Free An Unexpected Hunger by C. Rosa Page A

Peeking through the huge glass doors in the back revealed a large, white-lit in-ground pool.
    “Thanks,” Mark said.
    Ricky smirked. “It’s his parent s’ place. What are they out of town tonight?”
    “Yeah,” Mark muttered. “For the next couple of weeks.” He and Ricky stared at one another for a few seconds. I almost thought they were going to duel or joust or whatever the hell pissing contest guys did.
    “H ow about a tour?” I asked Mark.
    He smiled wide. “Sure.”
    I followed Mark, and left Ricky alone before he could get out another word.
    * * *
    Mark led me through the house, leading me upstairs. I caught a quick glance at Ricky who was following our every move with his eyes.
    After peeking through all the rooms, we ended back downstairs by the pool.
    “So you and Ricky aren’t-”
    “No,” I said, not letting him finish. “Not at all.”
    Mark smiled. “That’s good. You don’t seem like his type, anyway. He usually likes the ones that don’t talk too much.”
    Mia came trotting towards us. “I’ve been looking all over for you,” she said, pulling me towards the dance floor.
    The song changed, and Mia and I joined the pack of people crammed onto the makeshift dance floor in the living room. She and Nick stuck to each other like two stickers, while I felt Mark come up behind me. I danced until the sweat poured from my skin, and my feet ached in my heels.
    Every once in a while I scanned the room for Ricky, who seemed to be getting very familiar with the voluptuous, dark headed girl he was occupied with all night. I tried not to pay attention as he swept her long hair back and whispered in her ear.
    “I need a break, ” I yelled to Mia after the fifth song. I fanned my face and walked outside. I found an empty patio chair and plopped down, feeling the cool air.
    “Tired already?” Mark asked. He grabbed my hand, dragging me back up.
    “My feet,” I muttered. “They’re killing me.”
    Mark scooped me up and over his shoulders. He walked over to the pool, threatening to throw me in.
    “Let me down!” I laughed.
    He set me back on my feet, and I stumbled on the uneven stone. I grabbed his arms for support as the heel of my shoe snapped off.
    “Shit!” I said, taking off Mia’s shoe.
    “Oh man,” Mark chuckled. “I think I have some crazy glue to fix that. Come on.” He nodded me over , and I followed back inside, passing Ricky and his next conquest on the way.
    Mark rummaged through the linen closet at the end of the hallway. “I swear I had some,” he said.
    “It’s fine,” I replied, taking my other shoe off. “They were too uncomfortable anyway.”
    He grabbed my other shoe and snapped off the other heel. “How’s that?”
    “Thanks,” I smiled. “Good idea.”
    “No problem.”
    We stared at each other for a few moments before Mark leaned in and planted a soft peck on my lips. When he went in for another kiss, I held up my hand to stop him. My attempt was thwarted when I felt the bump of someone barrel past me.
    Mark stumbled back as Ricky charged towards him.
    “Ricky!” I said. “What the hell are you doing?”
    Ricky ignored me and shoved Mark harder. “I don’t think you want to do that,” he said. He continued to shove Mark’s shoulders like he was trying to plow him through the wall.
    “What the fu ck Ricky?” Mark said. “I didn’t know you had your fucking name on her.” He shoved Ricky back.
    Ricky didn’t relent. “Keep your fucking hands off of her,” he muttered.
    “Ricky, please!” I said. “Let’s just leave!” I did my best to pull him by his arm, but he was so strong. I barely moved him an inch.
    “What the hell is going on?” I heard Mia call from behind me. It took her all of two seconds to figure it out. “Ricky! Let it go!”
    Ricky finally br oke from his trance, letting me drag him down the hallway.
    “Keep your fucking hands to yourself,” he said, pointing to Mark.
    Mia went on a trek to find Nick while I led