Chapter 3
When Joey stepped into the kitchen, he saw Melissa sitting at the table, holding a glass of water and silently sobbing. “Hey,” he interrupted in a soft voice. “Are you ok?”
“I'm sorry,” she apologized, “I feel like such an idiot. I invite you to my home and then I trip smooth out. I'm sorry. You must think I'm a total psycho.”
“No, not totally,” he teased, prompting a smile from her. “You wanna talk about it?”
“I don't know. I'm really ok. I just...God,” she shouted in frustration. “Ok, well my husband and I bought this house together.”
Joey felt a sudden twinge of jealousy. What did she mean, husband? Surely, she couldn't be married. She didn't act married and she didn't wear a ring. There was something wrong with this situation, though. She hadn't even said ex-husband; she'd said husband. “Yes?” he prompted.
“Well, two years ago, um,” Melissa's words were lost as she broke into a loud, painful sob.
Joey instinctively went to her, closing the distance between them quickly. He gathered her into his arms and hugged her. Abruptly, his jealousy toward this man was forgotten. He was suddenly very angry that anyone could hurt her like this. If he ever found this man, God help them both.
Melissa fell easily into his strong arms and rested her tired head against his mighty chest as she cried. God, it felt good to be held by this man, so natural. She missed being held most of all. “Oh God, I'm so sorry. What I'm saying is that there was an accident-a car accident. And Robert was killed,” she explained as she began to sob again.
“Shhh, it's ok. Shhh,” Joey whispered as he stroked her long, soft auburn hair and instinctively kissed her forehead. Although they had just met, for some deep, unknown reason, he felt a desperate need to protect Melissa. He wanted to keep her from all harm and pain. 'Oh, God,' he thought, 'She's about my age, and she's a widow already.'
After several moments in Joey's arms, Melissa tore herself away. She was a little embarrassed. She had barely even met this man, and already she had been forced to tell him about the most painful part of her life. “I… I'm so sorry. Where did that come from?” she questioned aloud, attempting to recover. “Listen, would you like something to drink? There are a few beers in the fridge, though I don't even know where they came from. I never touch the stuff myself, Can't stomach it,” she rambled, making a face to emphasize her point.
Joey smiled. “Well, I'll take a soda if you have one handy.”
This made Melissa smile through her tears. “A soda? Well, I have some cokes, well I mean Dr Pepper. Or maybe you would prefer a pop,” she teased. “Sorry, I forget the rest of the world is different from Texas,” she continued as she poured the drink over ice and handed it to him.
He smiled, making her knees go weak for the umpteenth time since they had met. “I understand. We deal with that quite a bit on tour. But anyway, are you ok?” he asked.
“Yeah, it's a little hard sometimes when I think about it. Last Monday was actually two years since the accident. I guess that's why poor Justin set me off. Robert and I had known each other my whole life. We were married right after he graduated from college. It's been rough, but I have great friends and wonderful family. Cassie moved in a few weeks after the funeral. She has helped me more than I could ever know. She pays half of everything as well as some rent, and that really helps with the expenses this place. I was also lucky that he had good life insurance, so I was able to pay off the house. I didn't even know he had any life insurance. I mean, he was 25, who would? But he told his mother that he wanted to take care of me, whether he was here or not,” she said, looking thoughtfully into her glass. “But I don't want to dwell on that. I just feel I was lucky to have had him in my life for as long as I did. Anyway, thank you for listening. You’re a sweetie.”
Joey teased again, saying, “Just don't go around telling people that.”
“Yeah,” she retorted, “It would really ruin that womanizing reputation you have going for you.” He looked at her, raising one eyebrow questioningly. “Don't look so surprised. I do watch MTV, and occasionally they mention something about you guys. I was just thrown off by your brilliant disguises.”
Just then, Cassie, followed by the other four men, made their way into the kitchen. “Are you alright?” Cassie asked with concern, “I forgot...”
“Yeah, I'm ok,” Melissa answered.
“Sorry, Melissa. I'm an ass,” Justin said apologetically.
Melissa chuckled heartily at his remark. “You are not an ass, Justin. You couldn't have known. I apologize for making you worry,” she said as she hugged him. As she embraced him, she really looked at him and noted the change from the pictures on Brandi's walls. He wasn't a cute little boy any longer, but a man, and a very attractive man at that. When Brandi found out about this she would kick herself for having stayed with her friend that night. Melissa leaned over to Cassie, still looking at Justin and whispered, “Girl, Brandi is gonna freak. You know she would be all over that.” They giggled as Justin watched, a confused expression claiming his features.
“What?” asked Justin, “What's so funny? I know my fly is zipped. Do I have something in my teeth? Is there a kick me sign on my back? What?”
“Is he always like this?” Cassie questioned the others.
“No, usually he's worse,” Lance answered, earning laughter from everyone but Justin who glared at him.
“Oh Hell!” Melissa exclaimed, making everyone stop laughing as they looked questioningly at her. “I forgot about the kids!”
“Oh no, poor babies,” Cassie said with concern. The men all looked from the girls to each other, clearly confused by the exchange.
When Melissa walked to the back door, their confusion grew, until she began to whistle. “Cleo, Caesar,” she called.
Immediately, two immense rottweilers came in through the door, clearly excited to see their owners. Cassie and Melissa both grabbed a towel from behind the door and began to wipe the wetness from the grateful pooches, who showed their affection by giving the girls sloppy doggie smooches. The men all seemed to be glued to their spots as they watched the exchange. It was really quite comical. The dogs were almost the same size as their owners. Both dogs then noticed the company and sprang into action. The smaller of the two dogs, Cleo, immediately made a b-line for Joey. He was sitting in a chair and Cleo jumped for him, landing on his lap, inducing a loud grunt from the man. As Cleo began to lick his face, he started to laugh uncontrollably.
Caesar had made his way to Chris and jumped up, placing both paws on his chest as he covered his whole face with one swipe of his tongue. The large dog then made his way all around the room, introducing himself properly to everyone, his large tongue hanging from his gaping mouth as he panted heavily.
After Caesar finally met everyone, Melissa was able to pry Cleo from Joey's lap. “You hoochie, Get up,” she wailed as Joey laughed.
“So,” Cassie said, when everything had calmed down, “I don't know about anyone else, but I am wired for sound. I don't think I could possibly sleep.” Everyone agreed. “So any suggestions of what we do with ourselves now?” she asked, as she noticed JC licking his lips almost hungrily. Cassie drew in a sharp breath, imagining how she would prefer to spend this newfound energy. She looked him over rather eagerly, her eyes resting on the bulge forming in the front of his pants. As JC cleared his throat, Cassie's eyes flew back up to meet his own, and she blushed instantly. He smiled at her with a look of pure mischief in his blue eyes.
“Well, Cassie, what do you think we should do with ourselves? I mean there can't be too many things to do in Amarillo at 1:00 in the morning,” he challenged.
Cassie grinned impishly, knowing she could play this game just as well as he could, if not better. “Well,” she said, never breaking eye contact, “ I can only think of one thing I want to do right now.” The sexual tension threatened to suffocate them all. “Let's play asshole!” she giggled.
Melissa breathed a sigh of relief as she headed to the game cabinet to retrieve a deck of cards. 'That girl is nuts,' she thought, shaking her head. Of course, she couldn't fault Cassie, because every time she looked at Joey, her thoughts were the same. There was just something so appealing about him-so sensual, so primal. He evoked feelings deep inside of her that she had not experienced since she lost Robert.
Melissa had dated since her loss, but something was just missing. At her friend's urging, she had been on her first date with Damon, a friend of Cassie's, about ten months ago. The evening had gone well. In fact, one might have considered it the perfect first date. He was very attractive and attentive. They talked the entire night and there had not even been the awkward silences that typically plague first dates. When he kissed her goodnight, though, she felt uneasy, almost sick to her stomach. Other dates had been similar. There was just something missing. Something felt wrong. Every time she looked at, or touched Joey, though, all she felt was right.
As she turned to head back to the large table, she realized Joey had been watching her the entire time. She blushed hotly as if he had been able to read the convoluted thoughts swimming through her head. He stood and pulled out the seat closest to him and she took it graciously, “Thank you,” she smiled.
As Chris took his seat, JC and Lance made their way back to the table loaded down with beer and wine coolers. Cassie followed, carrying a full bottle of Jose Cuervo as well as a bottle of Hot Damn, and several shot glasses. Justin brought in another chair, placing it between Melissa and Lance.
Chris dealt the cards and they began to play. Neither of the girls had ever been too good at this game and tonight was no exception. Within thirty minutes, they, along with Justin and Lance, were pleasantly buzzed. “You know what's funny?” Melissa said, slurring a little. She wasn't really drunk, but she had loosened up considerably and now felt no pain. “I suck at this game. You know what game I am good at though? Poker! I paid my way in Vegas at the tables. We should play poker. Hell, I'm so good, we should play strip poker,” she rambled.
Joey smiled mischievously, “Well, if you are that good, then what fun would it be for me?”
Melissa boldly locked eyes with him and grinned wickedly. “It doesn't matter sweetie, because it would be a blast for me.”
At this the others snickered and Chris howled “Damn Joe, sounds like you've met your match.”
Joey groaned as he nodded, “Maybe, maybe not. There's only one way to find out. Are you guys game?” They all nodded and shrugged as if to say 'Why not.' “And you? You talk a good game. Are you ready to back yourself up?” he asked Melissa, his voice deep and husky with desire.
“Hell, yes,” Melissa replied. “I was born ready. I just hope you're ready to get your ass kicked, Fatone. I look forward to having your boxers as a trophy.”
"What makes you think I wear boxers? Maybe they're briefs, or bikinis. You ever think of that?”
“Maybe I have,” she replied simply, lifting her brows.
Joey quickly recovered from the shudder that ran through him. “Now let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'm one hell of a poker player myself, and I think I'll be the one claiming a prize tonight. I'm taking your drawers, girl.”
Melissa leaned in close and said breathlessly, “What makes you think I'm wearing any?” She smiled as his mouth dropped open as Justin, Lance, and Chris watched intently. Melissa threw her head back and laughed aloud.
Joey looked to the other men at the table and back to Melissa as he grinned wide. “Girl, You're goin down.”