“It is. But the thug part’s still there. I finally got up the courage to kiss someone new, and I started crying from that, too.”
“Oh no, Kitty!”
“I was going through it at the time. Very dramatic college breakup. Anyway, Mikey thought the guy had done something to harm me and shoved the guy up against a wall and threatened the living daylights out of him.”
“Oh, God, what a caveman!”
Kitty laughed. “Yeah. He’s both. Total sweetheart, total caveman.”
“So, nice in his own special way,” I suggested.
“Mikey is nice in a uniquely Mikey way, but it’s the biggest love you could ask for. He’d do anything for the people he loves. He’s never found the right girl, though. But not for lack of trying,” Kitty said, raising her eyebrows.
“Yes, I think I hear his tries all the time,” I said.
Kitty grimaced. “I think I’ll get you earplugs for Christmas.” We both laughed. “Has he been hitting on you, too? He’s a shameless flirt, but if he’s trying to take you out and you like him, I’d go for it. I could see you two actually working.”
My face went red. “Oh, he’s tried. I live with my boyfriend, though.”
“Shit, I’m sorry, Jessie. Put my foot right in my mouth with that one. I’m good for that.”
“No worries,” I said. “He knows and it hasn’t stopped him atall.”
Kitty gave a knowing nod. “And that’s Mikey for ya. Hey, I know we don’t know each other that well, but my engagement party’s this weekend. It’s at my house. I know it can be hard to meet new people when you’re new in town. Would you like to come?”
“Oh, wow. That’s really nice of you,” I said, “but—”
“So you’ll come?” Kitty had on a bright grin as she slipped her skirt back on.
I sighed. “Send me the details.”
We exchanged numbers and she left the wardrobe trailer. Maybe L.A. would feel more like home soon.
Chapter 4
Mikey
The ride to the practice facility was cold, but it helped me wake up. I liked riding my bike to morning skate, the wind and sea air a nice way to come into the day. Southern California always had some kind of flowers in bloom, adding a sweet fragrance to even the February air.
In the locker room, I shot the shit with my teammates.
“Did you apologize to Jessie?” Guy asked as soon as I saw him.
“Uh, yeah. I tried anyway,” I said, pulling my shirt over my head.
Beatty cackled, his missing front tooth adding to his goofy look. “What do you mean, tried? She hated you.”
“We talked for a while on our balconies last night. But then I pissed her off again. Whatever. I did my part.”
“How did you screw it up again?” Guy pushed, eyes narrowing.
“Don’t worry about it. I don’t need to be friends with my neighbors.”
Beatty looked even more entertained. “Come on,” he said, dancing his voice. “What did you say to her?”
“I, uh, asked her when was the last time her boyfriend gave her a real orgasm.”
Laughter rang through the locker room. “Jesus, Mikey. You know that’s not your business, right?”
