I walked quickly to the newly open seat. "A shot of tequila, please." I was sure that would draw some attention. Everyone has a tequila story.
The bartender returned quickly with the shot. I slammed it back, sucking on my lime. "Another, please."
"Whoa, just slamming shots on a Sunday night?" Hipster Glasses turned to me and said. It had worked like a charm.
I fashioned a sad smile on my face. "Ugh, I need it after the day I've had."
"That must have been one tough day. Tequila?" he chuckled.
The bartender placed the second one in front of me. "You have no idea," I said, tossing it back. "I'm Holly, by the way."
He extended his hand to me. "Josh."
My stomach dropped to the floor. That name gave me chills. Just forget it, he's Hipster Glasses. I tried to remain cool, smiling.
"This is my buddy, Sean," he said, pointing his thumb back toward his friend. He was decently cute too, actually. Freckles.
"Hi," I smiled. "Holly."
Freckles gave me a giant smile in return. "So Holly, what brings you out tonight?"
I turned my body to completely face both guys. I had a low cut silver shirt on. Sparkles next to cleavage, what guy couldn't at least peek?
"Oh, just a fight with my boyfriend. He's big into Fantasy Football, and his best player got injured already. He was so upset and started acting like a total jackass. All I did was say it's not that big a deal, and he flipped. But whatever, I'm not going to worry about him right now." I was going for the damsel in distress angle.
I felt like I physically needed a drink in my hand. That was the only problem with just taking shots, I didn't have anything to do with my hands. Having a drink is kind of like having a shield. A slight pause in conversation? Take a drink. Need a second to think of an answer to a question? Take a drink. I glanced at what they were drinking: beer. Ugh, I would be so bloated in the morning. But I was in a sports bar. When in Rome...
I got the bartender's attention. "One more shot of tequila and a twenty four ounce Blue Moon, please." There, that should be enough to get me sufficiently drunk and keep my hands occupied until I left.
I turned back to the guys. "So, distract a girl from her problems," I giggled. "What brings you guys out tonight?"
"Just watching the games all day. We have fantasy teams too. I hope that's ok," joked Hipster Glasses.
I did everything I could to stop my eyes from rolling. You're hilarious. "Yes it's ok, all I said was it's not a big deal if a player gets injured. At least not big enough to throw a book at the TV." He was quickly losing points. First, having the name Josh, then teasing me. I started to focus my attention more on Freckles.
"He did that?" Freckles asked.
"Yes!" I cried, taking a drink of my beer. "See, that's what I was dealing with today. Hence the tequila," I said, tipping the glass back.
"Well I don't blame you," Freckles said, taking a pull from his beer.
"Thank you," I smiled. Yep, new target. I learned further forward so I could see him better, resting my arm on the bar. He had light brown hair, freckles, obviously, and was wearing a red polo shirt. I'd say he was cute, rather than sexy, but definitely still attractive.
I kept my eyes fixed on Freckles, hoping Hipster Glasses would get the hint and leave. "So, are you winning your game?"
He laughed. "No, I'm losing terribly."
I giggled, sipping my beer. "Aw, I'm sorry."
He shrugged. "Eh, that's life."
I giggled again, this time, batting my lashes. I could feel my drinks kicking in quickly. Maybe it was time to actually slow it down a bit. I decided to go to the bathroom and give them some time to discuss the situation. I hoped that when I returned, Hipster Glasses would be gone and I could focus on Freckles.
"Will you watch my purse?" I said, standing up. I didn't want to give them the opportunity to leave, either. I brought my wallet with me; I wasn't that trusting.
"Sure," said Hipster Glasses. I wasn't asking you.
I walked to the back of the bar to the restroom, taking the time to reapply my lip gloss and mascara. When I walked back out, I was utterly disappointed to find the exact opposite of what I wanted had happened. Freckles was gone, but Hipster Glasses was still there, watching my Bag. Ugh.
"Hey, where did your friend go?" I asked, slipping back on to the chair. I felt that was nicer than saying, why are you still here?
"His girlfriend called, wanting him home," he stated matter-of-factly.
Hmm, damn. Was that really true? Or had he just won a coin toss or something? I looked at him, weighing my options in my mind. He was good looking for sure. But kind of a dick. Was I lonely enough to go home with him? He had been kind of snarky, and his name was Josh. Nah, time to just go home. I chugged the rest of my beer, then stood back up.
"Well, it was nice to meet you."
He looked at me, confused. "You're leaving?"
I sighed. "Yeah, I need to go have make up sex with my boyfriend."
I turned and walked to the exit. Maybe this was good. There was a time when I would've gone home with him even though I really didn't like him. I smiled to myself as I stepped into a cab. Maybe I was healing. Maybe.
Chapter 8
The week went by uneventfully again. Before I knew it, it was Saturday, and I was headed into my shift at Johnny's. I was excited that business was really starting to pick up and I was making even more money. I just hoped he wouldn't change the hours and stay open later. That would really cramp my style.
"Hey, guess what," Johnny said, bumping me with his elbow.
"What?" I asked, glancing at him.
"Ben called it quits with that girlfriend." His grin stretched from ear to ear.
"Oh my god, seriously?" I started to bounce with excitement.
"Yeah, he came in the other night and talked it over with me. We were right, he was totally miserable."
I secretly wondered if he had found out about her cheating. Oh well, either way, he was single and now free for Lacey to swoop in. I couldn't wait for her to show up. She had to have known, right? What did they end up doing the other night?
I practically screeched when her cute little brunette head walked in the door.
"Get over here right now, missy!" I cried.
She smiled, embarrassed. She knew what I wanted to talk about.
"What?" she said, covering her face, peeking at me through her fingers.
"You know what! What's the deal with you and Ben? I heard he's now single and ready to mingle," I laughed.
She couldn't contain her grin. She looked around, making sure everyone was out of earshot and whispered, "Well, we've slept together."
"Holy shit!" I shouted, immediately covering my mouth after my outburst. That happened quickly.
"And by slept together, I mean slept together. Like went to sleep, in the same bed. That's it." Oh, damn.
"What? How does that happen?" I asked, turning my attention slightly to an empty glass in front of a patron. "Another?"
He nodded yes.
"Well he came to my apartment last night with a pizza and a movie. We drank a ton of wine, and I ended up passing out. God, I'm so embarrassed!" she said, cringing. "But I guess if it's any consolation, he stayed over and made me breakfast in the morning."
"He did what?" I cried, pouring beer from the tap. Seriously, this man was too good to be true.
"He made waffles. It was an inside joke." She was focusing on a small speck of lint on her emerald green shirt.
Baby bird, why are you downplaying this? And what kind of inside joke included breakfast in the morning?
"And you still think he doesn't want you? He is now single, essentially planned a date, slept with you without sleeping with you, and made you breakfast in the morning. Hello!"
She rolled her eyes at me. "I don't know what to think. If he wanted me, why didn't he make a move then?"
I gave her an admonishing look. "Maybe he's actually a gentleman. I don't know, you said you
fell asleep. What was he wearing?"
"Boxers," she responded with a sly smile.
The thought of Ben in his boxers made me blush.
"Did you notice if his Big Ben was at attention?" I giggled.
"Oh my god!" she cried out.
"Well?" I asked, wide-eyed.
She was trying as hard as she could not to blush. "Maybe I felt it brush against me."
Thatta girl. "Ok, so obviously he wanted you. And obviously he wants more than just that. You are a lucky girl," I said, shaking my head.
"I wouldn't say that just yet," she sighed.
We went on with our night, and it started to get really busy. Every seat at the bar was filled and most tables were occupied. I was beaming with pride for Johnny.
I was busy down at the other end of the bar when I heard Lacey call, "Hey Shannon, come over here!"
I looked over and she was serving Ben, of course, and a friend of his. The word, wow, flashed across my mind. His friend was incredibly sexy. He had a chiseled bone structure, bright blue eyes, and messy blonde hair. He looked like a male model, if I had to describe him. But he had his collar popped on his shirt. What are you, a twenty-one year old frat boy? Douche.
I smiled as I made my way over. Lacey looked like she could pass out.
"Hey Ben, how are you tonight?" I asked.
"I'm good, and you?" he responded politely.
"Good, just busy," I answered, looking around at the full bar.
"I'm Todd," said Male Model, offering his hand to me. Todd, huh? For some reason, I couldn't help but pronounce the two d's in my head. Tod-uh-duh.
I had to make a quick decision. Usually I didn't use my real name, but I couldn't lie in front of Ben and Lacey. And I had never gotten involved with someone I met at work. It was a hard rule for me. But he was really sexy, despite being slightly douchey. He looked like an easy conquest after seemingly striking out the past few times. Maybe it could be fun.
"Shannon," I smiled sweetly, taking his hand. My heart rate instantly increased. Whoa, what the hell was that? Get a hold of yourself.
"Shannon, what time do you get off tonight?" he asked. Did he really just emphasize the words "get off?" This would be way too easy.
"Eleven. Why do you ask, Todd?" I replied, leaning on the bar. He was making no secret of eyeing my cleavage. And really, I wasn't exactly hiding it.
"Well we were wondering if you ladies would like to join us for an after hours get together at Ben's?" he said, rubbing his thumb over the rim of his drink, not taking his eyes off me.
I looked up at Lacey. Her eyes were so big and hopeful; I could tell she really wanted to go. And if I said no, it would ruin her chances of spending time with Ben. What the hell, why not.
"Ok Todd, that sounds like a plan," I smiled. "Can I get you anything else?" I can tell you want what's under my shirt.
"Not right now, maybe later," he answered, his eyes darkening. Holy shit. He was game to go. I felt myself start to dampen, picturing him between my legs. Time to get out of here before I lose my shit. I smiled, then stepped away quickly to help another customer. My head felt cloudy around him. Lacey owes me, I thought. I was about to break some pretty significant rules of mine so she could have the chance to hang out with Ben. But who was I kidding, I was really looking forward to a hot hookup. I just hoped this wouldn't come back to bite me in the ass.
I tried to keep myself at the other end of the bar while they were still there, but my eyes kept finding him. The more I looked, the more I realized how gorgeous he really was. I may even give him a nine point nine. (I never gave tens). I watched as he laughed at something Ben said. Even his laugh was sexy; it was deep and genuine. He made me want to be by him. I kept my eye on the clock, waiting impatiently for eleven to come.
When it finally did, Lacey and I hurriedly finished up our end of shift duties. We were both anxious to continue our night.
"Holy shit, Ben's friend is hot!" I cried.
Lacey popped her hand on her hip, giving me a knowing smile.
"What?" I asked, unable to contain my grin. I knew exactly "what."
"Nothing," she replied. "I just wish I had half the self confidence you have."
What was that supposed to mean? Obviously she and Ben would hook up tonight, right? "Oh my god, you're crazy! Are you nervous or something?"
She sighed heavily. "A little, I guess. I don't know," she muttered.
Time to intervene before she got too anxious for her own good. "Here," I said, grabbing a bottle of tequila. "You need a shot to loosen up." I needed one too, really.
She waved her arms wildly back and forth. "Oh god, anything but tequila!" she cried.
Oh that's right. Miss Lightweight. I wondered what her tequila story was. I groaned, putting the bottle back. "Fine, I'll make you a girly shot," I joked. But not before I pour myself some tequila...
"Alright ladies, you're all set to go if you'd like," Johnny smiled, walking out from his office.
"Join us in a shot!" I loved doing shots with him, seeing him relax and unwind a bit. I poured the liquor into three glasses before he had a chance to answer.
"Oh alright, you drive a hard bargain."
We all three clinked our glasses. At least this time Lacey didn't look like she wanted to vomit.
I washed out the glasses, and we stepped out from behind the bar.
"Good night girls," Johnny called.
"Good night!" we called back as we headed out the door to Ben's.
The night air was so refreshing. It helped clear my fuzzy head somewhat. What exactly was my plan? It felt so weird, thinking about just being myself. I was so used to developing back stories and personas. Lying, basically. I had to remember I couldn't do that in this situation. I found myself getting slightly nervous.
"So do you want to stop at my place first, so we can freshen up?" Lacey asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.
Oh my god, that's right. She and Ben lived in the same frickin' building. Magnets, these two.
"Yeah, that sounds great," I replied.
We climbed in my car, and made the short drive to her building. When we got inside, I started rummaging through her closet. Ooh, pink halter top, right up my alley.
"Can I borrow this one?" I asked.
"Sure," she smiled, turning her attention back to her bathroom mirror. I whipped off my current shirt and put the new one on. Perfect.
"How does it look?" I asked, modeling in front of her.
Her eyes widened. "Well your boobs look amazing, if that's what you were going for," she laughed. "Seriously, what size are you?"
"Thirty-four double d," I responded, analyzing myself in the mirror.
"So not fair!" she exclaimed.
"What are you talking about? You have beautiful tits!" I giggled.
She laughed. "Well they're no double d's. I'm a full c," she said, grabbing her chest.
"Well I bet they're the perfect size for Ben's hands," I said, wiggling my eyebrows.
"Yeah, yeah, let's go!" she said, smacking my butt.
I cried out in surprise. Hopefully that was her shot kicking in.
We headed to the elevator and rode up to Ben's floor. Mr. Money Bags lived in the penthouse of the building. I shifted the weight back and forth between my feet as the car moved up. Why was I nervous? I knew how to handle guys like Male Model. No, I had to remember, his name was Todd. Tod-uh-duh.
An anticipation hung in the air after we knocked on Ben's door. He quickly answered it. "Hey Lace, Shannon. Come on in," he smiled, pulling the door open wider for us.
We walked into a grand entryway with dark marble flooring and a large ornate mirror that took up an entire wall. Wow, he seriously had some money. I wondered idly if Male Model, excuse me, Todd, was successful.
We continued into the living room, where Todd was seated on the sofa, a whiskey in hand. "Hello ladies," he said, standing up.
Here goes nothing. "Hey," I smiled, sauntering over to him. His eyes were locked with mine as
I made my way to him. I felt like I may melt. He wrapped his arm around me, his breath warm on my ear as he whispered, "Ready to have fun tonight?"
I felt my heart start to pound. He was certainly very direct, which was nice. No games. I realized he may just be the male equivalent to me.
Ben and Lacey snuck into the kitchen, leaving us alone. "Absolutely," I said, trying to inflate my confidence. "Where can I get one of those?" I asked, pointing at his drink.
"Kitchen," he said, motioning with his glass.
"Perfect, be right back," I said, stepping away slowly.
He winked at me and grinned, flashing his bright white smile. I noticed he had an adorable dimple in his left cheek. Seriously, I needed to get a grip. How was this guy knocking me off balance? He should just be so easy. I knew all that he wanted from me, and I should only want the same from him. Was it because we had common friends? Was it because I was actually being myself? Whatever it was, I needed to start drinking asap before I let it get the best of me.
I found my way into the kitchen, bouncing in, hoping to lose some of my nervous energy.
"So what would you like?" Ben motioned toward the bar he had set up in the corner. "I have supplies to make an apple martini, or I have some red wine."
He seriously had gone out and got what Lacey liked to drink. What a sweetheart. Lacey was crazy to think he didn't want her.
"I'll have an apple martini!" I piped up. I was happy she had gotten me into those, despite the calories. I rested my elbow on Lacey's shoulder.
"Ok, and for you, Lace?"
"Sure, I'll have one too," she smiled.
"Ok, coming right up. You can make yourself comfortable in the living room if you want," said Ben, starting to mix the drinks.
I took that as my cue to leave them alone.
"Ok," I said, quickly walking away. I saw Lacey start to follow me. I turned back and shot her a look that said, "Stay with him!" Jesus, she needed to loosen the hell up.
I walked back out to the living room. Todd had switched over to the loveseat. And that damn collar was still popped.
"I figured we could sit here, since they seem to still not realize how much they both want each other," he smiled, bringing his glass to his lips.
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