Title: Bolero
Chapter 10: Day 8 (Friday part 2)
Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN ANY of the CHARACTERS
Characters in this Chapter: Randy, Stacy, Jeff, Trish, Maryse and Ted Di Biasi [Mentions of The Miz, Amy and Candice]
Summary: It is an Alternative Universe Story that takes place in modern day, and centers around the lives of four main characters
Thanks to: Maryeemeeh, WWE0Chick5 and TrishOrton and to all those who read, support, fave, follow and giving review to this story.. I CANT THANK YOU ENOUGH! From the bottom of my HEART! THANK YOU! YOU ALL ROCK! Till Next story again! :)
AN: AS PROMISE.. here is the last chapter.. and I made it to a point to FILL ur Trish/Jeff cravings! I hope that I didn't disappoint u in any way.. This Chapter concludes the relationship with our 4 main characters and special look at Maryse love story.. ;) HAVE FUN and for the last time.. REVIEW!
~xoxo~
Soon, everyone was exiting the stage. Trish immediately returned to the crowded party, weaving between people to seek out Randy and see what he thought about the show.
Seeing Trish, Randy widely grinned, immediately praising the show. "That was great. The clothes looked amazing. And you were a natural as always." Randy had his hand lightly touching Stacy's as he spoke.
Stacy nodded in agreement, smiling shyly at her lover's closest best friend. "You did a wonderful job, Trish."
Trish smiled at the two, immediately noticing their closeness. She was struck for a slight moment, once again, with that horrible jealously, not that they'd found each other, but that they were being so open about their feelings and no one was condemning them. "Thank you, both of you." She sighed, relieved that her part of the evening had gone over perfectly. 'I think it's almost safe to say that this party is a success, Rands"
Stacy laughed at the nickname, clearly relaxing, as was Trish's intention when she pulled out that silly name. If Randy was dating her, then Trish wanted to be her friend.
Randy's lips parted a bit looking at Stacy laughing, and reached up to pinch at her arm. "Why are you laughing?" he proceeded to sneak his other hand in to squeeze at the others side for a devilish tickle.
Giggling, Stacy pulled away, swatting at her lover, trying to keep the wiggling fingers from getting her. "Nothing, of course."
Trish was grinning from ear to ear, watching the exchange. "You guys are cute together, you know."
Jeff kept stopping, turning in a circle to scan the area, as he walked around the store. No luck. None at all. Why were so many people here? Starting to walk again, Jeff accidentally bumped into an older woman whose glass of champagne tipped in her hand, causing the contents to spill onto the floor. "Oh! Sorry!" he earnestly apologized, quickly stealing napkins and lowering himself to the floor to clean up the mess. Even in these clothes, his clumsiness seethed through. The people surrounding them dispersed to allow enough room and to avoid stepping on the small puddle. He repeatedly apologized, using each thick napkin to clean a little of the mss. He was so embarrassed, but he tried to hide it, keeping his face down and focused.
Randy's tickling motions on Stacy were interrupted, hearing a small commotion off to the side. "Oh? I better check it out," he shared a concerned look with Trish before leaving to maneuver between the bodies and make his way towards where the incident was occurring.
Trish smiled reassuringly at Stacy, then glanced in the direction Randy had gone in concern. "I'm sure it's nothing, but… maybe I should check it out too," she said, excusing herself from Stacy's side before following, a few steps behind her friend.
Coming to the small clearing, Randy saw a familiar looking man knelt down, wiping furiously at the champagne on the floor. With surprise, he bent down as well, lightly touching the man's arm. "Sir, you don't need to worry. I'll have someone else come to clean it." In fact a server had already appeared to dispose of the mess.
Jeff lifted his gaze to see who was addressing him when those familiar features came into view. He nearly fell back with shock, as it was the same man who knew Trish. The man who he'd met earlier in the week. "..."
Overcome with complete surprise as well, Randy's words were lost on his tongue. "You're..." but he drifted; noticing now how the other's green eyes darted past him to...
Bewilderment became the first emotion to invade him. Yet that was forgotten as he found himself spellbound. Jeff was utterly mesmerized at the heavenly presence standing there at the edge of the crowd.
Trish walked up behind Randy, pausing in concern and bending down as she saw the lady wiping frantically at the champagne on her designer gown, ready to lend a hand. Then she heard Randy speaking, and looked past them to the man who was kneeling on the ground, trying to help clean up the mess, and the words she'd been preparing died on her tongue, leaving her standing there, awestruck, with her mouth hanging open.
Jeff barely registered he slowly stand up, and he had to gather strength into his legs, urging himself to gradually stand as well. People began to turn away from the scene and return to their networks of mingling. Jeff didn't notice that though. Really the only thing his mind kept presenting to him was 'breathtaking'. As always. The thought that continually rose when he thought of... Trish.
Still Trish's mouth was gaping open, as she struggled to accept the fact that Jeff was standing in front of her, and that she hadn't been crazy when she'd thought she'd seen him earlier. She slowly closed her mouth, but that was as far as she got, eyes still wide with surprise.
Randy stared between the two, clearly observing the lack of efficient reaction between them. Knowing that this was the best for Trish, Randy clapped his friend on the shoulder and patted her a few steps forward, bringing Trish a bit closer to Jeff. "I'm glad you were able to make It, Jeff." He placed a big smile on his face to hopefully lighten the stricken expressions on each of their faces. Trish, have you officially met Jeff?"
"Ah- um..." Trish licked her lips, "No, I guess not." She took a deep breath, trying to calm down, and bowed politely, not knowing what else to do.
Jeff hesitated, noting the way his cheeks flushed with warmth, and he quickly bowed himself, fumbling out his name once again, "Je-Jeff, nice to um... officially? ... meet you, Trish..." The other's name left him sounding more like a whisper. When he straightened, he shifted between each foot, concluding that his limbs never felt more awkward.
Randy bit his lower lip to repress the inkling laughter. Oh this was great. "Ah, well... I'm going back to Stacy. You two should check out the desserts," he smiled once at them both, before leaving, giving one last encouraging squeezes to Trish's shoulder.
"A-actually... you can call me... Patricia..." Trish said, after glaring at Randy for abandoning her. It was the name she never used, she wouldn't even be surprised to hear that everyone had forgotten that Trish wasn't her real name, but she'd caught herself fantasizing a few times what it would sound like to hear Jeff say it. "I... I wasn't expecting..."
Patricia, Jeff echoed within his head. That name seemed more befitting, he felt. "Neither was I..." Jeff admitted, only wishing a moment later he could have said something else. Maybe a, 'so your expectations were exceeded?' But knowing himself, his honest (no matter how un cool they were) thoughts always came out. "Dessert?" he cringed slightly, as that word popped into his mind from the earlier suggestion.
Trish nodded. "Dessert." She walked with the other towards the table that was covered with various decadent looking desserts, trying to think of what she could say. "Are... you enjoying yourself?" She looked around, trying to spot Randy, hoping that the other would return and rescue her from this awkward conversation, because as much as she'd anticipated meeting Jeff, the things that she'd imagined them talking about weren't… really… things she could actually say.
The landscape of all these exquisite looking desserts reminded Jeff of his rather hungry stomach, and being used to a much lower quality of food, the spread seemed miraculous. "What is this..." he questioned quietly, before his eyebrows shot up at Trish asking a question. "Oh, well..." his lips lowered to a small frown, "Seeing as how I've never been to such a party, don't really know anyone, and caused a lady to spill her champagne, it's been pretty good. I'm more surprised at how I haven't created even more havoc," a small laugh escaped for him at his own joke, but it quickly faded once it clicked that the joke wasn't that funny.
Trish smiled sympathetically. "Well you know me... sort of." She hesitated, a question popping into her head that she was afraid to ask the other... afraid of the answer. "I don't suppose you remember me... you probably didn't even see me... last week, in the park. I saw you painting..." She paused, not wanting to sound like a stalker or something. The voice of Jeff's roommate echoed in her head... He's completely in love with you!, but that was something she couldn't make herself believe. Not for a moment.
Selecting a Danish type of cookie, Jeff lifted it to his mouth but thanked any almighty force he hadn't eaten it for he surely would have choked at that question. "Last week?" he blinked several times wondering if he should reveal how he painted Trish, enchanted by her beauty. But that would be way too much. "Well actually... I did." How could he not? "I was hoping you hadn't seen me," he weakly smiled, remembering the embarrassing incident.
"I just..." Trish took some random dessert too, to be polite, not even paying attention to what it was, and continued. "I was wondering... what you were painting."
And immediately a powerful heat breached his face, and he stared down at his unbitten cookie, pressing his lips together. His mind raved with how to answer that question. Finally he stared up at Trish, eyes exhibiting an unfeigned boldness, "...You." His hand quavered just the smallest bit, dreading the anticipated response.
Trish dropped the dessert she was holding and stared. She'd let her mind wander to all sorts of things that the other might have been painting, but that was one possibility that had never crossed her mind. "Why...me..."
Jeff looked off to the side, unable to see her expression. "Because..." his lips formed the words and his voice raised just enough, "...you took my breath away." Now his chest felt tight with each beat of his heart. He had said the words within his mind ever since.
"Me?" Trish asked, genuinely surprised despite what Jeff's roommate had told her. "I'm not… I mean…" She wasn't sure what she meant. There were too many thoughts bouncing around in her head. But one in particular kept bothering her. Jeff seemed nice- and he didn't deserve to be caught up with Trish. He'd just end up getting hurt. Things never worked out with Trish.
The truth already came out so Jeff felt no need to hide from it anymore. Hearing those small mutters of denial, he gazed at Trish more openly, a light frown laid upon his lips. "I don't think I can say the words on… what I think." He had a vivid image but how could he express that to Trish? "But I do know… you're far too good for…" he wanted to say himself, but the despair of that thought led him to finally bite softly into the cookie, which was very delicious.
"Too…" Trish shook her head, and to her horror, could feel that if she wasn't careful, she'd be crying any moment, the realization that she was pushing something away that she wanted so badly difficult to bear. "I… may look pretty, but on the inside, I'm a mess. I'm so broken…" She breathed deeply, closing her eyes for a moment. Being honest with Jeff was more painful than she could have imagined, and it didn't make sense. Jeff was a stranger, after all.
Reality sunk in as Jeff realized how much he really didn't know Trish. He saw this person as a stunning artwork, yet failed to see the soul beyond those downcast eyes. His voice sounded foreign as the next words entered the air, "Well have you tried… to put those broken pieces back together?"
"I don't know how." Trish blinked back a tear, embarrassed that she was losing it in the middle of the party, and in front of someone she barely knew.
Jeff could see the cloud of devastation condense above Trish and he so desired to see the clouds part and the sun reign through. "I… we don't know each other well, and… I don't know what pain you've experienced." The party had long left his mind with Trish on the forefront. "And I don't know how good I am at gluing things back together. But…" he slowly exhaled. "If you hand me the pieces," He'd never felt more unsure and determined at the same time; "I can at least create something new with them." His genuine gaze rested on Trish.
Trish couldn't understand why Jeff would even want to try… But the offer was so tempting - just a taste of the heaven Trish knew was hiding in the artist's heart seemed worth whatever might happen as a result. "Maybe," she took a deep breath. "I know I want to be friends with you…"
The developed lump in his throat finally left, despite his infernal negative thoughts that mocked him for even wanting in some way, something more than friendship with Trish. Yet he was still relieved and thankful that it seemed Trish allowed him a small chance. "Then, as a new friend, I recommend the cookies." He still had the half bitten treat in his hand and almost offered it but realized that probably wouldn't be appealing.
That made Trish laugh, but she quickly covered her mouth, knowing how silly her laugh was. "I'll have one then." She reached out and took one, then nibbled at it. It was amazing, not that she was surprised.
Jeff automatically flushed at the laugh, deciding that instant he preferred the wondrous sound of it over any noise. He finished off the cookie and glanced around, remembering they were at the party. "I'm still confused as to…" He twirled his finger signaling to everything, "What this is all for." He tried his best into inviting Trish away from the earlier solemnity.
"And I'm still confused about why you're here, not that I'm complaining…" Trish looked around the store. "This party is for the grand opening of this store, Bolero. A lot of people worked for a long time to design this line of clothing…" She gestured to what she was wearing. "This is the first item we created." She smiled proudly. "We're celebrating… that Randy's dream is finally a reality."
Jeff's lips turned slightly into an awkward smile as he explained, "Well… I was first invited by um… Randy? And I guess you could say I made it here by the help of my friends." He would definitely have to thank them later, he mused, fingering the hem of the vest. Hearing the history of the party's purpose made him nod and inquire, "So I can only guess you helped with this all." The garment Trish wore spoke volumes.
"Randy… Why am I not surprised?" Trish laughed. "And… I was in charge of a lot of the clothing design… and the models…" she trailed off, for the first time paying attention to what Jeff was wearing. "Your outfit is amazing. Who is the designer?" She didn't recognize it, and Trish usually prided herself on keeping up with fashion, so that was unusual.
"Oh," Jeff also stared down, taking in the view of a much appreciated set of clothes, "My friend… Candice." Jeff grinned a little, knowing if Candice were here she'd probably clap and bounce. "She wants to become a big name designer, I'm sure."
"Well it looks like she does good work," Trish commented, using the current conversation as an excuse to check out Jeff, running her eyes down along Jeff's body, "Maybe you could introduce me some time?"
Really this whole notion of being able to spend time with Trish outside of this party made Jeff's heart leap an extra mile. "Of course."
~xoxo~
Further down the table of dessert, Maryse watched Trish and whoever the guy was converse. Truthfully, she never saw Trish in company with someone outside of the usual sphere. The man looked decent and pretty wealthy by his clothes, causing Maryse to wonder if she was another potential business partner.
"Maryse baby, why do you look so sad?" Slipping up behind her, Ted Di Biase ran a hand over the nape of the Maryse neck, tickling her a bit. "Don't you know parties are supposed to be fun?"
Maryse nearly dropped her glass at the sudden caress to her neck and she stared up widely to the culprit, "Ted?" Her full lips went ajar as she quickly looked around before leaning to whisper harshly, "What are you doing here? I didn't think you were invited!" What a way to make the night even more... interesting.
Ted's grin quickly filled his face as he took Maryse's champagne glass from her hand and took a large sip. "Mm." He then laughed at the look on Maryse's face. "I wouldn't say I was invited per say, but... It's not like anyone is going to notice an extra person. And poor me, alone while you are off having fun. How fair is that?"
Maryse rolled her eyes and let the other keep the glass. She crossed her eyebrows mildly as she purposely focused elsewhere. "I don't know why you're speaking like that. There's nothing between us anymore."
"A~ah. I know that." Ted pursed his lips, looking at her thoughtfully. "But I can dream, can't I?" Then he laughed. "Anyway, I'm starving. Want to attack the buffet with me?"
How cheesy. Maryse let her eyes drift about, soon sighing softly. "Fine, since there's nothing else to do," she walked first towards one of the tables, coming to the one with the butter crackers, soft bread, and an array of cheeses. She wasn't sure which ones she should go for.
Ted immediately walked over, grabbing a plate, and started piling it high with everything he could get his hands on. "Wow this all looks so good! I bet they spent like a hundred dollars just on the crackers!"
Maryse was horrified at his actions. "Could you be less obvious?" she slapped at Ted's hand as it as reaching for a roll. "Contain yourself," she reprimanded, now just stealing one of the small slices of cheese on Ted's stacked plate.
"Yes, Mom," Ted laughed, snatching for the roll as soon as Maryse's hand was busy with the cheese. "Come on, it's not like I see food like this every day."
Maryse scowled, and with the added use of that title, she really did feel her mother hen sensibilities sneaking up. "Alright... but only because there's so much food not being eaten because this place is surrounded with models," she mumbled. She wanted a new glass of champagne though, so as a server walked by she simply grabbed one.
Ted looked around for somewhere to sit, but there wasn't anywhere, so he decided to simply go over and lean against a wall while he devoured his plate of goodies. He looked up to see Maryse walking back with a new glass of champagne just as she was sucking some cheese off a finger. "Mm... You look hot, by the way," he commented as he glanced down at Maryse's swaying hips.
Maryse always hated that pure honesty from Ted, and she found that her cheeks were filling with an unwelcome hotness. But then again, she secretly loved it too. "I already knew that thank you," she kept the aloof expression, casually slipping the drink.
"I'm sure you did." Ted picked up a cracker that was covered in something yummy looking and pushed it into Maryse's mouth. "You should eat more." Then his face crinkled up into a goofy grin. "I like a little meat on my women."
Maryse couldn't immediately protest her statement with the food in her mouth. But she quickly swallowed it, and pushed Ted on the arm. "Keep your thoughts to yourself," she ordered, not noticing the crumb right at the corner of her chin.
His grin only grew as Ted noticed the crumb. "Okay," he agreed, leaning over to lick away the crumb. "But you didn't say anything about my tongue." He laughed, pulling back, and went back to devouring his feast.
Maryse retaliated with a small curse at the other, and didn't have a napkin to wipe at her damp skin. All of her previous revelations of being dejected from no one actively pursuing her completely went null; she had forgotten about Ted. How could she forget, she pondered. "You're... unbelievable." Was all she could react with, turning to look the other way as just the tiniest smile reached her lips.
~xoxo~
"So…" Trish glanced around, unsure where their conversation should go. All she did know was that now that she had Jeff beside her, she didn't want to let him go. "I'd introduce you to Randy, but I guess you've already met…"
Jeff winced thinking of how he and Randy initially met. "Well I wouldn't really consider that the best way of meeting. So I would like to meet him in a more… normal way."
"Oh, okay," Trish replied, amused. "You'll have to tell me about that sometime." She looked around, finally spotting Randy, who was of course with Stacy. "Let's go then."
An older man had just finished talking with Randy and Stacy, and as soon as he left, Randy saw Trish come up with Jeff trailing behind. They both seemed to be in functioning order and in much higher spirits. "Hey," Randy greeted them with a smile.
"Hey," Trish responded, glancing over her shoulder at Jeff, "I just thought I'd officially introduce you to… Jeff. Even though apparently you've already met.
"Ah, Jeff, Randy held out his hand. "Nice to really meet you."
Jeff shook his hand, trying not to admire how charismatic Randy was. "Nice to meet you too." He bowed a bit and glance back to Trish nervously before his eyes eventually fell on the tall woman beside Randy. Randy noticed the look. "Oh, This is Stacy, my… girlfriend." This would be the first of many introductions where he would say this, and it felt nice.
Flushing slightly at the sound of Randy calling her 'girlfriend', Stacy, smiling. "Nice to meet you."
Trish watched the interaction of her best friend and her… new friend, the happy feeling inside of her slowly growing. Then she glanced at her watch. "Ah, time has gone fast, hasn't it? The party is already almost over."
A little heat tingled at Jeff's ears as well from the image of the two taller being... together.
"Oh?" Randy took a glimpse of his watch, surprised to see indeed, the official time of the party was coming to an end. There was relief in that. "Wow, well this won't be the only time we see each other right?" Randy questioned Jeff, flickering his gaze towards Trish as well.
"Ah..." Trish looked back at Jeff, unsure, and a little bit afraid, to be honest. though it was hard to tell if it was from the thought of what Jeff meant to her already, or the thought of never seeing him again. "I..."
Jeff's eyebrows raised a little as he met Trish's gaze. For a moment he was speechless, but quickly recovered, "I hope not." Without even thinking, he knew a smile grew along his lips.
Jeff's smile was contagious, and Trish found herself smiling widely, "I'm sure it won't." She wouldn't let it be.
Randy stared between the two, yearning warmth for Trish and Jeff to grow together in their relationship rising in him. He already could see the difference emanating from his close friend. "Good," Randy responded.
Feeling awkward, unsure of what she could say in this conversation, Stacy finally cleared her throat. "We should all have some champagne. And do a toast. Since Randy's party was so successful." She squeezed her lover's hand, smiling brightly at the other.
Sharing a smile with Stacy, Randy chuckled and signaled a waiter to come over. After each person received their slim glasses, Randy raised his to first speak, "I just want to acknowledge the long months spent of hard work. Not only is this the start of a new path for ROE, but it's the start of new relationships." At this he nodded to Trish and Jeff. "Tonight is evidence of a thriving dream becoming reality," he finished, waiting for anyone else to add anything.
Trish held her glass high, the shadows gone from her smile for the first time in a while as she spoke. "Congratulations, Randy. This is your night. I'm so happy that I'm able to be here to witness your dream come true."
Randy lightly laughed once again, "Couldn't have done it without you."
The twinkling of champagne glasses tapping rang past the blended noises of the party, as they all threw out a "Cheers" and drank.
~xoxo~
From there, people began to trail out, the mass of people decreasing until only a few sparse groups of people still remained. The cleanup crew began to move about the area, actively putting the store back into order. The rapper, Miz, had his arm slung around someone as he rose his champagne to each person he passed, thanking them for being such a good audience.
Randy had briefly spotted Maryse leaving with someone, but paid no mind to it as he helped direct some of the workers. Finally, the place was nearly empty except for a select few.
"Well..." Randy stood alone with Trish now as Stacy and Jeff were off somewhere helping the clean up process, "...can you guess what I'm going to say?"
"No," Trish immediately replied, even though she had a few ideas, "Is it something embarrassing?"
Randy grinned a little too widely. "Hmmm…. Well, I'm going to go home with Stacy…" Randy didn't even know how Jeff came tonight but he still made the implication.
Trish nodded, not really seeing where Randy was going with this. "I assumed… And I don't want any details." Then she laughed. "What? Are you worried about how I'll get home? It's not the first time I've taken a cab."
Randy let the anticipation for his response linger a little longer before he finally responded with, "Cool. You and Jeff can take one together then." A smile eased across his lips maybe a little bit too mischievously.
Trish's smile faltered as that possibility sank into her head. "But…" she looked over across the store, where Jeff was laughing at something Stacy had just said, "I don't… I mean, I'm not… I don't know if…"
"You're just friends right?" Randy inquired a hint of teasing in his voice. "Don't worry," he shortly touched Trish's cheek before sliding past her to join the other two.
"Wait," Trish reached out, grabbing Randy's arm before he walked away, "Randy… do you…" She bit her lip, once again glancing over at Jeff. "Do you believe in love at first sight?"
Randy had not expected such a question and remained silent in surprise. His line of sight navigated over to Stacy and returned to Trish. He never actually reflected on this but he smiled warmly and assuring at his best friend who seemed to be struggling with her own feelings. "I believe love can come in many ways."
Trish nodded unsurely, gaze still fixed on Jeff. "He's nice right? And handsome…"
Randy could see some form of solidarity growing in his friend's eyes. He leaned in towards the other to softly say, "Trish, don't be afraid."
"I'm doing my best." Trish took a deep breath and let it out slowly, fisting her hands. "I… it could be good, I think. If I let it."
"Well you'll never know unless you do." Then Randy decided to utter one more thought of his. "Trish… I think it's about time you experience joy." Joy… something so much deeper than happiness; like the feeling Randy received waking up beside Stacy. With that, he began to walk off.
Trish stood there for a moment before following her friend, and soon they were helping everyone clean up, and it wasn't much longer before they were done and it was time to go.
Catching Stacy's eye, Randy announced, "Well, Stacy and I shall be going now." He took seconds to say farewell to Trish and Jeff, sending one more nod of encouragement in his friend's direction. While walking out, Randy asked his girlfriend, "Is the rest of your night clear?"
Stacy's eyes obviously lit up at the question. "Yep, I'm free!"
As soon as they entered the cooler night air, Randy tugged Stacy along down the sidewalk. Soon, he stopped and breathed out, turning to Stacy and slipping a slender hand behind her neck. Before anything could be said, he pressed his lips against the other pair, finally feeling somewhat relinquished of the desire he had all night.
Stacy wasn't expecting the kiss, but she was glad for it, having missed the other's lips all day, and she slipped her arms around Randy's neck and purred into the kiss, smiling as they pulled apart. "Dancing with you in front of everyone… Being so open with… …it was really romantic." Then she laughed at herself.
Once the other two were gone, Trish cleared her throat, glancing at Jeff. "So… how are you getting home?"
Jeff was so used to saying the bus or train that he almost did; however, he caught himself in time. "I-I… have a car."
Trish nodded, looking around for a moment, feeling uncharacteristically awkward before responding. "I had to ask, but… could you give me a ride home? Randy brought me here, and I think he forgot. …And I didn't want to interrupt those two."
Randy laughed at Stacy as well. She really made it sound like a movie. "If there's anything in the papers tomorrow, I hope they mention how lucky I am to be with such a good looking girl." The sides of his mouth magnetically rose. "In fact, I think we should hurry back to my place yeah?"
Stacy's laughed died down, and she nodded, slipping her arm around Randy's. "Sounds good."
~xoxo~
Jeff had a slight double take, the emotions in his eyes portraying surprise. Gradually he grinned, "Of course. Where do you live?" he began to walk in pace with Trish to leave, his steps feeling flamboyant now.
"It's not too far..." Trish walked with the other, feeling shyer than she'd expected. "I'm sorry, I think Randy forgot that he drove me here."
Jeff laughed a little. "No I don't mind at all. I mean... I think I'm a safe enough driver." Only just now did he realize how far he had to park the car. It was slightly cold, but he thankfully was warm in his clothes. He glanced to Trish though, "Are you cold at all?"
It was cold, and Trish wasn't dressed for the weather, but she smiled reassuringly. "I'll be okay. Your car has heat, right?" She laughed, shivering slightly.
Jeff silently thanked Candice for lending him a jacket at the last second. "Here, take this," he had to stop in his tracks as he smoothly slipped it off his shoulders.
"But then you'll be cold..." Trish said, not wanting to accept the jacket, but then it fell over her shoulders and she felt the warmth of the man settle around her, and her protest died on her lips. "Thank you... Jeff"
After gently swooping the jacket over Trish and ensuring it would stay, a faint smile traveled to his features, "You're welcome." For a moment there his chest tightened, the small utterance of his name reaching the crisp night. Yet he knew that Trish wanted to be merely friends, and he accepted that graciously.
"Are you sure you aren't too cold?" Trish felt badly, leaving the man jacketless.
Jeff continued walking, moving his arms and smiling over at Trish. "Perfectly warm."
Trish smiled at Jeff and continued walking beside him. "Did you enjoy the party?"
Jeff stared up briefly in pondering and nodded coming to his conclusion. "Yeah. Well... at first I felt utterly lost, but after... seeing you," he focused on Trish, "it was really enjoyable. I had lots of fun." Up ahead was the red corvette, parked safely and soundly to Jeff's immense relief.
"I had a lot more fun once you got there too," Trish walked up with Jeff to the car, and her eyes widened, as she looked it over. "This car is amazing! Your paintings must be worth..." She trailed off, realizing that wasn't really appropriate conversation with a semi-stranger. "Ah, sorry."
Jeff laughed with hesitance, running a hand through the back of his hair. Now he wondered if he should be truthful. The idea that he could be rich enough to support Trish for eternity was an ideal one... but... "Actually, I wish that was the case," he took out the keys to open it. "But... I borrowed it for the night." Inside he took more time to appreciate just how nice it really was since the nerves of the party weren't hazing his mind.
"Oh," Trish grinned. "Well it's better to have amazing friends than an amazing car. And someone who would trust you with something as nice as this must be great." She slid into the passenger seat.
Hearing Trish speak those words caused Jeff to fill with wonder, since all of this time he felt he needed to be rich and successful in order to really impress her. Yet this gave him a little more courage in revealing to Trish his real lifestyle. "I agree." Starting the car up, he began to listen to Trish directions for where to drive.
Trish listed off the directions on how to get to her apartment, and tried to hide the fact that she was watching Jeff as he drove, trying to memorize small details about his appearance that she hadn't been able to on their previous meetings.
Lost in his own world in how he was going to say goodbye to Trish, the extra long glances coming from the passenger seat went unnoticed by Jeff. "Umm... is this one it?" he asked, leaning forward to peer through the windshield up at the building he was approaching. There were several buildings in a row so he was unsure of which one it was.
"It's that one," Trish responded, helping the other by pointing it out, sorry that the trip had ended so quickly.
Pulling over, Jeff's mind flashed with two possibilities. One, just smile and wave and watch Trish get out, or two, walk the other to the door. Even though the latter was what he undoubtedly wanted to do, it obviously was the more difficult one. His body set in motion though as he put the car in park and turned it off. Now words stumbled from his mouth, "I-I can walk you up." He unbuckled his seatbelt and swallowed away any anxiety as he opened his door.
Fear flashed across Trish's features for a moment as she remembered what had happened the last time she'd been walked to the door, but she quickly hid it, nodding with a slightly forced smile. "Thanks." She knew that there was no reason not to trust Jeff, but part of her was still nervous. Still... she wasn't ready to say goodbye. Trish climbed out of the car, shutting her door behind her, and began walking up the path.
~xoxo~
From outside Jeff could tell the building was upscale and accommodating; just how he imagined the place Trish lived at. "Wow, this is so n-" Yet in the seconds his eyes were praising the apartments, his shoe caught on something purposely wanting to embarrass Jeff for the rest of his life. He tripped and fell to the ground, landing on his hands and knees with a small thud.
Trish was immediately kneeling at his side. "Are you okay?" She reached for his hands, holding them up to search for any sign of a scrape.
A slight sting still lingered as he watched Trish inspect his hands. "I'm fine. I'm used to... tripping and stuff." This scenario reminded him of just a week ago, in front of the car... the groceries; but he didn't want to depart this time around. A warmth dwelling in him rose to his cheeks, and Jeff had to drag his gaze away from Trish.
"You trip a lot when I'm not here too?" Trish slid her thumbs over the palms of Jeff's hands, then pulled back suddenly, embarrassed. She stood up, trying not to make eye contact with Jeff, as she really was staring way too much, and held out her hand to help Jeff get up.
In the presence of Trish, Jeff began to see new dispositions within him; one of them being the chaste desires he felt towards her. "Thank you..." he took her hand and stood up, noting how soft Trish's skin was. Pulling his hand away slowly, he watched his steps more closely as they came to the door.
When they reached the door, Trish turned around, fingering her key. "Thank you for the ride, Jeff..."
Jeff smiled and nodded, "I would say anytime, but... I don't think I can borrow it that often." He quietly laughed. Taking a step back, Jeff could have sworn a string connected them for that one small movement, making his legs feel heavy. "Have a good night... Trish..." he turned on his heel.
"Jeff," Trish said quickly, before he walked away. "Your jacket..."
"Oh-" Looking over his shoulder before turning back around, he closed the short length of distance between them and sheepishly smiled as he took the jacket in her hand. "Thank you." Now he had to're-leave'.
"Jeff," Trish said, stopping him from leaving once again. "Car... if you like driving, my car... I am the worst driver ever, so it just sits in the garage." She hoped Jeff wouldn't think it was a weird offer, but it would be an excuse to see him again.
"I-I couldn't... I mean, I..." he couldn't conceive that possibility, as he could only assume the car was in flawless condition. His initial objection though began to fade, "...Well... since it would be driving you around... whenever you needed..." Now he was extroverting, "...that would be nice." Nice. Couldn't he have selected a better word?
Great. Now it sounded like Trish was trying to get him to be her chauffer or something. "I'm fine getting places, I just meant... well, I thought you might like... I mean, my car is completely ignored. And you seemed to enjoy driving." Maybe it was better to change the subject, since she was sounding completely stupid. Or better yet, let Jeff leave already. But... that was hard. "Um... can we exchange numbers?" Trish finally said, pulling her cell phone out of her pants pocket.
Never having been in any situations like this before, he felt like he was somehow inadequate. "Oh! Yes, that would probably be good," he patted his pockets down, finally slipping it out. His contact list was pathetic, but he added Trish's number, liking how his smaller amount of people made it easier to find the other's name. "Okay, now I think... that's all?"
Without thinking about it at all, because of course, had she thought about it, she never would have done it, Trish took a step forward, and leaned in, pressing her lips against Jeff's cheek.
In his painter's mind, the illumination of vivid colors met his vision as soon as the kiss landed on his cheek. Brushstrokes could easily depict the flow of pleasure that cascaded through Jeff and he no longer could breathe. The brief peck's feeling still remained on his cheek as Trish pulled away. Jeff automatically touched his skin to make sure that actually happened. No words left him, but maybe the disoriented smile was evidence enough to how he felt.
"I'm sorry," Trish flushed, ducking her head as she backed away, lips still tingling from the electricity she'd felt when her lips connected with Jeff face. But even though she apologized, she couldn't keep the smile from her face, especially when she noticed that he was smiling as well. "Will you call me? I'd like to see your paintings some time." She took a step back, closer to the door.
Once coherency was in his vocabulary again, Jeff blinked several times before nodding. "Yes. Of course," he stepped backwards, but had to turn so he didn't fall down or anything. "Have a good sleep!" he called, throwing back another smile to Trish who exuded beauty. As he walked away, Jeff just knew the brilliant angel within Trish would someday ascend.
"You too!" Trish called back, beaming widely, "And drive safely!" She watched Jeff get into his car before unlocking her front door and walking inside. Closing the door behind her, she slowly slid to the floor, doing her best to keep from squealing like a middle school girl. After a few minutes, she pulled her phone out of her pocket and sent Randy a quick text, hoping that it wouldn't disturb her friend, who was probably busy with Stacy. It read, "I'm going to take a chance, and flex my wings, and see what happens. Because after seeing your happiness, I don't want to settle for anything less than heaven."
