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  CHAPTER 2

  Danny

  I step out of my shower, shivering uncontrollably. It's the second day in a row our hot water heater has been broken and I'm getting ready to go off on the super's ass. If my roommate, Paula, and I weren't so damn poor, we'd move to a better apartment. But as it is, both of us are living hand to mouth and we just can't afford more than this squalid dump.

  "Was there any hot water, Danny?"

  I open the door to the bathroom and I can hear Paula in the kitchen banging pots around. I think she's making us some Ramen noodles for dinner.

  "Nope. Still cold as ice," I answer her.

  "Fuck. That no good fucker. Fuck."

  "Language! My ears are bleeding from your potty mouth. And you owe me three cigarettes."

  I hear Paula stomp down the hallway. She sticks her head in the door and hands me the cigarettes, shooting me a nasty glare. I promptly flush them down the toilet.

  "You're such a bitch, Danny."

  Blowing her a kiss, I reply, "I love you, too."

  And I do love Paula. She is like my best friend and mother all rolled into one. We have been living together for almost two years and she's fifteen years older than me. We met working together at Sally's but she's since moved on to better things...working in a vintage record store.

  Paula is a pro at cussing. I have been trying unsuccessfully since I first met her to get her to tone it down. It's not that I don't cuss, it's just that Paula does nothing but spout filthy words. So I made a bet with her that she couldn't stop using the "F" word to which she promptly sneered at me and said, "Easy Peasy". We agreed then that if she says the "F" word, she has to forfeit one of her precious cigarettes...which I happily destroy right in front of her. I figure I'll have her nicotine free before too long.

  Walking out of the bathroom, she follows me into my bedroom. I drop my towel to the floor and start getting dressed.

  "So, you got the late shift at Sally's?" she asks.

  "Yup. I get off at 7:00 a.m."

  I start getting dressed while she leans against my door jamb. "Girl, you got some crazy ass hours. Why don't you quit that fu--."

  One of my eyebrows raises high to her, daring her to continuing on.

  "--I mean that freakin' job?"

  "Good girl," I commend her. "And get a job where? I'm a twenty-one year old junior in college with no work experience except for Sally's. Besides...the tips are pretty decent."

  I thought back to the gorgeous guy who left me a fifty dollar tip a few nights ago. He was clearly a college student-- probably at Northeastern--same as me. And he clearly had money if he was throwing around fifty dollar tips. I giggled thinking about that group. I knew the minute that snotty looking brunette cast her eyes on me that she was going to try her best humiliation tactics. Luckily, she picked a subject she clearly knew nothing about and which I had done pretty well in.

  Best of all was when I walked away, and the stud playing Angry Birds called my name. As I turned to look back at him, I almost flinched at the way he was looking at me. It was carnal...like he wanted to devour me. Just thinking about it made me blush. I glanced at him a few times while they ate, and he seemed to always be watching me. I thought about flirting a little but really, what was the use. It would never be anything more than flirting because we are from opposite sides of the track. I had tried dating someone once who was straight out of the pages of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and that was a disaster. Besides, I don't have the time or the energy to mess with boys at this point in my life. But maybe one day.

  After the rowdy group had left, I walked over and started busing off the table. I noticed they didn't leave a tip, which was usually typical with drunk students. I suppose the only reward I would have from this table was the satisfaction of making that uppity co-ed eat her condescending words to me. I snicker again just thinking about it.

  When I had picked up the last dish and started back to the kitchen, the door opened and the hotty walked back in. I watched as he walked up to me and we just stared at each other.

  Slipping his hand into the pocket of my apron, he said, "Here's your tip. I forgot to leave it." The move was calculated to impede on my personal space and was incredible sexy at the same time.

  "Thanks," I said softly.

  He looked at me for a few seconds, then said, "Well, thanks for being a good sport tonight. You sure managed to put Angeline in her place and I'm sorry for what she said."

  I cocked my head at him. "Why are you sorry? You shouldn't have to apologize for her."

  He gave me a wisp of a smile and replied, "No, I guess I don't."

  A few seconds passed as we just held each others eyes and I thought he might say something else. But then he just turned around to leave, calling over his shoulder, "Have a good night."

  He was already out the door when I said, "You too."

  It wasn't until my shift ended and I was counting my tips that I realized he left me fifty bucks. That could buy a whole lot of Ramen noodles for me and Paula.

  "I'm sure I could get you on at the record store."

  Huh? My attention is brought back to Paula and away from hot men who leave me large tips. Looking at her, I smile.

  "Not if I had to dress like that," I quip.

  Paula is in the beginning of her mid-life crises. Her pitch black hair is now dyed with red streaks running through it. She cut her bangs short and severely across her forehead. The Goth look is her clothing of choice tonight and she is rockin' a short, plaid skirt in dark red and black, with a sexy off the shoulder, black top. Skull and cross-bone tights and combat boots complete her look.

  "Puh-leeze, girlfriend. You are rockin' your own brand of weird with your hair and face metal. Pot...meet kettle."

  I laugh as I put on my earrings and shake my head. I motion toward my face and then flip my lavender locks back. "Uh-uh. My look is pure art." Looking her up and down with my best attempt at distaste, I smirk. "You, however, are a fashion disaster."

  "Bitch."

  "Tramp."

  "Floozy."

  "Martyr."

  "Strawberry Shortcake."

  We both burst out into a fit of laughter. We always try to one up the other when name calling and see who can make the other laugh first. This one is a tie.

  Sitting down on the edge of my bed, I put on my sneakers.

  Paula walks over and sits next to me. "So, what do you have going on tomorrow?"

  An inadvertent sigh escapes my lips. "Tomorrow's kind of hectic. I've got two classes in the morning and then a tutoring session at lunch. Then I promised Ann I'd fill in for her a few hours at the diner while she goes to a school meeting for her kid. And finally, I'll put in a couple of hours at the shelter."

  God, my life is crazy.

  Paula stands up and puts her hands on her hips. She's just looking at me, not saying a word.

  "What's that look for?"

  "Nothing."

  "Oh, no you don't. Don't go all mommy on me."

  "Well, come on, Danny. You're running yourself into the ground. I'm worried about you."

  I stand from the bed and wrap my arms around Paula. "I know you're worried about me but I can take care of myself."

  She squeezes me hard in return. "I know you can, honey. Doesn't stop me from worrying about you though."

  I squeeze her back and then step away from her before I start blubbering like an idiot. Paula is the only one in the world I have that cares about me. Well, besides Sarge, but I just don't get to see him that often.

  "I'm fine," I assure her. "Besides, this is just short term, right?"

  "Sure, kiddo. Short term." She says the right words but by her tone I can see she thinks I'm in perpetual servitude.

  ***

  It's 3:00 p.m. and my ass is dragging. After getting off work at 7:00 a.m., I had just enough time to get a quick shower and head to my morning classes. After a torturous hour of tutoring a soccer player in Western Civ--who was more interested in trying to cop a f
eel than studying--I'm now at Sally's to work part of Ann's shift. Two cups of coffee and I'm feeling marginally better. Lucky for me, it's pretty dead right now.

  Bending over the Classified Ads at the counter, I'm browsing for some weekend work. If I can get a few houses to clean on the weekends, that would go a long way toward helping to pay my debts.

  The jingle of bells indicates a new customer has arrived. I look up, folding the paper in half and then stop. It's Mr. Fifty Dollar Tipper. And I realize I had not built him up in my mind. He is still as hot as I remembered. He's wearing a gray t-shirt that's soaked in sweat and a navy pair of running shorts. He appears to be slightly out of breath so I'm assuming he has just finished a run.

  "Sit anywhere you'd like," I tell him.

  He walks up to the counter, holding my gaze. There is no doubt in my mind that he has stopped in here to see me. I can tell because there is purpose and intent in those whiskey colored eyes of his.

  I watch mesmerized as he runs a hand through his damp hair to push it off his forehead. It's dark brown and wavy, and bordering on just a tad too long for a mother's taste. For me, it's perfect. Too bad I don't have the time or desire to act upon it.

  Taking a seat on a stool just opposite of me, he gives me a huge smile. "Shredded anyone with philosophy lately?"

  I actually burst out laughing and start shaking my head. "Nope. Not today at least."

  "Well, I was running by and saw you standing in here. Thought I would stop in and thank you."

  My eyebrows rise. "Thank me?"

  "Yup. Those twenty seconds where you were thrashing Angeline with your knowledge of philosophy was the most fun I've had in a long, long time."

  It's not very lady like but I can't help snort in response. "Then you must lead a pretty dull life."

  "I'm Ryan Burnham, by the way." He sticks his hand out and I shake it. His hand is much larger than mine and warm. I can feel callouses on his palms and fingers.

  "Danny Cross. Nice to meet you...officially."

  He releases my hand. "Likewise."

  My skin is tingling where he held my hand and I immediately try to squelch those feelings. I have no business getting googly-eyed over a guy, much less one that is clearly out of my social stratosphere. I have too many other important things going on right now, or so I seem to be reminding myself a lot lately.

  "So, Danny," he begins. He's looking at me with amusement, and something akin to curiosity. "You're clearly a very smart girl. Are you enrolled at Northeastern? I saw you wearing a school t-shirt the other night."

  He had noticed and remembered the shirt I was wearing that night? Even I can't remember what I was wearing, and the knowledge that he held on to that detail pleases me for some reason.

  "I just started this fall but I'm only taking two classes right now."

  "Just two classes and you know who Ockham and Descartes are?" He's skeptical I can tell.

  "I attended another school before Northeastern. I'm technically a junior."

  "Where'd you go to school?"

  "Nowhere important." I don't offer and decide to be elusive. I'm not sure why but I think I want to see how much interest he really has in me. It's a sick game I'm playing with myself because this is not going to go anywhere.

  "Why won't you tell me the name?" He's grinning at me like a Cheshire cat.

  "Why are you being so nosy?"

  "Why are you being so evasive?"

  I decide a rapid change in subject is warranted. "Do you want to order something? I need to get back to work."

  Ryan looks around at the empty diner and then back to me. He arches an eyebrow. It's charming in an aggravating sort of way. I wait patiently for him to respond.

  When he realizes the ball is in his court, he looks down at his watch and stands up from his stool. "I actually have to get going. I'm meeting a few guys at the gym."

  I don't say anything--just give him a polite smile--but I am a little disappointed he's leaving so soon. He looks like he wants to say something else but he's hesitant. And as soon as I realize why he is stalling, he leans across the counter a little closer to me. "Danny...can I take you to dinner tonight? I'd really like to get to know you better."

  Ah, damn. Why did this scrumptiously hot and completely charming guy have to ask me out? I was enjoying our banter, our flirting, but I never thought he'd act on it. I mean, he's Doom Perignon...and I'm Coca-Cola. And as if our differences aren't enough, I really don't have time to complicate my life with something like this.

  "I can see the wheels turning in your head, Danny. I'm not asking you to marry me...just dinner."

  I start shaking my head. "I don't think so. I just have a lot on my plate right now."

  As I'm trying to rationalize my refusal, I'm feeling better about my decision to turn him down. I saw the friends he hung with the other night. I couldn't help but notice the expensive clothing and jewelry. The sense of entitlement that hung in the air. It really is just not my thing and why bother getting involved with someone, even just for dinner, when I will eventually never fit in. It's like taking Cinderella to the ball, but then telling her she has to go back to being a maid the next day.

  Before I can start to say no again, he reaches across and takes my hand. Stroking his thumb across my wrist, he murmurs, "I didn't peg you for a chicken, Danny. Come on...just dinner tonight and we will go anywhere you want to go."

  Anywhere? This could have potential. I can take the time tonight to go out with him, on my terms, on my turf, and then he will see what a bad idea this is.

  The stroking of his thumb across my wrist is causing my pulse to flutter. I pull my hand away. "Anywhere I want to go, huh?"

  He smiles at me brilliantly, knowing I'm about to give in. "Yes, anywhere you want."

  "Okay. Meet me back here at 6:00 p.m."

  He reaches back for my hand and grabs it. Before I can think to pull away, he brings my knuckles to his lips and places a soft kiss there. "See you in a few hours."

  Dropping my hand, he turns and walks out the door. I watch him break into a jog and he disappears from sight. And the skin on my hand is burning slightly from the touch of his lips.

  CHAPTER 3

  Ryan

  "Why are you getting all dressed up?"

  I look over at Mike who is lying on his bed with his hands behind his head.

  "I've got a date tonight." I reply.

  "No, shit? With who?"

  I hesitate for a second before I answer and then I mentally slap myself for doing so. I am not ashamed to be going out with Danny so there should be no hesitation. Still, I'm elusive when I respond. "Her name is Danny. She's a junior here."

  Mike doesn't say anything so I take it he isn't interested in hearing further. I reach into the closet and pull out a brown sport coat. I'm not sure where we are going tonight but since I told Danny I'd take her anywhere, I want to be prepared for a nice dinner if that's what she wants. I debate on a tie and then decide against it. My parents force me to wear one to so many functions that any time I can get away without one, I'm going to take it.

  "So, where did you meet this girl?"

  Apparently Mike is more interested than I thought. But he has been my best friend since the beginning of high school and we've been frat roomies since we started at Northeastern. There really isn't anything I can't share with him.

  "She's the waitress from the other night at Sally's."

  "The hot one with the purple hair that completely knocked Angeline down about ten pegs?"

  I snicker. "Yup. That's the one."

  Mike lets out a long, slow whistle and is shaking his head back and forth like he pities me.

  "What?" I demand.

  "Come on, dude. She doesn't exactly swing in our social circle."

  That just pisses me off even though I know deep down that Mike doesn't really mean anything by it.

  "Why the fuck does that matter?" My words come out harsher than I intend but I don't apologize.

  Holding his h
ands up in apology, he smoothly replies, "It doesn't matter to me, buddy. I'm just thinking about what your parents would say. I can see your mother now, 'Oh dah-ling...she has purple hair. Is she just out of prison?'".

  I bust out laughing because that is exactly what my mother would say and Mike nails his impersonation of her perfectly. This causes me to frown. Mike is correct that Danny will be shunned by my family and friends just because of how she looks. And that pisses me off all over again. And it pisses me off that I'm pissed off. I don't know this girl. I just find her interesting and want to hang with her a bit. I can't be getting angry over what my friends may or may not do in her presence when they will probably never even meet her.

  "Relax. It's just dinner. It's not like I'm not bringing her home to the 'rents."

  "That's what I thought. You're just trying to bang her, right?"

  I angle a sharp look over at Mike and he's grinning broadly. "No, that's not what I'm trying to do. Get your mind out of the gutter, man." I grab my keys and wallet to head out. "But if she chooses to throw herself at me, I'm not going to say no."

  Mike's laugh follows me out the door.

  ***

  Walking into Sally's I realize I'm slightly nervous. The diner is packed with the dinner crowd and I immediately see her behind the counter, ringing up someone's check.

  She's still wearing what she had on earlier...jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers. Her hair is pulled up in a ponytail again and I wonder what it would look like down. I find the lavender highlights at the bottom fascinating and I'd be lying if I didn't admit I found her facial piercings kinda hot. And I suddenly realize why I'm so captivated by her. It's because she looks innocent as hell but the colored hair and face metal add a bit of rebel to that sweet exterior.

  Danny glances up and sees me standing there. She holds up her index finger for me to give her a minute and I nod back. I'm happy right now just to observe her for a few minutes.

  I'm struck by her easy grace. She's laughing with the customer who is paying right now and her smile literally lights up the room. The cook behind the service counter says something to her and she grimaces, throwing a towel at him that catches him square in the face. He laughs at her and all of the customers at the counter hoot and holler. She's in her element here because she is without a doubt a people-person.