“Not even close.” It was true. I had spent so much time with him over the last few days and I still wanted more. Not just the steamy encounters but the whole thing; his company and our conversations, I wanted more.
“Good, because I’m really into you Sawyer. Have a good week at school. Call me anytime. I hope I get to see you soon.”
I knew I had a busy schedule and needed to stay focused on my studies, but the need to see him was growing stronger every time we hung out.
“I will definitely be calling, because I’m really into you too.”
“Goodnight Sawyer” he leaned in and placed a light and sweet kiss on my lips.
I smiled and waved him goodbye.
CHAPTER TEN
The last two weeks with Preston have been nothing short of amazing. Every date is like one adventure after another. He keeps me on my toes and is full of surprises. One of the biggest, being the fact that he has yet to ask me what the deal is with Austin. I am not even sure if Austin said anymore that night after I walked off. Truthfully, I’m not ready to go through the details of Austin and me with Preston just yet. However, I did hear that there may have been some tension at the bar on a few of their shifts together.
Not wanting to be the cause of any more issues between the boys, I’ve tried to avoid Penny’s all together. As a plus, it has made it easier to avoid Austin, which has been another one of my efforts since our lunch. Of course he isn’t going away quietly this time. Just about every day since I walked out on him, he has been sending a text telling my how he missed me. Some have even included a cute memory that would always make me smile. I never responded to any of his messages, I just wasn’t ready yet.
They say your first love never truly leaves your heart, and I am beginning to understand that. Austin has always been such a huge part of my life and I know I will always love him. No matter what happens between us I cannot picture living a life where Austin isn’t around. We still have a few things to sort out, however, now is clearly not the time. One day, I hope we can sit down and get some closure.
I am enjoying my time with Preston and I want to see where it is headed. It isn’t fair to anyone with me still thinking about Austin, but I don’t know how to let go completely yet. Preston is so different than I could have ever thought him to be and I love getting to know him.
Last weekend he called me early in the morning and told me to get dressed in something I wouldn’t mind getting dirty and to be ready in twenty minutes. He picked me up and I had no idea what he had planned. Back home there aren’t too many days living on the ranch where I don’t get dirty, although I am sure his plans don’t include chasing pigs around in the mud.
Preston didn’t take me pig chasing that day, but he did surprise me by taking me to a four-wheeler track and renting us each one of our own. Though I would have been happy to share one and ride wrapped around him for the afternoon. But who am I kidding, that was one of the things I missed the most about home. There were many days when I needed to clear my head and would go out to the garage, jump on my four-wheeler and take off for hours. Nothing makes me feel as free as the wind blowing my hair back and flying down the trails.
It had been rainy the last few days so the trails out at the track were wet and covered with puddles. By the time we finished, we were filthy, but I loved every minute of it. I knew I looked a hot mess, covered head to toe in mud and my hair falling out of its ponytail and windblown. Regardless, Preston still told me I was gorgeous and pulled me in for a breathless kiss.
Tonight we are celebrating Becka’s birthday, which means a shopping trip is in order to make sure we all look our best. Cheyenne and Becka have been going out without me the last couple weeks on nights when Preston would take me out or come over just to watch movies. They had also been hanging out with Lilly, the new girl at Penny’s. She’s even come over the apartment for dinner. We like Lilly and glad we have a girl on her side at Penny’s.
I was assured that Austin would not be working, which is the only reason I agreed on having Becka’s birthday celebration at Penny’s. Plus, it didn’t hurt that a certain hottie would be behind the bar either.
Somehow the girls also suckered me into allowing them to play dress up with me tonight. Not sure what I was thinking. Between Becka’s range of leather and Cheyenne’s lack of modesty, there was no telling what I would be getting myself into. Heaven help me.
We decided to start our shopping adventure by going to the cute shops and boutiques in town by the apartments. Cheyenne and I know the importance of shopping small businesses instead of big corporations, keeping it local. After only a couple hours, we were all pretty successful in finding something to wear. Naturally, Becka chose a black and white theme tonight and after much debate, the winning dress was black, with a low cut V in the front that put the girls on complete display. I originally tried to talk them out of it, but it did look sexy and at least it was not skin tight. It had loose material that would allow me to dance comfortably without giving away too many secrets. Since I was not permitted to wear boots this evening, our last task was to find a pair of shoes. That was the easiest part of the day.
With a long night ahead, we figured we should eat a nice size lunch to prepare for the drinking. We found a little bistro downtown and grabbed a table outside.
“I can’t wait to see Preston’s face when you walk in tonight. He won’t be able to leave the safety of behind the bar without exposing the hard on you will give him.” Cheyenne says with no reservation of our surroundings. I swear the girl doesn’t know what a filter is.
“Cheyenne!” I scold as I give apologetic smiles to the older ladies at the table next to us. “Did you forget we were in a public place? Dang.”
“Nope.” she says without a care. I can’t help but laugh at how blunt she is some times. And it didn’t stop there. “So, after your little performance on the couch not too long ago, I can’t help but wonder if the smile plastered on your face these days has anything to do with Romeo and you finishing the play. So, how was act three?”
I choke on the water I was trying to swallow as the words come out of Chey’s mouth and am in a major coughing fit while the other two are laughing hysterically.
“So, I am guessing that’s a yes.” Becka says while wiping the tears from her eyes.
“You guys both suck, and for your information we have been taking things slow.” Well it’s more along the lines that Preston is taking things slow. I have tried to escalate things but he doesn’t ever let it get too far.
They both get a great laugh out of that and I ignore them going back to my salad. I notice that both girls have become eerily quiet I look up to see them exchanging a look of concern.
“What is wrong with you two?” I ask as looking around.
As I am peer across the street, I can now see what has gotten their panties in a twist. It’s none other than Alison, Austin’s girlfriend. Of course I know it is her, after all the Facebook stalking I did before moving, but nothing could have prepared me for seeing her in person. I guess with only viewing pictures on line and hearing about her via other people, it was still easy to imagine she didn’t exist. Finally, with my own eyes, I see the girl who took my place, and it makes the whole thing so much more real. The sight of her strikes a pain in my chest that has been absent for a while now. Once again all those emotions want to come rushing back. I turn my head and focus again on my salad, except it seems I have lost my appetite.
Cheyenne sees me set my fork down. “Don’t let it get to you, Sawyer. Just think of it as her doing you a favor.” Her words are sweet, but Cheyenne has never have been in a serious relationship and cannot imagine the pain I have felt since the breakup. I know she is only trying to help but sometimes you just can’t.
“It’s fine. I survived seeing Austin, no reason I should let this bother me.” I lie. Over time I have worked hard to conceal my feelings which has made it a little easier to hide my emotions in front of those who care about me. I hate when they w
orry. “Besides, I am having a really good time with Preston, and it’s not like I still have hopes of getting back with Austin.” This was true.
Becka makes a pissed off groan and I follow her glare in time to catch Alison smirking and waving at our table.
“She is such a bitch. I don’t know how I was ever friends with her.” Becka says as she smiles back holding up her middle finger.
“You were friends?” I ask surprised, I don’t recall ever hearing about that before.
“Yeah, we went to school together before coming here. We always had a hot and cold friendship over the years, but I had hoped once we moved out of our town she would change. She has always been a bitch, but I guess I just chose to see the good in her.”
“What happened? When did you guys stop talking?” I asked, confused because even Cheyenne hasn’t mentioned it before, yet she doesn’t look as shocked as I do.
“Oh, it was last year sometime. She finally went over board and I knew that what little goodness she may have in her wasn’t enough to cover all the bad.” Becka was starting to look sad and uncomfortable and I hated that she would feel that way on her birthday.
“Well enough of that bullshit. Let’s head back to the apartment to start the pre-party.” Chey says as she pulls out cash for the bill. “Lunch is on me today, ladies. So let’s get out of here.”
I, for one, cannot wait to get back and start the shots. It’s looking like this might be a drunk Sawyer kind of night.
Once we arrived back at the apartment we all went our separate ways to shower and start getting ready. Cheyenne begged me to allow her to do my makeup and Becka asked to straighten my hair. Tonight I was being brave, so I agreed. All I had to do was shower and the rest was on them.
Ready to get this party started I head out to the kitchen to check my phone and prepare some much-needed shots. There is a missed call from Preston and a few texts.
PrettyBoy: Hey gorgeous. I tried calling before starting my shift. One of the frats are having a party here tonight also, so it will be crowded. I set you girls up with VIP services tonight.
PrettyBoy: Btw, just because you will have your own personal server does not mean I don’t expect you to grace me with your beautiful self at my bar. ;)
I can’t help but smile as I read his messages. Being in VIP means we will have a table reserved for us and we get a server who will keep our drinks flowing so we don’t have to fight the crowd at the bar. The girls will be excited when I relay the news to them. I type out my reply then pull the vodka from the freezer.
You are the best! I hear that hot bartender is on tonight so of course I will be making many trips to the bar just to check him out. See you soon!
I had just poured the three shots when I remembered I still had another text on my phone.
Austin: I saw you today with the girls laughing and smiling. Reminded me how much I miss your beautiful smile and laugh. Please, let me make this right. I hate the thought of being so close to you, yet so far away. I miss my best friend.
Before even knowing what I was doing I emptied all three shots into my mouth and just stared at my phone. This message got to me more than any of the others had. His last sentence tore me apart. Austin was my best friend and I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss that. I always had both Austin and Cheyenne. We were all so close for so long.
I closed out of the message and set my phone to the side to keep my fingers from typing back how I missed my best friend too. As much as I hated to say it, Austin was finally getting a taste of his own medicine.
Not long after, the girls came out and I told them how Preston hooked us up for the night. Cheyenne of course thought that was cause for a shot, but I didn’t tell them about the three I just threw back or the message from Austin. Starting to feel the alcohol, I am not sure I will ever make it to Penny’s in the shoes I am being forced to wear. Not that they were too terrible, I actually talked Chey into letting me buy wedges. I can’t afford a broken ankle.
After our shots, Becka pulled me into her room and they start their work on me. The secret shots I did were a major help in relaxing me, so lucky for them; I allowed them to whatever they wanted. Preston had a surprise coming his way for sure.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Preston was not kidding when he said he expected this place to be packed. The line tonight seems longer than the school event. Luckily dating Preston not only landed us in VIP tonight but we also were able to by-pass the line and walk right in. Nothing could have prepared me for what was inside, this place was a mad house.
There were groups gathered around tables that had been rearranged, playing beer pong and flip cup. I don’t know that I have ever been in one place, particularly one this small, which had so many people.
We were making our way through the crowd towards the packed bar, when just by luck someone had vacated their seat. I squeezed in at the bar and the girls were right behind me. I wanted to say hello to Preston and find out where he set us up because there were two open VIP tables.
“I will be with you in just one second.” Preston said, while filling a glass with ice without even looking up.
I watched him as he mixed multiple liquors in to the shaker before filling the glass. I don’t understand how someone can remember all the drink recipes and concoctions. I like to keep things simple, just beer or vodka for me.
“Ok, sorry about that what can I get you?” He must have done a double take by the way he was staring at me. His gaze caused the color to rush to my cheeks.
“What’s wrong, Pretty boy? Cat got your tongue?” I teased. Behind me I hear Cheyenne voicing her told you so.
“Damn, you look incredible. It’s going to be hard to concentrate on work with you walking around looking like that.”
I smile wide. “Maybe I should go then. You seem awful busy tonight and probably shouldn’t have any distractions.” I say giving him my best innocent look while pretending to back away.
Before I can get too far Preston, has reaches across the bar grabbing my hand and pulls me to meet him in the middle. “I don’t think so gorgeous. I am not letting you get too far from me tonight.” He kissed my lips and held them there until we heard the catcalls and hollering from around us.
“Hey Romeo, before you start molesting my friend here do you think maybe we can get some drinks? If I am going to be subjected to this sappy display I am going to need to be drunk.” Cheyenne couldn’t resist.
“Classy, Chey.” I laugh, pulling away from Preston and going back to my original position. “Can we also get a round of shots? Then we will head to our table so you can focus on work.” I winked. We are never selective on shots and typically just let him surprise us.
Preston gets right to work mixing multiple bottles creating the mystery which I am sure will taste amazing.
“Trust me I don’t care where you are in this bar, I still won’t be able to focus on anything, but you. Jonathan is going to be working extra hard tonight.” He had just finished pouring the shots and brought them over in front of us. “Which reminds me of a certain little text I received earlier about a hot bartender working. Now I know you weren’t talking about Jonathan were you?”
“Actually, we thought Lilly was working behind the bar tonight, but then we remembered she’s working the VIPs.” You can always count on Cheyenne to come up with quick comebacks. Her smart-ass switch never turns off. As a matter of fact, I’m sure it is broken, right along with her uncontrollable filter.
Preston looks to me for confirmation and all I can do is smirk, which causes him to smile and shake his head at us.
We grab our glasses, clink them together and throw back the shot that has to be the most amazing one I have ever tasted. It reminds me of the SweetTart candies I loved as a kid.
“You lovely ladies are at table two, it’s the one in the center. I figured you would want the one with the best access to the dance floor.” Preston says pointing toward the crowd. He is amazing and definitely knows my friends well. “
Oh Cheyenne, I saw Trent earlier tonight and he was asking about you. I told him you had just been talking about him and that you girls would be here later.”
“You know Preston, it is funny. I used to like you and I have always been your biggest cheerleader. Now I just think you’re a dick.” I can tell by Cheyenne’s tone that she is not fazed by his joke and Preston can’t hold back his laughter.
Trent is a guy Cheyenne has hooked up with recently and ever since he hasn’t been able to leave her alone. She’s mentioned encounters up here with Becka where he would find them and ask her out, and every time she would decline. Poor guy doesn’t know who he is dealing with apparently. Cheyenne’s biggest turn off is guys who are too interested in her. Preston also told us how he comes in all the time and when he doesn’t see Chey he makes sure to ask about her, whether she is coming up that night or if she is dating someone else.
“Come on Cheyenne, let’s go hide in the dance crowd before he spots you.” Becka says as she pulls Cheyenne towards the dance floor.
I turn to tell Preston I will see him later when he motions his head toward the end of the bar where the opening is. Smiling, I walk down to where he is standing looking me up and down, taking in the whole ensemble.
His hands settle on my hips as he pulls me up against him and I reach my hands up around his neck. With these shoes I am a bit closer to his height.
“You are going to drive me nuts tonight.” Preston has his head bent and I feel his lips on my neck. My heart is racing. “I am not a jealous guy but I’m not sure that I can handle seeing someone else with their hands on you.” His touch is intoxicating.
“I guess it’s a good thing I only want one guys hands on me.” I whisper in his ear and then kiss his jaw. “You better get back to work, pretty boy.” I start to pull away but before I do Preston holds me there, with one hand gripping my hip and the other holding my neck. He kisses me to the point where I am not sure I can even stand on my own.
Picking up the Pieces Page 9