by cross, kali
“I don’t know. Maybe he hasn’t contacted you for some perfectly good reason,” Sally says.
“Yeah, like he’s back with his ex or something.” I scowl muttering, “He said they were still friends. He probably hooked up with her.”
“You don’t know that,” Sally says. She’s trying to stop my temper from rising, but it’s a bit late for that.
I murmur, “My head says that, but my heart still fucking feels like he ripped it out and stomped all over it.” I grab my glass and suck down the rest of the margarita.
“Sounds like we need to get some shots.” Sally gestures for the waiter.
“I agree,” Aunt Patty says.
“Can we get some shots of Patron over here?” Sally says to the waiter.
“Sure,” the waiter says with a broad grin.
“Can you make it doubles?” She says, her eyes twinkling.
“Will do.” He walks over to the bar to place our order and returns a few moments later with shots.
Sally salts her hand and raises her glass and says, “To dumbasses everywhere.” She slams the shot and sucks the lime for dear life.
“To dumbasses.” I slam my shot not bothering with the salt or that pesky lime.
Aunt Patty yells, “To dumbasses.” She slams her shot and yells, “Oh yeah!” Erupting into a fit of giggles like a drunken college kid.
Sally says, “Amber, you should text him and say ‘What the fuck?’”
“Ok, before you put me on this crazy train again,” I say pointing a finger at Sally, “I am stowing my phone in my back pocket where you can’t get your filthy mitts on it. Just in case you plan on texting him like you did last time.”
“Hey, if I hadn’t texted him for you, you know you would have never done it yourself.” She flicks her chin at me. “Admit it.”
“Ok, well that may be, but I don’t need you to do it again. He said give him time. Well he can take all the time he wants, and if I’m over it when he finally gets his ass in gear, that’ll be off on him.” Scanning the room for the waiter, I say as he walks up, “We need more shots. Another ‘round, doubles please.”
The waiter brings over a round of doubles. This time, I don’t wait for a toast, I shoot mine. Dumbass. We had a good thing. If he doesn’t realize that, well, screw him. “The thing that sucks is I know he felt something, too. I kept saying he wanted to know me. Fucking Lily. He should have known I wouldn’t do that to him. He should have trusted me. Damn it, he should have let me explain.” I am pissed now. “Fuck this shit. Let’s talk about something else.”
“O-okay,” Sally says, glancing at Aunt Patty. “You need to chill. Why don’t we head on over to Hippie Hollow, and we can bake in the sun.”
“Hippie Hollow? That sounds like my kind of place.” Aunt Patty flashes an excited smile. “I wish we had a joint.”
“What?” Sally says, turning abruptly to my aunt.
“Hey, haven’t you ever smoked a joint and lay on a raft in the water? Bobbing up and down, enjoying the sun, the feel of your skin baking. It’s so peaceful.”
Sally looks at me and giggles as I roll my eyes. Why did I have to start thinking about him again? The idea of spending the rest of the day watching Sally and my Aunt butt naked doesn’t exactly improve my mood.
“It’s a clothing optional park,” I say with a slight frown. I hope that’s all I have to say to put her off. Please, God, let that turn her off.
“A nudist park? You have one here?” she asks, her eye brows lifting.
“Yeah. It’s supposed to be serene. It’s out on the lake. The entire park has water all around it. It’s actually down the road,” she says with a wicked grin.
“I have no desire to see your junk, Aunt Patty,” I say, hoping to deter her.
“Oh, come on,” Sally says with mock disgust, “She’s the guest. She should decide.”
“So, I can keep my bikini on if I want?” Aunt Patty asks.
“Yup, clothing optional,” Sally says.
“Let’s go.” Aunt Patty leans forward, steadying herself with a giggle. “Can we walk? I don’t think anyone is capable of driving.”
“I think so. Let’s ask the waiter,” Sally says, gesturing him over.
“Another ‘round?” he asks.
“No, we were wondering if Hippie Hollow was close enough to walk to. We shouldn’t be driving, and we were going to check it out.”
“It’s about a mile and a half down the road. You could walk, take Comanche Trail, and you’ll see the sign.”
Sally pays the check, and we take one last shot for the road. Staggering out the door, smiling and laughing about any stupid thing, we walk the mile or so to the sign designating McGregor/Hippie Hollow Park. The entrance is lined with trees, and the trail leads down to the lake past a guard shack. I know we’re not in Kansas anymore when we pass a sign reading, “Notice: Nude swimming or sunbathing may be occurring beyond this point.”
Sally giggles and says, “Come on.”
The buzz is definitely kicking in, and I am caring less and less about the clothing optional issue. The trail is rockier as we get closer to the lake. One of us is going to fall on our asses if we’re not careful. I am way too buzzed for this shit. We lay our towels on a flat space near the restrooms.
“Ok, who’s game?” Sally asks expectantly.
“I think I’ll just lay here. You go ahead,” I mumble as I drift off in my drunken stupor.
***
My skin is hot. Really hot. Shit. I look down and thank God my top is still on. As I try to focus my eyes I notice the top half of my body is pink. Shit. That means in a few hours, I’m going to be in pain. I’m burnt to a crisp.
I look around my towel for some sunscreen to try to at least limit the damage and see two bathing suits strewn on top of each other. I look up, instantly blinded by the sun hitting the water. Even with my shades, I have to shield my eyes.
As my eyes adjust to the light and scan the horizon, a couple passes in front of me, fully nude, strolling by, not a care in the world. My curiosity gets the best of me, and I glance around to see several topless women sunbathing, as well as a few men. More than a few men, actually, there are a lot of guys. Some are hot with athletic physiques and others are not. Older men, judging by their tans come here a lot. Not a tan line among them.
Bouncing out in the water naked as a jay bird is Sally. Like that’s a big fucking surprise. I shake my head. Like that girl ever manages to keep her clothes on. However, my aunt’s back looks bare, but I can’t tell from this distance. She stands talking to a naked man with his junk all out there. Please don’t turn around. Please don’t turn around.
The gods are smiling on me today. My aunt turns and walks toward me with her top on. Thankfully, squashing a crappy visual that would stay with me forever.
They both walk up the rocks to reach me smiling. “You finally awake, sunshine?” Sally asks.
“Yeah,” I say with what I am sure is a big ass grumpy frown. “I’m baked. I need to go. What time are we leaving tonight?”
Sally pulls on her bikini top on saying, “Let’s head out about eight for dinner and hit the bar at nine.” Tying her top behind her neck, she says, “The club is over on South Lamar. Do you want to take a cab?” she asks, looking at Aunt Patty.
“Yeah, that’ll make it easier on everyone.” Aunt Patty squeezes the water from her wet hair. “Let’s get a limo or something; I’ll order one when we get back. It’ll be fun.”
“I need to sleep off this raging headache.” I rub my forehead hoping the pressure will lessen the annoying pain. Sadly, it throbs back to life with a vengeance. I glance down at my now hot pink chest, “Why didn’t you wake me up and tell me to put on sunscreen.”
“I tried.” Sally sighs. “You kept shouting ‘Not happenin’ Westin.’” Laughing, she swats her arms like she’s defending herself in a raging girl slap fight. “You shouted things like, ’Hands off the goods, Westin,’ and ‘Get a clue, not gonna happen’ in your sleep
.” She uses air quotes to emphasize the sleep. “I thought if I pushed any harder I’d get arrested.”
I look at Aunt Patty, and she says, “Yeah, after that I wasn’t about to try. I thought you were going to make contact for sure.” She giggles. “No more tequila today, ok?”
“Ok, mom,” I say sarcastically, “Can we head out now?”
Aunt Patty looks away out over the lake and I am instantly sorry since I obviously hurt her feelings.
“Hey, I was just kidding,” I say, stroking her arm.
“I know.” She smiles. “It’s ok.” She stands and gathers her towel. We take her hint, and climbing through the rocks back to the road as the sun begins to set over the horizon.
Chapter 21
“Wake up, sweetie.” Sally nudges me gradually, easing me awake.
The cool sheets and billowy pillows beckon me to stay as my eyes flutter open. “Damn, this bed rocks.” I groan, “I don’t want to go. You guys go without me.”
“You’re going. You promised. It’s almost eight so time to get up and get ready. The mini bar has anything you could want to drink or munch on, or I can order room service. I picked out your outfit. I hope that’s ok.”
“I’m sure you could barely contain yourself.” I chuckle, knowing full well, I am merely Sally’s own personal Barbie doll. The clothes are laid on the bed. “I like your choices as usual. You definitely make it idiot proof, don’t cha?” I glance over my old blue jeans that she has ripped holes in, almost completely obliterating the right knee. The tank is not mine. “Where did the tank come from?” I ask.
“I got it in the gift shop downstairs. Do you like it?”
“I think you picked up a child’s t-shirt, Sally,” I say dryly, eyeing her with a skeptical sneer. The tank is actually a cute Willie Nelson black tank, but its uber tiny, showing my abs and parts of the bra.
“Just put it on. It’ll look good with the cross and your boots. I promise you’ll be comfortable,” she says beaming.
She really gets off on this fashion shit. Damn shame she can’t tell her family to fuck off and do it for a living.
“Ok, but if my nipples show, I’m gonna change,” I grumble, walking into the impressive bathroom of our suite complete with a four person shower with Jacuzzi tub. The tub calls to me, but I know Sally will be pounding on the door if I linger so I start the water in the shower. The raindrop shower head has good pressure, and I step in expecting a relaxing pelt. My sunburned back screams, I look down and notice the bright red skin highlighting the white triangles covering my bits. I must have turned over in my sleep. Thank God. Only one red side and I would look like an idiot. Not that I don’t. Shit. Who passes out in the sun? I wash my body as best I can, trying to stay away from the pelting water.
Finally successfully bathed, I step out of the shower, grateful that for once I am alone, and Sally’s not barging in. I study my face in the mirror, thankful the sun did not burn in delightful raccoon circles from my sunglasses. My face has a nice golden pink tone. I must have spent more of my time on my back. I do my hair and makeup, blow out my hair. Why bother doing some elaborate style? It’s not like I plan on meeting anyone. Snap out of it! I have to pull myself out of this funk. Damn it. This is what talking does, makes it harder to push down the garbage.
I stare at my blue eyes, noticing their sadness. I sigh, as I apply my eye makeup. Fuck it. Maybe I should pick someone up tonight just to wash away any memories of what I’ll never have.
I open the door and walk out into the suite. Sally is noticeably missing. My phone pings with a text:
I’m up in your aunt’s room – 612.
I bought some cute lingerie I thought would work with the outfit.
It’s in the bag. Don’t argue just put it on.
I open the bag with the hotel logo and pull out a teal demi bra and panties. It matches the lettering on the tank perfectly. The set is thin enough that everything shows through and lightweight enough so it doesn’t scratch my sunburn. That’s really sweet.
I dress and text Sally:
You ready?
Are you coming down here or should I come up there?
My phone pings:
We’ll be down in a minute.
Have a drink. ;)
I make myself a Jack and Coke and sit on the expansive couch overlooking a view of downtown Austin. The lights of the city twinkle in the distance illuminating the dark sky.
How did I lose him? I did everything he ever asked me to do. I let him in. Why couldn’t he give me a chance to explain? Why couldn’t he give me a chance at all?
As I take a sip of my drink, I try to push out these fucking maddening feelings. Damn him. Why couldn’t he just leave me alone? If he left me alone and never asked me out, I could be having the time of my life, hanging out with Sally, and partying my ass off. But, no, he had to keep pushing and fucking with my head. No more. Fuck this shit. Screw him.
I play with my phone. Checking my e-mail, I delete all the junk mail that has come in. I delete all the unwanted texts from my phone, hovering on Tommy’s. I scan the old texts and smile at the responses back and forth. Pressing the edit button, I’m tempted to delete them all. Instead a single tear falls down my face, as I hit the cancel button. Unwilling to let go.
I type a text:
I don’t know why I haven’t heard from you.
Or why you haven’t at least listened to my explanation.
Maybe you’ve moved on. I don’t know.
I “gave you time” and it’s been weeks and nothing.
I’m done waiting. Goodbye.
I hear the lock disengage, and Sally walks into the room with my aunt behind her. She asks, “What are you doin’?” Her face has a strange look to it.
“I wrote a text to Tommy and I was about to send it,” I say, looking at my phone. “I need to stop this. I can’t wait around for him to call for the rest of my life. I have to let him go.”
I reread the text for the tenth time since I typed it. I don’t know why I’m hesitating. I need to move on.
Sally snatches my phone out of my hand saying, “Let me see.” She reads it and lays her thumb on what I assume is the backspace button until the text is gone and hands the phone back to me. “You are not going to text him that you’re done. You are going to pull up your big girl panties and talk to him face-to-face. Can we take tonight off, ok? You can text him tomorrow and see if y’all can meet up…then you can tell him he’s an asshole.”
“I want to get it over with. I want to move on.”
“We both know you aren’t going to pick up anyone in a bar. You’re not built that way so quit acting like you want to. Now, getting your drunk on? That’s a different matter completely.”
“I don’t know if I can drink anymore after all those margaritas.”
“Uh, Amber, honey, you’re holding a glass of Jack. I can smell it from here.” My aunt politely reminds me.
“Wow, you look really cute.” I look over Aunt Patty’s outfit with an appreciative glance at Sally. “Did the queen of the runway dress you, too?”
“Yeah, thanks,” Aunt Patty says, twirling the skirt of the teal blue dress. “I’ve had this dress forever. I don’t even know why I brought it. Sally saw my boots and the jean jacket I brought and put it together. Cute, huh?”
“Very. Are we ready to go?” I ask. “Where are we eating?”
“Let’s go to Top Notch.” Sally suggests. “It’s a really good hamburger joint near the club. It’s actually famous. It’s featured in that old movie, Dazed and Confused with Mathew McConaughey. The whole movie takes place in Austin, actually.”
“We should spark a doob and watch it this week,” Aunt Patty says, her pale green eyes full of mischief.
“Aunt Patty!” My eyes pop open.
“Wow, Amber, you’re aunt’s a little party girl,” Sally says.
“Oh my God.” I groan. “Let’s go.” I shake my head, a smile spreads over my lips. Yeah, she’s pretty cool.
&nb
sp; The elevator carries us to the lobby. Walking across it, Sally leads the way chatting up my aunt. I don’t know why I would think she would go for an understated outfit. In cutoffs and boots, her breasts strain to stay in her white t-shirt. Complete with a straw cowboy hat, her blond hair tied into a braid down her back.
The driver opens the door, and we climb in. Sally checks out the bar in the car and pours us some whiskey. She hands me a tumbler. “Hair of the dog, honey. You should stick with whiskey tonight anyway.”
“So, what’s the name of the band we’re hearing tonight?”
Sally glances at Aunt Patty saying, “My friend sends me these invites when they play. I think their name is Route Forty Band. They haven’t played in a while, but they’re good. I hope y’all like ‘em.”
With a broad smile, Aunt Patty’s eyes are lit with strange excitement. She looks much younger than her age. I think Sally did her makeup, too. She doesn’t wear much usually, but Sally has managed to play up her pretty sea green eyes and high cheekbones. I guess someone is planning on getting lucky tonight. I grimace at the thought. Glancing at her again, I smile at her excitement. She looks so happy. Her pretty face beams and has been kissed by the sun. I bet she’ll have to beat them off with a stick tonight.
“I’m sure we will, honey.” Turning to Sally, she asks, “Is the restaurant much further? I’m starving.”
“It’s only about fifteen minutes up Mopac. We should be there soon depending on traffic. So, Patty, what do you do for a living?” Sally says.
“I work in a finance department at American Greetings.” Aunt Patty plays with her skirt with her hands. “I’ve been with them for almost fifteen years. I started as an accounting clerk and worked my way up to an accountant.”
“That’s great. I know you’re single, obviously. Have you ever been married?” Sally asks.
I cringe at the question and wait for Aunt Patty’s explanation of what happened between her and my uncle. I never knew the guy really. Aunt Patty and he were divorced when I was three.