Foul Pole by Tina Gallagher
Chapter Ten
Leo
The noisein the family room reached a decibel level sure to cause hearing damage. It was beyond what’s normal for a Sunday dinner at the Marakis residence. The cause...a re-broadcast of the game when the Yankees beat the Mets to win the Subway Series in 2000.
There was a collective groan when the Mets loaded the bases in the top of the seventh inning with just one out. I took a long drink of beer and looked out toward the dining room. My mom sat at the table holding my cousin Maria’s baby girl, Nadia. She’s been bugging my siblings and me for years about her lack of grandchildren, and that gets worse each time one of my cousins has a baby. Which seems to happen quite often these days.
“Come on Pettitte,” Nicky yelled at the TV as the pitcher gave up a two-run single to left field. The fact that it happened more than two decades ago made me chuckle. “What are you laughing at over there?”
“You know the outcome of this game and you’re sitting here screaming at the TV.”
“If only we were all as evolved as you,” he said.
I flipped him off and he returned the gesture.
“Boys, settle down,” my father said in the same tone we’ve heard our entire lives.
Putting my feet up on the ottoman, I shifted back in the oversized chair, my mind drifting to Anjannette as I half watched the game. Hopefully it’s a good sign that she let her guard down Friday night. I really like her and want to continue seeing her. Especially after that kiss. There was definitely chemistry between us since day one, but holy shit, that was beyond what I expected.
It took every ounce of my willpower to leave, but thankfully there was enough blood in my brain to reason that if I stayed, it would ruin any chance of something long-term with her. Sure, the night would have been amazing, but I’m interested in more.
As if she read my thoughts, Angie appeared at my side. She’s been bugging me for details about my date with Anjannette since yesterday and I’ve refused to tell her anything. Resting her hip against the arm of my chair, she handed me a plate filled with milopita, loukoumades and of course, mom’s famous baklava.
“Thanks.” I popped a loukoumas into my mouth and chewed. This fried dough may not be sold at Dunkin’ but everyone should try these honey, cinnamon delights. “But I’m still not going to sit here and spill details like a teenage girl.”
“I just want to know it went well. I like Anjannette and think you two would be awesome together.”
I glanced across the room. Thankfully my brothers are still engrossed in the game. Not that they care who I date, but it wouldn’t be beyond them to tell my mother about Anjannette just to shift attention away from them.
And with my mother occupied with the baby, I feel safe to speak freely.
“It went well.”
She looked down at me, her bottom lip jutting out.
“Don’t think the pouty face is going to get me to say any more. When have I ever discussed my dating life with you?”
“Can you at least tell me if you’re going out again?”
I picked up the milopita and took a big bite. She crossed her arms over her chest and stared me down as I chewed. Once there was nothing left to grind, I swallowed then took a drink to wash it down, cringing at the mingled flavors of apple, cinnamon, and beer.
“We may be going out Friday.”
“May be?”
“She’s checking to see if Keera can cover the studio.”
Angie’s face split into a big smile.
“If it’s up to Keera, you’re definitely going.” She did that quick clapping thing girls do when they’re excited. “Where are you taking her?”
“A fall foliage train ride.”
“Ooh, so romantic. My brother has got game.”
She held her hand up for a high five then scrunched her nose at me when I left her hanging.
“What is wrong with you?” I asked, only semi-joking.
“Anjannette is the first female that you’ve been interested in that I’ve actually liked.”
“You never even met most of the females I’ve been interested in.”
“I’ve never met most of the females you’ve spent time with. You brought the ones you had at least some interest in home to meet the family.” She scrunched up her face. “And some of them were awful. That last one didn’t even eat. What was up with that?”
She had other talents that convinced me I was more into her than I really was, but I’m not discussing that with my baby sister.
“I admit dating Allison wasn’t my best decision.”
“Ya think?”
I shifted in the chair to face her, willing to throw her a bone in hopes of ending the conversation.
“I like Anjannette and I’m hoping to spend more time with her to get to know her better.”
She did that clapping thing again then wrapped her arms around me and squeezed.
“Who’s Anjannette?”
Angie released her hold on me, and I looked over my shoulder and saw my mother standing directly behind me, Nadia still in her arms.
“Are you seeing someone?” she asked when I didn’t answer.
I glared at Angie as she stood and shrugged, her smile not looking one bit remorseful.
“You’ve been hogging Nadia forever,” she said. “Give me a turn.”
My mother reluctantly handed the baby to Angie then watched wistfully as she walked away before turning her attention back to me. Her raised brow let me know she was waiting for an answer.
“It’s very new, so don’t start planning the wedding yet. We just had our second date on Friday.”
“Leonidas, I’m not planning a wedding, I just want to keep up with what’s happening in your life since you moved away.” She settled into the spot Angie had just vacated and placed her hand around my shoulder. “So tell me about this girl, this Anjannette.”
My mom’s slight accent made the name sound even more elegant.
“There’s not much to tell yet. Like I said, we only went out a couple times.”
“What does she do for a living?”
I hesitated, debating on what to tell her. Basically Anjanette owns a fitness studio, but when my mother hears the words pole dance, that's not the first thing that will come to her mind. But I don't want to lie to her or even omit the fact, because I really am hoping this thing between Anjanette and me moves forward, and eventually the two of them will meet. I'd hate to start things out on a lie, no matter how white or well-intended.
Apparently I took too long to answer, because the corners of her mouth took on a pinched look and her voice was a little more firm when she asked her next question.
“She’s not one of those girls after your money, is she?”
“No, definitely not,” I said. “She owns a business, a pole dance fitness studio. It’s in Clay’s building.”
“Pole dance?” I nodded. “Like the strippers do?”
“Yes and no. Strippers do pole dance, but this isn’t stripping. It’s exercise. When Angie, Trey, and Nori were up, we went to the show the students put on and it’s amazing what they do.”
“She’s a nice girl?”
“I think so, yes.”
“Does she eat?” she asked. “She’s not like that other one, is she?”
“She definitely eats.”
I told her about our date at the Brazilian steakhouse and her mouth curled into a smile.
Patting my shoulder, she said, “Then you’ll have to bring her some baklava.”
Anjannette
The last ofthe students left and Keera sat across from me, her feet propped against the desk. She finished her last bite of baklava and groaned.
“That was amazing.” Leaning forward, she put her empty plate on the desk next to mine then sat back. “I don’t know how you held off eating it until now.”
“I may have snuck a bite before class.”
“You’re lucky I wasn’t the one here when Leo dropped it off. I wouldn’t have been able to stop at one bite. It would have been gone.”
I was definitely lucky because along with the dessert, he also gave me another delicious kiss. And as tasty as the baklava was, it doesn’t compare to him. Just thinking about it makes my lips—and other body parts—tingle. The same thing has been happening since our date Friday. After having a long hiatus, my toys have been getting quite a workout the past few days.
The fact that my libido has come back in full force has me both thrilled and scared to death. The chemistry between Leo and me is off the charts. Definitely stronger than anything I’ve ever experienced before. So as much as I’d love to jump his bones, the tiny rational part of my brain is making me hesitate.
I heard a thump and jumped in my seat. Looking over, I realized the noise had been Keera stomping her feet onto the floor. She leaned forward, her elbows resting on the desk and met my gaze.
“What’s that look for?”
“What look?”
“The look that tells me you’re mentally spiraling about something.”
Sometimes it’s annoying as hell when people know you too well.
“I’m just thinking about Leo.”
“What specifically are you thinking about?”
“Sex.”
“What about it?”
I picked up a paper clip and unraveled it as I figured out what to say.
“Physically I've been thinking about sex a lot the past week.” I looked her in the eye. “A lot.”
“That’s a good thing.” She raised her brow. “Isn’t it?”
“No, it’s not.”
“Why?”
“In my experience, sex leads to bad decisions. Or maybe not necessarily, bad decisions, but it tends to make me overlook issues that would be pretty obvious if I wasn’t sexblind. Look at Travis. And before him was Mark.” Shaking my head, I took a deep breath in and blew it out. “I could keep listing names, but I think you get the picture.”
“Anjannette, do you really think Leo's like those other guys?”
“No. I don’t know.” I shrugged and looked down and bent the straightened paper clip and folded it in half. “But generally speaking it doesn't really matter because I'm still me.”
I looked up when Keera placed her hand on top of mine and squeezed.
“Oh honey, you’re amazing. Travis took advantage of you at a vulnerable time in your life. Your dad had just died when you met him and your mom a couple years after that. You felt alone and were probably depressed. He's a narcissistic prick who took advantage of those things. That's his shortcoming, not yours.”
“But I should have realized—”
I stopped speaking when she held her hands up.
“Look, all that happened, but it's in the past now. You've been working on yourself for three years and the change is obvious. You’re older now, wiser and stronger. And definitely more confident. At some point you have to trust yourself and take a chance again. And in my opinion, Leo is the perfect guy to do that with. For chrissake, he brought you baklava.” She reached out and squeezed my hand again. “Just relax, get out of your head, and let nature take its course.”
She sat back in the chair and rested her feet against the desk again. I tossed the ruined paper clip into the garbage can and tipped my head back, my eyes closed.
“Friday is our third date.”
“Huh?”
I looked over at her.
“Friday is our third date.”
“And?”
“You know what third dates are usually all about.”
“The question remains.”
“While everything you just said is true, I don’t know if I’m ready to have sex. Mentally and emotionally anyway. Physically, my body is screaming for it.”
“I still don’t understand what the issue is. If you’re not ready, you’re not ready. Just don’t do it. Is he giving you signs that he’s expecting something?”
“No. In fact, he’s the one who left Friday night. I was on the verge of inviting him in when he ended the kiss and said good night.”
She shifted her chair forward and rested her forearms on the desk, leaning closer.
“Anjannette, this is not a real issue. Other than your body and mind disagreeing about your readiness to have sex, there’s nothing to worry about here. If things turn sexy and you feel comfortable, go for it. If not, kiss him goodnight and go inside. Stop worrying about it.”
I nodded, knowing she’s right. I also know that even though that’s true, I’ll still obsess. After what I’ve learned about myself and my past relationships these last three years, I think that’s totally understandable.
Keera stood, drawing my attention to her.
“Look, if you’re that conflicted, talk to Leo. My gut feeling tells me he’s looking for more than a casual thing and no matter what you say, I know you are too. At this point, you’re not gonna pop your cherry with just anyone.”
I opened my mouth to point out that my cherry was popped a long time ago, but Keera interrupted.
“You don’t take a three-year respite from men and jump back into it like you didn’t miss
a beat. Like I said before, you’re a different person now. You’re basically revirginized.”
She spoke that last sentence so matter-of-factly, I burst out laughing because the topic is so ridiculous.
“You’re right,” I said once I settled down. “Not about the revirginized thing, but about the fact that things are different now. I can’t do what I did in the past and expect a different result. I’m going to tell Leo that I want to take this slow. At least if he’s not interested, I’ll know sooner rather than later.”
“I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” She smiled. “The man speaks Buffy
and brings you baklava, Anjannette. I’d say he’s pretty much perfect. Give him a chance.”