Travis

by N Kuhn

  “Hi Daddy! Can we go to the Steak House tonight for dinner?” The shock on his face is apparent, as he looks over my head at my mother. I don’t need to turn around to know she’s smiling.

  “Britt and Travis aren’t together anymore, so we should really try to cheer her up. See honey, we went and got our nails done.” My father looks down at me, his honey colored eyes look joyous. Patting my back and kissing my forehead, he nods his head.

  “Anything you want Princess. Let me finish these files and we can head out.”

  Running up to my room, I change into a black skirt and white tank top, donning my white sandals. My cell phone in my purse belts out Milkshake. Picking it up, I hope it’s not Travis, and it’s not. I had put Aiden’s number in my phone the second it was turned on.

  “Hello?” I ask, trying to play coy.

  “Hey beautiful. What are you doing tomorrow? Want to head to the zoo with me?” Hm, it is going to be nice out and I haven’t been to the zoo since I was a little girl.

  “Sure, sounds like fun.” Trying to calm my voice, I don’t want to sound over enthusiastic, but inside doing a little Happy Dance. I really need some new friends, and to get out of the house.

  “Great, I’ll pick you up around ten. What’s your address?” Rambling it off real quick, we say our goodbyes. Giddy and full of excitement, I skip downstairs to my waiting parents.

  The next day, I’m ready in my jeans and white tank top. My mom and dad are enjoying Sunday breakfast in the dining room. When I enter with my cup of coffee, they look up.

  “Honey, I’m sorry, we’re not used to you being here. Do you want some bacon?” mom asks me, holding up a plate. Grabbing a piece, I munch on it.

  “Momma, where’s your camera? Can I use it please? I’m going to the zoo with Aiden.” A questioning look appears on my father’s face.

  “Who’s Aiden? Please don’t tell me you’re rushing into another relationship so soon.”

  “Oh no Daddy! Don’t worry. Aiden is a friend. We met yesterday when I was still upset about Travis, and we had coffee and talked, and we’re just friends. I think you’ll like him. He’s very nice. His father is Jefferson Bland, aren’t you golf buddies with him? Somehow I never realized he had a son.” The smile on my father’s face confirmed that he liked Aiden already.

  Saved by the doorbell, I spin and rush to the door.

  “Hey sweetheart,” Aiden says, giving me a hug. His polo shirt today is light blue and his khaki shorts show off the muscular legs that carry around his solid body.

  “That’s what you’re wearing?” he asks, eyeing me up and down.

  “Yea, why? What’s wrong with it?”

  “Nothing, it’s should be fine. I guess.”

  “Aiden, nice to see you again son. How’s that handicap?” my father says, coming up behind us. I let my hands wander down my sides. What’s wrong with this? I thought I looked good.

  “Mr. Lander, wow, I didn’t realize Brittany was your daughter.”

  “The one and only apple of my eye son. You kids have fun at the zoo today. Maybe you will join us for dinner tonight?” My father said it more as a command than a question. Nodding his head, Aiden smiles down at me.

  “I’d love to sir. My handicap is getting better. One of these days I’ll be able to keep up with you and my old man.” The boisterous laughter that erupts from my father’s mouth is infectious. I haven’t heard him so happy in years. I can’t help but smile. I think I’m going to be ok. Things are going to be better for me without Travis.

  Pulling up to the zoo, Aiden rushes over to open the door for me. Taking my hand, we make our way down the sidewalk.

  “What do you want to do first? We can hit the elephants, or my favorites, the Polar Bears.” How sweet of him to ask me, and ironically, the Polar Bears are my favorite too. But, I want to see them last, because I’ll stay as long as I can, watching them play in the water and bathe in the sun.

  “Elephants,” I answer. Grinning wide, he looks down at me.

  “Great. Ready for the grand tour? My name is Aiden and I’ll be your tour guide today,” he says with a horrible attempt at an Australian accent. I can’t help but giggle.

  “AH, my plan is working already,” he laughs.

  “What plan?” I ask, while playfully punching him in the arm.

  “To make you smile today. You cried enough yesterday.” My cheeks heat up, and I know I must be blushing.

  “You look so beautiful when you smile,” he pulls my hand to his mouth and kisses it. A shiver runs down my spine.

  “You sure you want to have dinner with my parents? I mean, we’re just friends, so I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable or think you have to.” Aiden hands the cashier money, and we make our way to the Elephant house.

  “Britt, I really like your dad. He’s funny. I would love to have dinner with you guys. I won’t feel uncomfortable. Will you?” His eyes look sad, though he’s trying to smile. Shaking my head no, I grin back. His beautiful eyes brighten up, and he tugs at me, like a two year old leading their mommy around. Never, did I think the zoo could be this much fun. I’ll worry about my parents later. If Aiden and my dad know each other, hopefully there will be no embarrassing questions or anything.

  After a full day of perusing the animals, eating hot dogs and ice cream and buying up half of the gift shop, Aiden takes me home. As promised, we have dinner with my parents. It wasn’t nearly as awkward as I had thought it would be. My father and Aiden got on well, even my mother seems to love him.

  “Here, why don’t you kids go get some ice cream or something.” My father hands Aiden a twenty.

  “Dad, what is this? The 50’s? Come on now.” Embarrassment washes over me.

  “Come on Britt, I’ll even let you have a double scoop with sprinkles,” Aiden jokes. I can’t help but giggle with him. As soon as we’re inside his car, he turns to me.

  “Britt, I know you just got out of a relationship, and you’re probably not looking for anything, but I like you. I really had fun today, and you’re amazing, beautiful. I just want you to know that when you’re ready, when you think it’s time for you to move on, I’m here. Until then, I promise to keep things as friend zone as possible.” The urge to kiss him won out over my heart telling me to steer clear. Pulling him to me, I brush my lips over his, and can hear him suck his breath in. Pressing my mouth to his, he’s instantly responsive. He tastes like the red wine we had with dinner, and it’s good, but not amazing. I don’t feel electrified like Travis. My tongue prods his mouth, seeking him out. His hands wrap around my back, pulling me tighter to him. Bringing my hand up, I place it on his face. It’s so smooth and soft, unlike Travis. Oh god, why am I thinking of him now. Pushing all thoughts from my head, I continue to assault Aiden’s mouth. His lips are so soft, and inviting.

  Pushing back from me, Aiden pants, trying to catch his breath.

  “Are you sure?” he asks me. It’s sweet that he’s so worried about me. So caring.

  “Yes, I’m sure. Let’s skip ice cream and go find somewhere private. It’s sort of weird sitting here in my parents driveway.”

  When finally, we reach the docks down by Lake Erie, the parking lot is deserted. Parking as far away from the lamppost as possible, Aiden turns the car off. Cracking the windows slightly, to keep them from fogging, we pick up right where we left off. Kissing so passionately, I’m afraid we will start a fire. His hands roam more freely over my body this time. Feeling their way under my shirt, and up the flat plane of my back. Goosebumps pop out all over my skin. Splaying my fingers across his stomach, I trace the ridges of his abs. As the kissing becomes more intense, Aiden begins trying to move to the backseat. Breaking apart only for seconds, to finish moving into position. Landing on his lap, I rock my hips as we continue to embrace. His hands heat my skin, as they inch forward, up my shirt. Finding my bra, Aiden’s quick and nimble fingers immediately have it undone.

  “What’s this?” he asks, fingers splayed across the guitar on my side
.

  “A tattoo Aiden, what does it look like?”

  “It’s hideous, it’s ok though, we can have it removed.” Shocked by his comment, I sit frozen in his lap. It takes me a few moments to recover, but most of the urgency I was feeling is gone.

  Moving his kisses down my jaw, slowly nipping at my neck and shoulders, he pulls back, and raises my shirt over my head. I allow my bra to slide down my arms, falling to the seat beside us. Lowering his head to my breast, Aiden latches on, biting and kissing, licking at my nipple hungrily. Arching my back to allow him better access, he slides over to the other mound. His firm hands grabbing at my ass, I continue to rock my hips, enjoying the way his breath hitches upon contact. It makes me feel powerful. Gradually, I slide my hand down his abs, and finger his shorts. He stops groping me, and slips out of his shirt. Lifting his hips, I can feel the hardness of his erection pressing into me, as he unzips the shorts. Travis’ face flitters through my mind, and I moan. Thinking it’s for him, Aiden bucks his hips hard. The flimsy skirt I had changed into for dinner allows easy access. Aiden slips his hand up it, and I rake my fingers through his hair.

  Gliding those fingers over the satiny material of my underwear, he applies just the right amount of pressure to my bud. A wave of pleasure crashes through my body. Rippling to every part of me. Pushing the material aside, he slides his fingers inside of me, twirling them in a way that I’ve never felt before. At the same time, he uses his other hand to keep pushing on my spot, I pull his head into my chest, crashing my hips against his hand. My ears are assaulted with an animalistic sound and my pleasure builds, and I realize it’s me. Closing my eyes, my head tilted back, I raise my arm, to anchor myself on the ceiling of the vehicle, trying to prevent my head from bouncing off of it. My oblivion comes on strong and quick. Before I’m even prepared, I feel myself tighten around Aiden’s fingers, then the gush of release. The pure pleasure that is my orgasm. Slowly pulling his fingers out, he licks them.

  “You taste like heaven Britt. I can’t wait to taste it for real next time.” Rolling my eyes at the absurdity of the comment, I can’t move, it takes me a moment to realize that he’s pulled his cock out and is stroking himself.

  “I love seeing you so satisfied.” Placing my hand over his, I stop him, and push it away. Straddling him, and lifting myself, he helps guide me onto him. As his swollen head reaches my lips, I circle them, coating him in my juices. Without warning, Aiden thrusts his hips, shoving himself into me, to the hilt. It’s definitely not as big as Travis, but still hits the spot. The fact that I can feel all of him, my muscles clenching around his shaft, is a turn on in itself. This is what I need right now. A great orgasm or two to clear my mind of Travis. Moaning, I slowly begin thrusting, gliding myself along his length. As he cock enters me over and over, his eyes glaze over and he growls. Grabbing my hips, he pushes and pulls, faster and harder, and my climax begins all over again. The fire building and burning in my stomach. The harder he moves, the more amazing it feels.

  “I want you to come again Brittany, I want to feel you come on me,” he whispers. I can tell he’s almost there, as am I. Closing my eyes, and letting the sounds of our bodies colliding surround me, he reaches down and stroke my clit. It’s as if my entire body is under siege. My eagerness is building, but just as he thrusts into me, one last time, holding there, and I know he’s coming, and I’m left wanting. I can feel his penis twitch inside of me, as he empties.

  “Oh shit Britt, I’m sorry. I hadn’t planned on this and wasn’t prepared.”

  “It’s ok, Aiden. I’m on the pill, and probably can’t have kids anyways. So you’re safe.”

  “Can’t have kids? Why not?” Pulling myself off of him, I feel lost, and empty. Curling up next to him on the back seat, trying to catch my breath, I stare at him. The concern on his face seems real.

  “I was really sick when I was younger. The doctor over medicated me and I spent a week in the hospital and they said that it attacked some of my internal organs and damaged my uterus. So I can’t have children. I’m not saying I go out and have unprotected sex. I’ve only ever been with Travis. But, I’m just letting you know not to freak out.” I look away, out the window, at the waves crashing along the docks.

  “Oh, well we can figure something out. I want kids. What’s wrong with you then? Cheer up, didn’t you just get off?” he asks.

  “Nothing’s wrong,” I reply, feeling taken aback by his comments. We had such a great time today, why is it now I feel awkward with him?

  Aiden places his hand on my cheek, turning me to face him.

  “I’m not worried. Even if something did happen, I’d be the happiest man alive. I meant what I said earlier. I really like you Britt and I’m here for anything you want or need, any time.” Smiling, I lean forward and kiss him gently.

  “Let’s go, my dad is probably wondering why ice cream takes so long.” Really, I just wanted to get home and crawl into bed. My head is so messed up right now. I just had sex with Aiden, on our first date, while thinking of Travis.

  Chapter 3

  Brittany’s Future

  Aiden and I have been seeing each other for a few months. My parents are extremely happy because it seems I’m finally pulling my life together. Living out their plan for me. Aiden is sweet and funny. But sometimes I get this strange feeling, like he’s trying to make me into someone I’m not. He’ll make comments here and there about an outfit I’m wearing or getting a job, how much I eat. Maybe he’s right. I need to grow up sometime. Why not now. Heading downstairs on a Sunday morning, I’ve gotten used to being back into the swing of things around here. We eat breakfast together, doing an outing during the day, then dinner with Aiden and sometimes his parents, at night. Throwing myself into my place at the table, I reach for the eggs.

  “Daddy, I’d like that Internship you wanted me to do. When can I start?” As if my parents hadn’t had enough shock for one day, I may just give them both heart attacks before we’re done.

  “Really Britt? You sure? It’s not going to be easy. The legal system isn’t a playground. You have to be fierce and on your toes. The hours are long.”

  “I’m ready daddy. I’m also going to resubmit my applications for college. I’d like to get my law degree. It’s time for me to grow up and move on. I have to build myself a life.” My father has never looked more proud of me. I can’t recall a single time that he’s looked at me like this, and it makes my heart swell. I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on all this with them, for all these years. A twinge of pain passes again as I think of Travis. I really do hope he succeeds. Who knows, maybe he will write a song about us and it will be the hit he needs, or at least, the kick in the ass to get going.

  “I love you Princess. You can start tomorrow. Dress nice. I’ll ride in with you, show you the ropes. I’ll call Stacey tonight and let her know she will be training you. She’s my personal assistant, but she started out as a secretary. She can teach you the basics and when you’re done there, we’ll get you started in paralegal. If you need help with your applications, let me know. I would love to help you darling.” The passion in my father’s eyes when he speaks about the law, or someone getting involved in defending the law is uncanny. He gets so animated, and I love that right now, it’s directed at me.

  The next day, dressed in my knee length pencil skirt, and white blouse, I’m ready to start my Internship at Landers and Coppick. Admittedly I’m nervous. When I was younger, my dreams were that it would be Landers Landers and Coppick, that daddy and I would be partners. Realizing now, that I still want it, has sent my ambition into over drive. I spent the whole night, reviewing applications, and submission guidelines. Four essays and applications letter, I need only add my letters of recommendation from daddy’s partner Wade Coppick, and I can send them off. Daddy said that Wade will have them for me today. As I reach the bottom step, daddy comes out of his office.

  “There’s my working girl. Ready for your big day at the office? I’m going to take you to
lunch at the Marriott to celebrate.”

  “Dad, I don’t want special treatment because I’m your daughter. I want to earn everything I do.”

  Beaming at me, like a child who just said their first word, he pats my shoulder.

  “Don’t worry darling, daddy won’t embarrass you.” Walking arm in arm, we go to the garage and climb into daddy’s BMW. The ride to the office doesn’t take long. We only live about fifteen minutes from downtown Buffalo. Passing through the club distract, I see a big sign outside The Arena, advertising Death Polish playing the Battle of the Bands tonight. I haven’t thought about Travis in so long, I hope he’s doing well. I’ve moved on completely. I had heard through some mutual friends we still have, that if he wins the Battle, he could be signing with his father’s label. The whole time Travis and I were together, I only met his dad a few times. The guy was great. He loved to party as much as Trav does, and you can tell they are father and son. So identical in their mannerisms and ways. Laughing to myself, I remember how they had both blew their smoke out the same way, how they both held their nose the same odd tilted way after blowing a line, and they both had an aversion to beer, preferring liquor. It’s sad to look back and see the self-destruction Travis is putting himself through. I can only hope that he pulls through it and can reach his dreams finally. They are so close. Maybe I’ll see if some friends want to check out the Battle. I’ve been so engrossed with Aiden that I’ve been neglecting girls night. They all love listening to Trav play anyways. Maybe I won’t have to twist so many arms.

  Finally arriving at the office, we take the elevator to the fifth floor. As soon as the doors slide open, I’m hit by a whiff of nostalgia. It’s been years since I visited daddy’s office. My office now. It’s been redone. New carpets, new paint. Even the reception desk is new. Waiting with a mug of coffee, and newspaper, is a mousy girl, with brown hair twisted up on top of her head. Her dull eyes look lifeless. There’s no spark or spunk, and her tight lipped smile she gives me seems more bitchy than nice.