Under Glass

Chapter 18 - Anyone

Boxes and boxes had been carried down the apartment stairs to the U-Haul truck which was filled to the brim with their things. All of their things. Caitlin sat on the back of the truck and lit a cigarette.

"Holy shit, I feel like someone beat my ass and then poured lukewarm bath water down my person."

"Can I get one of those?" Chris sat down next to her, kicking his feet out like a kid. He was nice enough to come help them move. Chris handed her a beer.

Instead of drinking the beer, she put it in between her boobs. Even her legs were sweating.

"It was a good idea to wait until dark." Traylor called as she trudged down the stairs to where they sat smoking. "It's still 90 degrees out."

Her gray shirt was soaked with sweat around her collar and down her back. Chris shed his shirt hours ago.

"How about dinner on me?" Caitlin asked.

Caitlin's flavor of the week emerged from the apartment with the last box. When he reached her he slid his arms around her. "Sounds good to me."

Traylor studied every feature on his face as Chris glared up at Caitlin, not even trying to suppress his disgust.

"No thanks," Chris grits out as he hops off the U-haul, throws his cigarette down and moves quickly to his SUV.

Traylor frowned and follows him. "You aren't leaving me with them." She put her hands on her hips to emphasize her point.

"It's bad enough just knowing it happens, I don't need it rubbed in my face."

"Just come eat with us," Traylor sighs. "She won't remember his name next week."

Although Chris plays the tough guy, it's obvious to everyone except Caitlin that she hurts him with her behavior. "What is his name?"

They both erupted in laughter.

*****

After dinner, whats-his-name left and the three drove to the girls' new apartment. Chris stewed while he drove the truck and the girls followed in their cars.

"So what's up with the moving guy?" Traylor called once they got on 85.

"Nothing, I met him the other day. He's nice enough and has a great body. You know, that's all that matters right now." Caitlin hollow laughter fills Traylor's car.

She blinks at the hard sound.

Traylor cleared her throat. "Um, changing the subject. I went out on a date last weekend. Not that you'd care."

"I care. I'm an asshole, but I do care. Somewhere deep down, I'm still there."

"It was that guy Bill who interviewed me for at Kelly and Associates. You know they place where I will be working."

"Is that a good idea?"

Traylor closed her eyes for a beat.

"I'm sorry. Who the fuck am I to give you any advice on men," Caitlin says quickly.

"Or anything," adds Traylor.

Caitlin sighs in response.

"He is hot in a grownup way. He's an adult. I'm so tired of boys. You know? Guys that don't have their shit together.

"I'm actually specializing in boys that don't have their shit together."

"I know," Traylor laughs.

"He held the door for me. He talked to me about politics and work and real life, like I was a real person."

"I can't remember the last conversation I had with someone. I'm not too interesting these days."