And Chapter 3! I'm so excited about this story. Sooooo many things are going to happen and I can't wait! Another huge thanks to my sister for being the best beta EVER!
Reid
October 6, 2006
5:57 p.m.
Outside Nicky's
"Do you think the girls' new friend Aiden is a girl? A hot girl?" I wondered aloud as Caleb, Pogue and I waited outside the bar.
Caleb chuckled and shook his head. "You are impossible sometimes, you know that Reid?"
"Why'd you wanna know?" Pogue asked. "Trouble in paradise?" a smirk played on his face.
"You don't even know," I admitted, shoving my hands in my jacket pockets dejectedly.
"Don't even know what?"
I whirled around and saw Kate walking towards us. Alone. "Nothing," I muttered.
"Where's Sarah? And Aiden?" Caleb asked, looking around, hoping to spy them. Or maybe just Sarah, since he's never met Aiden.
"Back there," Kate said, pointing over her shoulder before immediately wrapping her arms back around her middle, attempting to ward off the cold. "We had a flat tire."
Pogue reached out and enveloped Kate in his arms, laying his chin on top of her head. She snaked her arms around his waist, under his jacket, snuggling into his warmth.
"We'll go help," Caleb declared. I rolled my eyes.
Kate shook her head. "No need. When I said we had a flat tire, I meant that we had one and now we don't. Aiden changed it. They'll be here soon. I was sent ahead to let you guys know."
Pogue laughed. "Hey, we're going to go in and get a table. See you inside?"
"Yeah, man," Caleb said. He turned to me. "Looks like your Aiden is a dude." He joked.
Instead of making the expected snarky comment, I let out a frustrated sigh, something I'd been doing a lot lately. "What's eating you?" Caleb asked, concerned.
I sighed again and looked up at the sky, hoping the answers to life would be there. "Nothing," I said. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Caleb give me a skeptical look but wisely said nothing more.
But, the truth is, I lied. I'm unhappy. My life isn't going as planned. My home life is in shambles, the end of my senior year is coming in less than a year, college decisions are weighing me down and I'm tired of being alone. I mean, I'm not totally alone, I have my brothers of sorts, but I feel alone at the same time. I don't have anything special like Caleb, Pogue and even Tyler have. My reputation as a 'womanizer' stopped that. But that's not who I am. Not really. I want true love. The kind you read about in books and see in movies. The kind of love that makes it impossible to function properly, where you can't eat or sleep or think about anything else but them. I mean, I have Veronica, but I don't see it going where I want it to.
I was so busy brooding that I didn't realize at first that Sarah had arrived and that she had with her an unfamiliar girl. I ignored what they were talking about and studied the girl. Her pale skin was a little pink from the cold, making her dark blue eyes stand out more. Her long, curly, dark brown hair was tousled from the wind, yet it looked like she'd done it on purpose.
She laughed at something that was said and her nose crinkled. She licked her full, pouty mouth and I noticed that she had her Monroe pierced.
When I finally grasped that Sarah and Caleb had been trying to get my attention, I realized that I'd been spacing out for a little bit too long.
"Yeah?" I asked, snapping to attention.
"You looked a little out of it. Are you okay?" Sarah asked, her brow furrowed in concern.
I quickly smiled, knowing full well that it didn't reach my eyes. "Hunky dory," I lied.
She smiled widely, obviously buying my act. "Anyway, Reid, this is Aiden Eberheart. Aiden, this is Reid Garwin."
"Ah, the infamous Mr. Garwin, breaker of hearts, holder of keys to all chastity belts and creamer of panties. I have heard much about you," Aiden said in a warm, slightly accented voice.
Most definitely not a dude, I thought. "Then my reputation precedes me," I said, falling into my typical act, my safety wall. "And I see that you are not a guy, as Caleb first speculated."
Aiden turned her gaze on Caleb and cocked an eyebrow. Caleb turned crimson and opened his mouth to say something. Aiden laughed. "It happens all the time, Caleb. No worries. Unless you still think I'm a dude, I don't have a problem."
Caleb laughed. "No, I can definitely see that you possess feminine qualities."
Everyone laughed and headed inside the crowded bar. We somehow found Pogue and Kate in the throng and Aiden was introduced. The two couples excused themselves to dance. Aiden took off her coat and draped it over the back of her chair before she sat down.
Aiden and I were left alone. I covertly watched her as she scanned the bar, seeming to drink in every detail. I noticed that she had a small smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose and across her cheeks. I also noticed that she wore virtually no makeup.
I was trying to think of something to say when her beautiful blue eyes zeroed in on me. Those eyes looked familiar—but not at the same time. "Do you play pool?" she asked.
A slow smile—a real smile—spread across my face. "Do I play pool? I'm only the best in Ipswich."
She grinned at me and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. She was gorgeous. But she was probably like most gorgeous girls: shallow, conceited and dull. No thank you.
"The best, huh? Would you like to back that little theory up?" she challenged.
I raised an eyebrow. "'Theory'?" I asked, standing up. "Baby, it's no 'theory', it's all fact." Hey, no one said I couldn't have a little fun.
She stood up and scanned the pool tables, looking for an empty one. "There," she said, pointing to the table closest to us.
I took her hand and we wove our way to the empty table. Only it wasn't as empty as we'd hoped. I dropped Aiden's hand and crossed my arms over my chest. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Aaron and his boyfr—I mean, friend Bordy." I smirked.
"What are you doing here?" Aaron asked stupidly. Then, catching sight of Aiden, asked, "And who's your pretty little friend?"
I put my arm around Aiden's shoulders and pulled her protectively to my side. "This is Aiden. We're here to play pool."
"Then let's play," Aaron announced, spreading his arms wide.
"Fine. What are the stakes?" I asked.
Aaron stared at Aiden lustfully. "If we win, then—"
"Why don't we just play to see who's better?" Aiden quickly interjected, noticing Aaron's look.
Aaron looked thoughtful and finally agreed. Bordy nodded his assent. I grinned and decided not to use. It might be more fun to rely on pure talent.
"Who breaks?" Aiden asked, chalking up her cue.
"Ladies first," Aaron said, trying to be chivalrous.
I rolled my eyes. What a douche.
Aiden waltzed up to the pool table and leaned over to line up her shot. I swear to God Aaron's jaw hit the floor as Aiden sunk three balls.
As Aiden goofily danced in place and singsonged "solids", I realized that maybe he was staring at the generous amount of cleavage that her shirt displayed. She was wearing an untucked white blouse that was unbuttoned low with the sleeves rolled up to her elbow. Over her blouse she wore a tight, black tuxedo vest that accented her slim waist and perfectly cupped her full breasts. No wonder Aaron and Bordy were staring.
Aiden missed her next shot. Aaron moved to make his as Aiden sauntered over to me.
"Is it always this crowded in here?" she had to practically yell over the music and noise of the bar.
I nodded and grinned, handing her a cool bottle of water. She took it and gave me a grateful smile. She took a long drink, exposing the long line of her slender neck. And my insides turned to jelly.
"Where are you from?" I yelled over the music.
"What?" she shouted, laughing.
I laughed and leaned in to say it in her ear. I swear I almost keeled over right there. Her scent was so…seductive. Alluring. It was warm, fruity, and floral. Whoever concocted this, this holy scent should be canonized. I barely managed to repeat my question in her ear.
She turned her head, stood on tiptoe and placed her very kissable mouth next to my ear. "Montreal." Her warm breath tickled my ear and I almost started hyperventilating.
She pulled away and smiled at me. My throat went dry and it felt like my heart was trying to leap out of my mouth. With some difficulty, I managed to turn my attention back to the game. Aaron had only managed to sink one ball.
Oh, sad.
I shot and missed as well. Eh, we all can't be winners. I walked back over to Aiden who looked a little mischievous. She glanced over to me and winked.
Just as Bordy was approaching the table, Aiden stretched her arms above her head which caused her shirt to rise higher over her tight, low-rise black pants. She had her naval pierced. She continued stretching, making a big show of it.
I had to admit: I was captivated. Especially since her smooth, milky skin was visible and her vest rode up, cupping her breasts even more. I was suddenly glad that Ronnie, my girlfriend, wasn't here. She was possessive and had a jealous streak a mile long. But she didn't care for me, not really. Which is okay, I don't think things are working out anyway. She seems only to care about my status and everything that comes with it. I began to wonder: what if there's no one out there for me? What if I'm doomed to wander the planet alone, searching for something I'll never gain? What if—?
"Hey!" Aiden called, pulling me from my thoughts.
I blinked and looked around. Aaron, Bordy and Aiden were all staring at me. "What?" I asked, walking up to the table.
"Aaron scratched. You're up," Aiden said, grinning. Her concern filled eyes seemed to be silently asking me if I was okay.
I smiled and gave her the briefest of nods. Her relieved smile went straight to my heart. I picked up my cue and Aaron—rather forcefully—placed the cue ball in my outstretched hand.
I lined up an easy shot and sunk our fifth ball. The next one went in without a fuss as well. My next shot missed, but caused a stripe to fall in a corner pocket. "Damn," I cursed as Bordy smirked and moved to the end of the table.
My gaze found Aiden and all thoughts flew out of my head like a flock of startled birds. She was dancing to a song I barely heard over the blood rushing in my ears. Her hips were swaying seductively to the beat. I think my head followed the movement.
I somehow managed to tear my gaze away from her and saw that the goons had noticed as well and were openly staring. Aaron's beady eyes were lust filled and determined. I didn't like it one bit. Bordy made his shot without even looking and missed completely.
I looked back over at Aiden and she met my gaze, giving me a wide, innocent smile. This girl was devious. She walked up to the table, aimed and shot, sinking our final ball. All that was left was the 8-ball. Aiden moved around the table, leaned as far over as she could, lined up her shot, brought her right arm back and let it jerk forward, sending the ball into the front corner pocket. She straightened, threw a triumphant fist in the air and danced a silly little victory dance. It was adorable.
Aaron, as always, threw his cue down in anger. He strode up to me and got in my face. "You cheated!" he growled.
"How?" I challenged.
"I don't know how, but you did," he said, placing both hands on my chest and shoved me away. He moved in and got in my face again.
Aiden squirmed in between us, pressing that spectacular ass up against my crotch, causing me to feel things I both shouldn't and didn't want to feel. I could see Aaron's face over Aiden's head and he didn't look happy.
"Look boys, there's no need to fight. You're both pretty. Except, for, maybe you, Aaron, but still. There's no need to fight," she joked, trying to lighten up the mood. I turned my head and snorted.
"Garwin, are you going to control your bitch?" Aaron spat.
I snapped my head around so fast, I got a little dizzy. I opened my mouth to say something but Aiden reacted faster. She placed her hands on Aaron's chest and shoved him back then immediately moved forward, crowding him. "What the hell?" she demanded angrily, poking him in the chest repeatedly. "Buck up and quit being such a baby. We won, fair and square. So back off."
Aaron reared back in anger and raised his hand. My blood boiled and all I saw was red. There was no fucking way this was going to happen, not on my watch. Yet again, Aiden was the one who reacted faster.
"What?" she challenged. "Are you going to hit me? If you do, you'll look like a total dick for hitting a girl, you'll get your ass kicked first by me and then by everyone else and you'll go to jail for assaulting a minor. So, if I were you, and thank whoever I'm not, I'd lower your hand and walk away."
I started to laugh but quickly disguised it as a cough. I made a mental note to share this with my brothers. And to never piss off Aiden.
Aaron tossed his head and ran his upraised hand through his greasy curls. "I tell you what, let's forget about all this and you come home with me. I promise, you'll have fun," he suggested, leering down at Aiden.
"Ugh," she said. "I'd rather not, I might catch something unpleasant."
This time I laughed aloud as Aaron angrily strode away to lick his wounds. I reached out and looped my arms around Aiden's shoulders, pulling her into a hug, her back till to my front. "You are officially my hero," I said in her ear, inhaling her heady scent.
She tilted her head back and laughed. "I'm starving. Let's go find Kate and Sarah, they owe me a cheeseburger."
I laughed and followed her, my arms still around her shoulders.
We found the others in our usual spot—a table in the quietest corner of the bar. There were two extra plates of food on the table. I loosened my hold on Aiden and she took the spot between the girls. I smirked at Pogue and took the seat between him and Caleb.
"Perfect timing," Kate commented. "We just got the food. What have you two been up to?" Uh, oh. She's got that calculating look in her eyes, like she's trying to see what's not there. I gave her a warning glance and barely shook my head at her. She widened her eye innocently at me.
Aiden grinned. "We played pool against Aaron and Bordy. We kicked their asses."
I laughed. "She did most of the work. And she pretty much told Aaron where to stick it," I said proudly. I told them all about Aiden's moment of fame.
Caleb and Pogue looked stunned, but it was Pogue who spoke first. "You are my hero."
Caleb got up and walked around the table until he was next to Aiden. He got down on his knees and bowed down. "I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy." Aiden threw back her head and laughed. Her laugh was full and throaty. It sounded joyous.
For the next hour, Aiden had us laughing our asses off at her impersonations. She did everyone: President Bush, former President Clinton, Dana Carvey, Robin Williams, Mike Meyers, characters from all kinds of movies; everyone. She was in the middle of her impersonation of Aaron Abbott when we all stopped laughing. Then, after a brief pause, we all roared with laughter.
"He's right behind me, isn't he?" she stage whispered. We all nodded, still laughing. Sarah actually fell off her chair for the second time.
Aiden turned around to face Aaron who was smirking. "I'm flattered," he said, smugly.
"Flattered? Why?" Aiden asked.
"You obviously admire me if you're talking to them about me," he said.
"Admire you? Are you retarded? I was mocking you," Aiden said, sounding amused.
Aaron stepped closer to her. "You're just putting up a front for your new friends. Don't be ashamed."
Aiden looked at us and rolled her eyes, but Aaron wasn't done making a fool of himself. "What do you say? You want me."
A mischievous glint that I'm beginning to recognize crossed Aiden's lovely face. It was a little scary. Throwing us a wink and an impish grin, she turned to face him again. "You know, I think you're on to something, Abbott," she said in a sultry voice. She slid off her barstool, making sure her body slid provocatively along his the whole time. Aaron grinned and looked eager.
Aiden continued, "The more I think about it, the more I realize that I really, really want you," Aaron's arm started to slowly snake around her waist. "I really want you," she repeated in a breathy voice, "to go fuck yourself."
She pivoted on the spot and sat back down on her barstool, smiling triumphantly. Aaron looked pissed. He grabbed her arm and yanked her off the stool.
"Listen, you little bitch. You need to learn your place, and I'm just the person to teach it to you," his grip tightened on her arm and I could see her wince in pain.
Caleb, Pogue and I got off our stools and interfere but before we could get around the table, Aiden had Aaron pinned up against the wall with his arm pinned behind his back, twisted in a very uncomfortable position. She was so fast, I thought, I barely saw her move. "Listen, asshole, I don't need anyone telling me where my 'place' is. If you want to keep your testicles, I suggest you never touch me again, got it?" she snarled, looking ferocious.
When Aaron didn't respond, Aiden pulled his arm up higher, making him cry out in pain. "Alright, alright. Jesus, just let me go."
Aiden released him and stepped back. I could see her shaking, either with fury or fear at what she had just done. Aaron turned around and glared at Aiden, then turned to look at Caleb, Pogue and I, we were still standing around the table, waiting for him to do something stupid. "What the fuck ever. It's not worth it," he mumbled. He shot a contemptuous look at Aiden before stalking off.
I could see Aiden taking a few deep breaths, her shoulders slumping. She slowly turned around and gave us a cautious, sheepish look. Our gazes locked and I saw that her eyes were over bright with unshed tears.
"How the fuck did you do that?" Pogue asked in disbelief.
She shrugged. "My dad. He wanted me to be able to defend myself."
"Well, I'd say he was successful in that matter," Caleb said.
Aiden laughed lightly, a weird look on her face. It almost looked like she didn't know how we were going to take what just happened. She met my gaze again and gave her a reassuring smile. She smiled back and it looked genuine.
"Are you okay?" Sarah asked softly. She reached out and gently took the arm that Aaron grabbed in her hands. Sarah looked closely at it, gently running her thumb over the angry red marks. "It's already bruising," she remarked. A gentle, concerned look crossed her face. "Are you okay?" she asked again.
Aiden gently pulled her arm back and cradled it against her chest. "I'll be fine. It's not the worst I've had. You should've seen the bruises I had when I accidentally fell into the orchestra pit during 'The Wizard of Oz'," she said laughing. "Thankfully it wasn't during a performance," she then relayed the story of how she'd tripped over the dog playing Toto after he got spooked at one point. She visibly relaxed once we were laughing again.
After more stories were told and after everyone was done eating, the couples excused themselves again to go dance. I sat back as Aiden absently munched on the last of her fries and thought about tonight's events. I always knew Aaron was a stupendous douchebag, but violent? Towards women? That was something I couldn't fathom. And even though I knew Aiden could defend herself, I couldn't help but to worry about her. What if she couldn't defend herself next time? What then? What if I—or Caleb or Pogue for that matter—weren't there to help?
"Hey, James Dean," Aiden said, nudging my leg with her foot. "Quit brooding."
I laughed. "Sorry."
She smiled. "No worries," she stood and came around the table. "Let's dance."
I grinned and stood, grabbing Aiden's outstretched hand. I spun her in a circle and she threw her head back and laughed. We both made our way to the dance floor, stopping once we found a clear space. Aiden's hips moved in time with the beat and she was careful to keep a few inches between us. Deciding to throw caution to the wind, I wrapped my hands around the curves of Aiden's hips and pulled her to me. She turned her head and grinned at me, not once stopping the movement of her hips. I lost myself in the feel of Aiden's body moving against mine.