Author's Note: I know a few of you were stunned by my announcement but don't worry…after talking with several people (and receiving very touching pm's from several close people), I am going to finish the stories I've started. As far as my retirement is concerned? Who knows? But with three ongoing stories, it won't be for a long time. For those who don't know what I'm referring to, just read the message on my profile page.
Enough babbling….onto the story….
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Trish woke to smell of Cinnabon coffee waking her nose. She briefly opened her eyes to the creeping sunlight through her shades. She tussled her hair a little and looked over her shoulder. Dave was gone. Surprise, surprise.
Ever since they've been dating for a month, Dave has become notoriously known to disappear before the daybreak. He often left a note and sometimes a flower, but it would be like he never existed. Not to mention, Trish and Dave only got together late after she finished work. Needless to say, Trish was more than a little suspicious about Dave's behavior.
Putting on a long white shirt, Trish headed out to the kitchen. She was pleasantly surprised to see that Dave was in the kitchen making breakfast and talking to Stacy. "Good morning, sleepyhead." Stacy smiled.
Trish yawned slightly and joined her roommate and boyfriend at the bar. "Good morning." She turned to Dave. "I'm glad to see that you're still here."
Dave smiled and handed Trish a plate of eggs, bacon, and French toast. "Good morning, Honey."
Stacy nudged Trish. "Don't upset the cook now. He's making us free breakfast."
Trish rolled her eyes and chewed on a piece of bacon. "Did we disturb you last night?"
"The first one, I caught the tailwind of it." Stacy sipped her orange juice. "The second time and the third time, I was having some fun listening to you guys."
Dave and Trish glanced over to Stacy. "Oh?" Dave asked.
"Not like that, sicko. It was entertaining listening to the different pitches Trish would sing when you guys changed positions. Like how she'll squeal when…"
Trish's cheeks were becoming increasingly red. "Okay, that's enough, Stacy."
Dave laughed at Trish's expense. "Next time I won't twist her body so…"
"You're begging me not to ever give you ass again, mister." Trish warned.
Dave leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I'm just kidding, Honey."
"Mmm hmm…"
Dave briefly glanced at the kitchen clock. It was eleven in the morning. And he had an appointment with Melina for manicures. Normally, he would miss the appointment but Dave couldn't stand the way his cuticles were looking. "I need to leave now, Honey."
Trish became somber. "Okay." She mumbled. "Um, are we still on for tonight?"
"Yeah, we are." Dave thought about the dinner plans he made with Trish. It was more than just a nice dinner to be with her. He was going to finally tell her about his history, their present, and possibly, her future. "I'll pick you up tonight around 7:30?"
"Yeah, 7:30." Trish said as she reluctantly accepted a kiss from her boyfriend. "Bye."
"Bye, Honey. Bye, Stacy." Dave said.
"Bye Dave!" She waved.
After Dave left, Stacy turned to Trish. "What was that about? You had great sex and your fine-ass boyfriend made us a nice breakfast. Stop being such a sour-puss."
"I'm tired of the secrets, Stacy. He's always leaving early in the morning and we only get to see each other late at night. I haven't been to his place and he only gave me his cell number to reach him by." Trish shook her head as she ate. "I knew he was married."
"Do you know that for a fact? Trish, hello? Think about it. He's always leaving early in the morning because he has a freakin' job to go to. You only see each other late at night because you're in school and you're a bartender. And he only gave you his cell number because he probably doesn't want your crazy-ass bothering him at work. It makes sense, don't you think?"
"Thanks for being so supportive, Stacy."
"If you think it'll make you feel better, just ask him tonight over dinner. If he's married, he'll come out and say it. And then just quietly tell him to fuck off and walk out." She smiled.
Trish grinned and went back to enjoying her meal. She was more than a little tired of Dave's games. They have been together for a month and it was time that she needed some answers. But that could wait after she finished her delicious meal.
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One definite perk that Trish enjoyed the most being with Dave was the exclusive access he had to all of the major hot spots in Los Angeles. He never had problems getting them into a select club or eatery. It was a surreal feeling of eating crème brulee next to a few of Hollywood's A-listers.
Little did Trish know was that part of the exclusive access was Dave's connection to Rock, who posed as a restaurateur to acquire more victims. Dave decided to take Trish to one of Rock's restaurants, The Palace. It was a restaurant/night club that catered to the sophisticated and stylish.
With its exquisite menu and large wine and champagne selection, it was no wonder Dave used The Palace to butter Trish up. "Dave, you made it finally." Rock said as he glanced down at his watch.
Dave walked up to the front booth with Trish on his arm. "I'm only 30 minutes late."
"I'm only 30 minutes late." Rock mocked. "If it wasn't for the fact that we go back, man…." He turned his attention to Trish. "Good evening, Trish. I'm Rock, Dave has told me how beautiful you are but he didn't mention how stunningly gorgeous you are."
Trish smiled and blushed a little. "Thank you." She said quietly.
"Right this way." Rock said as he escorted Dave and Trish to their table. During the short walk to the booth, Dave and Rock decided to integrate their telepathy skills.
Have you told her yet?
I'm going to tonight.
Yeah, because telling her in a public place where she could make a scene was a smart move.
Was it better that I told her at home where I would have to kill her?
Yes. Fuck her and kill her. Pretty simple plan, if you ask me.
You're incredible, you know that?
And your girl's body is pretty damn…
Watch it, man.
"Here you are." Rock moved a chair for Trish to sit down.
"Thank you." She smiled.
"Let me know if you need anything." He smiled and left.
Trish looked at her surrounding area. She and Dave definitely had the best table in the restaurant. They had view seats that overlooked the city lights. "Amazing." She whispered.
"You like it?" Dave asked.
Trish looked at him and smiled. "I love it."
Dave smiled back. "I'm glad."
Trish wanted to wait until after they had dinner to confront her boyfriend. But her patience level was quickly going away. As the waiter came by to pour the wine, Trish felt that it was a now or never moment. "Dave, I need to ask you something. And I want you to be as honest with me as possible."
"Alright. What is it?"
"Are you married?" Trish blurted.
Dave shook his head and smiled once again. "No, and I thought we went over this."
"Yeah, but you're confusing me. You always leave early in the morning and we only hook up late at night. I can only reach you on your cell phone which tells me you don't want me calling your house." Trish pointed out. "And I have yet to go to your home."
Dave looked at his girlfriend. He was forced into a situation that he avoided for a month. And now he could no longer ignore what was blatant in his face. "I might as well come out and say it. I'm a vampire."
Trish stared at Dave and downed her wine. A part of her wanted to believe him while the other part wanted to strangle him. "You were better off telling me that you're married."