Fifteen
Scarlett
A lex keeps coming back to me after waiting on other customers at the bar. He has a nice smile and actually seems interested in me as he asks me questions. He feels like a safe choice in my otherwise crazy world.
He’s definitely cute, but as he talks about his softball league, my mind starts to wander. Alex definitely doesn’t have that hard-edge that I’m drawn to with Shark. He’s gentle and clean cut, but maybe that’s what I should be looking for.
“Another round?” he smiles softly as I pull the last bit of my drink through my straw.
“Sure, but only one more,” I grin back, feeling the heat in my cheeks.
“How late do you work tonight?” I ask as I watch him mix my next drink.
“I’m off at midnight,” he answers and I glance at my phone sitting on the bar, realizing it’s already almost eleven thirty.
“How’s it going over here?” Roxy asks softly as she slides into the empty seat beside me at the bar.
“He’s nice,” I answer quietly.
“I told you,” she smiles brightly. “Hey, Alex,” she calls out, interrupting his clean-up process.
“Yeah,” he looks up.
“Could I get a drink before you finish? I’m done for the night and a rum and Coke would really hit the spot,” she requests.
“Coming right up,” he smiles back before turning to grab a bottle.
“I can tell you’re going to need a ride home,” she glances back at me. “How many of those have you had anyway?”
“Three…” I grin. I don’t drink a lot, so three margaritas have quickly gone to my head.
“And did you get his number?”
“Mmhmm,” I hum in response. “We’re going to meet up tomorrow. He has the day off, so he said he’ll call,” I share.
Alex steps back in front of us, sliding a glass in front of Roxy. She leans forward and takes a slow exaggerated sip from the straw.
“That is exactly what I needed,” she smiles.
“Enjoy,” he laughs. “Are you two all set to get home?” he asks sounding concerned.
“Yeah, I’m only having this one and then I’m getting a Lyft,” Roxy answers.
“Okay, then I’m out,” he says before turning to look at me. “Scarlett, it was really nice to finally meet you. I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”
Roxy and I sit together at the bar for a couple more minutes, finishing up our drinks.
“You ready? Our Lyft just got here,” Roxy announces and we both stand. She reaches for my arm, helping me stay steady. “You can sleep at my place tonight.”
We settle into the backseat and I lean my head on Roxy’s shoulder, feeling my eyes already starting to close. Thankfully the ride is quick and before I know it, I’m flopped down on Roxy’s couch. She flips on the TV, but I take a deep breath and close my eyes as I curl into the soft blanket covering my body. Some of it might be the residual effect of the margaritas, but for the first time in a long time I feel content. I’ve let go of all the history that was holding me back. Tonight was a fresh start.
???
Peeling my eyes open, I feel a dull ache settle in behind them as my head throbs softly. The scent of coffee catches in my nose and the craving hits strong. I toss the blanket aside and stand from the couch, making my way into Roxy’s small kitchen.
“Good morning. How are you feeling?” she asks as she pulls a bottle of creamer out of the fridge.
“Ugh…” I groan.
“That good, huh?” she chuckles softly. “Coffee?” she questions.
“Definitely,” I answer with a nod and she holds out a mug for me to take.
“After coffee, I can take you to get your car,” she offers.
“Actually, would you mind taking me home first? I think a shower and change of clothes would feel really nice,” I ask. If she doesn’t feel like hanging out, I can just have Trish or one of the guys take me out later to pick up my ride.
“No problem. I’m completely free today. Plus, you know I never pass up the chance to hang out at the clubhouse and see the boys,” she teases with a grin.
“Thank you,” I say.
“So, any word from the boy yet?” she asks, wondering if Alex has reached out yet, like he promised.
“He texted. He wants to meet up later for dinner and drinks,” I share. I had actually been surprised to see his text come through so soon. Sure, he had said that he’d call today, but I honestly expected it to be a day or two before I heard from him.
“Just don’t drink as much as you did last night,” she laughs and I feel my eyes roll. “Oh, do you have protection?” her eyes widen.
“Oh my God. There is no way that’s happening. But yes, I have the necessities,” I smile back.
“Well, you never know…” she grins. “Did you happen to mention anything about your dad or the club while you two were talking last night?”
“No. I didn’t really want to bring that up,” I answer.
“Yeah, I guess there’s no point in scaring the boy, unless it turns into something serious,” she adds and I lift my mug to my lips taking a sip of the hot deliciousness. She’s absolutely right. I’m not subjecting him to the club until it’s absolutely necessary.
???
The parking lot is practically empty and the clubhouse is oddly quiet as Roxy and I make our way through to my bedroom. It doesn’t take me long to shower, and I find a new outfit quickly with Roxy’s help.
“That looks perfect. He’s going to be drooling all over you,” she says as I do one last spin in front of the mirror, checking it from all angles. “Are they having a party here tonight?” Roxy’s hopeful tone hits my ears as I run my mascara wand through my lashes.
“Honestly, I’m not sure. But you know how it is around here,” I answer, not really wanting to get into this again. She’s been begging for years to go to one of the Savage’s parties, but I just can’t stomach them.
“Hmmm… Maybe I should stick around to find out,” she teases.
“Oh really? I’d give you about thirty seconds before you feel like you want to puke,” I turn back to look at her.
“Or join in,” she cackles.
“Ewww…so gross. Now I want to puke,” I make a gagging face in response.
“Come on, you have to admit that a couple of them are pretty fucking hot,” she wiggles her eyebrows.
“Nope. Absolutely not. You do realize that those guys are all like family, and two of them are actually blood relatives,” I emphasize the facts that she already knows. But even as I say the words, my thoughts go to Shark. “Well, all except one…” I whisper as a soft pulse radiates through my center, creating goosebumps over the surface of my skin.
“What was that look?” Roxy sits up quickly from her relaxed position on my bed.
“What look? It was nothing,” I try to brush her off, but I can already tell she’s not going to let it go.
“Are you sure you really want to go out with Alex tonight?” she asks.
“Yeah…yeah. I think a date outside of this house is exactly what I need,” I tell her, but even as I say the words, it feels more like I’m trying to convince myself.
“Okay, if you’re sure, because that look that you’re claiming was nothing really looks to me like you’d rather be with someone else,” she says, being way too insightful.
“I’m sure,” I confirm as I slip into a pair of heels. “Shark was never really an option. He was just fun to think about,” I add feeling my face get hot.
“Oh really?” excitement fills her voice as she practically begs for details.
“I mean, he kind of made some comments in the office about the skirt I was wearing and what it makes men think about. Hearing him say those things was kind of hard to forget,” I admit, chewing lightly on my lip.
“Holy shit! I told you he wanted to fuck you,” she practically jumps off the bed.
“I know, we’ve already covered that. But honestly, you know how those guys are. It’s all fun and flirting until they get what they want, then they’re done,” I say. I’ve seen it happen way too many times to count, and I refuse to be another victim in the cycle.
“I don’t know. If I were you, I’d ditch Alex and let Shark take me out to the office for some fun,” she laughs.
“I can’t. Alex seems so nice. I have to at least give him a fair chance. Plus, we already made plans,” I remind her.
“I’m just saying, if it was me, I’d go with the one who gave me that rush, not the one I felt lukewarm about,” she offers.
“And who gives you the rush? Who would you drop everything for and go running?” I ask half-jokingly. Roxy has never had a real steady boyfriend. She’s definitely had her fair share of fun, but nothing long term. I think they all give her the rush she’s talking about.
“I’ve already told you about a billion times, I’m holding out for Ray,” she smiles brightly.
“Not my dad, that’s just wrong,” I shake my head.
“What? I can’t help it. I don’t care how old he is, he’s totally hot,” she cracks herself up and I reach for a small pillow from the chair beside me and toss it at her.
“Come on, let’s go,” I say as she continues to laugh.
Roxy has definitely joked a few times about my dad, but I always brushed her off. I don’t know what it is about tonight, but I’m starting to wonder if there’s more to it.
Stepping back into the main room, we find that some of the guys have returned. Sonny appears in front of me and I have the urge to slap him, but I bite it back. I haven’t seen him since the truth came out.
“Hey, Sis; Roxy,” he smiles in acknowledgement. “You two look like trouble. Where you headed?”
“Out,” I offer a clipped answer.
“No shit. You feel like expanding on that?” he questions.
“Not really,” I say, trying to step around him, but he moves to block my path.
“I get it, you’re obviously pissed at me. I’m sorry, okay? And I’m really sorry for the way you found out, but I was just a fuckin’ kid when all that shit went down. And he was my best friend…” he starts to trail off.
“Is that supposed to be an apology?” I ask, feeling even more annoyed.
“Sonny, leave her alone. This isn’t the time or place,” Dad steps up, pointing out the fact that we have an audience.
“Fine, later then,” Sonny looks from our dad back to me before stomping away. I know he cares about me, and I’m sure he is really sorry, but it’s still going to take some time to forgive him for this.
“Roxy, do you think you could give us a minute?” Dad asks and I see his eyes drop, raking over my best friend as a fresh wave of nausea hits me.
“Of course,” Roxy coos back, flashing him a smile before walking over to the bar to flirt with Miles and West.
“I know you’re angry at me and Sonny, and believe me, I understand. But we both really are sorry, even if he has a shitty way of saying it,” Dad tries to back Sonny.
“I know, Dad. It’s just going to take a minute. This isn’t something I can just forget about,” I explain.
“I get it. I’ll talk to him later and ask him not to push it, and I’ll back off too,” he offers before his gaze moves to the bar, falling back on my best friend. Roxy is leaned against the bar, and it’s pushing up her already exposed cleavage. I clear my throat softly, breaking his concentration, and he looks back at me.
“Dad, don’t look at her like that. Please,” I beg.
“Sorry, honey. I’m a weak man,” he chuckles. “What are you two up to tonight?” he asks, clearly noticing my outfit.
“I’m going on a date,” I share proudly. “Roxy set me up with someone she works with.”
“Wait – a date?” he asks sounding confused.
“Yes, but it’s just a first date. No need to do any background checks or send out the interrogation squad just yet,” I joke.
“But, didn’t you talk to Shark last night? I thought for sure he went looking for you,” he asks, but his eyes move around the room, like he’s searching for something.
“He might have been looking for me, but I wasn’t here. I stayed the night at Roxy’s,” I explain. “Why? Why was he looking for me?” I ask, suddenly feeling completely lost.
“I had a conversation with him last night, after everything settled down,” he replies, not giving me any real answers.
“And what does that mean, exactly?” I prod.
“Simply put, I told him it was up to you who you want to spend your time with. Your brother and I, and the club, we never should’ve gotten in the way. It’s your life, and I’m only sorry I didn’t realize sooner that we were fucking everything up,” he answers honestly.
“Does that mean that I can spend time with Shark?” my question falls out in a whisper.
“If that’s really what you want. Who am I to judge anyway? He’s a decent guy, and I have to trust that you’ll make good choices. I love you, honey,” he drops slightly, placing a gentle kiss to my cheek. “Guess you’ve got some things to think about,” he whispers before pulling back.
“Thanks, Dad. I love you too,” I manage to form words before turning towards the bar. “Hey, Rox, are you ready?” I call out, and then turn towards the door, not bothering to wait to see if she’s following. I need air.