You and I Together

by Melissa Toppen

  “No. Thanks.” I say, backing out of the office and pulling the door closed behind me. I quickly slip through the main room of the club and then back into the hallway, making it to my dressing room in the matter of seconds.

  Changing out of my outfit, having no need for it now, I slip back into my street clothes and start gathering my things. I have class first thing in the morning and I am certainly not going to hang out here longer than needed.

  The moment I exit the club, I have the overwhelming urge to call Bentley. I want to know what Cora was talking about. I want to know who Madison is and why Cora felt the need to make me aware of her. I want to know why Cora quit and how long Bentley has known about it and why he didn't tell me. But at the same time, I don't want to know any of it either.

  Not knowing what else to do, I try to push past the information Cora gave me and let it lie. While it would be so easy to take her word for it and let it drive a wedge between me and Bentley, I refuse to give her that satisfaction.

  She is playing on my insecurities where he is concerned and if I plan to have any kind of future with him, I need to start trusting in him, in us. Otherwise I am going to end up losing him for no reason other than I can't get over my own pettiness. Instead, I try to focus on the positive. Cora is finally out of our lives and for that, I could not be happier.

  Chapter

  Twenty

  Its been over a week since Cora's resignation and her unexpected apology, and I still haven't been able to shake the insecurity that she has rattled deep within me. I know I shouldn't let her bother me but sometimes we have no control over the things that eat at us.

  I still haven't said a thing to Bentley about it. He's in Washington again and is so close to being finished with construction, I didn't want to add anymore to his stress plate. The last thing I need is for him to be worried about me and how I'm feeling when he has no choice but to be thousands of miles away.

  “You gonna drink that or just stare at it?” Chelle pulls my attention away from the drink sitting in front of me and I look up to see her staring at me, a wide grin across her freckled face.

  “Sorry.” I laugh, taking a sip of my Vodka and Cranberry before hitting her with a smile. “Better?” I ask, laughing when she slides into the stool across from me.

  “Much.” She says, taking a long gulp of her own drink before speaking again. “I can't believe I'm getting married.” She says, shaking her head as she looks around at all of the people that came out to celebrate her engagement. There are a few people from the club, me and Lo included, but most of the people in attendance are friends and family of either Chelle or Malcolm.

  “It's about time. You guys have been dating for how long?” I ask, taking another drink.

  “Three years.” She says, smiling when she catches sight of Malcolm breaking it down on the dance floor to “Low” by Flo Rida. “And I still haven't gotten over how damn fine that man looks when he moves like that.” She grins. “Yeah baby!” She yells out at him, catching his attention.

  He smiles his wide smile and then shakes his ass all the way over to our table, stopping just shy of Chelle to give her a little private shimmy before pulling her from the stool and grinding up on her.

  “Get a room.” I yell over the music, laughing and shaking my head when Malcolm tries to pull me onto the dance floor with them. “You two go.” I laugh, shooing them away. Malcolm laughs and then picks Chelle up, spinning her once before setting her back to her feet and dragging her out onto the dance floor.

  Chelle looks so pale and fragile next to Malcolm who is dark skinned and about a foot and a half taller than her. Chelle has pale skin, auburn hair, and cute little freckles that cover her entire face. And while they are so oddly paired, they are also beautiful together too. And it's so very clear to tell by watching them, just how much they love each other. Malcolm finally popped the question earlier this week and of course, I couldn't refuse coming out to their celebration.

  Turning my attention away from the dance floor, I catch sight of Lo just as she slips into the seat that Chelle was just occupying. “I brought you a gift.” She sings, sliding a shot across the table at me.

  “Oh no.” I shake my head adamantly. “I have accepted the fact that I was not made to drink shots.” I laugh, sticking my tongue out in disgust.

  “It's good. Promise.” She crosses her fingers over her heart.

  “What is it?” I pick up the glass and examine the light brown thick liquid.

  “Buttery Nipple.” She laughs at the surprised look that crosses my face at the name. “Yeah, I knew you'd like that.” She laughs. “Dirty girl.” She tacks on, giving me a wink as she lifts her glass.

  “You suck.” I whine, lifting my shot glass and clinking it with hers. I pour the liquid into my mouth and to my surprise, find that it's actually a pretty tasty drink. Nothing like the shots I drank the last time I was out with Andrea.

  “Good right?” She nods happily when I lick my lips.

  “Very.” I agree, sitting my glass back on the table. I open my mouth to say something else but then immediately close it when a group of guys pile in the front door, the ring leader someone I have not seen in a few weeks and was hoping not to see again anytime soon. Aaron.

  “Fuck.” The word falls from my lips without me really meaning to say it and Lo turns wide eyes on me.

  “Excuse me?” She says, laughing lightly.

  “Nothing. Just some prick I was hoping to avoid for longer than five minutes.” I say, taking a long drink of my beverage while trying to avoid saying more.

  “Who?” She asks, spinning around and immediately spotting the group of guys making their way towards the bar.

  “The one in the front. Dark hair.” I say, nodding my head in his direction even though Lo is already facing them and can't see me.

  “With the facial hair?” She asks, turning her head slightly to meet my gaze.

  “Yep.” I say, taking another drink.

  “He's hot.” She says, throwing him another look before spinning back around to face me head on.

  “Yeah and a complete and total asshat.” I sigh, really not wanting to get into this with her right now.

  Aaron is my past and I would really love to leave him there. I really wish he would stop just showing up everywhere I am. Even though I know it is a complete coincidence that he's here, it still does not shake the unsettling feeling that has already formed in the pit of my stomach.

  “Stay away from asshat. Got it.” She nods, laughing when a smile breaks across my face. God love Lo. She doesn't push or pry for too much from me. While she is all up in everyone else's business, she tends to go easy on me. Unless Bentley is involved, then you can forget it.

  “And what is the word on my dream man?” She asks, changing the subject to the guy she met at the club last week. “Any word from Mr. Perfect on who he might be?”

  “Not yet. I haven't had enough time to really talk to him about it.” I admit. “I haven't seen him and he's been so busy in Seattle.”

  “Just don't forget about me.” She smiles, killing the remainder of her drink in one long swig. “Come on sexy lady.” She says, pushing off the bar stool and extending her hand to me. “Let's dance.” She winks, laughing when I take her hand and let her pull me from my seat and out onto the dance floor.

  ****

  I don't how much time passes between me and Lo hitting the dance floor and all the events that follow. All I know is that it is getting very late and I have had a few too many drinks, even though my intention was to sip on one and that was it.

  Of course, Lo was having none of that and as such, proceeded pouring shots down my throat. Okay, not exactly pouring. But she put them in my hand which is just about the same thing. The more I drank, the less I cared. And now, well now I am too busy shaking my ass against Lo to really care one way or another.

  Putting two girls like me and Lo together on a dance floor after drinking is never a good idea. We both are very sexual da
ncers and neither of us is afraid to rub up on the other, especially if it makes for a good show. So when she pulls me to her and plants a deep kiss on my mouth, I go along with it, too drunk to really care about the long term effects of my actions.

  It isn't until she pulls back and then spins me around that I realize the audience we have drawn. I look out over the group of guys, very obviously enjoying the show, barely paying them any attention. It isn't until my eyes land on Aaron that reality seems to creep back in, hindering my buzz slightly.

  He's staring at me with a look that tells me everything I need to know. Not only did he witness our little show, but he seems to have rather enjoyed it which instantly floods my stomach with regret. Turning back towards Lo, I am about to pull her from the floor but then quickly realize that she has her tongue in some random dudes mouth and is grinding her body against his like she absolutely plans on taking him home with her tonight.

  Shaking my head at my promiscuous friend, I turn back around, planning to head back to the table but then end up running face first into someone's chest. Stumbling backwards, I mumble my apologies as I look up, immediately freezing in place when I realize that the person I ran into is Aaron.

  “Whoa. Where do you think you're going?” He asks, snaking his arm around my waist when I make a move to step past him. Pulling me into his body, he immediately starts grinding against me. I tense against his movements and once again make a move to step away from him but his arm holds me in place.

  “Let go Aaron.” I say, trying to pull myself back.

  “Don't pretend like that little show wasn't for me.” He breathes against my cheek, causing a sickening prickle to erupt across my skin.

  “Don't flatter yourself.” I say, pushing hard against his chest.

  “Why you gotta play like this Anna?” He smiles, nuzzling his nose into my neck. “I know you want this.” He says, tightening his grip on me.

  “Get off of me Aaron.” I say sternly, once again trying to back out of his embrace without making a scene.

  “I don't think I will.” He laughs. Reaching out, he grabs my chin and forces my face upwards towards him. “We both know how this is going to end.” He smiles. “So why don't you save us both the trouble and let's get out of here.”

  I open my mouth to shoot him down but before one word even comes out, Aaron is knocked clean away from body, a fist connecting with his jaw from seemingly out of no where. I jump, startled by the sudden assault, and turn just in time to see Bentley pull Aaron to his feet by the neck of his shirt and lay another swift punch to his face, blood immediately spurting from his nose.

  “Bentley, stop!” I immediately make a move to interfere as Bentley rears back to hit him again. “Stop.” I repeat, pulling on the arm that still has a hold of Aaron's shirt.

  His face is contorted in anger and for a moment, I think he doesn't hear me, but then he slowly turns his eyes on me, their intensity softening just a bit as his temper settles and he really looks at me. “Stop.” I repeat, exhaling a sigh of relief when he drops his hold on Aaron and takes a step back.

  Aaron slumps to the floor at our feet, blood covering the front of his shirt and pouring out of his nose onto the floor. He seems too disoriented to really figure out what's going on and within seconds, a couple of his buddies come to his side. One of the bigger guys acts like he might take a swing at Bentley but after getting a good look at him, clearly decides against it.

  “What the fuck?” Lo gets out breathless next to me, clearly having witnessed the entire altercation.

  “Let's go. Now.” Bentley says, his voice stern and edged with anger. “You too.” He says, pinning his eyes on Lo who immediately smiles and nods her head enthusiastically like she can't believe he's even talking to her.

  “Bentley. What are you doing here?” I manage to get out as he grips my forearm and pulls me along side of him through the bar and out into the late night air.

  “Apparently ruining your good time.” He spits, turning on me the moment we hit the pavement of the parking lot.

  “Excuse me?” I sputter, stopping dead in my tracks.

  “What the fuck were you doing with that asshole?” His voice is so loud it carries through the empty lot and bounces around us. I can feel Lo behind me but I don't turn to face her.

  “Trying to get away from him.” I yell back, the alcohol swimming through my blood stream eliminating my ability to handle this situation tactfully.

  “Bentley this is my fault.” Lo interjects, stepping up beside me. “I should have taken her home the moment we realized he was here.” She says, immediately closing her mouth when I hit her with a panicked look.

  “When you realized he was here?” He questions, rounding on me. “Who the fuck is he Anna?” He spits, anger seething through every word.

  “Aaron Brockman.” I say weakly. “I dated him in high school. Things ended pretty badly between us and I have been trying to avoid him for weeks but then he showed up here and I tried to forget he was here and not let him ruin my fun, but then he did what he always does and pushed himself on me and that's when you showed up.” I ramble, my eyes going wide when I realize everything I just said.

  “Weeks? The old friend from high school; the one you ran into that made you late for dinner with Shira?” He asks, his voice riddled with disbelief.

  “Bentley.” I start but he cuts me off immediately.

  “Don't.” He shakes his head at me and then turns his eyes on Lo. “You. Come on.” He says, peeling open the passenger side door of his car and leaning the seat forward, gesturing for Lo to climb in. She throws me an apologetic look and then climbs inside.

  “Bentley. It's not what you think.” I start, but once again he cuts me off.

  “Get in the car Anna.” He says, leaving the passenger door open as he crosses to the drivers side.

  “Not until you let me explain.” I protest, not moving from my spot.

  “In case you missed it, I just broke your lover boy's nose and I really would rather not spend the night in jail. Now, get in the fucking car Anna.” The last part comes out sounding more like a deep growl than anything and I scramble as quickly as I can towards the car, practically diving into the passenger seat.

  I no more than get the door shut and Bentley hammers the gas and peels out of the parking lot. He doesn't look in my direction as he pulls out onto the empty street and speeds down the road. I open my mouth to speak several times but each time decide against it and end up closing it again.

  The car ride is full of awkward silence and the air only gets heavier the further we drive. When Bentley pulls up outside of Lo's apartment building, I am so surprised that he knows where she lives that I almost say something but then once again, decide against it.

  Pulling the door open, I climb out and help Lo with the seat, giving her my hand as she drunkenly stumbles forward the moment her feet hit the sidewalk. “I'm gonna walk her up.” I say, ducking down to look through the open car door.

  Bentley nods but keeps his eyes forward, his hands gripping the steering wheel so tight, his knuckles are pure white. I shut the door without another word and link arms with Lo, leading her to the front door.

  “I'm so sorry.” Lo slurs as we climb into the elevator.

  “This is not your fault.” I reassure her, giving her a weak smile.

  “He's really fucking hot when he's mad though.” She cracks a goofy smile and we both burst into a fit of laughter.

  I know that I have a massive amount of explaining to do on top of a huge apology but right now, it feels good to just laugh about it for a moment. It's times like this that I am so thankful to have a friend like Lo. Only she can see the craziness of my life and still be able to find humor in it.

  Chapter

  Twenty-One

  I take my time making my way back downstairs to Bentley. As eager as I am to explain myself, I am even more eager to avoid the whole situation. I am not used to answering to people for my actions and honestly, it's hard for me
to swallow my pride enough to even do it at all. But I know that Bentley deserves an explanation and I fully intend on giving him just that. I just hope I can do so without being too defensive.

  When I step back out into the night air, Bentley's car is still on the curb. Crossing the sidewalk, I peel open the door and slide inside without even looking at him. Snapping my seat belt in place, I stare out of the window, not really sure what to say first.

  “I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you.” His words catch me off guard and I spin my face towards him, surprised to find him looking at me so calmly.

  “I'm sorry that I didn't tell you about Aaron.” I say, surprised by how easily the words come out, given how tightly wound my insides feel.

  “How about you tell me about him now?” He says, making no attempt to move the car, his focus firmly on me.

  “How about you take me to get something to eat and I will explain everything?” I smile hesitantly, not sure if he will go for my suggestion but knowing if I don't get something on my stomach other than the alcohol swimming in there, I am going to be sick sooner rather than later.

  “Fine.” He huffs, turning to face forward. Without another word, he pulls the car out onto the street and heads through the sleeping city.

  It takes only minutes before we pull into the parking lot of my favorite twenty-four hour diner. The one me and Lo often come to. It isn't until we are inside, tucked away in a corner booth, that I finally take a deep breath and start to try to explain the complication that is Aaron Brockman.

  Bentley allows me to explain the entire situation, not once interrupting me. He listens intently to every word and I can tell how hard he is fighting to not lose his temper when I move on to the most recent events that led up to the altercation tonight.

  By the time I am finished, I am not sure if he wants to kill Aaron or me. All I know is that he is mad. I mean, really mad. Of course, he hasn't said anything to that effect. But I can tell. I can tell by the way he picks at his sandwich and how he's having a hard time meeting my gaze. I am starting to think that he's never going to speak until finally he takes a deep breath and let's out a slow exhale.