19. Happy Hour

Stassi

S tassi tossed another outfit to the side, then panned back through her closet. She had to have something in there that would be a mix of chic and casual. She threw another outfit out and then went back through her closet. She grabbed a navy jumpsuit that she had only worn a couple of times, before deciding she wasn’t sure it was a look she was interested in. She held it up in front of her and stared at her reflection in the mirror. It had a bow that was at her bust, allowing her to accentuate her breasts. Perhaps tonight was the night to bring it back out of the closet. Besides, time was getting away from her.

Stassi changed into the outfit and again stared at her reflection. With the right touch of makeup, it would make the outfit really pop. She hoped Sage liked it, because truthfully that was the one person she wanted to impress.

There was little to go on, in believing that maybe Sage wanted something more than a friendship between them. She went to touch her, and Sage rebuked her advances. Yet, Lena acted like Sage was interested and that was something small that Stassi could hold onto. At least it was something. When Sage looked in her direction, Stassi got the butterflies that one could feel when someone was interested. Stassi already knew she was, so now it was just trying to figure out the other party.

The hospital had rented out a small Taqueria that was located two miles from the hospital. Stassi had been there only once before, when she had a meeting set up with a potential advertising agent. It was nice because it had a pool table and darts, along with an olden jukebox that played the current mix of music. But because her new friends were going to be there, she had more of a reason to feel overjoyed.

As she took the drive, she used the opportunity to attempt to get ahold of her file. She had tried several times over the past week, but she was always greeted with the same thing, his voicemail. Tonight wasn’t a different story. The message sounded and the beep echoed through the phone.

“Dad, I don’t know why you’re so busy, or if you’re just ignoring my calls, but please…I need to speak with you. It’s a matter of life or death. Call me.” She disconnected the call before she could rethink the message. That was what had happened every other time she called. She got done with leaving a lengthy message, only to chicken out and delete it, ultimately leaving it as a missed call. Maybe this time it would elicit a response from her.

When Stassi pulled into the parking lot, it was already full of cars. It did appear that everyone came out to these get-togethers. Stassi was happy to see that. She entered the taqueria and a woman was standing at the entrance, speaking with someone that Stassi only briefly knew. She believed her name was Rona. The woman standing with her, though, turned and greeted Stassi with a wave. She rushed over to her.

“Are you Stassi?” she asked.

Stassi frowned. “I’m sorry, have we met?”

The woman laughed. “No, but I’ve heard a lot about the beautiful blonde with the radiating eyes.” She smirked. “I think everyone else is here.”

Stassi wasn’t sure how to take the compliment. Who did she hear this from? The woman was quick to explain that too.

“Lena,” she pointed. “I’m with her.” Lena and Marcus stood at the bar. They were doing shots and it appeared like they were trying to see who could out beat who.”

“Oh, you’re Maya, Lena’s girlfriend?” Maya smiled wider. “I’ve heard a lot about you, too.”

Maya laughed. “Welcome.” She threw her hands up. “I’ve been around to see many of these Happy Hours, and I assure you that you will not be disappointed. Just enjoy yourself.” She patted Stassi on the shoulder and then walked back to Rona. She was friendly and Stassi could see why Lena would be attracted to her. They seemed to have much in common, including a bubbly persona. Stassi smirked to herself remembering how she once perceived that maybe Sage and Lena were a couple and how it was quickly realized she was wrong.

Stassi moved in closer to where Lena and Marcus were still knocking shots back. Sage stood at the edge watching them. She wore a green t-shirt and black jeans, and Stassi allowed her eyes to wander just a little too long. She latched her gaze on Sage’s ass, which was hugged perfectly in those jeans. She bit down on her lip and stared. When she looked up, Sage had her gaze directed at her. Stassi’s cheeks felt as if they were on fire, and she gave a smile. Sage walked over to her.

“Hey,” Sage replied in greeting. “Lena and Marcus are practically drunk already. I think I’ll need to be their DD.” She smirked and then looked down over Stassi’s outfit. “You look nice.”

Stassi smiled. “As do you.” She pointed to the thin chain that hung around Sage’s neck. “You always have such nice chains.”

Sage grinned. “And I have a story behind most. Maybe you’ll hear one or two some other time.”

“I would like that.” She wasn’t confident to say she would love that, because that would mean they were inching even closer together. Something she wouldn’t fight.

“Would you like a drink?” Sage asked. She motioned a waitress over to them.

“I’ll take a Strawberry Margarita,” Stassi replied.

“And I’ll take a Modelo and Lime.” The waitress left them, and Stassi nervously glanced around. This was one of the few times they were alone together, where they had to carry on a conversation. And never away from the hospital setting. She couldn’t believe how nervous she actually felt.

“It’s nice the hospital does this for the staff,” Stassi commented.

Sage snickered. “They should do more.”

Stassi nodded in agreement, but if she ever got through to her dad, she could have that very serious conversation with him. The waitress came back with their drinks and Stassi reached in her purse to grab some money.

Sage shook her head. “It’s all covered.” Stassi withdrew her hand. That made sense. She wasn’t sure why she assumed she had to get some money out. Maybe for a tip anyway. She sipped on her margarita and caught Sage staring at her. It was either a lovely compliment or Sage was staring at the woman that was silly enough to think they wanted her cash. Either way, her gaze caused Stassi to blush, and she already wanted the evening to linger forever.

Two margarita’s in and Stassi was already relaxing. She started dancing with everyone, tossing an intimate look in Sage’s direction a few times, wondering if it was reciprocated. When Sage would smile, she began to believe it was. When she was offered a third margarita, she passed, settling on water.

“Hit your limit?” Sage teased.

“Wasn’t sure if you’d have one more spot for another drunk.”

Sage laughed. “For you, I’d make room.” She then laughed and looked away. “That came off a tad flirtatious.”

“Just a tad?” Stassi teased. Sure, the alcohol was adding to the easiness between them, but if she had a third it would surely send way too much ecstasy in her mind. Before Stassi knew what was happening, though, the dance turned into a slow one and she was moving in time to the music with Sage leading the way. Sage and Stassi kept the eye contact going and Stassi felt the intimacy heating up between them, warming up her inner thighs as they danced.

“You do have beautiful eyes,” Sage whispered.

Stassi smiled. “Is that the alcohol talking?” she teased.

Stassi shook her head. “I stopped at one.” Stassi arched an eyebrow. “DD, remember? This is just water with lime. Not nearly the same effect, but worth it in the long room.”

Stassi moved in closer, relaxing in Sage’s arms. The song played drifting them off into a hypnotic haze, completely captivating Stassi in the way her body molded against Sage. The feelings seemed to be reciprocated and Stassi was fully mesmerized in the moment.

When the song ended, Sage grabbed Stassi’s hand and pulled her through the dance floor and up the stairs. Stassi wasn’t the least bit nervous as they made their way up the long steps and down a corridor. She could have asked where they were going, but she wasn’t the least bit curious because she’d go anywhere with Sage.

Sage pushed through a glass door, and they went out onto a balcony that was cascaded with floors and plants. They were on the rooftop, and everything was beautiful.

“One of my favorite places.” Sage dropped Stassi’s hand and went over to some plants. Stassi watched with intrigue as she lifted each leaf and told stories of what the names were. Stassi was surprised by Sage’s vast knowledge of what each plant was. Sage turned and smiled, most likely seeing the shock that was written on Stassi’s face. “My grandpa loved plants. He would take me to the botanical gardens for hours on a Sunday and we would just walk around, taking in the various scents and enjoying the scenery.”

“He sounds like he was a great guy.”

“He was the best.” Sage’s eyes lit up as she spoke about him. “One of my favorite people in the world.”

Sage continued to walk around the garden area and point out various plants for Stassi. Stassi could have been caught up in that moment and never wanted to break from it. When Sage stopped in front of her, she turned and there was this genuine longing between them; it caught Stassi’s breath.

“I have a secret,” Stassi whispered. Sage’s eyes widened and she even stepped in closer. “You say how the rumors started about me getting this job. Well, none of that was true.”

Sage laughed. “Believe me, I never believed it.”

Stassi blushed, turning away from Sage’s intriguing stare. “The truth is, I’m a trust fund kid.” Sage tilted her head. “Well, I came from wealth. My father’s rich and he would give me money when I was running low on funds. I never needed a regular job.” Sage continued to just listen. Stassi wasn’t sure what all she wanted to share, but she kept it light. There would be more time to divulge everything. “Unfortunately, my dad had a few bad investments come through and so the money stopped coming in. I had no choice but to make the best of a rocky situation. That meant getting a job and frankly I didn’t think maintenance work would intrigue me. I also wasn’t interested in waitressing, so this seemed the obvious move. I have to admit, though, I didn’t know how this job would make me a better person. But I’m already seeing the shift.”

“From the first moment I met you, I thought there was something pretty cool about you.” Sage’s voice was barely above a whisper. “Thank you for sharing that with me.”

Stassi nodded. “I want to open up to you, Sage. As much as I can.” She moved in and captured Sage’s lips against hers. She thought maybe Sage would pull back, but she felt the passion slowly igniting between them and Sage wrapped her arm around Stassi. Stassi opened her mouth and welcomed Sage’s tongue in between her lips. Stassi smiled, growing the intensity in their affection.

“It’s about damn time.” Stassi jumped back and turned to find Lena staring at them. Lena fell against the wall and laughed. “I thought I was going to have to lock you two in an elevator.”

“What?” Stassi asked.

Sage rolled her eyes. “Don’t listen to her. She’s already drunk.”

“I am not!” Lena shrieked. Her words were slurred, though, so it was hard to dispute.

“There was a time when I thought maybe you two were a couple,” Stassi replied.

Lena laughed, shaking her head, and leaning forward against her knees. “Is it really that funny?” Sage shook her head.

“You can have this one,” Lena replied. “I’ll settle as her BFF. I came up here to see if you gals wanted to join Maya and me in a game of pool. Winner buys drinks.”

Sage laughed. “Because they’re free anyway. What do you say, Stassi? Do you know how to play?”

Stassi smirked. “Guess you’ll just have to wait and see.” She winked and the three of them left the rooftop garden. Stassi was exhilarated to know that Sage and she were in a great place and ready to explore new things together. She couldn’t wait.