I usually got home from work around 6:30. I breezed in and swept a hand over my cat, Thomas. I had been living with Alex for two weeks now and we had fallen into a routine of fucking every night. The agreement had been once a week, but when he asked me to come to his room each night, I went. That night Alana had invited me to a party thrown by some of Fisher's friends. At first I had resisted thinking they all knew about Alex and my arrangement, but Alana had promised Alex and Fisher only told guys who also had a similar situation. I was excited to get out of the house and party a little. It had been a long week. I took a quick nap and then showered. I decided to wear a pair of dark denim shorts and a silver top with heels. It was summer and hot, so I figured it would be okay to wear shorts.
Alex worked long hours and usually didn't make it home until after 8. I would be gone by then. I fed Thomas and headed to meet Alana at her place.
The party was not too far from Alana's so we decided we could walk it, an unusual choice in LA. We had a couple of drinks at her place and she played with my makeup and hair. By the time we strolled up to the gate, my hair was bone straight and hung well past my shoulders. I never wore it straight. It was sort of my little way of bucking the system. Why shouldn't I wear my hair natural? But, Alana had convinced me that just once wouldn't make me a traitor to the cause. She had also lent me a pair of her heels that she said made me dressier. They were cute, but hard to walk in. Alana knocked at the door.
A tall strong looking Latino guy opened the door.
"Hey, Alana, come in," I realized that Fisher had introduced Alana around. I started to wonder if there was more to their relationship than they let on.
We walked into the beautiful home. There was a crowd of people, but it wasn't too crazy. Mostly an older crowd, 30-40s.
"I'm going to find Fisher. Grab a drink." Alana touched my back in a parting motion.
I headed to the bar and asked the guy behind it for a double vodka tonic. I stood sipping my drink, trying to look like I was having fun.
"Hi," a deep voice said behind me. I turned to find a tall dark haired guy behind me. He had very tan skin and light brown eyes. He was wearing a dark suit and his tie was slightly loose around his neck.
"Hi." I smiled.
"Rick," he extended a hand.
"Bella," I took his hand.
"Pretty name."
"Thanks."
"How do you know Tommy?"
"I don't."
"Crashing?"
"No. I'm Alana's friend. She's Fisher's friend."
"Oh yeah, I know Fisher a little."
I nodded.
"Having fun?" He leaned against the bar crossing his arms.
"Just got here."
"Dance?"
I turned to really look at Rick. He was cute. I liked his confidence. I nodded and took his hand as he led me to the makeshift dance floor. We had a great time and when I was ready to walk home, he offered me a ride. It crossed my mind only for a second that I he would take me to Alex's home.
When he pulled up, he asked quietly for my number. I punched it into his cell and as I went to get out, he put a restraining hand on my thigh.
"Hold up," he leaned toward me and let his lips brush mine softly.