Pinned Up (Pinned Up Trilogy) (5 page)

I turn to Nina. “The fifth annual anniversary of your 21st birthday?”

“She doesn’t want to grow up and be an old hag.” Kade smiles fondly at Nina.

If looks could kill...Nina shoots invisible daggers with her eyes at Kade. He smiles and blows her a kiss.

I decide it’s best to change the subject. “Well, I’m 27. Is everyone ready for another round before the game ends?”

I turn to watch Romo pitch on the flat screen TV mounted to my left. On my right side, I sense some sort of altercation.

“Ow! That hurt!” Kade yells.

I turn to my right and see Nina’s angelic smile. She’s absolutely breathtaking.

The Giants win the 2012 NLCS and are headed to the World Series. Everyone at the bar basks in triumph. Fans are standing up, overfilled with excitement, and reveling in the victory. Caught up in the moment, we all get up from our booth, and join the enthused fans with high fives. As our group is preparing to down shots to celebrate, Nina turns to me excitedly and throws herself at me with a big embrace. Although I’m taken by surprise, I instantly wrap my arms around her waist. Immediately, I’m overtaken by her sweet, clean, powdery scent…she smells amazing. I lower my head and place it at the side base of her neck, inhaling her delicious fragrance. As she begins to back away from me, I tighten my hold. I can’t let go. She feels perfect within my arms. At that moment, I feel as if everyone has disappeared and it’s just us left standing. She gently glides her hands from my arms to my hands. Her touch feels heavenly. As I feel her retreating, I slowly move my head and lightly rub my cheek against hers, bringing our lips to a tempting proximity.

“I’m ready for my drink.” She whispers. Nina tilts her head back and stares into my eyes with a look of longing, as if willing me to kiss her.

I back away from her. She’s kept her guard up all night and now the drinks have taken a toll. I don’t want to be the cause of regret the following day. We separate and down our shots with Dillon, Kade, and Emme staring at us with shocked expressions and mouths wide open.

The celebration comes to an end. I discreetly hand my card to the waitress and pay for everyone’s tab. We agree to meet on Wednesday at a different bar for the first game of the World Series. I can’t get enough of Nina and want to remain by her side, but I grudgingly leave her behind with her friends. Dillon and I are the first to leave and head our separate ways.

Work has never seemed so vibrant and inspiring. Instead of waking up with a hangover, I wake up feeling refreshed, and enthusiastic, eager to begin a day’s work. The sooner I commence my day, the quicker it ends, and the faster tomorrow will arrive. And then…I get to see her again. I fall asleep with Nina as my last thought. She’s such a mystery, so succumbed to her privacy. I want to peel those layers of armory and unveil her true self.

After work, I decide to check in with my mother. Her home is a condo within the Millennium Tower located in the Financial District. She lives by herself. Early retirement wasn’t something she welcomed; she actually put up a fight and refused to go down without kicking and screaming. After persistent orders from her physician, she finally left her position as CFO of my company, E-Con Solutions (ECS). She has always been a workaholic. She’s goal driven and doesn’t stop until her purpose has been accomplished. Now that she is able to relax and enjoy life, she chooses to sulk in misery.

I call before I arrive. She tells me she’s at a nearby coffee shop and requests that I meet her there instead of her home. The place is quaint and smells amazing with a rich coffee aroma. My mother is sitting in a corner reading a health magazine. She looks up and waves me over to her seating area.

I hug her and plant a kiss on her cheek. She’s a stunning woman in her early fifties with gracious elegance. Her emerald eyes and fine features are captivating against her short auburn hair. She’s a natural blonde, but has always changed her hair since I can remember. I’ve never seen her with golden, long hair the way she used to have it before I was born. I’ve only seen pictures.

“How are you, son? How’s the company? Did you decide which supplier you’ll be purchasing the expanded clay aggregate from? I think—”

“Mom, can you please stop thinking about work? You’re no longer Celeste Ryan, CFO of ECS, you’re stressing out about insignificant things that aren’t a part of your life anymore. Prioritize! You’re the only mother I have, so now you need to make your health and well-being your main concerns.” I scold her like a child.

“Fine. When are you giving me grandbabies?” She folds her fragile arms in front of her chest and gives me a scrutinizing look.

Fuck. There she goes…

“When will you stop dating floozies? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you with the same girl twice. Why are you so adamant about not having a family? One day, I’ll die and you’ll be left alone if you don’t get over this relationship phobia you have. I’m not getting any younger, but don’t get me wrong, I still have my looks, and admirers from a distance, you know.” She says matter-of-factly.

“Mom, I’m gay. So, there goes your dream of being a grandmother.” I do my best to distract her.

“Bullshit. Pardon my vulgarity. Gay couples can adopt. I’m aware it can be a long and strenuous process, but it’s still a possibility. So, don’t give me that nonsense that having grandkids will never be a reality. Try again.” She means business.

“I’m impotent.” I keep my fingers crossed hoping she’ll drop the subject.

“Again…you can adopt. Keep trying.” She sighs heavily, clearly losing her patience.

“Woman, I have a criminal record from a few years back. So, I don’t qualify for adoption.” I try to maintain a grave face. I fail.

“Why did I have to raise such a smart ass for a son? Fine. I won’t bring it up again until our next visit. I love you. You know that, right? You’re my world and I don’t want to see you end up a lonely, old man with women who are only with you for your money.” She says with concern deep in her delicate features.

“Mom, that won’t happen. They’ll be with me for my devilishly, handsome good looks. If I have to endure meaningless sex with beautiful girls for the rest of my life, it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.” I try to remain tactful, but this conversation is a broken record. The least I can do is pull the woman’s chain for a bit.

“You expect me to socialize and meet new people. At my age, it’s extremely uncomfortable for me. I can handle networking for your company or financial negotiations, but other than that, I’m completely out of my element. But, I’m willing to give it a try to prevent you from worrying so much about me. All I ask in return is that you make the same effort and try to meet a nice girl who wants to build a family with you in the future. I want to see you happy. I’m not asking for much.” She maintains eye contact with me and I can see her holding back tears.

“Okay.” I lie.

I would promise my mother anything just to see her happy, but she’s already asked enough of me. I haven’t forgotten.

My tiny fib is enough to pacify her and drop the issue for the moment. We end our visit on a positive note and I remind her I’ll be checking to see if she’s going out and being active like she assured me.

The next day goes by at a snail’s pace. I’m anxious to see Nina later tonight. Due to issues at work, I realize I have to stay over and miss seeing her.

I’m pissed.
Damn it! Why the hell am I so eager to see this girl? Calm down, cowboy. You just met her.

I end up leaving work fairly late; tonight’s baseball game has already ended. Nick, the project manager who stayed over invites me to a game of pool and some drinks. After the day I had today, I’m game. When we arrive at the bar, the first thing that catches my attention is the grungy feel the place has along with the walls covered with pictures of dogs. I could care less about the décor; I feel tense and need to relax. Immediately, I order some beers and head to the back for a few quick games. As Nick and I are preparing to begin our first round, two brunettes approach us. They appear to be in their early twenties. They’re both pretty, wearing tight jeans, low cut shirts, and have predatory looks on their faces. They ask to join our game. I have no problem with it since I’d rather be in the company of women than a man’s. One of the girls admits to never playing before and requests that I teach her before we officially begin. She positions half her body over the pool table as I come from behind to demonstrate the proper way of holding a cue stick before a shot. Deliberately and in slow motion, she backs up and grinds my crotch with her ass.

Right at that moment, I hear, “Hey, Josh.” The sound of my name distracts me from my teaching lesson.

I look up and see Nina and Kade standing right across from the pool table. Kade has a smirk on his face and Nina looks irritated. My heart sinks. The situation between this girl and I just looks wrong. It’s not the type of impression I want to make on Nina.

“See ya, Josh.” They both say in unison and walk away.

I excuse myself from the girl and hurry to catch up with Nina and Kade. I apologize for not being able to make it earlier to watch the game with them. I also explain that I recently got off work and just met the girl. They both tell me I have nothing to apologize for or explain. They say goodbye, but before leaving agree to still meet up to watch tomorrow’s game.
Why do I feel guilty?

Once I’m done with my beer, I decide it’s best to call it a night. Before I leave, one of the girls promises me a good time if I stay or take her with me. She seductively presses her body against mine and wraps her arms around the nape of my neck. On a reflex, I lower my face towards her, allowing her lips to brush against my jawline. Soon, she finds my lips and I go along with her move. As I’m kissing her, I visualize Nina.
What the fuck?
I also notice that I am completely numb to this girl’s touch. I don’t feel passion, excitement, or the slightest bit of respect towards her. Where’s the challenge? During my younger days, I’m positive I would have jumped all over her, but now that I’m older, I need quality in a woman.
Since when?
Without a second thought, I move away from her and leave Nick at the bar with both girls.

Thursday evening, I head over to an Irish Pub in the Mission district. Kade insists he wants to be surrounded by his kin. The place is small with a few high tables by the windows. The baseball fans are quickly getting themselves situated to watch the game. Bowls of peanuts are on every table and peanut shells are scattered throughout the floor. As I enter, I immediately spot Nina sitting by the bar. She looks over her shoulder, sees me, and waves at me. She stands to remove her coat from the stool beside her. She has very subtle makeup on and her long, wavy hair is down...she looks amazing. She’s wearing our favorite team’s colors. Orange and black have never looked so good. Then, I get a full view of her perfectly shaped round ass in tight jeans. My mouth goes dry. I need a beer.

I greet everyone and take the bar stool next to Nina. I noticed she saved a seat for me right in front of the large, flat screen TV mounted on the wall. Dillon and Emme are seated at the end of the bar to my left. I’m between Kade and Nina. This should be interesting.

Before I sit, an old fling whose name I can’t remember rushes me and gives me a big hug. “Josh! Oh, my goodness! It’s been forever! I’ve missed you. We should hook up again soon for some drinks or something.” The girl is ecstatic to see me, yet I don’t even know her name. It doesn’t matter; she needs to go…now.

“Sorry. I can’t, but it was nice seeing you again. Take care.” I give her a half hug, turn my back towards her in a subtle attempt to dismiss her, and have a seat next to Nina. She gets the hint and walks away.

“Hey, lovely lady…Sorry about that and again for not making it last night. A problem arose at work that required my immediate attention. After work, my project manager and I decided to go out for a game of pool and some drinks to release the tension from our hectic day.” I try to explain.

“That’s okay. Your loss. You missed a great game.” Nina smiles as she takes a sip of her drink.

“That’s not all I missed.” The words slip out of my mouth before giving them a second thought.