Jay:I’ll be coming into New Orleans next week, after Christmas. Would you like to go out while I’m in town?
I rocked a happy dance, being careful of my heels, thanked the gods for fishnets and razors, then sent my answer.
Ethan:I would love to go out with you, Jay! I’ll count the days until then.
Jay:I can’t wait. Got to get back to work. Chat later?
Ethan:Absolutely! It’s Friday night, will you be in your shop tonight?
Jay:I will tonight. I’ve got a special project to finish for Ladd. He needs it by Christmas Eve so tonight is the last night I have for the finishing touches.
Ethan:Right, Christmas Eve is Sunday. That’s the big family shindig.
Jay:Yeah. It’s going to be a big night.
Ethan:Okay, I’ve got to finish up some things here then head to work.
Jay:You’re really wearing that skirt to work?
Ethan:You think I look sexy in it?
Jay:Hell yeah! I'm not dead.Of course you do.
Ethan:Then I’m wearing it so you can think about me all night.
Jay:I think about you all the time already, Ethan. Gotta go. Talk later.
I stood in my bedroom and read that last text more times than I would ever admit. Then realized I was late for work.He thinks about me all the time.I floated on that thought out into my front yard, which was actually my landlord’s backyard, and saw Jessie rinsing off his car. Thank God.
“Hey, Jessie? I hate to ask, but can I get a lift to work? I’m running so late, and I told Jens I was walking today.” I saw the small smile hitch up his thick lips and flashed me his gorgeous white smile that shone in his beautiful ebony face. He kept smiling as he shook his head and put up the hose.
“Ethan, you know I never mind. I don’t mind, Lori doesn’t mind, and Mark doesn’t mind either. You’ve lived here over our garage for almost nine years. You were at our commitment ceremony, for fuck’s sake, boy. If you need a ride, just ask and don’t apologize. You’re like family to us, okay? All three of us love you, baby boy.”
He came over and gave me a quick one-arm hug.
“We all love you, but you can never let Mark see you in that outfit, or he might leave Lori and me for all of this perfection.”
He let me go and twirled his finger around for me to spin for him, so I obliged with too much sass and a little hip shake at the end for good measure.
“Damn, baby, you’re either on a mission or have your eye on getting all the attention tonight. To hell with Mark, run away with me.”
He lunged at me and hoisted me over his broad shoulder, making me scream out and hit his ass to let me down. He gently placed me into the seat of his ‘69 Mustang convertible, then loped around the front and folded his huge form into the driver’s seat. I smiled at the looks we got riding to the Quarter. His dark good looks next to my Latin flavor were a sight to see. Even if I didn’t have any family left, I had great friends. And I had the possibility for something more next week. I couldn’t wait.
When we pulled up in front of the Swallow, only one minute late, I thanked Jessie for the ride and sashayed my way into work. I was going to have the best night, and I’d text James later on my break to tell him about all the attention I was getting. I had a feeling he was a little bit of a voyeur. He would like to hear about the looks and attention if he knew he didn’t have to worry. I was going to strut it tonight and tell him all about it later.
