When he pulls back and I look up at him, his gaze is filled with absolute lust and promise, and I know tonight will be the night. There is no way he can continue to take it slow after a kiss like that.
“I will send Lilly over with your usual drinks. If you need anything you know where to find me.” There is no doubt behind the true meaning of his words. Before we end up in the back storage room, I head over to meet up with the girls and get this party started, well should I say continued.
After two beers, another shot and dancing for hours, I need a break and really have to go pee. Feeling confident and sexy in my inebriated state I shoot Preston a wink and blow him a kiss as I pass the bar. He makes a show of catching it and storing it in his pocket. I can’t help but laugh at his goofiness.
Not sure why, but I always feel like my first pee after drinking is never ending. The creak of the door alerts me to company and the heels clicking sound like something Cheyenne would wear. How that girl can walk in those stilts and not break her neck is beyond me. I remember a homecoming Chey thought I needed to wear heels, and went out and bought me a pair. They were reasonable and not too high for my first attempt. She told me I needed to break them in and get used to the feel, so I didn’t look like a dork walking around. Needless to say, after a twisted ankle, I never wore heels or high shoes again until tonight when I put on these wedges. I prefer to stay as close to the ground as possible.
After finally putting an end to the waterfall, I readjust my dress and walk out to the sinks to wash my hands.
Pulling at my top, making sure the girls are secure, it’s not until I reach the sink that I look in the mirror and notice who had entered the bathroom. Her hair was long, dark and perfectly curled with the smoky makeup showcasing her devilish brown eyes. She was dressed in a white sequined top, black skinny jeans, with ridiculously high stilettos. It was Alison, Austin’s new upgraded girlfriend. Great. Fucking great.
Trying to not make it obvious that I even know who she is I begin washing my hands, hoping that she doesn’t recognize me. Although, considering the daggers she is throwing at me with her eyes, I know there is no such luck.
I glance in the mirror and she is definitely staring, not trying to hide her disgust in the least. I reach for the paper towels to dry my hand. No time for these games. As I walk toward the door, it’s impossible to ignore the scoff that comes out of her mouth.
“Can I help you?” I ask turning around, making my annoyance known.
Looking me up and down, she takes a step closer and crosses her arms, “Nope. Just trying to determine what all the fuss was about.” Is she serious? What is this bitch’s problem? As if I did something to her? “You know, like what had Austin all hung up. I don’t see it. You’re nothing special.”
“Well, apparently Austin thought so, for quite some time, sweetheart.” At this point sober Sawyer would have walked out, joined her friends and continued on with her night.
“Right. But then again, he did dump you, after all that time, once he realized there were more options out there. But don’t worry, he is in good hands now, sweetheart.” She mocked me. Skank! Yeah, drunk Sawyer took control and wasn’t backing down, harboring an abundance of hostility for a girl I’ve never met.
“Good for you. Most men are fairly easy to please, as I am sure you already know.” My blood is pumping and my hands are starting to shake.
Alison gives me a devious smirk, as if I just made her night at my own expense, and takes another step closer with her hands now on her hips. “Funny you should mention that, because Austin did tell me that I make him feel things in bed that he never felt before. You know maybe if you were more satisfying you could have kept him.” Talk about throwing salt on old wounds, but of course she wasn’t finished. “If you would like I could give you some pointers to help you keep Preston before he gets bored with you too.”
“You are such a bitch. I am done here. I don’t even know what Austin sees in you.” Using all the self-control I have left, I turn and walk toward to door to get far away from this asshole.
Before I can make it two steps, I am roughly shoved from behind. Fuck. This. Shit. When I turn around and see the look of accomplishment on her face as if she just won something, I lose the remaining self-control. With a mind of its own, my arm cocks back and unleashes a punch to her face that knocks her on her ass.
Instantly, my anger is gone after the one hit, and I turn to leave the bathroom and go back to the table where the girls are sitting. My right hand is throbbing and makes me wonder if I fractured something. I’m able to open and close it, but can already feel the swelling start. Awesome.
“I was wondering if you got lost. At first I thought you got sidetracked with Romeo but I didn’t see you at the bar. Where have you been?” Cheyenne hands me a shot glass that I throw back without a care of what’s inside.
“Sawyer, are you ok?” Becka looks at me concerned and I notice that the hand holding the glass is shaking.
“Oh, I just had a little run in with Alison in the bathroom.” I tell them putting the glass down looking for another drink.
“Shut up! Are you all right? What happened?” Becka asks.
Before I can answer, Cheyenne is next in line with questions. “What the hell happened? I will beat her ass. I’ve been waiting for the day.”
Laughing, still stretching my fingers, I respond, “Sorry Chey, I think I beat...”
“That’s her.” The screeching of Alison cuts me off. “You need to do something.”
My response dies in my throat when I turn around and she is standing with James, one of the security guys, and Preston. Drunk Sawyer did not think about the consequences of her actions. Surprise, surprise.
To make things even better, I glance behind them to see Austin making his way over. Could this night possibly get any worse?
“Ali, calm down. No need to cause a scene, let’s just try and figure out what happened.” Preston tries to calm down the raging bull.
I smile inside when I notice the redness and swelling under her left eye. Serves you right. I owe my brother a thank you for the self-defense training.
“What the hell is going on?” Austin asks looking around waiting for an answer both concerned and nervous. “Preston? James?”
“Looks like some girl drama, bro.” James responds nodding his head toward Ali’s direction.
Alison points her finger in my direction and says, “What’s going on is your ex-girlfriend just attacked me in the bathroom. Crazy bitch.”
“Bullshit.” Cheyenne yells standing next to me.
Preston is glancing around as if he is taking in the whole scene trying to figure it all out. So much for the past staying in the past.
Austin gives Ali his are you kidding me look, and says, “Why in the world would Sawyer attack you?”
“Isn’t it obvious? She is jealous that you are with me now. I have what she wants.” She claimed.
As if on cue, both Preston and Austin look my way. Austin with a look of hope and Preston a look of question and possibly even hurt. Was I jealous? Did I want what she had? Now I am questioning myself. Why does she make me feel this way?
Austin crossed his arms, and my eyes automatically dart to his biceps. To my surprise, he comes to my defense saying, “Doesn’t make sense. I know Sawyer and she wouldn’t just attack you. Tell us what’s going on.”
“Really Austin? You are going to take her side? I expected Preston to since he is the one fucking her.”
“That’s enough.” Preston raises his voice cutting Alison off before she can continue, but damage is done. One look at Austin and I can see the pain on his face which hurts me. “You are making scene and I don’t need this tonight. Can you two just go your separate ways and stay away from each other?” He is not happy and I’m not looking forward to the conversation with him later.
I don’t think there will ever be enough space between me and Alison, but knowing Preston is already upset, I decided to keep my mouth shut.
/>
“I want her out.” Alison demands, as if she’s someone with any authority.
“Ali. You are being ridiculous.” Austin says.
“Ridiculous? Really Austin? Look at my face. Your precious love of your life assaulted me. I am going to have a black eye.” She pauses, dramatically drawing focus to her eye. “You know what? It is fine I can handle this on my own when I call the cops and file charges. How is that for ridiculous?” Alison glares at me while reaching for her phone.
I can’t help but notice that Preston really hasn’t said much in my defense. Although, I don’t know what I really expect him to say or even think. From looks of it he’s probably thinking that I am just a crazy ex-girlfriend. I have had too much to drink to deal with this. I should just go.
“You are a disgusting bitch.” Cheyenne says starting to move towards Ali but Becka grabs her arm to hold her back.
This is all too much. “I’m out. I’m leaving, don’t worry.” I hold both hands up in surrender.
“Fuck that noise. You shouldn’t have to leave because of her psycho ass. This is bullshit. If you’re going, so are we.” Cheyenne states, looking to Becka to confirm.
Before she can say anything to cause further problems Austin pulls Alison away. They both share an angry expression.
“No Chey. You guys stay.” Looking at Becka I grab her hand, “Becka it’s your birthday and you are going to stay and enjoy the rest of your night. Please.”
“Are you sure?” Becka asks, full of concern.
“I don’t want you being alone right now.” Cheyenne adds.
“Yeah I am sure, girls. Really, I want nothing more than to go to bed and sleep this night off.”
Cheyenne pulls me in for a hug and whispers in my ear. “I want the full story in the morning. Looks like you got a good hit in, Ben would be proud.” I laugh as she backs away. “I love you.”
“Love you too. Both of you. Now get back out there and dance your asses off. I will see you both in the morning.” I wave goodbye.
The girls walk back out to the dance floor where they instantly have two male companions. Suddenly, I realize I am left alone with Preston, since James left right after Austin pulled Ali away.
“I need to get back before Jonathan drowns up there alone. Come with me and I will call you a cab.” He says.
“No, its fine. I would actually rather walk. I need the air and time to clear my head.” I can’t seem to look into his eyes. I am embarrassed.
“I don’t like the idea of you walking home alone at this time of night and definitely not looking like you do tonight. I will ask Jonathan to cover a little longer and take you home myself.”
“No way. It’s way too busy for that. I promise I will be ok. I can handle myself.” I wink trying to lighten the mood. “I appreciate your concern but you know it’s not far.”
“At least let me give you a bottle water to take with you.” Preston takes my hand and leads us over to the bar opening and I wait for him to return from the cooler.
“Thank you.” I fidget with the bottle, still afraid to look at Preston. “I am sorry about what happened tonight. I didn’t mean to cause any problems.”
“Hey.” With his hand under my chin he lifts my face so I am looking into his piercing blue eyes. “I don’t know what happened in the bathroom, but I know the kind of person Ali is and how amazing you are. The only thing that matters to me is that you are alright and you make it home safely.” Bending his head he places a chaste kiss on the lips.
“I am good. My hand is a little sore but some ice when I get home should help” At the mention of my hurt hand he pulls it up and after inspecting it he places multiple gentle kisses along the sore knuckles.
“Do you have a secret stash of moonshine to help?” Preston asks and I can’t help but laugh and shake my head thinking of the day we first met. “Are you sure I can’t take you home?”
“No. You are needed more here.”
“Do you want me to swing by after I get off?”
“I am just going to go straight to bed when I get there. Call me in the morning?”
“Of course gorgeous. Please, text me and let know you made it home safe.” He says.
“I will.” Reaching up I kiss Preston good-bye wondering how I found someone like him.
Walking away from Penny’s, I turn the corner headed to the apartments. My mind is racing over what had happened, and not paying attention, I stumble into someone. Before I can get the apology out of my mouth, I am looking into Austin’s eyes.
“Hey, I was hoping I could talk to you. Where is Preston?” Austin asks looking around behind me. “Isn’t he taking you home?”
“No. He offered but I told him to stay. I just want to be alone right now, Austin.”
“No way in hell are you walking home alone. I can’t believe Wright would just let you walk home in the dark.” I can tell by the look on Austin’s face that he is getting heated and will not take no for an answer.
“I said I wanted to be alone right now. Besides, I am sure your girlfriend doesn’t want you talking to me. I would rather not have any more drama for... Well ever.” Not wanting to stick around for Alison to see Austin and me together I start walk away.
Quickly catching up and keeping the same pace, Austin looks over at me like I have lost my mind. Maybe I finally have. “Do you think I care about what she has to say or what she wants? She is pissed because I won’t take her side on this so she left. I waited behind, hoping we could talk.”
This had to be the worst night for me to wear something other than my boots or flat shoes. Unable to take it anymore I stop walking, reach down and take off both shoes before continuing. I don’t care what I might step in on this sidewalk; my feet are done with these damn shoes.
When Austin notices what I am doing he chuckles. “You can definitely not take the country out of the girl.”
“I didn’t attack her. She said some horrible things and shoved me as I walked away.” I say defensively, unsure if this is the first person I really want to discuss the bathroom event with. “So then I punched her.”
“I am sure she deserved it. From the looks of her eye you got a good right hook.” Austin says bumping into me with her shoulder.
“For the record, I am not jealous of her.” I state wanting to clear that up right away. I used to think I should be jealous of her because she was pretty, but damn is she ugly on the inside.
“I know that. You would have no reason to be jealous her. In fact, the issue is her jealousy over her.”
“Hah, doubtful.” I can’t see a girl like Alison ever being jealous of anyone. Hell she made it clear there was nothing special about me.
“Are you kidding me? Besides not being able to miss how beautiful you are, she knows you have been a huge part of my life. Every story I tell about my childhood and school years, you are right there with me. Ali isn’t dumb, she knows I still care about you.”
It’s true because it’s the same for me. My past is filled with Austin. I wouldn’t be able to tell many good memories that didn’t involve him too.
Reaching the stairs to our floor I walk ahead of Austin, thankful he can’t see how affected I am right now.
“How did you end up with her anyways?” I ask when we make it to my door, not sure I want the answer.
Standing in front me as I am leaned against the door frame Austin runs his hand through his blonde hair messing it up, yet it still it looks styled, and then rubs the back of his head. He is nervous. “I don’t even know. It’s stupid, but I was lonely and Ali was there. I missed you and she’s your opposite, so nothing about her would remind me of you. And I knew I would never be serious about her.”
“I don’t know if that should make me feel better.” She was convenient but it doesn’t help thinking about him jumping right into bed with someone else.
“Honestly, I was an idiot. I let myself get caught up in the whole college experience when I left.” Reaching for my injured hand he holds it g
ently in his strong hands and gives an intense gaze. “My biggest mistake and regret will always be last Christmas. I should have never let you go.”
“As much as we’d like, we can’t change the past, but we can work for a better future. You aren’t happy with Alison, so why are you with her?” I ask.
“I have tried to end it but somehow she talks me out of it. I don’t know, like I said, I don’t like being alone. Seeing you that first night here changed everything and she sensed it. After sticking up for you tonight she actually ended it.”
“Ah, well you are welcome.” I squeeze his hands as much as I can and smile at him. At least he got something good out of tonight; his freedom from the crazy bitch.
Austin tugs my arm pulling me in and wraps his arms around me. Mine instinctively go around his waist and I rest my head on his chest. God, he still smells the same. I missed this.
“Man, have I missed you.” He says kissing the top of my head.
Tightening my embrace one more time before letting go, I step back towards the door. “I miss you too Austin. You were my best friend before becoming my boyfriend. I want that back. It will take some work, but I think we can do it.” Digging in my clutch I find my keys. “Thank you for walking me. And thank you for having my back tonight. It really means a lot.”
“Anytime. I am glad we were able to have a better talk this time, especially since I wasn’t being an ass.” He gives a cocky grin and I shake my head. “Sawyer, you should know that I will always have your back, no matter what.”
“Thanks Austin. Will you be ok getting back?” I ask just realizing that he still had to get back to Penny’s or wherever he was going.
“Yeah I will be fine.”
“Ok. Good night.” I had just gotten my door unlocked and opened when I feel Austin grab my hand and turn me around.
“Sawyer, wait. I know you are with Preston and I need to respect that but, hell,” Suddenly Austin had me tight against him and his hand is buried in my hair. Before I know it, his lips are on mine. At first I am too shocked to respond, but it doesn’t take long before I am kissing him back, blaming it on old habits. Austin pulls away leaving me breathless and kisses my forehead, my favorite of all his kisses. “I love you, baby. Good night.”
Picking up the Pieces Page 10