Birthday Beginnings

His smile faded, as he lowered his hands. “Ha ha ha,” he said, but the look on his face said that he did not appreciate her ‘humor’. “Look, my head is pounding, Jessica. I’m not up for mind games just yet this morning. Maybe after I’ve had some coffee.” He clapped her on the back patronizingly, retrieved the towel to keep drying his hair, and started to turn away again.

“Jake, I am not playing with you!” she shouted. They both winced at the volume of her retort. In irritation, they glared at each other for a while, clutching their heads. Slowly, they lowered their hands while taking deep, shaky inspirations. When she continued to scowl menacingly at him, he understood all too well that she was not kidding. Now it was his turn to look stunned.

“Are you telling me you honestly have no idea what happened between us last night?” There was a quiet plea in his voice. Her heart melted as he gazed plaintively at her. Her eyes softened, then widened with realization as she recalled her most recent ‘dream’ starring Jake Kong.

“Oh shit! We didn’t! Jake, tell me we didn’t!”

His imploring look was quickly replaced by a frown of bruised pride. “What do you mean ‘oh shit’?” he asked, vexation heavy in his tone. She barely noticed.

“Are you saying that we . . . that I . . . that you . . . in bed . . .” His suggestive expression said it all. “Oh my God! WE DID!!!!” She held her head again and staggered a bit as her hangover resurrected itself full force. He put out a hand to steady her, and she involuntarily flinched away from his touch. He looked upset at first then just sighed wearily. “I . . . I don’t understand. I need . . . I need to . . . to . . . oh fuck! I don’t know!!!”

Jake slowly shook his head and turned back toward the kitchen. “You sure know how to make a guy feel appreciated,” he quipped. “I found your Tylenol in the medicine cabinet. You should take some. In the meantime, I’ll make us some coffee. Maybe it’ll clear your head.”

She watched him turn to leave. He looked back at her, rolled his eyes, and went around the corner to the kitchen, muttering about not doing things if you’re only going to regret them later.

‘I slept with Jake,’ she thought desperately. ‘I took him out for his birthday, got drunk, and brought him home for sex.’ “God, help me,” she pleaded aloud. She pressed her palms against her tightly, closed eyes while praying for strength. She was ashamed of herself for sleeping with him and very worried that their friendship would end because of it. She felt hot tears roll down her cheeks.

‘Oh, knock it off,’ she brusquely reprimanded herself. She visibly pulled herself together, walking into the bathroom for a shower, hoping against hope that he’d left her some hot water.