Bethany

How did I not know it was him?

The question has been rattling around in my head since I left the hotel this morning. I knew there was something about him, but with that new face, I didn’t put two and two together.

Joshua.

I never knew his last name and had only spoken to him once. I do recall catching him staring at me a couple of times during study hall, but I was too immature to do anything about it. I was more concerned with being the perfect student, the perfect daughter, and the perfect cheerleader, that I missed out. I remember. He had the sweetest smile. One that really hasn’t changed, the more I think about it.

Drowning my sorrows in red wine on Christmas of all days, I decided to call Carrie and confess everything. She was pissed about me keeping the dating agency secret, but what upset her most is that I didn’t invite her to join. If Jared wasn’t such a lying asshole, then maybe I would try to get her in. She told me that she’s be here in twenty minutes to quote ‘punch me in the boob’ as punishment. I gladly agreed because being alone on the holiday would have been another stab to the gut.

While I wait for Carrie’s arrival, I make the proverbial call to the parents. They’re usually vacationing somewhere tropical during Christmas. They are not big fans of the cold, and I don’t blame them. Maybe I should have spent my money on a trip to Cabo instead. Sunburn pain heals a lot easier that emotional pain.

Fucking Coop … Joshua.

The door buzzer alerts me to an arrival. Carrie has her own key, so like a true Brooklyn resident, I’m suspicious of any unknown guest.

“Can I help you?” I push the intercom and question whoever it is.

“Let me up. It’s Jared. Please.”

“Screw you.”

“Come on, Beth. Give me five minutes.”

I release the button to ignore him, but he continues with the incessant ringing.

“What,” I snarl, irritated with this asshole.

“I’m going to keep ringing your door until you let me up, so get used to the sound.”

The fucker pushes the button in the melody of Deck the Halls. I only know this because I can hear him sing through the intercom in conjunction with the bell.

“Fine.” I buzz him in. While I wait, I count to one hundred. It’s the only way to calm myself. He knocks on the door, and I open it, blocking his path.

“Hey.” Jared gives me a wry smile.

“Hi.”

“Fancy meeting you here?”

Frowning, I point out, “You came to my apartment.”

“Oh yeah.” He runs a hand across his forehead, wiping away a barely there sheen of sweat. His eyes dart from side to side, as if he’s following one of the bouncy balls that dance over words in a sing-along video.

“So, can I come in, or are you going to make me stand in the doorway and grovel.”

“This is rich. Mr. Bossman wants to apologize to me?”

“If you let me in, I will explain.”

Glaring at him for a beat, I contemplate punching him in the stomach and slamming the door in his face. I don’t like manipulators, especially hot ones such as this dick. Though it would be nice to know why they played me. Even if his presence makes me want to hit something, I’ll tolerate him for now.

Walking into the room, he goes right into it telling me, “Coop is like foil, flat and boring.”

“Hold on a second,” I interrupt. “What’s this about foil?

He shakes his head. “Umm … Nevermind. I’m just saying that you need to give Coop another chance. He’s wanted you for-fucking-ever, and if I have to hear any more about how beautiful, kind, and sexy you are, then I might murder him.”

I cross my arms in front of my chest. “If that’s your way of explaining and apologizing, then you’re wasting my time.” I point toward the door. “The exit is that way.”

As I turn to walk away, Jared grabs me by the arm and turns me to face him.

“Explanation right.” He lets out a sigh, and begins, “Coop … I mean Josh and I became friends at a young age through our parents. We constantly hung out, and he was always the shy one. He never dated or mentioned a girl until you. You were all he talked about. I wanted to make him happy because the man saved my life. There was a cliff and well, it doesn’t matter. I owed him one, and I thought the best way to do it was through you.”

Well I wasn’t expecting him to lay that on me. Perhaps he’s not as much of a self-centered asshole as I assumed; which I guess is a good thing. Biting my bottom lip, I offer him a seat. He slides in the spot next to me as he continues on.

“Coop would kill me if he knew I was telling you this, but, that day you blew him off, he agreed to let me teach him how to handle women. However, right before we had the chance to start, he got into that terrible accident. By the time senior year came around, he was recovering and getting used to the new him. When we finally began our training, the goal was to, of course, teach him the ropes, making him into someone else. He was the one who decided to legally change his name to Cooper. Eventually, becoming the man you know today. Instead of going after you like he planned, he met his ex-wife, and well you know how that turned out.”

This new information has me feeling sorry for him. He went through so much … for me. His lie wasn’t bad; it was more of an omission. Jared was the one who manipulated me, so technically, he’s at fault.

“When he saw you again months ago, it was like high school all over again. I had to find an in for him, and Danni was it. Sorry about that by the way.”

I give Jared a reluctant smile because I can tell he’s being sincere. If Carrie wanted me to do something as crazy as this, then I probably would.

“It was a shit thing to do, and as an adult I should have forced Cooper to approach you.” He grins. “I’m not sorry about last night, though. My dick still remembers that pussy of yours.”

Rolling my eyes, I inform him, “I’ve had better.”

“Liar,” he retorts. If I recall, you passed out twice, and let’s not forget the ‘fuck me harder’ demands you made. I counted seventeen.”

“Now I see why Cooper tells you to fuck off. You’re annoying.”

“What can I say? It’s a gift. All joking aside, I think you should give him another chance. I’m not saying that you should go to him now because you and I both know that he’s probably drunk. Maybe give it a day, and then work it out.”

“What makes you so sure that I’ll give him the time of day ever again?”

“Please. I can read people like a book and you, my dear, are on the verge of caving. If blaming me pushes you over the edge, then have at it, yeah.”

I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. Carrie chooses this moment to arrive, using her spare key to enter. She catches sight of Jared and lays into him immediately.

“What the hell is asshole number two doing here?” She scans the room. “Is asshole number one here too? I’m feeling the need to punch someone in the dick.” She glares at Jared. He covers his crotch at her threat.

“Calm down, Carrie.” I go over to her, holding her in place. “We’ve worked it out.”

“In twenty minutes? Is his cock so magical that it brainwashed you into thinking his actions were okay?

“What is this fascination she has with the male anatomy?” Jared murmurs, continuing to keep his hands in place.

“Zip it, Carrington.” I scowl at him and then inform Carrie, “It’s fine, babe. Jared and I have an understanding, so no penis punching, mmmk?”

Jared hesitantly removes his hands and stands, skirting his way around Carrie and me.

“Don’t forget what I told you, Beth, and trust me. He’s worth it.” With that last declaration, Jared steps out of the apartment.

“You sure it’s all good?”

“Yes,” I nod, smiling, “but since you’re here, let’s finish this bottle of wine, listen to holiday music, and I’ll give you the full details of how those two rocked my world.”

“Goodie.” She rubs her hands together like a mad scientist. “I’ve been dying to know if porn is an accurate depiction of what happens in the real world.”

“It is.” I grin as I explain why I’ll be buying her the Womanizer Deluxe as a belated Christmas present.

Later that night, Cooper sends some interesting texts. A couple are shocking, but after speaking with Jared, I’d expect nothing less from him. I forgive him for the most part, but as tiny payback I might make him sweat a little.