The Non-Conformist Club

The Non-Conformist Club Part 10

Chapter 19—Stella

I could see the jealousy burning in his eyes. This couldn't be more perfect. "Don't let him hustle you," huh? Definitely a double meaning in that. Are You Gonna Be My Girl? came over the sound system and the beat just took me over; The Queen returned. I started bouncing and bopping around, shooting the balls into the pockets with gusto, almost never taking my eyes off of Roland. I'd never in my life felt so powerful. I went from being nearly invisible to having two handsome young men who clearly wanted me. It was amazing. I sank the nine right as the song faded out, "Rack 'em, studly," I said setting my cue down and heading to the bathroom.

I checked my look in the mirror, I was glistening a little, but otherwise I looked about as good as I was going to. My makeup was holding, but it looked clownish with the huge smile on my face. This whole situation with Roland was making me dizzy. He was cute, really cute, with his black denim jeans and vintage Guns and Roses T-shirt. He was funny, and gentle, and not pushy—except when he was. He just kept making the right move time after time after time. All through dinner I set traps for him and he just kept jumping over or stepping around them.

When I asked him out on this date, I don't think I would have even admitted to myself that I might have an interest in him aside from making Dave jealous. But now, there was no doubt. I was interested in him AND it was making Dave jealous. All the better for The Queen.

I went back to the table, two Dews in hand. I took mine and rubbed it on Roland's forehead, "Hot in here isn't it?"

"It just got a little hotter."

I blushed in spite of myself, "Oh geeze, fuck off with your cheesy lines."

Roland grinned, "I think you like my cheezy lines."

"Bullshit."

"Your mouth says 'Bullshit,' but your red ears say otherwise."

I touched a hand to one feeling the burn, then nodded to the table, "Grab your stick and shoot boy, don't make me do it for ya."

"Maybe later?"

I shook my head at the joke, "Wow, you are a filthy little puppy. I didn't know you had it in you. Now, if you don't behave, there will be no treats for you."

"Rowry Rella."

"Just break, OK?" I turned away and muttered loud enough for him to hear, "Pervert." But I also made sure he saw that I was actually smiling in approval. I was having so much fun flirting with Roland, I forgot several times as we played that Dave was watching. And there is no question, he was watching. It fucking figures. I go all year without anyone interested in me, and now all of a sudden I have two.

After about an hour the tension finally got to me and I told Roland it was time to take him home. If I got him home quickly, I could run back and talk to Dave while I was still riding high. The conversation was light and easy until I pulled into his driveway and set the parking brake. I was still in a really silly mood. I looked at him and said, "So now what, cowboy?"

"Cowboy? Really?"

"I dunno, I'm just being goofy."

"I've never seen you goofy before. I've never seen you like this, ever."

"Like what?"

"Like...happy."

"Would you rather I was bitchy and surly?"