“Not even close.” Chad gets to work mixing my drink and slides it over to me when he is finished. “Why are you taking it easy tonight? Big plans later?”
“No plans. I just needed a night to myself, so I figured I would have a couple drinks and then head home.”
“I got to tell you, Cheyenne, I am digging this look tonight. It took me a minute to realize it was you when you first walked in. Those jeans fit your ass nicely and as much as I love those short little numbers your normally wear, this might be my new favorite look.” The thought of him checking me out makes me giggle.
I am fairly certain this is the first time Chad has seen me in jeans, and likely the most covered up.
“Since I don’t plan on trying to impress anyone, I felt comfort was a good way to go. It is good to know you appreciate it though, handsome.”
“Oh, I definitely do. And it brings a shot to mind.” Chad pleads with his eyes, slowly reaching for his shaker, waiting for my approval.
“Fine. I will do one shot. But that is it, and only if you do it with me.” Usually it is frowned upon for employees to drink, but occasionally, and especially when it is slower, they join the fun.
As Chad grabs the shaker to make our shot, I glance around the room. I bet tips tonight are going to be shitty. Jonathan is working behind the bar with Chad and there are three girls working the floor. They probably would have been good with just one waitress.
When I turn back around, Chad has two short glasses filled with a blue liquid. The color almost looks like the slow fuck he gave me last time, but this one is definitely bluer. There is no telling what I am about to get. He is always full of surprises.
“Do I even want to ask?”
“It is something I am sure you have never experienced, but you have been the cause of, many times.”
Oh, lord.
“Blue balls.” Chad informs me straight-faced.
Tilting my head from side to side, I think on this for a minute, before raising my glass to meet his.
“Yeah, you are probably right.” Laughing we tap our glasses and down the sweet, raspberry flavored liquid.
“Hey Chad, can you go in the back and bring me out another case of Miller?” Jonathan hollers from down the bar. “Oh, hey Cheyenne!”
I wave back at Jonathan with a smile. I haven’t seen much of him lately, since he cut back his hours this semester.
“Yeah,” Chad answers, before turning back to me. “Since I am still technically the new guy, I get all the bitch work. I will be right back.”
As Chad walks toward the back stock room, I find my eyes traveling to view his ass. He has a very nice one, but still doesn’t hold a candle to Sam. I am ruined for life.
In the process of pulling my phone out to send Sam a text, I feel someone sit down next to me. I am pretty sure the only reason I am able to feel said person is because they slid the stool so close, that it is practically touching mine.
Have I mentioned that I am the only person at the bar?
There is plenty of space to sit elsewhere. Without looking over, I can already sense a bad vibe and I am so not in the mood for whoever this is. My period must be coming, because I am growing moodier by the second and have not patience.
“Hey, stranger.” My skin crawls, just hearing Sean’s voice.
What was I thinking the night I went home with him? It is times like that, which make me really contemplate ever drinking again.
“Here all by your lonesome?” He asks, laying his hand on my thigh, sliding it up before I slap it away.
Not happening buddy.
“Let’s just go ahead and get this out there,” I start, turning so he can see how serious I am, “I’m not interested.” I say, trying to smile sweetly, even though he basically creeps me out.
Again, he is dressed in khakis and a crisp polo, with his dark hair parted to the side and slicked down. Taking a good, sober look at him, he really isn’t that attractive. His nose is pointier than a man’s should be. His dark brown eyes appear beady and he has thinnest little bird lips.
Gross.
Not to mention to wretched smell of whiskey on his breath is so strong that I wouldn’t doubt if it is also seeping from his pores.
“Now, c’mon. We both know that’s not true.” He goes to move his hand back on my leg and I jump off the stool.
“Sorry, but it is very true. If you will excuse me, I need to use the ladies room.”
Before he can say anything else, I walk off in the direction of the bathroom. Hopefully when I walk back out he will be gone. I hate guys who can’t take a hint
The fact that I never once tried to contact him after our one night – one minute adventure – together, should be clue enough for this guy.
I take my time, checking my reflection in the mirror, and even browsing my phone to stall my return as long as possible.
My inbox sadly has no new messages and as much as I want to text Sam and finish what was started at the park earlier, I think better of it and store my phone back inside my bag.
I also have the urge to text Dave and check in with him to make sure that everything is, in fact, all right with him. He said he would fill me in tomorrow, so I should probably just wait it out. I will text him in the morning when I wake up and hopefully he will be available to grab lunch.
My list of texts tomorrow will also include my step-brother. I am counting on the whole, no news is good news, but I would feel better knowing one way or another.
Of course I will also be apologizing to Sawyer tomorrow, for being such an asshole today. We have been friends long enough that she is probably just as in tune with my cycle as she is with her own. I think she will understand.
After a few long minutes, I emerge from the bathroom relieved to see the bar is empty once again. Returning to my seat, I am also thankful that Chad is back from his bitch work.
“Hey, Jon said it looked like some dude was bothering you. You okay?” He asks, his baby blues full of concern.
“Yeah, nothing I can’t handle.” I blow it off like it isn’t a big deal, but I feel slightly uneasy about the interaction.
Picking up my glass, I bring it to my lips and finish drinking the remainder. An involuntary chill runs down my back from the strong taste.
“Another?”
“Yeah, how about just a single this time and a water if you don’t mind, please?”
This will max me out for my low-key limit, and I will probably give it another half hour and call it a night.
“Sure thing, little lady.” Chad says, as he fills a glass with ice water. “Do me one favor though, let me take you home when you are ready. I don’t want you walking by yourself.”
I have a witty comeback on the tip of my tongue for his comment on taking me home, but it dies out when I take in the sincerity on his face. “Okay, sounds good. Thanks.”
The beats of my favorite song flow through the speakers, and seeing a few girls I know already on the floor, I jump up from my seat. “I just want to go say hi and dance a little, then I will be ready to leave.” I say smiling and handing Chad my bag to store behind the bar.
“I’ll let Jonathan know that I am cutting out early since it’s been a quiet night here. He can handle it himself. I’ll come grab you in a few when I am done closing out.”
“Perfect.” I nod in agreement and make my way to the dance floor, ready to shake my ass a little bit.
Reaching the small circle of girls dancing, I notice a familiar face across the floor and smile, waving him over. Normally I would try to avoid him, but tonight, I surprisingly welcome Trent’s company.
Trent and I met last year and ended up hooking up one night when I was drunk.
Yes, I know…surprise, surprise.
He was different than the guys I generally hooked up with, though. He had the whole hot nerdy thing going on with his black frame glasses. My first impression was a quiet shy vibe from him, but the moment we closed his bedroom door, another side of Trent came out. Defini
tely a better, and more memorable experience than I had with Sean.
Trent’s only downfall was being too nice of a guy. It just doesn’t mix well with a girl like me. He tried hard, though, and I knew if I let it go on more than the one night I would have a problem on my hands, so I cut him off early on. He took it well, but continuously showed up whenever I came to Penny’s or would ask Preston and Lilly about me when I wasn’t there. I would have been worried if I didn’t know he was completely harmless; just hooked on Chey.
It has been awhile since I had seen Trent around here. I throw my arms around him in an innocent hug. “How have you been?” I ask pulling away and stepping back.
“Good, real good. I am actually here with my girlfriend, Jess.” Trent points in the direction of a table on the right.
There are two girls and another guy sitting around laughing, and the fact that the guy’s arm is around the brunette, I am guessing the pretty blonde is Jess.
“She’s cute! Nice job, Trent.” I say, patting his arm. He has done well for himself.
“How are you? It’s been awhile.”
“I have been good. Busy with school, like always. Definitely happy to be finishing this year.”
“Yeah, I hear you on that.” Trent says, glancing back towards his girlfriend.
“Listen I don’t want to keep. It was good to see you, Trent.”
“You too, Cheyenne. Take care.” He gives me a quick hug before walking away, back to his table.
He is such a sweet guy. Trent seems like the kind of guy who would treat any girl like a princess, just happy to be in a relationship. In theory, most girls would love that. But me, I wanted someone to argue with and tell me when I am wrong. He can’t let me walk all over him, because that is exactly what I would do.
One of my favorite things to do with Sam was argue, nothing serious, but a good lengthy debate to get our blood flowing. The fact that he always stands his ground and is so assertive can be such a turn on. That is probably why our arguments tend to usually end with us ripping each other’s clothes off.
Such fun times.
I will admit there were times that I purposely would start a fight, just so we could have make up sex.
I am on the dance floor, moving around and dancing in my own world when I start to feel a little dizzy. I stop mid dance move and try to focus my eyes, but my vision is blurry. I try blinking a few times, thinking it will clear it up, but it’s not working.
What’s wrong with me?
I know I am not drunk. I only had one shot and haven’t finished my second drink. No way could that impair me this much, especially working on a full stomach.
So why do I feel like the floor is about to fall out beneath me?
It’s becoming difficult to keep my eyes open. Maybe they wouldn’t mind if I just lay down and took a little nap.
The room starts spinning and I feel like I am floating in the air. It’s a strange sensation and I almost want to laugh, but have forgotten how.
Without warning my legs give out and I feel a pair of warm arms wrap around me tightly before everything goes black.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The lids of my eyes feel as though they have been glued shut. My head is pounding like a marching band performed inside of it all night long and the dryness of my mouth has me dying for water to quench my thirst.
How much did I drink last night?
I remember my first drink when I got to the bar and then doing a shot with Chad, but I don’t even remember finishing my second drink, much less recall the rest of the night after walking onto the dance floor.
With my eyes still closed I reach towards my nightstand in hopes of finding my phone to gain some clarity on the night. It’s not there, my nightstand is missing and my hand is met with empty space.
What the hell?
Who moved my furniture?
Shit!
My eyes pop open and then close with pain, through a tiny squint they attempt to scan the strange room.
Shit. Shit. SHIT. What did I do?
My plan was to have a couple drinks, nothing crazy. I most certainly did not want to end up going home with anyone.
So much for changing my ways to become a better person for Sam, guess I ruined that. And I am now certain that he deserves far better than me. I hate myself right now. How could I have been so weak to let his happen, and why can’t I remember any of it?
I have no clue what time it is, but judging by the darkness, I would guess it’s still late night or rather early morning.
In a slow attempt to sit up, I nearly fall back over from the dizziness bracing myself with both hands on the bed while my eyes are closed waiting for the room to stop spinning. After a brief moment, I begin blinking away the fog that is still filtering through my sight and I open my eyes fully, needing to get out of here, wherever here is.
Before I am able to stand from the bed, the door is opening and I freeze waiting to see who is going to walk in.
Fuck!
I didn’t.
Please tell me I didn’t do this.
Surely, I would remember hooking up with him of all people. This doesn’t just ruin my chances with Sam, but will also kill a perfectly good friendship. I lower my head into my hands and try to erase the last several hours, whether I remember them or not. Please let me undo this.
“How are you feeling?” Chad’s smooth voice asks from across the room.
“Like shit.” I respond in a muffled tone, my head still down. “What time is it?”
“It’s only about four in the morning. I wasn’t sure you would be awake, but I wanted to bring you some water.”
I lift my head and glance toward his direction. It is still fairly dark but I am still able to take in most of his appearance. Leaned casually against the door jam, he is still dressed in the same clothes from the night before. Come to think of it, looking down I notice that I too am still fully dressed. Which, had we really hooked up, would be rather strange.
“Would you be totally insulted if I told you that I have no memory of what happened last night?” I ask feeling embarrassed at my behavior.
Chad chuckles, “Trust me, babe, if we would have hooked up, you would definitely remember.”
Stepping away from the door, Chad walks towards the bed, hands me the water and takes a seat next to me.
If we didn’t hook up, then how did I end up here, in his bed? The mystery continues.
Still embarrassed about the possibility for not remembering a night with Chad, whether we hooked up or not, I keep my focus on the glass in my hands.
“Okay, so, if we didn’t, then why am I in your bed and why don’t I remember leaving the bar or anything else for that matter?” I look away from the water and when I meet Chad’s stare, I notice his bruised eye and cheek. “What the hell happened toy our face?” I ask fully concerned.
I missed a lot apparently.
“I will start from the beginning and tell you what I know.” He pauses and turns his body to face me directly. I bend my right leg, bringing it up to the bed and sit so we are now face to face. I feel as though this is going to be bad. “You looked like you were having fun dancing, so I decided to let you blow off some steam out there before taking you home. I was keeping my eyes on you, mostly to make sure that creep didn’t come try to bother you again, when I realized you looked completely wasted. Which didn’t make sense considering you barely had anything to drink. I turned away to tell Jonathan I was taking you home and to get your bag. By the time I looked back, your knees went wobbly and you just completely fell out. Some dude barely caught you and was trying to walk out with you. I ran over to help and he refused to hand you over.” Pausing, Chad points to his bruises. “That is when this happened. He was claiming to know you and needed to get you help, but I have never seen him before and it just wasn’t sitting well with me. We both got a few hits in before James and Jonathan broke it up. They held him back while I carried you out and I am telling you, he went crazy, it took both big gu
ys to hold him back. I think he may have drugged you. God Cheyenne, if something would have happened to you...”
I reach over and grab his hand, “It didn’t. You saved me. Thank you.” I am extremely grateful he was there, but I can’t help but still feel uneasy thinking about what happened and who would have done something like that. “What happened with the guy? Do you know who it was?”
“I called James once I got you into bed. They had to let him go, because there was no proof. They told me his name, but shit I can’t think of it. I was watching you sleep to make sure you were okay and was having a hard time focusing on what he was saying. I want to say it started with an S.”
I cringe at the thought. “Sean?” I ask and brace myself for the blow. Chad thinks it over and looks unsure. “Dark haired-guy in a polo that just screams douche? He was the one Jonathan saw at the bar with me.”
“No. This guy was blonde. Looked like an all-American guy, maybe even surfer-ish.”
No, it wouldn’t have been him.
“Was his name Sam?” I asked hesitantly.
“Yeah, that’s it. Sam.”
“Oh my god. Oh my god.” Sam and Chad got into a fight last night. I can only imagine what he must be thinking of me.
“You know him? Don’t worry, we won’t let him back into the bar.” Chad says reassuringly, misreading my anguish.
“Yes. He’s my...” I don’t even know the proper word to use for him. “..my Sam. He didn’t drug me. He would never do that.”
“Cheyenne, the guy went crazy last night.” Chad says pointing back up to his eyes.
“Yes, but in his eyes, he was doing the same thing as you. Protecting me. Shit. I need to call him. He must be freaking out.”
Sam doesn’t know any of the guys at Penny’s except for Preston, who wasn’t there. He probably has the same thoughts running through his head as Chad did. I need to find him.
I jump from the bed and hit the switch by the door, illuminating the room so I can search for my phone.
“Sorry, Cheyenne. I didn’t know. I had never seen him before and then there he was with you passed out in his arms, trying to leave.”
I stop my search and turn to Chad, who is looking regretful. “No, I get it. Thank you Chad. Had it been anyone else...” I pause, shaking my head, not wanting to think about the outcome, “But I promise you, Sam would never do anything to harm me.”
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