Page 42 of Earl

A tortured groan was torn from his chest. What the hell was wrong with him and why couldn’t he simply forget her? Was heso hard up for a woman? Of course he was. He hadn’t been with one in months and was feeling the pinch.

Maybe he should take Diana up on her invitation. She hadn’t come right out and say the words, but he could read it in her eyes and body language. She was dying for him to take her to bed. He knew if he called her right now, no matter the hour, she would come running. But it wouldn’t be fair to either of them.

After seeing her with the guy, she had become used goods and no matter how hard up he was, he couldn’t go back to her. That was out of the question. Tossing back the drink, he pushed away from the desk to go and pour himself another glass. It was going to be a hell of a long night.

*****

“This is delicious,” Teresa murmured approvingly as she sipped the homemade eggnog. “And you added vodka.”

“And a touch of rum,” Cathy said with an impish smile. “To give it an added zest.”

“Bitch, you are going to make it hard for me to drive home and the weather is already iffy.”

“You can always spend the night.”

“I suppose I could.” She responded laconically. “Where is our illustrious model tonight?”

“He had an engagement.”

“I am surprised you are not tagging behind him. You two seem to be joined at the hips.” She shook her head before Cathy could reprimand her. “Don’t pay me any mind.” She took another dispirited sip of her beverage.

“I am sorry.”

Teresa nodded and stretched her legs out listlessly. “Life sucks, generally men suck a hell of a lot, and I wish I could swear off them.”

“I thought it was going very well between you and Jeff.”

“So, did I. I am tired of dating Cat. Tired of putting myself out there and just to be rejected.”

“But did he really reject you?”

“He might as well have,” she sighed.

“He doesn’t want to get married and specifically, he doesn’t want kids. He is very ambitious, and I suppose it is wrong of me not to wish him well. But he led me to believe we were heading in the same direction.” She turned her head to gaze into the brilliance of the tree in front of her.

She had teased Cathy about the number of decorations and declared that her house was like a beacon, beckoning sailors home from the war.

“I could see the lights on the outside a mile away. You have certainly outdone yourself this time.”

“You could change his mind.”

She shook her head. “He is resolved on the issue. He likes me a lot, but he is not willing to compromise. We could go on as usual, but I should realize that he will never change his mind,” she sighed again. “In all honesty, I couldn’t stay with him. We want different things.” She glanced at her friend. “How is it going with Byron?”

“It’s going.” Stretching her feet out, she wriggled her toes and stared at her coral painted nails. She was trying to make a commitment to him, but it was becoming increasingly difficult, and she was probably going to have to break it off soon. The thought of that was making her extremely sad and dejected.

“Honey, you sound as if you are about to go on death row. Cut the poor man loose if you are not interested. It’s a crime to lead him on, knowing that nothing is going to come of the relationship.”

“You are right. I will tell him it is over, right after the holidays. I already invited him to the Christmas gala on Saturday.”

“Oh crap.”

“What?”

“I had forgotten about that. Now I am without a date.”

“So is Justin.” Cathy pointed out, causing her friend to grimace.

“You know I cannot stand the fruitcake.”