Expect the Unexpected

by L. M. Heidle

  I leaned into Kass and shouted in her ear that I was going to the bathroom. She nodded and started to follow, but I shook my head and told her to stay. I walked past the bathroom and headed out the side door. I sagged against the brick wall closing my eyes trying to get my heart rate under control. Everything felt like it was closing in on me as I bent over, trying to drag in air.

  I snapped up when I heard someone coming toward me. I shut my eyes in relief when I saw who it was.

  “Alex, what are you doing out here?”

  “I just needed a little fresh air, Eddie.”

  “You still shouldn’t be out here alone.”

  I retorted, “I’m not, you’re here.”

  He crossed his arms, staring me down. “You know what I mean.”

  “Yeah.” All the sudden the back door flew open, almost hitting me. It hit hard enough to leave a mark in the brick. Out stepped a very ticked off Trayton.

  “I’ve been searching everywhere for you.”

  “Got bored with the blonde?” Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep the hurt from my voice.

  “It’s not like,” he paused and scowled at me when he realized we weren’t alone.

  Eddie put his hand on my arm, and Trayton’s eyes zeroed in on it. “Let’s get out of here. I’ll take you home.”

  “You won’t take her anywhere. If she wants to go home, I’ll be the one taking her.”

  “She’s not going anywhere with you, Russo.”

  It happened so fast I couldn’t even blink. Trayton had Eddie pinned against the wall with his forearm under his chin. I should have interjected, I wanted to, but when I caught sight of Trayton’s face, I couldn’t speak. It wasn’t the emotions on it that scared me, it was the lack of. His eyes normally so blue looked almost black. The only sign of any emotion was the ticking muscle in his jaw.

  Eddie tried to push Trayton off him, but he didn’t even budge. When that didn’t work, Eddie spoke in a low tone, “Really want her to see you like this?” That seemed to knock Trayton out of whatever trance he was in because he dropped his arm and stepped back. Eddie rubbed his throat as he looked at me. “I warned you, Alex, you do not want to be around him. He’s just like his father. He’ll probably end up in prison right next to him.”

  My eyes jerked back to Trayton, and he carelessly slammed Eddie against the wall. He seethed, “You don’t want to go there.” The coldness in his voice caused a shiver to run down my spine. I’d never seen this side of him, and I wasn’t a fan.

  “Don’t I?” Eddie questioned. “She doesn’t need someone like you in her life. It’s not safe.” Not safe? I was completely confused at this point.

  When Trayton’s hands clenched into fists, I grabbed his elbow and pulled with all my strength. Surprisingly he stepped back, his hands clenching and unclenching.

  “Alex, get away from him.”

  “Eddie, stop! Go inside and get a drink.”

  “I’m not leaving you out here with him.”

  “I’ll be fine, I promise.”

  I knew he wanted to say more, so I was a little surprised he didn’t put up more of a fight. He shook his head whispering, “You have no idea,” before opening the door and walking in.

  When Eddie was gone, Trayton grabbed my hand. “Let me buy you a drink.”

  I shook my head and explained, “I think I’m just going to head home.”

  His face fell a little in disappointment. “Okay, I’ll take you.”

  I kicked the rocks as I avoided his eyes. “No, I’m good. I don’t want to ruin your night.”

  “No, Alex, stay,” he demanded. “Let me go settle my tab, and I’ll be right back.”

  TRAYTON

  I tried calming myself by taking long, deep breaths, but after the twentieth one I gave up. My temper hadn’t gotten the best of me in a long time, and I didn’t want her seeing me like that, especially over Eddie. He was being a complete dick. I thought offering to help might ease the tension a little, but it hadn’t. One would think since I knew his dirty little secret, and only had to make one call to end him, that he’d at least show a little respect. Unfortunately, Eddie was as stubborn as he’d always been. The thought of confronting him now was tempting, but I’m sure that’s exactly what he wanted and expected. I hated that such a close relationship had come to this.

  After settling my tab, I started for the door but detoured when I saw Alex’s roommate. She was standing at a table, flirting with a long-haired rocker wannabe. “Kass.” She slowly turned toward me while the rocker frowned at my interruption. “Just wanted to let you know I’m taking Alex home.”

  I watched her eyes widen as a frown crossed her face. “She’s already gone.”

  “She’s what?” I gritted out.

  She nervously ran a hand through her hair as her eyes darted every which way except my face. “She went home.”

  I closed my eyes as annoyance took over. This was not the night to test my patience. She had to realize how dumb it was to walk home alone, especially at night. I searched the parking lot, but she was nowhere to be found. I wasn’t inside that long, and she was on foot, so she must have sprinted after I left her. I pinched the bridge of my nose as I felt a headache coming. I’d already dodged my dad’s several calls, then Eddie, and now this. She didn’t know it yet, but she’d tipped my attitude the wrong way.

  ALEX

  I put my phone back in my pocket after sending Kass a quick text letting her know I was heading home. I couldn’t stay there knowing he was with someone else. I took the long way—by five minutes—home so I could walk by my favorite part of campus. The Tower. I sat on the lawns every chance I got, mainly to admire the massive trees and the incredible view of the city. I know everyone says this about their school, but the University of Texas had a beautiful campus.

  I was zipping my leather jacket to ward off the slight chill when my phone started ringing at the same time a text came through. I picked it up without looking. “I told you I’d let you know when I got home, Kass. You know I like walking by the Tower.”

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing? I told you to wait for me.” I cringed at the anger coming through the line. Even angry his voice was incredibly sexy, all deep and gritty. “I can’t believe you’re dumb enough to walk home alone.”

  I whispered, “Dumb enough?” Not that he’d heard because he kept on ranting.

  “You’re a woman! You can’t be walking around alone like that.”

  No. He. Didn’t. “Excuse me? Since I’m a woman I shouldn’t be walking home alone?”

  “Yes. Where are you?”

  “I can take care of myself, so ‘night, Trayton.” I hung up before he could respond. The nerve of him! I mean yeah I guess it was sweet, but don’t think because I’m a woman I can’t take care of myself. My dad and brother had insisted I enrolled in kickboxing when I was younger, and though I hadn’t been to the gym in awhile, I still knew the moves. I angrily shoved my phone in my pocket as it vibrated. “Dammit!” I pulled it out to see Kass’ name.

  Kass: FYI Trayton is pissed.

  Kass: Hello?!?!

  Me: Yeah. I just got off the phone with him.

  Kass: LOL! Heads up he just peeled out of the parking lot.

  Me: Great...

  Me: Maybe he won’t find me.

  At that exact moment my nice, quiet walk was ruined by a motorcycle.

  Me: Scratch that.

  Kass: Good luck. Xoxo

  I took a deep breath fortifying myself for what I’m sure wasn’t going to be a pleasant conversation. I crossed my arms after putting my phone away, staring him down. He didn’t say anything as he spun his bike sideways in front of me.

  I gave him a sugary sweet smile when all he did was glare, causing the vein in his forehead to throb. “Trayton, how nice to see you,” I said with as much fake enthusiasm I could muster, which only caused his glare to intensify.

  “Cut the crap, Alexandria. You’re going to get on this bike right now.”

&nb
sp; I tapped my foot as my annoyance grew. I lifted my index finger in the air. “First, I’m an adult. Don’t talk to me like a child.” Middle finger up. “Second, you will not tell me what to do. The answer is no. I’m not getting on that bike.”

  His index finger started taping against the handlebar and the tick in his jaw got more pronounced the longer he was silent. He moved his head so his gaze was focused on town instead of me. The entire time he took deep breaths. My mom always said I was like the kid who poked a snake, and right now I believed her. I took a slight step back because I had a feeling the snake was going to snap, and I stepped on a twig, snapping it. I stared down at the offending twig and mentally cursed.

  “Alex,” he said in a firm, no-nonsense voice. When I finally lifted my head, I wasn’t met with hard lines and steel blue eyes. Instead, he had a smirk on his face. “I’m sorry for being an ass. You don’t deserve the frustrations I have with others to be taken out on you.” My mouth dropped from shock. He was apologizing? “That being said you still shouldn’t walk home by yourself, so you have two choices: either get on this bike and stop being stubborn or continue to walk, and I’ll follow you. I’m not leaving until you’re home regardless.”

  My traitorous heart fluttered. I couldn’t help but find his domineering attitude endearing. Not a lot of guys would take the time to make sure I got home, knowing there wasn’t anything in it for him. My heart literally stopped with that thought. He knew nothing was going to happen, right? Apparently, I’m socially inept because I blurted, “I’m not sleeping with you.” Earth. Swallow. Me. Up. Right the F now.

  His face was almost worth my embarrassment. His eyes had lost the hardness and were bordering on soft. Not a word I’d normally associate with him. His jaw stopped ticking as his lip started twitching. I’m pretty sure he was biting his tongue as well. He opened his mouth but promptly shut.

  While he stood there trying to fight what I imagine was amusement, I was dying. What is it about him that turns me into a blubbering idiot?

  He cleared his throat and simply replied, “I know.” He put the kickstand down before getting off, heading my way with a helmet. “Easy way?”

  Although I was slightly tempted to walk to piss him off, I nodded instead. “With one stipulation.” He folded his arms. “I want it on record that this is ridiculous. I can see my apartment from here.”

  “Noted, now put this on.” I barely caught the helmet when he tossed it at me. As I put it on I realized the movies made this seem much easier than it really was. The whole time I struggled with the snaps, he watched with a small smirk on his face.

  “What?”

  “Nothing. You about done? I’d like to get home sometime tonight.” I rolled my eyes making him chuckle. I climbed on and loosely put my arms around him. He wrapped his hands around my wrists sending tingles up my arm, pulling me flush against him. Even through our clothes I could feel the heat radiating from his body, and it felt amazing being pressed against him. I had a smile on my face the entire three-minute drive to my apartment.

  When he stopped, I got off and slowly removed the helmet. “Thanks for the ride.” Most people would turn and walk away, but not me. No, I had to make a complete fool of myself first. With my thumb pointing over my shoulder, I stupidly said, “Guess I’m going inside now.” His lips twitched as I continued, “Oh shoot, I’m being rude. Do you want to come up?” My eyes widened as what I said registered. I hurriedly sputtered, “For a drink of water.”

  He had a full-blown smile now, complete with both dimples. The real heart stopper was when it reached his eyes. I was so dazed I didn’t even realize he’d gotten off the bike until he was standing in front of me.

  “Next time.” My stomach dropped at the promise in his voice. “But I will take a kiss.” His lips slowly descended on mine giving me plenty of time to stop it, but yeah not happening. Just like before the kiss was soft and made me feel like I was flying. His hands ran up my arms and into my hair as he stepped closer. He didn’t pull away until I thought I might pass out from air loss, but when he did, I realized I could probably live without it if his lips were on mine. I whimpered as he slightly leaned his head back. “You’re so beautiful.” He gave me one more soft kiss before letting me go, much to my body’s complaint. “Get inside before I change my mind.” I hesitated as I thought about it. I wasn’t ready for sex by a long shot, but I did love the idea of spending more time with him. “Alexandria, go.” He let out a long sigh when I didn’t move. “Please.”

  My body was screaming Don’t you dare move, but my brain was screaming Run. In the end, my mind won. “Night, Tray.”

  “Night, Alex.” With that, I walked away the whole time wondering if it was possible to find happiness after the shoe had fallen.

  ALEX

  My dreams of cars bursting into flames and blood turning into streaming tears were interrupted when a pillow hit my face. Followed shortly by Kass jumping on my bed. I slowly sat up as I tried to shake the uneasy feeling the dream left. Nightmares were the norm after my parents died, but I hadn’t had one in years. I prayed they weren’t returning because I didn’t want to take Ambien again. Those pills always made me feel like a zombie the next day. That was if they worked, and if they didn’t, I was trapped in my nightmares until the pill wore off. I tried to explain that to the doctor once, but he only told me my body needed time to adjust to the medication. I didn’t push the issue because I knew how much it pained my uncle to see me suffer. Instead, I turned up my music to drown out the screams and quietly lived in hell until they finally passed.

  “Oh good, you’re awake.” I blinked a couple times to push the past from my mind so I could focus on the present.

  “No, I’m not.” I blindly searched the top of my nightstand for my phone, knocking over an empty cup in the process. When I touched it, I flipped it over to see the time. “Why the hell are you up? It’s eight am. Go away and let me go back to sleep.”

  “No can do. I want to know about last night.”

  “Seriously? You woke me up on a Saturday at too damn early o’clock for details?” I scooched down as I put my pillow over my head, closing my eyes. That is until she ripped the pillow out of my hands. “Give me that back.” I made a grab for it, but she threw it across the room.

  “Oops.”

  “I hate you.”

  “No, you don’t.”

  “Yeah, pretty sure I do.”

  “Whatever, doesn’t change you giving me details.”

  “I need coffee first.”

  “Already brewing.” Well, at least she got that right. After I literally crawled out of bed, I let her push me to the kitchen. “I don’t know what your problem is. You wake up this early to run almost daily.”

  I poured a sweet cup of Java heaven and took a long drink before answering her. “Yes, but I want to wake up those days. Today I wanted to sleep in, but someone very annoying woke me up.”

  She shrugged her shoulder. “You’ll get over it, so what happened after the bar?”

  “I should probably start with what happened before that.”

  She sat down on a barstool and propped her elbows on the island to rest her chin in her hands. “Ready.”

  I spent the next thirty minutes describing Trayton and Eddie’s altercation and their cryptic conversation. I hadn’t learned anything specific, but it was obvious Trayton’s dad was a hot topic. I did learn he was in prison, but so were a lot of people. Being in prison didn’t automatically make you a horrible person, sometimes people make mistakes. I kept that little tidbit to myself, though. I finished with the kiss, blushing the whole time. In a way, it felt wrong talking about something so personal. I was in uncharted waters, though, so I needed Kass’ advice.

  “So? What do you think?”

  “I think I’m jealous. I’ve never been kissed like that.”

  “Kass, it was...amazing. If I didn’t know firsthand, I’d never guess he could be so sweet. I mean he was a prick about getting on the bike, but that
kiss. Pretty sure I’d listen to him gripe at me every day if I got a kiss after.”

  Her smile took up her entire face as she came over to me, putting her hands on my shoulders. “Alex, I’m so happy for you.”

  “You think I’m crazy? Am I setting myself up for heartache?”

  She dropped her arms, leaning back against the island. “Alex, everything worth anything is a risk. Could you get your heart broken? Of course, but that’s what you’ve got me and Ben & Jerry’s for.” I smiled but promised myself I wouldn’t get my hopes up.

  Break Up in a Small Town started blaring from the other room. Who would be calling me this early on a Saturday? I ran to my room, skidding across the floor as I went for my phone. “Hello,” I answered breathlessly.

  “Catch you at a bad time?” My heart rate spiked when I heard Trayton’s voice. “Hello? Alex?”

  “Ah yeah sorry I’m here. No, it’s not a bad time.”

  “Good. We’re having dinner tonight.”

  I was so glad this conversation was over the phone because he couldn’t see the goofy smile I was wearing. Kass walked in mouthing Speakerphone. When I ignored her she plopped down on my bed, watching me. I hated talking on the phone with other people in the room, which is why I turned away from her and started pacing.

  “Oh really, and why is that?”

  “I was a gentleman last night.” He said it with such conviction that I questioned if the behavior was a rarity for him.

  “So you want to be rewarded for being respectful? What happens if you’re not?” In the background, Kass made a weird cough/choke combo.

  His voice, lower and grittier than before said, “You don’t want me to answer that.” I turned fuchsia as once again I put my foot in my mouth. Kass’ reaction suddenly made complete sense now.

  I stuttered out, “Ah...dinner...okay. What time?” His deep chuckle sounded in my ear which did nothing to relieve my embarrassment.