Chapter Six
Competition
After grabbing one of the Carts and flooring it out of the Park's area and on to the streets, Mordecai found himself speeding over to CJ's apartment. He was halfway there when something click in his mind and made him stop by a gas station. He sat there under the flickering light of the run down place and ask himself:
"What am I doing?"
He check his phone again and still no text from CJ. Just five missed calls and over a dozen messages from Rigby and Margaret. Each one asking him where did he go, if he was coming back, stop being a moron and don't forget the dip.
"The dip, that's right, I need to get more dip."
He got off the cart and walked into the gas station to purchase the annoying food product knowing deep down this is a good way to distract him from his love life's woes.
Ding.
*pick up your damn phone so I can yell at you* Rigby text.
"Ahhh, why can't he leave me alone." Mordecai said, turning off his phone, fighting the urge just to throw the damn thing.
"I'll leave you alone if you would pay the money you owe me" The Cashier said, dully. "$2.49, please"
"Right." Mordecai said, slapping the three dollars down on the counter while grabbing the container of French Onion dip. "keep the change"
He ran out of there before the cashier could say anything or care and rushed back into the cart. Before he turned the key to turn it on, he stop himself again and ask him the same question.
"What am I doing?"
Was he really going to bother CJ because she had a MALE friend over. It wasn't like he had room to talk since that little slip at the Christmas Party. On the other hand, a kiss slip was more forgivable than actually going to bed with someone. CJ wouldn't be two-timing him, he knew her that well, Right? They were together together last night and you would think that she would mention if there was other guy involved. Maybe this Dennis person was just a friend like she said he was.
(Oh yeah, you said the same thing to her about Margaret and how did that end?) His brain asked.
Dropping the dip next to him he sped off to CJ's apartment.
It was nearly 12:30 in the morning when he finally made it over to CJ's place and got off with the dip firmly in his grip. The light were still on and just like her, she kept the curtains slightly open, but it was still a little hard to see in there without getting caught. He walks up to the door and with his heart pounding so loud, he knocks.
A few seconds went by before he heard footsteps and a guy laughing "I told you this pizza place delivers after midnight."
The door opened revealing a guy probably a few years older than he was wearing a white button up collar shirt and a loose blue tie around his neck. He had on black slacks with shoes that might had cost him half of his monthly paycheck and the cherry on top was his glasses that gave his face the confidence and ladies' man looks any woman would want.
He felt outdated next to him.
"Um…" the guy said, scratching his head, "We didn't order any dip with our pizza, sir"
Mordecai tried his best to stay calm, "Is CJ here?" He asked, in a very squeaky voice. Not cool. Not cool.
"Was she expecting someone" He asked.
"Dennis, is everything OK." They both heard CJ in the background.
The door open up a little more revealing CJ dressed in a blouse and a black skirt. From the looks of it they been doing paperwork for the school since they got off.
"Mordecai, what are you doing here?"
"Mordecai?" Dennis asked, pointing at him, slightly unimpressed.
"Hi, CJ, I was in the neighborhood and thought you needed…..uh…dip" He said, shoving the dip into Dennis' hands and laughing nervously.
CJ stares at him and noticed him eyeing over at Dennis and Dennis was doing the same thing. It finally click and she raise an eyebrow with a look that read 'really, Mordecai.'
"Hey, why don't you come in before all the heat in my apartment goes out" She said, grabbing Mordecai by the arm and pulling him in.
The apartment was clean and tidy except for the kitchen table that was cover up with piles of papers and two cups of coffee. He quickly glance over to her bed which was just as neat and tidy like everything else. He sighs knowing there was no fooling around going on in this apartment. Even the music playing from a phone on the kitchen counter didn't sound romantic or seductive.
"Making sure I wasn't doing anything foolish." CJ accused with her arms crossed.
He nearly screams from her voice and turns around to see her looking a little angry. Dennis was back in the kitchen, pouring himself another cup of coffee without taking his eyes off the odd couple.
"I don't know what you are talking about." He lied, "I thought you were mad at me from the text I sent you"
"What text?" She asked, confused. "The last text I send you was Margaret asking me if I was seeing someone. You never text me back."
His eyes grew big and would have check his phone if it wasn't turn off to see for himself. Most likely he didn't press the send button hard enough to go through or Lady Luck was on his side tonight. All this drama he created in his head and almost accusing her if she was having an affair was all for nothing.
"Was it something important?" CJ asked.
"Nope, nothing to worry about it" Mordecai said quickly with a nervous smile.
"So this is the famous Mordecai." Dennis said, walking over with his hand out from a handshake. "CJ told me a lot about you"
"Can't say the same about you and you are?" Mordecai asked, shaking his hand.
"Dennis Jones. I've been friends with CJ since we were kids." He said.
"His dad and my dad are golfing buddies." CJ added.
"Yes, I remember those days carrying those heavy golf clubs while our fathers chit chat about how great they were." Dennis said, shaking his head.
"Good times, good times." CJ and Dennis both laugh while patting each other on the backs.
Mordecai stares at them, not liking this laughing and touching each other and almost forgetting he was here.
"Remember what your Dad would say to us if we started to complain." CJ said, wiping his tears from her eyes.
"Water? Water are for winners and we didn't win yet." Dennis said, in a deeper voice.
Mordecai started to laugh as well, a little too loud that made the other two stop what they were doing and just stare at him. His laughter died down and he didn't know what to do. They all stayed quiet for a few seconds til they heard another knock at the door.
"Now THAT might be the pizza." CJ said, heading towards the door.
"I'll grab the plates." Mordecai said, heading over to the kitchen with Dennis following him.
"I'm guessing you're staying then?" Dennis asked, raising an eyebrow.
Mordecai just gave him a look.
For nearly thirty minutes he sat there at the dinner table barely eating his slice of pizza while watching the pair muttering and pointing out things on the papers. CJ massage her tired eyes and let out a big yawn while Dennis gulped down his fourth cup of coffee. Mordecai knew CJ work at a school, but not once did she ever mention a childhood friend working there with her. They used to tell each other everything…well…when they were together they did.
"Just a few more papers" CJ said, rubbing her neck from looking down some much.
"Hang in there, we got to get these done before tomorrow." Dennis said.
"True, but wasn't it you who asked me for help because you decided to wait to the last minute." She said, sarcastically.
Dennis punch her arm playfully and she giggles. A red alarm went off in Mordecai's head and he quickly grabs the pair's attention. The music on the phone playing on the table felt like it was getting louder and making fun of this situation.
I won't lie to you
I know he's just not right for you
And you can tell me if I'm off
But I see it on your face…..
Ugh, he really hated this song, but kept his cool and put a nervous smile on his face.
"So Dennis, are you a teacher's assistant like CJ or a janitor of some kind?" Mordecai asked, taking a bite out of his pizza.
Dennis tried his best not to look offended and clear his throat, "yes, like her, I'm getting experience before I graduate from college. I'm hoping to get a job as a Teacher for High School or a College Professor."
"He's been traveling all over the world last year for some life experience before buckling down and hitting the books again. The places he's been are just amazing." CJ said, with a little twinkle in her eyes.
"I've been telling her all last year to be my travel buddy, but she kept telling me that she needed to concentrate on her school work more." Dennis said, placing his hand on her shoulder. "What a shame, it would've been more fun with someone like her by my side"
I know I can treat you better than he can
And any girl like you deserves a gentlemen
Tell me why are we wasting time
On all you wasted crying
"Oh stop, now you're just acting stupid." CJ said, playfully slapping his hand away.
When you should be with me instead
I know I can treat you better
Better than he can….
"Hey, I have to be nice since you help me get that job at the Elementary School. It's a great way to get my foot into there door as they say." Dennis smiled and stared at Mordecai, "She is a fantastic woman. I feel sorry for anyone who would take her for grated."
Better than He can….
He could of sworn Dennis mouth the last line of the song while looking at him. Mordecai was gripping his slice of pizza so hard that it split in half and fell back on the plate with a splat. "Excuse me." He said, getting up and walking over to the door that led into the restroom.
CJ and Dennis stared at each other before Dennis finally said something, "A Janitor, really?"
Mordecai washed his wings to get rid of the pizza sauce and just stood there for a minute. The guy loves to brag about himself and CJ was just eating it up right in front of him. Of all the nerve, was this payback for everything he did to her or was she really that lovesick over him. Staring at his reflection, he checks himself out believing he was still this young, bright, good all around guy that CJ would want even though he might not measure up to Dennis. He got himself back into shape after that two weeks vacation in Dumptown and kept himself nice and groom.
He could hear them talking although it was muffled by the door. He slowly crept up to the door and pressed his ear up against it to hear if he can make out what they were saying.
"He didn't mean it, he was trying to make a joke." CJ said.
"Any reason why he would be here. I thought he was out of the picture. You said it yourself you didn't want nothing to do with him after that Wedding thing." Dennis said, a little annoyed.
"We met up about a week ago and buried the hatchet. No big deal." CJ said, calmly.
"Hey, you're a big girl, I just hope you're not going to do something stupid like giving him another chance." He said.
"Of course not." CJ said, with very little emotion.
A pang of hurt hit his chest and he frown a bit from that statement. There were sounds of papers and supplies getting shuffled and packed up follow by dishes being put in the sink. It sounded like they was finally packing it up for the night and most likely Dennis would be heading home soon. Taking a deep breath, he made his way back into the small dining room where the other two were packing up the papers in Dennis' suitcase and books in his backpack.
"That should be everything." CJ said, yawning.
"Thanks again. I don't know why they thought I can grade six classes worth of tests over one weekend." Dennis said.
"Again, don't wait til the last minute." CJ said, smugly.
"Yeah, that's going fall back on me now since I have to be in class tomorrow in like six hours." Dennis said, looking at the clock on his phone.
"What a shame, you better get going then. Don't want to waste any more beauty sleep." Mordecai said, mockingly.
Dennis raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, and I'm sure CJ needs to get her rest too so you should be heading home too, right?"
"Both of you should be going, but I have to talk to Mordecai about why he decided to show up at Midnight with a container of dip." CJ said, a little upset while elbowing the Blue Jay in the arm a little hard.
(Oh great, here comes the storm) Mordecai thought with wide eyes.
Mordecai stood there while CJ escort Dennis to the door with him protesting a bit. Not even caring of Mordecai could hear him or not. "Are you sure about this? I don't think this is a good idea." He said.
"Don't worry about me, remember, I'm a big girl, right?" She said, opening the door.
Dennis rolled his eyes, "Right. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah, around 10 o'clock. They are short handed in the cafeteria and needed me to help them out with the lunch rush." CJ said. "It's sucks because it's going to take all morning to fit all this hair in that hair net."
"What a shame." He said, taking a step forward and wraps his arms around her for a hug. "Have a good night."
"You too, good night." CJ said, closing the door.
"Bye Dennis, stop slacking off on your work for now on." Mordecai said, smugly.
Dennis gave him an ugly look, but decided to let it go. He was the bigger person after all when it comes to dealing with someone as petty as the Ex-boyfriend in his opinion.
The second the door closed, she turns around to face an equally upset Mordecai standing there with his wings crossed.
"Alright, spill it." CJ said, walking over to him. "I can tell you didn't like me having a friend over by the way you were acting."
"I should be asking why you never told me about him and why I had to find out on a text message."
"You make it sound like you just caught me cheating on you." CJ said, rolling her eyes.
"Well, are you?" Mordecai asked, "You seem all goo goo ga ga over him when I was trying to eat. I nearly vomit my dinner after seeing that show."
"We are just friends. Something you should understand since you put me through a similar situation before."
"Just friends? I recall telling you that and you didn't believe me."
"Well, til you catch me and Dennis making out at a Christmas party, you should believe me" CJ said, sarcastically.
"Ugh!" Mordecai said, throwing his wings up in the air while walking away from her, "don't bring that up again."
"I'm just making a point." She said.
He sighs and prepares himself for the next question since he might get stuck by lightning for this one. "Are you sleeping with him?"
"Are you sleeping with Margaret?" She asked, without missing a beat.
They stared at each other and were surprised that neither one was upset or offended by this accusation. They both really needed to know if there was someone else in this picture. No drama in the agreement, just fun but only between them. Both waited for someone to say something, so CJ decided to break the ice.
She sighs, "Look, we dated for a month or two during freshmen year in college. I guess since we both didn't know anybody we figured we could do better as a couple. But I thought of him more of a friend than anything else. He was crushed, but took it OK just to be nice. I'm not going to stop hanging around him because you feel threaten."
"I'm not threaten by him." He said, quickly.
"You came over around midnight with dip. Dip? Really?" CJ said.
"I thought you like dip." Mordecai said, trying to be silly to change the subject.
"Mordecai!" CJ shouted, "I'm too tired and confused for you to joke around."
"Ok, maybe a little because I feel like you're just trying to get back at me for our bad break-up."
"I'm not going to use my friend for something that stupid. I can't believe you would think that low about me"
"You never answer my question." Mordecai said,walking up to her again til he was just a foot away from her.
"And you never answer mine"
He took a deep breath, "No...even when we dated we...never got that far."
Mordecai knew this very well. The few times he did make a "Move" Margaret would never reply til finally she told him that it was too soon since they were barely dating. She also mention the many heartbreaks from other boyfriends that left for making them wait too long and just wanted to make sure he wasn't the same way. He wasn't, he was a gentlemen by heart even though it took everything he got to calm down his Non-gentlemen side. He did love Margaret after all to wait, but all that came crashing down when she went off to her dream school.
"That's hard to believe." She said, with a sly smirk.
"Trust me on this one, OK." Mordecai said, "Even after we broke up nothing happened with her. (Or with anyone if that matters)"
He was blushing super red in CJ's opinion, but didn't say anything about that instead this, "It was only one time when we dated in college. Probably the reason I broke it off since it didn't feel right because he was a childhood friend. Don't get any idea that it's going to happen again because I know how you overreact sometimes hint being here this late at night."
Mordecai said nothing and could feel his cheeks heating up so bad he didn't know if he was embarrassed or a little upset for knowing CJ and that guy had a little history together. Why on Earth did he thought it was a good idea to come here went through his mind.
"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm tired." CJ said walking pass him and over to her closet while letting down her cloud-like hair from her bun. Mordecai waited as she disappeared into the walk-in closet for a few minutes with a few clothes tossing out on the floor. She came out wearing comfy shorts and a long t-shirt and poofy hair.
"I better go before I do anything else to ruin this night even more." He said, a little ashamed for looking at her and getting playfully thoughts in his mind.
"It's nearly two in the morning. You can stay if you like." She said, rubbing her arm a little nervously.
Mordecai didn't know what to say, he would love to stay since the feeling of losing her again was very compelling at the moment. That Dennis prick did a number on him emotionally, but would never tell CJ that on the count of she might find it funny. "Should I stay?" He asked
CJ went over to her bed and pull out the covers. Even after all that happened a few moments ago, he was here and she didn't want him to leave. Her brain wanted to slap her for not making him leave, but the heart said otherwise. "I want you to stay
Next thing he knew after she turned off the lamp, he was climbing into bed with her while covering themselves up with the covers. He can tell that she was tired by the way she shifted up against him and wrapped her arms around his body before burying her face in his chest. She was fast asleep in less than a minute which left Mordecai hugging her while staring at the ceiling.
He was tired, but had a hard time closing his eyes. He just had a very eerie feeling for some reason yet it was probably just his stupid mind trying to tell him things again. He held CJ tighter and forced himself to shut his eyes.
Unknowing to him, to make sure of her well-being, Dennis waited for nearly forty minutes in his car for Mordecai to leave CJ's apartment before realizing CJ wasn't over him like she said she was…
Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait, it's that time of the year when the weather changes thus the whole family one by one came down with a bad cold. I was one of the lucky ones that didn't, but left me to take care of everyone. Ugh. Anyway, a lot of confusion in this chapter, but that's what Love, lust and jealously can do to people when they are blinded by these emotions. I'll be adding some Margaret/Mordecai moments in the next few chapters so stay tune. Love the reviews as well and can't wait for more.
