Teasing Phoenix

SAM

Phoenix almost kissed me! Yeah, almost. I was anticipating when he leaned closer, but before it happened, he pulled back.

I’m actually a little bit disappointed. Well, we shouldn’t, right? Who kisses a friend anyway?

He always smells good—a scent of mint and musk, probably his cologne or his aftershave.

Something feels different in his touch—it feels good, soothing, and igniting—like I want to cocoon in his arms.

I’m glad we became friends though because I really missed him. I even admitted it.

Going to his club is maybe a good idea. I can meet someone to get rid of whatever feelings I have for Phoenix. It’s insane how I know a little about him, and just met him recently, yet I feel the strong pull toward him.

I might take Amy’s advice to get laid—my spell has been dried a long time ago, and she’s right—it’s time to clear away the cobwebs because I will die waiting if I will expect that Phoenix is the right man for me—we’re just friends.

SAM: Hi, it’s me, Samantha. I was thinking about going to your club tonight. I’ll bring Amy with me.

I press send.

PHOENIX: Samantha, I’m glad you finally decide. Bring Amy with you. Can’t wait to see you tonight.

SAM: See you later.

PHOENIX: Later, beautiful.

Before I can dial Amy, another message from Phoenix pops.

PHOENIX: By the way, I’m not flirting with you. Friends don’t flirt, do they?

I roll my eyes. I can’t help but smile.

SAM: I don’t know you’re flirting until you said so. Maybe I’m just a dumb or I don’t know what flirting means at all.

PHOENIX: You better don’t know how to flirt or the meaning it. I hate to say this, but you can’t flirt with any man tonight.

I shake my head. This man is something.

SAM: And why is that?

PHOENIX: Because you will be stuck with me all night.

SAM: Seriously, Phoenix, your overprotectiveness is annoying, but don’t worry I have no plan on flirting with anyone tonight. Your presence, your highness is entertaining enough for me.

PHOENIX: I’ll try scaring some asshole who will try to hit on my new beautiful friend tonight. It will be an honor to entertain you, princess.

I bark out laughing.

“What’s going on there, sweetie?” Carp! My mom overheard me.

“Um, nothing mom. Just some stupid joke from Twitter,” I yell, then bite my lower lip to contain my laugh.

“Whatever, sweetie. If it’s a boy, I need to meet him, right, Sam?”

“Mom, just a friend, and no boy.”

She peeks her head into my bedroom.

roll my eyes. “Mom, stop psychoanalyzing me because it’s not funny. Anyway, I’m going

I didn’t overhear you, you don’t have a plan of telling me

have to live out and find a new apartment, and I want you to go out on a date and enjoy your life, Mom.

for just the two of us, but if you’ll find a job far that is from here, then you can rent an apartment. I

“I know mom. Thank you.”

person who made you laugh? Go out on a date sweetie, and it’s been a year. You have to let go of the pain and let your heart heal, and move on.”

wanna go out with. I’ll let you know if

and kisses my forehead, then

notice three messages from

PHOENIX: Princess Sam, you

don’t like being called Princess?

anyway. Have work to do. See you later, Princess. Sorry, Samantha.

can’t remember the last time I smile alone like this.

I can feel the excitement on Amy’s voice over the phone.

“What to spill, Amy?”

giggles, “Oh, about you

roll my

feel your eyes rolling, missy, but I don’t care. Now, spill it! Is he huge? Did he go down on you? How many times did you come? Oh, is

just friends. Jeez! I can’t believe you actually think I had

the hell out of me! I thought you get laid last night, Samantha Lorraine, but

just almost kissed

irritating my eardrum, “What? What? Oh, my God! He almost kissed you? Then why

changed his mind. He pulled back before our lips met. It means he doesn’t like to kiss me.” I

wants to kiss you, silly. He just values your friendship. You gave him a chance to be as friends, so he held back because he doesn’t want to ruin it by just

Okay, maybe.

“I don’t know, whatever.” I shrug.

Phoenix tried to kiss me, I

and sex all the time, Amy. I feel bad actually because I thought he

to be a gentleman.” Gentleman my ass. “So, why

us to his club

and I can’t even understand why she’s

that thought, Sam.

something sexy, but not slutty. You still have that black strapless dress you have, right? Wear it, Sam, and curl your hair, apply smoky eyeshadow, and red lipstick, okay? Oh!

tastes in fashion. She’s always updated

my eardrum. I’ll drive this time.

up tonight. Bye.” She hangs up

my head back against my pillow.

brush my teeth, floss them then, apply some lotion, and dry my hair. I wear the dress Amy asked me about,

the time—it’s five minutes before her arrival. I check myself again in the mirror—I look presentable, and not too slutty. I rub my sweaty palms over my dress and

my compact powder, red lipstick, my phone, and keys, then toss them into my purse that matches my shoes. I spray a little perfume, then get out of my room. A few minutes

on me from head to toe.

Phoenix? I was expecting Amy and not

He furrows his brows, swallows,

mind goes back to my conversation with Amy if he’s

about thirty minutes ago that she couldn’t come. She had

your number. I’m

slips his hands on his pants pocket, looking nervous.

number from me? What’s wrong with her?”

me? If you want to discuss this, then at

a choice? I’m actually ready, so let’s head out.” I walk outside and close the door

“Are you mad because she called me to come to drive you to the club? We will meet there eventually, Samantha.” He opens the door for me, once I get inside, he closes it, then

over here if she just

biggie, Princess. In fact, I’m on my way there. It’s just good timing, I guess. By the way, you look stunning, Samantha.” He steals a glance at my side

him chuckle, then shakes his head with amusement while I feel like