Page 18 of Hooked on a Demon
Kaia laughs along with her. “Yeah, that would have been a quick way to end our friendship.” Charlie and Wendall join in the giggles, and Wendall shares some moments of tension they had as roommates, including when Charlie’s ex-boyfriend was found sleepwalking naked around the apartment, which causes the group to break out into another fit of laughter.
As the laughter wanes, a waiter arrives at their table and takes their orders. The conversation continues easily between the four of them, and Eliana could easily see the group getting together more often.
“Oh, I have to tell you about this horrible hookup I had recently.”
Eliana catches Kaia’s eyes light up, and Wendall’s eyes roll. Clearly, Wendall has already heard all about it, but Kaia’s practically salivating at the juicy story ahead. Eliana sides a little more with Kaia, her interest piqued because, well, dating horror stories can be fun as hell.
“Ooooo, spill it,” Kaia says eagerly.
Charlie laughs, takes a bite of her eggs, and starts. “Okay. So I met this guy at a club. It was the typical kind of meeting. We locked eyes, and he came over and started dancing with me; we got drinks, went back on the dance floor, and, well, things were clearly heating up. We started making out on the floor, and it was like no one else was there. We didn’t care. Hands were roaming, tongues were flying, and his ridiculously big dick was trying to bruise me through my dress.”
“Off to a good start,” Eliana interjects.
“Right? Anyway, one thing leads to another, and we go back to my place, fuck all night, and like this guy isgood. Really good. I have never been eaten out like that. I swear, he devoured me like I was his last meal.”
Wendall coughs beside her, trying to hide a giggle, and Eliana catches the side glances from the patrons nearby. Charlie doesn’t give a shit and continues, “Anyway, it was wild and hot. Honestly might have been the best sex I’ve ever had.”
Eliana sees Kaia’s eyes widen again, this time from surprise. “That’s something! Also, I’m kind of jealous,” Kaia laughs. “I could use a good lay right about now.”
“Can’t we all,” Eliana says mostly under her breath, causing the group to erupt into laughter again. To be honest, since her ex, the interest in sex hasn’t been there. That is, until she saw Declan. He’s certainly ignited parts of her again.
“So what’s the bad part? Because that all sounds like a dream,” Kaia asks.
“Well, when I woke up, he was gone. He skipped out without saying goodbye.” Eliana’s face tightens in sympathetic frustration. That’s never a good feeling. Not that she can speak from experience, never having had a one-night stand. “I get that it was likely a one-time thing. But like that was especially asshole-ish. We had exchanged numbers at some point, so I texted him the other night to try and meet up again for another round. He brushed me off and then tried to say that I deserved someone better. But he was a complete dick about it.”
“That’s rough,” Eliana says at the same time Kaia says, “What a dick.”
The couple next to them glares at them, and Eliana nudges Kaia’s arm with her elbow. “Sorry,” Kaia says with a sheepish look.
“Look, it’s for the best,” Wendall interjects.
“Yeah, I guess.” Charlie agrees, picking up a piece of toast. “But like, the way he devoured me…” She sighs. “I would have liked at least one more go.”
Wendall pats Charlie’s arm in fake sympathy, saying, “I know,” with a not-so-subtle smirk.
As the meal ends, Eliana feels a sense of joy at how the gathering unfolded. Did she want to give up what feels like precious girl time with Kaia? No, but as they walk out the door and say their final goodbyes, she can honestly say she’s pleased to have met them. So much so that she exchanges numbers with Charlie and Wendell, and they agree to meet up again soon.
Kaia hooks her arm into Eliana’s while they walk back to Eliana’s car. She leans her head on Eliana’s shoulder and sighs. “Thanks for that.”
“For what?” Eliana asks.
“For going along with it. I know the plan was for the two of us, but Charlie was a good work friend, and I couldn’t pass up having a chance to catch up.”
“I’ll admit I was a little bummed to see you sitting with them when I first entered, but they were really nice and I’m happy to have met them. I hope we can do something again in the future.”
She can feel her smile through her coat. “Well, I’m happy to hear that. I like being able to bring different parts of my life together.”
“Do you want a ride home?” Eliana asks, stopping beside her car and pulling her keys out of her pocket.
“Nah, it’s okay. It’s only a couple of blocks, and it’s quite nice out today.”
True. It’s oddly warm for fall in Leeside. “Okay. Well, let’s not wait over a week to see each other again, please.”
“Yes, Mom.”
Eliana gasps, dramatically holding her hand to her chest, feigning offense.
“Oh, please. You know you are the one who makes sure everyone is taken care of. Total mom.”
