AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What gives, man? It seems like something is on your mind,” Grady says, jarring me back to reality.
“No, it’s just Sydney, man. I feel kind of bad,” I say. “I wanted to get rid of her, so I accused her of coming to see me because she was jealous that I was living with a girl.”
I know she will stay mad for a while, but then she’ll try to come back. Sydney loves the drama, which should be a red flag for most people. Of course, I saw past it because of the sex. I really need to stop thinking with my dick.
“Dude, you are totally not with it, that bartender came over here to talk to you,” Grady says. I look up and see a cute brunette smiling at me while she pours a beer.
“Yeah, I’m sorry, a lot going on.”
“How’s the big project going?”
“I mean, it’s okay, my dad’s changed the plans a hundred times. That means one small part of the structure was built and torn down twice.”
We talk about the greenhouses for a bit, and then we talk about the girl Grady is seeing. I’m happy to change the subject and direct the spotlight on him. He says it’s nothing serious. Grady doesn’t really date girls for longer than a week or two, so I wonder a little about this one. Selfishly, I can’t keep my attention on his life for too long. I can’t help but bring Nina up again after I get a couple beers in me.
“Do you think Nina got over her heartbreak?” I ask as casually as I can.
Grady raises an eyebrow and then shakes his head. “It’s hard to say, man. I think maybe she did, but she’s not really been serious with anyone, so maybe not.”
“Yeah,” I swallow down the rest of my beer.
“But, you said she had company tonight. Maybe she’s finally going to move on from whatever happened.” Grady tells me. Suddenly, I feel like I’m about to puke, and it’s not because of the alcohol that’s weighing heavily in my stomach. It’s the fact that he could be right. What if she is moving on… right now? And I’m here drinking and drowning in my feelings.
“I gotta go,” I blurt out, grabbing a wad of cash from my wallet, I throw it on the bar.
“Okay, you sure? We can share a cab?” Grady yells after me, but I’m already out the door. I can’t waste any more time, who knows, I might already be too late.
Even before I open the apartment door, I can hear Nina’s giggles. The sound instantly puts a frown on my face and a sour taste on my tongue. Not because she is giggling, but because khaki pants is the one making her laugh.
Turning the key, I push the door open and walk in. Nina and jerk face are sitting at the now put together kitchen table. Both have a glass of wine in their hands, and they’re smiling at each other like one of them just told a funny joke.
“Oh, hey, guys,” I greet them as if I wasn’t expecting them to be here. I’m sure everyone knows that that’s a crock of shit.
“Hey,” Nina replies, while khaki pants give me a subtle nod. Closing the door behind me, I head for the fridge to grab a beer. Not that I think I need any more liquid courage, but it’s whatever. They’re drinking, and I don’t want to be the odd man out.
“Hey, man, want a beer?” I ask from the fridge.
“Uhh, no thanks. I’m good with the wine.” Pussy.
I close the fridge and waltz right up to the table, taking the seat next to Nina. “Sorry, I thought wine was more of a drink for the ladies,” I wink at her. Nina’s eyebrows furrow together, and she sits up a little straighter. Yeah, I’m probably being a dick, but I don’t like this guy being here. I don’t like how he makes Nina laugh or the way he looks into her eyes.
“Men can drink wine too,” Nina states all matter of factly.
“Real men drink beer, not wine.” This time I pin khakis with a look. He looks baffled and slightly insulted, which makes me feel a little bit better. “So, what’s up? What were you two giggling about?” I look between the two of them, ignoring the glare that mcdouche gives me.
“Just something that happened at work. You wouldn’t get it… it’s the kind of thing you had to be there for, you know?”
I nod and take a sip of my beer. For a long moment, we all just sit in an uncomfortable, awkward silence. Good, that’s exactly what I was going for. On the inside, I’m smiling like a kid in a candy store.
“What’d you say your name was again?” I ask before taking another swig of my beer.
“His name’s Sam,” Nina answers for him, her features tight. I know I’ve most definitely upset her, but I want this douche nugget to leave before I have to escort him out. “What’s gotten into you, Travis?”
“Nothing, I live here with you. Can’t we hang out like we normally do?”
“This is not normal,” Nina snaps, getting visibly annoyed with me.
“Uhh, I think I should leave,” Sam announces, placing his wine glass on the table. He looks really uncomfortable, and I hope my little outburst is going to work in my favor.
