Page 14 of Written in the Stars
“Kim,” I repeat with a smile.
A worrisome look graces her face. “Or Kimmy,” she adds.
I pause for a second. “Okay, Kimmy.”
“Oh, hell, call me whatever you want!”
This is weird.
Valerie coughs lightly, a pathetic attempt at getting our attention. I’m kind of grateful she’s interrupted. “Why don’t you two kids get acquainted on the couch?” She grabs Matt by the arm and says, “Matt, Trina, and Josh are going to help me get dinner situated and be right back.”
She pulls Matt out of the room with her, while Trina and Josh follow closely behind them, leaving Kim and me to ourselves on the couch.
The two of us sit next to one another, but keep enough distance between us so it’s not too weird. But now what? What are we supposed to do? I look over at Kim, who smiles awkwardly at me. She’s probably thinking the same freaking thing.
“So… how long have you known Valerie?” I ask, trying to break the ice and hoping this makes it a little less awkward.
“Yeah, no.” She fumbles with her hands on her lap for a bit and then adds, “Uh, a long time.”
I furrow my brows. I knew that from when Valerie introduced us, so that’s not really an answer, and if it is, it’s an odd one. But I give her the benefit of the doubt that maybe she’s hating this just as much as I am. “Nice. I’ve known Matt for as long as I can remember.”
It’s as if I’m talking to a wall because the next thing that comes out of her mouth is, “So, are you going to ask me for my number so we can go out tomorrow?”
Excuse me… what? When had I ever said that?
This girl is acting incredibly weird, but I’m thankful the moment I spot Matt walking back toward me.
“Excuse for a moment.” I need to get away from her now. This is getting way too weird too quickly for my liking.
I rise from my spot on the couch, but before I can take a step forward, she grabs my pant leg, causing me to jerk around in her direction.
“I’ll take a beer, sugarplum.” She winks at me and then props her back against the couch.
Sugarplum? And who the hell said I was going to get us drinks? I just needed to get away for a while.
I shake my head and march straight toward Matt. As I reach him, I grab him by the shirt, forcing him to step backward. “Patio. Now,” I say.
We dash out of the house and walk up to the side door. I pull it open and we step out. The weather is cool and not what we’re used to at this time of the year.
“Enjoying the party?” he asks with a nervous grin.
I just smirk at him. “Really, Matt? That’s what you’re going to ask me?”
Before I can say anything else, he steps toward me and holds out his hands. “Look, man. I had no idea that was going to happen. I mean, I knew Kim was going to be here. I mean, they’re best friends, but I didn’t know Val was going to try to set you up with her. You’ve got to believe me.”
I think for a moment as I study his expression. Yeah, I believe him. He wasn’t like that or known for doing that to me. It was mostly the women in my guy friends’ lives that always took it upon themselves to try to hook me up with their friends. I don’t know why women feel like they need to play Cupid or match maker and set people up. Happiness doesn’t come from being in a relationship. Granted, a relationship can make people happy, but it’s truly up to the individual to make themselves happy and feel fulfilled. I don’t need a woman, nor do I want one. I had my shot at love, but unfortunately, it didn’t last very long. And that very thought haunts me to this day. Maybe it’s the reason I’ve distanced myself for so long.
Matt’s hands go down. “Zander? Do you hear me? I’m sorry, bro. It wasn’t my fault or my doing.”
I nod. “Yeah, man. Of course I believe you.”
He lets out a sigh of relief, swiping at the invisible sweat off of his forehead. “Good. Plus, if I were going to hook you up with any of Valerie’s friends, it would be Joanna.” He grins widely, his eyebrows dancing up and down on his head.
I chuckle, shaking my head. Joanna Marshall, Valerie’s hairdresser, turned into a good friend. She’s got long brown hair and the body of a supermodel. She’s recently single, having ended a two-year relationship after catching her boyfriend sending nudes to a bunch of girls. She’s usually around for these types of gatherings but had to work a wedding. I know all of this about her because Matt had told me.
“Thanks, Matt, but I’m good all by myself.”
And then visions of the beautiful angel I saw not that long ago enter my mind. Damn, what the hell? Maybe I should let Matt know about her… I mean, I know there’s not really much to tell, but the fact that it’s already been a few days and she still keeps popping back into my mind now and then makes me feel like it could mean something? I know I’m not ready for a relationship or even a casual date, but then why is she always in my thoughts every so often?
