by Hite, Nicole
“Not much. I’ve been working the night shift the last couple of nights to earn some extra cash, but it’s killing my sleep schedule,” she said.
“It’s only temporary honey. They’ll figure it out, and then you can join the living like the rest of us.” I encouraged.
“Thanks, sweets. I appreciate your sympathy,” she said.
“So, Harley tells me you did the deed with Colt,” she whispering with raised eyebrows.
“Damn she’s got a big mouth,” I said.
“Yeah, but don’t tell her that. She’ll use that to her advantage any way she can. Plus, I’m not so sure she bats for just one team if you know what I mean. She might take that as a come on,” we sat joking and laughing.
“Skye, it was unbelievable. He was amazing, I’m still reeling,” I confessed.
“Just be careful, baby,” she said.
“You’re here for a reason and I’m not sure falling for a guy is the reason. I just don’t want to see you get hurt is all,” she said sympathetically. The sad thing is, I think I was already there but, I didn’t know how to tell her that. I didn’t want to think about this tonight.
Leaning into Colt, we sat and listened to Wyatt’s set. He was actually pretty good. I could see why the girls went wild for him. His naturally curly brown hair bounced as he caressed the mic stand. He fed off the girl’s screams when he took off his shirt for their enjoyment. I could see why Skye always found his shows entertaining. The Wyatt who was on the stage was entirely different from the Wyatt we all knew.
Just as Wyatt’s set ended, Skye leaned my way, “I need to use the ladies' room, need to go?”
“I’m good for right now, but I appreciate you asking, Breezy.”
Sticking my fingers in my ears, “Man, those speakers are loud as shit.”
“Oh, come on, Carr. Get with it. It wasn’t that loud. Someone get granny a hearing aid; she’s going deaf,” Wyatt chimed in as he plopped down in a chair across from me.
“What? I can’t hear you!” I joked with him.
The buzzing started to subside just as I heard the click-clack of heels. The hideous aroma of cheap perfume hit me even before I saw her. Placing a hand on Colt’s bicep giving it a squeeze Paisley said, “Hey Colt. Funny seeing you here.”
“Hi, Paisley,” he said trying to be polite, but clearly annoyed at her presence. I wanted to strangle this bitch. Putting an arm around me, and pulling me closer, “I’m just here with my girlfriend, Carrington. You remember Carr, don’t you?”
With a shit-eating grin on my face, I leaned over and gave him a kiss on his cheek. Colt didn’t take his eyes off me even when Paisley was staring daggers at me.
“Girlfriend, huh?” she replied with agitation on her breath.
“Looks like you downgraded since our date,” Paisley said smugly.
“That’s funny, because I heard you made a complete ass out of yourself throwing yourself at Colt,” I said grabbing Colt’s face and gave him the deepest, sensual kiss I could. God, it felt good to rub this in her face.
Caught in the middle of our crossfire Colt looked highly amused at the interaction.
“Watch out Carrington, people might mistake you for a hussy. Especially since you’re even willing to put out on the high school football field,” she confessed thinking she had me.
“I don’t think I have anything to worry about. And, spying on people is really unbecoming of you Paisley,” I said as politely as I could. Just then, Skye came back from the restroom right when Harley caught wind of what was going down. All but running to the table, the girls came at Paisley like two Mama Bears.
“Looks like someone grew some balls while she was away. I guess that’s where all that fat went too,” she hit back.
Putting up my hand to tell the girls, I was ok. “Yep, that’s right Paisley. Grabbing a hold of my crotch, “These balls aren’t taking your bullshit anymore so you can keep walking. I’m trying to enjoy my date with my boyfriend,” I said confidently.
The table erupted in laughter as Paisley clinched her glass. Coming toward me she fake tripped and spilled her drink all over my top.
“Oops, I’m so clumsy,” she said putting her hand in front of her mouth grinning.
“That’s it Paisley. Take your stank ass out of my bar before I beat the shit out of you,” Harley said while Skye held her back.
“Are you ok?” Colt asked grabbing a hold of my shoulders and looking me in the eyes.
“Yeah, I’m good. Look. I look just how I did when I first got back to town, soaking wet,” I said wringing out my top.
“And just like that night, I am still staring at your chest. I’m kinda digging this wet T-shirt contest look on you,” he said pulling me in for a hug.
“I’m going to get you wet,” I said trying to pull away.
“I should be the one telling you that,” he said with a laugh.
“But honestly, it doesn’t bother me. I need you near me right now,” he said sweetly.
“I can’t believe that bitch,” Harley said coming back from the bar with a towel. “I think I got another top in my locker in the back. Come with me,” Harley said grabbing Skye’s hand and mine.
Reaching the back room, “Are you sure you’re O.K.,” Skye asked.
“Honey, the spilled drink is so minor compared to the way I feel standing up to Paisley.”
“Yeah, that was pretty fucking awesome. You literally grabbed your crotch. It took everything for me not to burst out laughing,” Harley chimed in.
“Did you see the look on her face when you started to make out with Colton?” Skye added as we all laughed.
“Speaking of which, holy shit girl,” Harley said bug-eyed.
“That was so hot; even my lady bits were tingling,” she confessed.
“I’m happy for you darlin’. You look so happy.” Skye said.
“You know what? I am happy. For the first time in a long time I feel like life is finally going my way,” I said with a stupid smile on my face.
“If anyone deserves a happy ending, it’s you baby girl,” said Harley as we all went in for a group hug.
“Ok, enough of this sentimental shit. Let’s get you changed and back to your stud muffin,” Harley said.
“Let me see what I’ve got in here,” Harley sifted through her locker.
“Please, don’t put me in something too scandalous?” I pleaded.
“What about this?” she said pulling out a crop top that would just barely cover my tits.
“I’m not sure I could pull that off. What else you got?” I asked hesitantly.
“What about this?” she pulled out a tight blue tank top that said “Bartenders Do It With A Twist.” It was extremely low cut, but I guess it was better than the alternative.
“That’ll do.”
Walking back to the table, I strutted my stuff, as if nothing had happened.
“So, what’s the plan for tomorrow?” I asked trying to change topics reaching the table.
“I have to go in for a little while to help dad pull some papers for some deal he’s trying to close. But after that I’m good to go.”
“Bummer. No problem. I think the girls and I are going to head to the parade around noon so we can cheer on Sadie. I’m so glad she won Tomato Queen.”
No matter what the situation, I always try to see the good in people. Sadie had been Paisley’s sidekick for so long but wised up to her bitchy attitude. Even after all the confrontations, I was still trying to see the good in Sadie. I’m not sure Harley or Skye could forgive her that easily, but that’s not the type of person I am.
“As soon as I get done at the office, I’ll catch up with you guys for the tomato fight,” Colt said.
“It’s a good thing you didn’t take out Paisley tonight. I would have missed that killer arm pelting her in the face again,” he confessed.
“You saw all those years ago?” I asked.
“Are you kidding me, Carr? That’s all he talked about for the longest
time,” Chuck piped up.
“Yeah, yeah, my man’s been pinning for you ever since,” added Wyatt.
“Pinning is an awfully strong word, don’t you think?” he said.
“Fine. Fixated, worshipping, obsessing…” Chuck added.
“Ok, that’s good,” Colt said pulling me close to me.
It was adorable the way he was getting so uncomfortable talking about his feelings for me.
“I’m just glad he manned up and finally did something about it,” Wyatt added.
“Sooo, I guess I shouldn’t feel so bad now,” I responded.
“Yeah, my girl’s been tormenting us for years,” Skye, said while I glared at her in shock for her omission.
“Skye!” I exclaimed.
“What? It’s all good. Right, Colt?” she asked him.
“I think it’s cute actually. I guess at this point we have a lot of years to make up. No use in drumming up our what if’s,” he said. “If you guys don’t mind, I think we’ll head out so I can start making up for those years.”
“I think you have a lot of years to make up for. Don’t you think?” I said bravely.
“Damn! Hey, hey, Carr. Are you sure you didn’t have a crush on me instead?” Chuck said as Colt slapped him upside the head.
“Dude. No. She’s my girl, and I’m not letting her go,” he said staring him down.
“Fine. But just remember. When he fucks up, I’ll be your shoulder to cry on,” Chuck responded trying to put on a Casanova look on his face.
“I think I’m good Chuck. I’m quite satisfied with my man,” I retaliated. On that note, Colton reached for me, picked me up and laid a kiss on my lips.
“Let’s get out of here,” I said breathing heavily into his mouth.
“I was just waiting for you.”
Chapter 16
The entire ride home, Colt gently stroked the back of my hand as he drove. Looking down admiring our hands together, mine seemed to clash with his tanned skin; speckled with freckles while kissed by the sun. I felt slightly embarrassed. I had my nails painted red, but some were chipped away from where I bit them as a nervous habit. Crossing my legs like a proper southern lady, Colt rolled my wrist to kiss the back of my hand. It was a sweet gesture that not all men would take notice to. I’ve never felt this connected to anyone before, but then again, I’ve always pictured doing this with Colt and no one else.
For the first time in a long time, I felt beautiful. I’m still trying to handle the emotional baggage of losing weight, but I’m hoping Colt is patient with me as I learn. I was terrified to stand naked in front of Colt the other night; however he made me feel so comfortable at the moment. I can barely stand and look at myself in the mirror, let alone allow the one man in the world I’ve adored for years, to look at me head on. I guess it couldn’t be that bad since he didn’t run away screaming. Every once in a while, I catch myself looking in the mirror and not recognizing the person in front of me. Sometimes I love her, and sometimes I loathe her. I can be my own worst critic.
One thing “Jenny Craig” didn’t whisper in my ear at the time was although you lose the weight; the person inside can sometimes stay the same. It takes time and understanding to help them mesh, but it’s a hell of a lot easier with a good support system. Being secluded in New York, I lost some of that support system. Being home has reassured me the people I have in my life are just the support system I need. The more I get to know Colt, the more I realize he is precisely the kind of cheerleader I need in my complex life.
●
Pulling into the parking lot of Colt’s apartment complex, I was starting to get nervous. I was walking into uncharted territory being at his home. I had never given too much thought to where Colt laid his head at night, but being here had me curious. A man’s cave was his domain, so naturally, I was honored he wanted to share his personal space with me.
Entering Colt’s bachelor pad, I was expecting something completely different than what I saw. I was anticipating black leather couches, a huge flat screen TV with game consuls for every video game and lots of chrome. It couldn’t have been further from the truth. Colt had excellent taste, lots of creams and beige. He had dark brown hardwood floors accentuated by a multi-colored oriental rug. It was masculine without being the typical bachelor pad.
“Your apartment is gorgeous. You have excellent taste,” I professed with wide eyes.
“Did your last girlfriend decorate for you?” I asked.
“Thanks, and no. I decorated all by myself. I think I did a pretty good job. I figured your home was your sanctuary. It should be comfortable. I would like to come home to a place that feels comfortable, and to me, this is the ultimate southern comfort. However, now that you’re standing in it, it feels complete now,” he professed.
He was so adorable and definitely had a way with words.
“You want a beer?” he volunteered making his way to the kitchen, not before giving my butt a swat.
“I would love a beer,” I responded with a yelp.
Walking around his apartment, I looked around at the little details he had arranged on the bookshelves. He had little knickknacks from all over the world; conch shells as big as my head, hand carved chess pieces, beautiful ceramic vases, African masks. It was spectacular, and what made it even better were the countless books. Books everywhere. Coming up behind me, he reached around my back and handed me a beer. I had completely misjudged Colt. The boy I knew as a child was one thing, but the man standing in front of me now was something different altogether.
“Where’d all these knickknacks come from? They look like they’re from all over the world.”
“That’s because they are. After my injury in college, I took a year off to travel the world. I needed to get away from the one thing that I was tied to for so long. My parents hated that their son had failed them, and I couldn’t bear to look at them. If I had kept playing football, I’m not sure I would have seen and done all the things I did. I saw and felt the beaches in the Polynesian islands, played chess with a monk in India, helped a village of children in Africa. In a way, I feel the injury was a blessing. Experiencing all these things allowed me to appreciate the things I missed the most; like you.
He always had a way of making me blush.
Resting his chin on my shoulder, “You have an enormous collection of books here,” I said tugging on one of them.
“Just wanted to make sure it was an actual book, and not a secret hiding spot for porn,” I said with a laugh.
“Ouch, that hurt a little. Oh ye, of little faith,” he responded sounding wounded.
“Awww, did I hurt baby’s feelings?” I said swinging around to meet his gaze.
“Never sweetheart. I can handle it,” he confessed.
“Let me ask you a question,” I said taking a sip of my beer.
“Anything.”
“Out of all your books, which is your favorite?”
“You are probably going to laugh at me.”
“Try me. There’s not much that could shock me,” I said touching his arm.
“My all time favorite, even after all these years, is Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie. With parents like mine, they weren’t exactly “kid” friendly. I was a boy forced to grow up too quickly. Whenever I read Peter Pan, I feel I get a bit of my childhood back.”
“You don’t ever wanna grow up?”
“Exactly, however I’m glad I did, or I wouldn’t have met you.” he added.
“I feel the same way,” I said trying to hold my composure. Instead of breaking down, I decided to walk around the room to change the topic.
“Oh my gosh, how did you get a copy of this picture?” I said lifting up the frame of three girls eating orange popsicles.
“I may or may not have bribed Kurt at the convenient store to print me a copy when Harley came to get the pictures developed. When I say I’ve liked you since we were kids, I wasn’t lying.”
“I can’t believe you’ve kept this all these years.”
/> “That was the first time I talked to you. Your innocence was adorable, but when our hands touched, I knew it was more than that,” he said rubbing my back. “I finally got the balls to talk to you at Bucky’s party, but then you ran out on me. I didn’t find out you left until Wyatt found me the next day, and heard what happened from Skye. I stayed away for a while because I didn’t want Paisley to harass you further. Once we graduated, I couldn’t stay away from you anymore. I wanted to get to know you better.”
“I had no idea. I wish I had known. And you weren’t bothered by my weight?” I asked cautiously.