Grabbing the hem of my t-shirt, I wipe the sweat off my forehead and turn back around to finish stocking the wells. For being a fall day, this weather was surely messed up either that or Uncle Mark had been messing with the thermostat again.
“I see that you’re my bar-back tonight,” Jessica says as she clocks herself into the register.
“Yep, I’m on until close tonight,” I reply, turning around to give her a slight smile.
“Good, I hate it when they have that Chris kid back here. I swear that boy is the laziest creature in this world. Not to mention, I don’t think he showers……….like ever.” Jessica throws her personal belongings under the counter, and grabs an ice cube to run over her chest. “Seriously, has Mark been messing with the temperature again? I have told him a thousand times to leave it the hell alone.”
“There’s my two favorite girls in this place,” a familiar voice comes from the other side of the bar.
“Seriously, Greyson? The only reason you like me is the amount of money I put into my chest a couple years ago. Why are you even here tonight?” Jessica scoffs, tossing an irritated glance over her shoulder at me.
“I just came by to check the schedule,” he replies quickly, letting the smirk he carried on his lips slowly disappear.
“Well go check the schedule, Playboy. I’m going to go check the thermostat and figure out why it’s hotter than the devil’s ass in here.” Jessica chucks the ice cube into the sink and wipes her hands off on the stomach of her tank top.
“She really has a great rack.” Greyson chuckles, leaning further up on to the bar top.
“Go home, Greyson.”
“Ah, come on, Charlie girl. I thought we were getting somewhere on this friendship thing? How hard do I have to work at gaining your approval?” His muscles flex under the tight black t-shirt, making my insides groan with desire.
“There is no working on making me like you, Greyson.”
“It’s only a matter of time before you fall under my charm,” Greyson smirks, backing himself off that bar and folding his arms in front of him.
“You are absolutely delusional if you think that we could ever be friends. You chase anything that bats their eyes at you for longer than thirty-seconds, and that will never be me,” I scoff.
“Don’t get so nasty, Charlie. The sooner you realize I’m like basically the best person in the world, the easier it is going to be on you. Give in, Cupcake.”
“I hate you, Greyson.” Letting out a rather large sigh, I turn back to the bar to finish stocking.
“You might hate me now, but I promise you will love me before too long,” he replies, flashing me those pearly whites of his.
“Go home, Greyson,” I toss over my shoulder, refusing to look at the man who is driving me completely insane.
“I’ll come by later,” Greyson says while walking away.
“Oh goody,” I mumble under my breath. There was no way we were ever going to be friends. And he really had another thing coming if he really thought I would fall in love with him. Love is not in the cards for girls like me; and I’m perfectly okay with that. Not to mention people do stupid things when in love, and I’ve already had enough of that to last a life time.
Emptying the last of the bottles into the well from my bin, I brace myself on the cool steel counter. There has got to be a way to shut this idiot down. Why in the world is he so relentless in his pursuit of friendship? I am pretty sure there has yet to be a conversation between us that I have actually been nice. What he sees in this broken, demented, messed up life of mine is not making any sense. I already have friends. I have Samantha back in California, and I think I can classify Will as a somewhat-kinda- still in the early stages of possible friendship, friend. There is no room in my life for people like Greyson.
“Charlie, you almost done out there?” my uncle calls from the dark hallway.
“Yep,” I holler back, instantly breaking the thoughts running through my mind.
“Go get changed; we should have a big crowd tonight with the band.”
“Got it,” I sigh. The last thing I want to deal with tonight is a packed bar, full of drunk college students meandering about. Being around the booze was hard enough, but dealing with intoxicated people just makes me downright mean. One of these days I might just snap and punch someone in the face. Making it to closing tonight is going to take an act of god.
Chapter 10
Greyson
It seems like a total low-ball move asking Mona to meet me at the bar, but being around another woman is the only way it seems to get Charlie to notice me. I don’t expect her to stake her claim on me, considering she has yet to admit friendship, but last time I had Cameron here with me she came close. Yes, she did freak out at the restaurant, but at least she went with me. It’s a total step in the right direction at getting that woman to cave. I probably should feel bad using Mona this way, but I have needs and wants, and Charlie fills all of those. So I have to do an unconventional thing to make her realize that she wants me, too. Sometimes the power of the universe doesn’t always align the way I need it to, but all it takes is a little work and I can have my cake and eat it, too.
“I’m glad you called,” Mona whispers in my ear. Her long nails rake across my neck slowly, sending chills down my spine.
“It’s nice to see you again,” I reply, tipping the bottle of my beer back gently. This chick has been plastered next to me the entire night, seductively whispering in my ears, placing her lips against my bare skin, running her hands up and down the tops of my legs, doing everything in her power to stake her claim in my bed tonight. She isn’t a rookie in the one night stand department, and everyone knows that in this town. Usually that would be a turn off, as I like a little challenge to my game. Even with all the tricks, I still wasn’t going to be taking her home. I just need her to keep up with the advances, maybe take it up a couple notches until I can be certain that it’s getting to little miss Charlie over there.
For the last couple hours she has hardly looked over in our direction. Mark has her working bar back tonight, and on a busy night those poor souls run themselves ramped going back and forth between the bartenders and the stock room. Every single time I glance over there, she is doing something, and no matter how long I stare, I can’t seem to catch a glimpse of those gorgeous eyes of hers.
“You need another drink, Baby?” Mona coos, this time running her fingers down the length of my arm.
“I’ll get them.” Quickly, I stand and brush her grasp off my arm. Her voice is starting to get on my nerves, making me close to saying ‘fuck it’ for this entire evening. As much as my dick is begging for some action, I refuse to get it wet on those lips.
“Hurry back,” Mona calls out, leaning over the small round table to give everyone in the place a view down her tight red corset top. Maybe if I get lucky, some stupid freshman will try to hit that, and I’m off the hook for the rest of the evening.
“Two beers, Jess,” I call out from the servers well.
“Charlie, can you grab that for me?” she shouts, nodding her head in my direction without taking her eyes off the drink she is mixing in front of her.
“Okay,” comes Charlie’s small voice, glancing around the back wells for two bottles. Quickly twisting the tops off, she grabs the necks and hands them over in my direction. A massive grin appears on my face, knowing she has no other option but to talk to me.
Glancing up, panic races through her eyes when my frame comes into view. “Oh, are these for you?”
“Yep,” I reply, offering her an easy smile. Pieces of my heart break when she looks at me like that, and what’s left of it makes me want to try and make it right. How can I ever take the pain away if she won’t even let me be her friend?
“Here,” she says quickly, placing the bottles on the counter and turning around swiftly. “I’ll put it on your tab.”
“You okay, Charlie?”
“Long night.” She forces a smile over her shoulder an
d heads over to the back cash register, punching in the codes to add the beers to my tab. “Your date is waiting.”
Glancing over my shoulder, Mona wiggles her fingers at me while blowing an air kiss in my direction. My genius plan in bringing Mona here has failed in epic proportions. Fuck.
“Charlie,” Jessica snaps, causing her to whirl around hastily. Shaking my head, I sulk back to the little round table, with the woman who desperately wants my nuts and the two drinks that I received from the woman who has captured my full attention. Exactly how I envisioned my evening turning out.
Seven beers and five shots later, Mona and I are grinding out on the dance floor. The thoughts of Charlie are pushed to the back of my mind as Mona’s hands glide up and down my body. Her tight red corset and short black booty shorts are mesmerizing for most men, causing anyone watching her have a raging hard on. Sadly, with as much alcohol that has taken control of my body, I know fighting the inner battle with my cock isn’t something that is going to end well.
I tighten my grip around Mona’s waist, bringing her curvy body closer into mine. Her head drops back, spilling her dark brown hair behind her. The exposed tan skin on her neck begs for my lips to touch it. Softly, I graze my mouth over skin, letting the saltiness of her sweat tickle my tongue. A low moan escapes from her throat, as the vibration shakes my inner core. As much as I want to hold out for Charlie, being this drunk is never a good thing when ass and tits are placed so willingly in your hands.
“Want to get out of here?” Mona slurs, still moving to the music.
My brain continues to swirl with the predicament I have placed it in. On one hand, my mind still tells me to just fucking go home alone. Then my Johnson is telling me screw it, and let’s just knock this one out. Why in the hell did I apparently need morals since this one little girl came into my town? How easy it would be to get this chick naked, do what I want, and then send her packing. If I can just wrap my warped mind around the whole Charlie thing, life would be so much easier.
“I’ll let you put it anywhere…………”
“Yeah, that’s going to be a no.” Charlie’s arms come between our sweaty bodies and carefully grabs either side of Mona’s shoulders, steadying her on those sky high heels. “Do you have a ride home?”
“You just broke up my ride, you Bitch.” Mona teeters in Charlie’s grasp, giving the woman standing between us a nasty scowl.
“Well, he is way too drunk to be driving you home, let alone himself. If you need me to call you a cab, I’ll be more than willing.”
Reaching out, I wrap my fingers into Charlie’s long soft hair. The smooth texture glides over my skin, instantly making me wonder what the rest of her feels like.
“Go sit down, Greyson,” Charlie demands, glancing over her shoulder quickly and giving me a threatening stare.
“Yes, ma’am,” I laugh. Dropping her hair from my hand, I stumble my way back to the small table where we had left our drinks. I watch as Charlie steers Mona off the dance floor and over to a group of girls at a large table in the corner. Sadly, I know every single one of them, but not by their actual names. A couple of the girls over there are Cameron’s friends, and I’m sure to get an ass chewing when she gets back from the beach.
Looking around the table, I shake a couple empty beer bottles and frown. All of them are empty, and it isn’t even last call yet. Actually, I have no idea what time it is. Stumbling over to the bar, I toss open the gate and fumble under the counter for my keys and phone.
“Oh, no you don’t.” Charlie’s voice comes from behind me, reaching around my body and snatching the keys from the ledge before I can.
“I need to get home, Charlie.” Rolling my eyes, I reach for the keys in her hand, only to offset my balance as I quickly reach for the counter to steady myself.
“Yeah, you’re not driving,” Charlie scoffs, tucking my keys into her jeans pocket and shaking her head.
“I’m just going home. Give me my keys.”
“I’ll take him home after shift, Charlie,” Jessica comments, offering Charlie an ‘I’m sorry he is drunk’ kind of smile.
“I don’t need anyone’s help, and I’m sure as hell not waiting until you close this place up.”
Charlie’s normally sad eyes fill with rage. Her tiny body puffs up in front of me as she narrows those beautiful eyes of hers. “Don’t be an asshole and think you are driving home drunk. That is the stupidest idea you can possibly have, not to mention how idiotic we would be letting you do it. You are not invisible, Greyson. And maybe you make it home safe, and maybe you don’t. I’m not letting that thought weigh on my conscious tonight. I’m already clocked out, Jess; I’ll just take him home.” Charlie grabs her jacket and purse out from under the bar while pursuing her lips. “Let’s go.”
“I’m not leaving my truck here,” I snort, crossing my arms in front of me hastily.
“Fine, I’ll drive it.”
“The fuck you will,” I snap. No one drives that truck besides me. Not even Cameron.
“Either you let me drive your precious truck, or you get into my car. Those are your two options tonight, Greyson. Hurry up and pick.” Charlie pushes open the gate and starts heading down the hallway.
“You’re an idiot, Greyson.” Jessica shakes her head and points to the hallway.
Snorting, I stomp after Charlie, still fighting the massive urge to just slide my body down the wall and take a little siesta.
Stepping out into the cool air makes a wave of nausea flash over my body. Normally, I can hold my liquor like a freaking champ. Tonight, I apparently didn’t even make the playoffs.
“So, what’s it going to be? Your truck or my car?”
“Truck,” I slur. Charlie doesn’t utter another word, but simply nods her head. Pulling the keys out from her front pocket, she examines the key fob and presses the alarm button. I stagger around the back of my truck and slowly make my way up to the passenger door. Yanking on the handle, I haul my ass into the seat and slam the door shut. “I’m surprised you made it in.”
“Where do you live?” Charlie questions while adjusting the mirrors and buckling her seatbelt.
“You don’t know?”
“Seriously, Greyson. I have no problem taking your keys and letting your drunken ass sleep in this damn truck tonight.”
Snorting, I point at Pacific street.
“Words, Greyson. Use your words,” Charlie mocked, starting the engine and placing the truck into reverse.
“I live at the end of Pacific.”
“Good. Now, was that so hard?”
Leaning my head back against the headrest, I mumble while closing my eyes. This isn’t exactly how I planned the evening to turn out, but at least it’s Charlie sitting next to me and not Mona.
***
The pounding in my head makes the thought of opening my eyes nauseating. Hangovers suck, but I can normally power through them. However, this one is easily going in my top five category of all time. I carefully shift my body, and come close to the edge of whatever I am laying on. Prying my eyes open, I catch a glimpse of the brown couch I seemingly slept on. Groaning, I roll myself over to take in my surroundings. The small living room is sparsely decorated with the couch, a single chair, a couple end tables, coffee table, and a couple black and white prints handing on the wall. A flat screen sits in the corner, and sheer curtains let the evil light spill into the space. I vaguely remember leaving the bar last night, and arguing with Charlie about driving my truck. But, where in the hell have I ended up now?
Sluggishly, I pull myself up off the couch and steady myself. Running my hands harshly against my face, I scratch my head and glance around the room again. There is nothing in this place that gives me a hint as to where I landed last night. Groaning, I stretch out my tired limbs and wander around the corner.
“And so he lives,” Mark’s voice comes from across the room.
“Mark?”
“I was starting to think you were dead. Coffee?” Mark motions
over to the counter where a coffee pot sits half full.
“Thanks,” I mumble. Grabbing a coffee mug off a hook, I fill the cup to the brim and savor the first sip. I am going to need about ten more of these to make a dent in this hellacious hangover. “So, I am at your place?”
“Yep. Dragged you in myself last night.” Mark folds the paper carefully and sets it down on the table. “Your ass needs to be thankful that I didn’t leave you in that truck of yours.”
“Whatever, old man. Where’s Charlie?” Pulling out the chair across from him, I take a seat and continue to drink the coffee.
“She left for a run earlier. When things get rough for her, she runs.”
“Bad for her?” My eyebrows raise in question. Was it something that I did last night?
“Charlie doesn’t do well with alcohol. Let’s just say they have a past, and last night was a little too much for her.” Mark pushes his chair back and walks over to the sink to place his empty cup. “I thought coming here would be a change of pace for her, but I’m beginning to see where I was wrong.”
“Why is she working in the bar?” Normally if someone has an issue with something, they avoid the problem like the plague, not work around it.
“I thought she could handle it. Charlie has dealt with a ton of hard blows in her life, and she always manages to come out on top. Maybe this is the last of that luck.”
The backdoor opens and in steps Charlie, all sweaty from her morning run. “Good to know you are alive,” she quips, mimicking her uncle. Closing the door swiftly, she kicks off her shoes and heads down the hallway abruptly.
“Good morning to you too.”
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