Page 19 of Deprivation

“Yeah, well, I’m not going to think about that. Just gets me too upset that my Kit Kat isn’t coming with us. But this’ll give us more reason to visit, and you better come to see us, too,” she exclaims. “Let’s just have fun tonight and only focus on the positive.”

* * *

Arriving at Jake and Melanie’s around 8:30 p.m., I enter carrying a bottle of champagne. I’d managed to complete two assignments with a little dedication at home prior to getting ready for tonight’s festivities.I’m focusing on the positive. This is a celebration of their future, as well as the accomplishments that brought them to this point. It’d be selfish to not wish them well.

Walking into their home, I wonder if I’m in the right place. The small abode is bustling with people. I shouldn’t be surprised. Jake and Melanie are very popular and have a ton of friends. As I stroll into the kitchen to add my champagne to the bevy of drinks on the counter, I notice Tyler leaning against the counter on the opposite wall, whispering to a very young blonde.Boy, was I wrong about that one. I’d managed to keep my distance from him and Smith since our awful surprise double date.

“Kit Kat,” Melanie slurs.Is she drunk already?“What took you so long?”

“I’m not that late, Mel. I just wanted to knock out some more homework before I came over.”

“Well, help yourself to anything you see. We certainly can’t, or shouldn’t, drink all of this. As a matter of fact, take whatever you want from the collection when you leave. We don’t need the temptation,” she spits.

Finding that an odd statement for Melanie, I shake it off and look around for Jake. “Boy, Mel, I don’t think you invited enough folks. Want me to put out a group text at the squad to get a few more people here?” I laugh.

“I know. I don’t like parties of this size normally, but we’ve ridden at the squad for a long time and didn’t want anyone to feel like they got the brush off if we didn’t open the invitation to everyone. Ha, there are firefighters and police officers here I’ve only seen on calls. Jake had to tell me who they were,” Melanie giggles.

“Mel, come here!” Jake bellows. “Huggie got us a going away gift, come see.”

“Sorry, Kat. I’ll catch up with you later?”

“Of course,” I reply, trying to keep the sadness out of my voice.Positive, focus on the positive. Before the words leave my mind, my phone chirps. “Hey, Mom.”

“Katarina, I wanted to give you the good news. Steven proposed to Rachel tonight! Isn’t that great?” I can hear the glee in her voice.

“Yeah, Mom. That’s great,” I reply, trying to hide my jealousy that at age twenty, Rachel could find the man of her dreams and I can’t find a guy I’d want to see more than once. “Tell her I said congratulations, okay? I wish I could talk longer, but I’m at Jake and Melanie’s going away party, and it’s really loud here.”

“Okay, honey. I think they’re planning to marry in six months, so there’ll be a lot of planning to do.”

Yeah, can’t wait for that.“Okay, bye, Mom.”

I look about the cluttered kitchen, grab a bottle of water, and scan the small area for any sign of food. I didn’t eat much prior to arriving and decided I’d stick to one drink if I was safely driving myself home. I notice a stranger enter the kitchen and turn to greet them. He’s a very attractive, light-skinned black man with short trimmed hair, light caramel eyes, deep dimples, and a dazzling smile.

“Hey,” he speaks, softly. “I was just looking for a beer,” he states as he inspects the room. “I’m Nate. Nate Mars. Are you a friend of Jake and Melanie?” he asks as he grabs an amber bottle and searches through the chaos on the counter for a bottle opener. Not finding what he’s looking for, he suddenly strikes the top of the bottle against the corner of the counter, and I watch in stunned amazement as the bottle cap flies off without spilling a drop or breaking the glass.

“Um, I am.”There’s that charming banter with men I’m so proud of.“We’ve ridden on the same squad shift for several years now. I’m happy for them, but sad for me. I hate to admit it, but they’re my best friends. My only other close friend is in New York trying to hit it big on Broadway, so I’m having a hard time celebrating their sendoff.”

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that. I don’t know them well. I’ve known Jake from hanging out with the guys, but my station is pretty far from yours, so we don’t tend to see each other on calls. I came with Huggie. I’ve been helping him apply for the fire academy, and he just found out he got in, so he wanted to share the news with Jake and Melanie.” This man is so easygoing. I’m not sure why, but I don’t have the usual awkwardness around him. He has a way of making you feel relaxed, like you’re hanging out with an old friend.An old, hot as hell friend.

“So you’re with Henrico fire?” I knew I hadn’t seen him before; as I wouldn’t have forgotten him in a fire uniform. This guy is the stuff calendars are made for. I could see it now, chest and abs bare, ripped muscles on display from his open turn out gear, holding a Dalmatian puppy. Mr. February maybe?Gah!Snap out of it, Kat.

“Yeah, but closer to the airport.” He looks around. “They got any food?”

“Ha. I was wondering the same thing before you walked in. I didn’t eat much before I got here, and now it’s catching up with me.”

“Well, I’m worried Huggie’s going to want to stay a while since he’s so tight with the guests of honor. If you don’t mind giving me a lift, I’ll treat for dinner if you decide to leave early.”

* * *

It’s only 10:00 p.m., but Melanie’s three sheets to the wind, and Jake isn’t far behind. Glad they aren’t going anywhere. As much as I’d love to spend the evening celebrating, I quite honestly don’t think they’ll notice if I leave. I want to get out of this loud, overcrowded house. Noticing Nate by the front door as I approach, he looks at me and grins.

“Please, tell me this means you’re ready to go and take me with you,” he remarks, flashing those panty-melting dimples at me.

I hesitate momentarily.He was serious? Heck, yeah! “Absolutely. Where do you want to go?”

“Do you mind going downtown? I’m in the mood for 3rdStreet Diner. My house isn’t too far from there.”

“Sure. I’ve never been there. I take it the food is good?” I ask excitedly. It’s rare I get to experience new places on my current budget.

---