Free Only Trick by Jewel E. Ann

closure.
    *
    I should attend yoga classes or something to clear my mind. Psychologically it’s probably not in my best interest to submerge myself in a mentally and sometimes emotionally draining job, then engage in the mind fuck that is Trick in my free time.
    He radiates an element of mystery and danger. Any attempt to figure him out would be the equivalent of diving head first into the dark abyss. Yet, I’m drawn to him in more than just a physical sense, and I’m not sure it’s something I can control. But most disturbing is the realization that I don’t want to control it.
    Pulling up in front of my nana’s place, I look at the time. She’s an early riser which means she’s usually in bed by eight. It’s ten ’til, so hopefully I’ll catch her before she sets the alarm and shuts off the lights.
    “Yes?” she answers shortly after I press the intercom button.
    “It’s me, Nana.”
    The door unlocks.
    “Well isn’t this a lovely surprise.” She opens her arms, sparkling blue eyes that mirror mine crinkle in the corners.
    “Hope I didn’t wake you.” I hug her and feel the warmth of home in her arms—the only arms that have ever felt like what I imagine a mother’s love should feel like.
    “I don’t think that’s possible yet. Mary invited me for coffee earlier and I should have skipped the second cup. I think I’ll be up for a while yet. So come, sit.” A plush, cream bathrobe engulfs her petite frame. The rosy glow of her cheeks and shiny nose indicate she’s washed her face, but her ginger and white Peter Pan hair still looks salon perfect. “You have the night off?”
    “Yes.” I sit in the wing-back chair next to her. “I work in the morning.”
    “Have you been summoned for the dinner party your father is having this weekend?”
    Drawing my knees into my chest, I laugh. “Of course. He’s claimed all my weekends until November.”
    “You could say no. You don’t owe him anything.”
    I shrug. “I know, but I hate conflict.” Usually. “It’s easier to just make an appearance, let him introduce me to some of the most boring people in the world, then sneak out after he …” Casting my eyes downward, I sigh.
    “After he sneaks off to the nearest private room to screw some bimbo?”
    “Nana!” My jaw drops.
    She smirks knowingly. Nothing gets by her. “Big dicks with too much money and power.”
    “He’s still my father. I know in his own twisted way he loves me.”
    She nods once with pursed lips. “So I know you didn’t stop by to talk about your father.”
    Raising my brows, I pop my lips. “Nope.”
    “Steven propose?”
    “God, no! We’re not there yet.”
    “Yet?” She perks up.
    “Ever. He’s not the one.”
    “Oh really? Does that mean someone else has thrown their hat into the ring?”
    I bite my lips together.
    “Spill, dear. Who is he?”
    “He’s a makeup artist Gemmie recommended. But he has not, nor ever will be ‘throwing his hat into the ring.’”
    “Married?” She grins as if the thought of me being someone’s mistress pleases her. It’s possible all my living relatives are a bit twisted.
    I shake my head and smirk. “No, Nana, he’s not married. He’s … gay.”
    She throws her head back and slaps her hand against her chest in a fit of laughter. “Oh my goodness!”
    “Why is his sexual preference so hysterical?”
    “Oh dear…” she wipes the corners of her eyes “…it’s just you have the worst luck in love. When did you find out?”
    I reach over and grab a tissue from the sofa table and hand it to her, rolling my eyes. Then I proceed to tell her everything, not leaving out one single detail—including my magnetic attraction to him that shouldn’t be sexual but is.
    “Well, dear, you’ve hit the jackpot.”
    “What? How have you come to that conclusion from everything I’ve told you?”
    “A guy friend who’s gay? I hear they’re every girl’s dream. Except, from the sounds of things, Trick needs to gay up a