Save Me From Myself (Nashville Nights)

by Stacey Mosteller

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Prologue

  New Beginnings

  Meeting Him

  First Day

  Beginning of the End

  Texting

  Concert

  Doubts

  Girlfriend or Sister?

  Dinner & A Movie

  After Effects

  Getting Artsy

  Painful Choices

  Baggage

  Explanations

  Changes

  Up Against The Wall

  First Night

  Morning After

  Accidental Conversations

  Ghost of Girlfriend Past

  Girl's Night

  It's Official

  Caught

  Birthday

  Meet Ray

  Pillow Talk

  Confrontations

  Confessions

  Worries & Suspicions

  Lies Come Out

  It All Falls Apart

  What Next?

  Acknowledgments

  About The Author

  Coming Soon

  All Rights Reserved

  No portion of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying or recording, or by any storage and retrieval system without permission in writing.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and situations are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, event or location is coincidental.

  Copyright © 2014 Stacey Mosteller

  Cover design by Kari Ayasha of Cover to Cover Designs

  Cover photo – Nashville Tennessee, Copyright © sepavone

  Cover Photo - Red Hair Girl Copyright © zoomteam

  “Forever Night Stand” lyrics used by permission

  Rayen Belchere

  Jagermaster@ascap

  To the boys who hold my heart

  Stephen, AJ & Jakob

  And to my husband

  for always encouraging me to follow my dreams.

  Standing at the doorway of my fiancé’s bedroom, I can’t even bring myself to really be surprised. Aria tried to warn me that this was happening, and I wouldn’t listen to her. I didn’t want to listen. Really, I guess I didn’t want to believe that after everything that has happened over the last ten months that he would do something like this to me. Was “the accident” as he refers to it not enough of a blow? Now, I have to deal with this too?

  Without saying a word, I back out of his bedroom and pull the door closed. Does it make me a coward that I didn’t interrupt him and the buxom blonde on top of him? Even if it does, I’m past the point of even giving a damn. I’ve been numb for months now. Numb to everything, everyone, and every situation.

  Making my way silently through his apartment, I pick up the things that mean the most to me. I grab the blanket my father’s mother made for me when I was younger - it always made more sense for it to be here, I spent most of my time at this apartment once we were engaged. Stopping in the kitchen, I pick up the “Journalists do it on deadline” mug that Aria got me for my birthday last year, and after grabbing a few more things, I realize the noise in the bedroom has quieted. Knowing I don’t have long before someone interrupts me, or just finds me and makes me have to deal with this, I practically sprint for the door.

  ***

  Shutting the door to the upscale Manhattan apartment that I hate but my mother pays for, I lean my head back against the door and close my eyes. I just want to go back and restart this god-awful day. The past year has been full of nothing but a few ups, lots of downs, and heartaches that are guaranteed to break a person just by having to experience one of them. Me? I’m so lucky I get to experience them all one after the other like a row of dominos. I never used to understand why people would decide they didn’t want to go on living, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that that whole “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle” platitude thrown around by everyone who’s never been through what you have, is a load of crap. Because, if that’s the case, he obviously thinks I’m stronger than I am. Either that, or he has way more faith in me than he should.

  Once I’ve calmed my breathing, I head into the living room and sit down on the couch to call my sister. I’m sure she’s been expecting this phone call since she left my apartment earlier this afternoon. Aria answers the phone before the first ring even finishes, “Lyric? Are you okay?”

  “How long have you known what he was doing?” There should be some kind of anger in my voice, right? It shouldn’t sound so flat, so lifeless.

  My sister sighs, and her next words come fast, like she’s trying to reassure me. “I saw them at a cafe on Lexington this morning. I swear Lyric, that’s the first time I saw anything.” Well, at least my sister didn’t keep the secret. She was over here at lunchtime to tell me about it. “I’m guessing you confronted him then?”

  “No A, I didn’t get the chance to confront him.” Not that I’m sure I would have anyway. “I went over to his apartment and when I walked in, I could hear them in the bedroom. After I saw it for myself, I took some of my stuff back and left.”

  “Seriously, Lyric? You didn’t do or say anything? You didn’t rip him a new one, or beat her ass? You just saw them and left?!?” She sounds really confused, but I don’t know how to explain my reaction to her. I know the normal response to finding your fiancé in bed with another woman is not to calmly walk out and leave, but that’s exactly what happened.

  “Why would I fight her? For all I know, she knows nothing about me.” I sound like I’m speaking to someone who isn’t all there. I don’t get how this is the girl’s fault. Matt’s the one at fault in this situation.

  Aria lets out a frustrated groan, making me roll my eyes, “Do I need to send Edward and Phillip to talk to him?”

  I don’t even try to stop the snort at that mental picture. Talking is so not what she really means. And while my stepbrothers are awesome, they aren’t exactly the uber-macho type. Well, Edward isn’t at any rate. He’d probably refuse to punch him because he doesn’t want to ruin his suit. If he did, his wife Grace would probably kill him. I don’t even think she lets their two kids get dirty. Phillip would probably beat him down though. He’s extremely protective over Aria, Kaitlin and I. Kaitlin’s starting her freshman year at NYU later this month, and I’m fully expecting Phillip to follow her around growling at every guy who looks in her direction.

  To answer Aria’s question though, “No, sending the two of them over there won’t accomplish anything. I’ll handle it.”

  “Right. Sure you will,” Aria sounds beyond skeptical, but I need to do this my way.

  We talk for a few more minutes, mainly about my last semester in college. I ended up taking a semester off after everything happened last year, so instead of graduating last spring, I’ll be graduating around Christmastime. Finally, I’m able to get my sister off the phone, and I don’t know how long I sit on the couch staring blankly at the TV, the TV I didn’t even turn on. Yeah, I’m pretty pathetic.

  Six months later…

  Seeing the Nashville Skyline in the distance is all it takes to make me breathe a sigh of relief. The drive from Manhattan was extremely long, possibly the longest in my life. It didn’t help that I got constant phone calls from my mother, my sisters, both of my stepbrothers, and even my stepfather. Although, Edward Sr. only called because my mother was still in hysterics after finding out the night before I left that I was in fact moving.

  Ever since I broke things off with Matt, she’s been calling me daily to tell me
that I must forgive him. In her world, cheating is a given, not the exception, and if I was doing my soon-to-be-wifely duties correctly, he wouldn’t have felt the need to find someone else. Gee, thanks mom. You’re fantastic for the ego.

  I hadn’t planned on telling anyone but Aria that I was leaving. That is, until my mom showed up at my apartment that last night while I was loading up my new car. To say she was upset was an understatement. Unfortunately for my stepfather, he’s the one who has to deal with her when she’s upset, and I feel a little guilty for that. I’m sure she was fun to deal with after our argument.

  Anna’s apartment, soon to be mine as well, is on the south side of Nashville, the West End area she tells me. I’m a little earlier than I expected to be, so I take a little bit of time to drive through the city in an attempt to acclimate myself. Unfortunately, it’s a huge waste of both time and gas, because other than the few pictures I’ve seen online, I know next to nothing about the city that’s going to become my new home.

  Finally, I make my way back to the route that will take me to the apartment, and when the set of buildings comes into view, it’s hard not to gawk. My mom and stepfather have money, and they live in an apartment overlooking Central Park. My apartment in New York was top of the line as well. It had a doorman, an elevator, and loads of amenities. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like this apartment complex is falling apart. But, it’s definitely not what I’m used to. In fact, I’m pretty sure my family would carry me back to New York like the hounds of hell were after me to get me away from it.

  Following the directions Anna gave me last night, I pull my car into one of the parking spots close to the building Anna told me our apartment was in. She sent me a key before I left Manhattan so I wouldn’t have to wait for her to be home in order to start bringing my belongings in. Anna’s a photographer for a popular Nashville Entertainment magazine, and she tends to keep odd hours. I’m lucky she was able to get me a phone interview and job offer from the magazine. I’d always imagined myself working as a journalist for a newspaper like the New York Times, but beggars can’t be choosers.

  Stepping out of the car, I push my sunglasses up and take in my new home. The building has a slate gray exterior with bright white accents, and is three stories tall. Our apartment is on the third floor, because according to Anna, it’s cheaper. I’m not looking forward to lugging everything I own up three flights of stairs, but it’s not like there’s anyone else to help me. Opening the backdoor, I grab the box closest to me and head for the stairs.

  ***

  I bring that first box into my new bedroom and set it down on the empty dresser. I turn around slowly and notice the bed taking up the majority of the room. Having spent most of yesterday and half of today driving, I want nothing more than to drop on it and sleep for days. Unfortunately though, Anna already texted to let me know she was getting off early and would be home in about an hour. Knowing her, she has completely planned our evening, so I’d better go get my bags and take a shower.

  By the time I’m finished, it’s been a full hour and six trips up and down three flights of stairs to clean out the back of my new SUV. I’m really beginning to wish Anna had gotten an apartment on the first floor. Even though it’s January, I’m sweaty, tired and in dire need of a shower. I am barely finished putting a bra and a pair of panties on when my door bursts open and a flurry of brown hair comes flying towards me.

  “You’re here! Oh my GOD Lyric!! You’re finally here!” Anna screams, throwing her arms tightly around my neck and twirling us around in circles. “I didn’t think you were ever going to get here! I haven’t seen you in forever!”

  I’d forgotten how exuberant Anna tends to be. We turn in so many circles that I’m glad it has been hours since I’ve last eaten. Otherwise, I’d probably make a mess in my new room. Anna is only a few inches shorter than my 5’8”, and probably weighs about twenty pounds less, but boy is she strong!

  I can’t help but laugh, “Jeez Anna! I’m happy to see you too, but can you let go? You’re making me dizzy.”

  Anna immediately drops her arms and backs away. “Sorry,” she says sheepishly. “I haven’t seen you in over a year. I’m a little excited.”

  “Yeah, I kinda noticed.” It was so nice to feel like someone really wanted me around. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this way. “So, what do you have planned for us tonight?” I ask her, almost dreading the answer while looking longingly at my new bed.

  She grins, “We’re going to Drench to meet some of your new co-workers for dinner and drinks. I can’t WAIT for you to meet everyone! And, since I’m sure you’ll be spending a lot of time there after tomorrow, it will be good for you to see the place while you’re not in the ‘reviewing’ mindset.” She finally stops to take a breath, so I jump in.

  “What’s Drench?” I ask her.

  “Only the hottest restaurant and bar around. All the hottest and most popular bands play there. And, the guys who bartend there are sooo hot! We can definitely get you back on the horse with one of them!” she exclaims with a wink.

  I groan, “Anna! I’m not here to get into another relationship. I haven’t recovered from the last one yet!” Anna and her matchmaking are the absolute last thing I want to deal with right now.

  Anna pouts at me, “Oh Lyr, you’ve got to get back out there! Don’t let Matt ruin guys for you forever. There are so many good ones. Speaking of, did you see him before you left?”

  I cringe at her mention of Matt. He and I had dated for three years - since my sophomore year of college, and we’ve only been split up for six months now. I definitely wasn’t ready to - what was it Anna said? - Oh yeah, “get back on the horse” anytime soon. I don’t tell her any of that though. All I say is, “No, he’s out of town until Wednesday.” I wanted to be long gone before he came back. I hadn’t even told him I was leaving town.

  Anna lets out a long suffering sigh, “You didn’t even let him know you were leaving did you?”

  What? Was she reading my mind now? “No, I didn’t tell him. I wouldn’t have even told Mom if she hadn’t stopped by when I was packing.” I say, waiting for her to blast me.

  “Oh no! What did the Wicked Witch of Manhattan have to say about you leaving? I bet that was a pleasant conversation.” Anna makes a funny face by crossing her eyes and puffing out her cheeks which makes me giggle.

  When I calm down, I snort and say, “Pleasant doesn’t even begin to describe it.” Mimicking my mother’s “proper” speech I say, “Lyric, dear, where are you going? Your home is in New York, not in Tennessee! That place is full of nothing but low class hicks! When are you going to grow up and put this thing with Matthew behind you? He has apologized and is willing to try again with you. Even after you were the one who broke things off. Now dear, you know he’s not going to wait on you forever!” I barely get the last word out when Anna collapses on my bed laughing.

  “Oh my GOD! You totally have her down pat! You forgot to hold your nose though. Then you really would have sounded like Meredith DuCharme!” Anna is laughing so hard she can barely speak. And, when she said “Meredith DuCharme” she pinched her nose with two fingers which made even her giggles sound nasally. I can’t help but laugh with her, and soon we are both laying on my new bed giggling so hard we are in tears.

  Finally, Anna calms herself down and jumps up from the bed. “Come on,” she says, grabbing my hands and pulling me up off the bed, “we have to find you something totally hot to wear tonight!”

  “OMG, like we totally do!” I say sarcastically. Anna’s favorite word is totally, and she has already over-used it in the little bit of time we’ve been back in the same room. I am really not looking forward to tonight.

  Anna starts rummaging through the three suitcases I brought with me, and soon it looks like Nieman Marcus threw up all over my room. Finally, she bounces back over to me holding a pair of dark skinny jeans and an emerald green v-neck sweater.

  “You’ll look amazing in these! Plus, this sweater will
look fantastic with your red hair and green eyes. Now, get dressed and I’ll go grab some boots out of my room. I have a pair of brown knee-length boots that will make your legs look even longer!” And, with that, she takes off out of my room, leaving me alone in the chaos she’d created.

  Shrugging my shoulders, I start getting dressed. There was no point arguing with Anna. She’d just end up getting her way in the end.

  Thirty minutes later, I am dressed and even put makeup on, while Anna showered and got ready. When she comes back to my room to get me, I can’t help but wish I had her fashion sense. Anna is about 5’6”, with long, wavy brown hair. She has beautiful clear blue eyes, a ski jump nose, and lips that always look like she just finished a marathon make-out session. When I’d first met her freshman year of college, I wanted to hate her immediately. But, you just can’t hate Anna. It wasn’t possible. She’s just too friendly and outgoing.

  Anna has her hair up in a high, bouncy ponytail, and is wearing dark jeans with a pair of black ankle boots paired with a form-fitting black sweater with a black, white and grey scarf around her neck. Standing next to her in my green sweater and jeans, I feel almost frumpy, even though she’d picked out what I am wearing. She smiles hugely at me and says, “We are going to be the hottest girls at Drench tonight! Are you ready to go?”

  “Let’s go get this over with. You know how much I hate meeting new people.” I say as I grab my phone and purse,

  Anna links her arm with mine and winks, “You’ll be fine. We’re going to have a blast tonight! Even if I have to get you drunk to do it!”

  I roll my eyes and say, “I’m not getting drunk. We have to work tomorrow, and going in with a hangover my first day would NOT be a good first impression Anna.”

  “Spoilsport!” She exclaims, laughing. “Alright, no getting drunk, but it’s still pretty early, so you can have a drink. Or twelve.”

  I just shake my head. “Come on you lush” I tell Anna, pulling her behind me out the door.