Pinned Up (Pinned Up Trilogy) (3 page)

“Cheesecake, that turd on your head…it’s not cute. Quit trying to make such an ugly fashion statement.” Kade teases me as he plunges himself on the couch opposite of me.

“You should talk! Mr. ‘I’m going to put all kinds of homemade concoctions on my face, hair, and walk around like a stiff smelling mummy.’ That egg mixture you had on last week was by far the worst. I’m home, relaxing. I don’t need to look presentable for anyone.” I pout my lips and roll my eyes at him.

“Valentina Moretti, I KNOW you’re not hating on my homemade beauty remedies. I enjoy taking care of myself. If I don’t do it, nobody else will. Life is too short to be ugly.” Kade gives me the biggest, cheesiest smile he can conjure up.

“You’re worse than the housewives, drag queens, and moms of
Toddlers & Tiaras
on television.” I point out.

Kade chuckles faintly. “And if I were any different, life would be insanely boring. Being normal, reserved, and proper is monotonous. I have too much essence to be dull. Now, my dear Cheesecake, I’m off to the gym to find some spice that will compliment my flavor. Would you like to come with me and drool over the buffet of hot, sweaty bodies?”

“No, thanks. I already made Lucifer my bitch this morning, I ran six miles.” I state proudly.

“When will you stop referring to the treadmill as Lucifer? If you have a pessimistic view of exercising, eating nutritiously, and living a healthy lifestyle, you’ll get negative results.” Kade sighs dramatically.

“Clearly, you weren’t listening. Lucifer. My Bitch. Six miles. Enough said. By the way, I can’t believe you’re actually getting ready to go to the gym. Who does that? Well, I hope you have a great time looking for your next prey, boo.”

“I’m going to some high end gym on Market Street. I’m looking for my next sugar daddy or sugar momma, I don’t discriminate. I need to look casually sexy since I’m flirting my way in. I know people, who know people who want to get to know me. It’s not my fault my sex appeal is so strong I can use it to my advantage. Don’t wait up.” Kade winks at me and gives me a devilish grin as he leaves our home shutting the door behind him.

“At least, you’re modest!” I yell at the door and laugh uncontrollably.

God, how I love him. He’s the brother I never had. When we first met over a decade ago, we were two lost and damaged souls. Ever since, we’ve been inseparable. My mom also considers him family, more like her loud, flamboyant son with no filter who she unconditionally adores.

During my last year at UC Berkeley while I was finishing up my Master’s degree in social work, I decided to start looking for my own place. Without any contemplation, I knew Kade would be eager to be my roommate. Leaving my mother proved to be more difficult than expected. She owns a home near her bakery in Little Italy which is located in the North Beach district. Luckily, our house became available for purchase and was only a short distance drive to my mom’s duplex. Now, I have the best of both worlds. I have my own place and I’m still in close proximity to my mother should an emergency arise.

My mom, Victoria Moretti is a New Jersey girl, born and raised. She moved to California in the mid-eighties. She became pregnant a year later and as a single parent, raised me. I’ve always been her priority and we’ve never been apart. My mom, Kade, and I are the only family we each have. Our small unity and the obstacles we’ve overcome have made each of us resilient.

Since the weekend has come to an end, it’s time for me to prepare for a work week ahead. I lay out my clothes for tomorrow. I usually dress conservatively at work adding a dash of retro to maintain a hint of fashion. I work for the public sector, in a division of the district attorney’s office. I enjoy my line of work and do it to the best of my ability, it’s the least I can do.

It’s Monday, as I’m preparing my morning diet Coke with extra ice, Kade walks into our kitchen half asleep wearing a t-shirt that reads, “I Shaved My Balls for This?” Even at the crack of dawn he manages to make me smile. He’s fortunate not to have the standard eight to five job since his employer allows him to telecommute. Kade is a web and graphic designer. The company he works for is in the Silicon Valley, he’s lucky to avoid commuting in the bay area, it can definitely be nerve wrecking at times.

As Kade is rubbing his eyes, he yells, “Cheesecake! You should’ve gone with me to the gym last night. You missed out! Guess who was there? Dang!” He pauses to observe my drink. “How can you have something so cold this early in the morning? And soda out of all things! It’s so bad for you. Gross.” Even though it’s fairly early and he just woke up, Kade still looks well put together as he’s making his coffee. How does he do that? When I wake up, I’m a hot mess.

“If I recall correctly, I wasn’t offering you a sip of my drink. I suppose coffee and alcohol are healthier since you tend to drink those quite a bit.” I can sense today will be a long day, it’s going to be one of those Mondays that just sucks balls. It’s too early for my patience to be running thin. “Keep your negativity to yourself. Kade, I don’t have time for guessing games. I’m leaving for work in a few minutes. Who was there? Was it your next flavor of the week?”

“I wish! It was Josh, the dude who was eye fucking you after the Bentley photo shoot AND he looked good enough to eat!” As an afterthought, Kade states, “Hey! I eat healthy and take care of my body throughout the week so that I can party hard on the weekends. In a way, it balances things out.” He beams at me crinkling his entire pretty face. “Back to that yummy piece of man, I literally had to wipe the drool off my chin…twice. Get this, he was with his mom! What the fuck?! Who the hell brings their mom to the gym? For your sake, I hope he’s not a big momma’s boy. That’s a major turn off. Being close with one’s mom is great; being a momma’s boy who is still sucking on that titty is a whole other story.”

“How do you know that was his mom? Did you talk to him? Why must you always be such a perv? There’s nothing wrong with having a close relationship with a parent. You just love jumping to conclusions.” I chastise Kade about his crude comments.

As always, he shuns them away. “Did I talk to him? Ummm…of course! Do you not know who you’re speaking to? I went up to him and said hello. I told him to feel free and call me KD like the rest of my friends do. He introduced me to his mom, Celeste. She’s a brunette with emerald eyes, very beautiful and elegant. He was giving her a tour. He asked about you.” Kade does his best to contain his smile, but walks away grinning.

“Kade Daly, get your butt back here! I cannot believe you asked him to refer to you as KD! No one calls you Killer Dick! No matter how much you push for it, it’s never going to happen! So, let it go!” I’m truly appalled with his audacity. But, there’s a more important issue at hand to address. “What did he say exactly, when he asked about me?” I attempt to ask nonchalantly, but clearly fail.

“Don’t be such a hater. Josh doesn’t know what it implies, for all he knows, KD are simply my initials. He asked how you were and said he thought about you the last time he ate a strawberry cheesecake.” Kade stands across from me with his arms crossed, a smirk on his face, and his eyebrow raised. “Now, don’t you wish you would’ve gone?” Kade starts dancing around in the kitchen and pretends to rub against me from behind.

“Wait. He said what? Oh, my God…I’m dying!” I do my best to contain myself, but treacherous excitement takes over.
What the hell?

“He said the strawberry cheesecake he was eating and slowly savoring in his mouth reminded him of your beautiful face with its light, silky skin and red lips. He said he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about you. Yes, girl! The man clearly has the hots for you. I say you let him dust off the cobwebs you have down there and get yours!” By now, Kade is fully awake and highly amused by my shocked reaction.

“Are you serious? Did he really say that?” My heart is palpitating so fast, I feel it might combust any minute.

“No, but wouldn’t it have been awesome if he had said that? It’s obvious you wouldn’t mind riding that stallion.” Kade cackles loud at my expense.

I’m so livid, I can feel my blood boiling. “Kade, you asshole! You play too damn much! You’re such a dick sometimes. Ugh…can’t believe I fell for your lewd imagination! Thanks for wasting my time and making me late to work.”

I gather my drink, purse, and begin to leave my home, but Kade continues to ramble. “Hey, Cheesecake…rumor has it that he’s a major player, he’s never been seen with the same girl twice, so watch out. He did ask about you though and wanted me to say hi on his behalf. Keep calling me a perv and see how I mess with you next time.” Kade sneers at me, but in seconds, gives me a dimple filled smile. “Have a great day, my dear! Don’t forget to eat some veggies. Love you!” Kade yells from the kitchen as I close the door behind me.
Jerk.

My office is located in the SoMa district and the day turns out to be hectic. I work with crime victims. My position consists of a lot of paperwork, but I don’t mind. I revel in fast paced environments. I’m more productive and efficient when I need to haul ass.

Lately, I’ve been gravely focused on my careers. My nonexistent love life has taken a back seat to both jobs. I’m not big on the lovey dovey stuff when it comes to dating. Sex is always on my terms; I just fuck when I’m in need and call it a day. Although recently, I’ve been feeling destitute in the orgasm department.

As I’m driving home, passing the energetic rush of the city, I decide to call my good friend, Emme. Yes, it’s Monday, but I need a drink or six. The last time I checked, bars are always welcoming to fellow patrons in need of some feel good juice anytime of the week.

I met Emme who also majored in social work in college. We had several classes together. She’s quiet for the most part, comes across as reserved, and has a short temper. She doesn’t like dealing with bullshit. I love her, it took me some time to trust her, but throughout these few years, she has earned it.

Emme meets me at my house. She’s Mexican, with olive skin tone, long black hair, and light brown eyes. She doesn’t cover her fine features with makeup, she wears glasses, but is still a very pretty girl. She’s five feet tall with a slim figure. Today, her facial expression lets me know she’s upset and really needs a drink. I quickly get out of my work clothes. I change into some skinny jeans, knee length stiletto boots, and a low cut shiny tank top with a thin draped collar sweater. I put on mascara, red lipstick, and style my long hair into a pompadour ponytail with a rock flare to it. My rockabilly look takes me less than ten minutes to achieve. As we’re leaving, Kade walks in.

“Where are you headed looking like a street walker?” Kade raises his eyebrows and demands an answer. “I see you have on some ‘fuck me boots’ and a shirt you clearly bought two sizes too small. Except for you Em, you always manage to look nice and homely.”

“You’re such a prick. Keep running your mouth and I’ll be sure to fry your balls for breakfast and eat them as my huevos rancheros.” Emme’s look is so fierce as she threatens to have Kade’s balls for breakfast that his jaw drops.

Nice.

“We’re headed over to a bar downtown. I called you, but realized you left your phone here. Are you going to the gym tonight or do you want to get shit faced drunk with us?” I ask impatiently, I’m still pissed from this morning.