2. Chapter 2
two
Agatha
W anting to be responsible, we walked to the nearest train and took it to a spot that Ru said was the best place away from campus. They even allowed pets to come, and I thought that was the cutest thing ever.
We got off the train and began walking. I wore flats because I didn't want to walk in heels for a long time. Ru, on the other hand, called me a baby and had trouble keeping up with me.
“How can you be four inches shorter than me and still manage to walk faster?” Ru huffed and grabbed onto my arm to slow me down.
“I’ve always been a fast walker. You should know this by now.” I nonchalantly shrugged but slowed down because I felt a hint of pity for her. “Who did you hear about this place from?”
“Leo. I mean he had me at dog friendly, and I hope there are lots of pups I can play with.” She grinned brightly.
“Is he your date?” I hadn't heard about Leo, but Ru rarely settled down. She called herself a free spirit, willing and ready to date different people to figure out what she liked and didn't like in a future partner. I can still hear her speech in my mind from the first time she told me.
“Actually, yes, and it’s odd, but he asked his buddy to come with us.”
“Before I came home or after?” I asked, though part of me already knew the answer.
“Oh, bite me. You haven’t even cried so deep down you knew he was an unfaithful jerkwad.” Her brow arched, which pulled a sigh from my lips.
“So not the point.” But it verified my suspicion. “His name?”
“Ty. But you should know that Leo’s a professor; he teaches English.” Her brows bounced like this was a selling point to date him.
“You’re dating a professor?” I stopped, and she fumbled at the sudden change of pace.
“Don’t give me that look. He’s not my teacher, and I already finished all those requirements. So, no harm, no foul.” She confidently put her hands on her hips.
“And his buddy?” I tipped my head.
“No clue. Could be an old friend or another professor. You gonna bitch out?” There was a subtle challenge in her dark blue eyes, daring anyone to defy her. Fucking hell!
“Fine, but I have the right to leave your ass if I don’t like him.”
“Bitch, please. You’ll sit at the bar and drink the night away.” She extended her hand, and I took it.
The cream-colored siding gave off a clean and inviting vibe. A bright red sign with “Duchess, EST 1934” popped against the cream backdrop. Windows took over most of the siding, and Ru excitedly waved at someone inside.
“Come on.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me in, and I scrambled for my ID. A man waved us in, and we weaved around tables of people. A few people seemed to be from UW, but it didn’t seem obvious. I just hoped that fuck face didn’t show up tonight. But of all the bars in town, what were the chances of him coming here? We weren’t right by the University, after all.
She stopped in her tracks, and it took so much effort not to fumble right into her back. I quickly side-stepped and found two older men sitting at the table. One of them locked his intense brown eyes on me, and my heart suddenly started fucking fluttering.
Dark square, plastic frames rested comfortably on his face but didn’t take away from the sharp cheekbones and jawline that was dusted with hair. He wore a white button-down shirt with the top two buttons loose and his sleeves casually rolled up. I’d seen something about how just that small change made a man even more attractive, and I didn’t doubt them any longer. Because holy fuck this man was hot as sin.
“Leo, Ty, this is my best friend and partner in crime, Ags.” Ru smiled and rubbed her hand up and down my back. “She needs a drink ASAP.”
“Why is that?” The one still staring intently at me asked, his voice low and rumbled softly. How is that sexy as fuck?
“Caught my now ex cheating on me with two women a few hours ago.” I shrug slightly as the waitress stepped forward. She was tall, lean with a push-up bra and a deep cut shirt to show off the girls, no doubt to get better tips.
“Oh, sugar. What’s your poison?” Pity filling her eyes and part of me hated it.
“Vodka.” I sat next to the man who kept looking at me. I thought I saw the same pity from before, but I pushed down the anger. Soon, the buzz from the drinks would help me relax.
“You got it. First one’s on me.” She smiled softly and left before the others could order their drinks.
“I think she’s had the same experience.” Ru shook her head.
“That would make a lot of sense,” the other guy pitched in and scooted his chair closer to Ru. “So, Ru tells me you’re attending UW as well.” He glanced up at me so I knew it was directed at me.
“Yes, I’m studying Aerospace Engineering. Just one more year to get my bachelors, and I’m done.” The waitress returned promptly, and Leo glanced over at Ty. “Thanks a lot.” I shot back the drink quickly and returned the glass to her with a smile.
“If these gentlemen don’t offer you a ride, just let me know, and I’ll make sure you get home even if you’re really drunk.” She winked then strolled away once more.
“Uh thanks.” I half laughed softly, then another server stepped forward with a big smile on their face.
“Hi, I’m Tessa, and I’ll be serving you tonight. What can I get going for you guys?” She smiled and looked around the table. That’s not what I expected at all.
Everyone ordered their drinks quickly, Ru ordering a triple strawberry margarita for me and her.
“That’s far too much.” I glared at her knowing full well the last time I drank a triple margarita I ended up stumbling the rest of the night.
“Don’t be a bitch, baby girl.” She winked, then leaned in, and started talking to Leo.
“So.” I licked my lower lip and looked over at Ty.
“Ags a nickname?”
“Yep. And no, you don’t get it.” I fluttered my long lashes, and he chuckled. His chuckle was so deep it sent a shiver down my spine. My ex never did these kinds of things to my body. Maybe Ru is right, and I should get laid tonight.
The server set the refreshing drinks down, and I eagerly pulled in a long sip of the strawberry goodness. A smaller one would’ve been enough, but I did so love strawberries.
“Have you two eaten?” Ty asked, pulling Ru's attention for a moment. Then she focused on Leo without answering.
“We’re both broke college students. Of course, we ate something small.”
“And you’re going to drink all of that?” Ty arched his brow in surprise as he looked between me and the massive drink, trying to gauge my reaction.
“Doubtful. If I did, I’m sure I’d be pretty sloshed.”
“Sloshed?” He eyed me like I was something he desperately needed to solve.
Ru confidently slapped a hundred down in the middle of the table. “See you later, baby girl.” She stood on slightly shaky legs and gently kissed me on the lips before pulling back, feeling a rush of emotions. “Love you.”
“Love you too, bitch.” I turn and look at Leo. “Make sure she stays safe. She’s my one and only lifeline here in the city.”
“I got her.” Leo nodded. “Nice to meet you.” He waved at Ty then steered Ru out of the bar.
“So.” He repeated my intro earlier.
I turned around, and an idea unexpectedly popped out of my mouth before I could stop it. “Where do you stand on one-night stands?” I blinked a few times because my mouth just spit out my inner thoughts without a filter. And this is probably the reason I won’t get security clearance.
Ty smiled warmly, lifting my hopes. I wanted to sink into him and forget about this summer and all the problems I had with my ex-boyfriend.