Bite, page 15
“Oh please, they’ll hate me because of who my date is,” I reply shyly.
“Oh yeah, we will totally hate you Gina,” Tiffany chimes in while laughing.
I playfully punch her on the arm and turn back to Sam. “You look great too. I don’t think I ever saw you in a suit before.”
“Thank you.”
Tiffany has her camera out and starts taking pictures like we are going to the prom. She takes a few pictures of us and gets pissed that her date is running late so I promise her that I will take some of the two of them at the club. She then asks him to take a few with us together and I start feeling impatient since I’m ready to get out of the house so I can be alone with Sam. I will need him to calm my nerves before I hit the party.
Ten minutes later, we are in his car and on our way. I start to think of how the evening will go and I am so deep in thought that when he speaks, it makes me jump. “What are you thinking?”
I decide to be completely straightforward with him as I reply, “I’m wondering if I should turn around and run home.”
“I figured that but why?”
“That’s the thing; I honestly don’t know why,” I say while letting out a frustrated sigh.
He pulls the car over and cuts off the engine. Before I can say anything, he hops out the car and quickly walks around to my side. I thought he was angry with me for trying to ruin the evening but when he opens the door, his face has a pleasant expression and he murmurs, “Let’s go for a walk.”
He extends his hand out to me and helps me out the car. We are by the park so we walk in that direction with his arm wrapped protectively around my shoulders. At night, nobody in his or her right mind would walk through here alone but I feel safe with Sam. But that didn’t mean I didn’t clutch onto him a little tighter.
He gives my shoulders a gentle squeeze while saying, “So talk to me. What’s bothering you?”
I’m hesitant at first because I’m not sure that I want to tell him how I’m feeling. I’m afraid that if I tell him anything, he might think I’m being a whiney baby. But I feel myself relax where I’m willing to tell him anything and when I’m finally comfortable enough to speak up, I sigh as I babble, “Well I guess I feel that my dad would be mad that I’m going to a party. I know it’s stupid but I guess I don’t know how long a person is supposed to be sad after somebody dies until it’s okay to act normal again without people thinking I’m doing something wrong. I mean, I’m not as bad as I use to be but I just feel weird. I thought all the first major holidays were supposed to be spent in solitude but even my mom is going to a party tonight too. I don’t know; I’m all messed up in my head to the point where I don’t know which way is up or down.”
I sigh and refuse to look up at his face because I’m afraid of what his expression might be. Listening to myself, I feel like a complete idiot. But Sam kisses the side of my forehead and responds, “No one knows how long you’re supposed to be in mourning because it varies with everyone. The big question you have to ask yourself is do you feel like you’re doing something wrong?”
Hearing his words suddenly makes sense to me. I understand what he means and I finally figure out what my problem is. I am actually more worried of what people are going to say. I even imagined while I was getting dressed all the stares and whispers as I walked into the club. And the more I think about it, the sillier I feel. I want to slap myself and ask what the hell is wrong with me. Ugh, I start to get angry with myself but he lifts my chin and says, “You are amazing. The fact that you are so concerned about what other people thought that you are willing to endure being miserable.” I blush as he continues, “You have to live your life for yourself and not the way the others expect you to be. But I won’t put pressure on you. If you want, say the word and I will take you home and we can bring in the New Year with just the two of us. Even if we do nothing but sit on your couch and watch Star Trek all night, I’ll be content with that. I just want to spend tonight with you Gina and I’ll take it any way I can get it.”
I swear Sam is the most amazing man in the world. When he said that before when he gave me the dress, I thought he was just humoring me but hearing him saying it again confirms that he is being truly sincere. I immediately hug him and I feel the disappointment through his hug back. I smile since he assumes my answer is to go back home but instead I softly say in his ear, “You didn’t get me this dress for nothing. Let’s go party.”
When we arrive at the country club, my anxiety from earlier starts to melt away and I start to feel a little excited. What girl doesn’t like to be all dressed up and go out with the most gorgeous man in the world? Sam opens the car door for me and hands the car keys to the valet before we step inside. As I look around, I find that I’m either in total awe or it’s just been a really long time since I’ve been out.
The whole place is sparkling with lights and white flowers and I am reminded of fairy tales and the princess (me) arriving at the ball with her handsome prince (Sam). Everything within the place has a magical feel to it and I am so taken in that I nearly miss Diane squealing and rushing over to hug me.
“Oh my god Gina, you’re here! I’m so glad you came!”
She is smiling from ear to ear as she hugs me and I hug her back while responding, “Me too. The place looks awesome!”
“I know. But you look fantastic in that dress girl!” She snaps her fingers while saying in a sassy voice, “You better work it girl!”
I do a little twirl and laugh as I say, “Thanks.” We both giggle and start gabbing away until I remember that I’m not alone. I gesture for him to stand next to me and I turn back to Diane as I say, “How rude of me. Diane, this is my boyfriend Sam.”
He flashes his winning smile and says, “It’s a pleasure to meet you Diane. You look absolutely lovely this evening.”
She blushes as she says, “Nice to meet you too,” and feels tongue-tied on what to say next. Yeah, he has that affect on a lot of people.
We chat for a little while longer until Sam and I stroll through the ballroom and I greet a few acquaintances. I’m relieved when I see Tiffany and her date finally arrive and they stop to say hello to Amber and her date. Sam and I make our way over to them so I can take her picture as promised but Stacy beat us to the punch when I notice her heading in our direction. I suddenly feel self-conscious after seeing her in a flowing pale pink gown that looks flawless on her. Her short blond bob is smoothed down away from her face and the top of the gown is strapless so her breasts are peeking out but not in an over-the-top way. Fact of the matter is she looks beautiful.
“Hey Gina, look at you. You clean up nicely.”
“Thanks,” I say while feeling uncomfortable.
She turns her attention to Sam and a huge smile spreads across her face. She walks up to him as she coos, “Hi Sam, you always look handsome but tonight you look extra hot.” She playfully taps his chest and steps closer to him.
Okay, is this girl seriously out of her mind? Did she not see me standing right here while she’s flirting with my boyfriend? I remember her telling me before on the evening I met Sam that she had a major crush on him even though she didn’t flat out say it but I got that from how she talked about him. Every time she ran into him, this was probably the act she would put on for him and to finally see it first hand was sickening. If her hair was longer, I’m sure she would have constantly been tossing it around in that flirty annoying way while she probably bat her eyelashes and laugh like he told the funniest joke in the world. But right now she is standing perfectly straight so her breasts are practically jumping out at him. All I need is for her to bat her eyes here and I think I will lose it. But a new fear builds up in my mind. What if Sam really likes those types of women? I can’t ignore the fact that Stacy is a beautiful woman and once again I compare myself to her and frown. Stacy is glamorous and sophisticated and definitely more of Sam’s league than I am. I really start to doubt myself as I stare at her and seeing how she’s practically throwing herself at him makes me want to knock her out. I’m steaming as I continue to stare and I worry that I might have serious competition here but watching Sam take a step back makes me feel better. Was I crazy or is Sam really not interested in her? He is trying to be polite but he glances over at me with his eyes pleading for me to save him from her advances. Stacy doesn’t take the hint and even takes it one step further as she purrs; “Now I’m sure Gina won’t mind if you saved one little dance for me right Gina?”
When I hear my name, I look directly at her but she is too busy staring at Sam so she doesn’t see the scowl on my face. I smile and fight to control to temper while I ask, “Sam, could you get me something to drink please?” He notices the expression on my face and just nods and heads over to the bar area without saying another word. Diane is chatting with Amber and Tiffany but they get quiet when they see him walking away. I know they are watching but I didn’t care. I need this to end right now. I know Stacy is still bummed about Sam rejecting her all those times she threw herself at him but if she thinks she can try again tonight then she’s crazier than I thought.
“Stacy, what the hell are you doing,” I ask.
She rolls her eyes and keeps the annoyance in her tone when she answers, “What are you talking about?’
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. Why the fuck are you flirting with my boyfriend in front of me?” I am trying to control my temper because I didn’t want to create a scene but I see from the corner of my eye Tiffany’s reaction when I cursed. She knew I only use those words when I’m extremely pissed off.
Stacy is a little shocked as well but she intends to remain cool. In a nonchalant tone she replies, “Gina, I swear you are overreacting. I was not flirting. I was just giving Sam a harmless compliment that’s all.”
Is this girl for real? Stacy is actually standing there feeding me that bullshit like I’m just supposed to swallow it like it’s no big deal. I know I should just walk away before I hit her but not before I say, “Listen to me and listen good. I’m sorry your ego is still bruised from when he rejected you but if you think you’re going to go for another chance tonight, you are sadly mistaken.”
“Gina it’s not like that at all,” she huffs defensively. “I’m happy you’re here with Sam.”
I shake my head while muttering, “Yeah you say that but if you really meant that then you and I wouldn’t be having this conversation. All this time you were being supportive and trying to help me out but really you were just plotting on when to make your move. Some friend you turned out to be.”
My body is slightly shaking from anger but I keep my gaze on her so Stacy can see that I mean every word I’m saying. She is getting angry as well and she puts her hands on her hips while spatting, “While I’m glad you finally grew some balls, I truly don’t appreciate the way you’re talking to me. And you should know that if I wanted Sam, I could snatch him from you like that.”
She snaps her fingers at the end of her statement and I can’t tell whether she’s messing with me or if she’s totally serious. So that’s how she wants to play? I’ll be damned if I’m going to let her take Sam away from me. Then again the more I think about it, I realize it won’t be much of a real fight anyway since he doesn’t want her and it’s time I get the message through her thick skull.
I walk up to her until our faces are inches apart and with malice I mutter, “You are truly delusional if you think you got it like that but since you’re stuck in a fantasy world let me bring you back into reality. I want you to hear me good and get it through your thick blond little head; he’s just not into you! So step off! And if you try anything with him then trust me Stacy I will kick your ass!”
I walk away leaving Stacy standing there with her mouth open and the girls giggling at her. I smile with satisfaction knowing she realized that I am not a pushover and I will fight for what is mine. Normally, I’m not the jealous type who would go off on another woman like that but she pissed me off with her lack of disrespect. Plus I wanted to knock that smug look off her face. And I hate to admit it but damn it felt good.
A Life for a Life
(Sam)
Even though I am over by the bar, I listen in on Gina’s exchange with that girl Stacy in case she needs my assistance. I peek in Stacy’s head and frown at the hateful thoughts she is thinking against Gina. I’m ready to go defend her until Gina steps up and tells her off herself and shock along with a little fear has entered Stacy’s mind. I’m proud at how she took care of herself and smirk at how jealous she could get. Man I find that to be incredibly sexy.
She rushes over to me and I have a glass of wine ready for her. She takes a long swig and mutters, “That bitch really pissed me off!”
I am a little nervous because this is the first time I’m seeing her temper and I know how hard it was for her to agree to come to the party so I want her to enjoy herself tonight. I wrap an arm around her waist while kissing her forehead and say, “Don’t let her ruin your fun tonight.”
She smiles as she replies, “No I’m not gonna let her bring me down. I’m just pissed right now but I’ll calm down in a moment. All I need is a distraction and I’ll be fine.”
I’m about to respond when something catches my attention. I feel the presence as it enters the club and I scan the room to make sure it isn’t a threat. But when I see who it is, I let out a sigh while silently praying that he won’t embarrass me tonight in front of Gina. I should have known he would arrive fashionably late and I meet his eyes while saying to Gina, “Well I think you’re about to get one.”
She looks up at me in surprise and I gesture her to look in the direction of the main door as we both watch my brother make his grand entrance. Charlie is walking toward us and just as always, he is drawing all the female attention. He is wearing a traditional tux but of course he adds his own flare with a chain hanging from the pants and minus a tie with a couple of the top buttons undone so he could keep his wannabe rock star image. As he strolls across the huge room, Charlie winks and says a few words to whoever is within earshot which makes the women he’s talking to swoon and turn their gaze into pure lust. I swear I always wondered if we were adopted when we were human because there is no way we can possibly be related.
His smile grows wider when he approaches us and I let out a slight groan. There’s no way to avoid this. He was going to meet Gina eventually but at least in public he won’t do anything to humiliate me too much or at least I hope he won’t. I take a deep breath and look down at her as I say as pleasantly as possible, “Gina, I would like to introduce you to my brother Charlie.”
She smiles broadly at him while saying, “Hi Charlie, nice to meet you.”
Gina extends her hand out waiting for a handshake but Charlie scoffs at the notion with a wink and embraces her in a hug instead. I flinch as I worry about him making physical contact with her but he mentally says Relax, you know I’m not going to do anything to her. Besides her blood doesn’t do it for me. He then looks at Gina and says, “Gina, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. Sam talks about you so much that I honestly thought he made you up but here you are just as gorgeous as he said.” He makes her twirl around and he smiles as he says, “Man Sam you finally did right. Gina here is just absolutely perfect. You were right about her description down to every strand of her hair.”
Shit I knew he would do this. Is there a rule somewhere that big brothers have to humiliate their little brothers? I roll my eyes but do my best to hide their irritation as she responds, “Really?” She looks at me coyly while asking with a grin, “What else has he been saying? You have to tell me everything.”
Charlie studies the expression on my face and I know he is reading the thoughts running through my mind. But as usual he doesn’t let my crankiness ruin his good time and he turns his attention back to Gina. “I’ll tell you when he’s not around. He can get real snippy if I divulge specific details,” he replies with a wink. She smiles as he mentally says to me She is lovely; don’t you screw this up.
His compliment actually makes me feel good and I forget why I was getting angry in the first place. I curtly nod as I mentally reply Thank you before saying out loud, “So where are your dates for the evening? I didn’t expect to see you arrive all alone brother.”
“Oh you know how I do Sam. I came by myself but rest assured by midnight I’ll be ringing in the New Year with a beautiful woman or two in my arms.”
“I’m sure you will,” I reply with sarcasm heavy in my tone.
We chat for a bit more as Charlie gets to know Gina on his own accord instead of what I’ve been telling him about her and I smile at how much he is taken in by her. I’m glad he sees how amazing she is and why I love her so much. I relax as we continue to act like everyone else at the party having a good time until I notice Joseph walk by with a troubled expression on his face. Charlie and I pick up on his mood and feel that something is wrong. I see David and Evan signal for us to follow them so politely I say, “Gina will you excuse us for a moment? We need to run to the men’s room.”
“Oh sure no problem. I’m going to find the girls and hang with them for a bit. They’ll probably want me to bust a move in this dress so when you come back you’ll find me out on the dance floor.”
I pull her close to me and murmur, “Save a dance for me.”
She blushes as she says, “Okay.”
I give her a light kiss and watch her stroll off to her friends. Then Charlie and I follow Evan and David as they walk towards the men’s room where Joseph is waiting for us. We don’t hesitate as we charge inside and to our dismay there are two men hanging out by the sinks. One of them looks terrified by the way we entered while the other shrugs his shoulders and ignores us as he continues to roll a joint. Humans.
