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HUNG OVER, I LIFT MY head slightly and am blinded by the sunlight coming from the reflection in a mirror. Closing my eyes quickly as the pain radiates through my thick skull, I place my head back down. Who the fuck left the blinds open?
Lifting both hands, I rub the sleepiness from my eyes and shade my face, lifting my hands again to see where I am. The blurriness in my eyes is a result of one too many shots at the bar last night. But, it could be many factors, and I just can’t remember.
Without warning, a heavy object plops onto my ribcage. Startled, I yelp and freeze for a moment before glancing down. A tan, tattooed arm is snaking around my hip. No! No! No! I think to myself as my eyes widen. Who the fuck?
With a deep breath, I focus on the ink. I’ve seen it before. Why can’t I place who and where I am? Who the hell did I go home with this time? Ugh...
Whoever it is, he is still sleeping. His breathing is steady, and he hasn’t moved again. I try to recall the previous night’s events, then think better of it and search for my escape route. I shimmy from the bed, grabbing a shirt and my jeans from the floor. This shit is getting out of control as I hop on one foot, sliding my leg through the pants sleeve.
Not wanting to know who my mistake was, I scurry to the door and close it behind me quietly. I cross the hall, enter the bathroom and tug the shirt over my head to glance in the mirror. I run my fingers through my long black hair and wipe under my eyes, removing the eyeliner. I tiptoe out and down the hall toward the exit with a deep breath.
This is definitely a bachelor’s pad, with no pictures on any tables. There was a massive television on the wall, a couch, and a coffee table. Typical man, just the necessities.
I pick up my keys and cell phone from the end table close to the smaller of the two couches and proceed to locate my shoes. I reach down and pick them up as I turn the knob of the front door and tiptoe through. Relief washes over my body. I escaped without waking him, whoever he is.
I glance around the courtyard. I take my first step toward my walk of shame.
A brisk turn at the corner of the building complex, and I find myself on River Road by the golf range. Huh, how the hell did I get here? Never mind that shit. I’ve got a long walk ahead of me. Unless?
I slide the screen on my phone. It’s early, but not that early. So, I click on Danielle’s picture as I cross over to the other side of the road. She should be awake and getting ready for work. I silently pray.
“Hello, Nicki? What’s wrong?” Being the ever protective older sister, she knows if you get a call from me this early in the morning, either someone died or something is wrong. But I try to play it cool because I do not need a lecture with this head of mine pounding.
“Hey, Dani, why do you always think something is wrong?” I smirk and step up onto the sidewalk.
“You never call me this early, especially after a work night.” she bluntly states with a sigh.
“Sorry to bother you, but can you pick me up on your way to work?” In a silent prayer, I squeeze my eyes shut tight, hoping she doesn’t give me any shit. God, I need some aspirin.
“Where am I picking you up from this time?” she giggles as I hear Jacob mumbling in the background.
“Tell Jacob I am sorry to interrupt his morning romp. I’m on River Road, by the golf range. I’ll meet you with coffee at the convenience store.” I look back to see if anyone came out from the complex.
“Okay, I’ll be there in about five,” she says, and we hang up.
With a yank of the glass door, I disappear into the mini-mart, grab two breakfast sandwiches and make my way to the coffee counter. After filling two cups, I add sugar and cream to both. Securing the lids, I place one cup on top of the other and pass the candy and bread aisle, searching for something to help with this headache. Once I reach the register, I grab a few napkins from the dispenser and add them to the bag.
“That will be nine dollars and fifty-nine cents.” I pull my debit card from the back of my phone case and swipe it. The screen asks for my pin, so I press the four numbers and enter.
“Thank you, have a nice day,” the man behind the counters says. I nod, “Thank you.” With the bag hanging from my forearm, I grab both cups of coffee and push the glass door open with my ass. I take a few steps away from the door when Dani’s car pulls in.
When she comes to a stop in the spot near the pharmacy, I reach out and hand her the coffee, then make my way around the car and open the passenger door to get in.
“Nice shirt, suits you.” She says, and I glance down to see that it is not my shirt. I was in such a rush I hadn’t realized it. I read the front of it.
I'm Not Conceited
But I Have Every Right To Be
“It’s mine now.” I giggle, “Hungry?” I ask, pulling the bag open and retrieving a sausage, egg, and cheese English muffin sandwich.
“Nah, I’m good. So, who were you with this time?” She rolls her eyes, placing the car in reverse and pulling out. The steering wheel turns, and she gives me a look of disappointment. I sigh and take a bite of my sandwich as we head toward Cedar Lane.
“Don’t judge.” I open a ketchup packet and squeeze it onto the edge of the exposed sausage patty.
“All I’m saying is you better be protecting yourself. Have fun, but seriously Nicki, don’t you want to find the one? Settle down some day?” She shifts gears. I glance out the window.
“Dani, not everyone is like you. I’m happy you and Jacob finally confessed your love for each other and are living your best life in your dream house.” I fold the wrapper and continue, “It’s hot, I’m hungover, and I don’t want to talk about settling down. I mean, really?”
She shrugs, puts the blinker on, and adds, “Do you even know who you were with?” Keeping her eyes on the road, she wouldn’t dare look at me while asking such a thing.
One, two, three... I close my eyes tight with anger, and I refuse to fight this early morning. Am I embarrassed? Not of what I did, but maybe the fact I don’t remember. I confess to my older sister, “No. I don’t know whose apartment it was, and there was no way I was waiting around to find out.”
My voice starts to get louder as my defenses come up, and I turn in her direction. “I like to fuck, okay? There I said it. Besides, the only steady guy in my life is Diesel, and we are both good with just being friends with benefits.”
She pulls the car to a stop in front of my apartment complex. Luckily, it’s just down the block from the Wigwam so that I can walk to and from work. I kiss her cheek, “thanks, I owe you!” I reach for the handle as she says, “Girl, take a shower and brush your teeth.” She motions her hand by her nose, waving it back and forth.
“I love you, too,” I say, closing the door with my hip.
