Mirage (16 page)

“Skylar?” she asks.

Knowing that if I try to speak, nothing coherent would come out of my mouth, so I nod my head.

“I know honey. Don’t worry. Everything happens for a reason. If you want me to chop his dick off and throw it in the river, you know I will,” she says jokingly.

I give her a small smile and a little chuckle. I know that my best friend isn’t as crazy as she let’s others believe, but I also know that she would do anything in world for me. The kind of calm that comes over me when I’m with Kylee is so weird. It’s like she knows exactly what to say and when to say it.

“He can keep his dick, Ky, but thanks for that. I know you would do it,” I say giving her a hug.

Standing up and heading towards the stairs, Kylee turns back towards me letting go of my hand that she was holding.

“Really Mira. There isn’t anything that I wouldn’t do for you. We have been friends since forever, you’re pretty much my sister.”

I give her another hug and thank her for being such a wonderful friend. All I want now is a change of clothes and my bed.

“I wish you weren’t leaving Ky. I know you’re still here for another twelve days, but I really wish we could be together more. I miss you when you’re gone.”

“Want to know a secret?” Kylee asks me.

“I didn’t think we did secrets, of course I want to know,” I tell her giving her a little shove as she walks ahead of me up the stairs. We get to the top of the stairs and as she opens my bedroom door, she turns towards me. “I’m back to stay babe. I quit my job. Apartment hunting tomorrow afternoon?” she says with a huge grin. “Hell yes,” I respond. Everything for a reason I guess.

Chapter Fifteen

Kylee and I sleep late the next morning. Waking up around eleven, we head downstairs for coffee and breakfast. My mom had already put the Sunday paper on the counter before leaving for church. Kylee grabs the paper and searches for the apartments for rent section. Our paper wasn’t as large as most metropolitan areas, but it takes her a few seconds.

After finding the proper classifieds section, she grabs a pen from the junk drawer. I don’t know about your house, but it’s like there are at least four places in my house that are catch alls. A little bit of everything is in these drawers, cupboards or designated corners. After moving papers to the side and removing the can opener, she finds a large red pen and begins circling ads that on paper meet our criteria.

We really didn’t need much. Two bedrooms, a large living space, open floor plan and preferably two bathrooms, but one would suffice. Something with assigned parking might be nice too. Looking for street parking during the summer was a lot easier thn when classes were in session. Even though we typically try to stay off campus, most students do too, so they can walk to classes. It can turn into a mess trying to carry in groceries from two blocks away.

Finishing our coffee and bagels, we go back upstairs to get ready for the day. Since we were apartment hunting, I wanted to be comfortable but look professional enough as well. I really think that when looking for new home and meeting landlords, you want to look like you at least have your shit together. First impressions are everything.

I dress in black capris, a black pheasant blouse and black flats. I know it sounds boring, but I love how I look in black. It’s simple yet classy, which is exactly what I’m going for. My hair doesn’t look to bad for not washing it this morning, so I wear it down with a black headband to match my outfit.

Walking back downstairs, I find Kylee already dressed and on her phone.

“Is two okay with you? My roommate and I are looking to get something rather quickly,” Kylee says into her phone receiver. “Great, see you soon,” she says as she ends the call.

“I have been calling on a few of these ads and most don’t have Sunday appointments. I found this one, about six blocks from State Street, and he can meet us there today,” Kylee says.

“That’s really close to campus, Ky. Are you sure?”

“They are condos and they have individual driveways and garages. I think we might have hit the jackpot with this one.”

“It’s a quarter after one, let’s just leave now so we can check out the area,” I say as I grab my purse and head out the door.

It was only about a ten minute drive over to the condo that Kylee found for rent. The area looked nice. Attached two story condos, maybe newer construction, all with attached garages in the front and decks in the back, I think this might be something I can get used to.

We walk around the area and find a fenced area that housed a pool. SWEET! I love to swim and there is no better tan than a real one. The community looks great. If I had to give my honest opinion of this condo and the area I would have to say, oh em gee, this is a place for me!

We head over to the actual unit we are looking at and I see a familiar looking man at the door. Looking at his facial features, I know I have seen him somewhere before, but I can’t place him.

“Mira! How nice to see you again,” the man says.

“I’m sorry, have we met before? You look very familiar but I can’t place you for some reason.”

“Oh. I’m sorry. I’m John. I was the mediator during your meeting a while back. You came with that nice young man, what was his name? Oh, yes, Skylar. You had lost someone dear to you.”

Now I have him placed. He was the man with the sad eyes. “John, how rude of me. That was not one of my finer moments. How have you been?”

“I’ve been well, and yourself? How are you and Skylar doing?”

“I’m doing much better. Skylar and I actually spent some time together this weekend, but I haven’t really seen him much before that. But I’m so good, thank you for asking. Is this your place?”

John responded yes and leads us into the property. Even from the foyer, I can tell this is exactly where I would like to live. The foyer has ten foot ceilings that lead into an open floor plan consisting of a living room, dining room and kitchen. It has First floor laundry and two bedrooms upstairs with separate bathrooms. This might be my dream condo.

“John, this is amazing. Your ad didn’t say how much the rent and security deposit is. What are you looking to get for this place?” I ask praying he says something that we can afford. He didn’t. The price was about eight hundred dollars a month out of our price range.

After we tell John that we won’t be able to take it, we leave. Kylee heads back towards my parent’s house. I have to say, my mood is pretty sour. I would really like to just go back to bed or take a bath, preferably both. Between the fallout with Skylar and the house, I really don’t feel like I’m going to be good company.

“Ky, I know you want to go to lunch and maybe do some shopping, but would you mind taking me back home. I’m not really up for socializing with the world today.”

“Yeah, that’s fine. I wanted to head over to the mall and I know how you hate it anyway. This works out. Now I won’t be rushed,” Kylee says trying to lighten my mood.

Kylee drops me off at home and takes off to do her mall business. Kicking off my shoes and dropping my purse on the couch, I head upstairs to take my bath. I run the bath water as hot as my body can handle. A good soak might release all the negativity I have in my body right now. I am one of those people that can feel negativity. It’s like my body gets all wound up and I feel as tight as one of those rubber bands that go around broccoli. It’s not a good feeling, let me tell you.

Stripping off my clothes, I dip one toe in the bath and almost scald my skin off. I made this bath way to fucking hot. I try to run a little cold water to even out the temperature, but it doesn’t work. I decide this is as good a time as any to sit on the edge of the tub and play on my phone, naked.

After browsing my newsfeed on Facebook and Twitter, I try the water again. Still too hot. Shit. As I’m about to open the Instagram app on my phone to see what my friends are eating today, you know, because all people do is post duck faced pictures and food on Instagram, my phone rings.

“Hey Jacoby.”

“Mira. How are you today?”

“I’m alright, about to take a bath and maybe a nap. What’s going on? Is everything okay at the office?”

“Yeah Mira, everything is fine,” Jacoby chuckles, “I wanted to see if maybe if I could have that date you promised me the other day. I thought about what you said and I’m sorry for acting like a jerk. I waited so long to ask you out on a date, I got a little jealous. It’s not one of my finer moments.”

I laughed at his jealousy. If he only knew that Skylar wanted nothing to do with me. “What did you have in mind?”

“Well I wanted to try out a new recipe and I think you might be the perfect judge for it. I have an early morning meeting, so a traditional dinner and movie date might not work, but I would like to spend some time with you before we show up to work tomorrow and you change your mind.”

“You know what Jacoby, that sounds good. How’s six? Text me the address and I’ll be there with bells on,” I respond lightly. If Skylar doesn’t want to pursue anything with me, I have a perfectly willing male specimen who would like to get to know me and spend time with me. Take that Skylar.

I test the bath water again, noting that it’s the perfect temperature. I take a nice long soak and a shower afterwards to shave and wash my hair. I didn’t have time for my nap, not that I would be able to stop thinking enough to actually get any rest. It would probably make me more tired. I just start to get ready.

That little black dress has been calling my name since Friday night. I think now is a good a time as any to wear this little number. I pair that with some black peek toe pumps that show off my hot pink toe nails. Hair down and curly matched with light makeup completes my look. Looking at myself in the mirror, I must say I look beautiful. “Get it girl,” I say out loud to myself as I walk downstairs, grabbing my purse I get in my car.

I punch Jacoby’s address into my GPS and send Kylee a quick text, letting her know to go ahead and go on in when she gets back and that I’m with Jacoby for a date. The GPS pulls up the map and starts with directions in the monotone programmed voice.

Twenty minutes later, I pull up to Jacoby’s house. It’s a large house on a great block. Being in real estate, these are the things that I look for in a house. How is the neighborhood and the curb appeal of the house? I almost judge re-sale value. Jacoby has a large two-story brick colonial and beautiful landscaping with lights throughout, pointing at various plants and trees. I don’t know why, but I feel very comfortable here.

I park in the driveway, next to Jacoby’s Mercedes. I calmly walk to the front door, stopping to adjust my dress and check myself out in the window reflection before knocking. I don’t even get the third knock out before Jacoby swings the door open.

Opening the door and extending his hand, he greets me, “Mira, you look beautiful tonight. Come in, please.”

I place my hand in his and lean in for a social hug and he places a slight kiss on my cheek before shutting the door behind me.

“Thank you and I’m excited to try your concoction. You can cook, right?” I joke with him.

“Yes, I can cook, thank you very much. Dinner actually just finished if you want to head into the dining room and open the wine, I’ll be right with you.”

I casually walk through the open floor plan of his home, noting how beautiful the architecture is and the amazing artwork scattered throughout. I finally reach the dining area, where a bottle of chilled white wine is on the table with a corkscrew. I open the wine, pouring two glasses.

I take the glasses and follow the smell of something mouth watering. I find Jacoby placing some sort of pasta into a serving bowl and getting some fresh bread from the oven. I walk over to him, behind the large island where he’s prepping all of the food and hand him a glass of wine. I take a sip of my wine, lean on the opposite counter, and admire how comfortable this feels.

“What are you looking at?” Jacoby asks looking at me from the corner of his eye.

“Oh nothing. Just admiring the view.”

“Admiring the view are you? Maybe I should give you a little show,” Jacoby says as he starts to sway his hips back and forth while stirring the pasta.

I can’t help but laugh at his humor. He’s trying so hard; it really is adorable. I set my wine glass on the counter I was leaning against and move towards him. Sneaking up behind him, I place my hands on his hips and sway mine in time with his. He starts laughing at me as he turns around. He quickly spins me, so our positions are reversed, with my back to his front, and begins swaying his hips, forcing mine to move in time with his.

I lean my head back on his chest and give a small laugh while I look up at him. “This is nice,” I say taking control of my own movements, slowly and slightly grinding against him.

“Mmmm, yes it is. This is very, very nice,” he says placing a sweet kiss to my forehead.

Jacoby lets go of my hips and gives my ass a tiny slap, nothing that hurt but enough to catch me off guard and make me jump a little. We move into the dining room and eat a wonderful meal. Jacoby was not lying, he can cook and it’s amazing. Some of the best pasta I have ever had, and I’m kind of a pasta professional.

After eating too much and drinking even more, Jacoby suggests that he give me a tour of the house. I’m feeling great with all the wine flowing through my body, so I agree. He shows me the entire main floor of the house and it’s amazing. Even better than I thought earlier. He starts to move toward the open banister staircase and I follow right behind.

As we get to the top of the stairs, he starts pointing out rooms. The guest room, his office, another guest room, a room for gym equipment fully stocked with machines I didn’t even know the names of, let alone use. At the end of the hallway, he stops and faces me.

“This is the master bedroom,” he says with a familiar look of lust in his hazel eyes. He turns the doorknob and we enter a vast room. The room was so Jacoby, if that was a thing. All the furniture was contemporary and black. The walls were a light gray color with white accenting the crown molding. I step into the room, and scan my surroundings. On one wall, there are large windows with black curtains pulled closed and black and white photographs on each side of the windows. The northern most wall had a large flat screen TV mounted on it with a contemporary dresser below it. On the southern most wall, there were doors leading into a walk in closet and a door leading into a huge bathroom.