First thing's first, I'm the realest.

I pulled my robe around me with a steaming cup of tea in my hand, the sound of my feet padding through the apartment breaking the silence as I made my way to the door. My eyes grazed the clock as I passed it, it really wasn't as late as I had assumed. I guess I wasn't used to staying in at night, between the clubs hours or late night trysts, I rarely found myself at home between the hours of 9:00 PM and 4 AM. Peeking through the eyehole, I felt confused as hell finding Ryan standing in my doorway. I pulled the door open and smiled at her, instantly noticing something was off. "Are you okay?" I asked, not missing a beat while my smile dropped.

Ryan's eyes were red but she played it off with ease, "What, no hello? Where are your manners?"

"Are you okay?" I repeated. 

She let out a small sigh and crossed her arms over her chest, looking cold and even shivering a little, "Can I come in?" I pushed the door open to oblige and her eyes fell on my robe, her lips parting as her eyebrows knitted together, "You don't have company, do you? God, you do. I'm sorry I-"

"No ones here," I cut her off and gave her half a smile. "I know how bad my reputation is, but there are some nights when I sit around and do nothing."

She walked through my door way and her tiny body brushed against mine, "I know. I'm sorry, I just assumed -"

"That a busty blonde might appear at any second and beg me to return to my bed?" I cut her off, joking while I eased the mood. 

Ryan shook her head, "Brunette."

I lifted an eyebrow, "What?"

"You prefer brunettes," She clarified and then her cheeks turned pink. "Sorry, it's just something I've noticed."

I nodded my head, realizing the truth in that. It made sense when you thought about it though; I wanted someone the opposite of me. "Can I get you a cup of tea or coffee? Beer? A shot?" I grinned at her. She looked like she'd been crying, but I didn't want to be the one to bring it up. Either she'd talk about it or she was looking for a place to escape from reality for a little while - I'd let her make the decision. 

She laughed, “I’ll just have a cup of tea.” 

“Let’s go to the kitchen," I nodded towards the small kitchenette, which was still cozy. I poured a cup of hot water and then handed it to her along with a teabag.

“Thank you." She cleared her throat, “Do you have any honey?” I nodded with a smile and grabbed the honey, “Thanks… Honestly if I’m intruding, you can tell me.” 

I shook my head,“ I had a really hot date with Netflix, but he’ll understand.” 

“Thanks… again," She grinned and then we sat in silence for god knows how long, neither of us knowing what to say. Obviously she was upset, but I hadn't had many girl friends in my life, I didn't know how to do the whole talking problems out thing. “Can I tell you something?” She asked quietly, breaking the silence and making me grateful for that.

I nodded, “Of course.”

She swallowed and ran both hands through her hair, “Graham..” She cleared her throat again, “My boyfriend cheated on me…”

I raised a brow, not really expecting that. Then again, men will be men. “How’d you find out?” I asked after a moment, still not sure what to say. 

She breathed out, “He told me. He said it was one time and that he was in a situation that he couldn’t resist.”

I leaned forward, “If he couldn’t resist, he shouldn’t have been with you to begin with.”

“He said he was tired of ‘vanilla sex," She cringed out.

“Vanilla sex?” My brows rose once more, “That’s a fucking excuse if I ever heard one.” I rolled my eyes, “Men.”

She giggled at my comment before her expression turned sullen once more, “I know you haven’t dealt with this much… but do you have any idea why he would say it like that?”

“It was just a more pleasant way of saying he was an asshole.” I shrugged, “You’re a catch. I’m sure the whore he hooked up with pales in comparison to you.”

Ryan swallowed, “I thought we loved each other… He’s been my only boyfriend.” 

“You should come to the other side," I said in a sultry sexy voice, making her blush, “Totally kidding, but don’t let the stupid thing he did make you doubt your own self.”

She nodded although she looked uncertain, “Thanks…”

“How about we get you dressed up all sexy, go to the club and you can find some hot guy to stick his tongue down your throat?” I offered with a grin.

“Really?” She laughed, “You sure Netflix won’t mind?"

“Why not?” I shrugged, “He’ll be fine.”

“Okay…” She grinned, “But I have nothing to wear… I told Graham to get his sh.it out of the apartment by morning…"

"I have plenty of clothes," I replied and grabbed her wrist, waiting for her to set the mug back down on the counter before leading the way to my bedroom. "I never had many friends when I was little... skipped the whole dress up thing. It'll be fun."

Ryan laughed nervously behind me, "I don't need a makeover or anything..."

I grinned at her and let go of her wrist as I made my way to my closet, "Not a makeover, just something slutty." I grabbed the first dress I saw on the rack and lifted it out for her to see, "Your ass would look amazing in this."

"Yeah," She raised an eyebrow, looking a little mortified. "Where's the bottom half of it?"

I laughed and shook my head before putting it back in my closet, "Hasn't anyone ever told you that it's good to break out of your comfort zone? Do the things that scare you? Live a little?" I threw a few cliches at her, cliches but good advice nonetheless. Maybe I wasn't so bad at this friend thing after all. 

"Yes but I'm not sure they meant walking around in underwear all night," She replied but when I looked at her, a genuine smile was playing on her lips. 

 "Well I've worn a lot worse in public," I grinned and grabbed a strapless number, one of the dresses that made my legs look like they went on for miles. "What about this?"

She wrinkled her nose and shrugged, "Maybe."

"Do you trust me?" I asked and stared at her. 

She swallowed and nodded, "Yeah."

"So go try this on!" I grinned and pushed the dress into her hands, next pushing her towards the bathroom. “I look ridiculous Blake!” She said a minute later and walked out. God she was gorgeous. 

“You mean ridiculously hot, right?” I laughed, “Look at you!” 

She stood in front of the mirror and looked at her reflection, rolling her eyes, “I look so out of place.”

“Well then we’re looking at two different people, cause the chick I’m seeing is super hot, if I do say so myself. Any neanderthal would drool over you, I winked.

She smirked, “Neanderthal? You mean man?”

“Potato, pota-toe.” I smirked, “You’re hot. You should flaunt in and rub it in Graham’s stupid face. Maybe even have a one night stand.”

She laughed, “Oh yeah? My heart is beating so fast and I’m just wearing this dress!!”

“Okay, so take it a step at a time, but I’m sure once we get a few drinks in you, you’ll have no problem doing more.”

“Go change, before I change my mind," She grinned at me as I walked off with a dress in hand.

I changed in seconds flat, having the routine down since it was my lifestyle. “Alright, let’s get some shoes on and go!” I brought Ryan out of her daze as she looked at me, blushing a little. “What are you undressing me with your eyes?” I joked with a laugh.

She shook her head, “No, but you’re hot.” I nodded and pointed the way to my shoe closet, her eyes getting wide once more. “Wow…” 

“Yeah, take your pick!”

She grabbed a pair of Brian Atwood’s, “Ready."

I bent over at the hips and put a pair of black booties on, standing back up and adjusting the dress since the v in front was so low I wouldn't be surprised if a boob popped out. "I need to be careful with this dress," I grinned at Ryan. "But I am officially ready!"

She shook her head as we started for the door, my eyes dropping down her body since she couldn't see me looking. "How can you go from being ready for bed to that in just a few seconds?" She tossed her head over her shoulder to look at me. 

I parted my lips to ask her how she went from looking like she'd spent a part of the night crying to stunning in a minute, but thought better of it. "I'm a woman of many talents, haven't you heard?" I fished my keys off the counter and held the door open for her, locking up the place and then dropping the keys into my clutch. 

"Oh trust me, I've heard stories," She said with wide eyes, still smiling, her cheeks still pink. I could only imagine what she'd heard... my reputation wasn't the best. I was an amazing business woman when it came to the club, but I was known for turning straight girls gay and ruining a few mens lives since I wouldn't give them the time of day. Of course neither were true. Most girls were born bi curious. 

"I'm sure none of them are true," I smiled at her, linking my arm with hers as we walked to the elevator.

"Amanda?" She lifted an eyebrow at me while I grinned.

"It's a common name."

"The redhead cocktail waitress... I think she lasted a week before quitting?" She pressed on while I bit my bottom lip, knowing exactly who she meant and the rumors that surrounded her. 

"Her boyfriend was abusive so she stayed with me for a couple of nights before she went back to California to live with her mom," I replied honestly. 

"Oh," She said quietly while we stepped out of the elevator. 

I grinned and looked sideways at her, both of us shivering as we left the building, "What did you hear?"

She blushed at the thought, “You two spent the entire weekend in bed together…”

I smirked at her, “Huh? And I didn’t bore her? I must be talented…” 

She laughed after I winked at her, “So it’s not true?” I asked to clarify.

I shook my head as we walked up to my car, “Nope. Like I said, her boyfriend was abusive so she stayed with me. Didn’t even sleep in the same room.” I smiled, thinking back to the situation and how I felt genuinely good helping her out. “She thanked me and then decided to go back to California.”

“That’s really nice of you.”

I shook out my hair, “And totally not slutty.” 

“I didn’t say that!”

“I know. I just love seeing you all flustered," I stuck out my tongue, making her blush even more.

Ryan exhaled, shaking her head, “I guess I have to roll with the punches, right?”

“Now you’re getting it," I laughed as we slipped into my car and headed to the club.

“Thanks again," She told me quietly. “I appreciate all your help."

"It's nothing," I smiled back, keeping my eyes on the road. 

From the corner of my eye, I could see Ryan shaking her head. "No, you've done a lot for me... giving me a job, taking the chance on me... this," Her voice broke on the last word and I held my breath, hoping she wouldn't start crying. 

I tilted my head in her direction for a brief moment before returning my eyes ahead of us, setting my hand on her leg I gave it a squeeze. "We're friends. That's what friends do for each other," I replied, not that I knew the first thing about being a friend. 

"Thank you," She said quietly, almost whispering it. She reached down for my hand and tangled it with hers while I gave her another squeeze of encouragement. Maybe I wasn't so bad at this whole friend thing after all. 

"You're welcome," I replied, turning into the parking lot and finding my normal spot. "Are you sure you don't just want to go back to my place and binge watch crappy shows all night?"

She laughed and dropped my hand, smoothing her dress out over her thighs, "Positive. I need some fun in my life."

"Now there's a word I'm familiar with," I shot her a smirk before getting out of the car and locking it behind us. “And no worries because I own this club and everybody will be at my beck and call.”

She bit her lip, “Yeah?”

I nodded, “I already texted the manager on duty and we have a VIP section just for us, complete with all the liquor you want.”

She laughed, “Wow, you are a really good date.” 

“Only the best for my friends," I laughed back and winked as I grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the front door, which had a line wrapping around the building.

The doorman smiled and let us in immediately without any question and I heard tons of groans. “She owns this place, so shut up!!” I heard the doorman yell making me grin as everyone greeted me with big smiles. 

I dragged Ryan to the VIP section, “Pick your poison.” 

“I want a Cosmo.” She smiled at me, “But in the meantime, a shot?”

“Sounds great.” I poured two shots of tequila and grabbed two lime wedges, handing them to her as I placed some salt on her hand, “What should we toast to?” 

She bit her lip and thought, “To the fact that there are no stupid men here to ruin our night.” 

“Sounds good.” Our glasses clinked and I licked the salt off my hand before shooting the drink and following with the lime.

Ryan scrunched her face as the alcohol burned, “That was good."

I laughed and shook my head, watching her cheeks blush furiously. "You make this adorable face when you take shots," I told her and smiled. 

"Just what every woman loves hearing; that she's adorable," She replied and scrunched her nose again, looking just as cute as she did only seconds ago.

I shook my head again, "You're cute, but you're also sexy... it's hard to be both, but it's definitely a compliment."

She smiled back at me and looked like she was relaxing a little, "Thank you."

I nodded, "You're welcome."

Ryan crossed her legs and pulled at the hemline on the dress and if it might magically grow a few more inches. "Do you really think I'm sexy?" She asked quietly, not looking at me. 

"Yes," I said simply, finally getting her to look at me.

"If you were into girls? I'd be all over you," I said seriously.  

She laughed, “Really? That sexy that’d you’d go for the straight girl?” 

“I said if you were into girls. I’m not into changing the straight girls gay," I laughed back. 

“Maybe dating girls would be easier," She sighed with a pout before taking a sip of the drink in front of her.

I laughed, “That’s a negative. I mean you do get an extra set of clothes, shoes, makeup and all the other girly things, but girls can be complete b.itches. They’re evil and vindictive when they don’t get their way."

“Sounds awful.”

I shrugged, “It can be… but when you find someone that you really like, the relationship will be so much better. I think that’s if you’re straight or gay.”

Ryan took another shot, “Maybe I should just have a one night stand. A good fuck to just jolt my system and get over Graham.” She shook her head, “You know he’s the only guy I have ever slept with. Ever! I mean that’s gotta be weird, doesn’t it?” I asked her, as she cracked a smile.

“It’s not weird. It’s a very sweet notion. The only weird thing is that you’re gorgeous and you’ve only slept with one guy. I mean you could have tons and tons of guys and you chose him.”

She pouted, “I thought I loved him. I did love him."

"And you're going to love again," I shrugged my shoulders. "The world is full of people, you just haven't found your person yet."

She smiled at my words and nodded her head, "That's a good way of looking at it."

"I know that I'm hot, but I'm pretty smart too," I winked at her before tossing a shot back. 

"You are," She replied, still smiling at me. I reached for her wrist and stood up, noticing her eyes widening a little. "Where are we going??"

"Where do you think we're going? We're at an amazing club with the best DJ in the area... we're going to dance!" I shouted over the music which was quickly becoming louder and louder as we made our way to the dance floor. 

She shook her head, "No! I can do ballroom and -"

"I'm sure you'll be great," I faced her with our bodies only inches apart. Setting my hands on her hips, I started moving, "It's easy. Just move your hips."

"I know how to dance!" She replied, still standing there.

I raised both eyebrows and let go of her body, "Prove it!" 

She bit her lip and looked unsure of herself, “Okay… maybe I really don’t know…”

I laughed lightly, “It’s okay. Don’t be embarrassed.” I grabbed her hips once more, “Stop being so tense. That’s not going to help you.”

She swallowed while her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink, “It’s hard to relax…” 

I laughed at how tense she was, “Do we need to get more alcohol for you?” 

Ryan sighed, “Okay, just give me a second to shake it off.” She took a deep breath, shaking her arms, making me laugh once more.

“You okay now?”

She let out another deep breath, “A little, but I doubt it’s going to get better unless I just let it go.”

“Should we start a ‘Frozen’ duet? Would singing Let It Go make you feel better?” I teased her, making her chuckle. “Let it goooo.” 

“Don’t worry. I think I’m relaxed now.” 

I nodded and set my hands on her hips once more, “Just loosen up and move your hips.” She swallowed as she followed my lead, “See! Just keep doing that and you’ll have all the boys acting like dogs for you.” 

“Dogs? How flattering.” She laughed, “Maybe just some girl time would be good for me."

"Well I'm good for that," I winked at her and she flushed more than I thought possible. I shook my head and grinned at her, "I'm joking! No need to blush."

"I'm not blushing," She said but bit down on her lip again, moving her body closer to mine.

I ignored her words and kept my body in sync with hers, hating to admit to myself that she was turning me on. Pulling my hair to one side, I took a step back and fanned my face, "It's hot in here."

"Are you sure it isn't just me?" Ryan joked back and I laughed, thinking that it might be the first joke she made in a while... maybe she really was loosening up. Maybe her leaving her boyfriend would be the best thing for her since she was so damn sheltered. 

I was moving my body closer to hers when someone grabbed my wrist. Turning my head, I found one of the bouncers who lowered his head closer to mine to whisper over the music that a man I had a restraining order on was trying to get in. I let out a groan and reached for Ryan's hand, tangling her fingers with mine after telling the bouncer I'd go grab paperwork for him. "Sorry, I need to grab something from the office," I explained and led the way down the hall. 

"I was just getting the hang of it," She smirked back at me, looking more confident than she had all night. 

"I could tell," I smiled genuinely at her, happy for her even if she might still consider this the worst night of her life.

"So what happened?"

I walked into the office and let the door close behind her, "This guy who I 86'ed from here a year ago is trying to get in."

"This night just keeps getting better and better," She said with sarcasm dripping from her voice.

I grinned, "I don't know about you, but dancing with you out there has been the highlight of my week."

She sat down on the edge of the desk while I flipped through a folder, her dress riding very high on her smooth thighs. I was distracted, but kept reminding myself that she was straight... straight and with baggage. "I'm sure you're just trying to make me smile," She said in a soft voice. 

"Did it work?" I moved my eyes from her thighs to find a smile on her face. It made me smile back at her. "You don't give yourself enough credit... You have no idea how hard it is to find a woman who is smart, adorable and sexy all in one. Trust me, I know."

“So I must be your dream girl huh?” She joked with a laugh and a wink.

“Except you are straight." I winked back.

She bit her lip, “What if I wasn’t? I mean I’ve never been with a girl… I could be bi!” She laughed to  herself.

I laughed back, “You’re not bi. You’re just really wanting rebound sex.”
 

“Mmm, sex does sound good right now, all the guys looked like tools though.” She pouted, “But I’m totally serious! I could be bisexual.”

I stood up and gave her a serious stare, “Do you want to see if that’s true?” I raised an eyebrow while Ryan looked like she might pass out, swallowing hard. 

“What?” She asked in a quiet whisper.

My serious face faltered as I started chuckling, “I’m kidding! Wow, I got you good. Don’t worry I won’t corrupt you too much," I patted her knee.

“I guess I’m gullible," She joked as she shook her head, “Do you want to head home? The guy getting kicked out kind of put a damper on things, plus I think I ready for bed.”

I nodded with a smile, “Yeah, let me call a cab for us.”
She hopped off the desk and wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into a big hug, “Thank you for being a great friend Blake.” 

“Thank you for letting me be your friend.”