by Layne, Lyssa
CHAPTER TWO
The fridge was filled with water bottles and nothing else, and the pantry contained a lonely bag of brown rice. How boring! We desperately needed to go grocery shopping, but none of us had the desire to go. We were going to starve to death if we didn’t go shopping soon, but instead, we decided to have breakfast downtown and enjoy a lazy morning together. The Sweet Iron was the best place to go by far; it was near the University and the food was delicious. They sold all kinds of delicious waffles. My favorite was the banana waffles with whipped cream and chocolate. What can I say? Warm and sweet, with a light-as-air sensation in the mouth, they were impossible not to love.
''Girls, can I ask for your advice? It won’t stop bugging me unless I talk to you about it,'' Bekka asked.
''Oh boy, I don't like the sound of that,'' I laughed.
''No, I'm serious.'' She sighed and rolled her eyes before she blurted out the words. ''It’s about Tyler.” I could tell by the tone of her voice that she was serious.
''What? Did he do something?'' Val asked, placing her fork down on the corner of her plate.
''No, he didn’t do anything. I think he likes me. The way he’s always looking out for me and he never lets anyone get too close. He’s always so careful around me when I’m working, so gentle. The way he puts his arm around my waist when he comes to my station and how he stares at me while I’m working.” She raised her eyes to the ceiling, like it was going to provide her the words she was trying to find. “He isn't the same with you girls. Is it because he likes me, or am I just like a little sister to him? I'm so confused. I don't know what to do. He's my boss and I need this job. I can’t screw this up!''
''Rebekka Fleischer! Of course he likes you, he can't take his eyes off you! We told you already, I don’t understand how come you don’t see it. I noticed it right from the second shift we had at the club. The guy’s nuts about you,'' I proclaimed, but it was true, he liked her, it was easy to tell. Bekka was blushing ten shades of red.
''Really? What should I do?''
''I don't know. Like you said - he's our boss,” Val said. ''Maybe you should just play along with him. He flirts, you flirt. See how he reacts.''
''Good idea,'' I said, nodding my head in agreement with Val’s suggestion.
''Yeah, I think I'll try that... tonight,'' Bekka said, seriously. I could see the wheels turning in her brain, she was obviously already planning it out in her head.
She would succeed in capturing Tyler, I had no doubt. She was tall and thin, with beautiful almond-shaped brown eyes and long shiny brown hair. Her skin was the perfect natural tanned color I’d always envied. There was just something about her, her smile maybe, which made people like her instantly. Nobody could resist those eyes, apart from Val and me. We knew her too well.
Val had seemed stressed all morning and now, with Bekka’s announcement out of the way, it was clear something was on her mind. I was just getting ready to press her for more information, but she let out a big sigh and spilled her thoughts.
''John told me his father has spoken on my behalf to the University board and he says it might help me get my transfer. I hate to talk about it with you girls, because we just moved here, but I might be leaving soon. I’m so sorry, I...''
''Don’t be. We know how much you want this and you need to be with John now. We’ll always be there for you - that’ll never change,'' I reassured her, before she could keep apologizing. I understood her reasons for going, but I was going to miss her, a lot.
''I know,'' Val responded. ''I’ll just miss you both so much.''
''We’ll miss you too, Blondie, but it will give us a reason to travel and see you! Do you know when you'll hear from the University?'' Bekka asked.
''No, I have no clue.''
Val’s announcement put a damper on our morning and we ate in silence from that point on. We were so quiet you could have heard a fly buzzing, with all of us thinking about being separated. I pushed the food around on the plate with my fork, hardly eating another bite. We’d all been friends since kindergarten, and this would be the first time we had been so far away from one another. It had never happened before in our long friendship. I would still be with Bekka, of course, but we would miss Val terribly. She was our little ray of sunshine and so much fun to be around.
We would have to find a new roommate and I hated the idea of having a stranger in the flat. I’d enjoyed the security which came from sharing with my two best friends, but I would have to get my head around the idea of living with a stranger. I thought about it for a few seconds, wondering if Val and I could manage the cost on our own, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t a possibility. We needed the extra income from sharing with a third person.
''Maybe we could hang out at the park today? Work on our tans, read magazines and enjoy the sun for a while. It's a beautiful day. What do you think?'' Val proposed.
''Sounds good to me,'' I agreed and Bekka nodded.
Leaving the restaurant, we walked to the park near the University. The sun was at its highest point and I could feel the heat against my skin, which I soaked up happily. Kids were running around all over the park and students seated at benches and lazing on the grass, studying for their summer classes. I loved this time of the year, it felt so good to finally be finished with school and I desperately needed the break. My life was in a transitional period, where I was trying to find my own way in the world. Settling in a shady spot, we lay back on the warm grass and read magazines, enjoying what might possibly be one of our last days together.
Bekka dug through her purse until she found her nail polish stash. Her purse was as big as a carry-on bag, which was fortunate as she had so many things inside it, including her makeup case, hair brush, and anything a girl could possibly need. She had nearly every color of nail polish in one shade or another, so we sat on the grass and gave each other mini-manicures. Bekka was always changing up her nails and was really good at it. She painted mine pale pink and drew tiny black designs on them.
My mind wandered to thinking about Tristan. I really liked him and I could imagine us together, I had visions of the two of us graduating, moving in together and simply enjoying the small things in life. I wondered if I would see him again at the club. I had to admit I hoped I would. Seeing him walking in the club had been a good surprise, I could definitely get used to seeing him there. I wouldn't be able to hang out with him since I would be working, but just seeing him would be enough to satisfy me, as he was really easy on the eye. I smiled at the thought of his kiss, the tenderness of his lips against my cheek, the way he’d licked his bottom lip right before kissing me and the red blush on his cheeks when he finally let me go. I wanted more kisses from him, and God, my heart was jittering just thinking about it.
''Why the hell are you blushing, Phoenix?'' Bekka asked, which resulted in making my cheeks burn even hotter.
''Shut up! I'm not blushing!'' I had to stop thinking about him, if I couldn't get my reactions under control.
''Yes, you are...'' they chorused in unison.
''Oh, come on! Give me a break!” I laughed. “I was thinking about Tristan, that's all.'' I hid my face behind my hand, feeling ridiculous. This wasn't me, I wasn't the type of girl who would normally go so crazy over a guy.
They let me off the hook when they realized how embarrassed I was, and we settled back into enjoying the afternoon. The sun was beginning to set and the air was cooling down when we finally decided we really needed to buy some groceries. We couldn’t keep going to restaurants for every meal and had put off the shopping expedition for long enough.
With a cart loaded with goodies, ranging from sweets for Rebekka to salty stuff for Val, we declared the shopping trip a success. We bought plenty of snacks – none of them healthy – and tons of frozen meals. I actually loved to cook, but life kept me too busy most days to indulge my passion. I bought the ingredients for my chocolate chip cookie recipe, they were ‘to die for’ and I hoped to find time to make some soon.
We returned home and while we were putting away the groceries, the conversation returned to my date with Tristan, which only rejuvenated my friend’s giddiness over me finally liking a guy. Bekka and Val felt the need to give me a makeover before work, choosing my attire, including a short black leather skirt. This wasn’t what I generally liked to wear, but when those two were conspiring against me, I always lost. They kept assuring me that I needed to explore my girly side, even though I protested there was nothing special happening at the bar tonight. It was just a regular night at Black Shakers and I didn’t expect to see Tristan again so soon. This plan of theirs seemed a little ridiculous but because I’m an easygoing kind of girl, I let them have their fun. Bekka worked her magic, transforming me into a new, sexier version of myself. By the time I was ready to leave, my eyes were dark and smoky and my lips bloody red. I looked vampish, in the very best way.
There was one thing I put my foot down about—wearing high heels. I’d gone along with this ‘Barbie Doll’ makeover scheme for the most part, but they weren’t taking away my comfortable shoes when I had to be on my feet all night. In lieu of heels, I opted for black Mary Janes. I worked behind a bar anyway, so I argued that nobody was going to notice my shoes, right? I had to draw a line somewhere.
Tyler was waiting for us when we arrived at the club. He was expecting a crowd again tonight and wanted to ensure we were prepared. While he welcomed Val and me with a smile; he welcomed Bekka with a hand placed low against the small of her back. She was wearing skinny-legged black pants with a cropped version of the bar’s t-shirt. Bekka had a unique way of changing a boring shirt into something amazingly fashionable. From where I was standing, I could almost hear her heartbeat pounding and she blushed when Tyler whispered something in her ear. She chuckled shyly and he smirked at her in return.
As soon as he left us, Val and I rushed to her, both curious to find out what he’d said to her.
''What did he say?'' I questioned, with a giggle.
''He said I'm dangerously beautiful tonight.'' She tried to hide her happiness, but it was an epic failure. ''Girls, I think I'm going to die!''
''Bekka, he gave you the opening. Now is your chance, go for it!'' Val encouraged.
''I will... as soon as there are more people around. And maybe after a few shots,'' she laughed.
We all laughed and took our places at our stations, working to get everything ready for tonight. While I was busying myself with preparations, it occurred to me that I hadn’t heard from Tristan today. I wasn't really supposed to since, we weren’t seeing each other officially, but I had still hoped he would text or call. My spirits dampened at the thought.
It was after 11pm when I noticed the stranger from the night before coming in the door. He nodded in Tyler’s direction, both of his hands pushed into the pockets of his jeans. My attention diverted to his low waist jeans, which sat perfectly on his slim waist. God! Why were his jeans making me weak at the knees? My stranger was hot, there was no doubt about it. I watched him walk across the bar, my gaze fixed on him like I’d been hypnotized. He was wearing a red, short sleeved t-shirt with ‘The Doors’ emblazoned across the chest, giving me a good view of the ink on his arms. A lot of ink, actually. He had me so curious. I wanted to take a closer look at the intricate markings on his skin. I’d never known someone with so many tattoos and they captured my attention, wanting to know the story behind them. Tyler joined him straight away and they started talking. I was obsessed by the designs marked on his skin, but he was too far away to see them properly, and I was too busy with customers.
I kept glancing across at him and I hated myself for being so interested. He was obviously a bad boy and I couldn’t trust myself around him. I shouldn’t let him affect me, but my pulse raced, my hands were moist and I hated knowing my body was responding to him. I was attracted to him in a crazy, unexplainable way, but I feared that around him, I would forget everything my mother had taught me. She would want me with someone like Tristan, he had the perfect profile; studious and respectable. I had Tristan, sort of, and he was everything I wanted and needed. Right?
I took a deep breath and tried to talk some sense into myself. I had spoken to Mr. Mysterious once - it didn’t mean anything. His tattoos were the only reason I was staring – I was obviously just curious.
Yeah, right.
I looked up from pouring drinks and he smiled at me, but I didn’t return his smile, deliberately forcing myself not to even though I wanted to. There was no way, I was going to connect with him because I knew I would lose every ounce of self-control I had. The sense that he was staring at me was uncomfortable. I couldn’t be sure because I purposely avoided meeting his gaze, but I was almost certain he was looking my way.
I shook my troubling thoughts away, smiling for the customers and giving them their drinks. It was very busy, the music was great and Bekka, Val and I were having a good time. I really couldn’t ask for more - life was pretty much perfect.
I had to slip out to the backroom to collect a fresh bottle of vodka when the supplies at my station grew low. These college boys definitely loved their vodka. When I got back to the bar, I almost dropped the bottle on the floor in shock. The image before my eyes couldn’t be real, and I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t in the midst of a nightmare. Not only was Tristan sitting at the bar, but one seat over from him was the tattooed stranger who made my pulse race. My cheeks flamed and my chest tightened, as I considered what the hell I was supposed to do.
''Tristan! I’m so happy to see you,'' I said, taking a deep breath as I approached the bar. I covered his hand with mine and gave him a quick hug over the bar, standing on my tiptoes. I knew it was probably an over-the-top gesture for our fledgling relationship, but I wanted to make sure ink boy knew that if I smiled tonight, it wasn’t going to be for him. Why I chose to handle things this way, I wasn’t sure? All I knew was that I wanted to keep him away because it was the only way I could ensure I wouldn’t fall for him.
''Phoenix, you look beautiful tonight,'' Tristan complimented, returning my warm smile.
''Thanks! It was my friends’ idea, '' I admitted, as I pointed across at Bekka and Val. ''I was hoping I would hear from you today.''
''I was in the area... ''
''Do you want something to drink?''
''Only if I can buy one for you,'' he replied. His smile made me crazy.
''Shots?''
He threw his head back and laughed. “Sounds good. Tequila?''
I quickly prepared everything we needed - salt, lime and the four shots of Tequila. I felt eyes on me the entire time – watching every move I made, and I knew they weren't Tristan's. They were his – ink boy’s – and he hadn't said a word, just watched me intently. It was making me nervous and on edge. I didn't want to look at him because I didn't know what to expect. He seemed to perpetually keep me feeling off kilter. I wasn’t sure if it was him who was making me so nervous, or if it was my own reaction to him which bothered me.
I ran the lime over the back of my hand and sprinkled the salt over it. I took the shot with determination and bit into the lime. It was at that precise moment, when I looked at ink boy. It was only a quick glance his way, and when he caught my eye, he winked at me. I almost choked on the damn lime.
I turned my gaze quickly to Tristan. He was leaning over the bar, giving me a ‘come hither’ look. I went up on my tiptoes to get closer to him, thinking he wanted to say something. He surprised me though, when he cupped my cheeks between his hands and started kissing me. It was a soft, gentle kiss – one of those kisses which make your entire body melt into a warm puddle. It was so incredible, I nearly forgot where I was. When he released my face, I lowered back down to my side of the bar, trying to centre my head on the job at hand. I loved the kiss, but it felt wrong to be kissing someone while I was on the clock. We took the second shots, and this time I only had eyes for Tristan. I tried to control myself, but the heat in his eyes made him completely irresistible. I looked around a
nd couldn't see Tyler nearby. With a smile, I perched on my tiptoes again and met Tristan halfway for another soft kiss. I couldn’t help myself – he was too delicious to resist. After I caught my breath, I realized Bekka and Val were both staring at me in disbelief.
It wasn't like me to act so brazenly, particularly at work, but I wished they weren't so obvious about their surprise. Their staring was only drawing more attention to my station.
''Wow… thanks, Nix. Did you ever get your schedule? I was wondering when your next day off would be.''
My face lit up and my heart raced again. This had to be a good sign. ''I’m not sure yet about the schedule, but I’ll let you know as soon as I find out.''
He ran his finger down the side of my cheek, his eyes never leaving mine. My breath hitched.
''My friend's waiting in the car, Nix. I just had to see you, but I better go. Call me.''
''I will.''
He smiled at me as he walked out. I was left with the tattooed stranger and I really didn't want to deal with him. I took a deep breath and turned to him with the best professional smile I could manage.
''Can I get you anything tonight?'' I asked, trying not to blush. I realized the double meaning of the words as soon as they left my mouth, which only increased the red in my cheeks.
''A sm....''
''Don't ask me for a smile. I'm here to get you something to drink. A beer perhaps?'' I cut him off before he could say it. I had to keep this on the up-and-up; I couldn’t get pulled into games with this guy.
''Princess, don’t be rude.'' His voice was low and husky and made me break out in chills. I had never reacted so carnally to someone’s voice alone before, and it scared me.
''Don't call me that, please. I'm anything but a princess.''
''You sure look like one to me. But, if you prefer, I can come up with another nickname.''
I gave him a beer even though he hadn’t asked for anything. I guess it was my treat. If he had something to drink, maybe he would talk less.
