3. Chapter 3
Rhett
The bar is buzzing tonight. It’s likely Mav’s last night out before he gets a whole new title: Dad. Weston is bound and determined to make sure he goes out with a bang. The fiddle from the band echoes around the bar as my eyes scan the crowd, looking for her. I’m always looking for her.
“Alright boys, the girls will be here soon. I say we do a toast to our friend. Being the first to add another member to the family. I can’t wait to watch parenthood humble you,” Weston says, tipping his head as he raises his beer.
Mav rolls his eyes with a smirk on his lips. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, asshole.”
With a laugh, I respond, “To Mav.”
We all bring our beers to our lips and take a hearty swig.
The thought that this will never be me comes creeping in, it always does at the worst of times.
I may never get to settle down, but at least I can watch everyone around me find happiness, and I think that has to count for something.
I’ll never be a dad, but I’ll make sure to be the best damn uncle the world has ever seen.
To add salt to the wound, a familiar laugh rises over the sound of the bar. I would know it anywhere. Know her anywhere. Aspen has arrived. And with her comes an undeniable energy, it’s like her presence charges the air. I can feel the hair on my arms stand up with just one glance.
Aspen, Willow, and a very pregnant Ava take off their coats and make their way to us. “Hello boys, starting the party without us are ya?” Aspen says as she scoots between Mav and me.
“Well we had to get a headstart or we’d never be able to catch up to you,” Weston jokes, and Aspen flips him the bird.
“I’m on my best behavior tonight. Three beers, tops. Maybe in my off season you’ll learn how to keep up with the girls, huh?” she replies back with a boatload of attitude.
She’s without a doubt the wittiest person I know; her brain works in overdrive having a comeback ready before Weston can even get his original dig out.
The girls walk to the bar for their first round and my eyes can’t help but watch Aspen before I remember my company and that her brother would probably deck me straight in the face if he ever found out what we’ve been doing.
“So, how are you feeling? Nervous yet?” Weston asks as he leans against a bar table.
“Shitting bricks would be a more accurate way to describe it, and even that is coming up a penny short. I don’t feel like I'm grown enough to be in charge of a whole human, you know?” Mav’s head shakes, and I can see his mind spinning through thoughts way too quickly to catch traction.
My boot kicks his. “You’re going to be a great dad. You managed to keep yourself alive while being a pro bull rider for over ten years. I think parenthood will be a walk in the park. And you’ve got Ava. You’ll be a good team.”
He smiles at that, nodding his head. “Yeah, you’re right.” His eyes immediately scan the bar for her, and like she knew he was searching, she turns to smile at him.
Jealousy rears its ugly head again, because fuck would I love for Aspen to look at me like that. To love her openly and without fear.
Our one-night gig has exceeded that. I couldn't tell you how many times my hands have been on her body, but I know I've savored every last second. Each and every time we say it’s the last time, I secretly pray it’s not.
I’ve known her for years. When we were in high school, she was always on our tails, wanting to be included. The boys and I have been inseparable for as long as I can remember. She left for college as my best friend's little sister, but when she came home, something had shifted.
She wasn’t a girl anymore; she was a woman.
Beautiful and graceful, wrapped up in a wild spirit.
Everything about her drew me in. Her confidence, heart, and unbridled joy were like a magnet.
My eyes would search for her in every room.
I knew I could never have her for reasons so much deeper than her brother, but I’ve kept that under heavy guard.
The night goes on, and we play another round of pool, girls vs boys. Each time the opposite team sinks a ball, you drink. The girls did a damn good job tonight; my buzz is proof of it.
“I think it’s time to put this baby to bed,” Ava says, running her hands over her now very pregnant belly.
Mav and Ava are my ride, so it’s time for me to go too. I definitely had one too many beers, and Ava offered to be our designated driver for the night. “Alright guys, we will see you later. I’m tired and I've only got a couple more weeks of uninterrupted sleep,” Mav says sleepily.
Affection and I aren’t the best of friends, but if you throw a few beers into the mix, I’m suddenly a hugger.
Aspen stands next to me, and I watch her talk for a few seconds, completely transfixed before she turns to me. “Looks like you’re headed out of here.” I hate saying goodbye to her. It’s my least favorite thing, but the kiss I get almost makes up for it.
Without thinking, I grab her hand and lean in to give her a kiss. When I pull back, she is looking at me with eyes as wide as dinner plates and I realize what I did.
Fuck. Me. My buzz keeps me from being able to think on my feet.
I look up to the group and try to think: how can I make this better? Everyone here but Weston knows. How his wife has managed to keep the secret is beyond me.
Weston looks between Aspen and me with a puzzled stare, but I try to keep my face blank as if this is totally normal. Unfortunately, Aspen isn’t following that lead. And everyone else has the same concern reflected on their faces.
Guess I’m kissing everyone goodbye tonight, because that is the only way I can salvage this.
Willow stands next to me, and I fumble to face her, putting my hands on her upper arms. “Good night, Willow.” I lean in and kiss her cheek too. It feels wrong, but better than her husband punching the side of my head.
Speaking of the devil, I turn to West. “Night.” I go to kiss him, too. He dodges back so damn fast, but there is a playfulness underneath it.
“How many fucking beers did you have tonight? I think you guys should get him home. And never kiss my wife or sister again, you weirdo.” He looks completely appalled, but I think I successfully dodged that bullet.
This is a prime example of why you don’t fuck around with your best friend’s sister. “Okay, guess it’s time for me to go.”
Ava and Mav look like they are fighting for their lives not to laugh and be serious. They skip out on goodbyes altogether and just wave and dart toward the door.
Not wanting to look any of them in the eye again tonight, I turn and follow close on their heels.
The second the door closes, both of them double over in laughter.
“What the fuck was that?” Mav asks.
I throw my hands in the air. “I don’t know. I panicked. I kissed Aspen without thinking about where we were because that’s normal for us.”
“Then you kissed her sister-in-law and brother,” Ava says, as tears stream down from her eyes. Her words are barely understandable through all the laughter.
“You guys are dicks,” I say. “Let’s get going.”
Mav grabs his keys out of his pocket. “That’s a good idea. Wouldn’t want you kissing anyone else.”
I roll my eyes. This is one of those things I will never live down. I’ve seen each one of them do their fair share of debauchery under the influence, but I think I might have just taken the gold medal home. Even with all that, at least I got to kiss Aspen before going home.