16. Auden
It’s almost five o’clock when I pull up to Creed’s. Storm instructed me to park at the back next to his Jeep so we can leave together after his shift. But I don’t think I’ll be leaving with him at all tonight.
I pull up beside his Jeep to find him kissing some brunette. He’s leaning against the brick wall and she’s pushed into him, her hands on his chest and he’s holding her face with a cigarette between his fingers.
I don’t look at them for long because I’m fucking pissed. I can’t believe I defended him all day. I can’t believe I let him fuck me. I can’t believe everyone was right. I’M A FUCKING STUPID IDIOT WHO FELL FOR HIS LIES!
I don’t think he sees me so I pull out of the spot and park out front. But I don’t care if he did. I saw enough to know he’s a fucking asshole like everyone says. I’m disgusted with myself. So disgusted, I’m breaking my three years of sobriety tonight.
I enter the bar and it’s already starting to get packed. It’s five o’clock and it’s busy. I guess there’s nothing else to do in this stupid, fucking town. I take back everything I said. These people aren’t thoughtful. They’re fucking assholes.
I smile at the bartender and he nods at me. It’s an I’ll be right with you nod.
“Hey,” a man says before I’m even able to sit down at the bar. He’s more my type. Clean cut, no stubble, frat boy attire consisting of a baby blue polo and beige slacks.
“Hey yourself,” I reply.
He points to the barstool beside me. “Mind if I sit?”
I smile, hoping he notices my dimples. “It’s a free country.”
As he sits, he leans in slightly. “I’m Dee.”
“Auden.”
Before either of us can start talking, the bartender interrupts us with a smile. “What can I get you, little lady?”
“Vodka soda,” I say.
Shit. No. Shit. I shouldn’t be ordering any drinks tonight. Three years. Three fucking years down the drain.
“Make it two, Ross,” Dee says, putting up two fingers.
“Coming right up.” Ross taps the bartop and makes our drinks.
“You’re not from around here.” Dee gives me a scan. “I’d definitely remember you.”
I smile. “Just passing through.”
“Where from?” he asks, looking at my cleavage. I wore a very low-cut summer dress with Storm in mind, but I guess it doesn’t matter anymore.
“New Jersey,” I answer, nodding. “You from here?”
“Born and raised.” There he goes again, staring at my cleavage. “Can I ask you something?”
“Shoot,” I say, just like Storm did this morning when talking with Heath. Fucking dick.
“You the kid Frank gave up for adoption? People have been talking about it and the only thing I heard was she has red hair.” Dee pushes his lips together. “I shouldn’t have asked that, sorry.”
“No, it’s okay.” I laugh, placing a hand on his arm right as Storm comes into the bar, wiping his mouth on the back of his hand.
Fucking asshole.
“Here you go,” Ross says, placing our drinks in front of us.
“Thanks,” I say, but don’t pick up the drink.
Dee smiles and his brown eyes do another scan before he sips his drink.
This trip has taught me to open up and live a little. Dee might get a taste of what living a little means tonight. The old me is ready to come out and play.
“Wanna play a game of pool?” Dee asks.
I grimace, looking over at the pool table. “I’m not any good.”
“C’mon, I’ll teach you,” Dee says, standing up and putting his hand out to me. I take it, right as Storm slams his hand on the bartop.
He’s glaring at Dee. “What’re you doing?”
“Talking to Auden. We’re gonna play some pool,” Dee answers, arching a brow at Storm’s angered face.
“You can play pool with anyone you want, except for her,” Storm warns.
I scoff. “Excuse me?”
Dee puts his hands up and walks off to the pool table, setting up a game regardless.
Storm turns his attention to me; he doesn’t look pleased. “What’re you doing?” he says through gritted teeth.
“Talking,” I reply, my jaw clicking. “What’s it matter anyway? Come ten minutes ago your tongue was in someone else’s mouth. Everyone was right about you. You’re nothing but a two-timing asshole.”
I strut off before he has the chance to say anything. And I hope he’s watching. I want him to see me and Dee playing pool together. I want him to see Dee bent over me, helping me with the pool cue while he subtly rubs his crotch into my backside.
Fuck you, Storm. You deserve this.
“Everything all right?” Dee asks, placing the balls in line.
I nod, fixing my purse on my shoulder. “It’s fine.” I move my hair out of my face and feel Storm’s gaze burning over my skin. “Warning you again, I can’t play for shit.”
Dee laughs. “Have you played before?”
“Once.”
“Easy does it, then,” he says, getting two pool cues and handing me one.
He breaks, setting us into position. “Come, I’ll show you how to hold it.”
“Are you any good?”
He chuckles. “Don’t wanna brag, but I’ve been playing since I was fourteen. I know I’m good.”
I giggle, doing exactly what I want Storm to see. I stand in front of Dee and bend over, meaning to shove my ass into his crotch. Dee doesn’t even try to be respectful. He pushes himself into me and wraps his arms around me, holding the pool cue into position.
“This okay?” he asks, breathing next to my ear.
“You tell me?”
He chuckles roughly, helping me hit the green ball into the hole as he grows on my backside. I guess these people are right, I’m the prettiest thing this town has ever seen.
I turn in his arms, leaning on the edge of the pool table and arching an eyebrow. “Keep it in your pants, Dee.”
He smirks, looks down, then meets my eyes. “You’re really pretty, I can’t help myself when you’re pressed up against me.”
I know Storm is watching us, his gaze scorching my skin. And knowing that, I purposely do this. I curl my hand behind Dee’s neck and press my lips on his. I take him by surprise, but that’s okay. I want him to be as shocked as I am to kiss him in a bar in front of someone I’m starting to fall for. Storm tested my insecurity, he tested the other woman I locked away three years ago. Dipped his toe in the waters. Now look at me, I ordered a vodka soda that I left at the bar, and I’m kissing someone named Dee I met fifteen minutes ago. This isn’t like me. This instability is offbeat and I need to get back on track.
But damn, does it feel good to be petty.
Take that Storm. Now you know how it feels to have your heart stomped on.