Convincing Her Read online

  He’d sworn off women, yet somehow the fact that he was unavailable only made them try harder. His only release was working out or shooting hoops at the gym.

  Rich knew he needed to hit the books. He only had two days before he had to take his first final exam. His boss had let him off the hook without having to put in his notice for the break. He appreciated it. He enjoyed working at the machine shop, though he had to admit he fucked off a lot. He was grateful for the time to focus on his studies while he waited for Angie to respond to his gift, if she responded at all.

  He picked up his sociology book, turned on his stereo and got down to business. Angie wouldn’t want him if he flunked out of school. Not to mention his dad would blow a gasket.

  His roommate brought some Chinese food home and they shot the shit while they ate. He’d turned off his phone, unable to resist staring at the screen every five minutes.

  “So you want to head out tonight? Blow off some steam before finals?” Chris asked as he put their trash into a bag.

  “I’m good. Thanks for the offer. I’m going to study some more.”

  “What’s up with you, there hasn’t been a girl around in a couple weeks?”

  He wasn’t sure how to answer. He and Chris had picked up women together since they’d become roommates at the beginning of the semester. “I’m just not feeling it lately.”

  “All right, I’ll have fun for the both of us.” Chris shot him a smile and headed out the door with their trash.

  Rich took a shower, giving his dick a good tug to try and relieve some of his stress. He still had a day of studying ahead of him tomorrow, but for tonight he just wanted to get off and go to sleep. It didn’t take him long with Angie’s face in his mind, remembering her weight on him as she straddled his lap.

  He grabbed his phone and lay in his bed, turning it on. The tension he’d just released returned as he waited for the thing to start up. He had some missed messages, and he scrolled through them quickly. One was from Tyler, asking how it had gone. The other was from his brother, telling him that he was going to be at the lake house over the break and inviting him to come as well. That was a surprise. They hadn’t gone out to their old house on the edge of their hometown in years. As he was about to type a reply to Pete, his phone sounded again. His heart skipped a beat as he opened the message.

  Angel: Thank you

  Rich: U R welcome

  He responded quickly, but kept it simple. He was back to waiting for her to make the first move. Pleased that she responded to his gift at all, he put his phone down and shut off the lights, trying to fall asleep. Just as he was drifting, his phone sounded again.

  Angel: I ate it all

  He laughed. He’d gotten her the biggest one they’d had. She was speaking to him again, sort of. He fell asleep with a smile on his face.

  Rich was pretty sure he passed his first final. He’d done well at keeping focused despite the fact that he hadn’t heard from Angie again. He wasn’t delusional enough to think a cheesecake would make everything better, but at least it was a first step. He’d even talked to Pete about her a little bit, ignoring his brother’s laughter at him being hung up on a girl. He’d agreed to come down to the lake house for the break, mostly because he needed to get away, but also because he figured there would be a lot that needed to be done around the place that Pete just wouldn’t be able to do.

  He and Chris shared a few beers that night in celebration of being one step closer to the semester being done. They’d agreed to room together again in the fall which took a load off his mind. He didn’t want to deal with having a new roommate. After starting a text to Angie three times without sending he finally passed out.

  His phone alarm sounded early the next morning and he groaned. His next final was going to be a killer. He hated calculus, and even after getting a few tips from Tyler he wasn’t sure if he was going to do so well. Knowing he’d get more done at the library he grabbed his bag and walked across the campus. There were only a few other students there this early so he claimed a table to himself.

  An hour in, his head pounded and he regretted not grabbing an energy drink on the way over. He reached into his pocket to find some change, figuring a soda from the machine might help his headache.

  A pastry bag dropped onto the table from above his head and he twisted around, surprised to see Angie smirking down at him. “Hey.”

  She held up two coffees, “Tyler said you’d be here. Thought you might need some sustenance. Calculus is a bitch.”

  “You’re my fucking hero Angie.” He reached for the coffee but she twisted out of his reach.

  “I have a condition.”

  “Name it.”

  “You get the coffee and donuts, cream filled I might add, if you promise not to mention anything about the other night. Nothing, got it? It didn’t happen. I’m going to help you with your calculus and you’re going to be the jerk I’ve always known you to be.”

  “Done, now give me the coffee.” He took the steaming liquid from her hands, popping off the lid and taking a big drink. It was perfect, extra strong. “You wouldn’t happen to have some pain meds in that big ass bag of yours would you?”

  She plopped down in the chair beside him, “That bad huh? Yeah, I probably got something in here.” She rummaged around in her bag, pulling out a small bottle of Tylenol. “Eat first or they’ll irritate your stomach.”

  He dug into the bag and pulled out a donut, shoving half of it in his mouth. “I didn’t eat breakfast. You’re a godsend.”

  She reached into the bag as she took a sip of her own coffee, “Don’t you forget it. So what’s hanging you up? I did pretty well in this class last semester. Hopefully I remember some of it.”

  He watched as she took a bite of her donut, licking her lips before she chewed. “Why aren’t you studying? Don’t you have finals too?” He was still focused on her mouth.

  She took another bite, dipping her tongue into the filling and scooping up a large dollop of cream. “That’s so good.” She moaned, closing her eyes.

  He bit back his own moan, all thoughts of calculus gone.

  She giggled, “There’s the Rich I know. Focus. We’re studying here.”

  “You totally did that on purpose.”

  “Yup, sure did. As for your question, I took two of my finals yesterday. I think I okay. I don’t have another one until Friday.”

  “Lucky.” He chugged more of the coffee forcing himself to look away.

  She frowned for a moment, “I just realized I don’t know what you’re doing on break. Are you going to your parents or what?”

  “Actually, I’m going to hang out with my brother at our family’s lake house.”

  “Now you’re the lucky one. Wait, you have a brother?” She popped the lid off her coffee and dipped the rest of her donut inside.

  “Yeah, he’s nineteen. His name is Pete. We’ve never really been very close, at least not since we were kids.” He was a little nervous about being stuck around the guy all summer.

  “Well, sounds like that might change.”

  “What about you? Are going home?” He didn’t like the fact that he wouldn’t see her for a couple of months.

  “No. I’m not sure what I’m doing yet. I might just be staying with Ty and Cam. Get a part-time job or something. Join the real world for a while.” She frowned, “I’m not sure if I can deal with them though. They’re so in love right now.”

  “I’m sure they’ll behave if you’re around.”

  “I’m not worried about that. Hell, I’d love to get an eyeful of that action.” She gave a small laugh, “I just mean the way they look at each other. Like they see into each other’s souls or some shit.” She shuddered at the thought.

  He laughed at her response, “So you’d be all right seeing them get it on? You are a dirty girl. I bet that’s what you read about. Do your books have the worlds ‘quivering member’ in them?”

  She stuck her tongue out at him, “Only some of them.”r />
  He shook his head, relieved that they were finally getting along again. “I’ll never understand women.”

  “So quit trying.” She pushed his book in front of him, “C’mon, I don’t have all day.”

  “You’re so pushy.” He flinched when she punched him in the arm. “All right, we’ll study.”

  So they did. For four hours. She didn’t need to know that he already knew most of the stuff she told him, after all, he was pretty good at playing dumb.

  Later than night he called Pete, tying up the remaining arrangements for the summer. Turns out his brother wanted to bring a couple of friends and a girl he’d been dating for a couple months. Rich was okay with that. Considering how much work would probably need to be done he figured a few extra pair of hands wouldn’t hurt anything. He was actually pretty excited about getting to know his brother again.

  He dialed his mom, thinking it would be a good idea to let her know about their plans.

  After four rings he thought he was going to get her voicemail, but she finally answered, laughing on the other line before offering her greeting.

  “Hey mom, what are you doing?” He couldn’t remember a time when he’d heard his mom laugh like that.

  “Your father is just being funny. How are you?”

  The world must have flipped on its axis. Not only was his mom laughing, his father was being funny? “I’m good. I talked to Pete earlier.”

  “How is he? I tried to reach him last week but he never returned my call. I worry about that boy sometimes.”

  Rich wasn’t sure he’d ever heard his mom say she worried about anything. “Uh - he’s fine. We’re actually planning on going up to the lake house this summer. Have you and dad been up there lately?”

  “I’m sure that place is a mess. You boys will have your hands full. Will it just be you two?”

  He hesitated, not sure if Pete wanted mom to know he was bringing a girl. “No, he’s going to bring a couple of friends.”

  “Well just be careful, don’t be throwing any wild parties.”

  He sighed, “We won’t.” If he was being honest with himself he’d admit that he liked the concerned tone of her voice.

  “I’ll make sure your father gets the water and electricity turned on. And what’s that thing where the internet is in the air?”

  “You mean Wi-Fi?” He laughed.

  “Yes, that. We’ll make sure you have access to that. Still weird if you ask me.” She muttered. “Don’t let him drink too much, and if he has sex with any girls you make sure he’s careful. I’m not ready to be a grandmother.”

  His mouth dropped open. He’d never heard his mom talk about sex. She’d left the house completely when his dad had the talk with him.

  “Are you drunk?” He had to ask.

  A low peal of laughter drifted over the phone again, “No, I’m not drunk. Can’t I just be in a good mood?”

  “Well, yeah.” He ran his fingers through his hair, “I’ll make sure he’s careful.”

  “Good. If you need anything just call us. I’ve been trying to learn how to text. You can text me if you want.”

  “What did you do with my mother?” He joked, flopping down on his bed.

  “Hush, I’m not that old. People change.”

  The words rang in his ears, “You think so?”

  “Of course I do. I’m proving it. You only have one life son, live it on your own terms.”

  “You’re sure you’re not drunk?” She’d never referred to him as son.

  “I’m not drunk. I promise. I may be later though. Your dad is taking me out tonight. So, are you bringing a girl out there with you?”

  An idea formed in his head, “Maybe. I haven’t asked her yet.”

  “So you’re dating someone?” She sounded genuinely interested.

  He laughed bitterly, “No, I sort of blew it on our first date.”

  “Then ask her. Use this summer to make it up to her. But remember, no grandchildren.”

  “I just might do that. Thanks mom.”

  “Bye Richard, have a good rest of your evening. I know I will.”

  After hanging up he stared up at his ceiling. If he was going to convince Angie to come with him, it was going to take more than a cheesecake.

  Chapter Four

  “No.” Angie shut the door in Rich’s face.

  He frowned and knocked softly, “That’s it? You won’t even think about it?” He called through the door. After the talk with his mom and a short conversation with Pete he’d decided just to go for it. When he’d shown up at Angie’s dorm a few minutes ago he’d presented a well-rehearsed speech. He’d known getting her to agree to go with him wasn’t going to be easy, but he hadn’t considered the possibility that she would flat-out refuse.

  “No.” He heard her soft reply through the door. “Have a good time. Call me when you get back.”

  Rich turned and leaned up against the adjoining wall. Well, what now? He was torn between taking this time away from her to get his head straight and find a way to get over her and figuring out a way to get her to go. After several minutes he knocked again, “Let me in for a minute, please?”

  The door cracked open and Angie poked her head out, “You’re still here?”

  “Yes, let me in. If you don’t want to go that’s fine. I just want to know why.”

  She looked at him for a long time, then finally turned and walked into her room, leaving the door open behind her.

  So far so good, “Why don’t you want to take off for a while?”

  She sat on her bed and began chewing her bottom lip, “Do you really want to do this? I mean, we’ve been getting a long great. We’re friends, this is good right?”

  He considered his words, “Sure, it’s great. I don’t see how that has anything to do with you not wanting to go with me. So yes, I want to do this, tell me why.”

  “Well,” she began twirling her hair around her finger, “two things could happen on this vacation of yours.”

  He nodded his head even though he had no clue where she was going with this, “Okay, and those two things are?”

  She stood and began pacing in front of her bed, “One, we could go and have a great time together. You could be your charming self, and I might – well,” she paused and began working her lip again, “I might develop feelings for you.” She help up her hand to stop him from interjecting, “Or two, we could go, fight like cats and dogs, and end up hating each other. Neither possibility is okay with me.”

  “Why would it be so bad if you developed feelings for me?” He sat down, “More importantly, why did you say it like it was the worst of the two options?”

  “It would be the worst outcome, at least for me. I don’t do feelings. I don’t do relationships. I’m not ready, and I’m not sure if I’m ever going to be ready. But you’re missing the point. Either way, if we spend this time together, out in the middle of nowhere all alone, the end result will not be us returning as friends. I like being your friend Rich.” She finally sat and the hair twirling and lip biting came to a stop. Now instead of looking nervous she looked miserable.

  “You’re forgetting something here. I don’t do relationships either.” He admitted the obvious. “I’ve never had a real girlfriend, and I’ve always been completely okay with that. I’m not asking you to marry me, I’m asking you to hang out with me and see where this could go, if anywhere.” The last part was a lie since he knew there was a connection between them, but he was trying to prove a point.

  “Two people who don’t do relationships can’t just make one work. You’re a smart guy Rich, you know this. We still have at least two years of school left. I’m still not even sure what the hell I’m doing with my life. I can’t throw a man into the mix.” She let out an exasperated sigh.

  He was at a loss for words. He’d thought he’d considered every defense she’d throw at him while he was preparing his stupid little spiel. This hadn’t been one of them. “So your issue is about what might happen? We ca
n’t predict the future. We can have a good time now though. If you don’t want to hang out with me the whole time there will be other people there. I mentioned that Pete’s bringing a girl right?”

  “That’s another thing. I don’t do well with new people. You know that right? You, Tyler and Cam, and now maybe Teresa, you’re my only friends. I like it that way. I’m not a social person.” She was back to twirling her hair, “I’ve always wanted to be, sort of, but I’m just not. Your brother and his friends, they won’t like me. I’m quiet, and I have a weird sense of humor, and it’s just not going to work.”

  Realization dawned on him and smiled, “Why does it sound like you’re trying to convince yourself more than you’re trying to convince me?” Who would have thought that this beautiful girl would be insecure and worried about people liking her?

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Yes, you do. You want to go.” He knew it. He could feel it. She wanted to spend this time with him.

  “You’re wrong. I’m trying to be nice here.” She sighed and muttered, “I knew I shouldn’t have opened the damn door.”

  He stood and then knelt in front of her, taking her hands. “Come with me. You can bring a big box of books and hole up in your room if you want. I’ll tell the others to suck it if they have a problem with you.”

  She tried to pull her hands away but he held firm. If they were ever going to see what this connection between them really was this was the time.

  “I can’t Rich. I really appreciate the offer. I hope you have a really good time. I’ll even miss you. Call me when you get back?” She gave his hands a squeeze as she looked up at him through her lashes.

  “You can and you should. You just won’t.” He stood, “I’m not giving up. I’m leaving next Thursday. Just think about it okay?”

  She didn’t respond and though it frustrated him he decided to let her be for now. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and exited her room while he pulled out his phone.

  When his friend answered he turned on his charm, “Hey Tyler, I need your help.”