too…you didn't have to do that,” I say and turn to him. He shrugs and smiles down at me. As he leans down and I push up to meet him I notice a sliding door just behind the bedroom door.

  “WHAT?!?!?!?!!?” I yell in excitement, totally forgetting we were about to kiss. He looks startled for a moment and then sees where I’m pointing.

  “Check it out,” he chuckles. I all but run the three steps over to the sliding door and pull it open. Ho-ly SHIT! It’s a closet. But not just any closet, it’s like one of those fancy has-a-compartment-for-everything IKEA closets but it’s all hand made. Somehow it doesn’t take up too much room either, which is why I didn't intend on having a closet built, because I wanted to maximize floor space. There is even a small sliding tray with shoe holders in it! I spin around wide-eyed and leap across the space between us. Jake lets out an audible “oof” as he catches me. I wrap my legs around his waist and grab his face, pulling his cheeks into a fishy face. “I LOVE IT! IT’S AMAZING!” I’m screaming. Jesus, Laney, take it down a notch. Jake laughs at me and when he does I can feel his hardness bumping against me with his laughs.