Now that I see it in that light, her reaction–her stiffness and almost resentment at seeing me again make sense. So does her torture on the table.
“She’s good. Happy to see me. Warm,” I lie. I don’t want Al up in Sophie’s business again. She doesn’t deserve that. I will do my part and make sure she’s not a threat, but I want her off Al’s watch list right now.
“Did it help? The massage, I mean?”
The muscles in my low back twinge as I shift in my seat, but I say, “Definitely.”
Because I would take ten herniated disks for another round with Sophie Palazzo. I’m that satisfied.
And that hungry for more…
Sophie
After Joey leaves, I toss the sheet from the massage table into my laundry bag and put on a fresh one. I sweep the floor, which only takes thirty seconds, considering the treatment room is the size of a small bedroom. I share this place with two other massage therapists, which helps with the rent expense but also means the occasional nasty note on the mini-fridge complaining that someone didn’t turn off all the lights or empty the trash. I try to leave the place spic and span, so there’s no conflict.
Stepping into the lobby, I reach for my cell phone to turn on the ringer.
There’s a message from Bruce, the guy I’m sort of seeing, asking to take me on a date next weekend. I should’ve used Bruce as an excuse for why I couldn’t go out with Joey. Why didn’t I? It’s probably a sign of how little space Bruce occupies in my brain.
I sigh. Does it say something that I prefer to text him, so I don’t have to actually talk to him? Our relationship is about as exciting as my rock collection. Even so, I text him back a yes. I need to have someone to throw at Joey if he comes on too strong.
And for some reason, I feel certain he’s going to come on strong. And I’m not at all excited about that.
Okay, fine, it is exciting. But in a dangerous, I don’t really want this attention kind of way. It’s nice to know he’s interested, but I’d be an idiot to follow through.
What was I thinking tormenting him over having a hard-on for me? That was pure insanity. I guess it felt powerful to know he was attracted to me. After crushing on him as a teen, it felt like the tables had turned.
Feeling the need to connect with someone who understands this side of my life, I dial my Aunt Marie, the only person from my dad’s side of the family that I keep in touch with.
“Hi, sweetie! How’s it going?”
“It’s good. You’ll never believe who showed up at my massage studio today.”
“Who?”
“Joey LaTorre.”
“Really? What for?”
“A massage! He hurt his back and said the don told him I was a therapist.”
“That’s great. Did he like it?”
My face heats.Yeah. I think he liked it. He liked the end of it, anyway.
“Um, I have no idea. Right when I finished, a tow truck showed up to repossess my car, so Joey bullied the guy into leaving.”
Since Marie is also in the Family, that part doesn’t faze her. “Do you need money, honey?”
“No, no. I’m fine. Thanks, Aunt Marie. I just forgot to make my payment, you know.”
“So you can make it now?”
“Uh, yeah.” I don’t exactly want to tell my aunt Joey is paying it off.
“Did you get Joey to book another appointment with you? He could be good money, you know. Send you new clients and all.”
That’s what I’m afraid of.