A Different Side (University Park #4)

by C. M. Doporto

  “Good afternoon, sunshine.” I turned around to see Josh waving his rolling pin as Lexi shuffled into the kitchen.

  “Morning.” Her sluggish steps told me the heat from the Fireball shots was gone, leaving her half dead. Getting up from the barstool, I urged her to sit as I walked around the bar to pour her a glass of ice water. Her body slumped over the cold marble. I felt bad for her. I’d been there one too many times. I knew exactly how she felt.

  “You had one hell of a birthday,” Shawn snickered. I shook my head, warning him not to say anything else.

  “Leave her alone. She had a great time.” Shelby wiped her hands on a towel and went to her side, wrapping an arm around her. “Didn’t you?”

  Lexi gazed at her, giving her a lazy smile. “Too much.”

  Shelby pulled her arm away and returned to the kitchen island, helping Josh with the homemade pizzas. “All I know is that you need to show me how to swing on a pole.” Shelby slapped the counter and Lexi’s eyes widened. “You worked that thing like a pro.”

  “Wh-what pole?” Lexi questioned me. I quietly set the glass of water in front of her, feeling guilty for not telling her.

  Shelby shot me a quick glance and then turned back to Lexi. “The pole by the pool. You were swinging on it before you jumped in the water.”

  “Oh. No. Please tell me I wasn’t.” She slumped further on the stool, covering her face with her hands.

  “I saw the video.” Delaney rounded the corner. “You were workin’ it, girl!”

  Lexi’s head shot up. “You filmed me?” The little color in her face completely drained.

  “Not me.” Delaney pointed to Shelby. “Her.”

  “I’m sorry. I’ll delete it, if you want.”

  “Just please tell me you didn’t post it,” Lexi pleaded.

  Shelby made a cross over her heart and held up a finger. “I promise I didn’t.”

  “I wouldn’t let her, baby.” I gathered her in my arms. “I told her it would get us in trouble.”

  “And we sure as hell don’t need that,” Josh added.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” She looked at me. “Or why didn’t you stop me?”

  “I tried to, but you were determined to show me what you could do.” I grinned. “And Shelby is right. You can work a pole, baby! Where did you learn moves like that?”

  “Oh, God.” Her forehead hit the center of my chest. “Anything else you guys want to tell me about last night?”

  “Lexi,” I lifted her chin, “don’t be embarrassed. We’ve all had our nights. Last night was yours.” Her eyes wandered to the side, still having a hard time accepting what she had done.

  “And Luke’s.” Delaney sighed. The dark circles around her eyes revealed a long night for her and Luke.

  “How is Luke?” Lexi asked.

  “Hung over. Big time.” Luke dragged himself into the kitchen, still looking half-wasted. “Do you have any chicken noodle soup?”

  “Soup?” Lexi asked.

  “Yeah, in the pantry.” Josh pointed to the right of him.

  Delaney opened the pantry door and grabbed two cans. “Want one, Lexi?”

  “Why would I want soup? I’m not sick, just hung over.”

  “Are you serious?” Josh stopped chopping the onion.

  “It’s the best cure for hangovers,” I informed her and nodded to Delaney.

  “I didn’t know that,” she admitted. She wasn’t a big drinker, so I didn’t expect her to know common cures for a night of hard partying.

  “Trust me. It works,” Luke slurred as he fell onto the barstool.

  “I’m surprised you’re alive.” Lexi gave him a once over. “You were downing those Fireball shots like water.”

  “Don’t remind me,” he moaned, running his hand through his matted hair. “I’m never doing that shit again. That cinnamon burns when it comes out of your nose.” His blue-green eyes were bloodshot and he reeked of cigarettes and alcohol.

  “Gross.” Lexi shuddered in my arms.

  “Oh hell, I was going to ask if you wanted another one,” Josh laughed.

  “Eff you man.” Luke flipped him off. “I’ll remember that the next time we’re in the gym.”

  “Aw, hell. I should have kept my mouth shut.” Josh peeled the dough off the counter, flipped it to the other side, and used the rolling pin to spread it out. “Since it’s raining and everyone feels like shit, I thought we could hang out here tonight and watch some movies on Netflix.”

  “And eat some of your homemade pizza.” Shelby touched the tip of Josh’s nose, leaving a trace of flour behind.

  “Of course, sweets. I can also make one of those cookie desserts, if you want.”

  “I love those.” Shelby stole a pepperoni from one of the pizzas.

  “I saw that.” He popped her on the butt with a dishtowel. She squealed and then grabbed his hand, using it to rub the pain away. They continued to play around with each other as usual. Delaney stepped around them and placed a bowl of chicken soup in front of Luke.

  “Yours is heating up, Lexi.”

  “Thanks.”

  When the microwave beeped, I released Lexi and removed the bowl of soup. Grabbing a few crackers, I placed them on a plate and put the bowl in the center. I brought the soup to her and urged her to eat. While Lexi and Luke sipped their broth and nibbled their crackers, we chowed down on Josh’s gourmet pizza. He had a mean recipe that almost beat our favorite pizza place near campus. His chocolate chip cookie pizza was the best. Gooey and chocolaty, just the way I liked it.

  “Feel better?” I asked as Lexi sat next to me on the couch.

  “Yes.” She smiled and I noticed a little of her color returning. “I’m not one-hundred percent, but at least I can function.”

  “Next time make sure you drink a glass of water in between drinks, it will help.”

  Her head lowered and her eyes bore into me. “Next time?” She huffed. “I don’t think there will be a next time.”

  “Never say never.” I patted her on the leg and pulled her close to me.

  Luke selected a scary movie and Lexi stayed glued to my side the entire time, hiding behind my shoulder and covering her ears with her hands. When she told me she didn’t like to watch horror movies, I felt bad. Had I known, we could’ve went to our room and watched something different. But she didn’t say anything until after the movie was over.

  After the movie ended, Shawn walked into the kitchen and returned with a few beers in his hands. He handed one of them to me, but before I took it, I turned to Lexi. The last thing I wanted was to fight with her over a beer. “Do you mind?”

  “We’re staying here, right?”

  “Yeah, we’re not going anywhere, Lexi.” Shawn urged me to take it.

  She shrugged. “I don’t care, as long as you don’t leave or get wasted like I did last night.”

  “I’m staying right here, baby.” I grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “And don’t worry, I’ll only have one or two, tops.”

  “Want one?” Shawn held up a beer to Lexi.

  “No, thanks.” She shuddered and recoiled into the couch.

  “Sorry.” Shawn patted her shoulder. “Still feeling the effects from last night, huh?”

  She pulled her feet onto the couch and tucked them underneath her. “Unfortunately, yes.”

  “I’ll take one.” Delaney held out her hand.

  Shawn handed her the cold bottle. “You want one?” he offered the last beer in his hand to Luke.

  “Hell no.” Luke turned his head.

  “Anyone up for a little music?” Josh strolled into the living room, strumming his guitar. The notes blended together, creating a perfect melody as we moved our heads to the beat of a John Mayer song.

  “Yeah, man, bring it on.” I turned off the TV. Lexi snuggled next to me, swaying to the soothing sounds of his acoustic guitar. Josh was excellent on guitar, just like Lexi was on the piano. I really wanted her to play, but I didn’t ask since she still wasn’t feeling
well.

  Josh played a few songs while Shelby sat on the floor, directly in front of him. He serenaded her as usual and she soaked up every bit of it. I had to give it to Josh — he knew what made his woman tick. I just hoped whatever I did for Lexi worked for her. Based on the action in the bedroom last night, I guessed I was on the right track.

  I hummed along as I drank my beer. Luke and Delaney curled up together, seeming to enjoy Josh’s musical ability. Shawn and Kyle kicked back on another sofa, sipping their beer as their heads bobbed to the beat.

  “Yay.” Lexi clapped when he stopped playing. “You play really well.”

  “Thanks.” Josh took a swig of his beer and wiped his mouth. “Hey, what can you play on the piano?” He motioned with his head to the baby grand.

  Lexi sat up straight and perched on the edge of the couch. “Lots of things. Hold on a minute.” She scurried upstairs and returned with her Kindle, scrolling through the screens. “What can we play together?” She hummed as her finger swiped the device.

  “I can pick up just about anything.” Josh hit a few chords, showing her.

  “Alright.” Lexi walked to the piano and we gathered around. She lifted the fallboard and stretched her slender fingers over the keys. “Give me a few minutes to warm up. It’s been a few months since I’ve played.”

  I wasn’t sure how long it had been, but the last time I’d heard her play was when we sang together at her dorm, right before winter break. Too long, for sure. Her fingers flowed over the ivory keys and every muscle in my body relaxed. Hearing her play was so soothing, so comforting, I naturally drifted off into Lexiland.

  “Damn, you’re pretty good.” Josh plucked at the strings, trying to find the notes.

  She laughed. “I’m not playing anything in particular.”

  “What are you going to play for me, baby?” I slid in next to her, twisting the top off another beer. She eyed me for a moment. “Relax. It’s only my second.”

  “And your last?” she asked with a raised brow.

  “Of course.” I was kind of confused. Fifteen minutes ago she didn’t care and now she was placing a limit on me. Not wanting to fight or argue with her, I dropped it and decided to enjoy my last beer of the night.

  She was just watching out for me, like she’d promised. God, I loved this woman. “I can play Lean On Me.” She nudged me.

  I dipped my chin and shot her a big smile. “I remember that day.”

  “I do, too.” She inclined her head in my direction.

  “I don’t know if I can play that song.” Josh struggled to find the chords, sounding a little off key. “Do you know any country?”

  “No.” She shook her head. “I tend to play more classic rock, top-forties, or oldies — you know, for my parents.”

  She started playing the intro to one of Journey’s songs and I did a double take.

  “Oh, yeah.” Josh nodded his head to the beat of the music, not having any trouble finding the notes.

  “I didn’t know you played rock songs.” I was little surprised she liked classic rock. I guessed she learned for her dad, which made sense.

  “Do you know the words?” Her fingers spread across the keys, striking them from memory.

  I shook my head. “No.”

  “Look it up on my Kindle.” She motioned for me to pick it up. “Josh, do you know the words?”

  “Not really, just the chorus.” He sang, closing his eyes as he bellowed the words at the top of his lungs. I cringed as he hit the last note. He cut it short and set his guitar on the floor, allowing Lexi to go solo. “Shit, I can’t sing like Steve Perry.” He turned to me.

  “Hell, neither can I.” I lifted my beer to my lips, not entertaining the challenge.

  Josh and I turned to Luke. “Don’t look at me. She sucked all the music genes from me.” He pointed to Lexi.

  “Yeah, but you got the talent for playing sports, leaving me with none.” We laughed. “What about you, Shawn? Kyle?” Lexi went around the room. They shook their heads and stuck their bottles in their mouths. I was kind of surprised Shawn wasn’t going to give it a whirl, especially after the locker room episode. Either he didn’t feel comfortable in front of Lexi or he hadn’t had enough to drink.

  I took one more sip of my beer and set it aside, deciding to give them my best Steve Perry impersonation. Maybe it was the emotion building behind the song or hearing Lexi play that encouraged me. Glancing at the words on the screen, I belted out the words. My friends clapped and cheered as I tried my best. With my palm over my heart and the other holding Lexi’s Kindle, I sang to her. “Lexi, I’m forever yours, faithfully.” I sounded nothing like Steve Perry and was off key, but I didn’t care. I was pouring my heart out to her.

  “Whooa, oh-oh-ooh,” Lexi sang, and everyone joined in. We laughed and continued singing the main chorus, not caring how awful we sounded. It was the most fun I’d had since I sang Lean On Me with Lexi.

  Lexi stopped playing and Josh picked up his guitar, playing one our favorite drinking songs. “Hey, what about this song?”

  “Isn’t that Jeremy Kay?” Lexi leaned her ear in his direction.

  “Yep.” Josh closed his eyes as he sang the lyrics.

  “Do me a favor and look up that song so I can get the chords,” she asked as she tried a few on her own.

  I found the music sheet for the song and set her Kindle in front of her.

  “Thanks, babe.” It took a minute or so before she got the chords down. By the third stanza, we were moving from side to side, singing like we were on Glee. Lexi and Josh played well together, practically flawless, picking up on each other’s cues.

  After the song ended, I asked her to play Lean On Me, even though Josh didn’t know it. It was a good choice because everyone joined in, including Luke. No one held back, good voice or not. Shawn and Kyle wrapped their arms around each other, pleading to be there for one another. Josh even came and stood behind me, placing a hand on my shoulder. The song was perfect. We were definitely making some great memories in South Padre Island — maybe the best ever.

  Just as the song ended, we heard a bunch of loud pops. “What is that?” I asked as Lexi stopped playing.

  “Are those gun shots?” Shawn turned his head, looking out the back windows.

  “It’s fireworks.” Lexi pointed outside as I caught a glimpse of flickering lights.

  I rose from the piano bench and followed Josh to the windows. Another spark lit up the sky and I saw a couple of guys on the beach. “Someone’s popping fireworks.”

  “This is private property.” Josh yanked his guitar strap from around his neck and set the guitar on the floor. He flung the door open and rushed outside.

  “I’ll go with you.” I followed him out the back door, peering over the tall grass and sand dunes to see how many idiots were out there.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Shawn, Luke, and Kyle trailing behind me. I flew down the wooden stairs leading to the beach.

  “Hey, you guys can’t pop fireworks right here,” Josh yelled.

  I trudged through the soft, deep sand to see four guys hovering over a pile of fireworks stacked on a piece of plywood. A battery-powered lantern revealed they had enough firepower for a small show and it was all pointed toward Josh’s house.

  “Says who?” A guy about the same height as Josh approached him, shining a flashlight in his face. His build was much smaller than Josh’s, and he had a short crew cut and tattoos covering his chest. “We can pop these wherever the hell we want. This is a public beach.”

  “You might be standing on a public beach, but your stash is on private property, my private property.” Josh pointed to the fireworks. “Get it off now.”

  “Alright, man.” The guy motioned for his friend to help him move it. They pulled the wood a couple feet back and stopped. “Now it’s not on your property.” The guy was being a total jerk, and his friends laughed along with him.

  Josh’s jaw protruded and he popped his knuckles like every time
he got ready to punch someone. “Yeah, but they’re all facing in the direction of my house. There are too many homes right here, it could start a fire. You need to take them down to Beach Access number five.” Josh hooked a thumb behind him. “It’s all open down there.”

  The guy rubbed the scruff on his chin and snickered. “And who’s going to make us.” He stepped up to Josh, squaring his shoulders.

  Shawn shot me a quick look and then went to stand behind Josh. Kyle and Luke lined up next to me. We were all looking at each other, waiting to see who was going to throw the first punch. I took one more swig of my beer, emptying the bottle before tossing it behind me. It would make a good weapon, but I didn’t need to go to jail for assault.

  “I said to get your shit and leave.” Josh didn’t back down.

  “Fuck you, man.” The guy bumped Josh’s chest and then took a step back. He acted like he was going to walk away and then turned around with a quick swing. Josh’s head whipped back, but before he could return a hit, Shawn locked his arms through Josh’s and pulled him back.

  “Hey!” Shawn yelled. “We don’t want any problems. You heard him, get your fireworks and leave.”

  The guy hovering over the fireworks and the two guys next to him sprang to their feet, standing face to face with us. I did a quick once over, looking for any signs of guns or knives, but it was too dark. Nasty tattoos covered their forearms and chest. These guys probably weren’t strangers to street fighting.

  “Raven, don’t!” Lexi yelled as she stumbled onto the beach along with Shelby and Delaney. “Let’s just go back inside.” I signaled for them to stay back, but they drove a line right between our opponents. The guys took a few steps back as the girls stepped in front of us.

  The last thing I wanted was for her to get hurt. Knowing she was out here in the middle of this situation made it more difficult. Not only did I have to worry about my friends, but Lexi too. I wasn’t the type of guy who went around fighting, but I’d been in enough throw downs to know how to defend myself.