A/N: The holidays are upon us!
If you celebrate, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
And what better present for my devoted readers than...a chapter set on Valentine's Day? huh.
Well, anyway, this week is going to be BUSY BUSY BUSY between work and family, so glad to get this out in the nick of time!
I'll see you sometime next week and as always, stay safe and enjoy yourselves.
Peace ;-)
The students in Photography class were engrossed in the science behind "color temperature" to establish the desired "feel" of an image. The teacher, Mr. Pommer, used blow-ups of his own works. He was a stalwart holdout against digital, preferring the detail and earthiness that only shooting on film stock could provide. It was like music enthusiasts standing by their LP collection, saying that you get a fuller, warmer sound compared to digital music.
He demonstrated how the same camera but with careful choices of lens and lighting resulted in a city street looking cool while the same street, shot differently, looked warmer.
Ryan was scrawling down notes during the teacher's lecture.
Mia stole some glances at the boy, finding his total focus endearing.
Pommer then dismissed the class at the bell and everyone started getting up to leave.
Ryan was still getting his stuff together, so Mia hung back a bit. When he stood, she stood.
"Hey, Ryan!"
He turned and smiled, "Yeah? W-what's up?"
Mia cleared her throat, peering around Ryan to see that nobody was around.
"Listen, um, I was thinking that maybe we could...hang out, erm...tonight?"
Ryan squinted.
"Isn't today Valentine's?" he asked.
Mia blushed.
"What? It is?" she shrugged with a nervous chuckle. "Well, I didn't have any plans anyway."
He stood a little awkward.
"But...you do?" Mia winced.
"Yeah, sorry. Savannah asked me to hang out, you know to catch up."
Mia took a step back.
"Oh, I uh...didn't know you guys were back together."
"What? No," he said shaking his head. "It's just friends, nothing better to do while everyone else is on dates, so why not hang out, right?"
(Really? She chose today of all days for this "just friends" outing?)
"That's not..." Mia's eyes darted to the side. "A little weird?"
Ryan slung his backpack over his shoulder.
"Never really thought of that. Yeah, we broke it off but it was mutual."
(That's not how she tells it.)
"Well, hope you have a good weekend," he said. "I'll see you Monday."
"Yeah, see ya."
He went and left and Mia leaned over a nearby chair.
"Fuck," she whispered. "You were too late."
Jenna was brushing her hair, deciding to wear it down for tonight.
"You look nice."
Her eyes went to the right and caught her father's reflection in the mirror.
"Thanks," Jenna replied. "I'll be heading out soon."
"And where are you going again?"
"Me and Billy are double dating with two of our friends at that sushi place near school. People keep raving about it."
Gary nodded.
"Yes, Billy. How are things?"
Jenna was initially bothered by the question but closed her eyes and exhaled. He was being a dad; this was her first serious boyfriend. It was par the course.
"Great," she nodded. "He's really sweet."
Her parents only met him a couple of times, but he came off as a gentleman and respectful of their daughter.
"Listen...um...I'm...sorry. I know your mother and I were giving you a hard time about switching schools."
Jenna put down her hairbrush and turned around.
"Yeah?"
"But you seem to be happy there," Gary admitted. "And if you really want to stay at Hollywood Arts, then okay."
She knocked the wind out of him when she latched on for a hug.
"Thanks, dad. I appreciate that."
"I know I was weird about the whole thing," he said, hugging her back. "This isn't a world I know much about."
"It was scary for me, too in the beginning. But the more I'm there, the more it feels right."
He cleared his throat as they broke the hug.
"I am going to miss our one on ones on the court."
Jenna smiled.
"Hey, don't think I'm never picking up a ball again!"
"How does tomorrow sound?" he asked. "Or maybe Sunday?"
It was more than just throwing the basketball around. For years, this was their daddy-daughter time where they would have their little chats in-between free throws.
"I'd like that," Jenna said.
"How do I look?"
Neil looked up from his book to see Chase standing in a blue button shirt with black jeans.
"You look good!" he nodded. "You want me to press that shirt for you?"
Chase gazed down and didn't think it was a problem.
"No, no, no, you're right! Too fancy, as long as you're clean, you're perfect."
The teenager chuckled.
"Think she'll like it?" Chase asked.
"Dude, you got this! Lauren already likes you. This is just...you in blue."
Neil blinked and scrambled for his yellow pad and pen.
"That's pretty good. I can use that in a song."
"Glad to inspire," Chase sighed.
"So, how are you doing this?"
Chase explained using his fingers.
"I'm meeting up with Lauren and then Jenna will collect us. After that, we will get Billy since he lives the closest to the restaurant."
Neil sprang up and grabbed his shoes.
"Should we leave now then?"
Chase checked the time on his phone.
"I guess so," he replied. "I'll text Lauren that we're on our way."
Lauren stood in front of her full-length mirror; her choices pared down to two possible outfits.
One was a red and purple dress.
The other one was a pink and gold shirt complimented by psychedelic-inspired black and white pants.
She bit her lip and quickly texted Jenna.
[R U WEARING A DRESS?]
[no.]
Then it was settled. Lauren lightly tossed aside the dress.
"Fun, not formal."
Her phone buzzed again, and she grabbed it, thinking it was Jenna again.
Her eyes bugged out when it turned out to be a message from Chase, saying he was on his way.
That gave her ten, maybe fifteen minutes tops if there's traffic.
Lauren snatched the winning ensemble and like a bolt of lightning, rushed to the bathroom. It was time to put this date preparation into overdrive.
"Mia!" called out Tori. "Mia?"
She looked around the apartment and noticed her bedroom door was shut.
"Baby," she said, knocking. "You're still in there?"
"I'm fine," the teen sighed.
Tori rubbed her hands together.
"Mia, please, I don't want to have a whole conversation through this door."
Tepid footsteps approached until the bedroom door was flung open.
"Hey," she said deadpan.
"I'm sorry," Tori said, hugging her. "I know this kind of thing is hard at this age. Believe me, I've been there."
The girl didn't return the hug. She just let her arms dangle like all the life was drained out of her.
"If you want me to stay home..."
"No mom! I don't want you to cancel tonight. I want you to go."
"Will you be alright?" Tori asked.
Mia huffed and nodded.
"You know me."
The bell rang downstairs and Tori raced down.
"Holy crap! She's early!"
Fortunately, Tori was too excited to sit still. She pretty much started getting ready once she got home.
"Hey!" Tori said, opening the door.
"Hi, Mrs. Vega!" said Alice.
"Oh, sweetie," the Latina smiled. "I think we're beyond titles at this point. Call me Tori."
The short girl was taken aback.
"Oh! Um, sure, okay...Tori."
Jade entered wearing a long black trench coat. Alice joked on the way that her mom looked like a secret agent.
"I guess that means your kid can call me Jade."
She did a quick scan.
"Where is the youngin'?"
Tori glanced upstairs and whispered to Jade, "She's in her room." She then gestured for Alice to join the hushed conversation. "Mia has been pretty despondent since school let out. Alice, I appreciate you coming. She could really use the company."
Alice nodded, well aware of the Ryan situation before arriving.
"What's up with the huddle?"
Mia descended the steps and made a mild smirk at Alice.
"Alice, why is your mom a spy?"
"Thank you!"
The dark-haired woman folded her arms at the two teenagers.
"I think you look nice!" Tori said.
Jade was able to fully take it Tori's outfit.
Dark red pants really hugged her figure that her "around the house" clothes and work attire only teased. Tori Vega was a far cry from the skinny girl from those days. She came a long way and was now a sensual woman in her prime. Jade had to keep the proverbial tongue in her mouth. Tori had hips before but nothing like these. Jade was curious about the rest, but Tori's jacket covered the top half.
(Make me work for it huh, Vega?)
"Is this okay?" Tori asked with a nervous face. "I wanted to look nice."
"Mission accomplished," Jade nodded.
The pair had to remember that they were being watched by impressionable youths.
"Well, we had better get going," Tori said with an awkward smile. "Love you!" she addressed to Mia.
"Don't wait up," Jade said to the both of them. "Later, taters!"
Tori closed the door behind them.
"Isn't it romantic?" Alice sighed. "Old friends now something more on Valentine's!"
The petite couldn't help but notice her friend's less-than-stellar visage.
"Well, at least somebody is feeling it today."
And with that Mia flopped onto the couch and flipped on the TV.
(Poor Mia! I'm going to be there for her!)
Neil pulled up to Lauren's house.
"This is very familiar," he smirked.
Chase gazed at the home outside his window.
He got out of the car and was surprised by Neil doing the same.
"What are you...?"
"I think at this point I should meet your girlfriend's family. Gotta be the responsible guardian sometimes."
"Ugh, fine!" Chase sighed.
The boys approached the front door and rang the bell.
Louise opened the door and smiled at Chase.
"Hello, Chase."
"Hi, Mrs. Jackson," he smiled back.
Her eyes were drawn to the other fellow.
"And who is this, your dad?" she asked.
Neil was rather disgusted by the insinuation, but he played it cool because it wasn't her fault.
"No, I'm actually his uncle. Name's Neil," he said, offering his hand in a friendly way.
Louise accepted it and shook.
"Nice to meet you, Neil. You can call me Louise. I'm Lauren's mother."
"Nice to meet you," he nodded.
"Excuse me," Chase interjected. "Is Lauren ready?"
The woman glanced toward the stairs.
"A lot of moving and fussing up there, so I think she's almost ready."
She stepped aside to open the door wider.
"Please come inside," Louise offered.
The pair entered and she shut the door.
Chase and Neil parked it on the sofa facing opposite the staircase.
His uncle leaned over, unable to ignore the piano.
"I'm sorry, is that a Chickering and Sons original?" Neil asked.
"A Steinway actually," Louise corrected. "It was my mother's."
"Wow," he remarked standing up to get a closer look. "I've only seen these at auctions. It's gorgeous."
Louise nodded.
"You bet. Back when things were built to last. Now, you can't get a car that lasts ten years."
"Don't get me started," Neil huffed.
Louise and Neil looked over to catch Lauren coming down the stairs and her eyes immediately meeting Chase's.
"Whoa," he said, quickly standing up like he was a jack in the box. "You look...wow..."
The adults couldn't handle the cute radiating from the blushing messes in front of them.
"We have some good kids, don't we?" he asked.
"Got that right," she smirked.
After an episode of MasterChef concluded, Mia still hadn't moved from her slouched position. Not even sure if she was even watching the show.
"I'm sorry," Alice said with a sad face.
"No, I'M the one who's sorry," Mia sighed. "I shouldn't have waited so long."
"But he told you himself, they're only friends now."
Mia gave a hearty laugh.
"Seriously? Won't be much time until Savannah sinks her claws into him and that's it."
Alice bit her lip as she gave it some thought and then smiled.
"If that's what he believes, then there's still a chance."
"ALICE!"
The smaller girl got quiet.
"I appreciate what you're trying to do, but please STOP CHEERING ME UP!"
Alice hugged herself.
Mia immediately felt bad. Her stupid anger wouldn't settle. But it was anger at herself. And Savannah. About 40/60.
"I..." she said, staving off the urge to shed a tear. "I'll just be in the kitchen."
Alice walked away, leaving Mia on the couch.
"So, you're fine with going to the movies?" Tori asked.
"Sure 'nuff!" Jade grinned. "Like you said the other day, let's take it slow."
"I just really like what's happening and I don't want to screw it up."
Jade touched Tori's leg, keeping her focus on the road.
"You couldn't screw it up! If anything, I should be the nervous one."
"What, why?" Tori asked, incredulously.
"Who was the dumped one here?"
"What does that mean?"
Jade got silent.
(I really need to stop saying the quiet thing loud.)
"Jade, do you think I'll get tired of you or something?"
The former goth shrugged.
"It's not impossible."
"Jade..." the Latina looked forlorn at her date.
"We're here."
She stopped the car and turned it off. But they remained inside.
"Jade, listen to me."
"Okay."
"You..." Tori took her hand into hers for emphasis. "You are so many things...it will be easier to say what you aren't."
Jade looked Tori dead in the eye.
"You're not boring. You're not a mistake. And you are not a waste of time."
"You think that?" Jade asked.
"I have gone to movies before, Jade. And I love going. But I've never been more excited to go than tonight."
Tori hugged her as best she could with that center console between them.
"And it has nothing to do with what's playing."
(I'm so fucking in love with this goofball!)
"Thanks, Tori. I needed to hear that."
They both unbuckled and exited the car.
"Jade, I need to ask, what's with the trench coat?"
The normally pale woman blushed.
"Oh, well." She cleared her throat nervously. "I had this outfit and...last minute I panicked. There was no time to change so, I just threw this on."
"But why?" Tori asked. "I'm sure you look great."
Jade brushed back her hair.
"It's a little...I mean I thought it was good at the time but...the more I looked at it, I thought it was a bit revealing?"
Tori blinked.
"Oh! Oh," she chuckled. "Didn't mean to embarrass you."
Jade pointed to Tori.
"You had the right idea," she said. "Your clothes, this date. I really overestimated this shit!"
She was laughing but looked like she was about to cry.
"It's okay," Tori assured her, holding her hand. "Like I said, you're not the boring one. That's part of your allure."
Jade raised an eyebrow.
"I have an allure now?"
Tori bumped shoulders with hers.
"You always did! Even the ones in school who were terrified of you, couldn't help but be drawn to you."
"Like those people who study sharks and grizzlies up close, knowing they can easily kill them?"
They approached the box office to purchase tickets.
"You have a way with analogies," Tori smirked.
Before them in bright golden lights were the words: NEU! NOZU
The foursome entered, each couple holding hands.
"Gotta say," Billy remarked. "I never tried sushi before."
"I've had a little," Lauren said. "I remember liking it."
"Same," Chase added. "Though I could never find anyone else who likes it so it's rare when I can get some."
The taller girl looked back to reassure her friends.
"I promise you, it's amazing. Rookie mistake a lot of newbies do," she then regarded her boyfriend. "Is try sushi for the first time at a buffet. This is wrong. You need to go to a proper establishment where sushi is their specialty. And trust me, they know their stuff here!"
They were shown to a table for four and Billy and Chase wasted no time being chivalrous by pulling up the chairs for Jenna and Lauren.
Both girls blushed in gratitude as they got situated.
The server then handed them menus and Billy was immediately lost.
"I don't know what to get," he chortled nervously.
"You like spice?" asked Lauren.
Billy nodded.
"That's the best pairing for sushi," she said. "Spicy tuna is pretty popular."
"Yeah, try that," Jenna encouraged.
"While we're talking about spice," Chase mentioned. "Remember the one rule about wasabi: moderation."
Jenna winced.
"Don't find out the hard way, Billy!"
"Yeah, a little dab will do you with the green stuff," Lauren agreed.
Chase smiled.
"The first time I tried wasabi," he started. "I was just a kid. I asked my mom what this stuff was and she said it was a spicy green mustard. And I'm like, oh I love mustard!"
Lauren covered her mouth while Jenna looked at him with her jaw dropped.
"So, I piled that shit on and..."
"Did you eat it?" asked Billy.
"Oh, I ate it alright," he shook from laughing. "No joke, I thought I was gonna die!"
Everyone erupted in laughter, causing the server to circle back to take their order after they calmed down.
Alice was seated at the kitchen table when Mia knocked on the wall.
"Hey," she said.
"Hey," replied Alice, not looking up from her phone.
"I'm sorry," Mia sighed heavily. "I shouldn't have taken my shit out on you. You were just trying to be a friend."
Mia's eyes settled on the refrigerator and the cupboard right next to it.
"You know what we need?"
"What?" asked Alice.
"There's cake in here," Mia replied, opening the fridge. "There it is."
She then pulled out one of those small round cakes with a plastic bubble top and placed it in the middle of the table.
"Why'd you have cake in there?" she asked.
"Because mom bought it."
Alice shook her head.
"I meant what's the occasion?"
Mia looked at her like she had three heads.
"Because cake is fucking delicious!"
Alice grinned.
Tori and Jade got their concessions and found two seats near the edge of the upper middle row.
"How many trailers do you think we'll get?" asked Jade. "Ten or twenty?"
"I dunno," replied Tori right before taking in a mouthful of popcorn. After she chewed enough to be understood, she said, "We can be like Siskel and Ebert."
Jade grinned as that was one of their favorite things back in high school, one of the first times she saw Vega had a snarky sense of humor. The movie previews would play out and since modern trailers were awful and revealed too much, they would pretend to be a pair of film critics and savagely review each title.
The previews started and up first was a romcom from a major studio, with two ridiculously attractive leads.
"First off why are these things always straight couples?" pointed Jade. "Give me the queer stories."
"Wouldn't the ultimate chick flick be a movie starring two chicks?" shrugged Tori.
"I know right?"
A handful around them asked to shush.
"Hey, you can talk during the trailers!" protested Jade.
"Look at this!" Tori said, holding out her hand. "Substitute teacher in Manhattan and he can afford an apartment like that!"
"And I bet the woman works at some bullshit magazine..." Jade smirked.
"But for this woman of business, her most hated issue of her fashion magazine is the wedding issue."
Tori started laughing and nudging Jade.
"Oh my God! I was joking!"
"This looks bad," Tori huffed. "I guess I don't have to ask..."
Jade just replied with a thumbs down.
The next preview came up and it was a horror movie, a remake of an 1980's classic.
The horror fan sat up straight in her seat, squinting at the trailer while Tori was just watching the scenario fresh.
"This feels so familiar," Jade said, reaching into the popcorn tub. "Might be a throwback if this is at a camp."
"Friday the 13th?" Tori asked.
Jade shook her head.
"No, but it feels Jason-like."
"Huh?"
Then a scene came showing flashes of carnage on a boat in the middle of the lake. The obscured assailant was using an over-sized pair of scissors, or possibly some kind gardening shears. Then the title appeared before it showed more.
"The Burning!" Jade exclaimed. "That's it! Oh, they're remaking that?"
She sat back with her arms folded.
"What's wrong?" Tori asked.
"Just wished for once they would remake a bad movie, something that was a good idea but needed another chance!"
Tori looked closer at Jade.
"You're hot."
Jade made a face.
"Damn, Vega just get right to the point."
"No, I meant literally you're sweating. Don't you want to take off that coat?"
She held onto her coverage.
"I told you, I don't...feel right."
"Well, we're gonna be here a while. I'd hate for you to be miserable."
Jade knew Tori was right. She was cooking in this thing. Normally theaters were cold for her but not today.
"Okay, fine!" she sighed. "I'll take it off when the lights go down."
The girls excused themselves to the restroom, leaving the boys.
Billy was rather receptive to the sushi after all. He was working on his third spicy tuna roll. Chase looked noticeably anxious.
"How am I doing?" Chase asked.
"Uh, fine I guess," shrugged Billy. "Just relax."
Chase began tapping the table like he was sending a message in Morse Code.
"Dude? Dude!"
The musician stopped and looked over to Billy.
"That's not relaxing."
He sat back in his chair and let out a big huff.
"How do you do it?" Chase asked.
"Excuse me?"
"You know, how are you so cool all the time?"
Billy laughed and covered his face.
"Bro, I am as far from cool as they come. You don't see the stuttering, sweaty mess I was when I first got to know Jenna."
Chase leaned in.
"You were sweaty, too?"
"Okay, this conversation is gettin' weird," Billy said as he started drinking his soda.
Billy saw his buddy was still looking distressed so he put down his glass.
"Look it, I don't have any good lines or sage-like advice, Chase. I don't know how or why I ended up with Jenna. Maybe she likes me for me, or maybe the universe decided to take pity on me, I don't know! The point is, she's here now and I'm going to make her feel special because...she is."
"Whoa," nodded Chase.
"I don't think you have anything to worry about. Jenna was excited for this double date because she likes seeing you two together. Lauren clearly likes you. You guys make music together...literally!"
"You're right," Chase chuckled. "You're right. I'm just overthinking it."
"Life here's pretty different from back home, yeah?" asked Billy.
"Understatement, man. I mean, I was a bad guy, in a bad way if that makes sense."
Billy nodded.
"Here I am weeks away from performing in front of a big crowd, something I thought I'd never do. And who's going to be there with me? This girl who likes me, who helped me find my strength."
"You're really serious," he said.
Chase crossed his arms.
"I've known her since freshman year. I...I think I love her."
"Oh, shit," Billy raised an eyebrow.
"But I don't know if she's ready, or even if I'm ready for those kind of words, so...how do I tell her how much she means to me?"
Billy scratched his chin.
"Just speak from the heart," the blond boy said. "Look her in the eye and the words will come."
"Al-alright," Chase said.
"Hey boys!" smiled Jenna.
The girls returned and their dates helped them with their chairs before sitting back down.
Chase swallowed a big lump in his throat and put his hand on top of Lauren's.
He didn't say anything, just blinked and looked at her with a half smile.
"What?" chuckled Lauren.
"Nothing, I'm just...I was just telling Billy back there that...I'm glad I found you."
"Awww," Lauren said, turning her hand, so she could caress his with her thumb.
Billy gave Chase a very discreet nod of approval.
"What's this called again?" asked Alice, taking another bite.
"Sock-It-To-Me Cake."
Alice made a contented moan.
"I love anything with cinnamon!"
Mia nodded.
"Yeah, our bakery around the block is the best."
"How are we feeling?" Alice queried.
Mia stretched and put down her plate.
"I'm no longer hungry," she admitted.
"Got any napkins?"
Mia shook her head no.
"I'll get some," Alice said.
She bounded around the couch but failed to notice Mia's backpack on the floor. Alice's foot caught up into the strap and was sent face first to the floor, landing with a thud. Mia sprang from the couch to witness the impact in the nick of time.
"Are you okay?" Mia asked, trying not to laugh.
Alice groaned as she rolled onto her back. She was holding her forehead. With a shake of her leg, she saw her foot was still entangled in the strap of the bag.
"Oh no, it still has me!"
That made the older girl crack and she burst out laughing until it hurt.
Alice went onto her side, shaking from her own giggling.
Mia slid off the couch and landed on her knees, still busting a gut. She shimmied toward Alice to help "liberate" her from the evil backpack.
The pair were in hysterics, rolling into each other. It was a good while until they were able to get their shit together to come back up and resume life on the couch like civilized humans rather than hyenas drunk on cake.
"Maybe I should get the napkins," Mia said a minute after their chortling had stifled.
"Or learn to pick up your shit," Alice quipped with a smirk.
The petite girl rubbed her head.
Mia bent over and picked up her backpack, only to toss it onto the chair in an exaggerated fashion.
"Happy?"
Alice stuck her tongue out.
The movie played on, Jade and Tori engrossed in the story of a boxer and her personal trainer that unwittingly get involved in a heist. It was one of this movies light on the action, save for a few chase scenes. It hinged on the performances and cinematography to make the plot come alive. And the filmmakers and cast didn't disappoint. It was a small story with a handful of characters, but it felt "big" because of how much of a pivotal time this was in their lives.
One scene showed the boxer squaring off with a large guy, who gleefully tossed his gun aside to fight hand-to-hand.
Jade's eyes were glued to the screen, even when talking with Tori, she would lean over keeping her line of sight forward.
Tori couldn't help but catch a glimpse of what Jade had on underneath that behemoth of a trench coat.
During scenes that weren't so dark, enough illumination came through the screen that Tori was able to make things out. Her eyes were drawn to her legs, long and lovely as ever. Jade had them crossed, one leg rubbing against the other periodically. Maybe it was how she was wired; Tori and others couldn't help but imagine a femme fatale from an old film noir.
The plunging neckline of her dress made Tori's breath stop completely and she quickly chugged her Sprite.
"You want some?" asked Jade.
Tori nearly drowned from her drink at the question.
"What?"
"Pretzels?" Jade offered, passing over soft pretzel bites with melted cheese on the side.
She tried not to look over, but then Tori was worried she might miss and grab something else that certainly wasn't pretzels.
Her eyes went to the left and she grabbed a few bites.
"Thanks," Tori said.
Jade was bashful from the outset (another feeling her younger self would have disapproved of). But she secretly hoped Tori would steal a glance.
If she only knew.
"So, how is the pasta, Ryan?"
He looked up from his plate and nodded.
"It's really good."
Savannah beamed.
"Good. I told them to make sure that it was...HEY!"
A server snapped to attention and ran over to their table.
The blonde looked over to the young man with a smile but contempt in her eyes.
"I asked for that rice pilaf ten minutes ago. What is taking so long?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, it will be up very soon. I will check!"
The poor guy ran, nearly bumping into another server on the way to the kitchen.
"Savannah, what the hell?" he glowered at her.
She waved it away.
"No big deal," Savannah sighed. "My dad owns the place. Besides, I know Simon and he's cool with it."
"That doesn't mean you can be dismissive with the employees," he protested.
"Well, I'd be having it right now if it didn't come to me cold the first time."
"You know what's really cold right now? You."
Ryan wiped his mouth and was attempting to get up to leave when Savannah held his hand.
"Wait, hold on!"
She sniffed and made a frown.
"I'm sorry, I know I can be passionate but...I just wanted tonight to be perfect."
"Come on," he sighed sitting back down. "You don't have to do anything. This isn't a date."
(Keep telling yourself that, handsome.)
"I'm sorry," Savannah said, really laying on the sympathy thick. "It just sucks to be alone on a day like this and you're not seeing anyone either," she shrugged.
Simon returned with the rice pilaf, steam coming off the dish.
"Here you go, Miss Gilmore!" he panted. "Again, apologies."
Ryan gave her a look and cleared his throat strongly.
"Thank you, Simon" she flashed her best smile. "And I'm...s-s-s-sor-ry for yelling."
The young man looked genuinely surprised and glanced at Ryan for verification that this wasn't a prank. He shot the server an empathetic eye and nodded.
"Oh, well, you-you're welcome."
He then retreated.
"Was that so hard?" Ryan smirked.
"Everybody strapped in?" Jenna asked.
The gang responded in the positive and the girl put her car into drive.
"This was fun," Chase said. "You had fun, Lauren?"
She gripped his arm and got closer.
"Yes, but I like this part the best," Lauren said.
Billy peaked through the rearview mirror.
"Next time, they're driving, and we have the backseat," he whispered to Jenna.
"Agreed," she said.
When the movie let out, Jade was back in her coat with Tori in tow.
"How did you like it?" she asked.
"Oh, it was cool," the Latina replied. "How about some dessert?"
Jade was confused until she saw where Tori was looking and there was an ice cream vendor.
"Eh, what the hell?"
They walked over and only had to wait for a few people before they could order. Once they had their cones, the ladies chilled by Jade's car.
"This is nice," Tori remarked.
"I had a good time," nodded Jade. "Can you imagine what our high school selves would think if they could see us now?"
"Their heads would explode!"
"Facts," Jade agreed.
They enjoyed their sweet frozen treats, a welcome contrast to their hot, salty concessions from the movies.
It was nice to talk but these moments were good, too. "Comfortable silences" as they are known. When you just click with a person, and sometimes nothing needs to be said.
"How's the writing coming along?" asked Tori, nearly finishing her rocky road with chopped nuts.
"Good," Jade nodded with a mouthful. "I was blocked for like a month."
Tori felt a bit bad.
(I can't imagine why.)
"But it's gotten better," Jade continued. "I did like 10,000 words just yesterday. Those were the productive days I used to have!"
Jade glanced over affectionately toward Tori.
(Guess I have a new muse.)
"Okay, hurry up!" ordered Jenna. "Don't keep the taxi waiting!"
Chase and Lauren got out and he walked her to her front porch.
"So, tonight was good?" he asked.
"Why are you always so unsure?" she smiled.
He rubbed his head.
"For the hundredth time, yes!"
"Guess this is it," Chase sighed.
"I was thinking about what you said earlier and..."
Lauren took his hands into hers.
"You mean a lot to me, too."
She then kissed them and looked back up at him with those big eyes.
"We can't stay like this, can we?" he asked.
"No, we can't," Lauren huffed.
Jenna leaned on the horn.
Chase rolled his eyes.
"I need to get my own wheels."
Lauren chuckled and noticed his face when he saw she was still wearing the bracelet he gave her.
She just knew how much that was for him.
"Good night, Chase."
"Good night, Lauren. Happy Valentine's."
She kissed him on the cheek, then the corner of his mouth and finally ending on the lips.
"The happiest," she said.
The horn came back.
"OKAY, I'M COMING!"
Alice was shaken awake by Jade.
"Oh, hey mom," she said with half-open eyes.
"You ready to head home?" Jade asked.
"You guys can crash here if you want," offered Tori. She looked at Jade. "I mean you look tired."
Jade contemplated the drive home and admittedly her heart wasn't into it.
"Yeah, normally I'd say no but screw it."
She scratched her head.
"Where do we sleep anyway?"
"Alice, you can be in my room if you don't mind the sleeping bag."
She looked at her friend.
"Just give me a pillow and I can sleep anywhere," the petite yawned.
Mia smiled and led Alice upstairs.
"I, uh, have some things you can borrow to wear to bed."
Jade gazed back at Tori.
"Sure, thanks."
Tori bounded away to another room for a few minutes and returned wearing some grey sweats. She handed a pile over to Jade. They were some of the few clothes she held onto pre-pregnancy, so they ought to fit her.
The dark-haired woman thanked her again and went to the bathroom to change.
Jade stood in front of the mirror, breathing in and out deeply. She slowly undid her trench coat, revealing a very short, very tight black mini dress. She was approaching forty but this gal could give girls half her age a run for their money.
She imagined Tori's reaction to this dress, her tongue sliding from one corner of her lips to the other in the reflection.
"One day," she told herself.
(Fuck it, I waited this long. And Tori's come a long way already. Don't blow it.)
It will happen when they're BOTH ready.
Jade returned and Tori had the couch and the chair made up.
"I'll take the chair," she said.
"What?" asked Tori. "No way! The couch is yours."
She smiled at the Latina.
"You're sweet, but no. That couch is yours. Besides, I've fallen asleep in way less comfier-looking chairs than this one."
"But..."
"The only butt is mine in this chair!"
Tori raised a finger but Jade waved it away.
"I was going to tell you there is a switch on the side. Left."
Jade leaned over and found the little black button and when she held on it, the chair reclined until she was nearly horizontal.
"Now we're talking!" the former goth sighed.
Tori grinned and handed her a blanket.
"Thanks."
She then positioned herself on the couch opposite way she normally faced so Jade would be in view. A part of Tori was apprehensive that she would slip away in the wee hours of the morning, just like New Years Day. But that was then, this is now, she told herself.
"Thanks again for letting us stay the night," Jade said.
"You're welcome and it's my pleasure," Tori smirked.
The two watched the TV, which was on a nature documentary about the capybara.
Jade made a dramatic attempt to reach the faraway remote.
"Eh, guess we're learning about this South American beaver."
"It's funny," Tori chortled. "This reminds me of our old sleepovers."
It didn't dawn on Jade at first but she was right. Just place this in Cat's house and this was pretty much the same setup.
Tori yawned and rolled onto her side, facing Jade.
"Those were fun," she admitted. "Hey Tori?"
"Yeah?"
"I had a really great time tonight," Jade said.
The tan woman smiled back at her.
"Me, too. These last few months have been a blast and a half. I mean you and Alice have just been so great. I'm glad those two are friends."
"Same," sighed Jade. "I don't know if I ever told you this but you got one hell of a kid."
"Thank you."
Jade adjusted her blanket.
"You know...I originally moved back to LA just to get as far away from my broken marriage as possible. This town was all I knew, even though I knew everyone else left and did their own thing. Even my folks turned their backs on this city. I knew I was going to have Alice for most of the year but...beyond her...this place just doesn't feel like home anymore. Then you fell back into my life..."
She smiled and glanced over to Tori, who was fast asleep.
Jade giggled to herself.
"Good night, Tori."
She then blew her a kiss and settled in with her phone before she too drifted off.