Page 34 of Swept Away

Maybe I need a dab of lip gloss and to press a piece of paper towel against my skin to soak up the sweat along my hairline.

My hair looks wild with strands of hair fighting like snakes around my face. I run my fingers through my mane and let it fall down my back.

I’m hot, and it’s probably from dancing.

“The beer always makes me want to go,” she says, running her hand over her shorts.

She stops next to me and slides her hand into her purse before scooping out a makeup case.

In one swoop, she removes the rest of her makeup, and I watch her reapply it with the ease of a master.

“I’m a beautician,” she says, spreading the liquid foundation across her cheeks, her eyes glued to the mirror.

“Okay.”

She glances at me, her eyes carrying the most interest in me I’ve seen from her this evening.

“You?”

“I’m a student. And a freelancer.”

“What kind of work do you do?”

“Copywriting. Web design. A little bit of everything.”

“Is it worth it?”

“It pays the bills.”

She resumes her work.

“With a body like that,” she says, gesturing at my frame with a handful of cotton diskettes, a tube of foundation, and a brush while running her fingers below her eyes. “I'd have someone pay me to stay home.”

I laugh.

“What’s wrong with your body?”

“Nothing. I tried. They didn’t bite.”

I laugh again.

“You don’t believe in love?” I ask facetiously.

She huffs.

“No one believes in love. Why would I start a trend?”

I bite my lip to stifle a chuckle.

“How long have you known Carter?”

Her hands meet the edge of the sink while she tenses and strenuously sighs.

“Carter and I go way back… We used to live in the same neighborhood. Then he left for the military. I didn’t want to pawn my heart for a story that could’ve ended badly, so I forgot about him. Got to know other guys. Had a lot of fun. He has recently resurfaced, and I’m giving him another try. We didn’t fuck yet, and trust me, there’s nothing I want more than to ride his dick, but I don’t think we’re cut to be together, so I’d rather pass on that and wait for the right man.”

My smile is long gone as I process the information.

“So, he’s military.”