Lucky Number Four Read online

  The first thing I notice when we reach the table is that Colin is absent. Maybe he’s gone to the loo—a wonderful word the English use for toilet. I scoot in beside Liam and he grins at me.

  “Colin had to split. Received an urgent phone call. Said he’d let us know later,” Liam says, minus the grin.

  “That’s all? No details?” Drew looks puzzled.

  “Nope. I told him to wait and we would go with, but he said he didn’t want to spoil our evening.”

  My night has officially gone from overwhelming to a low simmer. For the next hour or so, I find myself dancing with Liam and Drew while ignoring the glares from most of the female population, and even some males join in on the hate parade. But my mind is pre-occupied with the emergency that made Colin leave so quickly without even a goodbye.

  It’s Monday, and I still don’t know what made Colin leave the other night in such a hurry. Drew assured me it wasn’t anything serious, but Colin has been absent since the club. The coffee shop helps keep my mind occupied, as Mondays are our busiest days.

  By the end of my shift, I’m exhausted and dread going to class. I quickly change my work clothes and jump on the subway, not wanting to be late to my class lecture. The next few weeks will be filled with studying, studying, and more studying, since end-of-semester finals are rapidly approaching.

  Speaking of finals, I’ve only briefly mentioned Jeff. His full name is Jeffrey Thomas Bain Bradford the Fourth, and he’s about the sweetest guy you could ever meet. Julie and I met him our first week of college and we hit it off. His family is mega rich, but Jeff is no snob. He’s really tall—okay, so anyone taller than me is really tall—and he would make any woman drool over his long dark eyelashes and jet-black locks. But the true killer is his smile.

  Yep, his smile makes you want to jump his bones … which the female population would find impossible because he bats for the other team, as my grandma loves to misquote all the time. It’s such a shame. My family loves Jeff and the grandmothers immediately thought he was my love interest. Not my mom, of course. Henry took care of that. When I brought home The Jackass, though, they all instantly disliked him. I wonder now why I dated him for three years. Why couldn’t I see what they saw? I guess “love” really is blind.

  Anyway, back to Jeff. Since the semester began, he’s been busy interning at a law firm. He wants to be a lawyer. Not the sleaze-bag kind, but a lawyer that’s not solely in it for the money. We see each other in class, but little else lately.

  That will change starting tonight. He’s going to be staying with me. We’re going to be joined at the hip while preparing for finals. I haven’t told my roomies, but I don’t think they’ll mind. I’m paying rent after all and it’s not like we’ll be in the way. My bedroom/sitting area is as big as most apartments in the city, so we shouldn’t disturb them. If only Jeff wasn’t gay, maybe he could take my mind off Colin. Last night, I had this dream, and nope, not going to tell you. But just FYI, it was pure awesomeness.

  “Hey, Good Looking. Are you interested in a one-night stand?” a familiar voice startles me as I wait outside the science building for Jeff.

  “It depends on what you’re offering and how much you’re willing to pay for this amazingness,” I respond, motioning to my body.

  “I was hoping you’d give a poor college student a break,” Jeff says woefully, his beautiful eyes sucking me in.

  “I’m just as broke, but maybe we can work out a deal.”

  He puts his arm around me and gives me a warm side hug.

  “So, Red, where are we off to?”

  I smile at his nickname for me. Usually I hate when people call me that, but when Jeff says it, it’s somehow different.

  “We’re going to my new place. Remember, I told you I moved. Where’s your stuff?” I ask, seeing only his backpack.

  “In the car. You know I hate driving, so I thought you could be my chauffeur. Besides, I have no idea where I’m going, and you know I hate that even more.”

  “Oh. So, is this a paid chauffer gig?”

  “Yeah, of course. I’m going to give you a huge tip.” His grin is so infectious that I reciprocate.

  “Like, um, a huge expensive dinner perhaps?”

  “How about an extra-large pizza?”

  “As long as I get what I want on my half,” I reply.

  “Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Jeff hugs me again and we take off to his car.

  “Wow, Pandora Ann Phillips, you have most definitely come up in the world.” Jeff is standing in my bedroom taking in our surroundings. “Did your grandmother finally open her Coach clutch for you?” he asks me. One eyebrow rises as he waits for my answer.

  “Nope. I actually found this place for cheap, like, insanely cheap. And Julie and Kevin live on the floor below us.”

  “I’m surprised you moved out. I thought you guys were like the Three Amigos forever, or something.”

  “Well, it was the almost constant loud sex noises, and penis sighting that made me realize it was time to get my own place.”

  “Oh, I have to hear about this,” he says, lying back on my king-size bed. I lie down beside him and explain everything.

  “It’s not that funny,” I say moments later as Jeff laughs so hard tears are running down his face.

  “Oh, my friend, that’s hysterical!”

  “No, it’s not. I mean, Kevin’s my best friend, and I was eyeing his penis … and it’s not fair Julie has one and I don’t,” I say.

  His laughter intensifies and I can’t help but join in. A pounding at my door makes us stop. We look at each other like children who’ve been caught doing something bad.

  “Dora, are you okay?” Drew’s worried voice comes through the door.

  Sighing, I get up from the bed and unlock and open the door. Drew is standing there wearing shorts and a sweaty muscle shirt.

  “Hey, Drew. I’m fine. Come on in and meet my friend, Jeff.” I open the door wide and Drew steps in while eyeing Jeff on the bed.

  “Jeff, nice to meet you,” he says, politely extending his hand to shake Jeff’s. He doesn’t look too happy when he sees Jeff’s luggage by the side of the bed.

  “Sorry if we bothered you, Drew, but Jeff is spending the next few weeks with me. I hope that’s not a problem,” I say.

  “No, of course not. It’s your room. So …”

  I can’t believe Drew’s at a loss for words. I know he’s wondering about Jeff. I’m not going to explain, though. That would be too easy.

  “Hey, you want to grab a pizza with us?”

  “As long as it’s Papa’s.” Drew looks smug, as if he knows something Jeff doesn’t.

  “God, I haven’t been to Papa’s in forever. Forget calling a pizza, let’s go hang out there.” Jeff’s enthusiasm immediately squelches the smugness.

  “Okay,” Drew replies. “Give me a few minutes to shower. Dora, why don’t you go ask Liam? I know he’s not busy tonight,” he says over his shoulder as he leaves the room.

  “Pandora Ann Phillips is living with two guys?”

  “No, actually it’s three,” I say, not meeting Jeff’s eyes.

  “Three. One being the famous model Drew Johnson. I’m guessing Liam Chandler has be another one. They’re always in the news together with Colin Lawrence. What the heck, Dora? How did you just stumble upon then place?”

  “It just sort of happened. I saw a roommate wanted ad posted up in a grocery store and answered it on a whim. Liam has this thing for the number four, and their fourth roommate had just moved out and they needed one. So, they picked me. I guess I’m a safe bet, as I don’t gush over their awesomeness. I’m normal in their eyes.”

  “You, normal? Not a chance. I saw a little jealousy in Drew’s eyes when he saw me. I think he’s hot for the little redhead.”

  “Yeah, right. And pigs fly. I have no feelings for him or Liam. They’re every woman’s dream, but not mine.”

  “Oooooh, I didn’t hear Colin in that sentence. OMG, you’re crushing
on him. I’m right, aren’t I? You’re so blushing.”

  “Stop it, silly. I have to go and ask Liam to join us, so behave.”

  “Can I come too? I mean, I want to see if his intentions are anything like Drew’s.”

  I smack him gently on the head before strolling out the door. I have never been in the others’ rooms, even when I was alone. I respect privacy. That, and I’d have a hard time lying to them if they ever asked me. The blushing would give me away instantly. I have a terrible poker face.

  Jeff follows me like a little puppy dog as I move toward Liam’s door and knock.

  “Yeah, come in.”

  Opening the door, I hear strange noises and realize it’s from a video game Liam is playing on a huge flat screen hung on his sitting room wall. “Brains, we need brains,” a creepy voice says from the TV. I watch as an armed figure fires at the zombie’s head, making it explode into a million pieces.

  “Take that, you zombie bastards,” Liam says before turning around.

  “Hey, Dora, what’s up?” Liam’s eyes move from me to Jeff, who is now standing beside me.

  “Wow, is that Dead Awakening two? I haven’t picked my copy up yet. The graphics are killer.” Jeff moves forward and extends his right hand. “I’m Dora’s friend, Jeff, and you’re Liam Chandler, if the magazines are correct.”

  Jeff is so natural at meeting new people. I’ve always envied his way of making people feel at ease. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like him.

  “Yeah, mate, that would be me.” Liam stands and takes Jeff’s hand.

  I immediately realize why Liam is the way he is, stand offish, brooding and aloof. But his eyes light up when they rest on Jeff. I know his secret. My empath skills have kicked in. Liam is gay! And the world doesn’t know it. Oh, how I wish I was alone with him to talk about this. I wonder if Drew and Colin know. They would have to, right? They’re his best friends. I just want to hug Liam and tell him it will be okay.

  “Dora? I swear, she goes off in her own little world all the time. Dora … hello, Dora?”

  “Oh, shush, Jeff. I’m here. Just admiring how realistic the gore looks in this game … gross.”

  “Uh-huh,” Jeff quips.

  He and Liam start laughing and I have to join in. Maybe I could play matchmaker here.

  “So, Liam, the reason we’re interrupting your magnificent game-playing is that Drew, Jeff, and myself are going to Papa’s for pizza, and we want you to come with,” I say, hoping he won’t say no.

  “Sounds like a plan to me. I was going to spend the evening playing my game, but pizza, beer, and good company trumps that. Give me a few minutes and I’ll be ready.”

  Back in my room, Jeff plops down on the couch and is silent, which is a definite first for him.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  “Yeah,” he says, and again, silence.

  “What’s wrong?” I say, wanting to know what causing him to be so pensive.

  “I like your roommates. I really think I’m going to enjoy my time here,” he replies with a half-smile.

  “Oh, no, sweetie. You’re going to behave, because we need to study. If you don’t, you’ll be high-tailing it back to that cell you call a dorm room.”

  “Aww, Dora, I’ll behave. I hate my dorm room. I tell my dad all the time how unbearable it is. It makes him happy that I’m living what he calls normal living conditions.”

  I adore Jeff’s parents. They are truly wonderful people and my family enjoys their company. No, we haven’t had them over for any of our dreaded Sunday dinners with everyone, thank goodness. So, they still live under the impression that I have a somewhat average family. When his parents are in town, we all meet up at a restaurant and hang out. They know that Jeff is gay, but it makes no difference to them. They just want him to be happy.

  “Don’t worry Jeff, the next few weeks will be anything but normal.”

  He grins, oh how I love his grin.

  The ride to Papa’s is kind of awkward. Drew is driving, since his car is the only four-seater of the house, and Liam sits up front with him. Jeff and I sit in the back. From my position, I see Drew glancing back continuously. I guess his gaydar is off and he thinks Jeff and I are an item. I can’t believe Drew might be interested in me. I know, I need to quit putting myself down, but let’s be honest.

  “Have you heard from Colin lately?” Liam asks, and I immediately sit up and take notice.

  “Yeah, everything’s cool now. He should be back in a few days. Life throws some wicked curve balls,” Drew replies.

  Great, so much for getting the deets on what’s going on. “Life throws wicked curves balls.” What the hell is up with that? That doesn’t tell me crap I could have said shit, but Henry would probably tell on me, and I’d be in big trouble. Per my mom, I have to be a role model for my younger siblings, and apparently real women don’t cuss, except for Julie, who my mom gives a pass to. Really, I don’t know why she gives Julie a pass. Not fair in my book. Not that I would cuss much, but it might be nice in certain circumstances.

  As always, Papa’s smells heavenly. With me leading the way inside, we’re spotted immediately by Mama, who rushes forward and engulfs me in one of her famous bear hugs. It takes seconds for Papa to notice us, and I’m swallowed up by both of their round bodies at once.

  “My bella, Dora, it is witha much delight that I welcome you home. I see you havea brought a stranger. Jeffrey, we have missed you, you handsome boy.” Mama reaches out and drags Jeff into the hugfest.

  “Ah, Mama, look, she broughta old friends. Liam and Drew, welcome. We’re so honored to have you back in our small establishment.”

  Liam’s smile is friendly and sincere, but Drew’s seems to lack the warmth it normally has. What is up with that? Could he be jealous, like Jeff said? I hope not, because I don’t get the warm fuzzies with him like I do with Colin. Warm fuzzies—yeah, right. More like rip-his-clothes-off fuzzies.

  I end up sitting with Drew on one side and Jeff on the other. Liam sits opposite us with Mama and Papa. I hear a squeal and Julie and Kevin arrive at our table, causing another hugfest. I envy my friends, their faces glowing with happiness, something that seems so unobtainable to me. More chairs are added and questions fly about. Aromatic pizzas and ice-cold beers and wine soon appear on the table. My glum thoughts turn to happy ones as I’m surrounded by the warmth of my friends and food.

  Okay, I’ve apparently drunk a little too much wine again, so sue me. I work hard and I need to let my hair down once in a while. So I can’t walk. It’s my shoes, I swear. I have three guys, each willing to help me, but there’s only one of me and I’m giggling watching the testosterone-laden men, aka Drew and Jeff, fight over carrying me. Without a word, Liam pushes them aside and scoops me up into his arms while walking toward the elevator, leaving the other two speechless. The giggle monster won’t let go of me as we ride the elevator to our floor. Drew opens the front door and steps aside to let Liam carry me over the threshold.

  “I’m away for a few days and it looks like you guys have been having fun without me.” The familiar British accent sends a shiver of fire throughout my nether regions. OMG, that is so funny and the giggling continues. “I see you didn’t keep an eye on Dora. Too much wine?” I try to focus on his face, but it’s not happening.

  “Yep, the light weight had a few too many,” Liam answers.

  “Hi, I’m Jeff, and maybe I should take Dora and put her to bed. Come on, sweetie.” Jeff’s face comes into focus and he gently takes me from Liam’s arms. I snuggle against his chest. “Say goodnight to your friends, Dora.”

  “Night, my awesomeness friends. Thanks for the night!” I close my eyes as Jeff moves to my room. The room is dark and I open my eyes until someone turns on a light. I’m not feeling too hot, and I welcome the motionless feeling of my bed. My boots are removed and a sheet is pulled over me, and I feel someone kiss my forehead.

  “Good night, princess.” I hear Jeff say, and then silence.

  �
�Time to rise and shine, sweet Dora.” Jeff’s cheerful voice makes my ears hurt. No more drinking for me—nope, never ever. I force one eye open and see his grinning face. He’s holding a steaming cup of sweet-smelling coffee.

  “What time is it?” I croak. Damn, I sound like a frog.

  “Time to get up and run. Nothing like a good run to get rid of the wine toxins. So get your butt up and get changed. Time is awastin’.”

  I feel a slap on my behind and I turn over quickly. He’s gone, but the coffee is still there on the night stand. He’s right. A run would do me good, and I don’t have work for the next few days, since I took them off to study, so it would be a good time to start again.

  An hour later, I’m dressed, stretched, and ready to go. I walk out into the living room and find not one or two, but all four warm bodies stretching. And you guessed it, dressed to exercise.

  Please, if you can hear me, God, don’t let them—I mean, Colin—come with me.

  As if they sense me standing behind them, they all turn at once. How can my eyes stand looking at so much male perfection in one room?

  “Hey, guys. Are you ready, Jeff?”

  “Um, we’re going to have some company. The guys want to tag along,” he says, looking apologetic, as if he can sense my dismay.

  “Well, I hope you can all keep up,” I say, trying to act happy about the news.

  I run for the front door, not waiting for a response. The elevator is standing open, and I dash forward and hit the button and gleefully watch as the doors shut before they can reach it.

  “Morning, Dora. Nice day out for a jog.” Brad’s boyish grin is infectious.

  “Yep, sure is. See you later.” I move quickly, pushing open the doors, and dive into the bright sunshine. It’s chilly but bearable, and I take off running for the nearby park, pacing myself, thankful I’m so far ahead of them.

  The park is full of activity. During fall and winter, a sunny day is precious, so everyone takes advantage of it. Moms pushing strollers, dog walkers, bench sitters, and other runners fill my sight. It energizes me to push forward, upping my speed. I hear speedy footsteps behind me, and I notice the most females watching me.