Does double booking double your pleasure?

Dating friends is usually a bad idea and falling for them is incredibly stupid (um just look at me and Kerry). I seriously doubted that Frankie would prove my theory wrong with Josh (aka as the best guy to grab a beer with, discuss comics with and continuously debate the best superpowers one could possibly inherit). But, come on, date Josh?

Meanwhile, back in lala lan,d bumping into Kerry had sprung up my past fantasies about Kerry. How bad is that? Not only did I come back to the hospital in the next morning to be greeted by her kissing her boyfriend, but she seemed intent on me leaving as soon as possible. So I thought, “Fuck you and your untouchable face,” and recalled that luckily I had downloaded Ani DiFranco onto my iPod. I put the song, “Untouchable Face” on repeat for the subway ride home.

I then started to get ready for my dates. Yes, plural, dates. I had seven dates this week. All from speed daing. I double booked dates for this one night. I know it’s rude, but I met these girls speed dating and frankly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I decided that I would line the dates up as close as possible and give each other girls a red rose to start off the date. I scheduled the double booking because I’ve never doubled booked before so I thought it might double my pleasure and double my fun. That, unfortunately was not the case.

My first date had called me well four times a day since we met. Let’s call her Stalker. I’m not sure why I agreed to go out with Stalker because the more I spoke with her on the phone, the more she scared me. We met at Henrietta’s for a late afternoon drink that Sunday. She seemed blown away by the fact that I gave her a rose. Stalker, who was a few years older than me, started the conversation by telling me about all 3 of her ex-girlfiends and how they had tortured her emotionally and how she was looking for a “hot” partner that she could mother children with.

“I know most lesbians don’t want kids, but I do,” she explained. “I wanted them with my former girlfriends too, but none of them were interested in kids and I would want my partner to have the children.Do you want kids?”

“Oh, well, uh, down the road,” I said almost choking on my beer. She sounded like my mom talking about having kids. Now, having a beer and sitting across from this girl, I felt an overwhelming amount of pressure to pop babies out, perhaps one by one like rounds of gun fire at her head.

Stalker grabbed my arm, “when I saw you I though you were the prettiest femme I had ever laid eyes on,” she said.

“Oh I bet you say that to all the femmes,” I laughed growing more and more afraid of this act.

And then out of nowhere Stalker kissed me. Hard and bit my lip.

“Ouch!”

Somehow Stalker had managed to back me up against a wall and had decided, “Ouch,” meant I was having fun. I shoved her off. “Hey, hey, stop it!”

“Come on Ruby, I know you want me,” Stalker said. “I know you think I’m hot.”

“Uhhhh, sure I do, but you know I really want to take things slow. I mean sloooow. As in I want to get to know you first,” I said, meaning, ‘as in no way’.

She didn’t get it.

“I can give it to you sloooow,” she said suggestively trying to shove me back up against the wall.

“Whhoooaaaa there,” I said pushing her back a little bit. ” I mean, for real. We might work  better as friends,” I said. I checked my watch. I had to leave in 15 minutes to get to my other date.

Stalker took my friends comment to mean I wanted her to kiss me again. After I recovered from yet another love bite, I grabbed my jacket and RAN. I ran like Forrest Gump.

I met Sheila at City Crab rose in hand and luckily my lips were not bleeding. A lesbian wanting to meet up in a Crab restaurant erked me out a bit, but the restaurant was actually nice and the food was quite good. Sheila was extremely to the point about everything.

“I want to fall in love,” she told me while tearing apart a crab leg with a lobster cracker. “I’ve always thought I would just meet someone out of the blue, so the whole speed dating thing was not normal for me,” she explained. “Are you looking for a fuck or a girlfriend,” she inquired.

“I’m looking for a little bit of both,” I said and slurped down an oyster. “Usually I like to fuck my girlfriends,” I said in a snarky tone.

She laughed. “Well, I’m just going to let you know up front that I’ve slept with (insert semi-famous lesbian musician here) and no one, I mean no one is as good as her in bed,” she said.

“No problem, I won’t try to compete,” I said, and meant it. I don’t know about you, but when someone brags about sleeping with a celebrity it is a major turnoff for me. While I find Lindsay Lohan hot. The idea of sleeping with her doesn’t do it for me. Because if you sleep with them are you sleeping with the celebrity or the person being the celebrity, cause there is no way they are one and the same. Right?

For the  next half an hour Sheila ranted on about this semi-famous musician, which reminded me of another bad date I had been on. After we ate dinner we shook hands and headed home. Sheila tried to kiss me and I extended a hand.

“Errr. I want to take things slow,” I explained. “You know that expression fools rush in and everything.” - Ruby

The Way We Never Were

It had been way too long since I had a sweet, great date.  My focus had been on Cole for way too long and nothing had come of it. I became bored of this crush that I had on him and began to sense that Sarah had wanted him much more. So I decided; she could have him.  Don’t get me wrong I still think that he is incredibly hot, though not taking it more seriously than what it is; serious eye candy during the workday

It was after this epiphany that Josh called and asked if I would like to get together.  My stomach did flutter a bit when I saw his name pop up on my caller ID; perhaps Cooper had been right and I was happy that his speculation proved to be on point.  Josh and I agreed to meet on Friday and grab a few pints at Limerick House, which is located right down the street from where we live.  Ruby was in absolute hysterical laughter after I told her that I made plans with Josh.

“JOSH?!?!  But…it’s Josh!!!”, screamed an excited Ruby, “He’s so…he’s so not who I would see you with.”

“What?  I like dorky guys; you know that.  I usually have the best relationships with guys who match my level of dorkiness”, I contested.

“Yes, I agree Frankie”, began Ruby, “though you’re so much more…you’re you and he is…Josh.”

“Yes, you said that.  And what does that mean??”, I asked, laughing.

“OK.  He is fun to have drinks and spend time with at the bar…on a platonic level.  You have difficulty with this concept, I know, but Frankie, dear, dear Frankie…you’re hot.  I know that you think you’re a dork and you are; you have one of the dorkiest personalities of anyone who I know.  You watch Jeopardy! for fun, hate air quotes, are a complete grammar snot, and listen to both Taylor Swift and Korean pop music.  BIG DORK.  Huge.  Though according to your looks;  sorry babe, a dork you are certainly not.  And hot he is not”.

“Uh, well Ruby, dear Ruby.  Thank you…I think”, I replied, “that was sweet though you know I find the dorks irresistible”.

“Well, one more thing Frankie.  I heard that his last break up set him off.  His ex-girlfriend cheated on him with someone who she met on Facebook.  He is on a mad, indiscriminate fucking rampage.  Plain and simple, our little, young dork has become quite a dog.  Please be careful.”

“Really?  That must have hurt!  Though Josh…a complete hound?  I can’t see it.”

“Yes, like no one would ever think that you know EVERY SINGLE LINE TO EACH AND EVERY EPISODE OF FRIENDS.  He is a player in dork’s clothing.”

On Friday, Josh called and asked if I would mind his friend Cary tagging along to which I replied, “Of course not; the more the merrier”, trying to hide my feelings that this did strike me as a bit strange.  I now wondered if perhaps I had been mistaken.  Eh, why am I examining this so closely.  I promised myself that I would have no expectations of this evening except to have a great time with an old friend.

The guys stopped by and we walked together to the bar.  Josh and I picked up from where we left off.  He had me laughing and we were having such a great time; such a great time that I didn’t mind that Cary tagged along.  His girlfriend, Reina stopped by after we had a few pints and the good times continued.  Josh even paid for most of my drinks, though I sneaked in a round for the group when returning from the ladies’ room (it’s simply good manners).  We were amazed that we both had lived in the neighborhood for so long and never saw each other.

By the end of the night I was exhausted though wanted the night to continue; we were having such a good time.  Outside of the bar, we said goodnight to Cary and Reina then Josh walked me to my door.

“I am really happy that we met again on the platform and tonight was super great”, he said.

I smiled, “Yes, it was fun catching up.  I am still in disbelief that we live so close.”

He started,”Well I’m going to go.  Far walk you know.”

I laughed and he asked, “Frankie could I please take you to dinner next week?”

Jeez, he even said please.  Still smiling I agreed, “Yes.  I would like that.  Tonight was good fun, Josh.  Thanks for a great evening”.

He leaned in and I could swear he was going for my lips, though at the last moment brushed my cheek with his lips, wrapping his arm around my waist and hugging me close.  Pulling away slowly, he said in a low tone, “Goodnight Frankie, I’ll call you during the week.”

“Goodnight Josh.  Be careful walking home”, I replied, joking.

Ruby was up when I came inside.  She was keeping a low profile after caring for Kerry.  If that wench made Ruby sick (via flu or heartbreak), I was going to put her in the hospital again.

“How was it?”, asked Ruby.

I thought for a moment, breathing in deeply, “Like old times…though much better.”

–Frankie

Tit for Tat

On this day after Halloween 2009, I must address an issue which has frustrated me for ages.  Last night, Nigella, her childhood friend Nicole, Nicole’s boyfriend Bo, and I headed to the West Village for Halloween festivities.  We have been feeling a bit too old to mingle with the post parade crowd, though decided to venture out, as Bo was visiting from out of town.  We visited one of my favorites, XR Bar.  It was here we mingled with Pacman, a few bananas, Charlie Brown & Lucy, and Vivian (Julia Robert’s character from Pretty Woman).  After leaving XR bar, it was time for some pizza from Arturo’s.  During our walk, not once, but twice, Nigella was felt up by random male passers by who felt obligated to touch my friend’s breasts, as they walked toward her in the opposite direction.  Another adventurous blue M&M grabbed hold of my arm as he walked by me and when I tried to break free he resisted until I stabbed him with my plastic devil’s pitchfork.  At 6′5 and an estimated 300 pounds, Bo is quite an intimidating bodyguard and though he was about to melt this M&M down to his peanut core, he couldn’t stop everyone from committing every offense.  Though why is it that three grown, adult women need a chaperone to protect against  losers who feel that they have the right to disrespect and take from women in such a manner?

Why do certain people feel the need to touch and grab other people’s body parts while walking past them in the opposite direction, if there is an attraction?  Walk by molestation has been a peeve of mine for quite some time.  I am truly sick and tired of this behavior.  I remember walking through The Tunnel as a young club goer in NYC, having my ass pinched, and quickly throwing an elbow to the suspected assailants kidney before they could make a clear getaway.  Just last March, I defended myself against another ass-ault by grabbing the culprit by the throat.

And no, don’t think that it’s only the men  touching women inappropriately.  I have had quite a few women commit pinch and runs on my bottom as well.

And the argument of a woman asking for such attention by dressing in a promiscuous outfit is purely bullshit as well.  No, we were not dressed in thong panties and fishnets, though if we were, there is still no right granted to anyone to touch another person without invitation.  I have always believed that if someone touches me inappropriately, license is granted to me to defend myself.  I asked Nigella why she didn’t slap the guys who touched her and she said that it all really happened too quickly to identify the person whose hand she felt touch her; like when this happens while riding the subway.

By the end of the evening (an early 12:30 am) we were all a bit tired of the crowd in general and hailed a taxi back to Nigella’s place in Astoria.  After the lovebirds fell asleep, Nigella and I finished off our lasagna pie slices, which we reheated to perfection (though they are amazing cold as well) and decided that next year we would keep the Halloween party at someone’s apartment so that we wouldn’t be harassed by idiots who wanted to solicit a party in their pants.  Ruby is always saying that we should host more parties; hmmm, I wondered how my roomie’s night was going.  “Nigella”, I said, “next time a blue M&M tries to touch me, I’m going to make him melt when I kick him in the nuts.” –Frankie

Cheri Poppin’?

So the whipped cream girls Cindy and I met at speed dating turned out to be sisters. They seemed fun and kept us chatting and dancing all night. I was dancing with Cheri, who was tre femme. Her sister Judi had a girl friend, but Cheri was single.  She had long black hair, manicured nails, wore designer clothes and was tall and thin. She seemed a little high maintainance for me, but I decided to go with the flow and gave her my number.

She called the next day and asked me to meet her at TKettle on St. Marks. It’s one of those cute little coffee rooms that just happens to have great bubble tea. Cheri was waiting outside the tea room for me. She seemed really nervous.

“I thought you might not come,” she said gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. She was dressed in a mini-T and jeans and smelled like powder.

We ordered some bubble tea and took a seat at the back of the place. She still seemed particularly nervous, but she was smiling from ear to ear. I couldn’t quite figure out her agenda. She clearly seemed to have one.

“So you really surprised me the other night,” I started. “I’m not used to girls being so forward with me.”

“I’m not most girls, and I could tell you aren’t either,” she said slyly. “I find you really attractive.”

“Thanks,” I blushed. “But I’m surprised a pretty girl like you doesn’t have a girlfriend already?”

“Umm. Well…” she started. “I’m really new at this, actually. I’ve never been with a girl, but I’d like to be. I just recently split up with my boyfriend because I wanted to try it,” she said.

“Oh?” I said. “How long did you split with your boyfriend?”

“A couple of days ago,” she said. “We were engaged. This sounds bad, right? The thing is I really have always wondered what it would be like to be with a girl, and he wasn’t thrilled with the idea of sharing me with someone.”

“Well, I understand that,” I said.

“I mean, I’m just that way,” she said. “I like to try new things and he knows that. I met him at a nudist resort after all,” she said.

“Oh,” I said and thought ‘This is just getting better and better’.

“Have you ever been?” she asked.

“Uh. No, I’ve never really thought about going to one,” I said.

“It’s so freeing. I should take you. I bet you would like it. It’s so open and free feeling. No one is hiding anything because you can’t,” she said laughing.

“Hmmm. I don’t know. I’m not really a walk around nude type of girl unless I’m in my apartment,” I said realizing I was sounding ultra conservative compared to Cheri.

“It’s all right,” she started. Her  cell phone, which was sitting on the table, rang. She looked at it and ignored it.

“Why did you want to start dating girls?” I asked.

“I just have always wanted to. My sister was always into girls and I’ve always wondered if I was like her. I’ve always thought I might enjoy being with a girl. I’m sure I would. In fact, I’d like to take you home after this. I want you to teach me everything. You can be my first,” she said and pushed her hair out of her face suggestively. She was playing footsie with me under the table.

I was beet red. “Cheri, I’m flattered,” I said. “But that’s not really my style. I like to take my time and I’m looking for something serious.”

Cheri’s phone rang again. She looked at it and then back at me. “I am serious. Let’s try it. I mean have you ever been with both a girl and a guy together? If you want I could get a guy to join us too?”

“Yeah, that’s not what I’m really looking for.” I said. “But it sounds fun. I’m sure there’s plenty of girls…”

“You are hot,” she said. “I want you. I want to fuck you,” she said. Her phone rang. “Hold on,” she said. “Billy, I’m on a date with a girl. No you cannot come. You aren’t my boyfriend anymore. I know. I know. OK I love you too,” she said and hung up.

I almost started laughing. I got up.

Cheri popped up out of her chair. “Come home with me,” she pleaded. “I want to get to know you better.”

“I know,” I said, but I wan’t into this scene. “Listen, there are plenty of pretty girls in NYC. You should have fun now that you are newly single. Call me, and we’ll hang out again soon,” I lied.

My phone rang. “Chaquita,” I answered.”

“Banana. Where are you?” Frankie screamed into my ear. “Beer and wine and raunchy movie night tonight!”

“Fantastic! Give me 20 minutes,” I said.

“I gotta go, Cheri,” I said.

“Are you seeing other people?” she asked.

“I am,” I said although I really wasn’t dating anyone in particular. “Call me soon.”

“Okay,” she said and tried to kiss me.

I turned my head and she caught my cheek. I turned around and waved goodbye and made my way down St. Mark’s Street,  and decided that sometimes it’s not so bad being single or picky.

I checked my email on my iPhone quickly. There were the speed dating results. I had gotten 7 numbers. Seven seemed like a lot. Had I spoken to that many girls? Who was who? But there was one name that I definitely recognized. - Ruby

Out and In with the Old

Ruby and I decided to have a Roomie Day of Fun.  After becoming roommates, great friends may, at times, spend less time doing friend things together.  Sofa time, sharing Patsy’s delivery replaces quality time spent bar hopping and dinner out on the town. 

We spent Sunday shopping-Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market and Century 21, eating yummy Ethiopian food…and well…more shopping–West 4th Street.  Ruby and I have served as each other’s sex toy consultants.  With the demise of my Rabbit Pearl (a cord problem, not dead batteries), which she gave to me as a 28th birthday gift, we decided that a shopping sexcursion was in order. 

Prior to our fun day Sunday, I conducted a bit of internet research.  So many options and imitation Rabbits.  From bullets to bunnies.  The Only product to tickle my fannie….ummm fancy was still my oldie but goodie, Rabbit Pearl, as I am unable to afford The Victor.  The Victor is a pretty little platinum pet with bands of diamonds encircling the middle of  and oblong shaft.  Though at a starting price of more than $35,000, I must leave this luxurious indulgence to Robb Report readers.

We made our way from Seventh Avenue South toward Sixth down West Fourth.  Tic Tac Toe and The Birthday Suit are my favorites, as they provide an array of pleasure (and pain if that is your pleasure) products for every desire and fetish (every girl should own a red custom fit corset, shouldn’t they?).  While Ruby was examining a pair of boyshorts…complete with attached dildo, I saw it, shining brightly and pink…a lovely, brand spanking new…Rabbit Pearl.  After leaving with our little, discreet shopping bags, Ruby wanted to stop by Cubby Hole for a drink.  I was a bit tired and needed to have my eyebrows threaded at Unique Threading.  I ran down to the platform for the F train and while waiting, turned when HE was walking down the stairs.  I had not seen him since I left NYC to live in Australia.  He saw me when I saw him.  “Frankie!”,  he said, sounding surprised, “What. What are you doing here?  What happened to Australia?  What.  What’s up?”  “Josh!  Hi!”, I said as he hugged me tightly, “Great to see you.  What great timing!  Oh, yes,  Australia; well it was great, though it was not for me.  Now Ruby and I live together in Chelsea”.  Ruby, Josh, and I worked together years ago at my first publishing job after college.  Cooper always suspected Josh as having a crush on me, though I paid no mind to the speculation, as I had been so in love with my pre-violence boyfriend.  Now I wondered if Cooper had been correct and if I would mind if he had been.  Here we were, two years later, going the same way on the same train.  “That’s funny, I live in Chelsea!”, exclaimed Josh.  We took the train two stops to 23rd Street.  As he said, this was “Funny”, though what was even funnier–he lives in the building five doors down.  I allowed him to walk me home, still amazed at our timing.  Eyebrow threading could be saved for another day, I decided as I went inside to polish off my new toy…or allow it to polish off me. –Frankie

On Friends and Lovers

After a long day in the private equity industry, Sarah and I decided to do a bit of shopping.  No, this is not the time to be spending frivolously, though I was in desperate need of retail therapy as I was also on the verge of alcoholism; which may actually be the better option considering the latest rays of economic optimism; cheap bottle of Yellow Tail vs. $200 Gilt Group tab.  Oh the decisions.

Because the future of our employment is so uncertain we decided that buying yet another suit may be necessary.  In addition to the gray, navy, and black pinstripe…everyone could use a crisp, linen…charcoal shift dress and matching jacket…right???

While advising each other on our picks in the Banana Republic fitting room, Sarah and I began discussing our love interests…

“So any promising suitors?”, I asked.

“Eh, only eye candy.  What about you?”

“Oh, well…I have the most painful crush right now.  You know, love hurts.”, I laughed.

“Rrreally??”, asked Sarah, “who is the crush??”

Before today, I had hinted to Sarah on a few occasions that my crush was Cole, though never admitted it.

“Well”, I began, “He is not the typical type of guy who I like…which means he seems to have his shit together.”, I chuckled.

Rolling my eyes and exhaling the deep breath that I just took in, “It’s Cole,”  I breathed.

Sarah looked at me and her smile turned further upward and she began to laugh, “That’s my crush!!!!”

We were jumping around in the dressing room like schoolgirls while wearing our cute little dresses complete with price tags.

I began laughing and grabbed her hands in mine while asking, “Doesn’t his ass look like it was sewn into his trousers?!?!?!  And I bet those trousers would look great on the floor!”

“Yes!!”, she agreed, “each time he bends over, I could swear that I am going to faint and need medical attention.”

“You know Sarah, if we were any other two girls, this could turn ugly, though strangely I  see this crush as bringing us closer”, I said.

Sarah agreed saying, “It’s like our little secret…”

“Our little secret about Cutie Bend Over…or C.B.O. for short,” I winked.

“OOOOH you’re bad!  I love it!”, Sarah exclaimed.

Taking this last comment as a compliment, I said, “Eh I try…we’ll be completely fair when it comes to love…and a great, tight ass.”  –Frankie

What a drag…queen. That is.

I decided I might try the online dating thing, against Frankie’s wishes. I know, I know, it sounds desperate, right? But everyone is on Facebook and Twitter so where is the harm in a little online dating? I went on a date with this girl from Curve. Her screen name was Abracadabra. My question when I saw her profile: Can you find magic from online dating?

We emailed for the first week, started texting the second week and by the third week we were set to meet. So we did, at Cubbyhole.  The bar was packed so we slid into the booth at the back of the club and tried to talk over the crowd.

Abracadabra was extremely pretty, thin and very serious. She was a reporter for a newspaper and a part-time poet. Quite the combination. Anyways, we had Hemingway in common. I knew she liked his novels from her Curve profile and we had not yet covered literature in our discussions. I debated that The Sun Also Rises was his defining work while she was arguing that it was The Old Man and The Sea.

In the midst of our Hemingway discussion, a trannie or drag queen in a purple mini-skirt and a silver shirt named Glinda that was crammed between our table and a neighboring one joined in our conversation.

“No, no. You have it all wrong. It was A Farewell To Arms that made his career, ladies,” Glinda interrupted and then squeezed into the booth next to my date. “Oh, thank god. So are you gals here often?” she asked.

“Um…no,” replied Abracadabra, looking awkward. “We are on our first date.”

“Oh,  how adorable. And you are both so pretty. What an amazing couple you would make,” Glinda said. “So what do you do?” she asked me.

“I’m in publishing,” I replied a bit taken off gaurd.

“And you?” she asked Abracadabra.

“I’m a reporter, why?” Abracadabra replied.

“Ah, so you are both people that cling to words. Words can make or break a relationship for you,” she said.

“I suppose,” I replied. “but, it depends upon the actions that go along with it…”

“I’ll be right back,” announced Abracadabra.”Have to go to the girl’s room.”

“Ok,” I replied. Since Glinda was there we continued talking a bit philosophically about relationships that is until I got a text from Abracadabra:

Pissed. Meet me outside.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” I asked when I went met her outside the bar.

“Only that you would rather talk to some drag queen then me!” exclaimed Abracadabra.”I can’t believe you would sit there and start carrying on a conversation with her on our first date.”

“But the bar is jam packed and you went to the bathroom…” I tried to rebuttle.

Abracadabra started crying. All I wanted was a normal relationship with someone and now I find out you are into drag queens…” she sobbed.

I was a bit confused. “Huh? We aren’t in a relationship and no I like girls. I’m not into drag queens,” I said.

Abracadabra was hysterical crying. I tried to console her but she pushed me away and then slapped my arm. Now I know when someone is acting possessive. I did date Elizabeth after all, but  this was way beyond that. This was insane.

“You know what,” I said. “You’re right. Glinda is kinda cute. I’m sorry I bothered meeting you. But I’m glad I did come because I’m going to hang out with her instead.”  I went inside the bar and bought Glinda a drink. She was good company. I suppose that’s why I think there’s no magic in online dating, but now that I hear Lindsay Lohan is on eHarmony I might change my mind.  That is if they are not back on. - Ruby.

Hittin’ the Kiddie Pool

Yes, I was M.I.A. for a few weeks; my apologies. When RD Capital Partners instituted a week long furlough for its employees what could I do but book a flight outta here?   Kim just graduated from Arizona State University; you know it I am sure–A.S.U.–the largest party school in this fine country. So what?  I am a twenty…ummm…well young professional in her late twenties.  A little dip in the kiddie pool never hurt anyone.  Time for some action.

From the airport, we stopped at our hotel to unpack before heading out to begin the festivities.  Kim said to me, “Just so you know, the condoms are here,” as she held up a long strip of  rubbers and then stashed them in a toiletries bag.  “Thanks baby,” I replied, “though I am not hooking up on this trip.  Your friends are waaaaaay too young.”  Kim gave a dubious stare and repeated, “As I said, the protection is right here.”  To which I had no response, except a smirk and chuckle.  The second stop on the welcome train was Loco Patron which had drink specials for the those who are still blessed with the financial backing of their parents, a.k.a. the under 25 set.  Oh yes, $3 bomber Thursdays; I can not tell a lie, getting bombed was a  theme of this trip.  Kim and I met up with her friends Mike, Cory, and Charlie; all of whom were almost old enough to rent a car without the underage penalty.

At one point Kim asked, “So how does it feel to be back in Arizona?”

“So nice to be out of New York for a bit.  The heat becomes too much”, I cracked as we stood in 105 degrees of dry Arizona summer, “and I don’t mean the weather.”

“Yes”, she agreed, “I don’t know how you do it.  Though I moved out to Arizona when I was young, I had drama by the age of thirteen; the year before I left NYC.  Girls that age should not be exposed to what we were at that age; makes us way too jaded.  Speaking of bad decisions, see anyone you like this evening?”

Mike and Charlie were cute.  I watched them for a moment and then settled my gaze on Charlie.  “Yes, I think I may have found one.”  Following my gaze, Kim agreed, “Fine choice.  Cute and I heard that he is great in the sack.”

I was in town for only five days and most of my visit followed the same daily schedule.  After a night of heavy collegiate level drinking we finally crawled out of our hotel room at noon-ish, ate breakfast, shopped, and drove around the beautiful desert towns (any of it beautiful and different to a New Yorker).

Saturday rolled around, which meant time for some ink.  Kim has a few good friends at Phoenix Tattoo Company, which is quite reputable.  They have inked some amazing pieced for Kim and I couldn’t wait for my new addition!  Kim sat first, having her name inscribed among blooming lotus blossoms on her outer thigh.  I was up next and chose something into which I invested a great deal of thought.  A large royal blue rose in full bloom with a smaller bud above on the same thick stem with a few words from my favorite Paradise Lost quote, “Abashed the Devil stood…saw and pined his loss”.  There is something about having a man tap ink into the skin of my outer thigh that inspires the most adventurous and reckless mood to rise from the depths of my soul.  As Kim and I agreed during the first night, “This feels like a long weekend of bad decisions.  Let’s embrace the debauchery.”  Right on, Sistah!

We picked up Charlie who came back to the hotel with us to pregame as we showered and prepared to go out.  After quite a few vodka and sodas and some silly, dorky photos starring Kim and me, we headed out to Tavern.  We met up with Mike, Cory, and a few other friends of Kim.  Yes, I felt like the oldest person at the bar, though I let go of this complex after a gin and tonic and two shots of Patron.  The guys volleyed for our attention and were extremely flirty.  After many cocktail/tequila shot combinations it was time to hit the road for some late night Mexican…food (not men).

Charlie, Mike, Cory, Kim, and I headed to Filiberto’s or Fili B’s as they like to call it.  Mike insisted that I sit in his lap on the way to Fili B’s.  I was not too keen about this, though didn’t give too much thought to it, as I was hungry and wanted our food fast. The entire ride to Fili B’s was a game of cat and mouse in the back seat.  Mike’s mouth was the cat and mine was the mouse.  Each time he came in for the kill I moved my head slightly to thwart his attempt and then saw what I wanted staring right back at me in the rearview mirror–Charlie.  Once at Fili B’s the boys ordered food and Kim and I sprinted to the bathroom for what else?  A girl’s chat session.

“Ok”, began Kim, “we must devise a plan.  Mike wants you.”

“But I want Charlie”, I replied, “Mike reminds me of your brother and ewww, that is creepy.  Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt.”

Kim looked at me and laughed, “Yes, though Mike doesn’t know it, that is the exact reason why I decline his advances every time he tries to get into my pants.  EWWWWWWWW, gross!  OK, I will make this work for you, Frankie.”

Leaving with our carne asada fries and burritos, we first dropped off Mike and Cory.  Charlie was our designated driver, therefore he was going to see us back to the hotel safely.  And Kim sat on Mike’s lap after leaving Fili B’s.  What a great friend!

Back at the hotel we three sat on the couch in the living room of our suite and inhaled our food.  As soon as Kim went into the bathroom, Charlie grabbed me.  Carne asada fries flew, as did my shirt, his shirt, my bra…”Ahem” I heard from behind me and pulled Charlie to my chest as I laughed.  “I am going to turn around AND close my eyes,” said Kim,”and you are going to run straight for the bedroom.  I will sleep on the couch. And you’re welcome”.  Did I mention that she is a great friend?

From this point in the tale my memory becomes a blur of skin, sweat, and yes, the one lone condom that I remember to keep in my purse.  Once we finished (yes, we; Kim was right, he was a great lay and considerate as well), he wanted to go again, though I turned to him and said (or gave a Patron produced mumble), “Do you have another condom?”, completely forgetting about Kim’s stash!!  To which he replied in the negative.  I looked at him and said, “Pity”, rolled over and fell asleep.  Hey I may have been drunk but no glove no love sweetie.

We woke the next morning and Charlie drew me close, saying, “Come on, I want you.  Now.”

“Oh fuck!”, I thought.  “Please don’t be angry”, I said as I pulled over the toiletries bag and pulled out a long sleeve of condoms.

Charlie gave me a look, rolled his eyes, pulled me close, and began seducing me all over again.  I think he was a bit annoyed, though too bad I don’t go raw with someone who does not rank as a serious boyfriend with whom I have a monogomous relationship.  Eventually, after we were dressed, Kim wandered into the room and sat for a chat.  She then was going to drive Charlie home, at which point the kid turned, playfully punched me in the shoulder and said, “Take it easy, see you later”.  What a strange goodbye…even for a 24 year old!

Apparently Kim noticed what she considered to be Charlie’s odd behavior.  We were both completely stumped.  Last night Charlie had offered his shower to me before I hopped the redeye to NYC tomorrow, as I would be checked out of the hotel by 11 am.  Kim and I enjoyed our final complete day together and took it easy; we did quite a bit of damage of these last few evenings.

The next day, she reached Charlie who was a bit unsociable over the telephone, though said that we could come over and use his shower.  At this point I didn’t care and only wanted to get onto the plane feeling clean and relaxed.  Charlie was totally distant toward both Kim and me.  I could see the confusion on Kim’s face.

Once I was in the bathroom it all made sense.  To my horror sitting on the toilet tank cover was all the explanation that I needed.  There it sat.   The douchebag bible…I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell.  Good grief, that explains it.  Anyone who takes cues from Tucker Max has to be disgusting.  EWWWWW…now I definitely need a shower.  These damn kids today! –Frankie

Stalling

So, I never understood what was so exciting about hooking up in a bathroom. That was until I did.

Yes, it was cramped and the toilet got in the way, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

So, I have been going to Equinox for a while now and I recently changed my workout time to avoid Kerry, who apparently is dating one of the other guy-teachers at the gym. Figures. This being the case, I switched from doing yoga on a regular basis to running on the treadmill and lifting weights.

It’s amazing how many different people you can meet on a daily basis just by varying your routine. One of those people was a short blond bombshell named Barbie, who would often show up to run on the treadmill at the same time I did.  Not surprisingly, Barbie and I got into the habit of running together and discussing the latest episodes of True Blood amoung other things. Also, not surprisingly,  Barbie had a boyfriend.

On this particular day, as we were running and discussing Sookie and Sam’s latest adventures, Barbie’s boyfriend called and she aptly answered and popped off of the treadmill to take his call. I ran for about 20 more minutes and decided it was time for a bathroom break.  I entered the womens’ locker room and the bathroom, which was in an adjacent room. No one was in the bathroom besides Barbie, who was standing by the mirror.

“I had hoped you would come,” she said almost breathlessly.

“Sure,” I replied a little clueless.

She looked at me expectantly. As I walked toward her, her blue eyes got wider and she had one of those looks on her that could have only meant she wanted me to kiss her.

I put my arms around her and she responded almost too quickly, backing into a bathroom stall and kissing me all at once. I fumbled with the lock on the stall as I groped and kissed Barbie.

“They’re implants,” she said.

“I would have never known,” I lied and continued to kiss her neck and breasts.

Things escalated at a rapid pace. Barbie started grinding me against the door and then I pushed her back toward the corner in passion, accidentally almost throwing her into the toilet. But it didn’t matter. We were sweating and kissing and our bodies were moving together. She sighed softly. She had an orgasm, just by grinding. I unbuttoned her pants and went to go down on her for round two.

“No,” she whispered and then pushed my head toward her.

Barbie wasn’t a novice with girls either, I found out.

However, during our romp in the stall, we were interrupted. Someone entered.  They went into the next stall and began peeing. It was one of those long Austin Power pees. We froze and tried not to giggle. Barbie’s face was turning red.  I wanted to burst out laughing.When the person in the next stall left, another entered. We knew our time was up.

Barbie and I tried to straighten out. I adjusted my top and quickly exited the stall. Barbie wasn’t quite ready and quickly shut the door behind me.

I went toward the sink. And there, staring at me, was Kerry.

“Hey,” she said.

“Oh, hi,” I answered uncomfortably as I scrubbed my hands. I grabbed a paper towel and wiped my face.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean…”

“It’s O.K.,” I said praying that she would just leave before Barbie came out of the stall.

But she just stood there watching me sadly, deciding what to say.

“I miss you,” she started.

Barbie walked out of the stall and over to the sink.  She washed her hand and patted some water on her face. “Wow. What a workout! See you tomorrow, Ruby.” With that Barbie, winked, and turned and left the bathroom.

I couldn’t help but smile. Barbie was so damn hot.

Kerry’s mouth hung agape. She blushed. “Oh my god,” she whispered. She shook her head and followed Barbie out of the bathroom. – Ruby

Reading Too Far Into It?

Usually by this time of year, we have already enjoyed a few evenings spending a carefree after work happy hour at a rooftop bar somewhere in Manhattan. This rain, cloudy weather, and fog have not made such locales very appealing. The RD Partners crew was looking to have going away drinks for an associate who was accepted into the MBA program at Harvard. We became optimistic a few days ago, as the rain had subsided and the sun was now teasing us with a game of hide and seek. With high hopes we headed over to Dream Hotel’s Ava Lounge

I ordered my Tanqueray and Tonic when Kayla started in again about me staying with the firm.

“C’mon, Frankie; Eileen is not going to return from maternity leave and you fit so well within our firm.  Pllllllleeeeeeaaase don’t make me jump on the assistant search with a recruiting firm!”, she pleaded.

“You don’t want me working with you permanently.  I drink way too much during happy hour; it would be most beneficial to find an assistant who doesn’t drink as much”, I joked.

“Hellloo, that is one of the many reasons why you must stay!  It’s summer and we have much more happy hour bonding to do!”, cracked Kayla.

Yitzchak, a VP, asked, “Well what do you want to do?  Please don’t tell me that you are thinking of reentering publishing?  You will be committing career suicide!”

I saw that this was going to become a serious debate, though I must stand firm on my decision.  “I know where I belong.  If the industry is suffering, then what a great time to be involved.  The learning experience will be priceless”.

“I can respect that,”  said Cole as he walked up from behind me.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.  At least someone is on my side,” I joked.

“Well,” began Kayla as she looked from Cole to me and back again,”searching for a job within publishing isn’t the only thing that Frankie is up to.”

Everyone was sort of puzzled except me.  I thought, “Oh please, not in front of Cole.  Oh no, please don’t say it.”

“Frankie”, Kayla continued, “is already working on writing projects.  She writes a funny little dating blog.”

Oh yes, there it was.  She said it in front of the guy who I was crushing on.  Oh the red fire in my cheeks; why must I blush so deeply?!

“Oh really?”, “A…dating blog?”, “Tell us!” were the synchronized responses.

How should I approach this one?   Here I go, giving it a shot, “Well, yes, it is a joint venture with my roommate Ruby.  We chronicle our funny dating stories through a blog.  It is entertaining and, I will admit, therapeutic for Ruby and me”.

“That’s great.  Can we read it??”, asked Yitzchak.

“Yes, we want to read it!  That is cool”, added Cole

“Well, boys it is a bit risque.”, added Kayla.

Looking for a save, I said, “You may fire me after reading it and I can’t afford to lose my job right now without a lead, thanks!”

“On the contrary Frankie, we may promote you, if it’s that good of a read!”, chuckled Yitzchak.  He continued,”Try this whiskey.  It’s called Woodford Reserve and it is tasty.”

“No thanks,” I replied, “if I mix that with my Tanqueray, then we will all be sorry.  Whiskey and I are not very good friends.”  Though truthfully, I couldn’t help but think about how my crush now knows that I document my love life online.  I thought about how he wants to read me (well, the blog), which is a good sign, though I still can’t read him.  Yitzchak continued to push the whiskey, though I wanted no part of that action at all.    “Fine,  I don’t want your lips touching my glass anyway.  Considering you write a dating blog…who knows where those lips have been”, Yitzchak cracked.

“Well, at least I know my lips have much more fun than yours, you old, married coot!,” I retorted, laughing as I tapped his glass with mine and initiated a group toast.

Our group erupted into a loud, resounding, “WHOOOOOOOOOAA!!!!”, “Dude she got you good!”  I met Cole’s gaze as everyone stood enjoying the respite from the dreary weather.  I held those captivating blue eyes, that were now beginning to read me.