Milky Thoughts

By Mikka Blane

Rylie had always wanted to be a nurse, to help people. His father wanted nothing of the sort for his son. So Rylie grew up to be a person who, while he had a gentle nature, always doubted himself and his instincts.

His mother was going senile and he was torn-he had to help her, but could he? Could he silence his father's voice in his head?

Rylie met a mysterious and sexy woman at work, of course she was there to transform him and take him away to another place, to serve another purpose.

He becomes an animal, a cow. A she.

Purposefully kept unconscious and drugged, as she is continuously milked in her new purpose-to feed others.

When he is unintentionally awoken, he finds himself lost in an alien world, pregnant, a cow and pregnant! With Rylie's mother still out there!

Rylie realizes that he still must find and help her, even being pregnant.

Yet it won't be easy, there are beings hunting for this mother and baby. The mother because she can feed a lot of hungry people, the baby because it is a valuable creature that was supposed to be impossible to breed in captivity.

Can Rylie adapt, will she, can she? What can a mere cow do in this big alien world?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mikka Blane
• Release date: Jun 3, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311130716

Book preview

Chapter 1: Broken up. Breakup.

The message flashed on my phone again. It was from Crystal.

*Rylie, We need to talk.*

That message was as ominous as any 'we need to talk' message, but I already knew that we were done. I just couldn't do it for her again. Last night was it.

It wasn't really a turn on for me, more the opposite and I just didn't have it in me. It was the last time I could do it. I didn't like it, I couldn't hurt her, even if she liked it.

She was a beautiful girl, smart and witty. I just couldn't do it anymore, it wasn't for me. She'd be happier with someone who could do that for her, be that for her, since that's what she really liked. Another message came in, this one different.

Crystal: *We're done aren't we?*

I didn't want to respond in text, but how many messages could I not respond to before it was rude?

I sent back, Yes. Talk to you from home.

The reply came quick, I figured. I'm sorry.

Wait, did she think that was the answer to the first question or second? Texting, ugh, what a mess. I now had to type out a full sentence.

I sent back, I'll call you later tonight.

And the reply was an angry sounding even in black and white text, *Don't bother.*

It was over. I already knew it was. It was okay I suppose. My mind flashed back to last night. To her crying and telling me it’s what she wanted. Then me telling her I don't think I could do it again. She cried and I tried to tell her it was fine, she was fine. There was nothing wrong with her. I just couldn't do it. I just couldn't hit her with the switch. She needed things from me that I just couldn't do for her. I guess I was faulty. I wasn't her everything—her perfect match, clearly. She should get what she wanted out of life and I wasn't what she needed.

I was so deep in thought that I almost walked into someone. I stammered, Excuse me, sorry. I took a step back and looked at the woman I almost ran into. She smiled at me with a beautiful smile on her gorgeous face. She had smooth, jet-black hair hanging softly down the sides of her head. It brushed against her shoulders as it fell off them like a feather.

She touched my arm lightly and said, It's alright. You look distracted, something bothering you, sweetie? She still smiled at me with her perfect white teeth and shining blue eyes. She was a beautiful woman, maybe slightly older than I was. If she was, she was only in her late thirties or really early forties, and still, she was a stunning woman.

She was lightly tan and very fit. Her calves looked more muscular than mine! The neck of her lacy, white camisole cut deep in a sharp V-shape, exposing her soft skin underneath, her skin looked softer than even the silky shirt looked.

Um, yeah. Sorry. I tore my eyes from her cleavage. Idiot. She probably saw me staring. Great first impression.

Rylie is it?

Yes. She knew my name? How? I kept my head down around here and I didn't really do anything important. I think I remembered seeing her once or twice around. She was the secretary of someone else for another division. I wasn't even in her department. I'd never edited any of her work and she didn't write press releases or copy for the manuals. How did she know me?

I asked, Um, miss?

She flashed me that eye catching smile again, her eyes almost twinkling as her fingers traveled up my arm to my shoulder, tickling but I couldn't exactly jump away, it seemed rude. Candace. But you sweetie, can call me Candy.

Huh. I smiled back as fast I could. Was I coming on to her or something? Was I going to get in trouble for sexual harassment here?

I looked down and found myself staring at her long legs, they were mouthwatering long and toned. Her rich and bright green skirt ended high on her mid-thigh. I was able to say with an even voice, somehow, Nice to meet you, Candy.

She grinned, What beautiful red hair you have, did you ever think of growing it out? Her hand was up by my face with her fingers moving back across my hairline.

No. I tried to think of something to add, but all I could remember was that I actually did have it longer in high school—but would telling her that be a dumb thing to say?

Maybe you should. I bet it would be curly and very cute. Goodbye, Riley. She moved around me, her fingers trailed fleetingly down my shoulder and arm again. She dropped her fingers down, almost brushing against my wrist before she walked off. Her hips swayed as she walked slowly away in those sexy four inch heels. She had a perfect ass that wiggled deliciously as she sashayed away.

My hair, long and cute? No, as I remembered, it was just a mess.

She was still wiggling those pronounced hips and curvy ass as she walked away, as if she was doing it on purpose. I turned away before she, or anyone else, saw me leering at her behind. She opened a door and went into an office, I assumed was hers. She never looked back, thankfully I was still standing here flushed. I opened the door to the hallway and headed back to my building and the sanctuary of my office.

What had I even been doing there? I really couldn't remember. Oh right, I was here because I had just delivered a package for a new employee in my office, she didn't know where the mail room was.

Just as I got back to my office the phone rang and I picked it up without even checking the caller-id. Hello, Rylie speaking.

Hey buddy, I need your help.

Ah, I knew his voice well, it was Evan, an old friend. We went way back, I knew him back in high school. What's up, Evan?

Heather is. I'm taking her out tonight.

She was a beautiful girl, classically beautiful and I wasn't sure why she was going out with him. He was a nice guy, but a little gruff. She seemed more delicate than that, more sensitive, but I'd never dated her so didn't know for sure. Maybe she was into that kind of guy.

He asked, You and Crystal want to come with us? Double date style?

Oh dude! Sorry I can't, I sighed.

He swore, Damned, I need you there!

Why?

I'm broke, and I need my wing man.

Nice. But, Crystal and I, are over. Thanks though.

Come on! You can just tag along then and pay for stuff.

I laughed, No, I'll be a third wheel, it will be awkward.

You can handle it, I need you there man! I need your brand of ego boost!

When are you going?

He said, Tonight!

You know I can't anyhow, my mom…

Shit! Right, how about tomorrow night, he asked.

I sighed, Fine.

Thanks man, tell your mom, well, tell her...something nice from me.

I shook my head to myself, but said, Thanks.

I hung up, even more depressed now. My mother liked Crystal, and I hated bringing her bad news, especially right now.

She couldn't remember things well anymore, sometimes she forgot what just happened and where she even was right then. Her doctor told me it was time to put her in a nursing home. I didn't know if I could do it, but she couldn't live alone anymore. I was going to have to do something, and soon.

If I couldn't put her in a home, I think I was going to have to move her in with me. In the end this would be doubly good for Crystal. I couldn't do the things she needed and now I wasn't going to have a lot of time for a girlfriend anymore.

The workday ended and I found my car. At least I didn't get here late this morning at it was nearby. I had to park so far away if I was late. But it wasn't as if I minded the walk, unless the weather was horrible.

Today I had gotten here on time and was four cars in on the second aisle. I had seen a space on the first aisle but I had left that for someone who couldn't walk as well. If dad were here, he'd yell at me for that. It was almost good he was gone. And now I felt horrible about thinking that. He was only looking out for me, I had a tendency to give too much when I was a kid. One time I gave my bicycle away because a kid said he needed it. And that was only one example he'd had to put up with me about.

Anyhow, there were quite a few nearly immobile people working here, and they weren't all the elderly—most were just out of shape people. But with today's food supply and our working in an office building, in cubicles, in chairs for the whole day, who could blame them for getting that way. My dad would.

I drove right to mom's house. It was a little place with no lawn, in a development that she could walk to any store she might need. She had lost her license a long time ago, and then a few years ago we found this place for her. She she was able to quickly move right in. She had good credit and a nice nest egg from my dad's army retirement and life insurance. He passed three years ago.

I knocked and she yelled out, Come in!

I walked in, closed, and locked the door behind me. Mother you need to lock… Oh.

She was in the kitchen, cooking pasta for dinner.

Naked.

She smiled over at me and said, Come in! Sit down! Tell me about your day, Rylie! Then she went back and continued stirring the pasta.

Mom…why are you not wearing any clothes?

I didn't want them to get dirty, of course.

I did her laundry now, the washer and dryer were downstairs and she had become afraid of the dark.

Oh. Mom? I paused, stuck. Mom, you have an apron. Put it on and it will protect your clothes.

Oh! You're right! You're such a smart boy! She still stood there, buck naked and continued to cook.

Would you mind putting some clothes on now? I'll get the apron for you.

Okay! She handed me the wooden spoon, Stir this for me until I get back.

Sure, mom.

She hugged me, getting way too close for being my mom and naked. It wasn’t the first time this had happened though. I pushed those emotions back into the deep place in my mind where I put and locked all of these kinds of things away.

It wasn’t her fault. She walked up the stairs and I hoped was putting on clothes. What was I going to do with her? With me? This was my life now apparently? I had to try to keep her from burning down the house and recovering from doing inappropriate things.

Like now—I heard her crying upstairs.

I turned down the heat and went up stairs after her. I expected to see her naked still, but I was pleasantly surprised. She was in a shirt at least, though she was sitting on the bed, crying.

I worried, Mom?

She blushed and looked away, I'm a bad person.

No, mom. You're not.

I just stood right in the kitchen, in the nude! In front of my son!

Mom. Everything's okay.

She looked up at me and solely said, I think there's something wrong with me.

I felt myself nod, and added, The doctors are trying to help you, mom.

Doctors?

You and I go see them every week, mom. It's okay.

She sighed, I just can't remember things anymore.

I know. It's okay. Here I go, like when I was younger, offering myself to someone else at the expense of me, but it felt right and this was my own mother. Dad would have had to agree this was right, didn't he? Have you thought about moving in with me at my place? It's smaller and only one level.

But, no. I can't interfere in your life like that. What kind of mother would do that?

I looked at her eyes, so she knew I was serious, Mom, I want you to move in with me. I want to look out for you. I need to help you more than this. I'm afraid you might hurt yourself. I don't want you to have an accident when I’m not here and you’re alone.

Don't be silly. What would your father think?

He's gone, mom.

She sobbed, Oh, right. I forgot. She sat down and started crying harder again.

Crap! Mom?

She shook her head, I'm not getting better am I?

No, mom. I sat down on the bed beside her.

I'm sorry.

I said, I know mom. Do you want to eat?

She asked, Did you cook dinner again?

You cooked spaghetti tonight mom, it's warming on the stove right now.

She sighed, Okay, let me finish dressing and I'll be down.

Okay.

I love you, Rylie.

I hugged her, I love you too mom, I'll see you downstairs.

We ate and I ran to the store.

I got back and unlocked the door, to find it already unlocked. I growled to myself. I remembered closing and locking it behind me. Mom really needed to remember to lock this more often, I didn’t want her to get hurt.

I heard a warm, masculine voice in her living room say, Thank you Mrs. MacAuliffe, I'd like that.

Of course Mr. Rocky, think nothing of it.

Just call me Rocky, ma'am. My wife and daughter will really appreciate this gift!

What? Who names their kid Rocky? I walked in and he stood up fast, something past across his face that made me wary.

Hello…? He asked, watching me. His eyes didn't waver from mine and I didn't hear anyone else in the house.

Mom came back from the Kitchen with a glass, Here you go! Oh hello Rylie, you're home!

Rocky smiled at me with a big smile. This your son?

Yes! Here's your iced tea. She handed him the glass, went over to her desk, and opened a drawer. Oh Rylie, where is my checkbook?

I smiled at Rocky, his smile had faded a bit when she asked me.

I said, with mock care, Why mom?

Oh I was going to write Mr. Rocky here a check.

What for mom? I asked her, still watching him across the room, as his forehead started to sweat.

$500, his daughter has polo! Isn't that terrible!

He shook his head at the ground. She's such a sick little girl.

Mom, can I have an iced tea also?

Sure honey, I have some brewing in the kitchen.

I shrugged, Can you get it for me? I’ll find your checkbook for you.

She patted my shoulder, Oh of course. You always put too little sugar in anyhow.

She walked into the kitchen and Rocky showered me with his big smile. How did these people find my mother? In her own home this time even!

Rocky, why don't you just leave now.

He stammered, But my sick little child. Mrs. MacAuliffe!

Get out.

Your mother promised!

I saw her at the kitchen door looking out at us, holding the iced tea and about to say something.

I yelled, Get out!

She promised! I'm going to call my lawyer if my Joseph dies!

My mother's face fell and I sneered at the man in her home, I thought you said it was your daughter that was sick. It wasn't a question.

She's sick too. I'll call my lawyer!

I walked to the desk and could see in his face a hope, he thought he might have won. Mom just watched from the door to the kitchen.

I picked up the phone. I'm calling the police.

I-I, don't… I'll go.

They know you already then? Get out. I kept the anger out of my voice very well I thought, I didn’t want to escalate this and I just wanted him out.

He shook, with anger and fear. I waited to see if he'd do something stupid, like throw the glass and charge me. I hit the nine button.

If it was the last thing I did, I'd hit the 1-1. Even if I was lying broken on the ground, I knew at least that they'd come and protect my mom.

He ran past me, slamming the door. I locked it behind him.

Mom asked, I was just trying to help.

I know mom. Where did he even come from?

He was just outside, he was pacing, looking worried.

Mom, you need to be more careful. You need to lock the door and stay inside please. Move in with me so I can keep a better eye on you, or should I move here? I’ll do what you need, but you can’t live alone anymore mom.

I don't want to be a bother.

You're not. I just want to help you, mom.

Let's not make any decisions tonight, okay?

Fine, I sighed. I need to get back to my apartment tonight anyhow. Please think about it.

"Okay, I’ll think about it. I love you.'

I love you to, mom.

* * *

Chapter 2: Working it

Evan picked me up in his pickup, it was his turn to drive us to work. We were trying to be thrifty and save both of us money, occasionally.

He turned to me and said, I need fifty bucks.

For?

Tonight. I'm broke. He grinned.

You're broke, and you're seeing Heather tonight? I shook my head at my inconsiderate friend.

Last night too.

I asked, That a little fast?

I want to get in her pants by the weekend.

I sighed, Damn man, really?

He asked with all seriousness, You think she won't do it?

No idea, I don't care either. If they slept together fast or slow, I didn't care, what I cared about was me looking like a dick by proximity.

Fine. So…?

What? I asked.

The money?

I said, I don't have it.

Damned. He sighed, Really?

Really.

He pondered this then said, Then, can you pretend to be my dad and say I'm sick.

Why?

He shrugged, I don't want to disappoint her. I told her we were going to that steak house on fifth.

When?

He laughed, Tonight? You didn't forget did you?

Oh, I suppose to be going as his wing man, on his date? Yes, I did forget. I shrugged.

It doesn't matter, just answer as my father would and say I need to cancel our date. He nodded to himself at this. This will work.

Really? We're really doing this?

He sighed, Dumb idea? Yeah, she might meet him later. I'll text her.

Good idea.

I sighed silently as he showed me some dumb text that he was going to send the poor girl. Whatever. I just looked away and realized what he actually wrote, I called out, Wait.

What? He asked, his finger already coming off the phone. He had already hit send.

Oh nothing. I grinned to myself at him. Mono. The big loaf told her that he had contracted mono. Really? Mono? Oh, whatever.

He dropped me at my door and drove off. I got to work and started my day. I smiled at the woman at the front desk, Good morning, Mrs. Burke.

Morning, Rylie. Have you seen this card?

She handed me a manila envelope. I opened it and the birthday card inside almost fell to the ground. It was for a young lady that worked near me, No, I haven't, thanks. I pulled out a pen and signed it at the bottom like the rest of my coworkers. I wrote, Have a swell b-day! She liked old fifties movies and that was as close as I could get right now to something funny and related. Well, it probably wasn't funny. I put it back in the envelope and gave it back to Mrs. Burke. I sat down at my desk and I logged into my computer, opened my email, and got to work on my latest assignment.

The phone rang and I picked it up without even checking the number, again.

Hello, Rylie speaking.

Rylie, can you come to my office, please, a silky voice asked.

Yes of course, I automatically responding then realized I didn't know who I was talking to. I knew this voice, but couldn't quite place it, or the face to go with them. Um, sorry, who is this?

She quickly interrupted me with a feminine giggle, This is Candy, of course. You found me yesterday, in the hallway. I heard her take a soft breath and almost whisper, You do remember me, right?

I stammered as my heart suddenly beat fast and my face flushed. I remembered her, a lot. I replied almost too loudly, O-Of course I do!

Oh good, she said in a breathy voice. Do you remember where I am? Can you come here, now?

I think I did, Of course I can.

Great. You won't keep me waiting will you?

No. No, of course not.

I'll be expecting. Come quickly, and she hung up.

Um. Okay, that was weird right? Strange people didn't usually call me, but if she needed something. I was at work so I did have to help my fellow workers. I just had to make sure I didn't do something stupid, like run into her again or ogle her chest again. She was too damned sexy.

I waved to Mrs. Burke as I walked past her desk and went down the hallway. I walked towards her building, trying to remember which door was the closest to her office. I knew which way she went and I think I remembered opening a door. I really shouldn't have acted as if I knew where her office was. Now when I didn't know for certain. That was a bit off for me.

I walked into the building and easily recognized as the one from yesterday, when I accidentally ran into her before. The floor was covered in a red carpet and inspirational posters on the walls and many, many doors. I peeked down the hallway, I think she had gone that way, it was hard to remember. I remembered her behind well enough, that was stuck clearly in my mind. I started walking and feeling stupid, I stopped. I needed to think and remember even if this was the correct way.

Further down the hallway a door opened and she her peeked her head out. Her hair was up in a bun today and looked soft like black silk wrapped on top of her head. A few strands fell down, framing her face. She smiled that wide beautiful smile and I noticed that she had bright pink lipstick on today. She waved to me and I started walking again. This time I needed to not stare, at her lips either.

Good afternoon, Rylie.

I smiled even though I was confused and just wanted to know what she thought I could help with today, Good afternoon, Candy.

She smiled wide at her name. She was wearing a light pink top with black hearts and a short black skirt with a hot pink belt. The end dripped down off her hip where it was too long.

Come inside, she whispered and held the door open for me.

Her office was clean and almost empty. This is your office? I asked, afterward I was thinking that maybe I should just hit myself on the forehead to save her the trouble of talking to an idiot like me.

Why yes, do you like it?

It's an office, that's more than I have. I tried to joke.

She smiled watching me close. Her eyes had smoky looking mascara over them today that looked very natural. It was probably a mineral makeup, it looked almost alive and shined a little but naturally. I know it's not quite as decorated like some of the others. But I'm open—to suggestion. She winked and I think she patted my rear on purpose as she pushed me into a chair at her desk. It could have been an accident I suppose.

She sat behind the desk and smiled. Rylie, I just wanted to say how nice it was meeting you yesterday. Even if it was with unusual circumstances.

It was good to meet you also. Sorry about the bumping.

Yes, I didn’t mind that, all that much. Anyhow. So, being me, I’m about dying with curiosity as to what a man like you could have been thinking so intently about.

A man like me? I-It was nothing.

Girl trouble?

I smirked, Isn’t it always?

Her smile warmed, Yes. So then, you have a girlfriend?

We were at work, why was she asking me personal questions here? Not anymore. We broke up, just before we met yesterday actually.

She shifted herself in her seat behind the desk, like she was uncrossing her legs. Aww, that’s terrible, why would she break up with a good looking lad like you? Was it performance thing?

Um… I sputtered.

Not comfortable enough with me yet? That’s okay. Let’s talk about something else then? How about that guy who drove you to work this morning?

Ah, was that what this was about? Evan? He was bigger, more muscular than I. As they say, the ladies dug him. Evan. He’s been a friend of mine for a long time.

How long? She twisted a finger in one of the black strands of hair falling down the side of her face as I watched.

High school. Ugh, if she was into him I didn’t want to play this game. Did you want to meet him?

Oh dear! No. Thank you though.

Then what…? What was that about?

She licked her lower lip, way too sexily. She was to sexy to be in this office. Then she asked, Any relatives nearby to hold you tight through your breakup?

Um… My mom lives locally, I answered without thinking, why does she want to know that? Why am I telling her? Probably because all the blood in my body is pooling in one place right now.

Oh. She sighed, Mother huh? Do you live with her?

No, it’s not like that, I don’t live in her basement or anything. She’s ill, though I do plan on moving in with her or moving her in with me soon though. I was about to ask why she wanted to know, but my brain changed tactics on me, Do you have a boyfriend? Oh, shoot, did I just flirt back?

Not right now, dearest. I’m currently without anyone to call my own. She pouted. Then she asked, Is your father out of the picture? You didn’t mention him at all, dearest.

He passed on three years ago.

I’m so sorry! She stood up and walked towards me, playing with the loose pink belt draped across her slender waist. I have a favor to ask you. She sat on the chair right next to me, angled away and crossed her legs. That skirt had to be illegal, it fell almost at the top of her thigh.

I managed to say, Um.

Can I see your phone?

My what? My phone?

She reached over and grabbed my hand. Her small fingers and silky skin were almost hot in mine. I had pulled my phone off the hip holster and it was in my other hand. I was willing to play here, why would she want my phone anyhow? She reached across me and I froze, as her shirt gaped.

She leaned over and her bra slid too, exposing a gap down where I could see her entire breast, down to the pink hard nipple. I gulped air as I fully lost the ability to think. Her skin looked too soft, too curved, too nice around that perfect conical shaped, pointy mound.

She didn’t sit up as she did something with my phone.

What are you…? I managed to almost ask.

Doing? Just looking dearest. Just like you.

My gaze moved then, caught and embarrassed, I-I’m Sorry! I didn’t mean to stare!

I offered the view. You took it. Everything’s fine, dearest. Just sit there for just a second more.

She swiveled and put my phone on the desk, on something that looked like a beanbag. It looked pliable like clay and was gray and featureless

What’s that?

Nothing interesting and here you go. She handed the phone to me with both of her hands wrapping around mine as she placed it in my palm.

She pouted, Oh! Look at the time! I have to do, some, work today!

She kissed the top of my head and said, Thanks for the lovely visit! Get along now, go back to your office and do the important things you do.

She waived her long, feminine fingers with a weak wrist wave and I turned down the hallway.

I tried to work the rest of the day and failed miserably, I'm sure visions of her would follow me even to my dreams tonight.

* * *

Chapter 3: Third Wheel

Evan called me a few hours ago and I agreed to help him. I was his friend after all, and/or a sucker. Heather was sitting across from me in a beautiful white sundress. It had spaghetti straps and frills from all the hems. She was a skinny girl, and yet curvy in just the right ways. The dress hung tightly to her body. I could see why Evan was interested in seeing her naked. I tried to push that thought from my head. This was not my date, no matter if I was doing most of the talking or not.

Evan got up to get drinks, leaving us two alone at the table. We'd talked, but she hadn't asked much about Evan himself yet, So, you've known Evan since High School?

I have, he and I have been best friend for a long time.

She asked, So what do you do?

I'm just an office worker, nothing as fancy as Evan's job at the auto detailing shop. Most people loved cars and those kinds of things. I guess they thought it was ritzy or fancy, most girls he dated just fell all over themselves to find their way to his shop. Crystal had. I often wondered what would have happened if she found him first.

Ugh, cars. She sighed and I almost missed her disinterest.

I smiled up at her, Yeah, but there he gets to show his creative side. Have you seen his work? You should, some of it is quite artistic. Some good money in that business. Everyone liked money, another reason my dad didn't like the nursing field, one among many.

You like it? Why don't you work there?

I'm not the artist type, like Evan. I tried to add, but it came out more hollow than normal, You should go there and see his work.

She nodded, thinking on that. Evan came back with drinks for her and him.

Sometimes I think the only reason Evan kept me around was to make him look good. I was so boring, sometimes I felt lost in my own world and in my own body. That probably didn't seem to make sense to people out here in the real world.

I probably wouldn't make sense to anyone else but me. Not that I told anyone, but they all seemed so happy, they all had purpose to their lives. They all had something they wanted. I had things in my head that I was suppose to want. I couldn't ever feel anything about them though. I got a bonus last month, I didn't care. I almost cashed it and dropped it on the street. But mom might need it for her doctors. So I didn't. I just wanted…something more.

He looked over at me, Oh shit man, I forgot you. At least you're only half empty.

It's fine. Yeah, I'm done drinking for tonight anyhow.

He laughed, No way, man. The nights still young!

They talked. I smiled and tried to keep out of the way as much as it was possible for the third wheel to be.

Evan yelled out in my ear, he'd had too much to drink by this point, Isn't that your ex? Crystal?

I turned slowly where he had his beefy finger pointed. Damned it was! She was sitting with another brunette at a corner table. That woman looked familiar but I couldn't see her well from here. Crystal pounded back another glass.

Damned, she drinks like a fish, why'd you let her go? She's hot. Evan said, slurring a few words.

I sighed and stopped staring. Heather shook her head and looked away in embarrassment, shared or otherwise.

Crystal was a free woman, she could do what she wanted. I turned back again, and saw the other brunette stand up. She walked off, and all I could still see was the back of her head. Her hips swung hypnotically and I found myself staring at her rear until she was gone, I turned back and saw Heather shaking her head at me.

I sighed, caught and grinning like a teenage boy.

Evan whispered, too loud, Now that's a hot piece of ass.

I know! Oh shoot, Heather was right here watching this juvenile behavior, so I tried to turn the conversation to polite things.

But it came to me, I knew that ass! Ugh, what a horrible thing to say, but I'd seen that woman, I knew that woman. I knew her walk with only seeing it like twice. In my defense, she was still wearing the same black skirt and pink belt, even if she had on a different jacket over it. I think she works in the next building over from me.

Lucky man. Work day nooky!

I sighed. Heather excused herself to the bathroom. Yeah, I would leave too. Poor girl, sitting here with two crude, horny men. I reached for my drink and it was empty.

Crystal laughed loudly and I turned. Some man was walking away from her table and she was derisively shaking her head at him.

Evan said, You want to go check on her and make sure she's okay?

No, I don't think she needs me right now. She needed someone like my father, someone who could yell at her and spank her when she was bad. Or something like that.

Oh. Okay. Before I knew it Evan stood up and said, without looking back at me, I'll just go over and see if I can help the poor girl out then.

Evan…?

But he was already gone, had he forgotten his date? He had drunk too much tonight and I was definitely going to have to drive his car home.

Heather came back and sat down across from me. So, where's Evan?

I pointed as discretely as I could with my head.

Oh, she got up.

Evan was busy, if she was going to leave, I should offer to escort or take her home. I asked, Need me to take you home?

She sighed, and shook her head. No, not yet. She sat down and slid next to me. So. Rylie… she trailed off.

I turned to her, Yes, Heather?

She was uncomfortably close to me, being my best friend's girlfriend, Why does my date have his tongue down your ex's throat?

I don't…what? I turned to see them sitting almost on top of each other and kissing, very intimately. Wow. Um.

So what part of the artist is that then?

Sorry?

She grinned, Remember, your pep talk about him.

Well, he is an artist.

She grinned, Yes, and quite creatively going to get it on with your Ex.

Yes. I nodded. They might, I always thought they were more suited to each other than she and I.

And that doesn't bother you?

Yes, well… I don't know, she is an ex. I thought, I should care, shouldn’t I? But I had other things I was worried about, important things, like mom.

You don't care? Really? Do you care about anything?

Yes.

She asked, What?

I sighed.

I really need to know what you care about, especially if it isn't your best friend sucking face with your ex.

My mom. I sighed again, Do you want a ride home?

You'd leave him, them here, doing their thing over there?

I'll come back…I guess, to pick up Evan. I don't want him driving drunk.

She seemed concerned more than angry, You don't care…? Are you a weakling little man? Do you let people just walk over you?

I was done with this. I don't think I had a care left in me for this sucking world. I turned to her and asked, Do you need a ride?

Yes, I do. Take me home. She ordered.

Let's go. I escorted her to Evan's car.

When we got there she stopped and asked, Oh, his keys?

I have them.

When did you…?

I said, I took them from his pocket as you got up to go potty.

She asked, Why?

He had too much to drink and I didn't want him driving. He could hurt someone.

Oh. So you do care? But not about… I held the door for her, she gave me a confused look before she got in.

Inside she tucked her dress around thighs and I turned on the ignition.

She turned to me and said, I don't get you.

It doesn't matter, I probably won't ever see you again anyhow. Buckle up.

Right. She did and turned to me again, fixing me with her big, bright brown eyes.

I looked forward and put the car in drive. I started out of the parking lot and realized I didn't know where to take her. Where do you live?

I'll tell you as we go, turn left here, she pointed. Then she rubbed her pointy chin and said thoughtfully, So, you protect him, I get that, he's your friend. You care that he doesn't hurt someone else. But, then you let him go off and make-out with the woman that just broke up with you. Was it an open relationship? Do you and he share women?

I smirked, No.

Good, because I'm not into that. Turn right at the next traffic light. I'm a vanilla girl who's into vanilla guys. I'm thinking Evan isn't what I'm looking for, what do you think?

I don't think I can answer that. Being his friend and not knowing you very well.

I see.

I shrugged, Sorry.

No, it's okay. I get and respect the loyalty thing. I just…well, I wanted more.

Don't we all. I'm sorry if Evan isn't what you wanted.

Me too. No advice though? She sighed.

On?

She asked, About him or love life in general.

Would you trust what I said anyhow after tonight?

Maybe, She shrugged. Oh. Here we are. Home. Thanks for the ride. Where are you going?

I had opened my door and gotten out, to go around the side of the car to open her door. I opened it to her surprised smile and helped her out. She has such small delicate hands, they felt…right in mine.

Her home was a small row house, it had a small white fence a few feet high around the yard and an overgrown flowerbed beside the front door. Cute house.

Thanks. It's my parents.

You live at home?

Yeah, embarrassingly enough, I never moved out. I don't know what I'm going to do when I grow up.

She had to be in her mid-twenties. I nodded, I get that. I might move back with my mom actually.

Are you being kicked out of your house?

No. She's sick. I'll either do that or move her in with me.

How nice. She sputtered, I mean that you, of you—not that it's nice she's sick!

I smiled at her, she was adorably cute. She had huge brown eyes I could get lost in and a small little body, so tiny and in need of protecting. Some guy would be so lucky to have her with them. She didn't seem the type to tear you down at all.

A young man came to the door, he had to be in his late teens, maybe even still in high school. He had a crooked smile and short blonde hair parted down the center. He opened the screen door and ordered, Get in here.

She smiled up at me as I looked on with a raised eyebrow. I'll be right in, Jim.

Jim, looked at me with a sneer.

Heather said, You need to talk to someone.

What about?

Your issues. I think they run deep.

I shrugged, I guess. I'm not sure I'm all that deep.

Oh you're very deep. Like a rabbit hole. I'm available or there are plenty of therapists, some are even free.

Thanks, I tried to smile. What was this about? She was very close to me, I could feel her skin brush against my arms when she moved.

In the corner of my eye I saw Jim come towards us as I asked, Are you a therap…

Jim interrupted me by pushing me. I took a step back. He was muscular but small. Get away from my sis.

I looked to her, Jim's your brother?

Half brother. He just moved back from…

He sneered, Shut up! Dad wants to see you, Heather.

She looked at me, I'll be right in.

Jim got up in my face, but as short as he was he was looking up at me, and it really wasn't that threatening when he said, Get!

Heather still looked at me, I couldn't tell what she was thinking. It was probably: Why are you letting him do that without being a man and pushing him back. That kind of was the point wasn't it? Was that the root of what was wrong with me? Not man enough? Dad thought so, but there was no way I'd just hit him. Evan would. Me? no. Even if he hit me, I'm not sure I'd hit him back.

Though if he hit her, I'd deck him immediately. I shrugged, Maybe I'll see you around, Heather.

It wasn't the first time I'd had to deck a family member to get them to stop hurting someone weaker. Crystal's uncle for instance. That's why she probably thought I'd be into that. But