No Rain

This is how we met. She went out with Brian. I went out with Jenn. Talk about the wrong mix. Together we all fit. But like that in an awkward way. Jenn couldn't handle thinking of me romantically. The poor girl practically vomits at the concept. Shudders at the mere thought. And I felt like some pervert for it. Yet we did. Which leaves me to the now. I am not seeing Jenn like that anymore. Now we are friends. After the horrible uncomfortable dating experience we had. Some how we have managed to develop a friendship. I'm glad for it too. Cause despite the traumatic dating I know I would have missed her if we didn't stay friends.

Jenn: do you miss Val?

I looked at her. She was looking through some old pictures. Some not so old. My wedding day photos. Her eyes didn't look at me as she asked. I looked down at the cup I was filling with juice.

Matt: of course I do.

I said quietly. She nodded. My beautiful Val. I love her. It was my fault.

Jenn: its not all your fault you know. Its not easy. She knew that. I'd like to think she knew that anyway.

Matt: no its not easy.

Jenn: I mean. It was both of you. All of you. Anyone. Everyone. Me. And I was only lucky enough to meet the man once.

She smiled softly.

Jenn: she was...kinda still is your wife. Its stupid if you ask me.

Matt: it is stupid. Really fuckin' stupid.

Jenn: how could she just stop? I didn't do that and look how horrifying our dates went.

She made a sour face.

Matt: but we might not be friends if.

Jenn: not possible.

She said as if she knew how things were to be.

Jenn: I don't want to look at these anymore. Its upsetting me.

She set the pictures down on the coffee table while making her way over to me.

Jenn: don't worry, things get better. Eventually.

Matt: I know.

She patted my back.

Jenn: what should we do?

I shrugged.

Jenn: we could see a movie.

Matt: not really in the mood.

Jenn: we could go get something to eat.

Matt: not that hungry.

Jenn: swim?

Matt: naw.

Jenn: go shopping?

Matt: eh...

Jenn: play wii?

Matt: no.

She sighed.

Jenn: go for a walk?

Matt: that doesn't sound to bad.

Jenn: its good for you.

Matt: maybe we should go work out.

She scrunched her face a bit.

Jenn: I guess if it will make you feel better.

Matt: it would but...a walk might be better. Fresh air.

Jenn: fresh air is good for you. Clears the mind.

We walked down the block before she said something else.

Jenn: you know...Melly...

I noticed her blue eyes look me over quickly at the mention of her friends name.

Jenn: she's been wondering how you're doing...

Matt: isn't she trying to get over Brian?

I asked trying not to show interest. Jenn laughed.

Jenn: you know they were worse together than me and you.

A chuckle left my lips.

Matt: yeah. I don't know how they got as far as they fuckin' did.

Jenn: me either.

Matt: I'm sure you've been telling her I'm fine.

Her mouth twisted to the side. That's not the reaction she wanted from me. We stayed silent. I could tell Jenn was thinking hard.

Jenn: will you just fucking ask her out?

That surprised me.

Matt: excuse me?

Jenn: you heard me young man.

I stared at her serious eyes. Her smile though was a bit devious.

Jenn: don't think I haven't seen the way you talk and fuckin' flirt and fuckin' giggle like a bitch with her.

Matt: I do not.

Jenn: oh yes you do.

Matt: I'm not sure what you've been seeing but its not that.

Jenn: please. You can't fool these fucked up eyes Matt.

Matt: precisely. You've got fucked up eyes. How do you even know what you saw?

Jenn: I know things Matthew. You don't understand. I've got feelings.

She closed her eyes, one hand on her forehead, the other reaching for something.

Matt: what are you doing?

Jenn: grabbing those feelings.

I raised a brow.

Matt: like psychic feelings?

Jenn: sort of. I can feel it.

Matt: stop doing that.

I pushed her arm down. She laughed a bit. I shook my head.

Matt: she's a little young don't you think?

Jenn: that didn't fuckin' stop you with me son.

Matt: yeah but that's different.

Jenn: how? We are the same age. In fact that bitch is older.

Matt: by what months? Things didn't work out for me and you.

Jenn: so?

Matt: we weren't compatible.

Jenn: me and you, no. Me and Melly are two different people. It will work.

Matt: is this why you came over today?

Jenn: and I wanted to visit my friend.

My house started to come into view again.

Matt: sure.

Jenn: I did. Otherwise I wouldn't be here.

I nodded.

Jenn: I better get going.

Matt: so soon?

Jenn: I've been here all day.

I pouted. She rolled her eyes.

Jenn: you are a grown ass man. Don't be pouting. Plus look Brian is here. You won't be lonely.

She pointed behind me. His car was pulling up to my house. I smirked.

Matt: so that's the reason, the real reason, you're leaving.

Jenn: no.

Matt: uh huh sure...

Jenn: whatever. Jamba juice wednesday?

Matt: oh I'll be there.

She smiled and gave me a hug. Brian seemed to be taking his time.

Jenn: you want to know how I know you two would work for each other?

Matt: me and Melly?

Jenn: no retard you and fuckin' Brian.

I smiled a bit.

Matt: enlighten me.

Jenn: because if it were up to her, she would have...

A smirk played across her lips. It faded and she shook her head a bit.

Matt: would have what?

Jenn: never mind. I don't think I feel comfortable telling you that anymore.

I gave her a look and then perked my brow.

Matt: is it dirty?

I asked hush hush so as the approaching Brian couldn't hear. She just stared at me.

Jenn: I've got to go. I'll see you later.

She gave me another quick hug, gave Brian a half ass hello, and left.

Brian: that girl loves me.

I shook my head.

Matt: cocky much.

Brian: nope just right. What was with the...

He mimicked my face. Brows raised in curiosity a small smirk.

Brian: face.

Matt: just talking.

He nodded not to convinced.

Brian: right. We should all go out.

Matt: who is we?

Brian: me, you, Jenn of course, and the oh so annoying Melly.

Matt: where is this coming from?

Brian: its obvious. Jenn likes me. Might be easier and less awkward if we all go out like that. She's the shy type.

Matt: she is.

Brian: how come we haven't thought of that before?

Matt: I'm not sure.

Brian: I'm surprised Melly hasn't suggested that.

Matt: and why would she?

Brian: calm yourself it has nothing to do with you, as much as you wish it did.

Matt: no I don't.

Brian: dude who cares if you're attracted to her. I was, though I'm not...sure why.

He said making a sour face at the end. Shaking his head slightly.

Brian: don't say you're not either. Both those girls are hot. Melly just...is like...

He made the sour face again.

Brian: how Jenn is for you.

I nodded understanding.

Matt: well they both are pretty. Melly is just so funny.

I thought about the petite girl for a moment. I won't deny she has crossed my mind. A lot.

Brian: yeah she is. And fuckin' loud.

Matt: that too. I don't know.

Brian: its not like you have to date the girl. Just out like friends. Distract her while I sweep Jenn off her feet.

Matt: yeah right. Cheesy pick up lines are not going to work on that girl.

Brian: worry about yourself.

Matt: I'm not to concerned Melly is easily distracted.

Brian: only to her convenience.

Matt: why don't you just ask Jenn out. Not a group date.

Brian: Melly said I should get to know her a little better first and group date dawned on me. Just now.

Matt: but wouldn't you get to know her on a one on one date?

Brian: you haven't listened. Less awkward. You're supposed to be my friend.

Matt: oh sorry.

He was right Jenn would be more comfortable that way.

Brian: plus I think listening to Melly versus you seems more logical. She has known Jenn longer.

Matt: she has that.

Brian: come on let's go think of the best place to take the lovely ladies.

On a group date I could scope out the playing field without being obvious. Much like Brian. I smiled at the thought of spending time with the girls who have become an everyday event for us.