8. Cade
Can I be him - James Arthur
W hy did I agree to this shit?
I pull into the familiar parking lot of the bar, where I’m meeting up with Dean, his date, Cara, and her friend, Jen. I know next to nothing about this girl, but Dean needed a wingman, so who am I to deny him? Normally, I’d be behind the bar on a Friday night, but my asshole friend roped me into taking the night off so he could get laid while he’s in town. Dean and I grew up together, best friends through high school. These days, he’s more often than not traveling for work, so we’re lucky to see each other 2-3 times a year.
Walking into The Ridge on my first Friday night off in months, I nod to Liam behind the bar, mouth a quick thanks to him for covering my shift, and head over to the high top table where I see Dean sitting with Cara, a cute redhead wearing a little black dress. I’ve seen her around, but we’ve never been officially introduced. Dean is in his usual business casual attire, having just finished work, and his dark brown hair is tousled as Cara ’s fingers play with the hair at the nape of his neck. They’re leaning into each other, whispering discreetly. God only knows what he’s saying to her, but judging by the blush currently spreading across her cheeks, it’s definitely NSFW. Objectively, I can admit that my best friend is a good-looking guy. He’s what you might call classically handsome in a Matt Bomer kind of way. Across the table from them is a tall blonde with a scowl on her face — this must be Jen, and it would seem neither of us really wants to be here.
On quieter nights, the jukebox plays old country music blending with laughter and the occasional clink of bottles and glasses. Unfortunately for me, Friday nights are karaoke nights.
“Hey man,” Dean stands to greet me, shouting over the sound of a terrible rendition of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, “Let me introduce you to my date, Cara, and her friend, Jen.”
I glance to my left and make eye contact with the busty blonde who was definitely coerced into being here tonight. She gives me a quick once-over, and I have a feeling I just failed some kind of test.
Don’t worry, sweetheart — I’m not thrilled about this, either.
I know it’s not fair to either of them, but I can’t help but compare her to the shapely brunette I’d rather be meeting here tonight. From her icy demeanor to her personality, Jen is the complete opposite of Paige.
“Hey.” I say as I take my seat next to Jen.
She doesn’t respond so I flag down Liam — if my first impression is correct, I’m going to need a beer or 10 to get through this night.
Dean and Cara are absorbed in their own bubble, and I feel a pang of jealousy for the easy affection and flirtatious looks passing between them. Jen and I are clearly off to a rocky start, bu t maybe I can salvage this if she’ll even give me the time of day.
We stew in the awkward silence for what feels like an eternity before Cara and Dean excuse themselves to join the crowd currently doing the cupid shuffle. I glance over at Jen, who’s looking around the room, probably planning her escape route.
“Look, this doesn’t have to be awkward. We can at least get to know each other. ”
She nods, “I’ve seen you around. You’re a bartender here, right?”
“Yeah, I’m usually working Friday nights, but Dean convinced me to take a night off. What do you do?”
My phone buzzes on the table as it lights up with a text from Paige. Jen’s eyes glance at the screen, and I immediately regret leaving it there.
“I’m a pharmaceutical rep.” Jen contemplates for a minute before she continues, her voice shrill,“Look, you and I both know this —” she points to Cara and Dean on the dance floor “isn’t going to last, so I think we can skip the small talk. It’s clear that your attention is needed elsewhere. Goodnight, Cade .” She says my name like a curse and stalks off towards the bar.
Shit.
I’m about to call it a night, when I remember the text awaiting me and a smile stretches across my face. Do I feel bad about how the date ended? Sure. But it was obvious right from the beginning that it wasn’t going anywhere.
Paige and I have been texting back and forth for over a month now. The conversation is easy. She’s sweet, sarcastic, and, honestly, a breath of fresh air.
I don’t know why I’m so drawn to her. We never explicitly had a conversation about expectations, but it was implied that we both understand that this can’t go anywhere. All it will ever be is friendship; our circumstances are far too complicated to pursue anything else, an d I’m not even sure if I’m capable of more . I had one serious girlfriend out of high school but anything beyond that has been a one-night stand or a no strings attached situation.
Every girl I’ve been with has been fine with it and never asks for more. I’ve been content up until now. Lately I’ve been feeling restless and unsettled.
“What are you smiling at?” I startle as Dean returns to the table.
“Nothing. Where’s Cara?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Catching up with Jen at the bar. Everything going okay with ya’ll?” I’m not surprised he didn’t notice the tension between us.
“If by “okay” you mean she has zero interest in me, then yeah. Things are great.”
“Ouch. Sorry, man.”
“It’s fine. We both know I’m only here as a distraction so you can get your dick wet.” I give him a friendly clap on the shoulder and head over to the bar.
Thanks to the interruption from my best friend, I momentarily forgot about the message waiting for me on my phone. I settle myself on a stool towards the end of a bar, far away from the blue-eyed blonde with the attitude, and snag another beer from Liam. Jen seems to be occupying herself with Mac, one of the bar’s regulars. He’s a massive tattooed biker and Jen seems enthralled by whatever conversation they’re having, so I guess I’m off the hook. My eyes lock with hers across the bar before she lunges at Mac, planting her lips on his. He looks completely taken aback. I’m not entirely sure of her intentions, but I’m perfectly content to let them enjoy their evening. I pull out my phone and smile.
Paige: Hey Cowboy.
Yeah, I guess I could see why that text would look bad without context, particularly to someone I was supposed to be on a first date with, but she also didn’t give me a chance to explain. I quickly tap out a reply.
Cade: Hey Sunshine.
Paige: How's your date going?
Cade: Not even sure I can call it a date.
Paige: Oh, this sounds juicy. Tell me more.
Cade: Are you enjoying my misery?
Paige: What if I am?
This girl is going to be the death of me. She’s effortlessly sexy and I’ve found myself adjusting myself in my jeans more than once over an innocent comment steeped in innuendo.
Cade: Careful, I might have to punish you for being a brat.
Three little dots appear and disappear. Once, twice. Then nothing. I’m second-guessing myself, wondering if maybe I went too far, so I start to type out an apology when another one pops up.
Paige: You’d have to get a passport first, Cowboy.
Cade: Not a cowboy, remember?
Paige: Must have slipped my mind.
Cade: So, what are you up to tonight?
Paige: Just hanging out at home.
Seconds later, my phone flashes with an incoming call, a photo of Paige lighting up the dark bar. I swipe to answer, passing Liam as I head to the small office in the back for some privacy. I plant myself behind my boss’ desk with a glass of amber liquid.
“How you holding up?”
“Wishing you were here to keep me company. You’d be a much better companion than this watered down whiskey.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, good sir.” I can hear the laughter in her voice.
“It’s the truth, Paige. You always know how to make me smile.” I’m in dangerous waters now, openly flirting with the one person I can’t ever be with. The alcohol is clearly affecting my judgement.
“Wish I could be there with you. Maybe steal a dance under the neon lights.”
“You’re killing me, Sunshine. We both know we shouldn’t go there.”
Guilt consumes me as she lets out a sigh. It wasn’t my intention to put a dampe r on what has far and away been the best part of my night.
“I’m sorry.”
Fuck, I’m an asshole.
“No, it’s fine. Sometimes I wonder if…”
“What ifs are dangerous, Cade.” She inhales a shaky breath. “But… sometimes I wonder, too.”
“Maybe in another life, huh?”
“Yeah. Maybe.”
I left shortly after my brief conversation with Paige, but not before I promised Dean I’d meet up with him for brunch the next day, since he’s only in town until Monday. We agree to meet at a little place in town called Rosie’s Diner. They have the best hangover cures and I have a sneaking suspicion Dean is going to be needing it.
“Look what the cat dragged in,” I say with a chuckle as Dean saunters into the diner, hair disheveled, and dark sunglasses on his face. “How was the rest of your night?”
“Better than yours, I’d imagine.”
“Fair enough. How’s Cara?” Dean smirks, and it’s all the response I need.
Rosie’s Diner is the go-to gathering spot in our small town of Oak Ridge, Kentucky. It exudes cozy, rustic charm with weathered wood walls, and old vinyl booths that make you wonder what these walls have seen and heard over the years; the scent of freshly brewed coffee permeating the air. A low hum of conversation mingles with the soft clinking of silverware and the sizzle of the griddle behind the swinging doors to the kitchen, adding a nostalgic soundtrack to the mid-morning rush .
The large windows open up to the view of main street. There’s a sense of familiarity here. It’s a place where the worries of the outside world are momentarily forgotten over a steaming cup of coffee and a plate stacked high with fluffy pancakes. It feels like home in the best ways.
Lisa, our usual server, saunters over with a pot of coffee in hand and a knowing smile. I wonder what she thinks she knows. Nothing gets past anybody in this small town, so I have no doubt the rumor mill has been churning out gossip this morning. Just as we finish placing our orders, Miles slides into the booth next to me and rests an arm around my shoulder. He’s the 3rd member of our brotherhood — we’ve been inseparable since high school. Removing his hat, he skims a hand through his overgrown blonde hair, before putting it back in place backwards. His eye contact is unnerving, the piercing blue of his eyes meeting mine. There’s a glint of humor in them, warning me to brace myself for what’s about to come out of his mouth. Miles is a wildcard.
“Heard you had a rough date last night, Cade?”
“Who’d you hear that from?” I ask, but I’m pretty sure I know the answer.
“You know nothing in this town stays a secret for long, man. Liam said the leggy blonde ditched you at the table and you ended up sulking over at the bar.”
“Liam is too old to be gossiping like a teenager, and I wasn’t sulking.”
“He also said you were practically glued to your phone afterwards, smiling like an idiot,” he quirks a brow, “something about a photo of a pretty brunette.”
Fuck me.
Liam must have gotten a look at my phone when she called.
“The ‘pretty brunette’ has a name.” My tone is defensive and I need to reel it in .
“Care to share with the class?” Dean asks, curiosity lacing his tone. This must be the first he’s hearing about my evening. After all, he was preoccupied with Cara when everything happened with Paige. I sigh, realizing I have no choice but to spill everything.
“Do you remember last month when you told me about that new dating app?”
“Yeaaaaaah…” Miles draws out the word like a question.
“Well, I might have joined and…” I’m about to give a cliff notes version of the last several weeks of my life, when the server interrupts to ask Miles for his order. After she turns back towards the kitchen, all eyes are once again on me, but I can’t seem to form words.
“And? You can’t leave us hanging like that, man. Did you get laid last night or what?” Dean asks.
“Nah. Definitely not. I met someone a few weeks ago.” Realizing my mistake, I rush to explain before they can cut me off. “Before you get too excited, she lives in Canada, and it’s not like that.”
Miles opens his mouth to say something when my phone vibrates on the table. “Oh shit, is that her?” he asks.
I glance at my phone, noticing a text with a selfie attached. As I open the message, I am stunned to see my curvy, brown-eyed goddess looking back at me through a mirror. Her jeans fit her like a second skin, and that top is doing amazing things to her breasts. Yeah, I’m definitely drooling.
Paige: OMG, I meant to send that to Mags.
Paige: Delete that.
Paige: In fact, just forget this ever happened .
She’s rambling, and it’s adorable. I love when she gets flustered. I tap to save the photo, not a chance in hell I’m deleting this one. It’s going in my collection alongside all the other ones. Her lack of confidence bothers me, making me question what sort of assholes she’s been with in the past. She’s never been anything but perfect to me.
Cade: No way in hell. You look hot. Tell me more about this date.
My text comes off indifferent, but inside I’m anything but. I can feel my pulse picking up, agitation creeping in at the thought of her with some other man. The moment I hit send on my reply, my phone starts to ring with an incoming FaceTime.
Before I have a second to react, Miles snags the phone out of my hand and answers for me. The sight of my gorgeous girl on the screen renders me speechless.
No, she’s not mine.
Her dark brown curly hair is pulled half up with a few pieces framing her face, and her eyes are rimmed in some sort of smokey green eye shadow. I can’t see a full view below her waistline because she’s standing in the bathroom mirror, her bottom half covered by the countertop, but I see enough that I find myself discreetly adjusting my hard on in my jeans, not for the first time.
“Hey there, sunshine .” Miles’ voice breaks me out of my stupor, the last word dripping with amusement.
“Um, hi,” she responds. Shit, she sounds nervous.
I quickly snag the phone back from Miles, hoping she doesn’t hang up on me first.
“Sorry Paige. We’re at brunch, and these dickheads have zero respect for boundaries.” I turn the camera to face the guys and make some quick introductions.
“Oh, uh, hi. Sorry to interrupt your brunch.” she says, I can tell she’s still a little nervous.
“No problem. What’s up?”
“I was getting ready for a date and realized it would be easier to call you since I didn’t have hands to text, but I can let you go.” I watch as she applies another coat of what must be called “Fuck Me Red” lipstick and I’m completely mesmerized.
“Nope, you’re stuck with us now,” Miles chimes in from my left as Dean slides himself into the booth with us. All 3 of our faces are now visible on the screen like some awkward bro sandwich.
“So, tell us about this hot date,” Miles continues, “What exactly do you do up there in the frozen wilderness? Snowshoe out to see the polar bears?”
“Don’t be a dumbass, Miles,” I say as I jab my elbow into his ribs. Paige and I banter back and forth constantly, so having Miles making jokes about Canada, too, feels like a step too fucking far.
“Actually, I think we’ve decided to build an igloo with habitat for humanity. My date really likes to give back to the community, you know?” she deadpans.
“Oh, I like her,” Dean says with a chuckle. Yeah, me too.
“I appreciate your seal of approval,” she says with a sweet smile. “Sorry to cut this short, guys, but my lunch date should be here in…” she taps at her phone screen for a minute, and I catch another glimpse of her ample cleavage. “10 minutes.”
I don’t miss the look on Miles’ face when he notices, too.
Cool it, Cade. You can’t kick your best friend’s ass in the middle of the diner.
“Text me SOS if you need help and I’ll be there in 3-5 business days,” I joke . “On second thought, probably best if you call Mags.”
She laughs and I think it might be the best sound I’ve ever heard. “Ok, talk to you later,” she says with a wave before the screen goes black.
Dean slides back into the other side of our booth with a knowing smile on his face as the server arrives with our brunch. They let the topic go, but I know I’ll never hear the end of it; I’m sure I'll be getting an earful about this later.
“So I actually have some news,” Dean says from across the booth. “The firm is transferring most of the consultant positions to a virtual model, so I’ll be able to stick around Oak Ridge for the foreseeable future. This will be my last travel job. They’re interviewing to replace the outgoing CFO in the new year, so we’ll see how that goes.”
“Holy shit, bro. Congrats! It’ll be great to have you around to help me keep this one’s dick in his pants once in a while.” I gesture towards Miles, who is currently eyeing a pretty brunette three booths over.
“Or maybe you could try actually getting some and leave the rest of us alone.” Miles gives me a knowing look and I think he’s going to bring up our earlier conversation with Paige, but he just winks and strides away and I’m left alone to face Dean’s inquisition.
“$20 says he gets the girl's number.”
“Obviously. Miles never fumbles.”
“So, are we going to talk about Paige?”
“Hard pass.”
“Look, man. She seems like a sweet girl, but you should be careful. Getting tangled up in a long distance situationship is complicated and messy.”
“There’s nothing to worry about. We both know this can never go anywhere. Besides, she’s about to go on a date with someone else, and if he lets a girl like Paige slip through his fingers, he’s an idiot.”
“If you say so. I’m only trying to look out for you.”
“I appreciate it, brother.”
Miles returns to the table, letting us know he paid the tab and he did, in fact, get the brunette’s phone number. I clap him on the back and shake my head. Miles is like a puppy — sometimes he needs a little “good boy” pat to get his tail wagging.
“Alright ya’ll, I have a shift at the bar, so I’m heading out.” I give them a wave as I head out to my truck. Driving to work is like muscle memory now, and I find my thoughts straying back to Paige and her date. It shouldn’t bother me, but it does. It really does.