Odd Man Rush (East Coast, #2)

by Kristen Granata

To anyone who has fallen in love with someone who didn’t fit the mold society created. Love is love.

“No more sad faces. We’re going to forget about graduation for a little while, and we’re going to have fun tonight.” Jason digs his finger into Celeste’s rib. “Even you. You got me?” She scrunches her nose. “You’re so bossy.” Jason pulls on her zipper, bunching the material together at the top. “You look beautiful, by the way.”

In one swift tug, Jason somehow gets Celeste’s zipper to close without breaking it. “There you go. Problem solved.” “You’re a lifesaver, Jay. This is why we keep you around.”

“You ready for your big night?” “It’s our big night.” I lace our fingers together. “I know you’re only doing this for me, but I’m really glad you’re coming.” She shrugs. “Anything for you, little mouse.”

I think that’s what a best friend does. She makes you feel whole. She makes you feel comfortable being yourself. She holds up a mirror and shows you who you are, and who you want to be. And you can’t picture your life without her.

If they call blondes bombshells then Celeste is a firecracker, surrounded by an explosion of thick, reddish-orange hair. She’s tall but appears even taller whenever she struts around with her head held high, making eye-contact with anyone in her path, flashing them her mega-watt smile.

Something in my heart twinges as I watch her come down each step, and it feels a lot like the way it does when I look at Jason. It’s a deep yearning, a need that I can’t quite explain. I suppose that’s what love is. Your insides twist and you can’t put it into words, because any word you come up with would just cheapen it. There’s nothing that can describe the way I feel for these two.

Crying

Celeste’s bottom lip trembles. “Y-you didn’t have to do this.” “I wanted to.” He leans down and presses a kiss to her cheek. “Now both of my girls are ready to go.” I smile as I link elbows with each of them. “Let’s go to prom.”

My heart

“Who are we to judge what gets people off?”

Valid point

“Imagine being able to pay off all our student loans as soon as we graduate.” “Imagine being able to buy a house.” “Imagine being able to start our own business.”

“Imagine being able to make money just from getting yourself off.” My thighs clench together at the thought of it. Of Celeste touching me. Of me touching her. Of people watching us. Celeste lets out a low chuckle. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” I cover her hand with mine, and move it over my pounding heart. “I’ve never done this before, so you might have to show me a few things. But I want this with you.” Celeste smiles. “My brave little mouse.”

BLUSHING

“Touch me, Celeste,” I murmur against her lips. “Please.” Her palm slides under my T-shirt, ascending up my ribcage. “Say it again.” “Touch me. I want you.” She hums as she bites my bottom lip, sliding her hand up until she cups my bare breast. “The things I’ve wanted to do to this perfect body.” “Yes.” My voice is a whispered plea. “I want it too.”

“I’m not some experiment, or a rebound.” “You know you’re none of those things to me.”

“I want to be yours.” I roll my hips against our hands. “I want you to be mine.”

“I’ve always been yours, little mouse.”

“You’re wet for me.” “Of course I am.” I let my knees fall open. “I’m always wet when I touch myself thinking about you.”

“Have you?” I lick my lips and nod as she rubs her fingers against me. “You turn me on, Celeste. I’ve fantasized about you for so many nights.” She lets out a strained groan. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “Because I was scared.” “Of me?”

“I was afraid that once we started, I wouldn’t be able to stop.” “Who says we have to stop?” She slips one finger inside of me. “We can do whatev...

My shy girl was an exhibitionist. It’s always the quiet ones. We crossed a line, and for a few years since, we’ve lived blissfully on the other side of that line. We’re in love. Kourtney Spalding, my best friend and the love of my life, loves me back. We’re untouchable. We’re perfection. We’ll be together forever, and now as we graduate college, we can take the next step in our lives together.

And then Kourtney’s walls go up. “Celeste, this thing between us…it was fun while it lasted. But—” “Don’t.” My voice shakes as I lift my index finger. “Don’t downplay what we have.”

Oh no. Why do they always try to downplay how serious the relationship is?

“I thought I’d marry you, Kourtney. I thought that’s what we wanted. And never once have you talked about wanting to have children.”

“I don’t know what I want. We’re too young for something like this.” “Something like this? This is love.”

“I love you. I would give anything for you. If you asked me to move across the world, I’d pack my bags in a heartbeat. If you said you wanted to get mar...

“If you want babies, we can do that too. We don’t have to figure it all out right now, but we can figure it out together. I thought.....

But fear is a strong motherfucker, and it’ll rob you of all the things you’ve ever dreamed of if you let it. When you’re gay, the world tells you that you’re wrong. You’re brainwashed from the moment you’re born, whether it be from your family, or society, or the government. And those are some hard chains to break.

Ouch

Kourtney’s beautiful face flashes in my head, and I can’t help the smile that tugs on the corner of my lips. Every day, something always reminds me of her. A song, a movie, something someone says that sparks a memory of a moment we shared. I think about Celeste too, and wonder if they’re still as close as they used to be. I’m glad they had each other in college, but it pained me to be separated from them, on the outside looking in on what I could no longer be a part of. The three of us were once attached at the hips. They’re weaved into all of my favorite high school memories. I can picture them now, attending my games, cheering for me, wearing my number on their jerseys, and going out after to celebrate. How much better my life would be if they were still in it.

This man adores his women.

Possession rips through me like an electric current. I click on the button to request a private room. I have to pay extra for it, but I don’t care. The only thing I’m concerned about is getting Kourtney’s beautiful naked body away from the eyes of anyone else. My pulse thumps a furious rhythm, excitement and adrenaline coursing through my veins. It’s Kourtney. After all these years. What are the odds I stumbled across her video in the middle of the night?

“What do you plan on doing now that you’ve got—” A gasp leaves her throat as she leans closer to her camera. “Oh my god. Jason? What are you doing here?” “I could ask you the same thing.” Her hands fly up to cover her bare chest as she searches for her shirt. “What the...? How did you...?”

“Holy shit. It’s been forever since I’ve seen you. How are you?” “I’m doing well. How are you?” “I’m good. I’m not a famous hockey player or anything, but...” She laughs as her sentence trails off. She knows I’m playing professional hockey now. Pride swells my chest, and I grin. “You have no idea how good it is to hear your laugh.”

“I’ve missed you.” “Me too.” She leans her head back against the pillow. “Tell me about you. How is it being a star athlete?” “I love it. My career is everything I hoped it’d be.” “I’m so happy for you.” She pauses. “What about your life outside of your career? Are you...married? Have any kids?” I shake my head. “Wouldn’t be on this website if I had a family.” She lets out a soft laugh. “I had to ask.” “I’m single. Life on the road isn’t really conducive to having a personal life. What about you?”

Crying in the club

“Single.” I arch a brow. “Sounds like there’s something more to the story.”

“I, uh, think you’ll be surprised to hear that story.”

“I’d love to hear it.” “Celeste and I kind of, um, dated...during college.”

“It just happened. One night, I kissed her, and we were together from that moment on.” “And then she just up and left for Seattle?” “Not exactly.” Kourtney looks away again. “I told her to go without me.” “Ah.” Understanding sets in. “How did she take it?” “We haven’t spoken since.” She blows a long breath out through her lips. “I just couldn’t imagine telling my parents about us. You know how my father is. I couldn’t be with Celeste like that.”

“You’re still a smooth talker, I see.” “Only when I’m talking to you.”

“Time is always cut short with the people we love the most.” “Let’s not waste anymore of our time then.” I clear my throat. “I’m in Boston right now, but I’d love to see you when I get back this weekend.” She nods. “Absolutely.” I don’t know what’s happening here, or how we managed to reconnect like this. But I do know one thing for sure: Fate has brought us back together after all these years, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let Kourtney go again. She might not know it yet, but I’m going to marry this woman one day.

Crying I love them already

“What’s going on inside that beautiful head of yours?” I smile as I turn from the window and gaze at my husband sitting beside me at the kitchen table. “Lots of things, as usual.” Jason lifts his mug to his lips. “Are you excited to see Celeste?” Nerves bubble in my stomach like a boiling pot. “I am. It’s been a long time.” “Five years will seem like nothing once you’re together again.” He sets down his mug and reaches for a piece of toast. “You should play the lottery. What are the odds your best friend gets relocated to the same city as you?” Pretty slim.

“Plus, she’s the reason you and I found each other again on that website, and I want to personally thank her for convincing you to have sex on it so we could eventually be together.” I chuckle. “You’re right. If it weren’t for her, I would never have even dreamt of being on that site to begin with.”

“I’ll never forget the first time I saw you on that screen. I couldn’t believe it was you, after all those years.” Jason’s hand slides along my thigh under the table. “God, you were sexy. I was glued to my phone, waiting for you to accept my request for a private room with you.” He tugs on the belt around my waist and my robe falls open. “The universe brought us back together, and I just knew it was fate. I knew I was going to marry you.”

“This is how it all started. Me watching you, wishing I could have you in real life.” I reach out and cup his face. “You have me now.” He leans into my touch. “Forever, agápi mou.” My love.

BLUSHING.

“Well, I’m thrilled.” Dad smiles wide. “Kourt, bring Celeste to dinner on Friday. Let’s surprise your mother.” I roll my eyes. “You can’t keep a secret from Mom for two whole days.” “I will.” He holds up three fingers. “Scout’s honor.” “Twenty bucks says he breaks and tells her before Friday,” Celeste says. I arch a brow. “Double or nothing he calls her within the next five minutes.” “I forgot how much you two love to gang up on me when you’re together.” Dad scoffs, but a smile slips through. “It’s good to have you back, Celeste. I have to run, but we’ll catch up on Friday.” “Yes, sir.”

“I already forgave you.” Celeste offers me a sheepish smile. “It took me some time, but I got there.” Tears sting the backs of my eyes as relief floods me. “I’m really glad you’re back.” Celeste smiles, and this time, it’s a genuine one. “Me too, little mouse.”

MY HEART. "I already forgave you."

Jason “These heels are killing me.” Kourtney flings off her shoes, kicking each leg like a ninja and launching her heels across the room when we arrive back from our friends’ rehearsal dinner. I chuckle as I hold open the door for Celeste. “This is all your fault.” Celeste’s eyes widen as she presses her hand against her chest. “Me? It’s not my fault your wife can’t hold her liquor like she used to.” I arch a brow as I lock the door behind her. “Right. Because you yelling, Take the shot and quit being a little bitch, had nothing to do with it.” Celeste smirks. “Touché, Jay.” Kourtney howls with laughter as she sways. “Touché, Jay. That rhymes.” “All right, agápi mou.” I grip her shoulders and lead her to the sectional. “Let’s get you to the couch so you don’t tip over.” “I love when you talk to her in Greek. It’s so adorable, it makes me want to puke.”

“You’re welcome.” Kourtney’s eyes droop closed. “Seriously, think about it: What are the odds that we’re sitting in this apartment together after everything we’ve been through? The three of us have known each other since high school, and now we’re adults, spending this incredible life together. I never thought I’d see Jason again after we broke up when we graduated high school. And after college, Celeste moved across the country. Yet, here we are. Like, what are the odds?”

“The three of us are meant to be together. Simple as that.”

“Well, it’d be nice if the universe sent me someone so I didn’t have to be the perpetual third wheel.”

“You’re not a third wheel. You’re our best friend.” “You ...

“I know it would be uncomfortable at first, but I think your parents would be okay with it. Your happiness means everything to them, and they wouldn’t want to know that you’re unfulfilled working at their catering business.”

“What if you didn’t tell them?” “You want me to lie?” She shrugs. “It’d be a white lie. Plenty of people work two or three jobs. You could do the catering business by day, and run the website behind the scenes and no one would have to know.”

A little omission has never hurt anyone.