Born to Make You Smile

EIGHT

“Just inhale. You can do it,” Ethan encouraged with a nod.

I held the joint between my fingers, the pungent aroma of the marijuana smoke invading my nose. I’d never smoked weed before. I wasn’t sure why. It just seemed like the kind of drug that made people lose control—of themselves and their bodies.

My eyes went to Dorina, then Ethan, and they smiled at me.

It was a warm night in September, and Will was hosting a party at his parents’ place. They lived in a huge house north of the city with a pool and walk-out basement. Will sure knew a lot of people. I could count the number of friends I had on one hand. Dorina, Ethan, and I took a cab together, splitting the costs. Ethan offered to pay my share, and I accepted.

We danced and had a few drinks. By the end of the night, a bunch of us were hanging out by the firepit, passing a joint around.

With straightened shoulders, I put my lips to the paper and took a long, deep breath.

The burning sensation made me cough. Not to mention, it tasted terrible, bitter, and hot. But by the third hit, my mouth was so numb I didn’t even feel or taste it. Or maybe the weed was kicking in, and I didn’t care.

After finishing the joint, Ethan and I went back inside.

He grabbed my hand. “Come. I want to show you something.”

He stumbled on the steps as he led me up the stairs, gripping the railing for support. He seemed more drunk and high than I thought. He continued to guide me down the hall until we arrived in a small bedroom with a double bed. He closed the door behind us, and I tensed.

“Ethan…” I said, my voice hesitant as I looked around the room.

He came up to me and grabbed my waist. “You look amazing tonight. So fucking hot.”

Pulling me close, he began to kiss me. Hungrily. His aggressiveness tightened my stomach.

I immediately pulled back. “Can we…slow down?”

“ Relax ,” he urged, pushing me up against the edge of the bed.

“N-no.” My voice faltered. “Not yet.”

I still couldn't understand why I wasn't ready to take our physical relationship beyond the making-out phase. I thought being with Ethan would have been different from my other experiences with men, but the same feeling of hesitation returned. I existed in this frustrating limbo where my brain and body weren’t reacting the way they should to an extremely handsome and charming man. I could feel myself wanting to get closer to Ethan, but I still wasn't sure what was stopping me. It was as if I was stuck in the off position. He had his hand close to the switch but hadn't turned it on yet.

“Come on.” Ethan ran his hands down my waist, then my hips. “I know you want this. You’re practically begging for it in that top. Let me touch you. I want to see how wet that pussy is for me.”

My mouth went dry, and I pressed on his chest, urging him away. “Please stop.”

I looked down at my low-cut pink top and pulled it up to hide my cleavage.

“Are you kidding me?” he spat, stepping back. “What the fuck, Grace? You owe me something at this point.”

A sour taste entered my mouth. “What do you mean I owe you something ?”

“Do you know how expensive all those dinner dates were? At this point, I should get to fucking touch you at least.”

Blood drained from my face as all my greatest fears came true.

I turned, heading to the door.

“Where are you going?” he called out.

“I never, ever want to see you again,” I yelled, my voice piercing the air.

“Come on. You’re being dramatic.”

“Fuck you,” I snapped, then darted out of the room.

My pulse raced as I flew down the stairs. All I wanted was to get out of here. To go home.

I searched the crowd for Dorina, but she was nowhere to be found, so with shaky hands, I sent her a message.

Me: Hey, where are you? Something happened with Ethan. I really need you right now. I need to go home.

When I didn't get a reply after a few minutes, I assumed she was likely busy somewhere with Will. I let out a breath, concerned I’d have to cab it on my own. Then my phone beeped.

Gavin: Grace? What happened?

I looked at the text with narrowed eyes, then realized I had messaged Gavin instead of Dorina. The marijuana was clearly getting to me.

Me: So sorry, Gavin! That text was for Dorina.

It was twenty after twelve, and I was fairly certain Gavin was in bed.

Gavin: Where are you? I’ll be there right away.

No. No. No.

Me: Thanks, but I'm fine. I promise!

As soon as I sent the message, Gavin phoned me.

“Grace. Please. Tell me where you are.”

“I’m at a house party. It’s all the way in Thornhill.”

“I’m heading to my car now. I just need the address.” I could hear him rustling around and the rumbling of his car starting up.

“Honestly. Don't worry. I’ll cab it on my own...” I said as I weaved through the crowd.

“I’m coming for you.” His voice was firm. Commanding. “No more protests.”

So bossy...

“Okay. I’m sending you a photo of where I am.”

Feeling a bit dizzy, I went into my map app and passed along my exact location.

“Got it. I’ll be there shortly,” he said before hanging up.

***

Perched on Will’s parents’ front porch, aggressively tapping my sandaled foot, I waited for Gavin to arrive. A tightness wrapped around my throat when I thought about the evening’s events. The fact that Ethan felt entitled to my body because he’d paid for our dates. I was so frustrated. Not only with Ethan but also myself. I shouldn’t have foolishly let my guard down. I should have listened to my gut all along. My mother was right. When a man pays for your life and buys you nice things, it’s transactional. He’s trying to own you. I was done with dating. Done with men.

Eventually, Gavin's sleek Aston Martin pulled in with its familiar humming growl. The best sound in the entire world. My body melted with relief as I opened the passenger door. Gavin wore cologne— clear notes of wood, citrus, and warm spices. His scent was so much more enticing, bold, and powerful. I had the inappropriate urge to move closer to him and put my nose against his neck to thoroughly inhale his aroma.

“Grace. Are you okay?” Gavin’s face was laced with concern. “What happened with Ethan?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.” I brushed off his question, not in the mood to get into the details. “He got too drunk.”

Suddenly, I wondered how my parting ways with Ethan would affect my relationship with Dorina as she continued to date Will. A worry that dating him had messed everything up.

“Thanks for rescuing me, especially coming this far.” My voice ached with shame, feeling like a huge burden.

“I don’t want you to ever hesitate to call me if you need anything. Any time of the day or night. I mean it.”

His sweet protectiveness made my insides flutter.

My ears perked up to the smooth, sultry melody of Al Green's “Let's Stay Together” over the car speaker. The music was intense and vivid, the melody dancing in my brain like delicious bursts of sound. Plus, my ears appreciated a good classic tune. Something other than the popular tracks playing ad nauseam at the party.

“I love this track. Is this your late-night playlist?” I laughed, waggling my brows somewhat suggestively.

“I go easy on the funk and disco after hours.”

I giggled loudly, pushing the curls away from my face. My head felt light, airy, and peaceful.

I scanned his body, his black polo shirt, buttoned all the way up. My gaze landed on his leg outlined in denim. Stuffy with a splash of leisure.

“I like your jeans.”

“Thanks.” He pointed his nose at me. “I see you’re in jeans too.”

“I know, both of us, it’s crazy ,” I said, drawing out the last word. It was a rarity for either of us to wear jeans. He was typically in khakis or slacks, and I wore my scrubs, dresses, or yoga pants. “There are some damn good jeans in this car right now!”

We both laughed at my corniness, then sat in silence. I glanced at the time and was hit with a twist of guilt as it was ten after one.

“I’m sorry if I woke you up,” I said, my voice quiet.

He waved his right hand about. “Not to worry. I wasn't asleep. Michelle and I were up watching a movie.”

My stomach churned when I imagined Gavin and Michelle cuddled up on the couch. “Which movie? I hope you didn't make her sit through Holy Grail. ”

“God no, we watched The Aviator, ” he said. “ Monty Python is definitely not Michelle’s cup of tea.”

“I’m the only one who had to endure the torture? On multiple occasions!” I exclaimed.

“Oh, come now. You found it funny. You laughed at the coconut banter. It even earned several snorts, if I recall correctly.”

I giggled, followed by an involuntary snort.

As Gavin drove on Yonge Street, the sign for The Bagel House caught my eye. “God, I could go for a bagel. Sesame seed with smoked salmon cream cheese. Or pumpernickel! I haven’t had one of those in ages.”

I licked my lips.

“I believe they’re still open. Are you hungry? Did you want me to turn around?”

“Nah. It’s okay. I’m just…” A stream of high-pitched giggles came out of my mouth without control. Oh boy. I was feeling that weed.

“Are you okay, Grace? How much did you drink tonight?” He cocked his right brow with concern.

I giggled again since it was adorable when he did that. “Not much. But…I did smoke weed for the very first time. You must think I'm so irresponsible.”

He shrugged. “As hard as it is to believe, I was young once and partook in my fair share of it back in the day.”

“Partooook,” I repeated quietly, followed by a closed-mouth chuckle. “I wish I could see you high.”

My lips were dry, so I reached into my purse for my peach-vanilla-parfait lip balm. I rolled the balm upward. The scent and taste were one of my favorites, and of course the limited edition was almost impossible to find.

I sighed sadly as I put the lid on, but the roll slipped out of my hands and fell between the passenger seat and the center console.

“Shit!” I cried.

I could faintly see the orange tube. I tried reaching for it, but it was no use.

Gavin groaned. “What happened? What did you drop?”

“My lip balm. My favorite one,” I whined with a pout.

“Not to worry,” Gavin said, peering over. “I’ll fish it out for you tomorrow.”

I retrieved my phone from my purse and glanced down. There were several texts from Dorina, three missed calls, and a message from Ethan.

Ethan: Grace. I’m so sorry. Where are you?

“Piece of shit,” I said with a scoff.

“What’s the matter?”

“It’s Ethan.” I scoffed again. “I'm so disappointed and angry with the way he acted tonight.”

Gavin briefly turned to look at me, a darker expression in his eyes, then he shifted his attention back to the road. “What did he do?”

I sighed. “He was drinking. And he was pushing me to do things I really wasn't comfortable with. I told him I wasn’t ready, but he wouldn’t let up…”

“That wanker! Did he force himself on you?” His tone was heated and raw. “So help me God. Did he hurt you?”

“No. Gavin, I’m fine,” I assured.

“I’ve hit a man before, and I won’t hesitate to do it again.”

A tingle of surprise ran through me as I imagined Gavin having any streak of violence. “ You hit a man?”

“It’s a long story, but my roommate in university, Randy, stole my girlfriend Pamela from under my nose. Things got heated, and I socked him. Quite hard. Not my proudest moment, but he deserved it. You sure you’re all right?” he asked, his brows drawn.

“Yes. I handled it. But Ethan and I are done. I never want to see him again. I can’t believe I fell for his stupid charm.”

“Good riddance. You know, I had a feeling about him. He was too polite. Too good looking. Too bloody tall .”

I barked out a laugh. Even after such a terrible situation, Gavin knew how to bring a smile to my face.

***

“Thanks for the ride,” I said as we pulled into my driveway.

“I’m just glad you’re home safe. God forbid anything were to happen to you.”

“Ahh, yes—being your partner in crime. Gotta keep the G-Force alive!”

I rocked my knuckles into his arm. His surprisingly strong and sturdy arm.

He hummed. “Well, not only that. You’re important to me. A very special part of my life.”

I glanced over at him and found his expression serious.

What did he mean by that?

He continued, “I consider you a friend to me. A very good friend.”

I smiled, relieved that he was referring to our friendship. At least I think I was relieved. Why did a part of me want us to be more?

He adjusted the collar of his buttoned-up polo shirt.

Despite being in jeans, the man was still so uptight and stiff. He needed to break free from the confines of his clothing, like a superhero. He’d definitely be Dental-Man, dressed in blue with a large tooth logo splayed over his chest. My eyes ran over him, imagining every inch of his body outlined in tight blue spandex. Oh boy. Suddenly, the car became a sauna.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

I shook my head vigorously. “Oh, no reason.”

Dental-Man needed a tagline. “Saving lives, one cavity at a time.”

“What was that?”

Shit, did I say that out loud?

I giggled. “Oh, nothing . But can I do something? As your very good friend?”

“Um. All right,” he said wearily.

With a strange boost of confidence, I leaned toward him and put my hands on the buttons of his shirt. My brain momentarily went woolly as his wonderful scent invaded my nose.

“G-Grace.” His voice trembled. “What...what are you doing?”

Gavin's body retracted and tensed beneath my fingers as if I was going to stab him or something.

“I’m making you look more relaxed and free. Well, the best I can with what I have to work with!” Feeling slightly out of control, I undid the top two buttons of his polo shirt, leaving one done since I didn’t want to completely loosen up the man.

Or did I?

The warmth of his chest against my fingertips caused my lower body to pulse, likely due to my senses being in overdrive from the weed.

“Much better,” I said proudly. “Not so stuffy. You know you’re a pretty fit man. You should show it off more.”

“Um, thanks.” He sounded unsure as he checked his reflection in the rearview mirror.

I leaned away to admire his new and improved look. In the low light, I noticed a patch of his chest hair peeking through. It made me wonder how much hair he had on his body. Visions of stripping him completely bare ran through my mind.

Flaming heat surrounded my skin as if I stood inches from a campfire. I clapped my hands against the legs of my jeans to snap out of it.

“Okay. I’d better get inside. Thanks again, ole friend.”

He smiled. “Please get some rest and drink plenty of water, all right?” He squeezed my knee as I reached to grab my purse.

A spark scattered through me at his touch, the flame reaching my core.

I pressed my lips together, moving my eyes along his face. “I will. Good night.”

Then I smiled, and without thinking, I swiftly planted a friendly kiss on his cheek. I didn’t even stay to see Gavin’s reaction as I darted out of the car without looking back.