Friend-Zoned (Friend-Zoned 1)

No, I’m not. I just like my new friend.

***

It’s Wednesday morning and I’m feeling good.

All my paperwork is up to date. I’ve discussed with my two silent partners (Max and Ghost) what the sponsorship money should be used for and was surprised when they actually agreed with me. We’re going to try to buy the building next door and extend The White Rabbit. We’re all eager to put in a bid for the building. I can’t believe we’ve arranged so much since the sponsorship was only made official on Monday.

You wouldn’t even have the NT3 if not for Tina.

I wasn’t lying to Tina when I told her NT3 we’re going to turn me down. I didn’t even fit the criteria. Then hurricane Tina bursts through the door, literally, and Vanessa was smitten.

Just like I am.

Only a little.

Yeah, sure.

They took a big chance on The White Rabbit and I have to make sure they aren’t disappointed. We’re making really good profit through the club nights alone, not counting hiring out the first floor during the week. I’ll make certain they don’t regret it.

I had Tina investigated. I knew when I got the file, I had to tell her. She’s a nice girl and I want her to trust me. The only way I can make sure she does that is by being one hundred percent honest with her. Only after I got the information, I was ashamed of myself. How could I think Tina was after me because of my money?

She’s so giving and hasn’t one asked for a thing. I knew she’d have a problem with taking the VIP passes I gave her, that’s why I gave Max specific instructions to make her open it after he left. Then at the club, the girls all tried to return them. The truth is those passes were for only one night. But after spending time with them and then how they stood up for me to Sissy, I made a snap decision to make them permanent VIPs. When they screamed and hugged the life out of me, I’ll admit it felt good.

Tina must be a fairy or some shit. I’ve never been affectionate. In fact, the thought of being affectionate used to make me sneer. But it’s different with her. Most women who hug or rub up against me in public want to be seen with me or want something from me. Tina, though, you can see it in her face when she hugs you, it’s genuine. It’s her emotions being put out there on display and she doesn’t care who sees.

Stop smiling, pinhead.

I can’t stop. I’ve tried. She hugs me a lot and I like it. I want her hugs. Just for me.

I want to talk to her. I log onto the instant messenger.

Nik123: Hey T, what’s shaking?

TheTomicBomb: Not much Niki. How r u?

Nik123: Good. I’ll be even better if you have lunch with me…

TheTomicBomb: Well I want u 2 feel even better so I guess we’re having lunch 2gether! But this 1s on me. I owe u 4 saving me & Nat from starvation.

I don’t like this. When I invite someone out, I pay. Always. Not up for negotiation. But I have a plan.

Nik123: Alright, you’re on.

TheTomicBomb: Great! Around 12:30?

Nik123: I’ll come to the store and get you.

TheTomicBomb: See you soon! X

TheTomicBomb has logged off.

I got a big kiss that time. Nice.

***

I can see Nik exit The White Rabbit through the storefront window.

I run into the staff room, check myself in the mirror and grab my purse.