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Chapter 11: Fast Times at Stillwater U

Shaundi entered a small pub and looked around for Ethan. She saw him by the bar talking with his friends, smiling and laughing. She walked up behind him and tenderly placed her hand on his shoulder before leaning close to him.

"Hi," she said, breathing softly in his ear. He smiled and grabbed her hand.

"Hi, I'm glad you made it," he said, gently intertwining his fingers with hers. "Do you want something to drink?"

"Sure. After the day I've had, I could use one."

His friend, Brian, grabbed a stool for her to sit down. She nodded in thanks and removed her jacket before sitting. She smiled when she felt Ethan place his hand on her waist to pull her close to him.

"It must be hard protecting the most important man in the country," said a woman next to Brian. She stuck her hand out and introduced herself. "I'm Brian's wife Renee."

"I'm Shaundi."

They shook hands and Renee tucked a bit of her long-black hair behind her ear. "It's nice to finally meet you. Ethan talks about you all the time."

"Oh yeah?" asked Shaundi, nudging Ethan with her elbow.

"Maybe, a little," he replied, smiling. She leaned into him as he wrapped his arm around her and felt an enormous sense of comfort from his embrace. The feeling was short lived as David came to them, reeking of beer.

"Hey, I found us a table," said David, giving Shaundi a distasteful glance. It didn't go unnoticed and Shaundi furrowed her brow, wondering why he looked at her with such disdain.

"Great," said Brian. "Just in time too. Shaundi's here."

"Whatever," said David before walking back to their table. Renee gave Shaundi an apologetic smile.

"Ignore him," she said, waving David's actions away. "He's been acting like a jerk to everyone lately."

Shaundi forced a smile and grabbed her jacket before following the group to the table. Ethan stayed close by her, keeping his hand on her waist, until they found their seats. David gave both of them another rude glare as they sat down. Shaundi did her best to ignore it.

"So, I heard you had a baby," she said, turning her attention to Renee.

"Yes, a little boy," said Renee, rummaging through her purse. She pulled out her phone and flipped through a few pictures before handing it to Shaundi. "Here he is, ignore how I look. This was taken right after he was born."

"He's adorable," said Shaundi, staring at the baby sleeping peacefully in Renee's arms. "What's his name?"

"Jason," replied Renee. "I love him to death, but it's nice to get out of the house without having lug a diaper bag and baby carrier everywhere. I plan to live it up tonight as Brian agreed to take over baby duty if I get hung over. Isn't that right, honey?"

"Yes, dear," said Brian, kissing her forehead. Renee stared up at him and cleared her throat before pointing to the empty glass in front of her. He didn't seem to notice.

"Honey, that was a hint to get me another drink," she told him.

"Oh, right," he said, standing up. "Does anyone else want anything?"

"Get me another beer," said David, tossing an empty bottle on the table. Brian rolled his eyes at him and gave his wife a loving pat on the back. She smiled and kissed his hand before he left.

"Thanks, babe," she said, slapping his ass as he walked away. "Love ya."

David belched and waved a hand in front of his face to fan away the stench. Renee ignored him and turned her attention to Shaundi who gave her phone back to her.

"So, how long have you two been married?" asked Shaundi.

"Going on two years," said Renee. "But, we've been together for eight."

"Wow, that's a long time."

"Longer than anyone you've been with I bet," said David, under his breath. Ethan heard what he said and felt Shaundi's body tense up against him. She did her best to keep her cool.

"David, what the hell is your problem?" asked Ethan.

"You want to know my problem? She's my problem, the bimbo next to you." said David, scooting his chair back before standing up. "I'm sorry, but I can't sit on the sidelines while you waste your time with this trash."

"I beg your fucking pardon?" asked Shaundi, unable to hold in her anger. David glared at her and leaned against the table.

"You don't remember me do you?"

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"We met almost ten years ago during a frat party at Stilwater U," said David, continuing to glare at her.

"What?" asked Shaundi, confused.

"It's understandable if you don't remember. You were baked out of your mind at the time," he told her, before turning his attention to Ethan who was contemplating the news. Something about what he was hearing didn't seem right. "Ethan, I'm sorry. I tried to warn you about the type of woman she was when you met her. Trust me, she may be a great fuck, but she is not the girl for you."

Shaundi's chest sank deep into her stomach. She was unable to breath from the looks Renee and David were giving her. The discomfort was unbearable, she felt violated. Ethan's hand burned against her back, feeling undeserving of his affection. She swallowed hard in an effort to push down the lump forming in her throat.

"Excuse me," she said, pushing her chair back. She stood up and grabbed her jacket trying to avoid David's sinful glare.

"Shaundi," said Ethan, standing up with her. He tried to reach for her and she backed away from him.

"I'm so sorry," she said, on the verge of breaking down. She turned to leave and Ethan followed her, tripping a little on her chair, before David grabbed his arm.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going after her," said Ethan, trying to pull his arm free.

"You still want to be with her after the shit she did?" asked David, his grip tight. Ethan didn't answer and felt David's grip tighten even more. He scrunched his brow, skepticism written all over his face.

"Wait a minute, you didn't go to Stilwater U," he said, his mind finally clear. "Brian told me you went to a community college in Florida."

David let go of Ethan's arm and stepped back.

"You made the whole thing up didn't you? Why the fuck would you do that?"

"Because, she's not the right girl for you," said David.

"And who is she right for, David? You?" asked Ethan, his face growing hot with rage.

"What are you getting at?"

Ethan shook his head and turned to leave again in a effort to catch up to Shaundi. David grabbed his arm and pulled him back.

"Hey, you go after her and it'll be the biggest mistake of your life," said David in a lofty tone. "I'm doing you a favor here. She's nothing but a former drug addict slut."

Ethan clenched his jaw and tightened his fists before hearing Brian return with their drinks.

"Hey, I just saw Shaundi leave," said Brian. "Is everything okay?"

He was answered with a face fool of margaritas as Ethan swung around and punched David square in the jaw with his fist. David fell into him, knocking the drinks from his hands. Ethan stood over them breathing fast and angry.

"You want to do me a favor, David?" he asked, fists still clenched. "Stay the fuck out of my life!"

Ethan turned around and bumped into a chair, unfamiliar with his surroundings, causing him to lose his balance for a moment. He quickly steadied himself and hurried toward the sound of the small bell ringing above the pub entrance. He felt for the doorknob and opened the door, rushing out to the street.

"Shaundi!" he yelled, hoping she was still nearby. He heard a car start up and recognized the rev of the engine, matching it with Shaundi's vehicle. "Shaundi, wait!"

He ran toward the car, bumping into people on the way, before the sound of tires squealing on the pavement hit his ears. The smell of burnt rubber filled the air as Shaundi sped off down the street, unable to find the courage to face him.