Side Show: Lust & Chrome duet

by Gigi Birtie

  Curiosity has me intrigued enough that I have to ask, “What are your two favorites?”

  I look at him waiting to hear what he enjoys the most, but we get interrupted by Sally.

  “Ok you two, what will you have?”

  My face falls and I turn to give Sally my same order as earlier.

  “And you sir?” She asks Asher. He tells her what he wants as well.

  We walk over to where the pick-up counter is, and we wait.

  “Can you do me a favor Asher?”

  “Yeah of course anything for you.”

  His tone was soft and sincere, causing me to smile and close my eyes. Oh boy the favors I wouldn't mind asking him for. I shake my head to rid my mind of my kinky thoughts.

  “I uh could you take Reese his coffee? I'll meet you at my house after I'm done with Mr. Cutter?”

  “Yeah, that's not a problem. Do you think you'll be long?”

  “I'm not sure but I hope not, we have some buildings to sneak into.” I say as I wiggle my eyebrows.

  Asher laughs and wraps me in an unexpected hug. I lean into him closing my eyes and enjoy the way he feels around me.

  “Your orders are ready.” Sally calls to us.

  Asher kisses the top of my head and gives me one last squeeze before we part. I almost feel intoxicated by him. It's a feeling I wouldn't mind having more of today.

  Maybe today I'll get that chance…

  Chapter 26

  Asher and I part ways, as he takes Reese's coffee with him. I was sitting in Mr. Cutters office as he was opening his wall safe to get my money.

  When he turns around he has a few stacks of hundreds.

  “Oh my god how much is that?” My jaw is hanging in amazement. I can't believe I made that for my work, and I don't remember pricing my photos that high to gain such a price.

  “This here is five grand, you have another ten coming.” He smiles at me.

  “What the fuck!” I can't believe it! There's no way I just made fifteen thousand dollars.

  “I know, but you had the first set in here that sold in two days, then when you brought in the second set, I may have gone through and priced them all a bit higher than what you originally did.”

  I couldn't talk I was stunned.

  “Now don't be upset your work is worth paying that much plus our contract stated I received a commission so might as well make it worth it.” Laughing at what he done, sparks my interest in what I really pulled in.

  “What was your commission off all this?”

  “I took 200 dollars. That paid for some of the damages, with that whole fiasco last time you worked.”

  Oh yes, I wondered who took care of that.

  “I'm sorry about all that Mr. Cutter are you sure that was enough?” I ask feeling guilty.

  “It was, and I understand shit happens. I'm just sorry that shit happened to you though. That's why I didn't really take a commission, but your father insisted that I take the money from your sales to pay for the damages. He said you need to start learning what it takes to be an adult.” His face was soft with understanding.

  My father is always wanting to teach me a lesson, though he's never around to teach it.

  “I would have been more than happy to pay for the damages, whether my dad said or not, I hope you know that Mr. Cutter?”

  “Yes, I do. That's why I didn't take a commission, that and your photos drove more business our way, so I feel it's an even trade. You don't have the time to work here, but I would like to continue to hang your work here at The Pit and maybe have an official showing one night. What do you think?”

  “I think it sounds like an incredible opportunity, yes let's do it!” I couldn't wait to tell Reese and Asher my good news.

  Mr. Cutter pulled out a cloth bank bag that had a zipper on it to put the money in. I still can't believe that was all mine as he put stack after stack in the bag. He zips up the bag and hands it over. It's heavier than I thought but it fit perfectly in my oversized purse.

  Getting up from my seat, I shake Mr. Cutters hand again and thank him.

  “I'll call you with some dates for the showing so get out there and create some new work. I'll be doing some serious advertising to make this show a hit.” Mr. Cutter seems more excited than me. Which makes me wonder why.

  “So, I'm a bit curious out of this show you're planning what is in it for you? It isn't just for making this place busier than what it already is?” I blurt out.

  His face suddenly becomes serious. “You're right to be suspicious Sloane, but all I want is to see you succeed, as well as see you make a name for yourself. I want to see you travel the world and capture some of the sights that so many overlook”

  My heart stutters at his dreams for me. It feels like something my own dad should be saying to me not his friend, but it still means everything to me that he did and that he wants the best for my future. Tears well up in my eyes as I walk around his desk and give him a hug.

  “Thank you.” I whisper. “I promise to do you proud.” And I meant it.

  We had parted ways saying we both would be in touch. Mr. Cutter reminds me to bring in a new installation of work as soon as I could and to start on what I want in my first show. It was all very strange as I think about it on my drive home. I truly can't believe this was all happening. I felt like I was going to burst at the seams if I don't get to tell someone my good news soon.

  Rounding the corner to my house I don't slow down. I speed up wanting to try this new move. It looks crazy, but if done right it would look as if I was a professional stunt driver. There was a wide spot open in front of my house, as soon as I got close I did the hard pull of the steering wheel doing a one eighty and slamming my car into the parking spot.

  “Oh shit.” I can't believe I did that successfully with no witnesses. “Damn that was badass.” I yell with excitement. Grabbing for my now extremely heavy purse I crawled out of my car and do some ninja kicks with an air punch

  “You are such a dork, your ninja skills just ruined that badass parking job you just did.”

  Looking around to see who said that I hear, “up hear” I look to see Asher on the roof of my house.

  “What the hell are you doing on my roof?” I laugh what an odd thing to be doing hanging out on someone's roof. Then I saw his camera.

  “I wanted to get a different perspective on you pulling in and I'm glad I did wait till you see what I captured.”

  Asher starts climbing down with great ease. His shirt rises as he hangs from one of our rain gutters to drop down to our second level rooftop. My mouth goes dry as I see his abs flex leading my eyes on his V. This man is so well built I'm sure many women have fantasized about him on numerous occasions.

  Licking my lips, I watch as he gets closer.

  “What took you so long getting here?” He asks as he's standing inches away from me now. He reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear and unleashed a smile that makes my stomach flip and drop all at once.

  I grab his hand and don't say anything. I want to tell him and Reese at the same time of my good fortune. Struggling with my purse Asher grabs it for me but grunts as he does.

  “Fuck Sloane, this can't be all lipstick in here.”

  Giggling at his joke, I continue to pull him inside the house.

  Calling out to Reese like a crazy person, he comes running from his room. Apparently, he is fresh from the shower since his hair is wet, otherwise he looks ready to go trespassing. Though this makes me laugh as he was dressed all in black.

  “Why are you dressed like that?” I laugh out loud. “It's still daylight out, it doesn't matter if you wear all black.” I couldn't contain myself, he made this too easy.

  “What I don't look good in all black?” Looking down at his clothes I see Reese assessing his choice of clothing.

  “No, you look fine it's just funny.”

  Asher laughs at our exchange as he puts my purse down on the counter. “Alright spill it Sloane,” Asher exclaims; �
��what's the good news?”

  That pulled Reese's attention back to me and not his shirt. Their faces are lit up like my excitement is bubbling up through my body and spreading to them.

  “Mr. Cutter sold all my photos and I just made fifteen thousand dollars.” I blurt out as I jump around, I add again; “fifteen thousand bucks!” Letting out a squeal of excitement. Asher is the first to lift me up and give me a hug. I couldn't help but rest my head on his shoulder and wrap my arms around his neck as he spins me around. His body pressed to mine feels too good and my thoughts instantly turned dirty, but as quickly as I got excited, my brother is like a bucket of ice water.

  “Okay put her down, it's my turn.” Reese calls out.

  Reese too gives me a quick hug sharing my excitement.

  “Congratulations Sloane, that's so rad your work was received so well there.” Reese says.

  “Well there's more, Mr. Cutter wants me to put up more of my work, and in a couple of months he wants to do a showing of sorts at The Java Pit.”

  I smile at them both and I could tell they were both as happy as I am.

  “Okay, that was my excitement for the day, soooo what's going on here?”

  By the sudden look on Asher's face, I know he's up to something.

  “Hey everyone, the door was unlocked so I let myself in, hope you don't mind.”

  There she was, my answer to why Reese invited Asher. Now having the chance to really look at her she was beautiful with striking blue eyes and long curled brown hair; her frame was thin yet toned. I could see why my brother liked her judging by her looks alone. I was just glad her friend Moxie wasn't with her.

  Reese rushed to her side wrapping her up in his arms for a hug while bending down to place a kiss on her lips. I look away not wanting to be a part of their welcome of one another.

  Being as genuine as possible I say hello and Asher follows suit giving the same warm welcome.

  “Thanks for inviting me, I've always wanted to do something like this.” Her smile was broad, filled with anticipation. The whole room felt light and inviting. Today was going to be an adventure, now that there will be four of us but that only adds to the excitement for me.

  “Who hasn't done any trespassing like this to see some of our local talented graffiti work?” I ask just so I have a clue what to expect. I've done this many times, usually by myself or with Roland a couple of times when he wanted to practice the art of a rattle can.

  Reese and Lux were both first to admit they've never gone lurking through this abandon building, but Asher’s smirk told me he wasn't new to this at all.

  “Okay, well since this is your first time, there really isn't anything to worry about just be aware of who,” I stress who; “is around you or is in the building. There are usually squatters that may be high on something and you just don't know how they'll act, but always try to be respectful first, it's almost like walking into someone's home unannounced.”

  “Hey, the door was unlocked.” Lux whines.

  I start to laugh, as I wasn't even referring to her on the last part of my warning, but I could see how she might think that.

  “Let me change, I wasn't expecting to go lurking today.”

  I grab purse and head to my bedroom where I put my cash in a box in my closet. There was a knock on my bedroom door as I finish closing my closet door and made sure to grab some clothes. Walking over to see who's knocking I see Asher standing there with a dubious smile.

  “What's up?” Putting my arm up on my door jamb before I let him in.

  “I don't want to watch Reese and Lux make out while I'm waiting, so I was hoping for a better view.” His smirk was sinister, as he wiggles his brows.

  “Okay…yeah come in.” I’m not giving him any kind of show. I think he's seen enough of me in this last few weeks. I turn to grab the clothes that I had already gathered while I was in my closet and started to go to my private bathroom.

  “Hey, wait a second.” Asher reaches out for my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

  His hand is hot on my skin, heating my whole body. I feel my cheeks get flushed. I look from where his hand is gently holding me in place up to his brilliant green eyes. What I wouldn't give to stare into those depths all day while playing with his beard.

  Standing there, I wait for what Asher is going to say, but he seems to be staring at me as much as I am at him. I step closer as I tilt my head back to look up at him as I swipe my tongue across my lips. Asher’s eyes dropped to my mouth as I do. My body starts to tingle with anticipation for him to kiss me. His hand loosens his hold and moves up my bare arm, his touch so soft and steady. In one swift motion he swoops me up into a bear hug, where my feet are no longer on the ground. I drop the clothes I had in my arms and wrap my arms around Asher’s neck. Dropping my face to the crook of his neck I breathe him in, enjoying that refreshing scent of eucalyptus and mint. His arms snake up my back as his presses me harder to him. I sigh at our contact.

  Asher loosens his hold to sets me back down on my feet, and kisses my cheek lingering, there for a moment before stepping back.

  “What was that for?”

  “I just thought you needed a good hug after this morning.”

  My heart flips and palpitations stutter their way through my body, at what Asher just said, before he turns and starts looking at my pictures that I had framed on my wall. I take his distraction as my out to go change. I don't close the door all the way in case he wants to talk but I know he won't be able to see anything. I work quick to change so no one is waiting on me too long.

  “So, what are you doing for Christmas?” Asher yells to my bathroom.

  I finish fixing my hair back in its messy bun, fix my shirt and come walking out.

  “Reese said last night our dad will only be home Christmas Day.” I frown “so probably have dinner just the three of us and that's about it. Why what are you doing over break?”

  “My family is going to Cuba this year, so I'll be heading there tomorrow, actually.”

  I feel the disappointment instantly that he wouldn't be around, but the distance would be good to keep these growing feelings at bay.

  “Well that sounds like a killer trip. I've always wanted to see Cuba just for the cars alone.” I smile.

  It would be great drinking cappuccinos and seeing all their automobiles that are predominantly from the 1940’s and 50’s. It's basically the country that time forgot.

  “Why don't you come with me, my parents would love you.” The glimmer in Asher’s eyes almost had me saying yes.

  “I would enjoy than more than anything, but I have to hang back. Who knows when I'll get to see my dad again.” Though I already know it will just be dinner, and Reese ditching me to go hang out with friends or possibly Lux now. I let out a huff knowing it will be a dull winter break, but it's just what I need after all the drama these last few weeks had been.

  “Well, maybe I'll cut my trip short and we can hangout, before we go back to school maybe do New Years together?”

  “Oh, don't do that, enjoy your trip. It will be much better than just hanging around here staring at each other.”

  I walk over to my camera bag changing out my lens to a classic fisheye for the day. I don't want to lug a bag around with a lot of equipment in it.

  “What lens are you switching out to?”

  Turning I around, I smile. I do like that Asher takes interest in what I love.

  “I'm going classic, with a ultra-wide angle lens.”

  “Oh, the fisheye I see.”

  “Yep totally. I didn't realize you were into photography?”

  “I like it more for a hobby and not so much for a profession. With football I don't have much time to pursue other interesting outlets, but this is just up my alley. You can fit time in at any point to still enjoy it.”

  “I can imagine with all your training and being away for games plus school, you don't have much time for hobbies much, let alone anyone.”

  The thought of his schedule make
s me hang, my head. Reese was barely around these last couple of months and when he was, he was so tired. I could only think of how it would be wanting more time with Asher. Dane had time, but he wasn't as dedicated as Reese and Asher. Who knows what guys really make time for though. I chuckle to myself thinking, if it were me I would just be making time for sleep.

  “What's so funny.” Asher asks.

  “Oh, I was just thinking if it was me that had your schedule, I would only have time for sleep and not much else.” I admit.

  Asher laughs and hops on my bed.

  “Yeah, I can see you enjoy this big comfy bed, it's definitely worth staying in bed all day for.” His tone was suggestive making me want to join him. I look at my camera then to him contemplating on crawling up his body to lay on top of him, but I don't. I turn and grab a black hoodie that's fitted more to my body than just a sloppy one and head out the door ready to gather everyone up.

  “Hey, wait up.” I hear Asher call out and run towards me, sweeping me up in his arms, as he carries me down the hall to the media room. A laugh escapes me, and I couldn't remember the last time I enjoyed being around someone this much. Asher is the best distraction for a stomped-on heart, I would say broken but it never felt like the end of the world when Dane left. Just an end to a chapter that was ready for a new one.

  Chapter 27

  After arguing what vehicle to take and who gets to drive, we finally decide on taking Asher’s creeper van. Reese didn't want to lay where Asher's magic happened, but he insisted that no magic happens back there and it's all for looks.

  Lux and I sat in the back, since the guys know where to go, and I don't need to give them directions.

  While making our way over, I found that Lux was actually very nice along with being beautiful. What a rare combination in my opinion. I found most girls tend to be bitchy if they were even remotely pretty. Lux was from Chicago and is studying to become a dermatologist. She loves science and how the environment effects our skin. She also loves an adventure that wasn't your everyday norm. One of the reasons why she was here today, that and to see parts of the Bay Area that tourist doesn’t typically seek out was ideal to her. I like her more every time she speaks and I’m already looking forward into the next time she is around.