Ms. Bitch: Finding happiness is the best revenge. Read online

  I can understand that. Dating is tough, I’m not sure if I’m cut out for the online dating world.

  Do you have any other dates lined up?

  One this coming weekend, but I’m not even sure why I’m going except he’s extra eager. He’s kind of a young one though.

  How old?

  Young.

  How old, Tess? Robbing the cradle?

  Tess chuckled. Aiden was only a year younger than her, and she was more than certain he’d had many a young woman come on to him.

  He’s twenty-five.

  Ohhhh, Tess. Naughty girl.

  Stop it, I know it’s ridiculous.

  A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. No judgment.

  Sigh, we’ll see. I already know it’s going nowhere, but he’s so excited to go out – another dinner date at that – that I feel bad canceling on him.

  I’m sure you’ll have fun. Hopefully not as much fun as in that story you sent me.

  Tess’s eyebrows shot up and she paused, holding her breath. How did she respond to that?

  I wondered if you’d had time to read it.

  I did… well, what I could get through without being too turned on. I like how your mind works, Tess.

  Oh, well, thank you. Glad you liked it.

  I didn’t just like it… I loved it. Would definitely like to read more of what you’ve written. I can see why your readers like you.

  Tess blushed and clapped a hand over her face.

  Haha, I’m blushing.

  I have to go, Tess, I think I’ll read another chapter before bed… and think of you. Night night.

  “Eeek!” Tess said, putting her phone down and fanning her inflamed face. Why was it she was having more fun texting with Aiden than any of the men who had messaged her through Tinder – the ones who lived within ten minutes of her that she could actually have a future with?

  Maybe he had shown up in her life at the right time just to grow her confidence. He was exceedingly kind, and consistently complimented her, which in turn made her feel more comfortable with exploring the dating world again. No matter what came of her situation with Aiden, maybe she’d met someone who was meant to teach her the right things at the right time in her life. And if that was all it was meant to be, Tess could be grateful for the little things, like words of kindness and the thrills of new beginnings.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Excited for your big date?

  Oh stop, not even. I don’t even know why I’m going.

  I don’t blame the lad, I would be eager to go on a date with you too.

  Tess smiled at her phone that she’d placed next to the bathroom sink as she ran a straightener through her hair. She’d kept the lavender color after her move to Colorado, having found a stylist right around the corner who was great at maintaining the right shade.

  You’re so sweet to me. I think you’d be fun to go on a date with as well.

  I’m bummed we didn’t get a chance to spend more time together when you were here.

  So am I. Maybe next time…

  Tess raised an eyebrow at her boldness as she leaned forward to the mirror, carefully applying her eye makeup. There was something about the fact that Aiden was so far away – unattainable really – that made her carefree in what she said to him.

  Do you think you’ll come down here again?

  I don’t know. I don’t really have anyone to dive with.

  Ahem *waves hands*

  Yeah, but you’re working. It’s different.

  Well, just think about it…

  I will, but I have to go.

  Oh, that’s right, the teenager awaits.

  Stop it! He’s not a teenager, he’s twenty-five, I think. Old enough to go to the bar.

  Uh-huh. Just a wee lad, then. Just be careful, please.

  Shush. I will, I promise.

  It was such an interesting dynamic that had developed between her and Aiden, Tess thought as she swiped some tinted lip balm on and deposited her phone in her purse. They’d begun to message almost every day now, and the conversations ranged from friendly banter to bordering on naughty flirtations. He seemed to straddle the line between being her friend and hinting at something more… and it was the something more that was keeping Tess up at night.

  Tess walked to the restaurant, pulling her coat tight around her, as the first snowflakes of the year began to fall. It was December already, and back home had already been hit with a few snowstorms. Her mind idly flipped to Christmas and she realized this would be the first year in a long time she wouldn’t be with her family for the holiday. Not that it mattered much, she supposed, other than missing out on time with her nephew. Vicki was holding strong with her silent treatment.

  Shoving those thoughts aside, Tess breezed into the Mexican restaurant, and searched for a guy sitting alone that resembled the photos she’d seen online. A man – well, more of a man-boy – waved to her from a back table and Tess bit down a sigh, thinking about Aiden’s quips about robbing the cradle.

  “Hi, Tess? I’m Micah. It’s nice to meet you.” Micah stumbled a bit as he stood and caught his windbreaker on the edge of the table. Why was he wearing a windbreaker in the middle of winter, Tess wondered, and then stumbled herself when he engulfed her in an effusive hug.

  “Nice to meet you, Micah.” Tess sat down across from him at the table.

  “I, uh, ordered us some chips and guacamole, figured you’d like that. Oh, and some margaritas. I know it’s good to order for the lady.”

  Tess sighed. He really was young, and so very eager. “Unfortunately, Micah, I’m allergic to avocado. But I’ll be happy to indulge in a margarita.” She noticed he’d already almost finished a margarita himself. She wondered how long he’d been waiting here for her.

  “Oh man, I’m sorry. Let me cancel it, I can…” Micah raised his hand to flag down a waitress and almost knocked his drink over. Steadying it, he shook his head in disgust as the waitress appeared with the chips and guacamole.

  “She can’t have guacamole. Take it back,” Micah ordered.

  Tess raised an eyebrow at him. Turning to the waitress, she smiled. “It’s fine, really. He didn’t know I couldn’t eat avocado. But if you bring a side of salsa, that will be lovely. And thanks for the drinks.” The waitress beamed at her, setting the plate down before moving on to check her next table.

  “So, Micah, tell me more about yourself.” Tess sipped her margarita, noting that the restaurant had gotten the blend of sweet to sour just right.

  “Well, I just graduated and I have a great job. I’m in finance at….”

  Tess felt her eyes glaze over and her brain wandered as Micah pontificated on the finer points of personal finance. He continued talking, pausing only when they ordered their food – which Tess wished she hadn’t even bothered with – and their second, his third, round of drinks. By the time her fajitas had come, Tess was blatantly looking around the restaurant, wondering if he’d even noticed that not once had he stopped talking, nor had he asked her a single question about herself.

  “You know, Tess, it’s best for you to have a 401k. If not, have you considered a Roth IRA or an investment portfolio? You can’t be too smart about saving for your future,” Micah said, slurping down his drink and signaling the waitress for another.

  “Micah, let me be perfectly clear here. I’m thirty-six years old. I’ve owned homes, have no credit card debt, own my own company, have investment portfolios, and am fiscally responsible. While I thank you for your advice, I’m doing just fine in that department,” Tess said, smiling at him to ease the sting of her words.

  “Oh, well. Duh, I should’ve figured. You’re much older than me.”

  Tess just measured a long look at him over the table.

  “I mean… I, um…” Micah gulped his drink and looked gratefully at the waitress when she arrived with another. When she looked to Tess in question, Tess waved her away. It was clear where this night was going, and she wanted to have her wits about he
r as man-boy across the table got himself sloshed.

  “So, Micah, what is it you like to do for fun?” At least she was enjoying her meal. She’d have to come back here with Daniel and Teddy.

  “Party, go to concerts. My roomies and I like to go snowboarding and grill out.”

  “How many people do you live with?”

  “There’s six of us in the house, sometimes more depending on if we bring girls home.” Micah flushed, realizing his mistake, and gulped more of his drink.

  “Cool.” Tess let the silence drag out, wondering if he would ask her any questions about herself.

  “So, you’re a writer, huh? I bet that has to be a tough gig. Hard to make money from,” Micah said, moving directly into his next margarita. Tess raised an eyebrow at him, wondering why they were once more back to the money discussion, but Micah plowed on. “It’s not like creatives can make a real living. I mean, most I know just dabble on the side of their real jobs.”

  “Writing is my real job,” Tess interjected, but Micah continued. Tess quietly finished her delicious dinner.

  “I mean, I like to write songs, but it’s not going to get me anywhere, you know? It’s more responsible for me to work for a stable corporation, with a retirement plan and benefits. Sure, I’d love to be a songwriter, but I can’t make a living off of that.”

  It was the first interesting thing Micah had said all evening.

  Tess leaned back, motioning to the waitress for the check. “Why can’t you make a living as a songwriter?”

  “It’s too hard to break into. You get paid nothing until you work for the big names.”

  “But if it’s your dream, isn’t it worth giving it a go?” Tess inquired, smiling gratefully at the waitress who placed the check on the table.

  “No, it’s not worth it. I have bills to pay and student loans to pay off. Much more sensible to work for a stable company,” Micah insisted, reaching for the check just as Tess did as well. They had a silent tug-of-war over the table until Tess finally relinquished the leather holder.

  “Can’t you do both? If it’s your passion, you make it work. You could write on your lunch hours, or take weekends to pour yourself into writing songs. That’s what most people do until they can go full-time. It’s what I did.”

  Micah looked at her like she was crazy. “Weekends are for partying and snowboarding.”

  Tess nodded, just wanting to be back at home cuddled with the pups. “Of course.” She dipped into her wallet and pulled out some cash. “Here, I’d like to pay for my half of dinner.”

  “No, no. I insist, my treat,” Micah said magnanimously. “It’s on me.”

  “No, really, I’d like to pay half. I don’t need you to pay for me.” Tess felt awkward about the whole thing, considering the man was obsessed with money.

  “No, but it’s a date. I’m the man, you’re a struggling writer, and I’m paying,” Micah said.

  Tess cocked her head, wondering how he managed to be both chivalrous and condescending at the same time. “Where did you get the impression that I was struggling as a writer?” Tess wondered out loud. He’d talked through the meal, barely asked her any questions, and had no idea if she was successful at her career or not.

  “Well, I mean, most creatives are. That’s just how it works. That whole starving artist thing.” Micah shrugged, so sure of himself and the world at his young age.

  Tess just nodded, deciding not to rock his boat. “Ah, of course. And all those famous musicians must be making peanuts.” As they left the restaurant, Tess rolled her eyes at the waitress, who had overheard and was shooting her a sympathetic look.

  “Well, I mean, they are one in a million. Most people can’t make a living off being a creative,” Micah scoffed.

  Tess stopped outside the restaurant, standing in the chilly night, and met his eyes. “I do.” When he opened his mouth, she held up a hand to shake his. “Thanks for a delicious dinner, Micah. Really, I’ll have to come back here sometime, the food was excellent.”

  Before she could say anything else, Tess had a tongue halfway down her throat and an eager hand seeking its way into the waistband of her pants. Shocked, she pushed at him, then a little harder, until Micah stumbled back, grinning at her.

  “Shall we walk to your place? I know you said it was in the neighborhood.” Micah looked so happily sure of himself.

  “No, Micah, I’ll be going home alone tonight.” Tess stepped back from him, unsure of how to clue in the clueless.

  “You sure? Ah, I get it. You’re one of those classy ladies. Not on the first date and all. I like that… playing hard to get. I’ll call you later. I really can’t wait to see you again, Tess.” Micah rocked back on his heels, beaming at her.

  Tess slowly walking backward away from him.

  “Bye, Micah. Thanks for dinner,” she called from the corner.

  “You sure you don’t want me to walk you home? To make sure you get in safe?”

  “Nope, I’m all good, Micah. Goodbye,” Tess said, hurrying to turn the corner, then dodging down an alley and out onto a different street just in case he followed her. She didn’t think he would. Micah might have been an idiot, but he seemed fairly harmless aside from slobbering all over her outside the restaurant. She was more than happy to see the warm glow from the lamp on her front porch, and she all but bounced up the stairs, happy to be home and ready to cuddle up with the dogs and watch some girl shows. The dogs danced around her feet, and Tess unwound her scarf and tossed her jacket on the table, then poured herself a glass of wine. When her phone beeped, she rolled her eyes, assuming it was Micah.

  How’d the date go?

  Tess smiled at the message on the screen. She really wanted to talk to Aiden and see his face, not just text message with him.

  Want to video chat? she asked, feeling bold.

  Sure, I have some time before bed.

  Tess grabbed her iPad, checking her appearance in the mirror, before she settled into the couch, smoothing her hair once more before she pressed the button to video message Aiden. When his smiling face filled the screen, blonde curls and blue eyes beaming at her, Tess felt herself go warm.

  “Hi,” Tess said, smiling back at him.

  “Wow, you look gorgeous. I’m surprised you’re back from your date so soon.” Aiden leaned on his arms so that he was looking down at her. He must be stretched out in bed, Tess thought, immediately wanting to be stretched out beneath him.

  “Are you though?” Tess teased.

  “Nah, not really. I didn’t suspect the lad had much to keep you interested.”

  Tess’s phone buzzed with a message. And then buzzed several more times.

  “Speaking of the devil….” Tess held up the phone for Aiden to see all the messages.

  “Jeez, mate, you just left her. Play it cool, man.” Aiden shook his head sadly. “Schoolboy error.”

  “He can’t wait to see me, wants to make sure I don’t want him to come over, or I could come party at his house tonight, or maybe tomorrow…” Tess listed off, reading through the messages. “I honestly don’t understand it. He never even asked me anything about myself. Just talked through the whole damn meal. How could he know he wants to see me again?”

  On screen, Aiden rolled his eyes. “Look at you, of course he wants to see you again.”

  “You’re sweet to me,” Tess said, smiling at Aiden.

  “What are you going to tell the lad? It’s not like he’s going away anytime soon judging by how your phone’s lighting up.”

  “Ugh, probably because he sucked down like five margaritas at dinner.” Aiden shook his head once more. “I’ll just be straightforward and tell him thanks for dinner, but that I’m not interested.”

  “That’s nice. I prefer when women are direct with me, instead of playing games.” Aiden nodded his approval. “It’s best for everyone when expectations are clearly outlined or defined.”

  “Oh yeah? Play by the rules, do you?”

  “Depends on the rules.” A
iden laughed. “But I think I’m ethical to a fault at times. I just see so many people doing wrong in the world that I try my best to do right when I can.”

  “That’s refreshing to hear. Not everyone thinks like that.”

  “I hate liars, I like strongly defined boundaries, and I don’t like playing games,” Aiden said. “Well, I like playing actual games, like card games and such, but I hate mind games.”

  “I suppose life would be easier if everyone was just straightforward.” Tess paused to look at her phone again and grimaced at the messages.

  “I don’t know if it would be easier, but it would be at least clearer for people to navigate. Straightforward doesn’t mean that feelings don’t get hurt.”

  “True,” Tess said, glaring at her phone once more.

  “What did he say?”

  Typical bitch move. Let the nice guy take you out for dinner, get your dinner paid, and go home without putting out. What do I get out of it? Nothing. What a waste of money.

  “So, apparently buying someone dinner equates to sex then,” Tess said, anger building up in her. “I tried to pay for my half of dinner – several times! I all but insisted, but he got pissy about it, so I let him. Where does that mean I agreed to take him home and have sex with him? I owe him nothing! Yet, I’m the bitch for not putting out?”

  “Sounds like this guy is a total asshole,” Aiden said, his eyes meeting hers through the screen. “A guy could take you away for a weekend vacation and you still owe him nothing. It’s your choice when and who you share your body with. Period. Never, ever, let some wanker push you into sex because he thinks it is owed to him. That guy has a lot to learn about life.”

  Let me be very clear, Micah. Tess typed rapidly. The only bitch here is you – for expecting that sex is given as a form of payment for dinner. If you want a prostitute, I suggest you go downtown and hang outside the clubs. Don’t ever message me again.

  “Tell him off?” Aiden said, watching her.

  “That I did.” Tess turned her phone off, snuggling into the couch and smiling at Aiden. “Now, tell me about your week.”

  They chatted for almost another hour before Aiden yawned, and glanced at the clock.