“I take it she wasn’t good enough for you?” I asked, knowing the answer. Jeremy had a habit of mixing me up in his sex life. If a female became too clingy, he was instantly turned off. It all started a year ago when he brought home a girl who wouldn’t leave; he’d run into my bedroom, begging me to get her out. Ever since it’d become a ritual: he would nod, and I’d know he wanted her out. If he immediately introduced us, then I’d know he wanted more time with her. I knew it was disgusting, and it was even worse that I played along, but he was my best friend. He was my only friend.
He slapped my thigh, “You have no idea! The minute we were done, she started comparing our facial features and told me how cute our babies would be. Geez, can I ever find a non-psychotic female?”
“You’re a pig!” He truly was disgusting! I threw my arms over my head.
“Whatever, I couldn’t wait for you to get home. You were out pretty long. Were you with DeLuca the entire time?” He reached for the remote and turned the TV on.
“Yeah, we had dinner at a little Italian restaurant called Romano’s. Have you heard of it? It’s literally one block away from the university.” Desperately trying to avoid questions about Marcus and me, I thought the subject of the restaurant would steer us away from it.
“Uh, yeah, I walked past it a few times. I thought it was closed though; I’ve never seen anyone go in and out of that place.” He flicked through the channels until a comedy, The Hangover, was showing. We didn’t say anything after that and just enjoyed each other’s company while laughing at each scene.
Once it was over, I slowly moved off the couch, trying to avoid waking Jeremy from his sleep. Grabbing my clutch and Marcus’ jacket from the table, I entered my room.
After changing into boy shorts and a tank top, I was finally nestled in my comfy bed. I was pulling my phone out of my bag to charge it when I noticed two text messages. Both were from Marcus: one an hour ago and one less than five minutes ago. Before I opened the text messages, it took me a few seconds to realize that he must have programmed his number into my phone while at work. Looking at the text, I couldn’t help the huge grin on my face.
Marcus (10:40pm): U were on my mind all day, n u will surely be on my mind all night. TY for a lovely evening and a kiss I will never forget.
Marcus (11:50pm): Sweet dreams, baby.
I waited before responding, not able to wipe the smile off my face. I wanted to give him something to think about all night.
Me (11:53pm): I will surely have sweet wet dreams of that kiss all night.
Marcus (11:53pm): You’re killing me.
Me (11:54pm): Good night Marcus J
Marcus (11:55pm): Good night Mia.
****
Last night was the best sleep of my life. Dreaming of Marcus’ lips, body, and scent put me at ease. Then the thought that I could have it all in reality put me in a greater mood. I woke up, sang in the shower, and made breakfast. I also placed a plate of pancakes, eggs, and bacon for Jeremy in the microwave and headed out the door to meet Professor Johnson to go over the interview questions. It was a beautiful day out, so I decided to walk instead of drive. The university was only a fifteen-minute walk away. The entire stroll he was on my mind. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d woken up this happy. It was early, but I decided to send him a text anyway.
Me (8:35am): G.M., I slept very well last night. I hope you did as well? J
Before entering Harvard’s building, I switched my phone to vibrate mode and shoved it in my back pocket. I headed for Professor Johnson’s office. His door was open. When I walked in, he was sipping on coffee and reviewing the newspaper. He popped his head up at the sound of my footsteps and smiled. Taking the seat in front of his desk, I returned his gesture with a brighter smile than usual. “So Mia, are you ready for this interview tomorrow?” He placed the paper down and took another sip of coffee before placing the mug on top of his desk.
“Ah, yeah, I think I’m ready, but it’s nice to go over these interview questions. I appreciate you taking the time to go over this with me, Professor.”
Almost an hour later, Professor Johnson went over my resume, asked a few questions, and quizzed me on the firm. I didn’t know much about Marcus DeLuca himself, just what was in a small biography written on the firm’s website. Johnson said it would be smart to do some research on him as he always does research on the owner or CEO of the company he interviews with.
Having that extra knowledge of charities he has sponsored or awards he may have received gave it an extra touch. I thought it would be a good idea for me personally as well. I thanked Professor Johnson again before heading out the door and wishing him a happy summer.
Reaching for my phone, I knew I had messages because it had vibrated against my behind during my meeting. I had three messages: two from Marcus and one from Jeremy.
Marcus (8:40am): GM Beautiful. I slept well thank you.
Jeremy (9:10am): Thanks for the breakfast, Mia, you’re the best. Luv ya ;)
Marcus (9:22am): Have lunch with me today. I can send a driver to ur place. I have to see u.
I quickly respond to Jeremy with a simple “you’re welcome,” and then I replied to Marcus.
Me (9:34am): Lunch sounds great, let me know where to meet u, I can drive there.
Marcus (9:35am): You choose.
Me (9:36am): Marcie’s at noon? I love that place.
Marcus (9:37am): Sounds good to me. Looking forward to seeing that beautiful face.
Me (9:38am): J
Chapter Five
“Good morning, my lovely friend.” I jumped with delight on the small armchair located at the corner of the living room, giving me a view of Jeremy and the entire apartment behind him. He was unknowingly tracing his tongue along his bottom lip, concentrating on a game that he was playing on his game console. He quickly glanced at me and then back at the big screen. “You’re in a good mood,” he said while thumbing the controller. “What do you have planned for today?” he asked.
Jeremy and I had a very close relationship, and we hardly kept any secrets from one another, but I decided to keep this Marcus thing from him just because I didn’t know where it was going yet. “Oh, I’m meeting a friend for lunch downtown and maybe do some shopping afterwards down there while I’m at it.” I watched the screen and saw a Batman and Joker fighting each other. I wasn’t certain which one he was because there were other comic book characters fighting in the background. I shook my head.
His character died, so he placed the controller down waiting for a new game to reboot. He eyed me suspiciously. “Friend? What friend?”