Ben & Jerry's & Naps

Tuli

I woke up feeling refreshed, my eyes fluttering open to a pitch-black room.

~Wow~, I thought, ~how long was I asleep?~

I sat up and glanced at the alarm clock. It was 6:15 in the evening.

“Ugh,” I groaned, not noticing my door opening.

“Hey, girl,” a soft voice greeted me, and a head peeked around the door.

“Oh, hey, Nicolette,” I mumbled, managing a smile.

“I heard you weren’t feeling well, so I thought I’d drop by,” she said. Even in the dim light, I could see the worry in her eyes.

“I’m okay,” I assured her, feeling a bit embarrassed.

I got up and switched on the light, avoiding Nicolette’s gaze for a moment. Now I could see her clearly. My gorgeous cousin had long hair and eyes that sparkled.

I used to call her Aurora because she reminded me of the Disney princess. She would call me Ariel in return.

“Do you want to talk about it?” She held out a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream that Megan had mentioned earlier, along with two spoons.

I could’ve hugged her right then. I turned on the TV and sat on the edge of my bed, patting the spot next to me.

She sat down next to me as I put on ~That ‘70s Show~. The background noise was comforting.

“So, what’s been happening?” she asked, taking a bite of ice cream.

“I’m not sure,” I sighed, digging my spoon into the ice cream. “He was staring at me, then he asked us to reread the syllabus. He had me read the part about sexual misconduct, and he seemed upset,”

I took a bite of ice cream.

“Does he regret it?” she asked, going for another spoonful. “Maybe he’s worried about his job.”

“That makes sense,” I agreed, “We decided to end things because it could risk his job and my education. But I guess I was hoping he’d still be attracted to me, that he’d still tease me. It hurt when he treated me like any other student.”

Nicolette looked at me thoughtfully. “You really like him.”

I nodded, blushing. “I feel stupid for crying over something so silly.”

“Well, we come from a family that’s very emotional. Look at your brother. One guy looks at you, and he’s ready to fight,” she pointed out.

We both laughed. “That’s true,” I agreed.

Our conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Come in,” I called.

Megan walked in, holding a squirming ferret. “Mr. Biggles has been wanting to come out since you got home,” she complained, “and you two are gossiping without me!”

I laughed and took Biggles from her. He curled up on my lap and fell asleep instantly as I stroked his head.

Megan sighed, “He loves you more than he loves me.”

“That’s not true, you spoil him all the time. He usually wants to come out when you’re home. Then he’s asleep by the time I get home.”

Nicolette giggled. Megan decided to change the subject. “So how are you doing, Tuli?”

“I guess I’m okay,” I said uncertainly.

“Just remember, there are plenty of fish in the sea,” Megan reminded me, “and there’s someone out there who will treat you better.”

Nicolette nodded in agreement.

“Thanks, guys,” I smiled, pulling them both into a group hug.

Jayce

Maybe I was a bit of a jerk.

I didn’t see her face when she left my office, but I could tell she was upset. And I blamed myself.

The reality of our situation was finally sinking in. We had slept together multiple times, and I was starting to realize the risk I had taken.

She could be suspended, and I could lose my job.

I had spent a lot of money moving from one fancy house to another, and I needed this job. I enjoyed it and it gave me time to write.

I wanted her to understand, needed her to understand, that we couldn’t do this again. I think I made that clear earlier, but I ended up hurting her feelings.

I sighed and took a swig of my beer, Bones on my lap, while watching the news. But I was too lost in my thoughts to pay attention.

I felt guilty. I had developed feelings for her. It was the dumbest thing I could have done. She didn’t need a guy who was afraid of commitment.

I thought of women like food. I loved food, but I didn’t want to eat the same thing all the time.

I needed variety, or I would get bored.

Or so I thought. Now I found myself wanting more of her. Tuli was like a drug for me. The withdrawal was the worst. I missed her scent, the taste of her skin, the feel of her body against mine.

A voice snapped me out of my daydream.

“Put away your damn hard-on, Jayce, I don’t need to see it.”