But Is He Boyfriend Material?
Joss and Mia entered Mia's condo through a narrow hallway. They passed the kitchen on the left, and found themselves at the far end of a great room with combined living and dining space. The room was large and airy, with lots of windows. The floor plan was open much like John's loft. The kitchen, fully visible from the great room, was a little smaller than John's and the built in appliances more modest, but they were stainless steel and looked new as did the white cabinetry. Four stools graced the gray and white granite counter top over which hung silver lighting.
In the living area artwork sat around the room on the floor. There was also a modern gas fireplace, with side built in book cases. A few photos already graced the shelves, including one of their friends on some outing while in college. A 65 inch flat screen still in the box, sat in front of the fireplace. Potted plants, large and small were sitting around on the floor, providing a warm touch of greenery.
"Wow – this space is great", remarked Joss once she finished her walk around. "Got anything I can wear? I'm not quite dressed for moving."
"Oh, sure", Mia answered. "I have some clothing here, since I've lived here for almost two weeks. I did as much as I could, bringing in a few precious things at a time, figuring out where I wanted things, setting up the kitchen and master bath. Today was the soonest the movers could bring the rest of my stuff."
"Where'd you sleep?", asked Joss.
"I brought the roll out bed from my old place. You remember I only had a one bedroom and my old couch wasn't a sleeper", reminded Mia.
"Old is an understatement. Please tell me you aren't moving that thing here."
"No", said a wistful Mia. The couch went the way of my last boyfriend – gone, but not forgotten."
The two friends laughed and walked through the living area to a corridor passing a guest bath then entering a master bedroom suite. Mia rummaged through a box and came up with black jeggings and a light weight black off the shoulder cropped sweater. Joss quickly removed her dress and Mia laughed again.
"What's so funny this time?", asked Joss.
"I adore your taste in underwear, too. You're liable to start a fashion trend", said Mia, barely able to get the words out.
"Ha-ha", Joss mocked. "Very funny." She had totally forgotten she was wearing John's underwear.
She quickly removed the undershirt and briefs and folded the garments neatly.
"So what's up?", Mia asked.
Joss shrugged her shoulders in response.
"Don't give me that – you know what I want to know", Mia insisted.
"I don't kiss and tell, and if you keep this up…"
"Well he seems like a really nice guy. Didn't know you were down the swirl though", Mia opined.
"I didn't know I was down with the swirl either", Joss admitted, and just as she was slipping into the jeggings the doorbell rang. Saved by the bell, she thought.
"I'll get it", Mia said, rushing to the door. "You finish changing." She cheerfully opened the door to a waiting John.
"Hey", she said. "Come on in." Mia closed the door behind him. "Give me your jacket." He handed it to her and she put it in the coat closet.
"May I get you anything, John?"
"Not just yet, thanks. I had breakfast not long ago. Nice place you have here", John said, having his own look around. "You need help putting up paintings and the TV, I take it", he commented, spying the artwork and TV on the floor.
"Yes," Mia responded. "Several TVs, a game system. Also, the curtains in the office, knick knacks all around,putting together beds, placing furniture—putting boxes in the correct rooms-"
John interrupted her litany. "The movers aren't going to place furniture and boxes or provide other help?"
"They said that wasn't one of their services, only to get the stuff up here. The rest was up to me. That's what I get going cheap on the movers."
John furrowed his eyebrows.
Just then, Jocelyn entered the living space. Mia noticed how both their faces lit up when they saw each other. She also noticed how John's eyes lingered on every one of Joss's curves. He licked his lips as if he were anticipating a meal at the 4 Seasons. Joss was obviously into him as well, the cut of his tee shirt accentuated the broadness of his shoulders and his defined biceps. He must work out, Mia thought, as she found herself eyeing him appreciatively as well.
After a few moments the doorman buzzed. Mia walked to the door, hit the intercom. "Yes?"
"Good morning", said the voice on the other end. The moving company is at the loading dock."
"OK. I'll be right down."
John shook his head no. "I'll take care of it", he stated firmly. You and Joss get started up here."
Before Mia could protest he was off, taking the elevator to the first floor, where he saw the doorman. "Hi. I'm a friend of the new owner in 1502, Mia Jackson. You buzzed that the movers are here? Where do I meet them?", asked John.
After getting directions, John cut through to the back of the spacious lobby then down a hallway on the left. When he opened the door he entered a large area with 2 freight elevators and a loading dock with a lift, that was open. The truck was backed up to the dock and 4 men were standing out there smoking and impatiently waiting.
John jumped to the ground from the dock. "You guys here for 1502?", he asked.
"Yeah, and we're in a hurry. We got 3 other jobs to do today.", said a large heavyset guy whom John supposed was the crew leader.
Ignoring their comments, John pulled a folded over stack of bills from his pants pocket. "You're going to take the things up to 1502, place the furniture where Ms Jackson wants it, how she wants it. You are going to set up the beds, break down and take out the empty boxes and other moving trash, and anything else she wants. He peeled off 4-$100 bills.
Once the movers nodded their agreement, John ripped the bills in half. "There's another 100 in it for you guys for lunch or whatever", he said, waving the bill. One guy reached for it but John snatched it away. "Once you're done", he smirked.
"Alright guys, get the elevator loaded, 15th floor, 1502", said Mover – 1.
On the way back in, John spotted a janitor's closet and opened the door. He found a small tool kit which he brought out. After a quick stop at the desk to let them know he had borrowed the kit, he boarded an elevator, arriving but a few moments before the movers brought the first of Mia's household items. It was part of her sectional, carried in pieces and a rolled up area rug labelled living room, carried by three guys. The fourth had a rolling rack, covered, labelled bedroom 1. John held the door open as the movers entered.
Arriving at the scene Mover 1 greeted Mia. "Where do you want this stuff?", he asked, wondering if John was doing her. Then he spotted Joss. Hmmm… Mover 1 thought to himself. I would do either one and began secretly congratulating himself on all the pussy he racked up from willing moving company clients. But Mover 1 instinctively knew it wasn't going to go down like for him that this time.
"I thought you didn't do set up", Mia questioned him, ending his reverie.
John scowled at him, prompting him to quickly state that there must have been a "miscommunication".
Joss looked over at John, who gave her an innocent shoulder shrug (but she knew better, as did Mia). Joss just prayed that John hadn't threatened them with bodily harm. By this time, John had pulled out a laser level, preparing to mark a line above the fireplace, hang the tv, then connect the cables to the wiring.
Mia was explaining where and how to position the navy blue velvet sectional couch. Having had more than a week to figure out where she wanted things, the entire process was smooth. Joss led the way to the bedroom followed by rolling rack dude.
After the movers went to get another load and after hanging the living room TV, John followed Joss to the master bedroom. She was busily arranging clothing and shoes in Mia's closet. He walked up behind her, caressed her bottom then slid his hands around her waist, his head nestled at her neck. He pressed his burgeoning erection against her to let her know that he wanted her. "Need some help?", he asked sweetly.
"I'm good, thank you, baby".
John rasped, "Very, very, VERY good. Yes, you are." At that, she turned in his arms, found his hungry mouth, and took his lips in a fiery kiss. They both wished they were elsewhere, so that this exchange could be carried out to its natural conclusion, but they were not. This couldn't have been more evident as when Mia came in trailed by the movers who were carrying her bed and mattresses.
"Hey hey! Cut that out and get back to work. Time for kissy face later", Mia scolded.
"Yes ma'am", John answered after giving Joss a look that was full of promise. She returned it – tenfold.
Joss quickly finished setting up Mia's closet and wheeled the rack into the hall. Joss busily spread area and accent rugs, and put away linens, and cleaning supplies. John went to the living room and tested the TV while the movers put Mia's bed together complete with the new mattresses, under Mia's watchful eye.
John hanged a TV in the master bedroom, then entered the guest room and started on the small TV there. He unboxed the game system and was fiddling with wires when Mia came in.
"Lots of nieces and nephews", she shared, waiting for the movers to bring in the twin beds. "So tell me John, how are you single?"
John continued his work. "I lost the woman I intended to marry several years ago, and hadn't met anyone special to date until recently." He stopped working. "Very very recently, in fact."
"I'm sure it is not for a lack of willing partners."
John shrugged and started working again. "I have never been one to play the field, being at the core, a one-woman man. Things are simpler that way."
"Mmmm, you ain't lyin' about that!", commented Mia. Just then the movers came in with the bedding, night table, game chairs. As Mia began explaining where she wanted the furniture placed, John started testing his TV connections in both bedrooms. Everything was working properly so he next started on the pictures and mirrors. Mia had them on the floor in the various rooms where she wanted them up, but John dutifully checked with her before drilling any holes. He even suggested a few tasteful changes, which Mia readily accepted. Making quick work of these, John went to the small office and hanged the curtains.
Mia filled her chest of drawers from the boxes that were already in her bedroom and put the boxes in the hall. She then set out her knick knacks. Next was the hall half-bath, and the guest bath, on which Joss had already started. She had also opened several boxes of lamps and was placing them as appropriate.
The movers had brought up a small dining table and chairs, and placed the set on the area rug in the designated space. They also brought up a living room side table and chair, cocktail table, put the guest beds together, and placed the new mattresses on them. Joss and Mia then dressed all the beds with new linens and pillows. The job almost done, the movers opened the final boxes of gewgaws and tchotchkes, setting the items on the cocktail table. They then broke down all the boxes, gathered wrappings and tissue and put everything by the entry door.
"Anything further, Sir?", Mover 1 asked, looking from John to Mia.
"Let's see", John said. He grabbed both Mia's and Joss's hands, and they walked from room to room, followed by a contrite Mover 1.
"Everything looks good", said Mia. John nodded. I'll walk the guys down", he added, quickly lifting the borrowed and repacked tool kit. John held the door open while the movers hauled out the moving detritus and they were able to handle everything in one trip.
Once the trash was deposited into recycling or refuse, and the guys were sitting in the moving truck, John handed Mover 1 the ripped bills, along with the extra hundred.
"Thanks fellas", John offered. "Thank you", the movers spoke back, smiling, pleased with their tip for they had rarely made a hundred in tips in a day after working several jobs. Mover 1 handed John a business card. Best Value Movers – Door to Door…Serving the Five Boroughs Since 2000". " At your service", Mover 1 said, honking his horn and pulling off. John closed the loading bay and headed back upstairs.
Once John arrived, the three set started putting the few remaining items in place. John followed behind Joss and Mia; every time they turned an item to the left, he'd sneakily turn it toward the right. If they placed it on the right, he'd center it. The ladies were so exhausted, it took them a good 30 minutes to figure out what he was doing. Joss was the first to notice.
"John? What are you up to? If you don't cut that out, it's going to be you and me!", she playfully warned.
"Please, lady. Please let it be you and me", he pleaded, raising his hands folded in prayer fashion, followed by a hearty laugh.
They finally sat on Mia's couch, placed so that they were treated to a beautiful view of the city. Time had gone quickly, thanks to the extra hands. The place was nice before, but thanks to the addition of the furniture, artwork, plants and other personal mementos, it was beautiful and contemporary, yet warm and welcoming. Mia's place was complete. She and Joss alone could not have completed all the work.
"Phew", John said, breaking the silence. "I'll take that something cold now."
"Of course", Mia said, rushing off to the fridge. She promptly brought back 3 beers.
After sitting down, Mia started, "So John". She stopped to take a couple sips of her beer. "Got any unmarried brothers?" John began shaking his head no. "How about friends?", she continued. "Is your dad available?"'
"'fraid not" he said.
"Too bad", Mia sighed.
Joss just shook her head at Mia's antics.
The trio continued to chat. At one point, John asked Mia about her alarm system and building security.
"Didn't think I needed an alarm system. I am on the 15th floor."
"Wouldn't hurt to have one synced to your phone. I noticed several weaknesses and lapses in security since I've been here."
"Oh?", Mia asked.
John talked about the loading dock area being open and unmonitored, and the lack of security cameras in the freight elevators as examples. He provided other examples as well.
"Oh-?", Mia repeated, looking at Joss.
"It's what I do. I can have someone from my company come by on Monday, do an assessment and give you a proposal. I'll be certain to let them know to give you the friends and family discount", John said, then winked. "Also, just so you know, I will also be approaching the condo committee with some suggestions on improving security."
"OK – thanks", Mia said, smiling at Joss approvingly.
The trio began chatting again amiably. After a while, Joss yawned.
"Ready to leave?", John asked.
"Yes, I am", Joss answered. "I'm a little tired and desperately in need of a bath."
"Well how about I cook us a nice meal at my place", asked John. "I have a chicken marinating."
"OK", said Joss, wondering when he had time to clean and marinate a chicken. "But I need you to take me home to grab shower and change of clothes."
"Not necessary", interjected Mia. She dashed off to her bedroom. John and Joss heard drawers and closets being opened and closed, then the rustle of what sounded like a shopping bag.
"Here. No need for side trips." Mia held out the bag. "I put your clothing in there as well."
Joss took the bag and made to look inside.
"No peeking!" Mia snatched the bag back and handed it to John with a wink. She then handed Joss a pair of ankle boots to wear on the bike. "Thank you", Joss offered and proceeded to put them on.
"You are welcome to join us for dinner", John offered, but Mia declined. "I have a date with a hot bath, a good movie, and a glass of wine". Both John and Joss smiled at her.
"Come my dear", John said to Joss, gallantly. "Your chariot awaits." He offered his hand and they both stood. Mia walked them to the hallway where she retrieved their jackets from the closet.
"Mia, you have a lovely home", John said, donning his jacket. "Enjoy."
Mia held her arms open and John bent down for a sisterly hug. "Thanks for your help. The move is finally complete thanks to you and Joss. Don't be a stranger, now, John."
"I won't", John answered.
"I'll be having a housewarming in a few weeks, and I expect to see you and Joss", Mia said.
"I'll look for that invitation", John said, smiling.
Mia pulled Joss in for her hug. "Thank you." She then whispered, "I think he's boyfriend material. Don't screw it up and keep me posted."
John and Joss left the condo, walked down the hall to the elevator. Once inside, John leaned casually on the elevator wall, holding Joss's hand. She looked up at him, lovingly. "Thank you so much, baby. For today, for yesterday, for last night." She reached up, her arms circling his neck. She gave him a deep kiss. "Thank you", she again whispered.
"You can thank me later". John smirked.
"Sex fiend", she accused, with a smirk of her own.
"Only with you", he answered.
John and Joss hadn't made it to the elevator on the 15th floor before Mia was on a conference call with Sylvia and Brittany, both members of the girls' night out crew. She was giving them the serious low-down on John, the Harley, the Jag, that thing with the movers (Mia got the story out if them), handling her electronics, one-woman man, the bedroom Joss kiss sighting, his underwear on Joss, the swirl, and that he's cooking her a meal tonight – chicken. Oh yes, and the alarm system and John's security company.
After listening and taking it all in, Brittany needed a final evaluation. "I hear all of that. Seems like a nice guy, but the question is, is he boyfriend material?"
That's right", said Sylvia.
"Yes, cut to the chase", said Brittany.
"He sure looks like it, Mia shouted, unequivocally. "I've got high hopes."
Back in the elevator…
"What did Mia say to you?", John asked.
"Mmmmm..I might be compelled to tell you, if you let me have a look in that bag", Joss said in an attempt to bargain a peek.
"No can do", John stated as he poked out his bottom lip and shook his head. Joss was trying to get to the bag so he held it up in the air beyond her grasp. As they playfully tussled for it, the elevator stopped and an elderly lady and gentleman boarded. The couple stared curiously at the two – John with the bag mid-air in one hand, holding Joss off with the other, while she had him pressed against the elevator's back wall, herself in mid-swipe at the bag. John and Josh smiled sheepishly at the older couple in greeting, as they were caught like two children with their hands in the proverbial cookie jar. Once the fellow riders faced elevator front, Joss mean-faced John, mouthing, See what you did? John mean faced her back, Me? Me? You started it. I didn't do anything. He stuck his tongue out at her.
Unknown to John and Joss, the couple were watching their reflection in the shiny elevator control panel. The couple smiled to themselves, then at each other, in silent remembrance of their youth, spent in such simple pleasures as well.
The lady and gentleman got off on the lobby floor, and once the doors closed again, John and Joss quickly locked each in a steamy kiss for the quick ride to the garage levels. Exiting the elevator, they quickly located the Harley, stowed the shopping bag, geared up and rode out.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed reading. There's one more chapter to this story. Please review. I so love hearing from you!