Lucky Number Four Read online

  Jeff is also waiting patiently—not—to see him again. I so hope there’s a connection on Liam’s part because I think Jeff really wants this to happen. Then, three of my best friends will be in committed relationships and I’ll be poor Dora who gets invited to things as an awkward third, fifth, or even seventh wheel. I can’t believe I’m a spinster at twenty-two. I guess there’s no hope for me. All I have to look forward to in the future romance department are probably a few one-night stands, but nothing more.

  Great, now I’ve totally bummed myself out on a day that’s supposed to herald new beginnings. Out with the old and in with the new. Yeah, right. Whoever started this brilliant idea?

  “What are you wearing to the party tonight?” Jeff asks, looking over his shoulder at me.

  “I don’t want to go.”

  “You can’t avoid it. After all, it’s going to be right here, so you kind of have to attend.” Jeff’s head swivels back to the football game he’s been watching.

  “I still don’t have to go. I can just lock my door and no one will miss me.”

  “Julie, Kevin, Drew, Colin, Liam, and me, we’ll miss you. So, get in that closet and find something hot and sexy,” he says, not bothering to turn around.

  “Hot and sexy? The place will be filled with hot and sexy. I’ll just come as plain and boring. No one will notice.”

  “Quit fishing for compliments. You know you’re beautiful, so quit feeling sorry for yourself. You can hang with those skinny sticks any old day.”

  He won’t give up, so I guess I’d better find something to wear. There’s the little black dress, but I’ve worn that so many times. Nothing else seems New Yearish in my wardrobe.

  “Check out the bag hanging up in the back,” Jeff yells at me like I’m across town, even though we’re only a few feet from each other.

  There’s a black bag hanging up with his clothes, so I grab it and lay it on the bed. I pull down the zipper slowly, revealing a dress that is way out of my price range, like maybe two years’ worth of my meager income. It’s in one word: indescribably beautiful. Okay, so that’s two words. Sue me.

  “So, do you like it?” Jeff somehow snuck up behind me, and he lays his head on my shoulder, watching me feel the fabric. It’s so soft and is a lovely turquoise color.

  “Jeff, it’s beautiful, but how can you afford this? Your parents have you on a strict budget of nothing but what you earn. We spent your Christmas money, didn’t we?”

  “No, we didn’t. I’m not that foolish. I kept enough so I don’t have to work like crazy my last semester, and to buy you this. I saw it the other day and I thought, ‘That would look amazing on Dora with her gorgeous curly red hair,’ so I bought it. Look at the bottom of the bag. I found shoes to match. Yep, they’re ‘fuck me’ pumps—I mean ‘fuck you’ pumps. You know what I mean.”

  I shake my head. Tears cloud my eyesight as I grab the amazing platform heels that match the dress perfectly. I turn quickly and hug him, at a loss for words. He stands back, holding me at an arm’s length away, giving me a goofy smile.

  “Happy tears, I hope.”

  I nod my head and drag him in for another hug.

  “Now go and try it on. I know it’ll fit, but I want to see it on you, and I promised your mom I would take a picture and send it to her.”

  “Yeah, like she’ll be able to open it on her phone. Jeff I…I love you, and I don’t think I tell you that enough.”

  “And I love you too, so move your cute little butt and do some modeling for me. You’re going to leave them breathless tonight.”

  I release a squeal and then laugh when Jeff covers his ears. I make a beeline for the bathroom to take a quick shower. I’m not trying on that amazing creation with dirty skin—okay, so unwashed-since-yesterday skin.

  “Dora, I thought you were going to take a quick shower, but it’s been more than an hour,” Jeff says through the closed door.

  “Come in. I’m just putting lotion on my legs. I want to look perfect for my perfect outfit. At least I don’t have to paint my toenails, not that anyone will see them in my shoes. How should I wear my hair, up or down? And makeup? Subtle but still sexy? Don’t stand there, help me.” Yeah, I know I’m whining a bit. I really want to make everyone notice me.

  “Slow down there, fireball. We have a few hours before the event, and I ordered pizza. Before you say anything, I made it half vegetable for me and half sausage for you.”

  “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”

  “Yes, about an hour ago, but I’ll never tire of it. Just remember this moment when you get angry next time, and remind yourself how wonderful of a friend I am to you,” he laughs.

  “You’re more than a friend. You’re my soul mate,” I say and watch his eyebrow rise at my statement.

  “But I’m gay. We can’t be soul mates.”

  “Yes, we can. My mom says so. Everyone thinks that when you marry or are in love with someone that they’re your soul mate, but it can be anyone. We hit it off immediately, and I feel like I’ve known you forever and can trust you with anything. So, we’re soul mates.”

  “I need to buy you clothes more often. I didn’t know you felt like this. I felt that instant connection too, but always shrugged it off as something new for me to explore. But you just nailed it. Your mom is right, as usual. Of course, she has Henry, so is that really fair?” he says, putting his hands on his hips and cocking his head to one side with a cheeky smile on his face. He laughs. “We definitely have our work cut out for us, don’t we? It’s going to take hours to get you just right.”

  I giggle with a playful glare as he squeezes my waist. Why can’t Jeff be my soul mate and my real mate forever? Life isn’t fair.

  Two hours later—I had to paint my fingernails, and it took me forever to pick out a color from my stash—I can’t believe what I’m seeing in the mirror. I know it’s me, but frickin’ hell, it sure doesn’t look like me. I truly look like I just stepped out of a fashion magazine. I’m not bragging. Jeff said the same thing when we were done.

  “Smile for the camera. No, a smile, not a grimace. I want to see those pearly whites of yours”

  I stick out my tongue and then I pose like I’m really on a photo shoot. Or what I think of when I think photo shoot.

  “That’s it. Work it…work it…turn to your left…now your right. And pout.”

  It’s like he’s reading my mind, and I can’t wait to see the photos. I’ll have to choose the most respectable one to send to my mom, but like I said, hopefully she’ll be able to open it on her phone. She wanted a smartphone for her birthday this year because her best girlfriend got one. The only problem is that she’s extremely knowledgeable about the spirit world, but is so challenged with modern technology. Even her computer doesn’t like her. That’s what she says anyways. At least she can work the computer to some extent, but her phone is a different story. She’s the mistress of butt dialing, forgetting to charge the phone, and complaining about how much social media takes up her time. I’m on her friend’s list. She threatened me as she did Taylor and Bridget, so we’re careful what we post because Big Mother is watching.

  “Is that really me?” I can’t believe it’s really me in the pics he’s taken. I’m not vain, but I think I kind of love this look and can’t wait for the others to see me. “Is it time yet?” I look anxiously at the clock and realize we have an hour to go until reveal time.

  “For the hundredth time, it’s you, and no, you have to be patient. I want you to make an entrance after everyone has arrived. I want to make the male population drool and the females turn green with envy. I predict they will, and every man but the gay people and Kevin will want to get in your pants. I mean, your red bra and panties. Just think if you made an entrance in only those and your shoes. A riot would ensue.”

  “Yeah, I’d be arrested for exposing fat in a room full of skinnies.”

  “For the last effing time, you’re not fat, you’re just right.”

  I’m
feeling a little nervous. What if I look like a joke to these beautiful people? “Promise me you’ll stick to me like glue in there. Please don’t leave me alone.”

  “Darlin’,” Jeff drapes his arm around my shoulders and pulls me to him. We stare at each other in my full-length mirror. “You won’t be alone tonight, but if it’s glue you want, glue you will get until you tell me to get lost.”

  The minutes seem to drag on and Jeff is lounging on the couch watching some apocalyptic movie, all calm as people are screaming and dying all over place.

  “Grab that bottle of wine out of the fridge. I think you need a pre-party drink to calm those nerves.”

  I grab the bottle and two glasses and plop down beside him. He takes the bottle from me. My hands are shaking a little and I know the bottle cost a bomb, so I don’t want to spill a drop.

  “It’ll be fine. While you were in the bathroom looking for antacids, I called Julie and told her to come to your door a little early. They should be here any minute. See? You’ll be surrounded by family, so nerves be gone.”

  I take a sip and it’s smooth, sweet, and perfect. A knock—more like a bang—sounds at my front door before it swings opens and Julie and Kevin make their entrance.

  “Are we ready to fucking party or what? Shit, sorry, little one. Mommy’s trying really hard. More money for the swear jar. Damn.” Julie stomps her foot and looks up from her stomach. “Oh … my … freaking … God, you look incredible, Dora. Seeing that dress on the hanger, I thought it was delish, but you make it look like Jeff paid a million dollars for it. I would hug you, but I don’t want to mess up anything. Kevin, wipe the drool off your face. You married the right friend,” Julie jokes. He’s not drooling, but he is staring at me like he’s seeing me for the first time.

  “Damn, girl, you clean up well,” he says in a gangster voice, and everyone laughs because he sounds so corny since it doesn’t fit the way he looks. Which, by the way, he’s incredibly handsome in jet-black jeans and a white button-down shirt complete with a purple tie. Julie looks just as wonderful in her long white skirt and purple silky maternity blouse.

  “You don’t look too bad yourself,” I say. “Of course, it was probably all Julie who put you two together.”

  Julie confirms by nodding and smiling smugly.

  “Hey, that wine looks expensive. Are you guys going to share?” Kevin eyes the bottle, and yes, now he’s drooling. The boy loves fine wine.

  Seconds later, Kevin’s glass is full, Julie’s nursing a bottle of water, and for the first time today I begin to relax. I lay my head on the back of the couch, not worried about my hair since it’s up in a high ponytail. The leather feels cool on my neck, relaxing me even more. In fact, I think the two glasses of wine were just the medicine I needed, even though I did made a pack with myself to never drink the stuff again. I only hope when I get off the couch I can still walk straight in these shoes.

  The other three all make small talk, and I close my eyes, wondering how I’ll act when I see the boys. I can’t wait to hug Liam. I hope he’s ready to live his life the way he wants to. The other two, well, I’m not interested. Okay, so I am a little, but not stupid enough to go for it.

  “Time to go, ladies and gent.” I open my eyes and Jeff’s hand is eye level, waiting for me to grab it so he can haul my butt up from the couch. “Kevin, get the door and you and Julie go first. I want Dora to make a grand entrance.”

  Jeff squeezes my arm, which is now linked with his, and Kevin and Julie open the door. The place is packed. People are everywhere. I don’t know if we four will even be able to find a place to stand, never mind move about.

  “So much for an entrance,” Jeff complains as we push our way through the noisy throng.

  “Attention, everyone. We’re opening up the patio. I know it’s cold outside, but we have the heaters going, so it should be pleasant. No, you won’t need your coats.”

  I look toward the direction of the voice, but can’t see over the tall heads in front of me. If you’re a woman and are tall, why in the freaking hell do you wear high heels?

  Amazingly, the crowd thins. I guess everyone wants to be on the patio. At least we can breathe now. I’m letting Jeff lead me to wherever we’re going. I lost track of Julie and Kevin. I guess that’s the price I pay for being short. Jeff stops abruptly, and I almost stumble, which would’ve been just great. I peek around him to see what has him standing still. Liam is in front of him, and he’s smiling wide. I move to stand at Jeff’s side, and Liam’s eyes go from Jeff’s to mine, and he picks me up and swings me around like I’m a toy doll.

  “Darlin’, you look amazing, and I love you. ‘Thank you’ doesn’t begin to cover what you’ve done for me.”

  My smile is wobbly. I hope he’s not drunk and won’t drop me. I also hope my underwear isn’t showing to the crowd of people.

  “I didn’t do anything, Liam. It was all you. Now, as much as I love this, could you please put me down? Two glasses of wine and pizza, plus spinning, are not mixing very well together. Oh, and I love you too.”

  “Sorry, love, but I’m so excited to start the New Year free from secrets,” he says as he puts me down gently and kisses my cheek.

  “I’m so happy for you.” I feel Jeff watching and pull him close to us. I guess he backed up when Liam started his twirling act.

  “Hey, Jeff, how were your holidays?” Liam looks uncomfortable all of a sudden, and even though he’s tan, I see a hint of blush on his cheeks.

  “Pretty awesome. Spent it with Dora and her family, or as I think of them, my second family.” Jeff beams. I’m sure he noticed the blush too. If I could, I would cross my fingers, toes, legs, arms, and wish on a shooting star that these two gel.

  “Beer?” Liam asks, but I shake my head. “Oh, right. Fireball doesn’t like beer.”

  I can’t believe the change, and he’s calling me fireball.

  “I’ll have one,” Jeff announces, and Liam makes his way to the kitchen with Jeff trailing behind. The crowd closes in, and I lose sight of both of them. Wait until I get a hold of Jeff. He promised he’d stick to me like glue. I feel eyes on me. I seem to be the center of attention of the group in front of me.

  “Who’s your agent?” a tall, dark, long-legged male with shaggy hair addresses me.

  “Me? I don’t have one,” I reply, watching his eyes widen in surprise.

  “Everyone does. It’s unheard of not to have one in this town.”

  Is that disdain on his face?

  “I don’t do what everyone else does. It’s so common.” I can’t believe those words just came out of my mouth.

  “Hey, Chilton, are you harassing our roomie?” Thank the stars that are absent in the sky. It’s delectable Colin to the rescue.

  “Oh, so she’s not one of us?” Chilton’s tone is starting to grate on my nerves, and yes, I’m getting fired up. I think Colin thinks so too, as he takes my arm and guides me to the other side of the room.

  “You didn’t have to rescue me. Okay, maybe you did. He’s quite the pompous ass. Remind me to not buy any magazines with him in it.”

  Colin laughs and it sounds so good. But no butterflies. What is up with that? Are they drunk on the wine and don’t have the energy to flutter?

  “I know you can hold your own. I was worried for Chilton. He’s never met a Pandora before, and I don’t know if he’s up for it. How were your holidays?” He’s looking into my eyes, and yep, no butterflies. Oh, well. It never had a chance anyway.

  But what about that kiss? Surely he hasn’t forgotten about that.

  “Oh, just abnormal, as usual. Poor Drew had to put up with us, but he’s still hanging around, so we haven’t scared him off yet. And yours?” I ask as he looks me up and down.

  “Dora, has anyone told you how amazing you look in that dress? It totally matches your hair. No wonder Chilton was talking to you. My holidays were brilliant. I found out I’m going to be an uncle again. My family loves to procreate. My mum always drops hints to me. I’
m the baby and everyone else is settled.”

  “Mothers have a way of doing that. I’m glad you like the dress. Jeff picked it out for me.” I brazenly turn around, letting him get the full effect.” He responds with a soft whistle, causing people in our immediate area to stare.

  “Well, he has good taste. Speaking of which, thanks for what you did for Liam. Drew and I have known he was gay for years, but he wouldn’t even break his silence for us. He called me from his home on Boxing Day, which is the day after Christmas, and told me the news. Also, between us, I think he’s got his eye on someone we both know.”

  “Jeff. Tell me it’s Jeff.” Stupid, Dora, stupid. Of course it’s Jeff.

  “Are you all right with that?” He looks warily at me.

  “Are you kidding? I would flippin’ love it. Jeff is a wonderful guy, and the two of them would be perfect together.” I reach up and hug Colin, who returns it with gusto. My feet are barely touching the floor.

  “Hey, what’s this? What am I missing?” Drew’s deep, smexy voice washes over me and the butterflies stir. I mean they’re jumping. Maybe it’s the pizza or the wine mixing together.

  “I was thanking our Dora for helping Liam.”

  “Yeah, I’ve been meaning to drop by, but I’ve been tied up since Christmas on a project I’m working on.” Drew’s eyes meet mine, and the psychotic butterflies, pizza, and wine are having a wild party. I can’t believe these two can’t hear them. I can’t be attracted to Drew. It was Colin, always Colin. Drew wouldn’t have bowed and kissed my hand before he ravished me. For the love of chocolate…I used the word ravished.

  “Dora?”

  Oh, great. Now I’ve missed something.

  “Sorry, what did you say?”

  “Colin just said you’re okay with Liam and Jeff.” Drew’s voice is now sending shivers through me and goose bumps have popped up all over my arms and legs.

  “Uh-huh, of course. I couldn’t think of a better match, except for Kevin and Julie.” Why does that depress me all of a sudden?