Open House Ch. 02

Tina. Of all the people who could have walked through that door and made me forget why I'm here she tops the list. "Oh my god! Tina, what the hell? Where in the world have you been?!"

Laughing, Tina moves in close and we share a neck hug.

"Wow, you look amazing! What are you doing here?" I say. And I'm not just being polite. I feel almost star struck by Tina and can't look away.

The heels make Tina seem even taller than I remembered, though maybe it's the way she's standing - as if rooms are supposed to make space for her. I noticed the lace of a strapless bra beneath her blouse and immediately look away. Then look back unconsciously tracing it around the curve of her breasts. By the time I force my eyes up to hers, she is smiling like she's caught me doing exactly what she expected. Her mesmerizing light eyes scan me without care. I suddenly feel way under dressed. I look down to straighten myself and take note of the designer skirt tightly wrapping her hips like an expensive gift. My attempt at boho chic in my baggie pants, flat shoes and drooping blouse now feel more like hobo chic.

Tina explains that she is in real estate also. And that when she saw my name on the Open House she just had to come and check if it was really me. As she speaks I'm finding it difficult to listen as my eyes keep attempting to absorb her every detail. I try not to get caught sizing her up and wind up making eye contact too long. But to my surprise it's not awkward, and instead feels almost comforting.

Tina moves her long blonde hair to one side, still pressing in close. "But I thought you got married?"

I explain that I did but for business purposes I kept my maiden name.

"So real estate, huh? Seems like your degree is about as worthless as mine is then."

"Oh, when did you graduate? I thought you left school after..." I catch myself.

"After we broke up? No, I just redirected my energies I guess you could say."

"Don't be silly, we didn't break up," I say. Am I blushing? Oh my god I'm blushing. "I meant after our argument. We weren't dating, we were just roommates."

Tina does a quick glance to check the room, then moves her face right up next to mine and in a sultry low voice she says "Becca, roommates don't smash pussies."

I can feel the warmth of Tina's breath and a flutter moves through my core as I suddenly realizes I am becoming aroused - my mouth hanging open, drinking Tina in. I snap it shut with a quick redirection. "That was just... you know... playing around." Flustered, I move away to the island and arrange the cookies onto a plate. I'm trying very hard to return to something mundane because I never could have expected this. My mind is going places it hasn't been in a very long time and I'm not sure what's happening to me. Tina always was a provocateur, pushing boundaries and creating... well probably the best memories I ever had experienced until college. Just being close to her brings back that feeling of excitement knowing that, with Tina around anything can happen.

Tina sees me recoil and redirects the conversation. "So, who is this lucky guy anyway?"

I explain that John is an entrepreneur with a tech startup. And that we bought a home we can barely afford on the nice side of town.

Tina is impressed and says, "So, I guess a family is coming next?"

Wow! I don't think anyone has asked me that in quite some time and I'm surprised by how foreign it sounds. I know it's the natural progression of a couple - get married, buy a house, have a baby. But for me that seems like such a distant possibility that I rarely even consider it. I try to stay busy and not look at Tina, walking into the large open den as I respond insecurely. "Oh, um... not soon I think. Let's just say John's startup is not starting up. And now that's the only thing he's obsessed with." I look back and Tina hasn't followed me, leaving me standing alone in the open space. "So meanwhile I have to keep working my ass off trying to sell homes. Like this monstrosity!, that my client is over-pricing."

In the pause we both hear the distant thud of a car door closing outside and instinctively our eyes connect, as if we know we need to act now or lose the moment. But act on what?

Tina takes a step back towards the door. "I should let you get back to business."

I have nervous butterflies like a kid meeting the teacher she has a crush on outside of school. But I haven't seen Tina in years. And she's the one who left me - and in such a mysterious way. We've moved on. So why do I suddenly feel desperation to prevent her from leaving now?

"But what about you? I didn't ask... are you with anyone now?"

"Yes... anyone. Anyone who can keep up with me," Tina says jokingly.

I am fondly reminded of our banter in the past. Tina has such a commanding presence, yet in the moment I detect a hint of vulnerability. "You mean someone you want to slow down for."

Tina smiles, and after a moment says "Okay we're doing dinner... tonight. I'll pick you up."

"I can't I have plans tonight."

"No you don't you're just being indecisive," Tina quips.

I cross the floor to her and convey sincerely, "I do. I really do. It's a dinner party."

Tina huffs, and let's the room go silent.

I crack within seconds and move in closer, grabbing her hand by her side. "I'm just not sure it's a good idea."

Tina gives a tight-lipped smile and nods in confirmation.

Any second now new people are going to walk through the door and I'll have to switch back into professional realtor mode. It feels like a looming punishment that I try to avoid. I want there to be a reason this doesn't end here. We can just be friends right? Business women who share a profession? But I'm trapped again by her gaze, suspended in the air awaiting her next words to pull me back down. I know already what the answer is.

Footsteps suddenly land in the foyer.

Tina rushes, "Okay fine. Then a quick kiss goodbye for old time sake."

"What? No, I can't do that."

"Don't be silly. A quick peck... like the bougie ladies do. Come on." Tina purses her lips comically.

I grump audibly. "Fine. Goodbye Tina." and lean in with pursed lips for a peck. Our lips connect and just as they do Tina palms my ass, lifting a cheek in tandem with a hard pressed kiss. My eyes widen and I lose all control - stunned. An electric shock goes through me as I try to find a way to respond but nothing comes. I shouldn't still be affected by her in this way but I can't tame my arousal. I become literal mush - my only light of sanity being my desire to protect the perception of myself as a loyal married woman.

Tina let's me down and breaks away quickly - not looking back. I halfheartedly laugh in a weak attempt to downplay the prank, but she's already on her way out. Tina dons a wicked pair of shades and strolls right past an older well dressed couple politely standing in the foyer without acknowledging them. I see the couple peek around the corner and discover me still standing motionless in the den.

"Is this the open house?" the wife says?

I remain stunned, attempting to rewind the blur of events I just experienced. These people are potential big money buyers. Working with them could literally change my life situation. So then why does losing Tina again seem so much more important? I don't know why I'm doing this but I just act. I run to the door completely ignoring the visitors and catch sight of Tina just reaching for the door handle of a sleek black car in the driveway. I shout, "You should come!"

Tina twists to look back at me through her dark sunglasses like the hero in a movie, pausing as if processing what I said.

"Tonight. It's the Broker's party. You should come." My heart is pounding as I try to sound convincingly platonic.

Tina smiles. "Ah. Okay then. I'll probably know some people there. It'll be fun."

Tina gets into her car as I reply, "I have no doubt."