“And as you know, we’ve both been there before. So, it’s only right that we came over to get you out of this funk. Nothing can heal the betrayal of a man like hanging out with your girls,” Angela said, pulling me into a hug.
“That’s right,” said Jessica. “So, we’re going to eat pizza, watch a movie, and then go to your room, get all dolled up, and go out dancing. And we’re going to show you how to flirt and have a good time without getting attached. We’re going to show you how to play these men just like they try to do us on a regular!”
I flopped back down on the couch. “I don’t think I’m in the mood for that.”
“Well too bad!” Angela said. “You have no choice because we’re not giving you any other choice.”
With that, she disappeared into the kitchen, rummaging for plates, cups, and soda, while Jessica grabbed the television remote from me and began searching On Demand for movies. “No chick flicks. We need something funny and raunchy with handsome guys to drool,” she said, winking at me.
I leaned back on the couch, torn between being happy they were there to cheer me up, and wishing that they would leave me alone.
Jessica turned around to face me. “Angela told me a little bit about what happened,” she said, “but I’d like to hear from you exactly what happened if it’s all right.”
“Yeah,” Angela said, returning with the cups, plates, and soda. She popped open the pizza box and then took a seat on the floor beside Jessica. The aroma of cheese and pepperoni drifted through the air. “You kind of left me hanging last night, Ari. I was worried.”
“I’m sorry,” I said, taking the slice of pizza she handed me although I didn’t really want it. “As you probably know by now, it was Gio that I’d seen at the club. He was there meeting with another woman. I freaked out and didn’t know what to do. And then I just wanted to be alone.”
“Where were you guys at? The usual hang-out spot?” Jessica asked.
I nodded.
“Well, then it’s settled. We have to go back there tonight.”
“Excuse me?” I said, not following her logic at all.
She smiled. “That’s our favorite spot! And it’s the best local nightclub we have in town. So, I refuse to let that place become a source of bad memories for you. We’re going back, and we’re going to turn those bad memories into good ones.”
I took a bite of pizza and nearly choked on it, the tomato sauce was too hot. I coughed. Angela reached over and thumped me on the back. “I’m not so sure that’s a good idea,” I said, once I could speak again.
“And why not?” Jessica asked, taking a large bite of her own pizza.
“Because I met Gio in that club. I fell for him in that club. I did things with him in that club…”
Now it was Jessica’s turn to nearly choke. “Oh, my God, Arianna. You did not tell me that!” Her expression was a mixture of shock and elation. “Details! I want all the details!”
I set the pizza down and placed my head in my hands. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“This guy apparently has friends in high places,” Angela said, clearly deciding to spill the details for me. “He was able to rent them a private room right there in the club. And things got kind of sexy and heated on the pool table. And then continued later that night in his apartment.”
Jessica squealed, while I, on the other hand, wanted to sink into the couch and disappear. “Must you sound so impressed?” I said, folding my arms.
Jessica laughed. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I’m so amazed that our little Ari is growing up! I know you’ve never done anything like that before. I imagine this Gio dude must have been quite the hunk, huh? He had to be in order to bring out that side in you! Girl, don’t even worry about it though. Guys like that get the best of all of us.”
In spite of myself, I couldn’t help but laugh. Soon, Jessica, Angela, and I were all laughing hysterically. At that moment, I no longer regretted that they were there. I guess I had needed a proper girls’ night, after all, more than I had realized.
I reached for my pizza, some of my appetite returning. The tomato sauce had cooled, making the pizza far more enjoyable.
“All right, Jess. What are we watching?” Angela asked.
“I was looking for something with hot guys in it. You know, to take Ari’s mind off Prince Charming who turned out to be a toad.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Angela said.
* * *
After watching a movie about male strippers, I had to admit I was in a much better mood than I had started out in. With our bellies full of pizza, we were more than ready to dance off the calories that we’d acquired.
“You need to look extra good tonight,” Angela said, grinning widely as she searched through my closet.