by Skye Turner
“Oh you know, diversion…”
He laughs as he tweaks my nose. Dispatch comes over the radio at that moment with a call. “Possible cardiac arrest. Male, thirty-eight, was involved in rigorous intercourse and started having chest pains. Unable to catch his breath. Lips are blue…”
Ty looks at me. “Ok, let’s do this. Let’s go save a life.”
He heads to the ambulance, while I radio dispatch to get the exact location. Ty drives as I check over my bag and put Cruz into the back of my mind. My adrenaline starts pumping as I mentally prepare myself for whatever awaits us at the location.
Two hours later our shift is over and we are heading out of the station after showering and changing clothes. I feel amazing. We did indeed save the gentleman’s life.
Ty is waiting in the hall as I exit the women’s locker room. He straightens up from the wall. “So, you ready for beer and wings?”
I link my arm with his as we stroll outside. “I am. Ready to decompress.”
He stops at his truck. “Want to ride with me? That way Cruz can bring you home?” He waggles his eyebrows as he says it.
Pursing my lips as I tap my foot, I nod. “Yes.”
He laughs as he opens my door and bends down in an exaggerated bow. “Your carriage, my lady.”
I snicker at his absurdity. “You’re ridiculous.”
He grins as he shuts the door and swivels his hips to a beat only he can hear as he rounds the truck. Within minutes, we’re heading to campus. “There’s a table for us. Some of the guys have been drinking since noon, so I’m sure they’re already tanked, but at least we’ll have a table!”
“Shit, I didn’t even think about that.” I totally forgot it was game day and Walk-Ons was on campus. “I should text Cruz, too.”
Ty glances over at me. “Take a picture of your boobs and send it to him.”
“WHAT?!”
He laughs. “Why are you acting so shocked? Your boobs look great in that shirt. It’s sexy. You look sexy, so send him a picture.”
“I can’t… I won’t… I’m not doing that!”
We stop at a red light and he looks at me. “Why not? You want him to know you want more, right?” He glances at my cleavage. “Trust me, sending him a picture of your tits will work to your advantage!”
I roll my eyes at him. “He doesn’t care about my tits!”
“Bullshit! If he’s not gay, he cares about your tits!”
“Are we seriously having a conversation about my boobs, Ty?! And he’s not gay!”
I can’t send Cruz a picture of my cleavage. He would flip out. On the other hand… I can send him a picture of my shirt! I had a fitted LSU shirt in my locker. I can send him the photo and just act oblivious. If my girls look fabulous in it, well, that can be an added perk.
Holding out my camera, I pull the scoop neck down just a little more and smile for the camera as I snap the selfie.
Ty laughs. “Let me see!” I hold the phone out and show him. “Mmmmmm hmmmmm. Perfect. Send that.”
Before I chicken out, I type a quick message and hit send, then place the phone on my lap and close my eyes with my head back on the seat.
Traffic is crazy getting into campus, so I’m glad Ty is driving, allowing me to rest my eyes for a bit. I’m tired. Today was a long day. Thankfully, we’re off tomorrow and I can catch up on my sleep.
I must have fallen asleep. I’m startled as Ty gently shakes me as he calls my name. “Tifanie. Wake up, doll. We’re here.”
Sitting up, I stretch. “Thanks, Ty. Sorry. I fell asleep.”
He chuckles and smirks at me. “You did. It’s ok. It was only for about twenty minutes.” He slaps my thigh. “Now wake your ass up! Time to get you some!”
I laugh as I open the door. “You’re a fool, Ty!”
He laughs as we head into the noise coming out of the sports bar.
Chapter Three
Cruz
She sent me a picture. Why did she send me a photo? And her shirt is VERY low in it. She’s wearing that tonight? Why would she send me a photo? She’s never done that before.
Her text was weird. The text was normal, but the photo was not. She’s making me insane. I don’t know how to handle this. All it said was, “Geaux Tigers!” But why the picture?
I’m trying to decipher the meaning as I navigate through all of the traffic getting to campus. My radio is loud, though I don’t even know what song is on. I’m so deep into my thoughts.
I couldn’t fathom a response to the picture, so I didn’t respond. I’ll be there in five minutes anyway.
My phone rings as I hit the gates of LSU. Glancing at the caller ID, I see “Momma” on the display. Hitting the button on the dashboard to connect the call, I answer, “Hey, Momma. What’s going on? Everything ok?”
“Hey, baby. Everything is fine. I was just calling to check in with you. I haven’t talked to you in a few days.”
Drumming my fingers on the steering wheel, I reply, “Things have been a little busy. We’ve been having a lot of band meetings and Bradi is keeping us hopping to prepare for the arena tour in about two months. Why they decided to start the tour around Thanksgiving is beyond me. She’s been frantically scheduling all these interviews and photo shoots. Sorry I haven’t called you. How are you? How is everything going?”
She sighs. “Everything is going fine, baby. I just wanted to hear your voice. It’s been a trying time.”
I grip the wheel tightly. “I know, Momma. Has he contacted you again?”
She’s quiet for a bit, then she answers, “Yes. He’s called a few times, but I just let the machine get it. I don’t want you to worry. He can’t hurt me. He says he just wants to talk and to apologize.”
My vision is red with the fury in my mind. How dare that son of a bitch call my momma? Taking a deep breath, I try to control my rage. “Do you want me to call his parole officer? I can handle this. Don’t talk to him. Seriously, Momma. Don’t talk to him.”
I can hear her hand shaking through the car speakers. “Cruz, baby, I didn’t call you to upset you. You’re a good son. I love you so much. But, I don’t want you to stress about this. I just wanted to hear my strong boy’s voice. You always brighten my day. You brighten my life. I’m not worrying about him and you shouldn’t either. You don’t have to call his parole officer. I have the number, too. That’s not why I called you. I don’t need you to protect me, baby.” I hear the road noise. “Where are you headed tonight?”
“I love you, too, Momma. I know you don’t need me to protect you, but I’m your son and I’m going to do whatever I can to make your life easier. I owe you that after everything you’ve done for me my whole life. You night not need me to handle things, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to.
“Anyway, I’m actually going to watch the LSU game with some friends. I’m heading to campus to meet them and traffic is ridiculous.”
She laughs softly. “I know that. You’re a good son. The best and I love you. You’re my precious baby, even as a grown man that women fawn over.
“Well, it’s obviously not the band you’re meeting with. You would have said you were meeting the guys. Are you meeting that girl you’ve been spending so much time with? The one I’m not allowed to ask about?”
Great. I should have known she’d pick up on that. I don’t want to get her hopes up. “Yes, I’m meeting Tifanie. But, don’t overthink this. She’s a friend.”
I hear her sigh again. “I’m not overthinking anything. I just want you to keep your head and heart open. You deserve to be happy and find you a good woman, baby. That’s all I’m saying about it. She seems to have something you find interesting since you spend so much time with her lately. Just don’t stop something before it can start. Promise me that?!”
What is she talking about? I’m not stopping anything. We really are just friends. But I hear myself say, “Yes, Ma’am. I promise,” as I pull into the packed lot and look for a spot to park.
I see a truck leavi
ng in the back so I navigate the people spilling over into the parking lot and head toward it. As I throw it into park, I say, “Well, Momma, I’m here. I need to get inside. Kick-off is in about half an hour. I’m going to come by tomorrow, ok?”
“Ok, baby. Plan on staying for dinner tomorrow night. Have fun. And keep an open mind. I love you.”
“Love you too, Momma. I’ll be there tomorrow. Goodnight.”
She says the same and I un-sync the phone and adjust my cap as I head into the noise of the bar.
I walk in and look around as my eyes adjust to the lighting. I see Tifanie and her coworker, Ty, at the bar getting drinks. She looks good.
As if she knows I’m there, she turns and smiles at me. I see Ty lean down and say something into her ear. She shakes her head and laughs at him. My stomach clenches with surprising jealousy.
Stop it. Shake it off. Friends… just friends.
She nods her head toward the far corner of the bar area where I see a rowdy bunch at a table and holds a beer up. I nod in agreement and make my way through the large crowd, all the while keeping my gaze on her backside. I’m stopped a few times and drunk girls and guys ask me if I’m, well me, but I smile and shake my head to deny it. I hate being recognized and having people focus on me.
As I get closer to the table, I see Tifanie talking to a burly guy with a LSU cap on. Ty has his arm thrown across the guy’s shoulders and I catch the tail end of the conversation as I approach. “…single and ready to mingle. You know she loves seafood and there are several places in town she likes. Maybe y’all can do something tomorrow. We are off.”
What? Is she interested in him? Is he asking her out?
She chuckles and looks over at me with her eyes full of mirth, but she looks tired. Her face lights up and my chest swells. “Hey, Cruz. You made it.”
I nod and incline my head to Ty and his buddy. “I did. Traffic is a bitch out there.”
Ty laughs. “Yeah it is. It’s campus and a game night. How’s it going, man?”
“Good. Busy.” I know I seem short, but I don’t talk to people. And I don’t think he likes me anyway.
He clicks his tongue and stares at me before smirking and turning back to his friend and Tif. They talk and Tif looks at me with a smile. “Hey, handsome. I got you a beer. Abita Pecan Harvest Ale is on draft.”
Ah, Abita. I do love this Louisiana beer. I take it from her as she holds it out and our hands brush. Ignoring the charge racing up my arm, I take a quick gulp. This is getting more and more difficult every day.
She takes a sip and looks at me over the rim of her glass. Finally I can’t take it and mutter, “What?”
She leans over to be heard above the noise of the bar and says into my ear, “You ok?”
I immediately nod, though her perception makes me nervous. She smiles and says, “Ok, you don’t have to tell me, but I’m here if you want to.” Linking her arm with mine, she pulls me closer toward the table and two empty stools. “Hey guys! Look who decided to join us.”
The table is full of paramedics and firemen. I’ve seen them a few times over the past couple of months, so I’m not as uncomfortable. Though I’m not on friendly terms with any of them and Tifanie is the only female in the bunch. Several nod at me through alcohol-glazed eyes and I notice that Ty and his friend are both looking at Tifanie and me and our linked arms. The friend is scowling.
Not my issue, dude.
The evening goes off without a hitch as we watch the game. I nurse the one beer, since I never drink and drive, while Tif has a couple and LSU wins over Wisconsin. As the place erupts in cheers and cat-calls, Tifanie hops off the stool she’s been occupying and says she’s going to the restroom.
I nod as I watch the announcers interview Les Miles on the large screen and pop a fried pickle into my mouth. I’m not much for conversation with people I’m not really close to and most of these guys are drunk and trying to pick up the cute waitresses serving us.
Tifanie’s stool is pulled out and Ty sits down. I notice his friend isn’t at the table anymore. I look at Ty because it’s obvious he wants to talk to me. My brow arches.
He chuckles and takes a sip of his beer. “So, what’s the deal, Drummer Boy?”
“What deal?”
“You know what I’m talking about. You’re not an idiot. Or are you?!”
What the hell? Is everyone going to get on my case today about this? I just look at him and answer dryly, “Not sure what you’re getting at, Ty.”
“Yeah, ok. I’ll spell it out for you. You and Tifanie. What’s the deal? Are you interested in her or not?”
“What’s it to you?” I ask.
He stares at me and shakes his head. “She’s my partner. I care about her. We’re friends and she’s like family. She’s into you. You’re not an idiot. You have to know that. Yet, you hang out with her and nothing happens. I think you’re an ok dude, but if you aren’t interested in her, back off. Either make a move or walk away.”
Is this asshole threatening me? Who does he think he is? Tifanie and I are friends. Just friends. I respect her and we have a good time. I like her, but this guy is not going to tell me what to do. It’s none of his business.
I breathe through my nose and look at him. “I respect your opinion. You’re her partner and I get that you’re looking out for her, but we’re friends. What happens with us is our business.”
He nods and chuckles. “All I’m saying is shit or get off the pot, Drummer Boy. In case you haven’t noticed, she’s hot. But I know you’ve noticed. I see you noticing. Lots of people notice. So, if you don’t figure it out and fast, someone else is going to take your shot.” He stands up and taps the table. “Like Remy.” He nods toward the bathrooms where I see Tifanie talking to his friend. Their heads are close together and they’re laughing. Her cheeks are flushed and his hands are resting comfortably on her shoulders.
My hands clench and my jaw locks. He smirks as he throws his hands up. “Take the shot…” and walks away.
I’m left sitting at the table watching Tifanie flirt with Remy and an unwanted feeling in my gut.
Son of a bitch… What am I going to do here? Am I going to take a chance and make a move or am I going to walk away?
Dammit, why does this have to be so complicated? There are just so many things that she doesn’t know. So many things I haven’t told her. I haven’t told anyone. No one knows. Except the guys and girls. Am I ready to let someone in?
Weirdly, I think I want to let Tifanie in. I just hope she doesn’t walk away once she knows the facts…
What do I do here?
Chapter Four
Tifanie
Remy is so attractive and sweet. He’s flirting like crazy and we’ve had a casual thing when he’s been home on leave in the past, but I’m so focused on Cruz at the table with Ty that I’m not giving Remy the attention he deserves. He chuckles as he notices my distraction.
“You’re not here with me, are you?”
I shake my head and smile at him. “I’m sorry. I am here and I like you. You know that.”
He nods and grimaces. “I do. But you like the drummer more.”
I swallow and glance over at Cruz. He’s looking over here, but looks away as soon as our eyes meet. Returning my gaze to Remy, I shrug. “I’m sorry. He’s worked his way under my skin.”
His eyes search mine and he smiles sadly. “I see that. He seems ok, but he’s got something going on, Tif. Just be careful. I like you and we’ve had fun. I’m home now and I’ve thought about possibly starting something up… with you… but, I see the coy glances you throw his way. You and me… we’ve had a good time. But you,” he inclines his chin toward Cruz, “and him, well, I can’t compete with that. Just be careful.”
I smile at Remy and lean up to kiss his cheek. Leaning back, I cup his face. “I’m sorry.” He smiles sadly at me. “I know he has stuff going on. I’d like for him to share that stuff with me.” I sigh. “I’m just not sure he ever will.”
Looking back at Cruz, I see Ty get up from the table and stroll away. Cruz looks back at me and this time, he stares. He swallows and I can see his throat working. My gut clenches at the sight and I let out an unintentional sigh.
Remy chuckles. “Ok, then. Go on girl, go break that man down.” He gives me a wink and walks in the same direction Ty just went.
I continue to stare at Cruz. Neither of us is willing to be the first to look away this time. When my insides are a complete puddle of mush and my panties are completely soaked, I take a deep breath and look away. Then, straightening my back, I head back to the blue eyes at the table.
He watches me walk. As I reach the table, I swipe his beer since mine is empty and take a swig of the warm liquid before sitting down on my stool. Turning to him, I smile. He’s watching me warily. Leaning over, I decide to push the envelope. I want him. And it’s time to step up my game.
His eyes widen as I encroach on his space, but he holds firm. Leaning in, I stop at the shell of his ear. “You ready to get out of here? I’m beat and I need a ride home. Take me?”
He pulls back slightly and watches me. I hold my breath. He nods and stands up.
My breath whooshes out as he turns his back to leave. He doesn’t move though. He just stands there. Finally, he turns around and holds his hand out to help me down. Not that he needs to. Without a second thought, I place my hand in his and he doesn’t drop it as we walk out of the bar into the night.
We walk to his car in comfortable silence as he continues to lightly hold my hand. As we stop at the passenger door, I make no move to open it. He quirks his brow as I stare at him and he leans down, boxing me in as he opens it. I refuse to move and I can feel his accelerated breaths against my neck. I stare at him, willing him to look at me. He exhales and turns his head. Our faces are so close I can see the darker rim of blue around his startlingly light eyes in his caramel face. Without thinking it through, I lightly brush my lips against his full, perfect ones. Just once. Then, I duck under his arm and plop onto the seat because my knees are so weak, I’m about to collapse.