by Sm Donaldson
I nod, “Okay what?”
“Alright Gabby’s best friend in high school besides me was a girl named Elle, she is the biggest slut ever…Gabby always kept other chicks from kicking her ass for sleeping with their boyfriends. Gabby was just like she is now…she doesn’t know how attractive she is… I’ve tried telling her, but all the guys we went to school with thought Gabby was hot, but didn’t think she would go out with them. In turn it gave Gabby the complex that none of the guys liked her and that all of them liked Elle. Which they just wanted ass from Elle that’s all. Gabby had her heart set on Reece…He’s a self-riotous prick who would lead Gabby on just to use her for her brain and I tried to tell Gabby…well some stuff happened Gabby got hurt really bad, she broke Elle’s nose it was crazy, I almost kicked Reece’s ass, the whole team was taking sides, hell the school took sides. For Gabby it was mortally embarrassing, so when they told her she could do early admission during the summer, she and I left town. Now when they get here if she sees them she may lose it all over again. I’m just warning you, because I think you’re a nice guy and you seem to be friends with her…trust me Gabby is a great friend to have. She’s loyal and she’ll take care of you as long as you are good to her.”
All of this made me want to hold her that much more. About that time Gabby walks back in, “Alright lets finish this. But Cade if that bitch comes near me and give me that snotty slut smile…her nose will be broken again. Understood…do your best to keep them away from me.”
I’m trying not to rush over there and pick her up and tell her how awesome she looks and have sex with her right here on this workout bench…the thought of someone treating her like that…Elle sounds like Jules. What a bitch…no wonder she picked up on Jules when she talked to her.
Cade looks at me, “Come on Gabby I need you to spot me for a few minutes.”
When Gabby and I walk back into our dorm she looks at me almost sad, “Linc, I’m sorry you saw how I acted in the weight room. I was just hoping that I would never have to lay eyes on a couple of those people again.”
I shrug, “its okay.”
She flops down on the couch, “So what did Cade tell you? I could tell when I walked in from your facial expression. I’m good at reading people most of the time…so don’t feel bad I know Cade probably told you not to tell me.”
I chuckle and shake my head, “Just that your best friend and a guy you really liked screwed with your head and that you broke her nose. Cade almost beat the shit out of the guy and pretty much your whole school knew about whatever it was…that it was just a really shitty time for you…Also he asked me to keep an eye on you because if you ran into them you’d probably do some bone breaking again.”
She sighed, “Well do you want me to tell you the whole story?”
I nod, “Sure if you want to. Don’t think you have to.”
“No, I’ll tell you, you’ve been a good friend to me and I’m pretty sure I can trust you.”
I laugh, “Yes ma’am that you can.”
She took a deep breath, “Well I’d been crushing over a guy named Reece for most of my high school years. My friend Elle, was a big slut, most of my day was spent keeping angry girlfriends from kicking her ass. Short and sweet of it is, I got drunk at a party decided to cash in my v-card with Reece, he screwed me in a boat house since it was my first time I bled, it was fast and it was over. He kissed me on the cheek and told me to clean up and he’d see me back out at the party. The following Monday I felt people whispering all day, I found out that not only had he told the entire football team what happened, he’d been screwing around with Elle for three months and she thought she was pregnant…I lost my best friend and the guy I’d been crushing over all in one day. She showed up at my house after I wouldn’t text her back, when she told me she wasn’t pregnant and that Reece only screwed me because he thought I’d be easy and he said all the blood was fucking gross. I punched her in the nose and eye and told her that she was bleeding too now. But my face wouldn’t look like shit in the morning.” She shrugged, “Then I got early admission and Cade checked into to it too so I wouldn’t be by myself and we popped smoke. Now here we are and they are coming in this weekend.”
I shake my head, “That guy sounds like a douche bag. It pisses me off that he treated you that way.”
She wiped a little tear from the side of her face, “I know I must seem like a real loser…I only slept with one guy once in high school.”
I chuckle, “No if we are being honest, the only person I’ve slept with is Jules…Now it was more than once, but we dated for three years. Although I wasn’t her one even when we were dating.”
She laughs and I smile, “There we go there’s my girls laugh. But don’t worry we’ll keep you busy this weekend and get that hometown talking. Besides if you want to really fuck with her…you know Russ is just about as big of a hoe as she is.”
She’s really laughing now, “What have Russ get her all worked up and then say some mean shit to her and walk off and leave her with the girl equivalent of blue balls.”
I nod, “Yeah maybe, he’ll be pissed if he finds out what she did. He’ll seek revenge for you. He did the same thing to Jules for me right after we broke up. She’d been trying to hook up with him, while we were dating and it really pissed him off so he waited until we were broke up and then went in for the kill.”
She laughs, “Are we terrible or what?”
I look at her, “No they are.” I realize we have been talking on the couch and little by little we have both crept closer to each other…and the door opens. We both lean back like we realize what was about to happen.
Russ walks in, “Hey guys what’s up? Did Cade find you Gabby he was freakin spazzing out at practice?” He flops down in the chair with a bottle of water.
She nods, “Yeah he found me…Hey were you guys able to get me that ID yet?”
Russ smiles, “Awe shit! Yes ma’am I just picked it up from my guy.”
She grabs the ID and we both look at it. I look up at Russ, “Man this shit is almost flawless. Did you get our friend to do it?”
“Yeah man he hooked me up because he owed me a favor lets say.”
She looks at me, “Do I even want to know?”
I laugh, “Probably not.”
“Well do you guys wanna try out my new ID tonight?”
My eyes light up, “Sure, I’m guessing you want to blow off some steam.”
She nods, “I’ll call Cade and Daria.”
Chapter 6
Gabby
Cade looks at me when Daria and I walk out of our room; he shakes his head, “Boys we are going to get in a fight tonight…look at those two.”
I just watched Linc give me the once over…With all of the butterflies I thought I felt in school with Reece this is so different. He’s nice to me, he’s friends with me, he puts the toilet seat down after he pees, and I so wanted to kiss him this afternoon on the couch. He was so calming. I’ve never told anyone besides Cade what all happened, how betrayed I felt. I really felt good to trust someone.
Russ gives me his wink and nod, showing that he thinks we look hot, “Yep we’re going to have to keep the cocks knocked off of these two tonight.”
I snort, “Jeez Russ! That was real sweet.”
Linc looks at me, with a small grin, “Are you ladies ready to go? I know Gabby here has a new ID burning a hole in her pocket.”
I smile, “Oh yeah you know it.”
We decided to walk down the street to the club and take a cab back. It was fine with me because I was planning on getting drunk tonight. My nerves were shot, this shit coming up with Reece and Elle had almost ruined my day. If it hadn’t been for my one on one time with Linc, it might just have.
After we get in the door, Daria looks at me and smiles, “So the ID worked. Let’s go get some drinks.”
Cade follows us to the bar; he looks at me and winks, “Ladies, I’ve got this one.”
Oh shit I know what he’s up to…Cade ki
lls me…he’s working my roommate.
I smile in his direction and mouth, “behave yourself.”
He nods and pulls me close, “I’m sorry I talked to Linc about all of that stuff from earlier and I talked to Daria. I just want you to have backup emotionally when they all get here.”
I smile and kiss his cheek, “I know you did and no Linc didn’t tell me I could read it on his face so I finally just told him the entire story. But I am glad you talked to Daria, oh and I think she’s got a thing for you too.”
His eyes pop open, “You told Linc the whole story…blood…everything?”
I nod, “Yes…Linc is a good friend…he’ll never replace you, but I trust him. He’s been shit on a few times too. He even helped me come up with a revenge scheme while they are here. We sick Russ on her and when it gets to that point Russ just gets up and walks out leaving her with the equivalent of girl blue balls…oh and he’ll say some mean stuff.”
Cade laughs, “You are crazy girl…So you think Daria has a thing for me huh…you think I should ask her to dance?”
I nod, “Sure…after you get my drink. But I’ve got to ask, what’s up with the change in type?”
He squints, “What do you mean? Change in type.”
“Cade she’s not the little bimbos you normally go for.”
“Let’s just say I’m tired of chicks agreeing with everything I say. Acting like they love football as much as I do. Having so much make-up on that at the end of the night there’s almost as much on me as them.”
I smile, “I’m glad to hear this…I love you as if you’re my brother and I’m glad you like her. Like I said I think she likes you too. I like her a lot.”
A few drinks later, I’m feeling tipsy. Daria and I have been out to dance a few times for the faster stuff. She asked me if I thought Cade was into her…I had to laugh. I felt like I was having a conversation about them all night. Whew all of a sudden I feel like I need to rest. I take a big swig of the beer I’ve been drinking. I haven’t had this much to drink in a long time; those shots Russ got me to do with him probably didn’t help either. The D.J. announces that up next is a slow ballad for everybody to find someone to snuggle with on the dance floor. Cade leans down in Daria’s ear, she smiles and nods. He finally asked her to dance. I just realized I’m leaning back on Linc’s knee. “Oh shit I’m sorry Linc; I think Russ’s shots put me close to my limit.”
He laughs, “Well how about we go dance and I’ll forgive you.”
I nod and smile. When I realize that Hinder’s song Thing For You is playing my heart flutters. I’m pretty much leaning on Linc so I don’t lose my balance. He leans down to my ear, “For what it’s worth, that guy Reece must have been fucking BLIND.”
That’s funny; well he’s been drinking too. About that time I look over to see Daria and Cade practically mauling each other, moving over to a booth. I laugh, “Um so Linc you think Russ is going to hook up with someone so I can crash in his bed because from the looks of things my room may be occupied.”
He burst out laughing, “Well if he doesn’t you can have my bed and I’ll crash on the floor.”
“No if Russ comes home I’ll crash on the couch.”
He laughs, “I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.” I look up and see Russ motioning that he’s leaving with a cute little blonde girl. I shake my head as the song ends. Linc pulls my chin up, “Hey are you ready to go?”
I can tell I’m done for the night, “Yes, I need to go interrupt my roommate and my best friend and tell them we are leaving and I won’t be in my room tonight.”
He laughs, “Okay, I’ll call for us a cab.”
I walk over and tap Cade on the shoulder, “Ahemm.” He looks up at me from the booth he and Daria have moved to, “What’s up Gab?”
“Russ left with some girl; Linc and I are heading out. I’m going to crash on Russ’s bed, so Cade you can crash or whatever on mine.”
He laughs, “Okay, your assuming the worst in me Gab.”
I laugh, “No I just know…well never mind…I don’t think of it badly lets just put it that way…I’m giving my warped blessing.” They have been checking each other out for weeks.
He smiles, “We’ll be behind you guys soon.”
“Good thanks for the warning, I’ll wear my ear buds to bed.”
He pops my arm, “You’re such a bitch sometimes.”
“I know and you still love me.”
He nods, “That I do, be careful.” He kisses my forehead.
~*~
I walk outside and see Linc’s muscular build standing in front of me. He looks up from the ground, “Hey, the cab should be here any minute…Did you get those two separated long enough to let them know we were leaving?”
“Yeah, they’ve been checking each other out for weeks…I know Cade. Which Daria is not the typical girl he goes for and I’m glad.”
The cab pulls up and we climb in. He looks at me, “What do you mean by that?”
“Well, Cade normally goes for the easy lay. The girl who spends too much time on her make-up and clothes. The girl who agrees with everything he says just to agree with him.”
“Oh and Daria’s not that way?”
“You do live in the same apartment with us right? She’s very opinionated, she puts very little thought into getting ready, she’s just naturally beautiful. She actually doesn’t like football all that much and she doesn’t mind telling anyone who will listen. She’s into older music not current stuff. Just the opposite from what Cade normally picks up.”
“So you are saying he’s growing up.”
I laugh, “Yeah I guess that is what I’m saying.”
As the cab pulls up to the front of our dorms he helps me out of the cab. We climb the stairs to get to our apartment. He unlocks our door and I trip over my own freakin feet. How graceful Gabby! He catches me though and helps me up. His lips brush across mine and we begin to kiss slowly and sensually. My cell phone buzzes and brings us both back to reality. I look at my phone, “It’s Cade he said they are on their way. So I guess I’m going to get my PJs.”
I can tell we are both a little uncomfortable now. He looks at me and rubs the back of his neck, “Gabby I’m sorry. I ugh, well that was nice. But I didn’t mean to assume.”
I laugh, “Its okay Linc. It just happened, neither of us planned it and you’re right it was nice.”
I walk to my room and change into my PJs. I take a deep breath; we can’t get involved we are roommates. Daria says these things always screw everything up. I walk back across the apartment and knock on his door. I hear him clear his throat, “Come in Gab.”
I walk over and lie down on Russ’s bed, “Good night Linc.”
He turns the lamp off and I hear him sigh, “Good night Gabby.”
Chapter 7
Linc
I’ve got to get up and go take a freakin cold shower so I can go to sleep…I can hear her breathing . It’s taking everything I have in me not to crawl over there. I get in the shower and I smell her soap, her shampoo, jeez this girl…I think I’m going to have to move out just so I can date her. After a LONG COLD shower I walk back and climb into bed.
The next morning I wake up to a blood curdling scream. I look over and I don’t see Gabby in the bed I run out in my boxers about that time Cade is coming out of her bedroom in his boxers. Gabby is in the bathroom screaming, we can hear stuff being thrown around in there, I’m scared someone has came in and is hurting her in there. Cade and I try to open the door but it’s locked…Cade yell’s at her, “Gabby what’s wrong open the damn door!” She still screaming, I look at Cade and he looks at me we both throw our shoulders into the door breaking the frame so we can get in. We both stop suddenly as we bust in. Cade looks at Gabby, “Fuck Really Gabby! A damn mouse you had me and Linc break the door for a fucking mouse!”
I was about to be pissed too until I saw her up on the vanity in nothing but a towel.
She’s mad, “Cade get it out of here, you
know I hate those things.”
Cade rubs his head, “I should leave you in here with it Gabby, why didn’t you just run out of the bathroom?”
“Well because it was blocking the door.”
I can’t help but laugh at that point, “Gabby you play football with us, you train endlessly and a four ounce mouse scares you to the point you can’t move?”
“Yes Shut up Linc!”
Cade and I manage to get the mouse in a garbage can and he takes it outside.
She looks at me like she could kill me, “Don’t give me shit Linc…I have an irrational fear of mice, I know it’s stupid and I don’t care.”
She walks in her room and slams the door.
Cade comes back in and flops down on the couch with me, he laughs, “Welcome to being Gabby’s friend.”
I laugh, “Where’s Daria? She didn’t come out with all of that screaming.”
“She had to work; she left a couple of hours ago.”
“Oh, So things between you and Daria???”
He nods, “They’re good. We didn’t have sex…I’m for once in my life trying not to base a relationship off of that.”
I nod, “Gabby seems happy about the two of you.”
“She is or she says she is. I hope so; Daria is a breath of fresh air. You know how it is when you’re on the football team; you can’t tell if girls want to date you or the image.”
I nod, “Yeah, my crazy ass ex was definitely that way.”
“Yeah Russ kinda filled me in on her. Sounds like you got burned pretty bad man.”
“Yeah, more like I felt pretty damn stupid.”
“So Gabby told me that she told you the whole story.”
I nod, “Yeah those guys really did a number on her.”
“Oh trust me, the day it all hit the fan is probably the closest I’ve came to murdering someone. When Gabby walked in that cafeteria and the entire football team started giving me Reece’s description of events, all I could think was I had to get her out of there. I was so mad with them, mad with her…I’d begged her to leave the Reece thing alone and she wouldn’t listen. She thought she saw something in him no one else did, telling her that day about him, her, her best friend…it nearly killed me. The only bright spot of the day was later that afternoon when I saw Elle running from her house bleeding and I walked over to find Gabby crying but she told me she broke Elle’s nose and blacked her eye…Hell I couldn’t have been prouder.”