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Nine
Cash
It’sa few days after the Sage Everling sexcapade when I decide to head out in public—other than for work.
Okay, in truth, I’m not really feeling like I need to hide. So I was spotted with one of the hottest, most famous women in Ocean City… is that such a bad thing? If anything, I think it enhances my reputation. But then again, maybe it’s just a cover for the fact I’m still a little shocked.
The player isn’t supposed to get played. That’s just not how it’s supposed to work. More than that, the player isn’t supposed to still be thinking about the beautiful woman days later, wondering what she’s doing, wondering if I’ll see her again. Dammit, that woman is good.
Killer’s barking at the end of his leash startles me back to real life. Sitting on the bench with Killer glued to my side, I glance around at the other dogs and their owners having a blast in the leash-free park. Killer’s the only one on a leash—but he’s also the only dog who doesn’t appear to be very dog-friendly. Looks like bringing him here was yet another dumb choice on my part. I thought maybe the socialization and fresh air would be good for him, for both of us. Guess this wasn’t the case.
I sit on the bench, trying to rein Killer back in, scolding him for his snarling at a fluffy golden retriever that strolls by us. Walking him is a sort of hippie-like girl, black braids down her back. She’s wearing quite an interesting outfit, neon yellow and hot pink mixing in a way that isn’t unattractive—it’s just very loud.
“Sorry,” I mutter as she stops to stare at Killer, smiling.
“No worries. I’ve had a few who thought they were bigger than they actually were. Dogs I mean,” she says, chuckling.
“I see,” I reply, shaking my head as she stoops down to see Killer. “He’s a bit nippy,” I warn, but she’s already patting him on the head. He quiets, seeming to take in the sight of the girl. Maybe she’s a dog whisperer because Killer actually seems to like her. That makes two women in the past few days. Weird.
“I’ve got the magic touch. Dogs love me,” she says, matter-of-factly as her golden retriever dashes off to play with a great Dane. “So what’s his name?”
“Killer,” I reply.
“An apt choice,” she says, smirking, studying me. “Did you pick it or your girlfriend?”
I grin at her attempt at being sly. “I did. No girlfriend in the picture, not that you were asking, right?”
“No, of course not. Just… wondering is all.”
She sits beside me on the bench, a little closer than I would’ve expected. I don’t get the sense she’s flirting though. It’s like she’s got some sort of a mission, but I don’t know what. I don’t know anyone in this town, and I don’t know this woman, that’s for sure.
“So have you lived here long?” she asks.
“So do you interrogate everyone at the dog park?” I ask, sort of in a joking tone but also in a way that says I’m serious.
“Maybe. I’m sorry. I’m a little inquisitive sometimes. I just… I like to figure people out, you know?”
“I see that. But no, I haven’t lived here long. Just moved here, actually. I’m just here for the summer.”
“Oh, here to party, or here to work?”
“Work mostly. Party, too. I like to have fun.”
“Interesting,” she says, grinning. “I know someone else like that.”
“Oh?” I ask, now scanning the dog park to see if there’s some shy, embarrassed woman around. I’m wondering if this woman was sent over to scope me out.
“Yeah. She’s this odd concoction of workaholic meets party girl. It works for her, but not so much in the love life department. It’s hard for her to find someone who understands, who is able to look past her nonchalant attitude toward love. I think deep down she’s waiting for someone to understand, for someone to push her out of that weird state of limbo. If only she could find the right someone, the right guy to keep up with her but also to challenge her a bit, you know?”
“Sounds like an amazing woman.”
“She is. If someone just would take the time to get past her ‘I’m only having fun’ exterior. But that’s all something for another day. Cute dog, Cash. Thanks for letting me see him.” She hands me Killer as she starts to walk away.
I stare at her ambling over to reclaim her dog, wondering why our conversation felt so… staged. So weird. And then it hits me.
She knew my name, but I never mentioned it. I never mentioned my name. How the hell did she know me? And is every woman in this town operating under a hidden agenda? I stand, carrying Killer as I head back home, my mind trying to wrap itself around the dating situation here. I thought Ocean City was going to be prime real estate for having unregulated fun, crazy one-night stands, and a rocking good time. Now, I’m starting to realize that maybe all Ocean City’s going to give me is a bunch of enigmatic situations with women I can’t even begin to unravel. For the first time in weeks, I’m homesick for the uncomplicated, unrivaled fun back home.
