“What? No, of course not…”
“Whoa…” Belinda said.
“Why?” I asked.
“Nothing, it’s just that…we thought you two hooked up! And…well, you look perfect together…”
“Why, thank you but we’re just friends.”
“Oh, please,” She said, “The chemistry’s like, so obvious!”
“Okay, okay, chill,” I said, “Paul and I…we’re both just trying to get our lives back, you know? Love can’t come into play…”
“Whatever,” Belinda said, “So…anyway, we’ll just book our flight, get you your Vegas ticket and we’ll all be there next weekend, k?”
“Like I have a choice…” I said sarcastically and Belinda shot me dagger looks.
“Fine,” I said, “I was just joking. Chill.”
12
“It’s a beautiful night,
and we’re lookin’ for something dumb to do,
hey, baby, I think I wanna marry you…”
-Bruno Mars, “Marry you”
Vegas.
You know those cheesy Vegas weddings with a fake elvis? Yeah, this was one of those. And, yeah, I always thought those weddings were crazy, but seeing Belinda and Dan getting married…It’s like, actually, they’re like, too in love to be doing this. And yes, it may be crazy, but hey, do you actually know a couple who’s not so crazy to be in love? I couldn’t help but smile and clap for them.
After the er, wedding, the three of us went to the Bellagio, with Belinda’s mom and Dan’s parents. We went up the elevator and went inside a really grand room, lit up with…disco balls. Some people were there, too, though I barely recognized them. Wow, It clearly is a party, huh?
“Congrats, you two!” I greeted them.
“See who’s playing the sax…” Belinda winked at me.
I looked up front and saw who it was. And of course, I couldn’t be wrong: It’s Paul. And he’s here in Vegas, too. He was playing this jazzy tune and boy, was he good at it! After his set, he congratulated Belinda and Dan and he saw me. Those eyes are piercing, I’m telling you. In a good way, though.
“Hey, you,” He smiled as he saw me.
“Hey,” I shot back, “That was bloody good,” I smiled, “You really are jazzy.”
He laughed, “Who knew I’d be playing in Vegas?”
“You could play anywhere!” I exclaimed.
“I missed you,” He said.
“I missed you, too.” I told him.
“I never catch you online!”
“Oh, uhm, right.” I said, “Sorry, I was just…”
“Thinking that I would never get in touch with you?”
Whoa. He’s reading my mind again. Was I that obvious? “Well…” I muttered.
“I sent you a couple of e-mails.” He admitted.
I smiled, “Fine,” I said, “I’ll check ‘em. So…how long are you gonna stay here?”
“Oh, I’m going home tomorrow, what about you?”
“Yeah, just until tomorrow, too,” I answered.
“How’s being back in New York, huh?”
“To be honest,” I said, “I didn’t expect it would be good. You know, my sisters and I went out last week, it was amazing! I never thought I’d enjoy a night-out with Kim being there…”
“That’s good to hear,” He smiled, “And your dad?”
“Oh, uhm…we still haven’t spoken—“
“Why not?”
I just shrugged.
“Look, it’s really none of my business, but I think someone has to say something, you know? Make the first move and all…I mean, you can not just stay away from your dad forever, and he can’t do the same either…”
“I know,” I said, “But I just don’t think I…could…I don’t know if I could do it alone.”
“I understand,” He said, “You know what? I think I could come with you. But I need to go back home first, then probably come to New York next week or so—“
“You really don’t have to, I don’t wanna take so much of your time…”
“It’s okay,” he said, ”I want to. It’s the least I could do.”
I smiled, “Well, in that case then…thank you.”
He smiled back, “Come, let’s eat, there are loads of food here…all for that lovey-dovey couple there…Who knew they’d want a Vegas wedding?”
I laughed, “They’re crazy in love, ya know?”
“Sure are!” He shot back and held my hand, leading me to the buffet table. It was gonna be a good night.
***
The following morning, Paul and I were at the airport with Dan and Belinda’s parents. Dan and Belinda wanted to be left alone. Of course. A honeymoon in Vegas? Perfect.
“So, see you next week?” Paul said.
I smiled, “But, really, no pressure…”
“Relax,” He said, “It’s all good.”
“Thanks.”
“So…bye again?”
I nodded my head, “I’ll be seeing you.”
“You sure will.” He winked.
13
Where would we be if we couldn’t dream?
One of the first things I did when I got back in New York was check my e-mail for messages. Paul’s messages. And yes, there they were, a couple of them.
From:
[email protected] To:
[email protected] Hey…you in NY now? How’s it goin? I just wanted to say…thank you, for everything. You are exceptional, and the painting…it’s amazing, thanks, really, thanks a lot. I wish I could make it up to you. So yeah, keep in touch, okay?
I miss u already.
He missed me? Wow. And then, there was another one.
From:
[email protected] To:
[email protected] Hey minds…was just wondering if you got my e-mail? Come on, tell me stuff. I love new Orleans, but meeting you, it made this place some kinda boring. And I am not bluffing.
Hope you’re havin a fun time! Hollaback.
Boy, was he sweet. There were still a few more—it was like, he –mailed me every day since I left! Wow. And then suddenly, this little box on the left side of my screen buzzed. Googletalk.
Paulspears: hey pretty lady.
Mindy_larsen: paul! Hey you…back in NO?
Paulspears: sure am. Early mornin’ and you’re online, huh?
Mindy_larsen: I just wanted 2 check your uhm, messages.
Paulspears: hahaha.
Mindy_larsen: why?
Paulspears: nothing.
Mindy_larsen: so…you missed me?
Paulspears: I believe I told u that last night.
Mindy_larsen: honestly, paul, I missed u, too. It was good seeing u again last night.
Paulspears: and good thing u didn’t drink! Hahaha
Mindy_larsen: oh, shut it. Haha
Paulspears: so what r u doin?
Mindy_larsen: drinking ice-cold coffee at the dining table with my laptop in front of me because I’m talking to a true blue jazz artist ;)
Paulspears: u flatter me, u know? Wait, ice-cold coffee?
Mindy_larsen: uh-huh. I’m not a big fan of hot coffee, actually.
Paulspears: figures.
Mindy_larsen: hahaha. What are u doing?
Paulspears: well, I’m still in bed…with my laptop, talking to an enchanting visual artist.
Mindy_larsen: enchanting. I like that word. Reminds me of fairies.
Paulspears: do u believe in fairies?
Mindy_larsen: seriously, hunny, when alcohol’s in your system for so long, u believe everything…or maybe, nothing.
Paulspears: hahaha. Fairies in strawberry fields…sounds like a dream.
Mindy_larsen: u just gave me an idea about a painting
Paulspears: that I’d love to see.
&nbs
p; Mindy_larsen: now you’re putting pressure on me!
Paulspears: I can wait forever. ;)
Mindy_larsen: u sly romantic!
Paulspears: I didn’t know u knew that word.
Mindy_larsen: what? Sly? :D
Paulspears: hahahaha. Seriously, u make me laugh.
Mindy_larsen: good. Laughing’s good for ur body ;)
Paulspears: so, have u had breakfast already?
Mindy_larsen: i’m not really fond of breakfast…not when I usually wake up at 3pm.
Paulspears: I didn’t know that!
Mindy_larsen: hahah well, that’s because I never did it in Orleans.
Paulspears: oh. Why?
Mindy_larsen: well, for starters, Orleans is a pretty busy place, and well, my aunt’s pretty busy with all those stuff she has to attend to, as u may know…and yes, NY is the city that never sleeps, but Orleans is the place that never really made me sleep…in a good way
Paulspears: because…of me?
Mindy_larsen: assuming much? :D
Paulspears: I was just joking ;D
Mindy_larsen: hahahah I know :D
Paulspears: so, Cinderella, what are u planning 2 do today?
Mindy_larsen: oh, idk yet. But let’s see…after coffee, I’d probably take a bath, then sit in front of my laptop again…try 2 do some painting…yadda yadda, nothing too exciting
Paulspears: doesn’t matter. U yourself already are exciting.
Mindy_larsen:ooh…are u flirting with me, mister?
Paulspears: I guess I am ;)
Mindy_larsen: hahahah no, you’re not.
Paulspears: I am.
Mindy_larsen: whatever ;D so..what abt u? plans for the day?
Paulspears: well…my mom’s dragging me and dad to this play this evening.
Mindy_larsen: oh! I miss your mom. Tell her I said hi, okay? And what play is that?
Paulspears: her play.
Mindy_larsen: chi-chi acts? Wow!
Paulspears: hahaha oh believe me, u wouldn’t wanna see her.
Mindy_larsen: u are such an unsupportive son. Bleh.
Paulspears: hahahahaha bleh.
Mindy_larsen: u can’t bleh back!
Paulspears: who said so?
Mindy_larsen: me.
Paulspears: and why should I listen 2 u?
Mindy_larsen: because u love me.
Paulspears: hahahahaha gossip girl?
Mindy_larsen: pls don’t tell me u watch gossip girl, too.
Paulspears: uh, no, not me, it’s my mom.
Mindy_larsen: penn badgely is hot. Oh, shit. I wish I didn’t say that.
Paulspears: I’m not jealous.
Mindy_larsen: hahaha it’s not about u. I just remembered my sister’s ex looks so much like penn! But he’s a douche.
Paulspears: oh. Douchebags. Screw them.
Mindy_larsen: ikr?! And get this, he and my sister got back together for a time last year. Glad it didn’t’ work out. She’s the one who’s married to her former bestfriend now.
Paulspears: good for her. What’s it like having four sisters?
Mindy_larsen: well, it’s not nice being compared to them, however, growing up, leigh, carol and I always got along. But kim was a horror! And seriously, I still can’t believe she’s changed now. Really. But oh well…motherhood has its wonders, I guess.
Paulspears: haha I always wanted to have siblings.
Mindy_larsen: hahaha I always wanted to be alone!
Paulspears: u weird little girl.
Mindy_larsen: hahaha like you’re not weird! ;D u know, if I get to have a daughter, I’ll name her Wednesday…
Paulspears: hmm…sounds good to me. Our daughter will be Wednesday ;D I assume, that’s because of addam’s family?
Mindy_larsen: u got that right. I was thinking of morticia but that’s too…morbid.
Paulspears: Good God, good thing u noticed that.
Mindy_larsen: hahahaha I am mortician… boo!
Paulspears: and I’m Gomez
Mindy_larsen: u sure look better than Gomez
Paulspears: I know I do ;)
Mindy_larsen: hahahaha
Paulspears: ooh. And there u go, fallin in love with me even more. ;)
“Minds?” My brother Drake said, interrupting my chat-a-thon with Paul.
“What?” I said.
“Can I borrow your laptop?”
“What? Why? You have yours.”
“It just crashed. And I have a presentation at school today, please, I mean come on, I’ll be late. Please. I’ll go home early…and besides, you never use that…until now. Whoa.”
“But I’m talking to someone.”
“Oh, please, it’s just for a couple of hours! And who’s this, by the way? A boyfriend?”
“None of your business, dummy!”
He laughed, “Come on, please, lend it to me.”
“Fine,” I sighed, “Just wait a bit.
“Great. Thanks.”
Paulspears: u still there?
Paulspears: ok…1…2…3…..2000
Mindy_larsen: hey!
Paulspears: ok you’re still alive.
Mindy_larsen: haha I’m afraid to say I’ll have to just ttyl
Paulspears: oh, why? Hot date?
Mindy_larsen: oh, no, hunny, it’s just my dear brother. Apparently he’s laptop crashed & now he has to borrow mine for this school presentation.
Paulspears: I see…be a good sister then and let him borrow the laptop.
Mindy_larsen: of course I will. Be sure not to miss me, ok?
Paulspears: that I can’t be sure of. ;)
Mindy_larsen: ttyl, paul
Paulspears: sure, bella.
Mindy_larsen: I don’t like twilight.
Paulspears: hahaha no, not twilight bella, “bella” in Italian…you know, beautiful ;)
Mindy_larsen: oh.
Paulspears: come on now, your brother must be very mad.
Mindy_larsen: hahaha k. later.
Paulspears: later. take care.
And then I shut down my laptop. “There,” I told Drake, “All yours.” I smiled.
“Thanks.”
***
paulspears: you up?
Mindy_larsen: obviously how was the play?
Paulspears: it was good, mom was a drag queen.
Mindy_larsen: she played the part of a drag queen? Wow!
Paulspears: haha yeah yeah. So how was your day? Glad your bro gave back your laptop in one piece. ;)
Mindy_larsen: I know! Hahaha well, I’ve been planning about this online store…
Paulspears: and how’s it going?
Mindy_larsen: well, I’m thinking of you know, a site where in people could write me what they want as a painting…or uhm, where they could contact me, and so when we meet, I could do the paintings they want me to do.
Paulspears: cool. That’d be good. Have u already thought of a name?
Mindy_larsen: unfortunately…no.
Paulspears: hmmm…what about morticia’s gallery? Hahaha
Mindy_larsen: hahahaha and let them think it’s a mortician’s gallery? Hell no
Paulspears: haha let’s see…fairiesandstrawberryfields?
Mindy_larsen: I like the sound of that. Why not?
Paulspears: cool. I deserve a thousand bucks for that name.
Mindy_larsen: kiss.my.ass.
Paulspears: oh you’d want that name?
Mindy_larsen: hahahahahahahaha but on second thoughts…
Paulspears: pls don’t.
Mindy_larsen: HAHAHAHAHA
Paulspears: kissmorticia’sass
Mindy_larsen: hahahahahahahaha why are we talking about asses?!
Paulspears: idk lol
Mindy_larsen: hey..btw I discovered something, you sly guy.
Paulspears: what?
Mindy_larsen: you actually have a myspage and youtube page! Why didn’t you tell me? The songs u have there
are great!
Paulspears: well, u didn’t ask…
Mindy_larsen: the idiot. Haha. Seriously, I wonder why these record companies still ain’t getting u
Paulspears: competition’s fierce, m’darling
Mindy_larsen: well, yeah…I know it is. But well, some of them poptarts can’t even sing!
paulspears: haha masses love them.
Mindy_larsen: I love u.
Paulspears: what?
Mindy_larsen: oops. I love your music, I mean.
Paulspears: haha u told me u love me.
Mindy_larsen: oh quit it.
Paulspears: I love u too
Mindy_larsen: hahahah shut it, sweetie
Paulspears: shut what?
Mindy_larsen: hahaha whatever
Paulspears: so are u planning to start the website now?
Mindy_larsen: yeah, guess so…
Paulspears: do it on tumblr, you’ll be more popular there.
Mindy_larsen: if u say so.
Paulspears: I’ll stay up with you.
Mindy_larsen: u will?
Paulspears: why not?
Mindy_larsen: aren’t u goin to the cove or something?
Paulspears: nah, not tonight. Besides, I’d rather talk 2 u.
Mindy_larsen: now ain’t that sweet?
Paulspears: haha I am sweet.
Mindy_larsen: oh bugger off. Hahahaha wait, lemme do this tumblr thingy…
*an hour later
mindy_larsen: hey, Gomez, u up?
Paulspears: I sure am.
Mindy_larsen: it’s done. Check it out and tell me what u think: fairiesandstrawberryfields.tumblr.com
Paulspears: lemme see…
Mindy_larsen: so, what do u think?
Paulspears: it’s beautiful, although I think you should make your background something more u…you know, a scanned copy of one of your paintings or something. I think you could use the painting u gave me, I’ll take a photo of it and send it 2 u so u could be inspired. ;)
Mindy_larsen: hahaha shut it. I think I could do with some of the stuff I have here…or make a new one. Fairies and strawberry fields…
Paulspears: now that’s what I’m talking about!
Caroleverett: minds! Wow, u are online!
Mindy_larsen: I sure am, sister.
Caroleverett: wow. U never go online! This ha something 2 do with that guy u met on Orleans, eh?
Mindy_larsen: hahaha u could say that…
Caroleverett: I wanna meet him!
Mindy_larsen: oh I’m sure u will, he might be here next week, I’ll let u know