A Different Side (University Park #4)

by C. M. Doporto

  “And I love my old lady.” He kissed the top of her hand. “She’s smokin’ hot.”

  I set our chairs facing the sun so we could dry off and soak up the warm Texas rays. We spent the rest of the day chillin’ on the beach, cooking burgers and hot dogs on the grill, drinking a few beers, and playing football. It was the best Spring Break I’d ever had. Spending time with Lexi made it ten times sweeter.

  Σ

  Chapter 42

  Don’t just count your years, make your years count.

  ~George Meredith

  “Hey, glad you guys could make it.” I opened the door, allowing Luke to come in. He’d texted me yesterday letting me know he and Delaney were on their way. He canceled the trip to Breckenridge, Colorado with his family and decided to surprise Lexi for her birthday. Part of me wondered how much of that was true or if they sent him to keep an eye on her because they didn’t trust me. I wasn’t going to be an ass about it. It was his birthday, too. I’d make the best of it.

  “Damn, that was a long drive.” He set his bag on the floor.

  “You guys drove straight from Fort Worth?” I asked, taking the ice chest from him.

  “No, we left late yesterday and stayed last night in San Antonio. We got up at seven this morning.” He darted down the walkway and helped Delaney with her bags.

  “Here, take this one. It’s heavy,” she huffed, releasing the large duffle bag. “Hey, Raven, where’s the birthday girl?”

  “She’s still in bed.” I shut the door once they were inside. “I was just cooking her breakfast.” I darted to the kitchen, making sure her omelet hadn’t burned.

  “Impressive.” Luke peered over the bar, watching me shred cheese on top. “No wonder my sister is all hung up on you.”

  I laughed. “What can I say? It’s her birthday. It’s the least I can do. By the way happy birthday.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it,” he said with a short drum roll across the bar.

  “So what room is she sleeping in?” Delaney propped her sunglasses on top of her head.

  “Upstairs, second room on the left.” I pointed upward.

  “Hey, guys. When did y’all get here?” Josh shook Luke’s hand and then gave Delaney a quick hug.

  “Just a few minutes ago.” Luke took off his ball cap and ran his hand over his messy hair.

  “Cool. Oh yeah, happy birthday, man.”

  “Thanks.” Luke gave a half smile. “I’m ready for a beer.” He exhaled a heavy breath.

  “I think I can help with that.” Josh laughed, opening the fridge. “Come on, I’ll show you to your room.”

  “Okay. After that, show me where Lexi is. I’m going to wake her lazy ass up.” Delaney followed Josh up the stairs.

  I stayed downstairs, finishing Lexi’s breakfast. I wanted it to be perfect. After placing the food on the tray, I grabbed a rose from the vase of flowers in the entryway, wishing I would’ve of thought of sending her a dozen of roses. I’d have to make it up to her tonight by planning a kick ass party. I garnished the omelet and hash browns with a few strawberries and headed up stairs.

  “Finally!” I overheard Lexi screech. “But I don’t want to party too hard. I mean, I told Raven I didn’t want him getting drunk, so it’s not right for me to.”

  “Says who?” I stepped into our room. Lexi was still in bed and Delaney was sprawled across it, lying next to her. “Happy birthday, baby.” I gave her a big smile and placed her tray of food on the nightstand. Leaning over, I kissed her cheek.

  “Thank you. You didn’t have to bring me breakfast.” She glanced at the food and a shimmer of wetness appeared in the corner of her eye.

  “I wanted to. It’s your day. I want you to feel special. Why not start it with breakfast in bed?”

  “Aw, babe. I don’t know what to say. You’re going to make me cry.” She swallowed a few times, trying to fight off the tears.

  “It’s just the start.” I kissed her temple and handed her a birthday card with For my fiancée written across the front.

  Her eyes lowered to it and she smiled. Opening it, she pulled the card from the envelope. The hundred-dollar bill I’d placed in the center fell to her lap and she picked it up. “But you already gave me my birthday present.” She showed me her ring. “And something else.” She teased me with a shake.

  “I know.” I grinned. “But I still wanted to give you something. I figured you might want to go shopping with the girls.”

  “And we know just where to take her.” Delaney took the card from Lexi’s hand.

  “Yes, I’m sure you can show me how to spend it.” Lexi retrieved her card.

  “Hell yeah.” Delaney turned to me. “I’ll make sure to pick out something sexy for her.”

  “Please do. I want my baby to look really hot for her twenty-first birthday. I’ll make sure it’s a birthday she’ll never forget.” I winked.

  “Oh no, that sounds dangerous.” She threw back the covers and got out of bed. Grabbing the fork, she started to eat. I wanted to tell her the tray was intended for sitting in bed and eating, but she was too busy chowing down. “Maybe we should just hang out here. Have a nice dinner and watch a movie.” She covered her mouth as she chewed her food.

  Delaney burst out in laughter. “Are you serious?” She struggled to get up. “That sounds like my old roommate.”

  Lexi set her fork on the plate and crossed her arms. Her brows pulled together, deep in thought. “I know, I just…”

  I turned her to face me and stared directly in her eyes. “I promise things won’t get out of hand. It’s your day. Not mine. Let’s have some fun and celebrate, okay?”

  Her jaw worked from side to side as she contemplated my plea. It was a hard decision for her, only because she was trying to protect me. As long as I wasn’t drinking in public, and definitely not doing drugs, everything would be okay. This was her and Luke’s twenty-first birthday. Screwing it up for them was the last thing I wanted.

  “Okay.” Her lips spread into a huge smile. “I want to have a good time and go dancing somewhere.” She did a little twerking action.

  I arched my brows, loving her change of heart. “Oh yeah, baby.” I raised my arms over my head and rocked against her. She ground against me and it took every ounce of control not to toss her on the bed and kick Delaney out of the room.

  “We’re going out!” Delaney jumped up and down on the bed, dancing around.

  “Where’s the party?” Luke entered the room, looking at us like we were insane.

  “Luke!” Lexi ran to him, throwing her arms around him. “Happy birthday, Brother.”

  He hugged her tightly. “Happy birthday to you.”

  “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “It’s our twenty-first birthday,” he kept an arm around her, “did you think I’d be apart from my twin?”

  It was good to see he’d finally accepted the fact we were getting married. We had definitely become closer, but I still sensed some concern and hesitation. What had I expected, though? He and Collin were best friends.

  “What do you want to do tonight?” Lexi asked.

  He shrugged. “I don’t care. You decide. It really doesn’t matter to me.”

  “I thought we could go dancing.” Lexi started moving again, despite no music being played.

  “That’s fine. Just tell me where the party is and I’m there.”

  “It’s right here, honey.” Delaney curved her finger, calling for him.

  He strutted his way toward her, gyrating his hips from front to back. Lexi and I laughed as he teased her. Delaney pretended to reel him toward her, as if she had caught him. Once he neared the edge of the bed, she bent over and locked lips with him. Luke gripped her by the waist and pulled her into his arms. She hooked her legs around his waist and squealed as he spun her around and around.

  Without warning, music blared through the house speakers. Lexi and Delaney looked around and I pointed to the ceiling. The sound system sounded damn good.

 
; “Happy birthday!” Shelby screamed as she plowed into us. She threw her arms around me and Lexi, dancing to the beat of music. “This is going to be one awesome party. You and Luke celebrating twenty-one years together!”

  “I hear it’s someone’s birthday.” Josh walked in next, his guitar around his neck. He strummed to the beat, trying to pick out the notes.

  Luke laughed as Josh leaned against him, serenading him. I’d never seen Luke so relaxed and laid back. He tended to be more reserved. Today, the beer seemed to be taking over. Kyle danced his way into the room, wearing a large sombrero and carrying a bottle of Tequila. Megan shimmied behind him and I shot him a quick look. I guessed he’d hooked up with her last night.

  Kyle held up the bottle to Lexi. “Oh no.” She shook her head. “I’m not doing that. I want to remember my birthday, not pass out drunk.”

  “Just one shot.” Shelby took the shot glass from the neck of the bottle and urged Kyle to open it. Kyle poured the clear liquid into the glass while Megan held a bowl with lemon wedges in one hand and a saltshaker in the other.

  Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, I ran my hand over my face. It was only noon and they were already doing shots. If Lexi did them, she wouldn’t even see tonight. “They’re determined to make you feel good.”

  “Uh. No. They want to get me drunk.” She backed away, burrowing herself into my arms. “No, thanks.”

  “Please?” Shelby begged.

  “I haven’t finished my breakfast.” She pointed to the tray of food behind us. “But I promise, I’ll do a shot or two tonight.”

  “A shot or two? Sweetie, you’re going to do a lot more than that.” Shelby laughed, tossing her curls over her shoulder.

  “Give it here. I’ll do it.” Luke set Delaney on her feet.

  “Woohoo!” Josh yelled as he strummed his guitar faster.

  “Hell yeah!” Kyle handed him the glass and everyone chanted, “Go Luke!”

  Luke threw back the tequila and then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Megan offered him the lemon and salt. “I don’t need it.” He held the glass up. “Pour me another one.”

  “Oh, shit. He’s going to be drunk before we even get to the bar.” Lexi shook her head.

  “No, I won’t.” Luke blew off Lexi’s comment. I’d seen him at a few frat parties; I was sure he could hold his own.

  “We’re going to party, and party,” Delaney sung as Luke downed another shot.

  “Yeah!” Luke grunted and smacked his lips together. He handed Shelby the glass and then continued dancing with Delaney. By the way he was moving, he was definitely ready to party.

  “Where’s the birthday girl?” Shawn marched in with maracas with Christine behind him, wearing a Mexican serape. Her hair was a disheveled mess, looking like they’d partied all night in bed.

  “Right here!” Lexi laughed and danced around the room. Everyone took turns dancing with her, turning her around and around until she stumbled and begged for them to stop. Seeing her happy and having a good time was priceless. She definitely proved she didn’t need any liquor to have fun. I couldn’t wait for tonight. I planned on making it her best birthday ever.

  ***

  Delaney and Shelby took Lexi to get pampered and do some shopping while I worked on the party plans. Luke suggested we hang out at one of the breweries after dinner, but I told him his sister was looking forward to dancing. Josh said there was only one club on the island and tonight was eighties night. I wasn’t sure if Lexi liked that era of music, but knowing her love for music told me she’d be okay with it.

  We finally made it to the restaurant around eight. The girls took forever to get dressed, but Lexi didn’t seem to care. I offered to be designated driver and Luke said we could take his car since we didn’t fit in Josh’s truck. Shawn and Kyle were meeting us there after they picked up Christine and Megan. Luke had a sweet 1969 Black Camaro with white racing stripes. A true classic. It was a nerve wracking driving his car, but he reassured me I’d be fine. I think the alcohol was talking because he didn’t seem to care about anything, except for his next drink and Delaney.

  Josh recommended a restaurant with a seafood buffet on the bayside. Everyone chowed down, especially Lexi. She definitely was a seafood lover — eating everything from scallops, to lobster, to crab legs. Before we finished our meal, I got up and told a waiter it was Lexi and Luke’s birthday.

  “Hell no. I’m not putting that thing on.” Luke shook his head at the waiter carrying two large stuffed animal lobster heads.

  “Uh.” Delaney crossed her arms and pouted her lips. “Why not?”

  “Oh my God,” Lexi laughed as she covered her mouth. “That thing is going to swallow my whole body.” I chuckled along with her as they placed it over her head.

  “Laney,” Luke dipped his chin, “don’t push me.” She batted her long lashes at him and that’s all it took for him to change his mind. “Oh, alright.” He extended his hand and the waiter handed it to him. We hollered and hooted as he pulled the overstuffed sea creature over his head.

  “Great.” Luke turned his red head with two big black eyes toward Lexi. “Now we really look like twins.”

  “Is that a bad thing?” She lifted her arms halfway, the stuffed animal preventing her from moving.

  “Smile!” Delaney snapped a picture of them.

  “Um, you can’t see our faces,” Luke reminded her.

  “Whatever.” She took several pictures, capturing moments of Lexi and me, and Lexi with her brother.

  The waiters placed a slice of key lime pie in front of them and then lit the candles. As we sang happy birthday, I hoped Lexi wasn’t disappointed with her party. I had no idea what her parents usually did for them, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t trying to compete with them. I just wanted to make her twenty-first special.

  The waiters removed the lobster heads and they blew out their candles. Once they finished dessert, we walked to the club, which was only a few buildings from the restaurant. The line extended to the street, every college student on the island apparently wanting to dance to eighties music.

  “Damn, it’s going to take us an hour to get in.” Delaney checked her phone. “And it’s almost ten.”

  “No it won’t. Just follow me.” Josh motioned for us to go to the front of the line. I had reserved a section for us, so once we got inside, it wouldn’t be a problem. I stepped next to Josh, leaving Lexi behind with Delaney and Shelby.

  “Do you think you can get us in?” I asked Josh.

  “I don’t know, but I’m going to try.”

  A large guy with a neon muscle shirt and jeans stood at the front checking IDs. “Hey, man.” Josh held out his hand and the bouncer shook it. “We have reserved seating,” he peered over his shoulder for a quick second, “do we need to wait in line?”

  He wiped the sweat trickling down his forehead with the back of his hand. “What’s the name?”

  “Davenport,” I announced. He stepped to a small stand and grabbed a clipboard with a few papers. “I called earlier and reserved the large section.”

  His eyes skimmed the paper. “Yeah, here it is. Birthday party.”

  I shook my head. “You’ve got it.”

  “Sure, come on. Just need to see everyone’s IDs.”

  “Thanks, man.” I patted him on the back.

  Josh pulled a few bills from his wallet, tipping him a twenty. The bouncer nodded his head. “No problem.”

  “He needs to see our IDs,” Josh announced, stuffing his wallet into his back pocket. “Come on.” He led Shelby to the front and waited for the bouncer to move the red rope blocking the entrance. He checked everyone’s IDs as they entered the club, including mine.

  “No way.” Lexi smiled as she passed me and I winked.

  “Bullshit.” Delaney shook her head. “What did you tell him?”

  “That I had a section reserved for us.”

  “Sweet.” Delaney turned to Luke. “Why didn’t you tell us?” Luke shook his head, dum
bfounded. Josh and I hadn’t told him.

  “We wanted it to be a surprise.” I pulled Lexi close to me. “Happy birthday, baby.”

  She kissed me on the corner of my lips, giggling and bouncing up and down. “Thank you.”

  The nightclub was huge, the largest I’d ever seen — especially for a small island. Students packed the place, dancing to the beat of fast paced eighties music. Colored lights flashed through the smoky air, making it hard to see. Some of the guys were dressed in bright neon colors, but almost all of the females looked like they belonged in an old MTV music video.

  “So that’s why you wanted us to dress like this?” Lexi yelled to Delaney and Shelby.

  “Yep. It’s an eighties club.” Delaney laughed as she danced her way to our reserved seating. “I’m glad you trusted me.” She hooked her arm around Lexi and they shuffled through the crowd of people. Delaney and Shelby had heads turning with their short jean skirts and bright, off-the- shoulder tops. But Lexi had guys doing a double take with her bright pink fishnet shirt over her black bikini top and her short laced skirt that had me dying to see what was underneath.

  The reserved section was like a large cabana with lighted palm trees, curtains on the sides, and plush couches. Situated in the center of the back wall, it gave us a direct view of the dance floor. It was sweet.

  We entered the cabana and I caught the middle of Lexi’s wardrobe discussion. “Why didn’t you just tell me? I probably would have picked out something different.” She looked down at her clothes.

  “What, you don’t like what we picked out?” Delaney flagged the waitress in the cabana next to us.

  “I kind of look like Madonna or something.” She held up her hands, showing them her fishnet half-finger gloves, jelly bracelets, and big leather band with spikes.

  “That’s the whole point.” Shelby lifted her hands.

  I laughed. “You do look like Madonna from the eighties.”

  “Great.” She rolled her eyes.

  “It’s good.” I gave her a once over, licking my lips. “I mean, I’m liking your get up, if you know what I mean.” I pulled on the black tulle of her skirt, hoping to catch a peek of what was underneath. “And we can do it like a virgin, if you know what I mean,” I whispered in her ear.