“That’s good news. She would put a major damper on our friendship.” I smile. This might actually work; we might get our friendship back.
“I meant what I said that night Sawyer.” Oh no. Please don’t take it there. “I miss my friend. I want that back.”
Austin is throwing me for a loop tonight. “I miss you too, but how do we go back to that after everything that has happened? It can’t be that easy.”
“I know. It won’t be easy, but we have to at least try, Sawyer. We have known each other for too long. I can’t lose you again.” Austin pulls off the label on his beer and throws it into the fire.
“You’re really ok with me and Preston?” I ask, knowing it’s not an easy question but one that matters the most right now.
“Well, as much as I can be, I guess. I will always love you, Sawyer. What we had is not something we’ll forget. We grew up together and learned to love together.”
“I know. I feel the same.” It was true, no matter who comes along, I will always love Austin Davis, the boy who pulled my pigtails and took up permanent residency in my heart. But it’s a love lost, and now a friendship for life. “I think I’m falling for him, Austin.” I’m not sure why I said it, but I just wanted him to know the truth.
There is a long pause, and I start to think I went too far in our first conversation as friends. But he shocks me again.
“I can see it when you look at him. I know it all too well.” He runs his fingers through his hair before continuing. “You used to look at me the same way. You are in love with him.” Austin’s eyes sadden as he says those words. “I also know he feels the same way, and I may have told him that if he hurts you, I’ll kick his ass.” A small smile tries to appears, but he doesn’t let it.
“No you didn’t!” I laugh, imaging two men having this conversation about me. It seems crazy.
“I most certainly did, and I meant it.” He smiles but takes a serious tone.
“Oh my gosh, when was this?” I ask.
“About a week ago, I saw the two of you at Penny’s and it didn’t take long to realize what you share together. I was pretty hurt at first, but for some reason couldn’t be mad anymore. The next night at work, I made peace with him and gave the little warning. I really am happy for you. But, you will always be my girl and I won’t let anyone hurt you Sawyer.” He wrapped his arm over my shoulder pulled me into a side hug.
“Thanks Austin. That means a lot.” I am still in awe of our conversation and feel like we have taken a new step in our friendship.
“Wright knows what he has and I doubt he’ll let you go. But, just know if he is an idiot, I will be there to swoop in and save the day.” Squeezing me tighter Austin kissed my temple. We stand in unison as our conversation comes to an end.
“Austin Davis, my own personal hero.” I smile and wrap my arms around him for one more hug.
“Always.” Austin replies.
We say goodnight and he heads off for a game of beer pong. When I sit back down, I see Cheyenne approaching from the tree line and I notice Sam a few steps behind heading off towards the game tables.
I’ve learned to not question her adventures in the woods, so we sit around the fire thawing our buns for a few quiet moments before I spill the details of my recent conversation with Austin. Of course, she is reluctant and thinks I am naive, but knows I would never do anything to hurt Preston.
I reach in my pocket at the thought of his smile, but realize I left my phone back at the house. I miss Preston and wish we could be snuggling up next to the fire together. Instead, I’m snuggled up with my twisted sister from another mister. God love her, she can be such a handful.
After a few minutes around the fire, her eyelids become heavy and it’s time to go. We say goodbye and I drive us back to my house. After a midnight snack attack in the kitchen, I lead Cheyenne upstairs and get her into bed. I search around for a few minutes and find my phone on the floor under the edge of the bed.
PrettyBoy: Sorry, it’s been crazy here. I will try you again tomorrow. I miss you.
By the time I finish reading the message, Chey is already passed out in my bed so I try calling Preston back. Considering the hour, I am not surprised to get his voicemail, but hang up without leaving a message and just send him a text instead.
I miss you too! Hopefully I can hear your voice tomorrow. ;) xoxo
Between snora-saurus, Cheyenne, and my wondering mind, it will be a miracle to fall asleep tonight. Preston has never acted this strange and I can’t stop playing the other night on repeat in my head.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Being away from home has made me realize how important Holidays such as Thanksgiving really are. I’ve grown to appreciate the quality time that I get to spend with my family. My favorite part of this year’s Thanksgiving was getting to meet Ben’s girlfriend, Julie. She immediately fell into place with our family and I can see why Ben is smitten with her. If you take all the good qualities from Ben’s ex-girlfriends and roll them into one person, you will find Julie. She is beautiful, smart, and challenging, in a good way. Ben is a complex individual and needs someone to keep his attention and challenge him to be better. She will most definitely keep him on his toes. Julie comes from a rough childhood and has been independent since an early age. She can hold her own in any situation; pure Jameson material. Needless to say, she fit right in.
After dinner, the adults sat around talking about the old days and us kids headed out on the four wheelers for a couple hours. No worries or cares, just green pastures and wind in my hair. Even Austin joined in on the fun and brought a few of his cousins over to tag along. In all, there was about ten of us total.
True to his word, Austin was making an effort to be my friend, and simply that. It was as though we were all kids again, before any of the lovey dovey came along. Even Cheyenne managed to be nice and have fun. I really hope that he can find a nice girl to who will give him all the love he deserves.
Preston called me early this morning, but we were only able to talk for a few minutes. It was nice to hear his voice and hear him tell me he missed me, but it just wasn’t the same. All I could sense was stress in his voice and I wanted to be there for him. We talked a few more times throughout the day, but all-similar conversations as the first.
My parents were sad to see me leave early, but after explaining I would be back in just a couple weeks for winter break, they relented. Cheyenne was, of course, ready to bail and head back to school. Since her mom and Bill were out of town for the weekend, she felt no need to stay any longer than necessary.
I wanted to surprise Preston so I didn’t tell him that I was coming back early, in fact, since I am such a horrible liar I have ignored a couple calls from him today. As soon as we got to the apartment I quickly showered and freshened up from the car ride. I couldn’t wait to see Preston. I wasted no time getting ready, and even left the house with wet hair.
During our short conversations, he didn’t mention if he planned to work during the break since he stayed in town, so I thought I would swing by on my way to check. His truck wasn’t there so I made my way over to his house. Hopefully he is as excited as I am when he sees me. Actually, I hope he’s home. Maybe I should have called.
Oh well, too late. I turn onto his street and as I am approaching his house I can’t help but notice the bright yellow Camaro pulling out of his drive way and driving past. The windows have dark tinting making it impossible to see inside. I have never seen this car before and it is certainly not one you would miss. Preston’s truck is still parked in front of his garage.
I park my car next to his truck and head up the walkway to his front door. Butterflies release in my stomach as if I am meeting someone for the first time. It’s Preston, I should not feel this nervous. I ring the doorbell and wait for him to answer.
“What now?!” Preston yells as he throws the door open looking all sorts of pissed. Not exactly the greeting I was looking forward to.
“Hi.” I say sheepishl
y. What the hell is going on?
“Oh, hey! Sorry, I thought you were someone else. You’re back early?” Preston is standing with his left arm stretched out holding onto the top of the door. No shirt on, just gym shorts and tussled hair. So. Sexy.
“Yeah. I missed you.” I pull my eyes away from his naked abs and chest and focus on his blue eyes. “Is this a bad time?” I ask not knowing what else to say and still slightly confused.
“Are you crazy? It is never a bad time for you, Dolly.” Hearing Preston call me by one of his nicknames instantly brightens my mood. I was still shaken by the situation and didn’t know what to say or do. Before I realize what’s happening, Preston grabs me and pulls me to him. “I missed you too.” He says on my lips before taking complete control of my mouth.
The rest of the world turned to gray and his kiss colored only us. I felt his hands around my waist, and then lowered to lift me up closer to him. My arms reach around his neck and he brings my legs up around his waist. A fire is lit and all confusion is burning away with the anxiety. Nothing mattered except the way he was making me feel this very moment.
We made our way inside and managed to find the couch. Our tongues did the talking for a few minutes before we peeled away from each other to have a real conversation. Preston apologized again for bailing on our trip and we talked about our Thanksgivings. Well mostly I talked about my day; he simply said his was good. I told him all about Ben’s girlfriend and then made my way to the conversation about Austin. I knew I wanted to be honest with him and was glad that I was. Preston listened intently and understood completely. He had no reason to be threatened by my past, and said he would support whatever decision I made in the matter.
We spent the rest of the night right where we left off, watching a movie and falling asleep together on the couch. It was good to be back in his arms.
The next two weeks following Thanksgiving were intense and filled with nonstop studying trying to cram for finals. Gone were the days of going out drinking and staying up late. Preston and I only saw each other on the nights he wasn’t working after he finished studying. We wouldn’t even attempt to study together knowing the distractions that would take place. On the nights we did spend together, we basically would watch a movie and fall asleep together, both waking up early to continue to study. We were in serious need of a break.
Tonight is the night. With finals complete, school is officially done until after the New Year. Tomorrow morning Cheyenne and I are heading back home for Christmas break. Well, the plan is to leave in the morning but depending on how much we drink tonight, and by we, I mean Cheyenne; the trip may be delayed until afternoon.
Becka has been seeing a new guy, Tom, for a couple weeks now and they were going to meet us at the bar. Cheyenne and I dressed more casually than usual, especially for Chey. It’s rare to see her in jeans any more, but with the cooling weather, she makes an exception. It’s not too cold tonight, so walking to Penny’s should be okay. Preston is already working and let him know we are on our way.
Hey pretty boy! On our way, can’t wait to kiss you! xoxo
With our scarves wrapped around our necks, we head out the door.
“Do you have your Christmas shopping list ready?” I ask Cheyenne knowing that she is a bigger procrastinator than I am. Every year we typically go out two days before Christmas and do all of our shopping last minute. Crazy, but it works for us.
“Just about. The only one I am not sure about is Aaron. He is always so hard to buy for. Then again maybe I should just buy him a lifetime supply of condoms.” Cheyenne says without a hint of humor.
“You’re disgusting Cheyenne! That’s my sister he would be using them with.” I have it on good authority that Martha isn’t the innocent little thirteen year old girl she once was, but still, I don’t want to think about her being that serious with a boy yet.
“Come on friend, what were you and Austin doing at that age? You two couldn’t stay away from each other. I don’t know about you, but I am not ready to be an aunt yet.” Cheyenne says picking up the pace as the wind picks up.
“I don’t want to talk about my sister’s sex life, nasty. Buy the damn kid a video game or something. Isn’t that what teenagers are into these days?” I pick up my pace and keep up with her. “I am going to need your help trying to figure out what to get Preston. I am horrible about picking out gifts and I don’t have the slightest clue what to get him.”
“That’s tricky. But have no fear. We will come up with some good. Maybe…something sexy.” She tapped the tips of her fingers together like an evil villain. But, little did Chey know, I already had a sexy surprise planned for Preston already.
“After tonight, I won’t see Preston until he comes down for New Years. That’s going to be rough.” I frown thinking of how much I am going to miss him.
Cheyenne hooks her arm through mine as we walk up to the door of Penny’s. “I am sure it will fly by. But, in case you get lonely, just call your girl and I will be there to cuddle with you.” Chey nudges me and winks. “If you’re lucky and I am feeling frisky, I might even make out with you. But that is where I draw the line.”
“Oh Chey, what would I ever do without you?” I laugh.
“Lucky for you, you will never find out.” This was true. We were stuck together for life, not that I was complaining. I love this girl; she couldn’t get rid of me if she tried.
Just as we are about to reach the entrance, where Austin is checking IDs, the rumble of car engine catches our attention. Parallel parking across the street is a bright yellow Camaro, much like the one I saw leaving Preston’s a couple weeks ago. Interesting.
“Damn, now that is a sweet car. I bet whoever is driving is just as sexy.” Cheyenne stared practically drooling over the car and fanning herself with her hand.
“Come on, before you get yourself into trouble.” I say pulling her towards Austin.
“Ladies. Becka and Tom are already inside.” Austin informs us.
“Austin, I didn’t think you were working tonight.” I notice he isn’t wearing his usual black Penny’s shirt but instead one of his long sleeve button ups.
“I’m just filling in for a little bit. I should be done within the hour. Just don’t get too drunk before then.” At that he looks towards Cheyenne.
“Now you know that is a promise I cannot keep. You just better hurry.” Cheyenne says over her shoulder as she is pulling me inside. It’s nice to see them getting along considering some of our earlier encounters at this very door.
Surprisingly, tonight it isn’t too crowded inside. With no effort, the first thing my eyes land on is the sexy man behind the bar. I still cannot believe that he is mine. When I first got here, there were hopes of reuniting with my high school sweetheart. Instead I meet Preston, and he has me completely taken. And to top it off, I did get Austin back, maybe not the original way I expected, but we are better now than we have been in a long time. We make great friends and him and Preston now respect each other. What more could I ask for.
“Stop eye fucking him and just get over there. I’m going to find Becka.” Cheyenne gives me a light push from behind before walking off towards the dance floor.
Preston has my beer on the bar before I make it all the way over. And his smile spreads wider as I approach and it’s contagious.
“Hello gorgeous. I was wondering when you would finally show up,” he says.
“You know Cheyenne, always taking forever to get ready.” I reach for the beer bottle but Preston pulls it back towards him. “Hey! That is not nice. Don’t be a tease.”
“You think I am the tease? I’m a workingman and this beer is not for free. I expect full payment up front.” Smiling Preston turns his head and taps his finger on his cheek.
“The service is awfully pushy tonight, but I happen to be extremely thirsty.” Standing on my toes I lean across the bar and go to kiss Preston’s cheek, but before my lips hit their mark he turns his head and my lips land on his.
“T
hat’s better, but I think that I am going to need an advance on your next drink.” Preston’s lips are just centimeters away from mine.
“You drive a hard bargain.” I smile, just before pressing my lips to his in three lingering kisses. “That should cover me for a while.” Before this goes too far, I pull back and stand on my side of the bar.
“So you must be the owner of the lace panties I found in my bedroom.”
I turn around expecting to witness a catfight, only to find this girl is staring straight at me. I have never seen her before in my life. She was beautiful, my height with long auburn hair.
“What the fuck?” Preston shouts from behind me. He can’t possibly think she is telling the truth. I would never cheat on him.
“You must be mistaken.” I politely reply, smiling at the girl not wanting to piss her off. “I have no idea who you are and I can guarantee my panties were not in your room.” I turn to Preston to make sure he doesn’t believe this nonsense, but he’s not looking at me. He’s glaring at her, as he if knows exactly who she is.
“Ouch, Preston that hurts. I guess I can understand you not mentioning me before, but I have been back for weeks now.” The unknown, unnamed girl says, sporting a thoroughly amused smile.
What the hell?
“What is she talking about Preston?” I ask wondering when someone was going to fill me in.
“Sawyer, this isn’t how I wanted to tell you.” Preston glare drops and is now a look of shame as he looks to me and tries to grab for my hand. I pull away, suddenly not wanting him to touch me.
“Ah, Sawyer. So that’s the mystery girl’s name.” I look from Preston to the girl who is now pissing me the hell off and she stretches her hand out to me. “I’m Heather. Preston’s wife.”
Hearing those words were like an automatic punch to the gut. She can’t be serious. Preston would have told me if he was married, right? Speaking of, why isn’t he denying it?
“Heather!” Preston yells.
“Wife? Preston? What the fuck?” I am unable to even get a full sentence out. How could he keep this from me? “I… I have to go.”
Picking up the Pieces Page 14