by Gigi Birtie
“Shit. I could only hope he didn't lie about that or else I'll make them both pay.”
My body starts to tremble as I sit up placing my feet to the floor, so I could steady myself from the reality of it all.
“Hey.” Reese gets up and walks over to where I am and sits next to me as he puts an arm around my shoulder. “I'll find out Sloane don't worry, besides that would be a weird thing to lie about. That and I know Dane wasn't completely heartless. He did care, he just didn't care enough to be with just one woman.” He squeezes my shoulder as I lean into his side letting out a deep breath.
“I'm regretting that one of us didn't get proof of what happened to Taze.”
“Yeah me too.” Agreed Reese. “Hey, let's watch this movie, I'm done talking for the night about heavy shit.”
I laugh. “Sounds good. Hey before we start, when is dad coming home?”
Reese's face drops. It seems I asked the wrong question and judging by his expression not anytime soon.
“He's only coming home Christmas Eve and staying Christmas Day and after we have dinner he has to take a flight to Tokyo.”
“Oh. Well. Tokyo sounds like an exciting trip. Good for dad.” I try to sound positive, but it falls a bit short.
“It'll be a nice day and I'm sure we can get into something during the rest of break.”
There it was, Reese knew how to sound positive about our dad never really being here. For me, being a girl, it was always a little more disappointing not having our dad here, than it was for him.
Mustering up a bit more pep this time, because really I'd rather hang out with my older brother any day. “Okay cool, will you go on a graffiti tour with me one day as I photograph it? I need the muscle, so I don't get robbed.” Blinding Reese with the biggest smile I can produce he rolls his eyes at me.
“Do I have to? Your tours are always in the cuts and they're crazy long.”
“Come on, you know the last one was insane, and you lived right?”
We had gone into this old abandoned building and found some shady people squatting in there, along with some of the most beautiful murals I've ever seen. It wasn't as bad as Reese likes to make it out to be, but it definitely was an adventure!
I heard that there is an old airplane hangar in Alameda that had the same sort of set up going, and I want to go, but need a guy to go with me.
“Yeah that was beyond interesting, and I'll agree the art work was hands down very eye catching. Alright I'll go with you, but I may bring a buddy of mine with me, if you don't mind.” He asks.
“As long as it's not Dane or Moxie I don't care who you bring.” I grab his soda taking a long drink.
“Heyyy.. that's mine. Get your own drink brat.”
Reese grabs his drink back and pushes me over on the couch. “Anyway, I'll probably bring my buddy Asher, he loves that kind of shit. I think you met him right?”
I felt all the blood drain from my face
“He's your friend too? I heard you and Dane weren't really friends with him?” I asked.
“Who said that? I'm cool with Asher just Dane and him never were, but they play the same position on the team and Asher gets more play time than Dane, so it was more a rivalry amongst the two than anything.”
“That makes sense.” Dane wasn't really into football it seemed and that was probably why. “You do know he was the one who saved me at the side show and I just spent a week at his house in San Clemente right?” Here it comes he's going to be pissed.
“Yeah I know he called and told me you were there. Said you were a handful.” His laughs and for some reason it is pissing me off.
“What did he mean by handful?” My tone came out more stern than I mean for it but, who cares I want to know.
“Don't get your panties in a bunch there, I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it, but after he told me some of the stories, sounds like you had him busy saving your ass the whole time. Maybe try not getting yourself caught up in the crazy for once.”
He makes an excellent point, but none of that was my fault. Granted I did put myself in those situations, but I didn't ask to be saved he just jumped in with both feet and stepped up.
“I don't know how trouble finds me Reese, but I never asked him to save me, I never ask anyone to. Everyone is just so quick to help.” Hanging my head as I try to think of a way to stop people from trying to rescue me would be a great start.
“I don't know what to say Sloane, you're a magnet I just hope one day it stops so I don't have to keep worrying about what's going to happen to you next.”
“You act like crazy shit happens all the time. It's only been weird this last month and that time I was with Taze. Nothing remotely interesting has happened in the last three years.” It's true only when there's a guy around my luck turns to absolute shit. Maybe that's it I just need to stay away from all men. I tell Reese my revelations and declare “maybe I'll just become a lesbian. I wonder if Riv would share Mona?” I say jokingly.
“Don't ruin my fantasy of Mona with your fantasies.”
“Ewww don’t perv on my best friend.”
“You just did.”
“I was joking.” I shout laugh.
“Okay let drop this conversation and your absurd thinking. Switching subjects here and into a new topic did you choose your college?”
“Yeah, I'm going to go to Cal.”
“Good I didn't want you going off to NYU, I can't kick ass that far away from home.”
We both laugh, and my heart feels full by the love Reese has for me and my decision to go to the same school.
For the rest of the night we just watched the movie and relaxed. It was definitely a perfect night as I rarely had Reese all to myself. We should make this a monthly thing.
Chapter 25
The next morning, I woke up early and thought I would go talk to Mr. Cutter down at The Java Pit, while I grabbed Reese and myself some coffees and possibly some fresh pastries. Reese was such a great big brother last night, I wanted to do something sweet for him.
I slipped into some clean sweats and a loose T-shirt while putting my hair in a bun on top of my head. I put on some lip gloss and was out the door. I wasn't dressed to impress, but comfort was key today. Of course, after my talk last night I realized I'm tired of trying so hard. I don't feel the need to impress anyone. I don't plan on letting myself go but I'm not putting thought into what I do anymore. My concentration will solely be focused on school and furthering my skills in photography.
As I parked my car and walked inside I stand in line for ten minutes, before I was able to order. I was handed my bag of pastries and I waited off to the side as I waited for our lattes. Just then I felt a pair of eyes on me. Turning to my right I see who was making the hairs rise on the back of my neck, I see Dane and Moxie looking right at me.
“Shit.” I mumble under my breath.
Moxies face is all twisted like she ate a rotten fritter but turning to look at a Dane his face is soft with a shade of embarrassment gracing is features.
“Sloane two large lattes.” The girl called out with my order breaking my staring match.
Grabbing my to-go tray I decided I would confront them, not in a bitter way but I had a need for a few answers that only Dane could give me.
Butterflies danced in my stomach as I approached. Dane wasn't as hot as he used to be to me, but he still looked good. I close my eyes wiping those feelings I once had free from my mind. I stand tall as I stand at their table.
“What do you want?” Moxie asks with a sneer.
“Good morning.” I ignored her attitude I really didn't want anything she had, or what I once thought was mine. “Dane I wanted to ask you something.” It wasn't a question it was more a statement. Before he could say yes or no I continued on. Taking a deep breath, “can you tell me was you taking care of Taze real or just lies as well?” My eyes were hard my lips were drawn into a firm line I needed to know.
“Moxie go to the car and wait for me.” Dane said never t
aking his eyes off me.
“Dane.” Moxie bites out.
“Do as you're told now.” He turns to Moxie with his eyes hard and cold. She gathered her purse and coffee and turns her gaze to me as she looks me up and down. I saw the judgment in her eyes, but I truly didn't care. She didn't know me so all of her misconceptions of me were things she had to live with not me.
Once she reaches the door Dane's eyes came back to me.
“Sit,” he commands.
I roll my eyes and take the opposite seat from where he and Moxie where sitting.
“So, tell me. I did nothing wrong to you, I deserve to know if that was really taken care of.” Staring him right in the eyes I lifted my chin to show my seriousness.
“He's not dead, but he is doing what he was intending to do to you.”
A chill ran down my spine. I had few emotions run through me at once, relief and utter fear. He may be captive somewhere, but I know he's not one to stay that way for long.
“I see that fear in your eyes Sloane, he won't be free anytime soon but you're smart, always being prepared as if he might be one day.” His voice was soft as it use to be when we were alone back when he still cared about me.
“Thank you.” I go to get up, but Dane grabs my wrist before I can go.
“I'm truly sorry we didn't work out Sloane, and how we came to the end. I never planned to do that to you, but Moxie and I dated before. I never thought we would be together again and when it presented that it was a possibility I had to go for it. She is my true love.”
It felt like I was stabbed in the chest. I drew in a ragged breath as my eyes pricked.
With a shaky voice I respond.
“You don't need to explain, I have the closure I need. I realize it wasn't our time.” I close my eyes drawing strength before straightening. “I will always appreciate you for helping me. I enjoyed our time together, but yeah you ended us in a very shitty way, but what you did for me out weighs that. I can only hope that when I see you and Moxie around campus or around the Bay Area that you both can be respectful towards me by either not saying anything to me at all or just a simple hello of a sign of respect would be appreciated.” Holding his gaze, he simply nods.
“You got it Sloane. I don't hate you. I didn't mean to hurt you like I did. I'll make sure Moxie understands that as well. You don't deserve her distain and I'll fix that.” He smiles weakly, but I know he means what he's saying.
“Thank you.”
Dane gets up from the table and gathers his jacket as he turns he looks down to me and puts his hand on my shoulder
“Take care of yourself Sloane.” Just like that he walks away.
I sallow over the lump that's formed in my throat, as I continue to sit at the table for a moment. Seeing Dane made everything so real. Just like that everything with him was gone, the love, the hate, the happiness, the light, the good times, the dark, the tears, the sadness, the peace and the confusion, it was all over.
Even though I thought we had something real, it goes to show you what a strange turn of events life could present you.
I now know my heart and soul is meant to be with someone better, someone who knows what the meaning of love really is. I'm going to meet a man who will worship every inch of my body, yet never want to let me go, one who knows that he can't live without me, and would go to any lengths to make sure that never happens. I'll have that intense love and it will make me forget all about Dane and Taze for that matter. I feel my determination for just that, but I wasn't ready to search that future love out yet. My heart needs to heal itself, so it can be fully open for the right man.
“What are you doing here?”
Startled out of my deep thoughts I look up to where my wet dream stands, damn he looks good today.
“Hey, Asher.” I smile with my heart wanting to pound out my ribs. I haven't seen him since we were spooning in my bed at his beach house.
“Sorry I left without telling you, but I..”
I stopped him before he could finish.
“Hey, you don't need to explain anything to me, I'm not your girlfriend.” That sounded a bit harsher than I intended for it to.
Can I sound more of a bitch right now?
Asher frowns at me but continues on while ignoring my remark. “I had to come back here and take care of my mom.” He pauses to see if I care and by my shocked facial expression he continues. “She fell down some stairs at the house and needed me, since my father is out of town still.”
“Shit that's terrible is she going to be alright?”
“Yeah she'll be fine, the hospital wouldn't let her leave without family being able to take her home due to the pain pills they gave her, but nothing was broken. You’d like her, she's accident prone like you.” He laughs out a bit too hard.
I slap him on the shoulder to lighten the mood.
“Well I like her already.”
“That's funny because she said the same thing about you when I was telling her about your graceful ways.”
We both laughed together though I was thinking how crazy it was that he was telling his mom about me. Maybe that's what normal families do. If my parents were ever around I wondered if I would confide in them or tell stories of my new hot friend Asher.
“So, what are you doing today?” I ask Asher. He gives me that blinding smile that's contagious, and I find myself smiling right back at him every time no matter the subject.
“I am going with you and Reese to check out some graffitied out building. He called me twenty minutes ago.” His smile slipped. “Did he not tell you?”
“No, I got up and came here to get us coffee but ran into Dane and Moxie. I was just sitting here thinking about what just happened.” Feeling my cups of coffee, they're not as warm anymore. “I probably should get some new coffees since these are cold.” I wonder how long I sat there, it didn't seem that long.
“Are you okay after seeing them?” Pulling up a chair, Asher sits in front of me while he places his large strong hand on my knee.
A warmth spreads across my chest at Asher’s concern.
“Yeah, I'm fine. I'm moving on and ready to focus on myself and school.” Giving him a genuine smile, I see his has faltered a bit.
Did I say something wrong?
“You never mentioned what school you picked or maybe you did but I forgot. I need a coffee throw those away and stand in line with me and tell me about what school you chose.”
We got up from where we were sitting, I threw away my cold lattes and went and stood next to Asher. The line was longer than the first time I stood in it, but I don't mind since we're talking.
“So where are you going to school?” He asks again.
“I chose to go to Cal. Everyone made such a fuss about going to NYU that it pretty much swayed my decision, but not like my second choice is all that bad. Plus, I probably would have transferred back after my first winter.” I laugh
Asher smiles and grabs my hand giving it a gentle squeeze. It sends an electric current through my body making me want to never let Asher’s hand go. Just as soon as I thought that Asher slides his hand out of mine and I feel the loss immediately.
“Well, it's good news that you'll be going to school with us. I'll enjoy having one more friend on campus.”
Why did I hate the way he said friend?
“Yeah maybe we’ll have some classes together. I'm already taking college credited classes so when I start I'll actually be considered a sophomore.”
The look of surprise was not what I was expecting.
“I didn't realize you were that smart and ambitious Sloane.”
“How would you? You barely know me in depth, that and I don't really talk about my studies. Also, not too many people are interested in hearing about how I want to be done with school all together and start my career in photography.”
“Why didn't you just get your GED and go to community college to get your AA and transfer instead of doing all this extra work?”
“You d
on't think I thought of that.” I laugh drawing attention from some people standing in front of us. “I was too young to sign myself out and my dad was very against me missing out on the whole high school experiences of the daily fashion shows, who's the most popular, and who gets to bag me at prom.” I had a sarcastic tone, but Asher's eyes darkened as soon as I mentioned prom.
Before Asher could respond Mr. Cutter was standing next to me.
“Sloane?” He asked.
Asher and I both turn in his direction, Asher had put his arm around my waist when we did.
“Hey Mr. Cutter, I came in to talk about my photos that you sold.” I smiled.
“Yes, I have an envelope for you that's in my office. Why don't you meet me back there once you get your coffee, alright?” He turns and calls over the bar at his employee, “hey Sally, whatever these two here order is on the house, understand?”
Sally just nods her head looks at us and continues to fill orders.
“Alright, I'll see you when you're ready.”
Mr. Cutter turns and walks towards his office, I turn my attention back to Asher.
“What?” I ask.
An inquisitive expression marred his beautiful features.
“What's that all about?” His tone was gentle with concern.
“I got suckered into working here. It was only maybe for two days, but I had originally came in here wanting to display my photography more than anything. I had seen a few of my photos at your house over the week and that's the other reason I came down here, I know Mr. Cutter owes me some money.”
“Wait those photos are yours?”
“Yes.”
“I bought those from here. I absolutely love your work.”
Shock. I am in complete shock that Asher was the one who bought, and appreciated my work.
“Well thank you so much Asher, it's an honor to meet a fan.” I joke and lightly push at his shoulder.
“I am a fan Sloane. I bought every piece you had displayed in here, most are down at the beach house, but I saved two of my absolute favorites that are in my room at home.”
