Authors: Kate Baum
“Uhh, I d-drank two diet sodas while I was in class. I have to use the uh ladies room. I’ll be right back.”
I heard him say “Okay Grace” and I practically ran to the restrooms. Thanks goodness I was familiar with Mahoneys and knew where they were. I looked at myself in the mirror. I could breathe again. I usually bought quality bras and this one, though pretty and lacy, seemed to cover the reaction from my breasts to Vinnie. I looked at the highest button laid on my blouse and cringed. It still was too low cut for my comfort level now that I was actually here.
What did you expect from the Victoria’s Secret catalog, you fool?
I adjusted how the blouse was tucked into my jeans. That seemed to help raise the dip in my blouse. It was less revealing. Now I had to practice walking without moving.
Time to let go of the books, geeky little college girl, I sneered at myself in the mirror. I walked out of the ladies room wondering if Vinnie was still sitting at the bar. My view was quickly blocked by a tall man dressed in a leather jacket. He was wearing a bandana and his jacket was full of symbols. I had studied biker gangs in my courses and I figured that this one was a wannabe. He wasn’t as fierce or hard looking as an authentic biker. I also knew that Mahoney’s wasn’t known for this element. That didn’t change the fact that I felt immediately threatened. He was blocking my way out of the hall from the ladies room so I couldn’t get into the bar area. He was also tall enough that no one could see me.
He leaned into me and all I smelled was alcohol. He was obviously drunk. “Hey pretty girl. I watched you walk in. I’d love to get to know you.”
If there was any time to practice strong confident woman, the time was now. I felt closed off from the rest of the bar and was starting to panic.
I adjusted my voice, “Well if you watched me walk in, then you must have noticed my boyfriend.”
“Oh come on, sweet thing. Don’t be shy. I didn’t see any boyfriend.” Then he leaned in further. He really stank and I found myself leaning my head back just to breathe.
“Not interested. Let me by now.” My voice was now starting to shake.
“Come on. You’re so fine looking. Just one little kiss.” And then he grabbed my arm and started pushing me back into the hall. I was in shock that this was actually happening in a crowded bar.
“Let go of me.” I tried whipping my arm back. My last defense was going to be to scream.
Then, I heard him.
“Get your hands off of her.”
You could hear the serious threat in Vinnie’s voice. This guy must have been drunk because he didn’t react. I saw him smirk at me as he slowly turned to look at Vinnie. Then I saw the shock finally register. Vinnie was now the one blocking the hallway. Watching Vinnie’s whole body take up the entrance had me in awe. He was just so huge. He must have taken off his jacket. It was the first time I ever saw him in a tight t-shirt and what a sight it was. I knew he was overly muscular. Yet with the thin material of his shirt every curve and every ripple of his biceps and pectorals was quite clear. The expression on his face was deadly. If the drunken asshole even thought he had a chance at getting rid of Vinnie, then he needed serious mental help.
Apparently, there was some common sense left in him. He let go of my arm. He turned to Vinnie with his hands raised. “Hey man, I didn’t know she was with you. No harm done.”
“No harm?” Vinnie asked fiercely. “I believe I heard her telling you no. I think someone needs to teach you some manners.”
Oh no. Not a fight. Vinnie would kill him. Images of the police being called. Vinnie being arrested. I didn’t need that guilt.
“No, Vinnie, don’t!” I ran up to him so that my body was in between him and the drunken guy. I put my hands on his chest as if I could ever stop him. I could feel every muscle in his chest strained and see the hostility in his face.
Vinnie put his arm around my waist but still didn’t leave his gaze from the drunken guy. “Do you know how easily I could put you in the hospital?”
I could hear the drunken guy whimper. I needed to stop this now. I put my head on Vinnie’s chest and hugged him. “Please Vinnie.” I said in my calmest voice, “Please don’t let this asshole ruin our night. “ Then I looked up at him, “I’m fine now. I’m with you. Get me out of here.”
He looked down at me and his eyes softened. “Fine. I don’t want you around him a minute longer.” Then Vinnie looked up at the drunken guy, “If you go near her again, I’ll kill you.”
The guy looked like he was about to throw up. I think the message was loud and clear.
Vinnie took my arm and led me to the table of our friends. Everyone was there. Jamal, Ivy, Luke, Jamie, India, Mindy, and Anthony. I was in absolute shock to see Carmella also. They all were sitting in a semi round booth. Several chairs were added because it was a big group. Anthony, Carmella, and Jamal were sitting in the chairs. Carmella had her chair far enough from the table to appear like she didn’t want to be there. Jamie yelled my name when we approached the table and then quickly picked up the distress on my face.
“What happened?” He asked alarmed.
“Oh, a very drunk, very obnoxious fool thought I’d love to date him.” I answered like it wasn’t a big deal. I wanted Vinnie to calm down too. Then I decided to lighten the moment, “Vinnie saved me.” I smiled at him sheepishly.
It worked. He gave me that panty dropping smile back.
“We always knew Vinnie was actually a knight in shining armor.” Jamal teased.
I heard Carmella snort. When I looked at her, she rolled her eyes. It wasn’t lost on Anthony either who immediately glared at her.
There was no more room to sit around the booth but Jamie was determined we all would fit. Ivy got up and sat on Jamal’s lap which seemed to make Jamal’s day. India made a snide comment about that. Vinnie and I somehow managed to squeeze in. The other side of me was Luke who immediately put his arm around me.
“Grace, I think you need to start drinking.”
“You have the best ideas, Lukie.”
The rest of the evening was a blast. I drank and laughed and got all tingly from my thighs being pressed against Vinnie’s.
Anthony had to leave early because I think he was too uncomfortable with Carmella’s attitude. As in any group setting, as soon as someone leaves, the conversation is about that person. I think that is group dynamics 101. Poor Vinnie started to get grilled on why Anthony stays with Carmella. Jamie’s persistence in getting the personal information didn’t seem to bother Vinnie. I couldn’t figure out if it was just Jamie’s skill of getting people to talk or that Vinnie seemed to detest Carmella as much as all of us.
The night came to an end and I knew what that meant. It was time for Vinnie to take me home. Everyone said their goodbyes and headed to the door. Jamie held back and whispered in my ear. “I want the total scoop tomorrow.”
I froze. What did he think was going to happen?
As we walked out the door, everyone went their separate ways. It was an unusually warm March night.
“My dorm is only three blocks away. Do you mind if we walk, Vinnie?” I was stalling. I didn’t know what would happen when we got to my dorm. Would he just kiss me? Should I ask him up? Was I jumping the gun because of gossip from an obnoxious gay man?
“I’d love to walk too. Sober me up a little before I drive.”
“I don’t think you even had two beers, Vinnie.”
“I like to have a clear head at all times. “
“Done a few reckless things in your youth while under the influence?” I teased.
“Grace, reckless doesn’t even come close to describing it. I figured it was time to grow up.”
Okay, nervous again. That sounds too much like mine and Jamie’s conversation yesterday. Stop getting excited that settling down means you. Time to change the subject.
“Our A and V group should go out more often. We have fun together.” Good that was safe.
As we were walking, Vinnie stopped and tensed up. I looked at what got his attention. A police car was slowly following us. I could see there were two officers in the car. Vinnie stopped and stared the car down. The officer in the passenger side rolled down his window.
“Hey Grace. I thought that was you.”
Mark! I immediately relaxed. I looked at Vinnie. “I know him from school. He’s in one of my classes.” Vinnie’s face remained emotionless. I walked closer to the police car. “Hey Mark. How funny to see you working.”
“Are you heading back to the dorms, Grace?” Then he moved his head to peer at Vinnie. “Whose that?”
“That’s a friend of mine from work.” I raised my eyebrows to let him know that he was being a little rude.
Mark obviously didn’t pick up on my expression. “How well do you know him?”
Vinnie had enough, “What’s your fucking problem, COP?”
Then Mark’s partner started to get out of the car. Quickly an overwhelming feeling of déjà vu took over.
“Mark, Vinnie is a
good
friend of mine. We’ll see you later.” And I quickly went to Vinnie and linked my arm in his.
What is about the male ego? Mark just had to get the last word. “Okay, Grace. I’ll see you at the research meeting tomorrow. Maybe we’ll do lunch.” Then he rolled up his window before I could answer back.
“Sorry I lost my temper, Grace. I don’t have fond memories of cops.”
“I don’t what Mark’s problem was.”
“You don’t huh? He was wondering why you were walking with a scary looking thug like me.”
“Vinnie, you are not a thug!”
“In his eyes, I am.”
We had reached my dorm. So much for any thought of a romantic ending to this night. Vinnie still looked pissed off.
“Thanks for walking me home, Vinnie.”
“No problem. I’ll see you at work tomorrow.” And he started to walk off without a second glance.
I panicked. I hated our night coming to a close like this. “Uh Vinnie.” I called out not wanting him to leave yet. He turned to face me and I continued “I can’t open the office tomorrow morning. I think Anthony will remember but just in case, I thought you should be aware. I have a research meeting.”
“You know that’s never a problem Grace. Your first priority is school, not us. Go out to lunch with your cop friend if you want.”
“Why would I want to go out with him?”
Vinnie just shrugged and kept walking.
What an extraordinary night. Let me think what was more enjoyable. Almost getting accosted by a disgusting drunk guy or having Mark the annoying cop come between me and the man of my sexual dreams.
Yes, a perfect ending to a perfect night.
Chapter 17
I barely glanced at Mark during our research meeting. I was still furious he looked at Vinnie like he was some criminal. He ruined my night. I wanted to make sure he knew it just by the look on my face.
Mark was pretty quiet the whole meeting. At one point, someone asked him a question and his snapped his head in place.
“Sorry everyone.” He mumbled. “I worked the late shift last night and didn’t get much sleep.”
Yeah, well either did I Mark! Because of you, there was no dreamy goodnight kiss.
Our group project was coming along well. We even ended earlier than usual because everyone was well-prepared. That feeling of satisfaction did perk up my mood on my walk to work.
When I walked in to A and V, I immediately heard a heated conversation between Anthony and Vinnie. Then, I heard my name. I stopped at the door like a deer in headlights. Do I let them know I’m here? Why were they talking about me?
I can’t be ashamed to say my curiosity took over. Who wouldn’t want to know what is being said about you when you’re not supposed to be there? I clutched my purse against my chest with one hand still on the door. I figured if I was caught, I could easily pretend I just walked in.
They were actually in Vinnie’s office which is closer. The door was open. They both have loud deep voices so their conversation was clear.
“Grace is not judgmental, Vinnie.”
“You had to see the way that fucking cop was looking at me. Like I was going to rape her.”
“Cops are assholes. They look at any excuse to razz us.”
“It wasn’t just the cop. As soon as you turn the corner from our block, you’re in college town. You had to see the looks from all the preppy college boys I was getting when I was walking with Grace.”
“Since when do you care what dumb ass college boys think?”
“Because it makes me realize that Grace and I are from two different worlds. It would never work out.”
“Yeah, well she obviously thinks differently. Whenever you’re in the room she gets that doe eyed blush.”
I do not!
“She’s going for her PhD. She can do better than a hoodlum like me.”
“Vinnie, no one knows you better than me. We both did a lot of things that we aren’t proud of. But we made it. You’ve got to let the past go.”
“You know how my mom fucked up my head, Anthony. She’s too innocent. I can’t be with someone like her.”
“Vinnie, let me spell it out for you……”
Of course, right then the front door just had to open. I turn and see Carmella starting to walk in.
Fucking Carmella!
Of all people to walk in and stop Anthony from talking sense into Vinnie, it would have to be that flaming bitch. It was just my luck.
“What are you doing?” Carmella barked at me.
“Ummm. I just walked in.” I snapped back.
“You know Grace, I should warn you.”
“Yes, Carmella, please warn me.”
“Oh I see that look. You think you’re better than me because you’re so smart. That’s all I hear from Anthony is how brilliant you are.”
“Are you warning me to stay away from Anthony?” and I started laughing.
“Oh no. I’m not worried about that. Only I know how to please him. You can stop smirking because I know about your infatuation with Vinnie.”
“No, you don’t know what you’re talking about. Big surprise there.”