Plain Jane
Dina
Since Michael, I have gone out of my way to be unnoticeable—wearing little to no makeup, keeping my hair pulled back, and wearing baggy clothing. I don’t know how Ryder always calls me beautiful when I know I look like any average girl.
On Tuesday morning, I make sure to get up extra early. Today will be the first day, since the fateful night at the restaurant, that I will wear my hair down and put on a little more makeup. I am going to find me again.
Michael holds no power over me anymore. My depression from my parents’ death is a battle I will keep fighting. I won’t remain in the darkness anymore.
When I arrive at our office, Maggie takes one look at me and grins from ear-to-ear.
I hug her, telling her, “Thank you. I needed that kick in the ass yesterday. You’re right; it’s time for me to get out into the world again.”
With that, we start work on a big racing event we have coming up in a few weeks. New day, great job, great friends, and the future in front of me. I feel damn good.
***
Three Weeks Later…
Brayden and Ryder are out of town at a car show. They took Ryder’s silver 1969 Camaro SS and my dad’s Chevy II. Brayden, who is a MOPAR man himself, loving the Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth family of cars, still appreciates the love and work my dad put into his cars and occasionally asks me to take them to the shows.
I have been slowly getting back to living again. I don’t feel the anxiety in leaving my house every day. I find reasons to wear clothes in my size once again and even have worked in heels a few times. Plus, I am taking a more active role in our events, going so far as to attend a few by Maggie’s side. Where previously, I let her do them on her own.
We have made friends with a few race people, their wives, girlfriends, and such, during our recent event. That led to an invitation from Troy and his girlfriend to an exclusive Sunday party at The Roxx, and Maggie decides it’s the perfect time for me to go out and play since the boys are away.
She arrives early in the afternoon to get ready with me, and I laugh, thinking back to the many times since high school that we have done this.
I decide nothing is better for tonight than a little black dress. I choose one with a halter top and an empire waist that is fitted at my skinny waist then flows out around my hips and thighs. It’s knee-length and puts my all-natural DDs on display nicely. Some black, peep-toed heels complete my ensemble.
Maggie, having always been more daring, is in a royal blue, strapless number that falls a few inches above the knee with a slit up her right thigh. The color pops dramatically against her dark hair and tan. Her natural-looking, perky yet definitely bought and paid for Ds sit snuggly in place. She is taller than me at five-foot-seven, and her legs go on forever in that dress and silver heels.
After straightening my hair, it now falls just a few inches above my ass. I apply a smoky eye to my makeup, and we are off to have a girls’ night out.
Since the accident, I haven’t had more than one drink anytime we have gone out. Most of the time, I don’t manage more than a sip or two because the bitter sting of alcohol reminds me of the pain of my parents’ loss. Tonight, though, I need a little something to ease my tension. Therefore, when we arrive, we immediately head to the bar.
Maggie and I mingle, making our hellos to the race boys and some of the Charlotte business bigwigs in attendance.
We are settling into a small table when a guy approaches. He’s attractive enough in a button-up shirt and dress slacks with short, blond hair and blue eyes. He isn’t overly tall, at five-foot-ten, and has an average build. He introduces himself as Trevor, Tyler, or Taylor—something in the T family. I honestly can’t remember because, as soon as he starts speaking, I feel that familiar rush.
I look up, and none other than Brayden and Ryder are making their way over.
Before I can blink, Ryder’s arm is around me as he whispers in my ear, “You look absolutely delicious tonight, Dina.” He kisses my forehead then disappears before I can gather my thoughts.
Whatever his name is walks away as Brayden rambles about how they did at the show.
I hear Maggie ask Brayden, “I wasn’t expecting you back so soon. What made you guys return a day early?”
Brayden grins directly at me. “Ryder was invited by Troy weeks ago. I told him you and Dina decided to come, and he said there was no need for you two to be here alone, so we left early this morning.”
Ryder reappears right then, after having said his hellos around the bar, which were quite a few since most of the people in attendance trust only Ryder for their restoration, modification, and maintenance needs. I am mesmerized.
He places a Long Island in front of me, and I happily take it. Just knowing he is here rattles my nerves, but now knowing he is here for us makes me need all the liquid courage I can get.
Before I get the opportunity to tell Ryder how amazing he looks in his black polo and khakis, a fiery redhead in a green dress that is a size or two too small, comes up and grabs him in an embrace. I can’t even manage to move enough to give her space as she pushes her body against his and pulls him into a kiss.
Maggie has told me about Ryder’s friend Valerie, and I have seen her around over the years. Maggie thinks the woman is a total bitch. Her and Brayden go way back, but Maggie refuses to call Valerie Brayden’s friend even if he did bring her into the fold with Ryder.
Finally freeing myself from my wedged position, I breathe and immediately excuse myself to the restroom—every girls’ favorite escape.
By the time I return, Ryder and Valerie are gone.
According to Brayden, she’s drunk, and Ryder is giving her a ride home.
Oh, I’m sure she is getting a ride all right. What a buzz kill.
I didn’t expect them to be here tonight, and now, after seeing him and having him so close, I’m disappointed. With all the work I put into moving forward with my life, feeling confident enough tonight to have a conversation and even a drink or two with Ryder, I can’t help wondering if maybe it’s not meant to be.
I immediately head over to the bar to drown my sorrows. Like I said, I’m not much of a drinker, so it shouldn’t take more than a couple of drinks. Alcohol is my friend this evening.
I wish I had the confidence to seek out Ryder’s attention. In the past, I would have gone after what I wanted. I just have to find that place again.
When my mind doesn’t ease, I say my goodbyes. Brayden offers to take me, but I decline. I know my bestie missed her man, and they don’t need to worry about me. I am happy to get a cab.
I’m even happier when I arrive home, get in my pajamas, and grab a bottle of rum that I have for decoration on the shelf and some Diet Coke out of the fridge. I don’t drink, but this was a gift from a client after a successful business launch. Good thing I kept it.
Then I sit in my living room and drink my cares away, something I have never done before.
***
Ryder
I get invited to all sorts of dinners, parties, and events from my clients, most of which I ignore. However, when Brayden told me Dina and Maggie were going to Troy’s party Sunday night, I knew I couldn’t miss it.
As soon as we arrive, I feel that pull deep in my gut—my magnet—and I make a direct line toward her. I have to get my arms around her and smell her citrus scent.
I kiss her forehead then realize she was talking to a guy before I approached. Shit, I messed up something for her. That wasn’t my intention. But knowing what I want from her, I’m not the least bit disappointed that the man took a walk. He’s a pussy. If I was talking to her and someone else came over, I wouldn’t leave. Fuck no.
I quickly bolt to go get us both a drink and say a few hellos. I need to breathe and get a plan together on making my move.
As soon as I get back, I hand her a drink, and she smiles. Just as I’m getting ready to lean in to talk to her, though, along comes Valerie, pushing her way right between Dina and me.
Before I can put space back between us and tell her to take her shit somewhere else, and that I’m over the drama, she kisses me. Not wanting to embarrass or hurt her more than I already have, I don’t push her away, but I most certainly do not open my mouth and return her kiss.
When she finally gives up, I look around to find Dina is gone.
Valerie is obviously a wreck tonight and way too drunk, so I offer to give her a ride home. The quicker I get her gone, the quicker I can give my attention to Dina.
After dropping off a very drunk and unhappy Valerie at her sister’s house, I plan to go back to the party to see Dina and Maggie, and hopefully explain the situation with Val to Dina. However, Maggie calling changes that plan.
She and Brayden have been drinking and can’t drive, and now she can’t reach Dina by phone. Given Dina doesn’t often go out, and even less often has drinks, I understand her concern, though I’m sure Dina is fine. Still, I’m more than happy to check on her if for nothing more than to ease Maggie’s fears.
Once at Dina’s house, I knock on her door and wait. I can hear movement and what sounds like someone walking into a wall before Dina answers the door, looking a little disheveled. I can’t stop the laughter bubbling inside me. I have never seen her so undone.
She is in some oversized sweats and a T-shirt, her hair is a mess, and she has an empty glass in one hand and a bottle of rum on the table.
I shoot a quick text to Maggie, letting her know Dina’s okay and that I will be crashing here for the night, just in case Dina gets sick. Then my phone rings.
“Maggie,” I answer while Dina is standing in front of me, studying me. “Told you she’s fine.”
“Where’s her phone?” she asks.
I ask Dina, who shrugs.
“I’m thinking she doesn’t know where it is right now.”
Maggie’s voice softens. “Ryder, please don’t let her be sad.”
“I won’t.”
“But don’t push. She’s been through hell,” Maggie says with worry in her voice.
“I fuckin’ know that shit, Maggie. I’ll sleep on the porch if I got to, but I ain’t leavin’ tonight. Go sleep off your own drinks.” I hear Brayden in the background say something about tying her up. “Or go fuck it off, but just go, Maggie. I got Dina.” I hang up as Dina steps back from in front of the door.
She smiles bigger than I have ever seen her smile, while slurring, “You’re a dream come true being here, Ryder. I could pinch myself, but no need. I’m sure I’m dreaming. Come on in, you masterpiece of a man. Make yourself at home. I would offer you a drink, but I’m not really in the mood to share.”
I sit on her couch, trying to keep up with all her drunken talk. She’s a chatterbox tonight, and I like it.
She sits comfortable beside me. “You are so sexy, Ry. Like the McDreamy kind of way where all the women swoon,” she rambles, and I laugh. “Even your laugh makes my panties wet.”
When I feel my cock harden, I tell the beast to calm the fuck down. Nothing is going to happen tonight. Just talking and sleeping.
“So, a little liquor in you and you can talk, I see.”
She laughs. “You get me. I don’t have to talk. You just read me. Don’t you think that’s crazy?” She’s studying me the best she can while being so inebriated.
“I think it’s crazy that Brayden has been with Maggie for years and you’re finally able to talk to me.”
She turns and puts her feet on my lap. “You want me to talk to you?”
“Yeah, Dina, I do. What do you want?” I ask, though I shouldn’t. It’s not fair with me being sober and her being lit.
“I want you to kiss me, Ryder Davenport.”
I groan, wanting that, too, but knowing it’s not the right time. Instead, I begin to massage her feet.
“I want you to not kiss that redhead. Nope. I want to be the one devouring your mouth,” she tells me proudly before moaning as I work the tension out of the arch of her foot.
“We should have this conversation when you’re sober.”
“Nah, you’re with her.”
I lean my head back in frustration, hoping she will at least remember this tomorrow. “I’m not with Valerie. There isn’t anyone I want to commit myself to, except you. But you gotta be ready.”
“I’m getting there. Be patient with me.”
My eyes meet hers, and I see the sincerity in them.
We talk as I continue to rub her feet, and I take it all in. When she’s finally ready to pass out, I take her to her room where I wait while she brushes her teeth. Then I gently kiss her forehead and tuck her into bed, committing everything to memory.
She’s asked me to be patient, and I will—I have—even if she doesn’t want to admit to saying it or even remembering it tomorrow.
It takes every bit of will power and self-control I have to walk away. And when I’m at her bedroom door, turning to get one last look, she says, “Ryder, you could do me a solid tonight and make love to me.”
She’s killing me here and doesn’t even know it.
“I know I have baggage by the boat load, but you rubbing my feet, I’m all turned on, Ry. You could ease the ache.”
“Dina, baby, I’m a dickhead. Been a dickhead to a lot of women. I won’t be one to you. When you’re sober, ask and I’ll be happy to relieve all your aches, but you need to sleep off the liquor, baby.”
When she whimpers, I’m in agony. To hear her desire and need for me is both wonderful and painful. If she was sober, I know she wouldn’t dare say those things. I wonder if a part of her means them.
In the living room, I sit on her couch and take in her house. To be here, in her personal area, and take it all in, pulls at me. The space isn’t overly large. The kitchen and living room are an open floorplan. Everything is done in black and silver throughout. She’s decorated it in a contemporary feel with a black, leather sectional and glass tables. It gives me a feeling of home, like this is right where I should be.
At seven a.m., I contemplate waking her, but she’s only had a few hours of sleep. I know she and Maggie meet for coffee and have girls’ time on Mondays, so for now, she can have a few more dreams.
After sending Maggie a quick text that Dina is still sleeping, I leave without making much noise, heading to my house to shower, change, and get to the shop. Once I’m at my garage, I can’t help my satisfied grin as I think about my evening with Dina. It’s good to know she’s attracted to me and feels the pull, but I don’t know what to do since she never does anything with me when she’s sober.