Hopefully we could have a rational discussion, lay out what we needed from each other, and not trample on each other’s feelings in the process.
Being someone who hated conflict and confrontation, by the time I rounded the corner to my place, my stomach was in knots. But, when Trixie looked up from her phone, chewing her lip worriedly, her expression clearing when she saw me and a hopeful smile taking its place, my anxiety eased.
We were going to be okay.
Twenty-Seven
Trixie
My heart gave an embarrassing little flutter at the sight of Wes coming toward me.
He looked so handsome, tired, but wonderful.
It had only been a couple days since I’d seen him, but seeing him now felt like quenching a great thirst.
I was definitely in danger of falling for Wes … hard.
“Hi,” I began as he joined me and moved to give me a hug. “Sorry, I would’ve come over there, but I figured we should talk first.”
Wes nodded and enveloped me in a hug.
He smelled like chlorine, which I was starting to associate with him, and felt deliciously warm.
“That’s okay, you can see them anytime. Let’s go inside.”
I nodded, but he was opening the door, not looking at me, so it was an unnecessary gesture.
“Brody’s staying over there for a while, so we can talk out here if you want,” Wes said, waving his hand toward the couch.
“Okay,” I agreed, putting my backpack down and following him to sit. Figuring I was the one who needed to apologize, I moved close to him and took his hand in mine before saying, “I’m sorry.”
Wes’s expression was open, his gaze intent on me as he waited for an explanation.
“It was one of those days where it seemed like everything that could go wrong, did. By the time I met up with you I was in a dark place, and although I knew I should have sent you a text and told you I couldn’t make it, I showed up and ended up screwing everything up.”
Wes squeezed my hand, but remained silent, so I kept explaining.
“I have always internalized my emotions. So, when I get really mad, I feel like I’m going to erupt. My family and friends know when I say I need to be alone, I mean it. I usually go to my room, put on soothing music, maybe take a bath, diffuse some oils … whatever I think will help me calm down and get my head space right again. Obviously, you had no way of knowing this, but I was already too far down the rabbit hole to be considerate of your feelings, and I am sorry. I know you probably thought I was being a crazy person, and maybe I am … I mean, we’re all a little crazy, right?”
I gave a self-depreciating laugh.
“I don’t want to be mean to you, and I don’t want to fight. I’ll do better to try and stay away if I feel a meltdown coming on, and I swear, they don’t happen very often. It was just like the universe was against me that day and you were caught in the crossfire. Can you forgive me?”
I waited an agonizing few seconds for him to answer, with my heart in my throat and tears of worry pricking my eyes.
“Of course I can,” Wes said, and I could breathe again. “We all have bad days … maybe we handle them differently, but that doesn’t make them any easier to deal with. Brody, Ridge, and I deal with things completely opposite of each other. You wouldn’t even believe we were brothers raised in the same family, but we are … I may not lash out when I’m really mad or having a shit day, but I do shut down, which can also be hard for people to handle.”
I gave him a small smile and a nod of encouragement.
“You asked me to let you go, said you didn’t feel like talking to anyone, but I was so excited to give you the book and say everything I wanted to say, that I didn’t listen, and I’m sorry for that.”
“You don’t need to apologize,” I argued.
“But, if I’d listened to what you were saying, that whole incident could have been avoided, so I need to own up to my part of it as well. Like you said, we’re still getting to know each other’s moods and idiosyncrasies, so I promise to do my part and pay attention to not only your words, but your body language.”
I shuffled closer and hugged him close to me.
“I’ve never met anyone like you. You’re like … enlightened and shit,” I said, and we both laughed. “Thank you for the book.”
“I remember you saying you liked her, did you have it already?” he asked, wrapping his arms around me.
“No, and I really wanted to read it … It was so funny.”
“You finished?” he asked, sounding surprised.
I nodded against his chest.
“I couldn’t put it down. And, it really helped me out of my funk. I went back to the paper and told Stephen if he cut any of my story, he wouldn’t get so much as a tagline out of me for the rest of the year. Then, once the shock wore off, we were able to discuss the facts and go over why every word I’d written was imperative to the story. He agreed, and it will be printed in its entirety tomorrow.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Wes said, his words rumbling in his chest against my cheek.
There was something so soothing about that feeling.
“I could lay here all night,” I murmured, enjoying the moment.
“I’ve got nowhere else to be tonight, do you?” he asked.
“Nope,” I replied.
“What do you say we watch a movie and snuggle?”
I shifted so I could look up at him.
“I’d say after everything I’ve learned about you today, I think you’re like that chick in the Weird Science movie. Except you’re the one who was made on the computer to be the perfect man.”
Wes chuckled.
“I dig the reference. What are you in the mood for?”
“Honestly, anything you want,” I admitted, then warned, “But, this won’t happen often, so you’d better pick one of your eighties favorites while I’m feeling generous.”
“Can’t Buy Me Love it is…”
Twenty-Eight
Wes
I went to Delta house early to help get ready for the big night.
We had kegs, more liquor than the local ABC store, and coolers of water. There was a beer pong table in one corner, darts in another, and a blow-up water slide in the back yard. All of the pledges would be there around nine for their official ceremony, then the doors would open to the public.
Things were bound to get rowdy.
For now, it was just the Deltas pregaming and eating pizza while waiting for the festivities to kick off.
“Is Karrie coming?” I asked Ridge.
He shook his head.
“She has a big test on Monday, so she’s studying. Plus, she didn’t want to leave the kitten alone.”
My brother looked pointedly at me.
I threw up my hands and laughed.
“Not my fault, bro, she’s crafty. I can’t believe you got it already.”
“Hell, we were there when the place opened,” Ridge complained. “Imagine my surprise when the lady working there told us there was no wait to get the kittens and they were ready to go. Karrie sent me to the store to get food, litter, a box, treats, and toys. That damn cat ended up costing me three hundred bucks today.”
I threw my arm around his shoulder.
“You’re full of it. I know you don’t really mind. You’d do anything to make that girl happy.”
“Ain’t that the damn truth,” he mumbled, then grinned in spite of himself. “The little fucker is cute, though.”
“Softy,” I joked.
“Hey, assholes, what’s up?”
I looked over in surprise to see Papi staggering in, a scowl on his face.
Papi was an easy-going guy. Always one for a joke, good conversation, and sage advice. One of the senior Deltas, he was known for his even temper and ability to get along with everyone.
I’d never seen him look the way he did right then.
“You okay, Papi? Hector?” I added, when he didn’t look my way. Figurin
g maybe his real name would get his attention.
“Hey, little Ridge, how’s it hangin’?” he asked, not looking up from pouring himself a generous glass of whiskey over ice.
“You, uh, want some Coke with that?” I asked, getting worried.
“Sure don’t,” Papi replied.
“What’s going on?” I asked, lowering my voice to a whisper.
“Found my girl fuckin’ some other dude,” Papi said, finally meeting my gaze. The pain and anger in his eyes was enough to make me flinch, but I held my ground. “So, tonight … I’m getting fucked up.”
He took his full glass, turned the other way, and weaved his way through the group toward the kitchen.
I was about to go after him when Ridge said, “I’ve got him.”
I nodded, confident that my brother could handle it, even though I was still worried about our friend.
I ate the salad I’d bought for dinner, and as I busied myself cleaning up empty pizza boxes, plates, and beer bottles, I became more and more resigned to quit the swim team after this season.
It wasn’t worth the stress and sacrifice anymore, and I was positive I was ready to move on.
I knew my mom would be disappointed, but at this point, her opinion was not as important as my happiness. Plus, I wasn’t in high school anymore, and it was time for me to make decisions based on what I wanted, and find activities that made me happy, rather than seemed like a chore.
But, I’d made a commitment to the team and my coach, and wouldn’t let them down by throwing in the towel before the season was over.
So, no pizza or beer for me tonight. Sigh.
The air in the room simmered with excitement as all of the pledges began to enter. Not all the pledges who’d started at the beginning of the year had made it to this point, so it was a big deal for the guys still standing here to finally move from pledge to member.
I could remember how thrilled I’d been, especially since I’d not only become a member that night, but Trixie and I had won the makeover challenge, making it doubly exciting.
Tonight, there was no makeover challenge or competition. It would simply be the guys being welcomed officially to Delta by all the members of the frat, being given a certificate from Ridge, and then having the big blowout afterwards.
When Brody shook hands with Ridge, accepting his place in Delta, all three of us wore matching wide grins.
It may seem silly to some, being a member of a fraternity and having it mean so much to have both my brothers being a part of it with me. But when you’d been an outsider like I was growing up, belonging to something big like that … bigger than being on a swim team … with guys I looked up to, and sharing that forever with my brothers. Well, it filled something up in me I hadn’t realized was empty.
“Wes,” Ridge called when the ceremony was over.
I went over to see what he wanted.
“Can you go check on Papi for me? He’s on the back porch.”
“Yeah, of course,” I said, eager to see how he was doing.
I turned to go, then looked back at Ridge and said, “If you see Trixie before I do, will you go to her and send her back? She’s nervous about coming, so I want her to see a friendly face when she walks in.”
“Yeah, you bet,” Ridge replied, and I went to go find Papi.
Twenty-Nine
Trixie
“God, I’m nervous, are you sure you can’t come?” I asked Starla for the tenth time today.
“Sorry, babe, I have plans with Jude,” my traitorous roommate replied.
“You could both come,” I offered.
“He’s taking me out for a steak dinner. A steak dinner, Trix, I can’t pass that up for a night with drunk frat boys.”
I sighed, thinking how much I’d rather be going to eat a steak dinner than going to Delta myself.
But, I’d promised Wes, so I had to do it…
I fake cried for a few seconds, then peeked through my fingers to see if it helped.
Starla was looking back at me, with a really expression on her face.
“It was worth a shot,” I mumbled.
An hour later I was headed to Delta house … alone.
I’d paired a skater dress with some tights and combat boots, styled my hair into a sleek bob, and turned it up with my makeup. Smokey eyes and red lips gave me confidence, and I needed every bit I could get for my return to Delta.
I paused outside the door, took a deep breath, and followed a group of partygoers inside.
The party was in full swing. There were people milling around everywhere, drinks in hand, laughing, flirting, and dancing their way through the rooms. All of the Deltas were wearing white shirts with blue lettering, but as I searched through them, I didn’t see Wes.
I’d started to weave my way through the space, when someone tapped my shoulder and asked, “What the hell are you doing here?”
I turned my head to see one of the guys who’d pledged with Wes last year, Mike or something like that.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed back my shoulders and stared right back at him.
“I was invited. Plus, I seem to recall that the winner of the makeover last year has Delta privileges until graduation. I have every right to be here.”
“And, I’m pretty sure your invitation was rescinded when you published that nasty article and got our VP kicked out.”
“Oh, that’s a pretty big word for a frat boy … congrats,” I said sarcastically, my defenses up as I warped into self-preservation mode at high speed.
“Hey, what’s going on here, everything okay?”
We both shifted as Ridge joined us.
His eyes were on Mike, but he put his hand on my shoulder in a gesture of solidarity.
Mike looked at that hand, then back at his president. “Uh, do you know who she is?” he asked.
Ridge looked at him as if he were an idiot.
“Yeah, she’s Trixie, my brother’s girlfriend and my friend, what of it?”
“Don’t you remember what she did?” Mike asked, not ready to give it up.
“Do I look like a fuckin’ moron? I was here last year, same as you. In fact, I’m pretty sure I know a lot more about it, since I was involved and you were just a pledge at the time,” Ridge replied. “Trixie is always welcome at Delta, whether she’s dating my brother or not. She won fair and square and a Delta never goes back on their word. Is that going to be a problem for you?”
Mike shook his head, albeit unenthusiastically, and said, “No, it won’t.”
“Good, now go check the kegs,” Ridge told him, not dropping his hand until Mike disappeared in the throng. “You good?”
I nodded and smiled gratefully.
“Thanks for stepping in,” I said, letting out a long breath. “I knew I’d probably meet with some animosity, I just didn’t expect it as soon as I stepped foot in the door.”
“Sorry I didn’t step in sooner. Wes asked me to watch for you, but I was dealing with a girl who’d pre-gamed too hard and didn’t see you walk in.”
“It’s okay, you were literally there a few seconds after he stopped me,” I assured him. “Where is Wes?”
Ridge tilted his head toward the kitchen.
“Out back with one of our members. Want me to take you back there?”
“No, that’s okay, thanks … I can handle it,” I replied.
“I know you can,” Ridge said, giving me a finger salute before walking away presumably to handle some sort of frat business.
I didn’t envy him his position. I was sure it came with all sorts of annoying responsibilities. Such as overly drunk people and girls in need of saving.
When I made it out of the crowd and into the kitchen with no more issues, some of the tension left my body. And, when I looked through the window and saw Wes on the porch outside, talking to one of the higher-ranking members, it totally dissipated.
Which meant, I let my guard down too early.
“What about you, bro? Any chicks dicking you
around, or did you take my advice?” the handsome dark-skinned guy who I believe was the treasurer was asking Wes when I eased outside without them noticing.
“No, no one is dicking me around,” Wes replied calmly.
The differences in their speech made it quite obvious that while Wes was sober, his friend was obviously not.
“So, did you get that reporter to fall in love with you, like I suggested?”
I’d been about to alert them to my presence, but his question had my words freezing in my throat.
“It’s not like that, Papi,” Wes said. “But, yes, we are seeing each other.”
Papi grinned wolfishly at him, eyes red and at half-mast. “So, it worked … you became the man you needed to be to gain her interest and made her fall for you. Now, all you need to do is break her heart.”
The heart in question stuttered in my chest and my eyes filled.
“No one ever said anything about breaking hearts,” Wes argued. “What do you say we get you something to eat?”
“That’s right, I think I said for you to dump her … so, now that you have her where you wanted her, you can exact your revenge. For you, and for Delta,” Papi said, sounding momentarily pleased before he frowned and moaned. “Women are the worst.”
Unable to stay quiet any longer I asked, “Was that really your plan? Make me fall for you and break my heart?”
Both men swung toward me in surprise.
Wes took a step in my direction, but the look on my face had him stopping cold.
“I know it sounds bad, but you know that’s not what this is,” Wes said, waving his hand between us to indicate that our relationship was this.
“I didn’t think so, but what I just heard sounds mighty suspicious,” I said, trying to keep the hurt out of my voice.
“Yes, before we started bumping into each other, I’d asked Papi for some advice. My frat brothers seemed to distance themselves from me after you wrote that article, blaming me for bringing you into our midst. At the time I wanted to find out how I could make things right, and Papi had a couple ideas…”
Frat House Confessions--Wes--Frat House Confessions, Book 2 Page 11
