| Ike just rolled his eyes, "How are we gonna get him out of here?" "Ike, you and Lacey go get your car and pull it out front. I can help Tay get him to the door." I offered. Taylor looked at me funny, "You sure you can?" he asked. "Of course I can, I'm no wimp!" I said defiantly. Taylor shook his head, "Okay, you heard the lady, Ike. Go get the car." Ike and Lacey left to get the car, while Taylor and I went to either side of Zac, and pulled his arms up around our shoulders. We hoisted him up. "Man he's a heavy guy.." I grunted as I adjusted my hold on him. "You sure you can handle this?" Taylor asked. "Yup! Just gotta get him settled...there.." I said as I put my hand over Zac's to keep him steady. Taylor shook his head again, "Okay let's go..." We finally made it to the door and were settling him in the back seat of Ike's car when Zac decided to regain consciousness. "Hey Jessie..you know... I like you...Tay you better hold on to her..." he slurred and breathed beer all over me. " I turned my head slightly and said to him, "I like you too you goober...but I told you not to drink so much beer.." I leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. "take care Zac, I'll dance with you anytime." He touched his cheek and slurred, "Bye Jessie.." and slumped back in his seat. He was out cold. I couldn't help but giggle and so did Lacey. Ike just shook his head. "Take care Jess. It was cool of you to hang out with us." Ike smiled at me. "Later, Ike. And congrats again." I said and smiled at Lacey. I thought that she and I could get to be friends if ever got to spend more time with her. "You coming bro?" Ike asked. "Nah, I think I wanna hang out a while longer and make sure Jess gets to her car ok. She said she had to park kinda far away." he looked at me sideways with a goofy grin. "Okay, but how are you gonna get back to the hotel?" Ike asked. "I'll manage, " Taylor said."you get Zac home before he hurls all over your car" he laughed. |
"Oh NOOOOO..." Ike groaned. I covered my mouth to stifle another laugh. Ike pulled away and Taylor and I headed back inside. We sat back down at the table, but Taylor sat closer to me than he had before. I noticed I was holding my breath. BREATHE JESSIE..I told my self and sighed. "What's wrong? " Taylor asked me. "Nothing Taylor." The band had gone on a break so it was fairly quiet. I looked at him and said, "Just glad I am done carrying that large mass of your brother around I guess." Taylor chuckled, "I don't blame you." We chatted a while longer and the band started their next set. "I think I'm tired of all this noise..you wanna get out of here?" he asked me. "Sure.." I answered, "where though?" "We'll decide that when we get outside okay?" "Okay." I started to get to my feet and felt a little dizzy. I giggled again. "I suppose I should take my own advice..two Long Islands on an empty stomach. Not good." Taylor laughed and came around to take my arm, "At your service, " he said, "and you're right." We walked to the bar and Taylor paid the bill, then Taylor guided me to the door. Once we were outside he said, "Maybe we better get you some coffee? Where's a good place?" I looked at my watch. "Oh no..there's nothing open at this hour.." " Well I can't let you drive in the shape you are in, give me your keys and I'll drive you and your car home..then you can make some coffee while I wait for my cab?" he suggested. "Okay...I guess we could do that.." I agreed hesitantly. He looked intently at me. "I just wanna make sure you get home in one piece Jess, really." "Well, let's go then." I said and headed toward my car. When we got there I handed him my keys and he opened my door and helped me in. He was about to buckle my set belt for me when I batted his hand away, "Hey! My name's not Zac I can buckle up.." |
| He grinned. "Sorry Jess, I was just trying to help." "Well thanks, but I am not THAT far gone.." I smiled to let him know I wasn't upset. He smiled back and ran around to get into the driver's seat. He turned the key in the ignition and started the car. A loud burst of music exploded from the speakers. Oh my god! I had forgotten to take the CD out and turn the volume down! I quickly turned the volume off and looked sheepishly at him. He raised and eyebrow at me. "Well, I had to get the full effect you know.." and I giggled again. Damn I was tipsier than I thought! He just laughed and said, "well at least you';ve got good taste.." "Jeez!" I exclaimed, and that set him laughing again. "Where to ?" he asked. I gave him directions to my apartment and he found it with no trouble. He parked the car and came around to help me out. He was so sweet! He handed me my keys and followed me up the stairs. I fumbled with them a minute, and let out an irritated, "DAMMIT!" and handed him my keys. "Maybe you should do this too.." He took the keys with a sly grin and openedthe door for me, I went inside and switched on the light. As he followed me in, I smacked him on the arm. "OWWW! Hey what was that for?" he looked at me stunned. "THAT was for laughing at me in my present state." I stated matter-of-factly. He grinned, "I'm sorry Jess, I can't help it. You're cute when you're tipsy." "Ugh! You're nuts! You want coffee or not?" I asked. "Yeah, but I'll make it..you just tell me where to find it.." he offered. "Okay this way then.." He followed me into my tiny kitchen and I handed him the things he would need and sat down at the table. I watched him make the coffe and marveled at the fact that this beautiful man wanted to spend time with ME. He caught me staring at him. he came over to me and said, "It'll be a few minutes Jess...let's go in the other room..I saw your gigantic CD collection when we came in. I wanna see what you've got." |
| I led him into the living room and we looked through the Cds I had. He asked me what I wanted him to put on. "You pick, " I said. "It doesn't really matter to me." "Ok, the how 'bout no music? Let's just talk." he said. "Alright. But I think the coffee's ready now." I told him. "Oh I almost forgot. Umm Jess you didn't finish the 10 cent tour.." I gave him a puzzled look. Then I realized what he meant. "OH GOD! Taylor I'm sorry. That's what I should have showed you first. The bathroom is right at the end of that hallway." I was thoroughly embarrased. He laughed and shook his head, "It's ok Jessie. Really." "Well what do you tke in your coffee? I'll pour." "Cream and two sugars, please. I'll be back in a sec." he walked toward the hallway and I headed for the kitchen. I poured the coffe, black for me, his the way he asked for it. When I got back to the living room he was already sitting on the couch. "Here you go," I said and carefully handed him his mug. "Thanks." I started to sit on the chair across from him. "Hey, come sit over here, I don't wanna have to shout at you... i won't bite I promise." he looked at me pleadingly. I moved to sit next to him. But I was afraid of myself not him. He leaned back comfortably on the couch and asked, "So what is it that you do for a living that keeps you out at night?" "Fix machines at a health care center..I can't really work on them while there are patients so I fix them when the buildings close." |