2X The Heat (2X The Pleasure 1)

“Do you know what it will be yet?” She pressed.

“Nope. Guess we both have stuff to figure out.”

We watched another episode in silence and had more hard cider, both our favorites.

“Do you need a new tux for the gala? Mom told me to ask you.”

I shook my head.

“I don’t think so. I am sure there is something in there I haven’t worn yet. Is it really formal?”

Sometimes it was more of a three-piece event, complete with a vest and everything. Maybe even a bow tie. And other times I just needed a simple suit and flat tie. Dress apperance was important at these events. They would mentally scold you if you don’t fit in.

“Yeah. Bow tie and everything.” I groaned internally. I am not much of a dress up guy.

“At least I just got a haircut.” I murmured. Silence permeated between us as another episode began. Natalie and I just sat there and watched as we finished up our dinner.

“Do you ever think about what would happen if you didn’t marry Vivian?” Natalie broke the long silence.

“I don’t know.” I said after a while. “Maybe I should have listened to mom.”

“She never like her.” Natalie laughed.

I nodded in agreement. My mother’s intuition was like something out of a movie. Always right,

and never too wrong. Especially when we first met. I waited at least a few months to bring Vivian home, but the day we met will never be lost to me.

Damn Levi and his escapades. My shoulders were stiff, my back tight. How did I let him talk me into a ten mile hike up the mountains?

Good thing I didn’t have class for another few days, winter break was much longer than it was last semester. I could go to the massage parlor downtown, maybe they would have open spots. If I can get out of bed. I laid out for a while, checking my emails. Damned finals dropped my GPA again. If I don’t graduate with a 4.0, mom will be pissed. I begrudgingly signed up for tutoring, then got in the shower.

Was I bruised? I checked in the mirror. Of course, I was. My shoulders, my back. Maybe because I fell a few times and we slept on the ground. Levi wants me dead, obviously. He was already halfway to Aspen now with his family. I made a mental note, never go hiking with your Levi.

I shook up a protein shake, hoping it would help with some of the soreness. I got in my Cadillac and followed the navigation to the university wellness center hoping to get a massage to ease my pain.

“Hey, I need a massage. Are there any openings?” The receptionist was older.

“Yes, just fill this out please.” I groaned to myself. Of course, there was a five-page patient history for me to fill out.

“Here.” I handed it back when I was done. It was a bunch of simple stuff anyway.

“Are you a student here?” she looked up at me through her glasses.

“Yeah. A senior.”

“Oh, congrats. Do you have your ID with you? You’ll get a discount.”

I looked through my wallet. Of course, I didn’t have it.

“Uh no, I left it.”

She pursed her lips and typed a few things in.

“That’s okay. Just go through that door, and follow the signs to the massage center. Also, our massage therapy students are on call today so you might get a student, might not. But they’re qualified, I promise.” She smiled kindly. I’d rather have someone do it right, but if she says they are qualified.

“Okay. Thanks.”

The signs were relatively easy to follow, and I entered in another room. Someone handed me a robe and led me to a private room. I’d had massages before, so I got in position, laying down on my belly. The door opened moments later.