“I don’t know why you think you’re so smart.”
“I’m just good at reading people’s body language especially yours. So, which one was it?”
Tim was really quiet.
“Hmm…got it. Does she feel the same way?”
“I’m a married man who happens to be married to her best friend. She’s in a relationship. End of story.”
“I can tell you that there is nothing better than being married to the right person. Life is too short to settle. Tasha will make someone an incredible wife.”
He didn’t have the right but Tim didn’t want to think about Tasha getting married. He was glad he’d pulled up in front of the house before Craig made him think about things that were better left buried.
“I just pulled up in front of the house. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
*****
It took Tasha longer than she would have liked to get to Eric because of all the people crowded around the dance floor and the bar. She was literally standing just a few feet away as she watched some woman flirting with him. He didn’t seem to mind either as they were chatting it up.
She walked over to them and put her hands on his shoulder. Then, she turned to the woman to let her know that he was off limits. The woman seemingly took the hint, and walked away. This evening wasn’t going nearly the way she had hoped. However, it could continue in one or two ways. They could end up fighting for the rest of the night and have a miserable time or she could try to smooth things over in the hopes that they could still salvage the evening. Tasha decided to take option number two.
“Hey handsome, sorry it took me so long.”
Eric had a glass in his hand and took a drink, “I thought you were still flirting with Michael. Tim better watch out. Someone else is going to take his place.”
“What’s that supposed to mean Eric?” Moments passed without him responding.
Tasha sighed, “I’m trying really hard here. Can we not fight tonight? I was hoping we’d enjoy ourselves.”
Before Eric could respond, the music stopped playing and Sabrina’s voice came over the speakers, “Okay everyone Tim’s car is pulling up into the driveway. Please get into your places. And, Tasha Stevens, Jenny and Daniel Clarkson can you all come up to the front entrance.”
The timing couldn’t have been worse; Tasha reached over to kiss Eric on the lips. He didn’t return it. “I’m sorry. I’ll get back here as soon as I can.”
Begrudgingly, she went up to the front foyer to help Sabrina with the ‘surprise’.
Chapter 20
Somehow Sabrina managed to get everyone hidden, lights off, and house quiet before Tim’s car pulled up to the front door.
Tasha was standing in between Daniel and Jenny. Jenny seemed to be a different person when she was around Daniel. She was always so jumpy and always giving other attractive women the evil eye. She felt sorry for her.
Tasha spoke, “Hey Jenny. I didn’t know you were coming into town. I’m sure Tim is going to be thrilled to see you.”
“Wow! Tasha, you look amazing. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“Well, thanks…I think.”
“I’m sorry. Given our past, that comment coming from me could really sound like an insult. I didn’t mean it that way. So, let me clarify, you always look nice but tonight you look amazing.”
“Well, thank you. It is a little departure from my normal so I completely understand and thank you again for the compliment. You look great too.”
Sabrina called Jenny over to stand next to her so that she could unveil her as a surprise to Tim.
Once she went over by Sabrina, Daniel leaned over and tried to whisper into Tasha’s ear. She couldn’t stand him. He was a jerk of epic proportion and a disgusting individual. At one point, he had tried to come on to her when his wife was in a room not two doors down from them. I guess she really had some nerve. After her little tryst with Tim, she didn’t get to make judgments like that anymore.
“You do look sexy as hell, Tasha.”
She felt like he was literally undressing her with his eyes. It didn’t matter that his wife was standing just a few feet away from them. He whispered into her ear again, “Tasha…Tasha…Tasha…you look good enough to eat. I would you know…eat you real good.”
Tasha moved away from him.
Daniel reached out to touch her shoulder and Tasha reacted as if someone had poured scalding hot water on her. “Come on…don’t be like that. I just gave you a compliment.”
Tasha spoke through clenched teeth, “Don’t touch me Daniel. Don’t ever do that again. I’m sure your wife who is here wouldn’t appreciate it. And Sabrina probably wouldn’t either.”
“If that’s what’s bothering you, how about you let me handle them.”
She hissed through clenched teeth, “How about NOT. You make my skin crawl and my stomach sick. So, please back up a step or two because I’d hate to make a scene at your brother-in-laws birthday party.”
Daniel laughed her rejection off, “You know I could care less about him. But, I get it now. I guess that explains why Eric always looks so miserable…dating a bitch will do that to you.”
Before Tasha could respond, someone yelled out, “He’s at the door.” Since Daniel wouldn’t step away from her she stepped away from him. Otherwise, Tasha couldn’t be responsible for her actions.
A moment later, Tim walked inside and turned on the lights. Everyone came out of hiding and
