Maureen wearily opened her eyes to find Jimmy hovering over her, with that
obnoxious grin of his.
"What are you doing, Jimmy? What time is it?" Maureen groaned, rolling over. She found the space beside her empty. "Where's Joanne?"
"Up and about, brushing her teeth. Get up, I made breakfast."
"What's the occasion?" she grumbled.
"Me," he replied, cheerfully. As Maureen's vision cleared, she saw he was wearing an apron.
"You're cooking?" she said.
"Why not?"
"You never cooked when we were together."
"That's because I didn't know how. The cooking channel does wonders, you know."
"Whatever. I'm not hungry," groaned Maureen, pulling her pillow over her head.
"No, no, we'll have none of that. I was kind enough to make the trip here just to see my beloved ex, and this is the thanks I get?" he asked, trying to sound hurt.
"You got it," Maureen's muffled reply came from under the pillow. Suddenly, she felt the mattress moving. "JIMMY! What the fuck are you doing?!"
"Getting you up, my dear," he replied, as he dragged the mattress off of the bed and into the hall.
"Bastard," she snapped, sliding off the mattress.
"The early bird always catches the worm," he replied, and returned to the kitchen.
Joanne exited the bathroom, and stepped into the hallway. "Honey? What are you doing sleeping in the hallway?" she asked, confused.
"I'm not," Maureen grumbled, "Jimmy just decided to be an asshole."
"You two coming?" Jimmy called from the other room.
"Hold your horses," Maureen snapped. She pulled on a bathrobe, and she and Joanne wandered into the kitchen."
"I made pancakes and scrambled eggs. Bon appetite," he said, sitting down to help himself to a stack of pancakes.
Maureen and Joanne each plopped down into a seat and started to eat.
"So I'm guessing you're wondering the real reason why I decided to make breakfast for you?" Jimmy pursued.
"I am," said Maureen. "Why did you?"
"Well . . .," he said, grinning, "Guess who booked you a place for the art gallery?"
Maureen's mouth dropped open. She didn't think he'd actually DO it.
"Honey, did you hear that?! You're gonna have an opening!" Joanne said, excitedly.
Maureen kept gaping at Jimmy. He frowned. "Close your mouth, you're not a codfish. Can I hear a 'Thank you, Jimmy?'"
"Thanks, Jimmy," Maureen managed. "I mean really, thank you. I'm just surprised you were able to get a booking."
"Well, I've got my connections," he shrugged. "Anyway, I took the liberty of calling Mark and Roger myself, and them and the others are coming over here to celebrate."
"You did?" Maureen said, shocked.
"That's what ex boyfriends are for!" he chirped. "We're gonna have a party!"
"Um, Jimmy, this place isn't really the best place to host a party," Joanne said, glancing around her.
"Sure it is. We'll go out, get balloons, crepe paper, the whole enchilada. When I talked to Frankie she said she'd help you two shop for decorations, since apparently she's into designing and all that jazz."
"What do you mean, 'You two?'" asked Maureen, "Aren't you going to help?"
"Nah, I've got things I need to tend to. But I'll be here at seven, along with everyone else. If you'll excuse me, I have to go meet with one of my clients," he said, pushing his chair away from the table as he stood up. He blew them each kisses. "Adios," he said, and grabbed his coat and left.
"Maybe he's not as much as an asshole as I thought he was," Joanne said, thoughtfully, poking at her eggs with her fork.
"Maybe," Maureen shrugged. "This isn't like him, though." She stared down at her plate after taking a bite of her breakfast. "This tastes like shit. Cooking channel, my ass."
"It's bad," Joanne agreed.
"Wanna find an IHOP and then meet Frankie to pick up some stuff?" asked Maureen, as she tossed the paper plates into the trash can."
"I'm all for it," Joanne said.
"Alright," Maureen said, "Let me just get dressed." She left the room, and about twenty minutes later, she returned, and the two of them exited the apartment.
***
"So you're into designing?" Maureen asked Frankie, as she, Frankie and Joanne pushed a shopping cart around 'Ray's Party Goodz.'
"Who told you that?" Frankie asked.
"Jimmy did."
"Oh. Well, yeah, I'm one of those people who like to organize things and plan things," Frankie admitted.
"Would you like to help plan the decorations and food for the opening, then?"
"Sure," Frankie said, sounding surprised. "I'd be honored." She smiled.
"What else do we need for tonight?" Joanne asked. They'd already gotten a bag of multicolored balloons and red crepe paper.
Maureen shrugged. "I have no idea."
"What about Noise Makers?" Frankie suggested.
"Noise Makers?" Joanne said, raising her eyebrows.
"Yep. They're not just for New Years Eve, you know. They keep men entertained for hours," she said, laughing.
"Alright," Joanne shrugged. They shoved the cart towards the Birthday Party section and grabbed a handful of cheap plastic toy makers.
When they were done, they approached the cash register, dumping everything out of the cart.
"Balloons, ten dollars," Joanne said, placing them down.
"Noise makers, fifty cents each," Frankie said.
"Sucking the helium out of balloons until we kill ourselves- priceless," said Maureen.
They exited the store, each with a shopping bag in hand.
"So where's Collins right now?" Joanne asked Frankie.
Frankie shrugged. "He's at home. What Benny said yesterday really got him fired up."
"Benny's an asshole," Maureen declared. "Collins shouldn't take anything he says seriously.
Frankie shrugged. "Tell him that. Is Jimmy going to be at the party tonight?"
"Unfortunately," Maureen joked. "Seriously though, I was surprised when I heard he had booked a place for my artwork."
"So was I," said Frankie.
"And then he leaves us to do all the work ourselves while he 'Meets a client,'" Joanne reminded them.
"He's an odd one," Maureen shrugged. "Maybe he's turning over a new leaf."
Joanne smirked.
"Well then again, maybe not," Maureen laughed.
***
"Daisha, what are you doing?" Mimi asked, stepping into her and Roger's bedroom. Daisha was trying on one of Mimi's belts. Mimi also saw that she was wearing her earrings.
"Oh, um, hi," Daisha said, blushing. "I thought you went to get some groceries."
"Mark and Roger went to get it themselves," said Mimi. "What are you doing with my stuff on?"
"I'm just trying shit on," Daisha said, embarrassed. "I wanted to see how it felt to be you."
"Honey, you don't wanna know what it's like to be me," Mimi laughed. "Trust me."
"You've got the perfect life," Daisha argued, "You've got a boyfriend who's crazy about you, and friends that are like family, no Joel to boss you around . . ."
"My life is NOT perfect," Mimi said. "I've got a lot of shit going on. You wouldn't want to be me."
"Whatever," Daisha sighed, slipping the belt off and tossing it back into the closet. "You win."
All of a sudden, the phone rang. "I'll be right back," Mimi said, walking into the other room to answer the phone.
"Hello?" she said, as she picked it up.
"Who is this?" the voice asked. Mimi thought the voice sounded familiar, but she still wasn't sure who it was.
"Who's THIS?" she asked, frowning.
"Don't play games with me, Mimi," the voice growled. Mimi's heart sank as she recognized the voice on the other line. It was Joel.
"What do you want?" she whispered.
"Ah, see, you remember. A girl can't forget her old Pops, hey?"
Mimi was silent.
"Where's Daisha, Mimi? I'm not an idiot. She's not at Isabella's place, so she must be at yours."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Mimi said, weakly.
"I said I don't want to play games with you," he growled. "Send her home. Or there'll be trouble. For BOTH of you."
"I'd never send her back home to you," Mimi snapped, her voice rising, "You abuse her and hit on her!"
"What the hell has that bitch been telling you?" Joel shouted.
"She's told me enough that I know I won't be sending her home anytime soon," Mimi said, her fists clenching.
"Listen, Mimi, don't make this harder for yourself, or there's gonna be consequences," he threatened.
"Don't threaten me- you're not my father," Mimi snapped.
"Listen, you little Smart Ass!" Joel was screaming, "Unless you want a real problem, you send her home, you hear me? Unless you want some real trouble. Understand?"
Mimi hung up the phone, trembling. At that moment, Mark and Roger returned with their groceries.
"Hey Meems," Roger said, placing his paper bag down on a chair. "What's wrong?" he asked, when he saw the look on her face.
"Joel called," she said, softly. "He wants Daisha to come home."
"What'd you tell him?"
"What do you think I told him, Roger? I told him no."
"And what'd he say?"
"He called me a Smart Ass and started threatening me that I'd pay if I didn't send her home," she shivered. "I'm scared, Roger."
"It's alright," he soothed, wrapping his arms around her and hugging her gently. "He doesn't know where you live, right? Otherwise he wouldn't have bothered to call."
"I guess so," Mimi said, but still looked unconvinced. "Look, don't tell Daisha what happened, okay? I don't want her to get freaked out."
"Alright," Roger promised, "I won't."
"Thanks," Mimi mumbled. "You guys get the food ready. I'm gonna call Isabella." She took the cordless phone with her into the living room.
"Isabella? It's Mimi?" she said, when Isabella picked up the phone.
"Hey, Mimi. I haven't spoken to you in a while," Isabella said, softly. "I thought you were really mad at me."
"I still am, sort of," said Mimi, "But that's not what's bothering me right now. Joel called."
"He did . . ." Isabella said, slowly.
"He wants Daisha to come home. I said no, and he started threatening me."
"That bastard," Isabella sighed. "He's all talk, Mimi. He's harmless."
"Harmless?" Mimi exclaimed, "Was it harmless when he hit me, or shoved me, or swung me into the wall?!"
Isabella was quiet for a moment. "He did that?" she said, softly.
"Yes," Mimi said, exasperated.
"You never told me that."
"I was too ashamed to tell anyone then," Mimi said.
"You should have told me, Mimi," Isabella said. She was quiet for another moment. "He really did that?"
"You know that scar I have, above my hip?" Mimi said.
"Yeah. You said you got it from falling off your bike."
"Joel swung me into a table and my hip met the corner of it."
"I'm so sorry, Mimi," Isabella said, sounding teary, "I had no idea."
"It's alright," Mimi said, softly, "I should have told you." She paused. "Listen, Maureen got a booking at an Art Gallery, and we're celebrating at her and Joanne's apartment. You wanna come?"
"Okay," Isabella said, quietly.
"I'll talk to you later then?"
"Yes. Bye," Isabella said, and slowly hung up.
"You okay, Meems?" Roger said, peeking his head into the room.
"I'm fine," she said, forcing a smile.
Daisha entered and plopped down on the couch beside Mimi. "Who was on the phone?" she asked, leaning against her.
"Wrong number," Mimi said, her eyes meeting with Roger's.
"I unpacked all the food," Mark announced, as he came into the living room. "We've just got to carry it all over to Mo's and we'll be all set."
"Is Jan coming too?" Roger asked.
"Yup. She hasn't met them yet, but she would sooner or later anyway," he said, smiling.
Roger couldn't help but smile also. He hadn't seen Mark this happy in a long time.
***
"Look what I've got," Maureen said, shaking a bottle of wine in front of Roger's face as he entered with Mimi, Mark, Jan and Daisha.
"Oooh- bubbly" he said, smiling.
"That them?" Jimmy called from the couch.
Roger rolled his eyes. "I see the beast is here, then?"
"Be nice to him," Maureen hissed, "He got me the booking, didn't he?"
Roger shrugged, and took Mimi's hand, and the two of them went inside hand in hand, followed by Daisha.
"Maureen, this is Jan," Mark said, and the two shook hands.
"Marky, you're dating again?" Maureen said, looking overjoyed.
"Yup," he replied, and he and Jan gazed at each other, blushing.
"Aw, this IS a celebration! Pookie, come here" she called.
"What is it?" Joanne asked, walking over to them.
"Marky's got a girlfriend," Maureen squealed, pointing at Jan. "Jan, this is my girlfriend, Joanne."
"Nice to meet you," Jan said, smiling. They shook hands.
"Come on, guys, let's get the party started!" Collins called from the living room. They all settled into the living room.
"Gimme that, Maureen," Collins said, reaching for the bottle.
"Testy" she joked, handing him the bottle.
"Mmm," he said, as he sipped. "Heaven." He offered the bottle to Daisha, who was sitting beside him. "Want some?"
"Collins, she's fifteen!" Frankie exclaimed.
"Oops, sorry," Collins said, grinning sheepishly.
"Collins, Frankie, this is my girlfriend, Jan," Mark said. Using the term 'My Girlfriend' filled him with an odd pleasurable sensation.
"Mark's told us a lot about you," Frankie said, smiling.
"So I hear," Jan laughed. "It's nice to meet you two."
"Do you guys like what Frankie did with the apartment?" Collins asked, pointing to the balloons and crepe paper hanging from the walls and ceiling.
"Brilliant," said Roger, and the others nodded in agreement.
"Just wait until we bring out the Noise Makers," Frankie said, winking.
"Oooh, Noise Makers!" Collins joked. They both kissed lightly.
"Are they cute or what?" Mimi whispered to Roger. He smiled and nodded.
"I'd like to make a toast," Jimmy said, standing up, retrieving the bottle from Collins. "To Maureen, who's brilliant art work is finally going to become public for all eyes to see. And to me- for getting her the booking," he said, smugly. Everyone rolled their eyes.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!" they chorused, and drank, all except Daisha, who was content with her sparkled apple juice.
There was a knock at the door.
"That'll be Isabella," said Mimi, standing up. "I'll get it."
A moment later, she returned with Isabella behind her. "Hi, all," she greeted.
"That's Jan, Mark's girlfriend, and that's Jimmy," Mimi said, pointing.
"Who made this all possible, if I might add," Jimmy cut in.
"Whatever," Mimi mumbled. She sat back down beside Roger, and Isabella sat down next to her.
"Is he the one you were telling me about?" she whispered to Mimi.
"Yup," she sighed.
Isabella smirked. "Go figure."
"And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for," Jimmy said, still standing. He pulled an old dirty sheet off the canvas to reveal 'Reality Check.' The others gasped in amazement.
"Maureen- you did THAT?" Mark exclaimed.
"What? Surprised I had talent?" Maureen joked.
"No, that's just . . .wow," he said.
Jan laughed. "Too good for words." Mark nodded in agreement.
"That's really great, Maureen," Roger said, stepping closer to get a better look.
"There's pictures of all of you guys in there," Joanne spoke up.
"There is? Oh wait- there's me and Mimi," Roger said, smiling.
"Lemme see," she said, walking over to the canvas.
"We're here," he pointed.
Mimi found it, and smiled. "This is really amazing, Maureen," she said, approvingly.
"Thanks," Maureen beamed.
Frankie and Joanne brought out the Noise Makers, and Roger, Mark, and Collins (who were already drunk), resorted to making noises with them obnoxiously in the otheroom.
"Men," Maureen said, shaking her head. "How can you stand them?" she asked Frankie, Jan and Mimi.
"Oh, it's hard," Jan left.
"Very," added Frankie.
"I'm taking pleasure in the single life," Isabella laughed. "As is Daisha."
Daisha stuck out her tongue.
"You alright, Meems?" Joanne asked Mimi, who'd been pretty quiet the whole time.
"I'm fine," Mimi said. She was still thinking about the phone call she had received earlier.
"You sure, Mimi?" Isabella asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I'm just gonna go out on the fire escape and get some fresh air." She got up and left the room.
Maureen shrugged, and the group went back to their conversation.
***
Mimi stood on the fire escape, staring at the horizon.
"Nice, huh?"
She turned. Jimmy had made his way outside.
"Oh, it's you," she mumbled.
"Don't sound to happy to see me," he laughed.
She ignored him. She wrapped her arms around her, shivering lightly from the cold.
"You want me to make you warmer?" he asked, placing his hands on her hips.
"Get off me!" she snapped, moving away.
"Aw, so it's gonna be like that, huh?" Jimmy pressed.
Mimi huffed and turned away.
"What's with the attitude?" Jimmy complained, "What did I ever do to you?"
"You're not my type," Mimi said, rolling her eyes.
"Not your type, huh? Maureen told me you used to be a dancer at the Cat Scratch Club. So I would assume you danced half-nude in front of men all the time. Were they ALL 'Not your type?'"
Mimi jerked her head up, angrily. "Fuck you!" she yelled.
"Well that's what I'm trying to do now, hon. Can't you help me out here?"
"You're disgusting," she spat, shaking her head. She stepped forward, preparing to go back inside. Suddenly, Jimmy's hand shot out and grasped both of her wrists tightly, and he pressed his mouth against hers, forcing his tongue in. Horrified, Mimi squirmed and tried to pull herself away from him.
"Meems, you out here?" Roger's voice called, and his footsteps became louder as he walked towards the fire escape.
Panicked, Mimi tried to wrench herself away from Jimmy. At that moment, Roger appeared.
"There you are . . ." he stopped.
Finally, Mimi pulled herself away from Jimmy, gasping or breath. "Roger," she gasped, expecting him to rush over there and beat the shit out of Jimmy.
"Save it," Roger growled. "You too deserve each other." With that, he turned, furiously, and stormed out of the apartment. Mimi winced as she heard the front door slam violently.
"Oops," said Jimmy.
"What are you doing, Jimmy? What time is it?" Maureen groaned, rolling over. She found the space beside her empty. "Where's Joanne?"
"Up and about, brushing her teeth. Get up, I made breakfast."
"What's the occasion?" she grumbled.
"Me," he replied, cheerfully. As Maureen's vision cleared, she saw he was wearing an apron.
"You're cooking?" she said.
"Why not?"
"You never cooked when we were together."
"That's because I didn't know how. The cooking channel does wonders, you know."
"Whatever. I'm not hungry," groaned Maureen, pulling her pillow over her head.
"No, no, we'll have none of that. I was kind enough to make the trip here just to see my beloved ex, and this is the thanks I get?" he asked, trying to sound hurt.
"You got it," Maureen's muffled reply came from under the pillow. Suddenly, she felt the mattress moving. "JIMMY! What the fuck are you doing?!"
"Getting you up, my dear," he replied, as he dragged the mattress off of the bed and into the hall.
"Bastard," she snapped, sliding off the mattress.
"The early bird always catches the worm," he replied, and returned to the kitchen.
Joanne exited the bathroom, and stepped into the hallway. "Honey? What are you doing sleeping in the hallway?" she asked, confused.
"I'm not," Maureen grumbled, "Jimmy just decided to be an asshole."
"You two coming?" Jimmy called from the other room.
"Hold your horses," Maureen snapped. She pulled on a bathrobe, and she and Joanne wandered into the kitchen."
"I made pancakes and scrambled eggs. Bon appetite," he said, sitting down to help himself to a stack of pancakes.
Maureen and Joanne each plopped down into a seat and started to eat.
"So I'm guessing you're wondering the real reason why I decided to make breakfast for you?" Jimmy pursued.
"I am," said Maureen. "Why did you?"
"Well . . .," he said, grinning, "Guess who booked you a place for the art gallery?"
Maureen's mouth dropped open. She didn't think he'd actually DO it.
"Honey, did you hear that?! You're gonna have an opening!" Joanne said, excitedly.
Maureen kept gaping at Jimmy. He frowned. "Close your mouth, you're not a codfish. Can I hear a 'Thank you, Jimmy?'"
"Thanks, Jimmy," Maureen managed. "I mean really, thank you. I'm just surprised you were able to get a booking."
"Well, I've got my connections," he shrugged. "Anyway, I took the liberty of calling Mark and Roger myself, and them and the others are coming over here to celebrate."
"You did?" Maureen said, shocked.
"That's what ex boyfriends are for!" he chirped. "We're gonna have a party!"
"Um, Jimmy, this place isn't really the best place to host a party," Joanne said, glancing around her.
"Sure it is. We'll go out, get balloons, crepe paper, the whole enchilada. When I talked to Frankie she said she'd help you two shop for decorations, since apparently she's into designing and all that jazz."
"What do you mean, 'You two?'" asked Maureen, "Aren't you going to help?"
"Nah, I've got things I need to tend to. But I'll be here at seven, along with everyone else. If you'll excuse me, I have to go meet with one of my clients," he said, pushing his chair away from the table as he stood up. He blew them each kisses. "Adios," he said, and grabbed his coat and left.
"Maybe he's not as much as an asshole as I thought he was," Joanne said, thoughtfully, poking at her eggs with her fork.
"Maybe," Maureen shrugged. "This isn't like him, though." She stared down at her plate after taking a bite of her breakfast. "This tastes like shit. Cooking channel, my ass."
"It's bad," Joanne agreed.
"Wanna find an IHOP and then meet Frankie to pick up some stuff?" asked Maureen, as she tossed the paper plates into the trash can."
"I'm all for it," Joanne said.
"Alright," Maureen said, "Let me just get dressed." She left the room, and about twenty minutes later, she returned, and the two of them exited the apartment.
***
"So you're into designing?" Maureen asked Frankie, as she, Frankie and Joanne pushed a shopping cart around 'Ray's Party Goodz.'
"Who told you that?" Frankie asked.
"Jimmy did."
"Oh. Well, yeah, I'm one of those people who like to organize things and plan things," Frankie admitted.
"Would you like to help plan the decorations and food for the opening, then?"
"Sure," Frankie said, sounding surprised. "I'd be honored." She smiled.
"What else do we need for tonight?" Joanne asked. They'd already gotten a bag of multicolored balloons and red crepe paper.
Maureen shrugged. "I have no idea."
"What about Noise Makers?" Frankie suggested.
"Noise Makers?" Joanne said, raising her eyebrows.
"Yep. They're not just for New Years Eve, you know. They keep men entertained for hours," she said, laughing.
"Alright," Joanne shrugged. They shoved the cart towards the Birthday Party section and grabbed a handful of cheap plastic toy makers.
When they were done, they approached the cash register, dumping everything out of the cart.
"Balloons, ten dollars," Joanne said, placing them down.
"Noise makers, fifty cents each," Frankie said.
"Sucking the helium out of balloons until we kill ourselves- priceless," said Maureen.
They exited the store, each with a shopping bag in hand.
"So where's Collins right now?" Joanne asked Frankie.
Frankie shrugged. "He's at home. What Benny said yesterday really got him fired up."
"Benny's an asshole," Maureen declared. "Collins shouldn't take anything he says seriously.
Frankie shrugged. "Tell him that. Is Jimmy going to be at the party tonight?"
"Unfortunately," Maureen joked. "Seriously though, I was surprised when I heard he had booked a place for my artwork."
"So was I," said Frankie.
"And then he leaves us to do all the work ourselves while he 'Meets a client,'" Joanne reminded them.
"He's an odd one," Maureen shrugged. "Maybe he's turning over a new leaf."
Joanne smirked.
"Well then again, maybe not," Maureen laughed.
***
"Daisha, what are you doing?" Mimi asked, stepping into her and Roger's bedroom. Daisha was trying on one of Mimi's belts. Mimi also saw that she was wearing her earrings.
"Oh, um, hi," Daisha said, blushing. "I thought you went to get some groceries."
"Mark and Roger went to get it themselves," said Mimi. "What are you doing with my stuff on?"
"I'm just trying shit on," Daisha said, embarrassed. "I wanted to see how it felt to be you."
"Honey, you don't wanna know what it's like to be me," Mimi laughed. "Trust me."
"You've got the perfect life," Daisha argued, "You've got a boyfriend who's crazy about you, and friends that are like family, no Joel to boss you around . . ."
"My life is NOT perfect," Mimi said. "I've got a lot of shit going on. You wouldn't want to be me."
"Whatever," Daisha sighed, slipping the belt off and tossing it back into the closet. "You win."
All of a sudden, the phone rang. "I'll be right back," Mimi said, walking into the other room to answer the phone.
"Hello?" she said, as she picked it up.
"Who is this?" the voice asked. Mimi thought the voice sounded familiar, but she still wasn't sure who it was.
"Who's THIS?" she asked, frowning.
"Don't play games with me, Mimi," the voice growled. Mimi's heart sank as she recognized the voice on the other line. It was Joel.
"What do you want?" she whispered.
"Ah, see, you remember. A girl can't forget her old Pops, hey?"
Mimi was silent.
"Where's Daisha, Mimi? I'm not an idiot. She's not at Isabella's place, so she must be at yours."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Mimi said, weakly.
"I said I don't want to play games with you," he growled. "Send her home. Or there'll be trouble. For BOTH of you."
"I'd never send her back home to you," Mimi snapped, her voice rising, "You abuse her and hit on her!"
"What the hell has that bitch been telling you?" Joel shouted.
"She's told me enough that I know I won't be sending her home anytime soon," Mimi said, her fists clenching.
"Listen, Mimi, don't make this harder for yourself, or there's gonna be consequences," he threatened.
"Don't threaten me- you're not my father," Mimi snapped.
"Listen, you little Smart Ass!" Joel was screaming, "Unless you want a real problem, you send her home, you hear me? Unless you want some real trouble. Understand?"
Mimi hung up the phone, trembling. At that moment, Mark and Roger returned with their groceries.
"Hey Meems," Roger said, placing his paper bag down on a chair. "What's wrong?" he asked, when he saw the look on her face.
"Joel called," she said, softly. "He wants Daisha to come home."
"What'd you tell him?"
"What do you think I told him, Roger? I told him no."
"And what'd he say?"
"He called me a Smart Ass and started threatening me that I'd pay if I didn't send her home," she shivered. "I'm scared, Roger."
"It's alright," he soothed, wrapping his arms around her and hugging her gently. "He doesn't know where you live, right? Otherwise he wouldn't have bothered to call."
"I guess so," Mimi said, but still looked unconvinced. "Look, don't tell Daisha what happened, okay? I don't want her to get freaked out."
"Alright," Roger promised, "I won't."
"Thanks," Mimi mumbled. "You guys get the food ready. I'm gonna call Isabella." She took the cordless phone with her into the living room.
"Isabella? It's Mimi?" she said, when Isabella picked up the phone.
"Hey, Mimi. I haven't spoken to you in a while," Isabella said, softly. "I thought you were really mad at me."
"I still am, sort of," said Mimi, "But that's not what's bothering me right now. Joel called."
"He did . . ." Isabella said, slowly.
"He wants Daisha to come home. I said no, and he started threatening me."
"That bastard," Isabella sighed. "He's all talk, Mimi. He's harmless."
"Harmless?" Mimi exclaimed, "Was it harmless when he hit me, or shoved me, or swung me into the wall?!"
Isabella was quiet for a moment. "He did that?" she said, softly.
"Yes," Mimi said, exasperated.
"You never told me that."
"I was too ashamed to tell anyone then," Mimi said.
"You should have told me, Mimi," Isabella said. She was quiet for another moment. "He really did that?"
"You know that scar I have, above my hip?" Mimi said.
"Yeah. You said you got it from falling off your bike."
"Joel swung me into a table and my hip met the corner of it."
"I'm so sorry, Mimi," Isabella said, sounding teary, "I had no idea."
"It's alright," Mimi said, softly, "I should have told you." She paused. "Listen, Maureen got a booking at an Art Gallery, and we're celebrating at her and Joanne's apartment. You wanna come?"
"Okay," Isabella said, quietly.
"I'll talk to you later then?"
"Yes. Bye," Isabella said, and slowly hung up.
"You okay, Meems?" Roger said, peeking his head into the room.
"I'm fine," she said, forcing a smile.
Daisha entered and plopped down on the couch beside Mimi. "Who was on the phone?" she asked, leaning against her.
"Wrong number," Mimi said, her eyes meeting with Roger's.
"I unpacked all the food," Mark announced, as he came into the living room. "We've just got to carry it all over to Mo's and we'll be all set."
"Is Jan coming too?" Roger asked.
"Yup. She hasn't met them yet, but she would sooner or later anyway," he said, smiling.
Roger couldn't help but smile also. He hadn't seen Mark this happy in a long time.
***
"Look what I've got," Maureen said, shaking a bottle of wine in front of Roger's face as he entered with Mimi, Mark, Jan and Daisha.
"Oooh- bubbly" he said, smiling.
"That them?" Jimmy called from the couch.
Roger rolled his eyes. "I see the beast is here, then?"
"Be nice to him," Maureen hissed, "He got me the booking, didn't he?"
Roger shrugged, and took Mimi's hand, and the two of them went inside hand in hand, followed by Daisha.
"Maureen, this is Jan," Mark said, and the two shook hands.
"Marky, you're dating again?" Maureen said, looking overjoyed.
"Yup," he replied, and he and Jan gazed at each other, blushing.
"Aw, this IS a celebration! Pookie, come here" she called.
"What is it?" Joanne asked, walking over to them.
"Marky's got a girlfriend," Maureen squealed, pointing at Jan. "Jan, this is my girlfriend, Joanne."
"Nice to meet you," Jan said, smiling. They shook hands.
"Come on, guys, let's get the party started!" Collins called from the living room. They all settled into the living room.
"Gimme that, Maureen," Collins said, reaching for the bottle.
"Testy" she joked, handing him the bottle.
"Mmm," he said, as he sipped. "Heaven." He offered the bottle to Daisha, who was sitting beside him. "Want some?"
"Collins, she's fifteen!" Frankie exclaimed.
"Oops, sorry," Collins said, grinning sheepishly.
"Collins, Frankie, this is my girlfriend, Jan," Mark said. Using the term 'My Girlfriend' filled him with an odd pleasurable sensation.
"Mark's told us a lot about you," Frankie said, smiling.
"So I hear," Jan laughed. "It's nice to meet you two."
"Do you guys like what Frankie did with the apartment?" Collins asked, pointing to the balloons and crepe paper hanging from the walls and ceiling.
"Brilliant," said Roger, and the others nodded in agreement.
"Just wait until we bring out the Noise Makers," Frankie said, winking.
"Oooh, Noise Makers!" Collins joked. They both kissed lightly.
"Are they cute or what?" Mimi whispered to Roger. He smiled and nodded.
"I'd like to make a toast," Jimmy said, standing up, retrieving the bottle from Collins. "To Maureen, who's brilliant art work is finally going to become public for all eyes to see. And to me- for getting her the booking," he said, smugly. Everyone rolled their eyes.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!" they chorused, and drank, all except Daisha, who was content with her sparkled apple juice.
There was a knock at the door.
"That'll be Isabella," said Mimi, standing up. "I'll get it."
A moment later, she returned with Isabella behind her. "Hi, all," she greeted.
"That's Jan, Mark's girlfriend, and that's Jimmy," Mimi said, pointing.
"Who made this all possible, if I might add," Jimmy cut in.
"Whatever," Mimi mumbled. She sat back down beside Roger, and Isabella sat down next to her.
"Is he the one you were telling me about?" she whispered to Mimi.
"Yup," she sighed.
Isabella smirked. "Go figure."
"And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for," Jimmy said, still standing. He pulled an old dirty sheet off the canvas to reveal 'Reality Check.' The others gasped in amazement.
"Maureen- you did THAT?" Mark exclaimed.
"What? Surprised I had talent?" Maureen joked.
"No, that's just . . .wow," he said.
Jan laughed. "Too good for words." Mark nodded in agreement.
"That's really great, Maureen," Roger said, stepping closer to get a better look.
"There's pictures of all of you guys in there," Joanne spoke up.
"There is? Oh wait- there's me and Mimi," Roger said, smiling.
"Lemme see," she said, walking over to the canvas.
"We're here," he pointed.
Mimi found it, and smiled. "This is really amazing, Maureen," she said, approvingly.
"Thanks," Maureen beamed.
Frankie and Joanne brought out the Noise Makers, and Roger, Mark, and Collins (who were already drunk), resorted to making noises with them obnoxiously in the otheroom.
"Men," Maureen said, shaking her head. "How can you stand them?" she asked Frankie, Jan and Mimi.
"Oh, it's hard," Jan left.
"Very," added Frankie.
"I'm taking pleasure in the single life," Isabella laughed. "As is Daisha."
Daisha stuck out her tongue.
"You alright, Meems?" Joanne asked Mimi, who'd been pretty quiet the whole time.
"I'm fine," Mimi said. She was still thinking about the phone call she had received earlier.
"You sure, Mimi?" Isabella asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I'm just gonna go out on the fire escape and get some fresh air." She got up and left the room.
Maureen shrugged, and the group went back to their conversation.
***
Mimi stood on the fire escape, staring at the horizon.
"Nice, huh?"
She turned. Jimmy had made his way outside.
"Oh, it's you," she mumbled.
"Don't sound to happy to see me," he laughed.
She ignored him. She wrapped her arms around her, shivering lightly from the cold.
"You want me to make you warmer?" he asked, placing his hands on her hips.
"Get off me!" she snapped, moving away.
"Aw, so it's gonna be like that, huh?" Jimmy pressed.
Mimi huffed and turned away.
"What's with the attitude?" Jimmy complained, "What did I ever do to you?"
"You're not my type," Mimi said, rolling her eyes.
"Not your type, huh? Maureen told me you used to be a dancer at the Cat Scratch Club. So I would assume you danced half-nude in front of men all the time. Were they ALL 'Not your type?'"
Mimi jerked her head up, angrily. "Fuck you!" she yelled.
"Well that's what I'm trying to do now, hon. Can't you help me out here?"
"You're disgusting," she spat, shaking her head. She stepped forward, preparing to go back inside. Suddenly, Jimmy's hand shot out and grasped both of her wrists tightly, and he pressed his mouth against hers, forcing his tongue in. Horrified, Mimi squirmed and tried to pull herself away from him.
"Meems, you out here?" Roger's voice called, and his footsteps became louder as he walked towards the fire escape.
Panicked, Mimi tried to wrench herself away from Jimmy. At that moment, Roger appeared.
"There you are . . ." he stopped.
Finally, Mimi pulled herself away from Jimmy, gasping or breath. "Roger," she gasped, expecting him to rush over there and beat the shit out of Jimmy.
"Save it," Roger growled. "You too deserve each other." With that, he turned, furiously, and stormed out of the apartment. Mimi winced as she heard the front door slam violently.
"Oops," said Jimmy.