“Do you have some secret boyfriend that you’ve been sneaking around with?” I ask, not giving up easily.
“No. No secret boyfriend. Are we going to sit here and talk about my sex life or would you like to walk to the bar so we can get wastey faced?”
“Good point, since you won’t give up the juicy details, I guess I’ll just have to get you drunk-talking.” I will try my luck again once Becka has had a few more drinks.
One of my favorite things about Avalon is having the ability to walk everywhere. Our apartment is located right downtown, allowing us easy access to most everything, including campus. And of course, with it being a college town, we also have the good fortune of there being a bar located on almost every block. It was something I thoroughly indulged my first two years here, courtesy of my fake ID. Being on my own for the first time, led me on a bit of a wild path. I doubt there was a bar in a three-mile radius that didn’t know Becka and I by name.
It was that bad.
After two years of going non-stop, we tamed our ways and settled on a more casual bar scene. When Sawyer first moved here a year ago, we decided to check out a place that had just reopened. Penny’s was the closest one to our apartment and I knew this was the perfect location to be our go-to spot. None of us ever anticipated Sawyer falling in love with the hottie behind the bar.
Not that I could blame her, Preston was gorgeous and every girls’ dream guy. But what I love the most about Preston is the fact that he was also a nice guy. From that first meeting, I could tell that he was genuine and had nothing but the best intentions for my best friend. He and Sawyer were perfect for each other and I couldn’t imagine anyone better for her after Austin.
With everything Sawyer went through last year, I was grateful that she had Preston by her side the entire time. I could never thank him enough for how much he has helped her get through the pain. Knowing it will never truly leave her, it’s good to know that he will always be there to pick her up.
Penny’s has come a long way since the first night we walked in here. From a practically empty bar, the place now stayed full of people, especially on the weekends. In order to get a decent spot, you would have to arrive early. Since we never made it anywhere early, much less on time, we were lucky enough to know every bartender and have a best friend who dates the manager.
Preston brought a lot of new ideas to Penny’s, including karaoke, live bands, trivia, and holding special events during the month. It was no surprise when the owners promoted him to management. He now spent less time behind the bar and worked more behind the scenes, mostly promoting and marketing. This gave him better hours, that I’m sure his girlfriend appreciates and also allows him more time off. He will still get behind the bar from time to time to help cover shifts, but mostly because I think he misses the fast pace and fun of it. Sadly, Preston was no longer our favorite bartender, and was replaced with Lilly and Chad.
Lilly started at Penny’s not long after they reopened and has been dealing with our crazy asses for quite a while now. When you visit a bar as often as us, it is hard not to develop friendships. She was cute and bubbly, a lot like Becka, except she had long dark hair that she often kept up in a ponytail. I have witnessed a lot of drunks mistake her sweet persona for that of a push over, but Lilly took shit from no one.
Chad has only been at Penny’s for a few months, but it didn’t take him long to be a customer favorite. For starters, the man is gorgeous. His short blonde hair is always in a messy state of bed-head and his dark lashes, which any girl would kill for, encase baby blue eyes. The Penny’s uniform t-shirt fits him like a second layer of skin, showing off every muscle in his upper body. Chad must be making mad bank working behind the bar. Girls are constantly competing for his attention and throwing down large tips with their phone numbers written down. He has a bigger fan club than Preston ever did. I know damn well he is pulling in a lot of ass.
The man’s charm even works me over at times, and almost caused me to leave with him after a night out. After much deliberation, I talked myself out of it and decided to just have fun with the bar still between us. We have since made a joke out of it, waiting to see who can get the other to cave.
Let’s be honest, a girl can only deny her wants for so long. Did I mention I am a sucker for blondes? If his eyes had been green, I never would have stood a chance.
With my mind now thinking of a certain blonde, my head swims with thoughts that I try my hardest to avoid.
Sam Carter.
Last time I saw Sam was over winter break after Austin’s funeral. It has always been an unwritten law, once graduation sent us in separate directions, that whenever we were both back in Redwood we would get together. He never found out about my moment of weakness, when I almost gave in to the relationship he wanted during high school. Finding him lip locked with icky Vicky - and yes after all this time I still only refer to her as such - was a major shift in our, for lack of a better word, friendship. Sam seemed bitter towards me for a long time, doing all he could to avoid me. I never could quite understand why and just went along acting like it didn’t bother me. I turned off all feelings and went back to being careless Cheyenne.
It wasn’t until our senior year that we found the balance in our friendship. We were both at one of Jeff’s parties and I had plans to meet up with a guy who had graduated a couple years before us. Everything changed when I tripped over a beer bottle and felt the arms of Sam wrap tightly around my waist, saving me just moments before my face met the ground. The instant our eyes met I could feel a shift in the balance. It was as if something in Sam snapped and the next thing I knew he had me lifted in the air and wrapped completely around him, with his mouth devouring mine.
At barely five-one I was the root of most short jokes, but loved the way Sam could always pick me up with such ease, and how amazingly our bodies fit like a puzzle. And at this moment, I had never been more grateful for it. Not realizing how much I had missed his taste, I knew we weren’t completely done. And though there were never anymore dates between us and we mostly did our own thing, when the mood hit we could call one another up.
Honestly, it had become nothing more than a glorified booty call. Those are the exact words Sam used the last time we were together, the night of our falling out. While I was comforting Sawyer over losing Austin, Sam was the one who was able to comfort me. It was his arms that I cried into when I could no longer stay strong and hold it in. The nights I wasn’t in bed with Sawyer, it was Sam who held me close and made me feel safe. With so many emotions running wild, I began to discover how deep my feelings for him still actually ran.
I had been only masking my feelings for Sam throughout the years, hiding them so deep that I nearly forgot they were there. Now as they resurfaced I remember why I hid them to begin with. I was scared shitless.
And what does a scared Cheyenne do?
Fucks everything up.
Sam had been going to an out of state college, but was considering a transfer since he was no longer playing baseball and lost his scholarship. He mentioned his interest in transferring to State for his senior year. He was looking into possible internships and had a few other options to consider. After a long conversation weighing the pro’s and con’s of his different schools, he started questioning me about our relationship and where it would stand if he did move to Avalon. I didn’t have an answer. It was the same overwhelming sensation I felt that night at the theater.
The conversation got heated and he refused to accept my reasoning. Tears were falling and words were exchanged; ones that you can’t un-say. Sam told me that we were nothing more than a glorified booty call and to let him know when I was ready to grow up. With that said, he walked away from me and took what little bit of heart I had along with him.
As mad as I was that night, Sam is still a good man and deserved better than me. He deserved a girl who could give her heart to him completely. Sam may think that he loves me, but who is to say he still will in five years? My dad loved my mo
m once, but we all know how that ended.
I needed to let Sam go.
I was damaged and would only keep him down with me. As heartless as I may seem, I care too much to give him false hope.
The following day, he called trying to apologize for the things he said, but I never answered, only listening to the first couple voicemails he left. I went back to school and continued to ignore him, even going as far as blocking him from my phone and all social media outlets. Out of sight, out of mind.
I could never bring myself to delete his number and experienced an enormous temptation from time to time to use it. On numerous occasions, mostly drunk ones, I held my phone, staring at his name, willing the strength to hit the call button. But it never happened.
Arriving at Penny’s, we notice the place begin to fill up quickly, which is not uncommon for a Saturday night, but also because there are three live bands playing. Knucks Road will be the main event and brings in a rather large crowd.
The first band is finishing their set, so we head straight to the bar to grab drinks before the crowd on the floor descends upon us. While we wait for either Lilly or Chad to make their way to us, I glance around the bar admiring how much it has changed. When they started incorporating more live bands, the owner had a new stage built and rearranged the tables to accommodate for the shows. The walls on both sides of the stage are now lined with circular booths, two on each side, that serve as the new VIP area. There are high-top tables with stools scattered throughout the rest of the area, leaving plenty of standing room on the dance floor.
In one of the booths closest to the stage, I find Dave and his band relaxing, surrounded by girls. Most likely a bunch of small town groupies. Before looking away, I catch Dave’s eye and watch a smile fill his face. It gains the attention of both girls on each side of him as they follow his stare and send me threatening looks.
Bitches are crazy.
Laughing and shaking my head I wave at him before turning back to the bar just in time to be gifted my vodka cranberry double.
“Mmm, Chad, just what I wanted. You’re good.” Picking up my glass I take a quick sip, savoring the sweet and tart taste.
“I’m real good, Cheyenne. All I need is one night and I’ll show you just how good.” With raised eyebrows and a smirk he slides me a shot glass.
“Poor thing. We both know that wouldn’t be able to only have one night. I have told you, guys become addicted, and you’re just not ready for that.”
This is the ongoing thing for us and always puts me in a good mood.
“So, what’s this shot?” I ask twisting the glass between my fingers.
He smiles. “Panty dropper. Figured it would be a good way to prepare you to meet me on my break later.”
Unable to keep a straight face any longer, I laugh and raise my glass to him. “Nice one. You got me there, Chad.”
After drinking the shot, I hand him back the glass and nod my head towards the other end. “I guarantee if you use that line on the blonde dressed in red, she won’t practice my same willpower.”
“Eh, I got that last night. Didn’t even need a line. Too easy.”
“You two are ridiculous. I swear it’s like you are the same person sometimes.” Becka says taking her shot from Lilly.
“Yeah, it is rather disturbing at times. And Chad, you should probably stop sleeping with the customers. Before we know it, there will be a brawl in here once they all catch on.” Slapping Chad on the arm, Lilly starts making drinks for a couple guys waiting next to Becka.
“That would be awesome. Maybe I should mention getting a tub and filling it with jello to Preston. Just picture it.” With the faraway look in his eyes I can only imagine the scenes going through Chad’s brain right now.
“On that note, come one Chey, let’s grab a table before the next band starts.” Nodding to Lilly, Becka grabs her drink and walks towards the tables.
“Keep ‘em coming handsome.” I wink at Chad and turn, finding Becka at a high top close to the stage.
Working on our second round, the other band finishes their set and the house music fades in while equipment is switched out for Knucks Road. The crowd has doubled from when we first arrived.
Since arriving, I have been pointing out guys to Becka left and right, trying to spark some kind of interest, but have come up empty handed. I did however notice her eyes often drifting back towards the bar making me wonder if she has a thing for Chad. Surely if that was the case she would have mentioned it to me by now, especially with how I carry on with him. Maybe I should back off and stop all the flirting.
Before I am able to ask Becka about Chad, two guys approach our table. Both dressed a little too preppy for my liking and the near matching outfits are cute and all, but not my style. The guy closest to me, wearing a blue polo, looks familiar but his friend, in the green polo, I don’t recall.
“Hello beautiful ladies.” I can’t stop the rolling of my eyes, as green shirt greets us.
“Hey stranger, you know I have been waiting for your call.” Blue shirt says, leaning his arm on the table positioning his body to block his friend and Becka from our conversation.
So, apparently I have met him before. If only I could remember, because nothing about him is really appealing to me right now.
“Yeah…” I say dragging the word out, “I’ve just been super busy.”
Hearing a quiet giggle, I glance around blue shirt to see Becka shaking her head knowingly for using her line from earlier.
“Well, I guess I am in luck because you don’t look too busy tonight.” Leaning closer to whisper in my ear, the smell of whiskey assaulting my nose, he continues, “But then again, I don’t need much time with you.”
Holy shit! Sean.
It is all coming back to me now. Last month I first met Sean, here at Penny’s, letting him buy me drinks all night. He spoke a good game, that’s for sure. Even had me panting and practically dragging him out of the bar. I was ready for him to rock my world!
Worst two minutes of my life.
Over before it ever began. Yeah, sorry buddy, there won’t be a repeat.
“Sorry, but I am actually meeting someone here.” I politely lie. I could just come out with the truth and be a bitch about it, but I am not that mean.
“Well, he’s not here now, so how about we get out of here?” Sean asks, moving even closer to me.
Before I can respond, I feel a body press up against my back and a tattooed arm wraps around my waist.
Saved by the sexy musician.
“There you are.” Dave says, kissing my neck and swiveling my stool, turning me toward him and away from Sean. “Sorry to keep you waiting, babe.”
“Oh, it’s no problem, baby. I was just catching up with an old friend.” Looking up at Dave I can see the amusement in his eyes.
Pulling me in tighter, Dave looks over my shoulder at Sean. “Hey man, thanks for keeping my girl company, I can take it from here.” Dave’s tone turns serious and I hear a shuffling. Without looking behind me, I know both guys are gone.
Becka and I bust out laughing and after releasing me, Dave moves to my side. If any other guy had walked up and put an arm around me in an attempt to mark their territory, he wouldn’t be living to tell the story. Dave did me a favor and I know that it was just for show and entertainment purposes.
“You, my friend, are the best.”
“Yeah, I must admit that was pretty smooth. You almost had me convinced.” Becka is right; he was pretty damn believable. Worked like a charm.
With his lips to my ear, Dave whispers, “Just remember you owe me one.”
I am unable to control the shiver that runs through my body as Dave stands up straight.
“We are about to go on and I need my two favorite dancers front and center. Had to get rid of those douche bags.” Raising his arm, he signals the bar to bring us another round. “I will be looking for you.” With a light touch against my lower back Dave walks off towards the stage.
“
Thanks for your help back there.” I say sarcastically to Becka. “Took me forever to remember that guy’s name.”
Becka was with me the night I met Sean. He used the fact that he and Becka had shared a class as his way in.
“Cheyenne, if you are unable to remember the names of your conquests, how in the hell do you expect me to keep track?”
“You got a point there, sister.”
“Besides, I was left trying to fend off his friend. He was bragging about his BMW and trying to get me to go outside and check out how comfortable his leather is. Gross.”
“Wow, can’t believe you were able to stay in your seat. You have such restraint.”
Just in time, Lilly brings our drinks and we fill her in on the comedy show she just missed. Getting a big kick out it, she tells us to behave before walking back to the bar.
“So will you be going home with Dave again?” Becka asks, as we stand from our table and make our way through the crowd to the front of the stage.
Would I be going home with Dave?
Nothing had been planned and so far no other promising options have come up, so it could happen. Then again, I do miss the sleep I get in my own bed.
“Not sure. Guess we will see how the night goes.”
As the band struts onto the stage, the whole place goes wild with cheers. From their first song all the way through the entire set, Becka and I remain in our spots, jumping and dancing around. Dave always interacts with the audiences during their shows, but tonight he pays more attention to where we are. It’s times like these I understand the thrill of wanting to hook up with performers.
CHAPTER THREE
The next morning I wake up swatting the air and rubbing my hands across my face. I swear I just felt something tickle my nose. Not feeling it again, I figure it was nothing and burrow myself into the pillow to fall back asleep.
Then it happens again, only this time it is following by a muffled giggle.
“Taking a big risk waking me up like that. You remember what happened last time.” Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I look around the room, trying to adjust them to the blackness and find the culprit.
Falling to Pieces Page 3