One of the Guys (18 page)

Chapter 25

Cole

I really have grown to hate how quiet this house is without Wendy. Mornings suck because I’m forced to make my own coffee which really isn’t that bad. Wendy got me stuck on flavored creamer so here I am nursing a cup much like she did that morning she told me she was moving out. Except I’m sitting here feeling sorry for myself and my situation with Sam. If only I hadn’t been a complete ass from the beginning, we may be in a whole different place.

This morning I’m supposed to go help Rocky get all the baby stuff put together as a surprise for Wendy. After the cup of coffee, I throw on some black shorts and a dark gray shirt. To top it off,
grabbed the black hat Wendy bought me last Christmas and placed it backwards on my head. The way to their house, I couldn’t help but listen to ‘Absolutely (Story of A Girl)’ and think about Sam the whole time. If she showed at the gym today and I know she will, I was going to talk to her. Today was the day I decided I would lay it all on the line for her. I would bare my soul and pray she would do the same. Then we could finally be together. This is the day I ask her on the date I’ve been wanting to and she’ll say yes. I’m not stupid. I know she’s as into me as I am into her. I’ve noticed how her breathing changes when we’re standing a few mere feet away from each other. I’ve practically felt her emotions when she’s kissed me.

There’s no point in knocking on the door but I almost wish I had when I stumble upon Rocky and Wendy making out against the stainless steel refrigerator. They pulled away the minute I cleared my throat and Wendy shot me a look from hell. I threw my hands up and told her, “I didn’t mean to interrupt don’t kill me.”

She scowled and stomped into the living room and plopped down on the couch. Rocky rolled his eyes and walked to the baby’s room. “She’ll get over it when she sees this room put together trust me.”

“I really didn’t mean to man. I should have knocked.”

He handed me a screwdriver and sat in front of a few pieces of what may be the crib and got to work. “You’re good Cole, no big deal. Did you get to talk to Sam yesterday after the shower?”

Frustration is all I felt as I let out a long exasperated breath. She was gone by the time I walked out the door. “No. She was already gone so I’m going to talk to her today.”

“She’s a good girl Cole. I know you weren’t happy she wanted to fight a guy and I had no idea it would be you. Wendy told me you were pissed. I’m sorry but there was a reason I did what I did.”

One leg was attached, now we had three more to go. I immediately stopped at his comment though. “What was the reason?”

He studied my face for a minute before he replied, “I can’t tell you. It’s not my business to tell.”

Silence. You could hear a pin drop if it weren’t for us fumbling around with screws and all these attachments. Why’d he bring her up like that if he wasn’t going to talk? I want to ask him but his phone rings and he looks at the number for a second as if he’s debating whether to answer it or not.

“You gonna get that man?” I asked mainly because I was tired of hearing that ring tone drone on and on.

“Yeah, hold on a second.” He answered the phone and after a minute or so he gave a quick yes and whenever the person on the other end began speaking his face turned bright red and his knuckles turned white as he balled his free hand into a fist. Oh shit this can’t be good. I hear him tell them he will be right there and he hangs up the phone.

“Shit.” He mumbles under his breath. He runs his hands through his hair as he stands to his feet. Immediately I’m beside him wanting to know what the hell is going on. “I’ll be right back; I’ve got to take care of something.”

“What’s going on? I can go with you if you need help.”

“I wish I could tell you but it’s not my business. I’m sorry Cole, you can’t come.”

The screwdriver flew out my hand onto the beige carpet. He was in the living room talking to Wendy and I heard her gasp before the front door shut. I pulled myself together and walked to meet Wendy. She had a tear running down her face. “What’s going on? Why won’t anyone tell me anything?”

“I’d tell you if I could Cole, I swear but I promised Rocky and Sam I wouldn’t say anything it’s not my place.”

So it is about Sam and these assholes aren’t telling me anything. Well neither is she but she’s no asshole. “So it’s about Sam and you can’t tell me? I’ve only been trying to get her to open up to me all this time and here ya’ll are knowing everything what the hell?”

“Cole, have you ever thought that none of this is easy for her? Have you ever thought that she may want to open up to you but she’s scared of what you may think? It’s not always about you, why are you so damn insensitive?” With that she burst into tears. Damn pregnancy hormones. I ran my mouth and upset her.

“Shit, I’m sorry Wendy. Please stop crying.” I pulled her into me kissing her head as she sobbed into my chest.

“If I tell you, you have to swear to God no one knows I told you.” She sniffled wiping her eyes on my shirt.

“No, I won’t put you in that position. If she wants to tell me then she can.”

And every part of me prayed she would tell me what the hell was going on. What kind of call would have Rocky worked up like that? Was she in some sort of trouble? I continued to hold Wendy while waiting for either a phone call or appearance from Rocky or Sam. But an hour had passed there was nothing new.

Chapter 26

Sam

I was so relieved when Rocky answered the phone and I could tell by the tone of his voice he was both worried and pissed. I didn’t know who else to call. I thanked the lady for allowing me to make the call and she gave me a warm smile as she led me back to my cell. I sat there staring at the walls until a guard came and got me.
I could never sit in jail for longer than one night; I was already losing what little of a mind I had left. I imagined sitting in bed with Cole, no lying in bed with him with my head on his chest listening to his breathing even out as he fell asleep. There was no way to tell time in the simple jail cell, but honestly I didn’t have to wait too long.

I don’t think I’ve ever jumped up so fast in my life. I was more than eager to get out of that horrible outfit. Once my clothes were back on, I felt more myself. As they opened the main door for me, the smell of freedom surrounded me and I immediately spotted Rocky in the waiting area. I didn’t want to cry. As a matter of fact, I sat there telling myself I wasn’t going to. But one look at him and I couldn’t help it. I ran to him and threw my arms around this big man.

“I’m so sorry for calling you, I didn’t know who else to call.” I sobbed into his chest. So much for staying strong.

“Don’t apologize for anything I’m glad you called. Now what the hell happened for you to end up in here?”

I sat in his truck drawing in a deep breath as I began the story from the minute I got home from Wendy’s baby shower. He stared in disbelief as I gave him every detail. His knuckles turned white as he held onto the steering wheel. Part of me kept waiting for the steering wheel to be ripped from the dashboard. When I finished, he just looked at me as if he were choosing his words carefully.

“Wendy and I have an extra room. It is no trouble at all so don’t argue with me Sam, stay with us until you can get on your feet. You can’t go back there, what he did was cowardly and I can’t allow you to go back knowing what I know.”

“I know,” I whispered.

“Shit, I forgot Cole is at the house. We were putting baby furniture together when you called. I can call Wendy and have him leave.” He reached for his phone as he pulled out of the station but I touched his arm getting his attention.

“No Rocky, its fine. I owe him an explanation. He’s been trying to figure me out for some time now. He’s done nothing but be nice to me and I’ve been a bitch to him because I’ve been upset with myself. I can’t go on like this.”

He raised an eyebrow waiting to see if I were going to change my mind but I flashed the most confident smile I could. Since last night, I’ve learned to appreciate the fluffy clouds in the sky a little more. I didn’t want to take the green grass for granted again either. This is freedom. Where Dad sent me was pure hell. The thought of having to spend more than just that one night there made me vomit a little in my mouth.

The first thing I spotted was Cole’s truck. My heart began racing as I contemplated what I was supposed to say to him. I got out the truck standing there trying to even out my breathing. Before we got anywhere near the door, it flew open and a frazzled, hormonal Wendy came running out to me. “Sam, oh my god I’m so sorry you had to stay there. Why didn’t you call last night? Oh nevermind that, he told you you’re staying here right? Ohmigod we’re going to be roommates!!”

She flung her hair over her shoulder as she excitedly spoke and I got a mouthful of her jet black hair in my mouth. Bleh. I gave her the best smile I could muster as I replied, “Yeah, it’s going to be awesome. I just need to get my truck and some clothes. I’ll be good to go.”

“Sam, you can’t go inside there. What if something happens?” She got frantic again and I remembered her hormones were out of whack.

“He should be at work, I’ll be ok. It’s my truck….”

“I’ll go with her.” Cole jumped in causing me to jump. He stood there in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest watching me with a pained expression on his face. Pained because of me. And even if it were my entire fault, he looked sexy as hell standing there. My heart skipped a beat or two as our eyes met. Seeing him made my heart flutter, I can do this.

Rocky stood beside Wendy pulling her into his chest as he replied, “That’s a good idea. It’s him or me, take your pick Sam. You aren’t going alone.”

“Cole can come with me its fine.” He looked extremely shocked by my decision and so did everyone else. I’m trying to turn over a new leaf or maybe the whole damn tree, I don’t know. “Can I go now and get it over with?”

Wendy didn’t look too upset by that. She flashed Cole a sarcastic look and then smiled at me. “That’s fine, we’ll be here. Ya’ll be safe.”

I walked over to Cole’s truck climbing into the passenger seat. We had several memories that involved this truck or my own. I owe him an explanation and well he’s either going to run off or he’ll stay by me. I’d love him forever if he didn’t run. I do love him, I hate to admit it because I feel weak thinking it but it’s true. Everything about him from his cocky attitude to his sweet, sweet ways draws me to him and I wish I hadn’t pushed him away before.

“You ok?” He asks as he begins backing out the driveway. Numbly I reply yes and as he turns on his iPod that damn song is playing. If anyone could cry a river and drown the whole world right now, it would definitely be me. He reaches over to turn the volume down but I grab his hand to stop him without realizing our fingers laced together. Just like that first day in the apartment when we ordered pizza, our hands fit perfectly. A million butterflies are swarming inside me right now, this feels more than right. It feels absolutely perfect.

I give him directions where to go and when he pulls up on the curb, I can’t help but fight tears as the events from last night play over in my head. Especially the part where Marsh put me in handcuffs and escorted me to the back of the police car. Never in my life would I have ever imagined I’d be in handcuffs that weren’t for pleasure. I’ve never tried that before but I’d sure as hell try…possibly with Cole.
Christ Almighty, get your head out the gutter and focus on what you’re here for
! All my life, I was a careful person. No broken laws, not even a speeding ticket and well, that all changed. I’m a regular fugitive.

“You need me to come in with you? Rocky doesn’t….”

I squeezed his hand and gave him a weak smile. “I need to do this Cole. I’ll be right back ok.” He kissed my knuckle before I got out the truck.

My anxiety level was through the roof as I opened the front door. I looked around for any signs of Dad. Everything was the same as I remember from last night; the living room was spotless like no one had sat in there in a while. The kitchen counter was full of empty beer cans and bottles of whiskey. I couldn’t remember if those had been there last night. When I didn’t see him, I went straight for my room grabbing my pink duffle bag. I stuffed jeans, shorts, shirts, panties and everything else I could possibly fit into it. The only thing I couldn’t seem to put my hands on was my truck keys. Maybe they are in the kitchen. I throw the bag over my shoulder cautiously making my way down the hall. Maybe I should have let Cole come inside with me, but I haven’t told him anything yet.

“What are you doing in my house? One night in jail wasn’t enough for you?” Dammit, he always sneaks up on me when I least expect it. I thought he was at work, but I’m dead wrong of course. What else could he possibly do to me? He’s already thrown out all the money I’ve earned. “Looking for these?”

My keys are dangling from his grip and he’s smirking. Asshole. “Dad, look I’m going to stay with some friends of mine until you’re better. Can I please have my keys?”

“You mean my keys? If I remember right it’s my truck.”

“Dad, you and Brenda bought me that truck. It was my graduation present. Please.” I hate begging. I hate begging with him because it’s pointless but I need my truck.

“Get out of my house before I call the cops again. How’d you like Marsh placing those cuffs on you? I told you I’d get him on the force with me.”

I scowled as I balled my fists at my side. I’m better than this shit he’s pulling. No, wait I’m not. I’m more pissed than the kid on Halloween who ended up with all the crappy candy. Yeah, that’s pretty pissed. I walk outside and ignore the fact that Cole can see me; I really don’t give two fucks right now. I know I’m begging for trouble as I grab my old aluminum baseball bat in the garage. Dad walks outside just in time to see me swing the bat at the windshield. Two swings later, glass flies everywhere and I don’t stop there. I swing at the drivers’ window and before the bat can connect, a hand grabs a hold of me. Cole.

“Sam, stop. Let’s go. You’re better than this.” He whispered in my ear. Shaking, I dropped the bat and walked to his truck. Dad was pissed. As we pulled away, I could see his beet red face in the side mirror. My luck I’ll end up back in jail and this time I’ll actually deserve to be there.

Silence. There was nothing but silence in the cab of the truck. I can only imagine what the hell Cole is thinking right now. He’s probably driving me straight to the hospital so I can admit myself for being a lunatic. Who the hell smashes the windshield out their vehicle? Enough is enough and I know what I need to do. It’s what I planned on doing all along. Cole deserves an explanation especially since he just witnessed me losing my mind. He deserves an explanation for everything so here goes nothing.

“Cole,” I say, taking a deep breath in. “Can we go somewhere we can talk?”

He grabbed my hand, offering a smile. “Yeah, my apartment ok?” He’s smiling at least. That’s got to be a good sign.

I nodded my head before laying it against the window. Wow, I can’t believe I just did that. That definitely was not the plan today. All I wanted was to get the truck and bring it to Rocky’s but yeah, that wasn’t happening now.

Cole led us into his apartment and I sat on the same couch that I suffered my last breakdown on with him. This couch and I were beginning to become really good friends. It was sort of therapeutic in a way. He sat beside me pulling my hand into his. This should be easy to just come out and say to him but I find myself being so worried about what he’s going to think about me. I’ve never shared a single thing about me with him and come to think about it I know nothing about him. All I know is what Wendy told me about their parents. It breaks my heart. Our lips have met once or twice, who’s counting? Yet I’m so consumed with him and worried, wonderful. It’s all or nothing and I cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye that he doesn’t leave me.

“I haven’t been honest with you. You’ve asked me what my deal was, you said you wanted to help me and I shoved you away. I’m so sorry.” I had to stop and regain my composure. I’m literally seconds away from breaking down. Tears are sitting behind my eyes begging to fall down, but I won’t let them. I started off telling him about Dad and Brenda and how she walked in that day telling me she was leaving. I left out everything about Marsh, none of that matters right now to me at all. Marsh is the distant memory I wish I could forget. Cole could tell I was struggling but I had to do this. After the second break to regain my composure, he stopped me for a brief moment.

“Sam, you don’t have to do this. It’s ok.” He places one of his hands over mine, instantly calming my nerves but I still have to finish this. I didn’t come this far to stop.

“No,” I choked. “I want to tell you this. I owe you this much.”

He’s amazing in the way he takes his free hand and gently wipes the tears away from my eyes that managed to escape. My cheeks flush as a thousand jolts of electricity shoot through my body. I want to kiss him and thank him but I don’t need to let myself get distracted by his looks. That’s what always seems to get me.

I continued with telling him I never knew my mother just to fill that in for him and when Dad’s issues first started and what drug me over to the gym. Not a single detail was left out for him, except for how hot I thought he was. Minor details, his ego didn’t need to get any larger. It was hard to look into his eyes; the pain behind them was making this harder. When I got to the part about the black eye, he looked more pissed than anything as I explained that’s why I avoided the gym and his anger was more visible when he learned I was in jail last night because of my Dad.

I drew in a deep breath and let it out as I told him, “And you, you’ve been an ass but you’ve also been incredibly sweet to me and all you’ve wanted to do was help. I’m so sorry I shut you out. I didn’t regret a single minute of that first night with you and I’m even sorrier that I avoided you. I never wanted to do that but I didn’t see any other way around it. I couldn’t let anyone see me like that, especially you because for some reason, I give a shit about what you think. But now you know everything and I get it if you don’t want to talk to me again.”