My Mind's Eye (Pub Fiction #1)

by Gillian Jones

  As for Claire, it turns out she fell asleep on the couch at Matt’s house. She apologizes a billion times, but let it be known how happy she was that I got to spend time with Ryker.

  Chapter 25

  Ryker

  “Nice shot, Ryan!” Man, that kid’s got a wicked three-point shot. It’s Saturday, and Levi and I are hosting the annual basketball tournament with the kids. We have been organizing this tournament for the last three years. Teams from surrounding rec centres all come to The Centre for a day of basketball, awards, fun, and a barbecue.

  I’m just about to change the line-up when I spot Robin coming out of her office with a brunette I recognize immediately. Kat. Jesus, she’s pretty. They’re smiling and talking and heading this way. Perfect. I’ll get a chance to make sure she’s okay. I’ve wanted to call her, but I promised her I wouldn’t use her number for personal use. After the time we spent together, I was pretty confident she’d be all right with my calling, but I guess I’m still a bit nervous. This girl makes me nervous unlike anyone before. I need to bide my time and take things slow, build a foundation before I make my move.

  “Levi, take over for a sec, would ya?” I’m already handing off the clipboard as he agrees. “I’ll be five minutes.”

  “Take your time, bud; I got them,” he says with a knowing smirk. I haven’t come right out and said anything about liking Kat, but he’s not stupid. He knows.

  As I’m making my way over, Robin calls out to me. “Ryker, the tournament is another success. The kids are all having a great time. I was just telling Kat what wonderful work you and Levi do here.”

  I smile at her praise. “Thanks. Yeah, they’re loving it. We had a great turnout this year.”

  My eyes land on Kat. “Hey, Kat, how are you? I’m glad you took me up on my suggestion to come.”

  “Hi, Ryker,” her eyes meet mine and she smiles, “me, too. I’m going to start helping out on Tuesdays and Saturday mornings. Robin and I decided I could run a homework club, and maybe I could recruit some of my classmates to help out if we get a good turnout.”

  “Wow, that’s a great idea. I’m sure there will be a ton of kids who will join in. Hell, I’d come to something like that knowing you’d be there.” Shit. I didn’t mean to say that out loud. Kat blushes and Robin clears her throat.

  “Well, then, Ryker, we’ll let you get back to the tournament. I’m just going to take Kat on a little tour.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll catch you later, Kat,” I say, brushing her hand with mine before running back to the court.

  I think Saturday mornings just became my favourite day of the week.

  Chapter 26

  Kat

  “No fucking way! Not a bloody chance in hell, no, nope, nuh-uh. Oh! Hell! No!” I keep saying to Claire about the supposed costume she’s trying her hardest to convince me to wear tonight to the big Halloween party over at Matt’s house.

  Obviously, my happiness isn’t a concept she cares about. Clearly, she couldn’t give a shit, because at this moment, she is making me very unhappy.

  “Oh, Kat, come on. You know you look hot. Haven’t I proved to you before that I know when you look hot? Stop being a little baby! You know damn well I would never, ever steer you wrong. And right now, Kitty Kat, you are fucking smokin’. Wowee! If Ryker could see you now.”

  Pretending she did not just say his name, I listen to Claire say this little shtick of hers over and over again while we stand in my room getting ready.

  “Come on, Kat, it’s Halloween. It’s time to get our slut on. You can’t possibly think you will pick up in that hagwear of a witch costume. Skin, you need to show skin. You, my friend, need to get laid, and that is not going to happen with you in that getup all green-faced and hiding that body. Now, look in the mirror and tell me you don’t think it’s the hottest costume and that you honestly want to change back into a hag.”

  I knew I shouldn’t have trusted her to get us costumes. I should know better by now. Claire is standing behind me wolf-whistling, trying her damnedest to convince me to wear what’s she’s bought me rather than the witch costume I wore to my grade four placement yesterday for the class Halloween party. The costume, I feel, that would make me feel happiest.

  I look at her in contempt before I look at my reflection one last time, trying to decide what I want to do. Of course, I know she’s right. I know I’m being silly. It’s not that I don’t think I look hot, I know I do. It’s just once again, it seems there could be a bit more coverage to the costume. I’m always nervous putting myself on display. I don’t want to be one of those girls with big boobs that other girls assume I’m flaunting all the time. Believe me, I love my girls, but sometimes I would love it if they were smaller and a whole lot perkier.

  “Fine, you win. You always win. I’ll wear it. I don’t have to like it, but I’ll wear it. It’s Halloween, so, whatever. I can pull it off for one night.” I cringe, not believing I’m agreeing to this willingly.

  “Good. Come here, you little she-devil. I told your mom I’d send her a few selfies of us all ready to go.” Claire pulls out her iPhone and takes a few pictures before we head down to meet the girls, who have been waiting on my ass for the last forty-five minutes.

  Walking into the kitchen, I’m met with whistles and catcalls and a bunch of, “It’s about fucking time.” I shrug them off. “I know, I know, I just wasn’t sure I could pull it off. I mean, come on, guys, it’s pretty revealing. I feel like I’m going to work…” I hesitate “…on a street corner.” Being a dork, I do a little twirl before handing Claire a fresh drink. We raise our glasses in a toast to a fun night ahead.

  I eventually gave up the costume fight because I know there’s ultimately no use in fighting Claire about most things. Unfortunately, I seem to have a hard time sticking to my guns, and tend to give in to her quite often. Good thing she’s right most of the time. Damn her.

  “Woohoo, now the night can begin. We are all ready and Kitty Kat can cut loose, allow herself to have some fun and, hopefully, find some sexy man to fuck that stick outta her ass,” Claire roars. I take another gulp of my drink, but not before giving her a little cut-eye.

  I think I might actually agree with Claire. I really do need to let go and possibly have a little fun with some über-hot guy. But I want Ryker. Downing the last of my drink, however, I decide for myself that tonight I will at least go through the motions and embrace Claire’s Halloween ideals as my own.

  Claire describes Halloween as the one night when women band together to drive the male population to the brink of sexual fantasy and frustration.

  “Hey, Claire, tell us all why Halloween is important to the women’s movement, please. I really think the girls would love to know your thoughts,” I say, putting my wings on.

  “Oh, I’d love to enlighten all of you on the importance of Halloween,” Claire begins, hopping up on her invisible lectern. “Halloween is the night to be brazen and bold. The night where girls can let their inner sluts shine and know that no matter how slinky and sexy the costume you have on is, there will always be some chick dressed even sluttier. The end goal is to bring the boys to their knees!” God, this girl makes me laugh. I could not imagine my life without her.

  Hence, why I reluctantly and nervously agreed to wear a damned costume that consists of a headband with a halo attached to its top, and a super tight white sequinned tank top with booty shorts. The top, of course, dips in a low V at the front, revealing a ton of cleavage. It’s like a second skin. It’s extremely tight and the wings aren’t helping at all; they pull the back down, making the front shorter and even tighter. But, I hate to admit, it actually does make my girls look pretty amazing. It also has a pair of fishnet stockings with garters that only serve to further drive the point that this outfit is completely out of my element. But the best part, the real pièce de résistance, white high-heeled hooker boots! Yep, I am the epitome of an angel. Maybe a fallen one.

  Matt and his roommates, who live at the end of our cul
-de-sac, are throwing a big Halloween party. They are all in the same sports medicine program and have been friends for years. Apparently, it’s been tradition since they moved in together back their first year, and it’s the place to be every Halloween.

  I’m pretty excited for another night of fun with my girls, and am secretly hoping to find a hottie with who I could—if the mood strikes—try my hand at a purely sexual relationship. One on my terms; with a partner that I, not my friends, choose. Despite what they may think, I am capable of finding my own one-night stand, and I secretly wish it were with Ryker, but I’m still not sure where we stand.

  But tonight is Halloween, and I have bigger things to stress about than Claire and Matt working on Operation Kat Needs a Man. I need to worry about working to allow myself to have a good time, on cutting loose, and trying not to stress about what I look like in this scrap of an angel costume or the fact that Halloween is such a dangerous celebration; with so many candles, the risk for fires is much greater. Taking a deep breath, I give myself a little pep talk. It’s all good; it’s all in the name of fun. Breathe out. And, most importantly, remember to embrace your inner Halloween slut, I giggle as I remind myself before touching up my hair.

  Matt has already messaged Claire like fifty times. He’s way too excited to see his girl in her costume, the one she’s been teasing him with all week. I swear that guy would have done anything I asked him to do this week if I would have told him what Claire was wearing to the party. But like a good friend, mum was the word. It’s really cute seeing how close these two have become. Honestly, Matt is perfect for Claire.

  With Claire as my sexy counterpart—a devil, of course, in more ways than one—we check ourselves out, making little adjustments here and there, applying one last layer of lip gloss; then we’re finally all heading out the door.

  My phone goes off as I’m locking up the door. I look down to my hand to retrieve the text, and I notice it’s from an unknown number. Not thinking much of it, I swipe across the screen in order to read it and am shocked at what I see.

  Unknown: Beautiful, I miss you. I need you. I want you. Happy Halloween, angel.

  Seth xox

  Quickly shaking off the irony of his use of the word “angel,” I read over the text a few more times before finally showing it to Claire. How the fuck did he get my number, it’s supposed to be unlisted?

  “Who the fuck does he think he is? What a douchebag.” She goes on getting heated. “Forget about that guy, Kat; he’s all the way back in Ottawa for law school. There’s no need to even pay him any mind. He’s probably sitting alone in front of his computer masturbating, the little fucker. Knowing his dick is close to falling off, he probably couldn’t find a chick who was willing to let him stick that filthy schlong near any orifice.” I laugh at Claire’s tirade and decide she’s right. Before locking the door, I quickly throw my phone on the table, leaving it behind. I’m not about to allow that ass to ruin my night! Fucking Seth.

  I feel sick, instantly. An uncomfortable feeling takes over my entire body. I thought Seth would get the message by now. I thought he’d move on. I mean, wasn’t it him who cheated on me? I just don’t think I can keep dealing with this shit. I can’t help wonder about those flowers again. Shit.

  “Come on, Kat, fuck him and fuck this. Please don’t let him ruin your night. Let’s go out and have a good time tonight, and we’ll figure out how we’re going to deal with this asshead tomorrow.” I nod, trying hard to be agreeable with what she’s suggesting. I really just think he’s messing with me.

  Claire is right; I need to let it go. I need to not let Seth dictate my choices and decisions like I’ve allowed him to do in the past. Listening to him has only left me with a bunch of missed opportunities and regrets. Because of his possessiveness, he manipulated me into missing a Spring Break trip to Mexico with my girlfriends, because according to him, “Those kinds of trips are for single girls who just want to slut it up,” and he’d be upset if I went. Seth actually managed to convince me I should go to school with him in Ottawa too, that we would miss each other too much and long distance relationships never work. Looking back on it now, I don’t know how I let him segregate me from my friends and family so much. Thank goodness I listened to Claire and applied to Brock in the end, because Seth and I didn’t end things on a good note at all. And I couldn’t imagine being anywhere but here.

  “You’re right, Claire Bear. Fuck him. I can’t let him affect me. He’s just being the dick I’ve always known him to be deep down.”

  “Good. Maybe we should talk to Wes and your dad, just give them the heads up and see what they say this time for real. I know Ryker dealt with him before, but he clearly isn’t getting the message.” I nod, agreeing with her that it is definitely time to get advice from my dad and brother. I know Wes will kick his ass if I ask him. “But for tonight, we’re letting it go. You’re with your Claire Bear, and you know I always have your back, it’s on to fun we shall go!” I can’t help but appreciate her enthusiasm and ability to make me feel better. Everyone needs a little Claire in their life I tell ya.

  Chapter 27

  Ryker

  Fuck, I love Halloween. It’s by far the best holiday ever. I love getting dressed up and fucking around with people, especially the girls; they are too easy to scare. Every year the boys and I, well, since we’ve lived here in the Village, we’ve held an insane costume party, which always ends the same way…me drunk, fucked hard, sated, and happy. This year will be no different. Tonight I’m planning on hibernating my cock inside the warm and willing body of some hot-ass chick.

  Lucky for me, it seems that Halloween is a night where people leave their inhibitions behind and really let loose, which is just what I need considering how hard my dick has been since a certain girl as inadvertently been pretty much forcing me to be a cock-block to myself, slowing my usual game. But tonight, tonight I will reclaim my game and finally get my dick wet. Man, I love Halloween.

  Chapter 28

  Kat

  While Claire, the girls, and I make our way down the street to Matt’s, I have to admit I’m pretty excited at the idea of cutting loose tonight. Not dance on the bar loose, but loose enough to have a great time. Especially now, after that text from Seth. I shiver just thinking about that asshole. Focus, Kat. I get back to thoughts of getting my drink and dance on with my bestie and our friends. Yeah, that’s just what I need.

  Another silver lining from the fire, no need for a DD tonight as we can walk without worrying about anyone drinking and driving. It’s a chilly night out, but we opt out of covering up with a jacket, mainly because we all know the chances of us forgetting it and leaving it there is pretty high. Another bonus of living in the Village is we can always make a run for it if it’s too cold.

  As we walk, we sing Thriller, as it seems to be the appropriate song to sing at the moment. We’re laughing and pretty much stumbling in our heels. Of course, our little group is met with a ton of hoots and hollers from guys heading out to different Halloween activities along our street, which in turn, causes us to laugh and sing even louder. Oh man, tonight is going to be all kinds of trouble; I laugh to myself as we approach what must be Matt’s house.

  There is eerie music playing as we walk up to the front door, along with an array of Halloween decorations from zombies and ghosts, to pumpkins and tombstones. The place looks amazing, all lit up with orange and purple lights, which hang from the railings and eave troughs. I love how enthusiastic these guys are about their Halloween traditions. I can’t wait to see what the inside looks like, I think as Claire leads us through the front door.

  Crossing the threshold to Matt’s place, I hear the familiar voice of Pete Loeffler and Chevelle singing The Red. Listening to one of my favourite songs playing quickly puts me at ease. I sing along as I follow Claire into the kitchen to grab what I know will be the first of many drinks. With Seth’s text still heavy on my mind, I know I will be having more than a couple tonight. There is no way I want to go
back to that point in time of my life. Damn, I hate how that asshole has the power to still affect me. How did he even get my new number?

  Thankful for the reprieve, I’m brought out of my head by Claire’s excitement.

  “To the drinks, bitch; this devil needs her fury fuel!” she yells while laughing and looking at me over her shoulder as I trail closely behind her while the others lag a bit further behind, stopping to chat along the way. I hold her hand, though, because it is definitely packed in here and the last thing I need is to lose sight of her.

  The house is full with people dancing and crowding every corner and it’s only ten thirty. It’s already quite the process to cross the space to get to the kitchen; I can’t even imagine what it will be like in another hour. Shuffling our way through the rooms toward the kitchen, I have to admit, Claire was right about our costumes. We are definitely among good company with our sexy attire. I actually think Claire and I may even be a bit overdressed compared to some of these other girls. That thought alone makes me smile to myself, as sometimes I see just why I never tell this girl no. It’s because she, unfortunately, to my dismay, is often right.

  I walk trailing close to my best friend, taking in my surroundings, my anxiety is building a bit because it’s pretty crowded and I can’t seem to find enough ways to exit if I need to.

  “It’s all good, Kat, just try and relax. Their house is the exact replica of ours; they all are, remember? You got this. Focus on the fun we’re going to have. I’m with you all night until you wanna leave. Okay?” God, I love this girl; she knows me better than I know myself sometimes, I swear.

  “I’m good; you’re right, piece of cake. Thanks. I just still seem to get inside my head sometimes,” I whisper.

  “I know, Kitty Kat, don’t even stress. One day, it won’t even occur to you. I’m sure of it. Besides, it’s not like we’re ever too far apart, right? I got your back. Always,” she whispers back, and I let the uneasy feeling go for the night.