Ticked
The next day it was drizzling outside, so I took a shortcut through the weight room to get to the back parking lot where Boris picked me up. A shirtless Leonardo, the studly basketball player, up-nodded as I walked past. “¿Cómo estás?” He flexed his muscles.
“Bien.” Thanks to a good public education, I’m fluent en español.
“In a hurry?” He mopped a gym towel across his face.
Well, I would face the Wrath of Boris to hang out with you for a minute or two. “Not really.” I set down my tennis bag and filled a cup of water from the cooler.
His dreamy olive green eyes lit up as his gaze moved up and down my sweaty bod. “I haven’t seen you. You don’t work upstairs anymore?”
I shook my head.
“I just finished up. Want to grab a shake?”
My belly fluttered. “Oh, I wish I could, but my ride is here.”
“Another time?”
“Sí.” I walked to the door, but stopped and turned around when a brilliant idea popped into my head. “I have an extra ticket to the ballet this Friday. I don’t know if that’s something you’re into or not, but—”
“I’m into it if you are. No puedo esperar.”
I felt tingly all over. “Yo tampoco.”
We exchanged numbers.
When I met Boris, I was sure my aura was glowing. “Privet.” I plopped down in the front seat with more enthusiasm than usual.
He glared at me as if my good mood was a signal of imminent disaster. “Privet. Your day was good?”
“Yeah, practice was good. I got my calculus homework done in English lit. Good.”
He didn’t put the car in reverse, which made me nervous. I take after my dad. He rambles when he’s nervous. I ramble when I’m nervous. “Yep. Good. Very good.” I tapped my foot.
“What made your day very good? Something special must have happened.”
Jeez. “Actually, yes. I have a favor to ask.”
He nodded for me to continue.
“Well, Kiki’s parents gave us an early Christmas present—tickets to the ballet.”
“Ah, so thoughtful.” His dark eyes were set on lie detector mode.
“Yes, they’re fabulous. Anyway, the tickets are for this Friday.” I waited to gauge his reaction, but his expression hadn’t changed. “So, I was wondering if I could have the night off?”
He tapped his fingers on the dash as he processed the request. “To go to the ballet with Chinese girl?”
“Mm, hm.”
“Of course, I will send a limo to take you in style. Two lovely ladies shouldn’t drive downtown alone. It is my gift to you and your friend.”
“Oh, wow. That’s so nice.” Driver meant babysitter.
“My pleasure.” He pulled back on the shifter to put the car in reverse.
“But—”
“But?” He slammed the car in park. The Cadillac engine revved.
I exhaled. “We’re going with some friends.”
Boris licked his lips. “Now the story changes?”
“No, no, no, the story didn’t change.” I tried to keep it light. “I gave you the abbreviated version instead of the long-winded one.” I balled my fingers into a fist and put them in my lap.
He nodded at my hands. “This is how you mask your untruth?”
Everything was so serious with him. I laughed and patted him on the shoulder. “It’s all good, Boris. It’s just a night out with my friends. No alcohol, I promise.” I put my hand on my heart. “I appreciate the offer for the car, but Kiki’s date is driving.”
“Your date is good guy?”
“Sure. Yeah. He’s a nice guy.”
“He goes to your college?”
Dammit. “No.”
“Older boy?”
“We’re about the same age.” I turned on the music to try to change the subject. “What’s that Russkiy song we listened to the other day? The one about the sky. I think I have the chorus memorized now.”
He played the song. “About the same age? What does that mean?”
“Please don’t interrogate me, Boris. No surprises—I promise.”
He drove off the lot and tipped his head as he considered my request. “Friday night I will take you home early.”
“Spasibo.” I clapped my hands.
“But,” he pointed his finger at me, ticked something he said had made me happy, “you will serve the rest of your time on Sunday.”
Ay caramba.