The sun was beaming through her window and Mary felt like her head was going to explode, or maybe just crack down the middle. She couldn't decide what was worse, the sunlight, the loud, unidentified clanks, or the fact that she wasn't precisely sure what happened last night. Either way she knew she smelled like smoke and, unfortunately, vomit.
She rolled to get out of bed and cursed when she kicked her toes right into her trashcan. Why not? Everything else hurt. Mary trudged to the bathroom and took as hot of a shower as she could stand. She figured the hotter, the more germs that were burned off.
After getting out of the shower, she combed her now vomit-free hair and wrapped herself in a huge terrycloth robe. Refreshed, she walked out of her room towards the kitchen and noticed that those unidentified clanks that she had heard earlier were coming from there.
More than a little wary, she began to doubt her own integrity. Had she done something last night that she would really come to regret? As she peaked around the corner, she was praying it was her sister she would find cooking. Though, she knew that was just lunacy, her sister couldn't cook a microwave dinner correctly.
Upon seeing the tall, strong looking man in her kitchen cautiously turning over an egg in a pan, she wasn't quite sure she wanted to come out. Maybe if she went back into her room he would eventually leave. Of course, if she slept with him, he was also liable to come join her. You know, you hear about all these girls having one night stands and being bitterly disappointed because the man snuck out in the middle of the night. Why couldn't she be in that position instead?
Mary cleared her throat to make her presence known. "Uh, hi, there, how's the, uh, breakfast coming?" Jesus, what else was she supposed to say?
Grant turned around and caught his breath. She was so appealing in that overly large robe with her cheeks flushed from the shower, or hopefully, the sight of him. He had debated over whether or not to leave before seeing her and this made him instantly glad he didn't. "Hey there, darlin'." I haven't ruined it yet. You must be hungry, after emptying yourself on the lawn."
He noted the pure embarrassment that washed over her face and watched as she moved to sit. Her body language said she was perplexed and he was slightly disappointed in realizing she didn't have much, or any, recollection of him at all. He certainly didn't want her to be uncomfortable.
"Tell you what, though, you missed some really amazing infomercials last night. If I didn't have more self-control I would definitely be the proud new owner of a steam-utilizing-kitchen-cleaning- device."
Mary felt extremely awkward. How should she approach this? Should she just come right out and say that she couldn't remember him at all? Or maybe just play along till something clicked in her mind? Ultimately, she decided honesty was the best policy.
Grant served her breakfast and sat down across from her to eat. Mary looked extremely tense and more or less just pushed her food around on the plate. To ease things on her, Grant decided to make the first move.
"So, I'm guessing you don't remember much about last night."
Slightly relieved, Mary nodded her assent. Now that she really looked at her kitchen companion, she thought he was gorgeous. He seemed kind and that wicked, warm smile really added to the effect. So what if she slept with him, Lord knows that she hasn't had much of anything for an extremely long time. The alcohol was just a friendly catalyst that made her forget all her usual misgivings and inhibitions. Now, to get him gone; she wasn't prepared for sober relations with him. She had managed to ward off many a horny man in the past, and this one should be no different.
"Hey, I really appreciate your, uh, help and the breakfast, but I need to get some work done. So maybe you should..."
Grant decided he definitely wasn't going to be brushed off that easily. From last night, though she may have been drunk, she seemed absolutely wonderful. She was so cute, especially now that she was squeaky clean. And, he felt a little something, a little excitement, that spark, that was very atypical with the women he'd dated in the past.
"Well, that's fine I s'pose. However, I was hoping maybe I could weasel your number out of you and we could go out on a date, maybe?"
He gave her his most pleading look. It sparked some memory in her; she recognized that little puppy face. But, that was then, and this was now.
"I think that wouldn't be best. I really need you to go. I'm sorry."
Why did this feel so absolutely wrong? She didn't owe this guy anything. Well, maybe a little, since he did bring her home in one piece. Mary needed to remind herself of her own resolution. He was nothing but a man. Just a sex-driven, penis oriented man. Plus, she knew better. She was strong-willed. She did the right thing at all times, or at least tried.
She stood to walk to the door, and with that signal, Grant rose to follow. He could smell her as she walked ahead of him. It was enthralling. She smelled sweet and he imagined she tasted the same. But, he told himself to slow down; she probably didn't even remember his name.
"By the way, I think I should reintroduce myself..."
"I know who you are! I wasn't THAT obliterated."
Obviously bluffing he thought to himself. But, her little faux-tantrum was damn cute.
"Well, in case you forgot, my name's Grant and you totally dig me."
She turned to him and looked up at his face. Mary was totally 'digging' him now. She wasn't quite sure what to say. She had it planned out for him to go. But, it was getting harder to betray her instincts. Grant reached out and tenderly held a lock of hair in his hand. He had to fight the urge to steal a kiss. He had a feeling that it might not be well-received just now.
"Well Mary, I had a wonderful time last night. You sure we couldn't see each other again?"
Her resolution was wavering. She wanted to see him again. In fact, she didn't want him to go at all. Butterflies were doing somersaults at the way he reached out and stroked her hair. It was such a small action but it did so much to her. But, she just couldn't bring herself to agree. She couldn't.
"Look, I really appreciate what you've done for me and you being so sweet. I just, it isn't meant to be. Please. Please, leave."