Choices Page 4

  “I, um, I just wanted to go look over some notes for my next class. You know, to be prepared?” My voice hitches, and it comes out like a question.

  “Hey, Jenna is meeting me for coffee in about ten minutes. Want to go with us?” Eric unknowingly traps me. If I say no, it will be obvious that I am trying to avoid them. If I say yes, I will have to endure more uncomfortable glances and stilted conversation.

  Brody makes my decision easy when he declares that he has a test later on today and needs to go to the library to study. I try to peek up at him, but I’m afraid he’ll see relief written all over my face. He’s so distracting that I lose my ability to think cohesive thoughts and speak coherent sentences when he is around.

  The boys say their goodbyes as we walk out of class together. When we reach the door, Brody and I try to go through at the same time. Our arms brush against one another, and we jump apart. He steps behind me to allow me to go in front of him. So softly that I’m sure I imagine it, he whispers, “Beautiful.” I stumble but catch myself. Did he say what I think he did?

  Declan turns back and grasps my hand to pull me forward. He doesn’t let go as we start walking in one direction while Brody walks in the other. It’s such a sweet gesture, but I suddenly feel as if something (or someone) is missing.

  It’s a wonderful day to be outside. My whole life, I’ve wanted to move away from home, but not once did I ever imagine leaving the South. The seasons will change soon, and it will be even more beautiful as the trees turn from green to different hues of yellow, red, orange, and brown. Here in Knoxville, we are close to the Smokey Mountains. There is nothing more breathtaking than the mountains in the Fall. Right now, it is so hot that no one wants to be outside for long. But that is the beauty of the South. It gives us something to look forward to. We experience all four seasons, and each is as beautiful as the next.

  There is an old cliché about Southern hospitality. Around here, it isn’t just a myth. It’s reality. Even in the bigger cities, you still experience the “hometown” atmosphere. Everyone speaks or throws a hand up as you pass by. Young people hold the doors open for the elderly. Kids treat their elders with respect while earning respect in return.

  People talk a little different down South. We tend to speak a little slower and twangier than the rest of the country. Some say we sound uneducated. I like to say we just think before we speak. Once you say something, you can’t take it back.

  As we walk, Declan turns to me and asks, “So, Quincy. What do you think about it? Wanna go?” I have been so lost in thought that I have no idea what he’s asking. Silently, I just nod my head. What did I just agree to?

  I see Jenna standing just inside Starbucks. She looks nervous as she fidgets with her hands and looks around. I’m not used to seeing Jenna like this, but I have an idea what it means. When we walk in, she looks relieved to see me. Looks like I’m not the only one in foreign territory here.

  “We picked up a stray on the way over,” Eric jokes. Jenna’s eyes shine brighter, and her face looks like it might split open. I see nothing but pure adoration on her face, and even though I’m happy for her, I wish I knew exactly what I wanted, too.

  “I claim her most of the time.” Jenna plays along. “So, you guys want to get something to eat or drink?”

  “I’m just going to get a water. It’s so warm outside, I can’t imagine drinking anything hot.” I’m not much of a coffee drinker anyway. I know most of my friends can’t live without it, but I have never enjoyed the smell or taste of it.

  We place our orders and claim a table in the corner. “We were talking about going to a bonfire this weekend. It’s a fraternity tradition. Quincy already said she would come, so now you’ll have to go, too.” Declan looks proud of himself. And I finally know what I agreed to earlier. Honestly, I’m relieved that’s all it is.

  As the guys take turns telling us about their annual bonfire, I study Declan. He is so handsome, in a classic kind of way. His short, buzzed hair looks so soft, I’d like to run my hand over it. His eyes are very dark, but they seem to change color when the light hits them just right. Chocolate to espresso back to chocolate. He is so sweet and attractive that any girl would be lucky to have him. I would be lucky to have him.

  I have a job interview, so I say my goodbyes and get up to leave. Declan stops me, “Hey, Quincy, would you like to watch a movie tonight or sometime?” For just a second, he looks as if he thinks I might say no.

  “Sure. When and where?” I smile to myself. It just feels so normal to be standing here with him, making plans to see him later.

  “Um, I live at the fraternity house, so we’d have to watch the movie in my room. Is that OK with you?” That means Brody must also live in the fraternity house. Being in Declan’s room may not be a bad thing. I’m not sure if I want to run into Brody again today.

  “I don’t know. I’m not sure I can trust you,” I joke. But I really do trust him. I like to think I can read people pretty well, and there are no red flags here.

  “Come over around 7:00, and I’ll try not to lock you in my closet.” It is so easy to joke and laugh with him.

  With our plans made, I walk away, wondering if tonight will be considered a date. I decide it doesn’t matter. I’m just happy about the way the day is turning out.

  Chapter 9

  My job interview is at The Player’s Lounge. I worked as a server one summer, and for now, it is the only job experience I have. Player’s is not far off the UT campus, so it caters to the younger crowd. A girl in my pre-calculus class works there, and she said it was a fun place to work.

  From outside, it’s very unassuming. It just looks like a plain block building with a huge deck that wraps around it. But the moment I walk inside, I am enchanted. The lights are low, but I call tell it’s much bigger than it looks from outside. The bar is the focal point in the center of the room, and there is a dance floor to one side. On the other side, there are pool tables and dart boards. I really like the atmosphere, and I hope I can earn good tips here.

  My parents have offered to help with my bills, but I just can’t let them do it. My sister still requires a lot of help, and I feel guilty asking. Over the last 2 years, I have come to rely on the extra income from working, and I really do enjoy it. I received a full scholarship, so my tuition, books, and dorm are paid for. I just need some extra spending money for clothes and entertainment.

  From the corner of my eye, I see a tall, muscular guy walking my way. He would look intimidating if not for the broad, friendly smile. “Hey, you must be Quincy Priest. I’m Vince Williams. I’m the restaurant manager. Let’s have a seat.” Vince gestures toward a booth beside the bar. “So tell me. Do you have experience working in a restaurant or bar?”

  I briefly outline my work experience, and he hires me on the spot. “Quincy, I have to be honest. You are a little young for my taste, but your work experience speaks for itself. The job is yours if you want it.” He acts like I’ve never seen drunk people before. Just looking at me, most people would never guess that at the age of 10, I was holding my sister’s hair back while she puked then helping her to bed afterwards.

  “Oh, thank you! When do I start?” I ask, relieved. That was so easy.

  “We’ll try to work around your class schedule. You’ll have to train a few nights first. Can you come in tomorrow night?” I learned to balance a busy schedule while in high school, so I think I can do this.

  I rush home and get ready to go. When I walk out of my room, Jenna is shocked to see me dressed. “Are you working tonight already?”

  I huff. “No, I’m headed to watch a movie with Declan. I should be home in a few hours. Don’t wait up!” I am only half kidding. I know Jenna worries about me. She worried about me when no one else did.

  I text Declan to let him know I’m close, and when I get there, he meets me at the door. We walk through the house. It is surprisingly quiet and empty for a fraternity house. “Everyone is in their rooms, studying or whatever.” That explains
it. I guess I kind of envisioned a bunch of guys, sitting around in the main room, playing video games or whatever else guys do.

  For the first time, I follow him upstairs. There are several closed doors, and he leads me to his room. I take minute to look around. It is a large room, with a queen size bed. The walls are kind of bare and the furniture is sparse. However, there is a very large flat screen on the wall. Men and their toys.

  “I have a fairly large movie collection, but we can get something off Netflix if you want. Please go easy on me and don’t pick a chick flick.” I notice most of his movies are comedy, but there are some horror and action movies mixed in. I’m looking over his shelves when I spot it. I know exactly what I want to watch. The Hangover. It’s a personal favorite, and I can recite most of the lines from memory.

  When I hand it to him, he laughs and looks relieved. “A girl after my own heart.” He puts the movie in and gestures toward the bed. “I don’t have many places to sit, but I promise I won’t bite.”

  I kick off my shoes, fluff some pillows, and climb onto the bed. I prop myself up against the headboard. He gets situated, and I wonder if he’s uncomfortable because I keep seeing him glance at me. But as the movie starts, we lose ourselves in laughter and useless movie quotes. I haven’t had this much fun in so long, I can’t even remember when it was.

  After the movie, we talk and laugh for a long time. I really hope that no matter what, we can be friends. He is a good listener, and I love his stories about fraternity life. I avoid questions about my family by asking about his. He is an open book, and I like reading it.

  We are having such a good time that I can’t believe it’s almost midnight when I look at the clock. I really need to get some sleep because tomorrow will be a long day. We put our shoes on and open the door into the hallway. At the same time, Brody walks out of a room across the hall. When he sees me, he turns his head and nods to Declan. “Hey, man.”

  Declan doesn’t seem to notice the tension that suddenly permeates the hallway. “Hey. Let me walk her out, and I’ll be right back. I need to get some notes from you if you don’t mind.” Brody nods back in response.

  I try to catch his eye, but he is acting as if I’m not there. I don’t understand what he thinks I’ve ever done to him. I barely know him. I don’t have to look back to know he is watching me. I can feel it.

  Declan walks me to my car. As I lean against my open car door, the air shifts subtly. We say our goodbyes, and he leans toward me. Very gently, he briefly touches his lips to mine. My insides turn to mush. It is such a sweet, innocent kiss, but it means the world to me. He likes me! He. Likes. Me.

  I smile the whole way home.

  Jenna is in bed when I get back. I really didn’t mean to stay out so late, and I can’t wait to tell her about my night. My kiss! But there are a few things I’ll keep to myself. Like how I can’t forget the boy across the hall.

  Chapter 10

  I’ve had classes all day, and I’m rushing to get ready for my first night at Player’s. They gave me a t-shirt to wear, but the only dress code requirement is that we wear black shorts or pants and black shoes. I find a cute pair of black jean shorts and put on my red and white Player’s shirt. I twist my bangs and pin them to the side, leaving the rest of my hair down. A dab of blush and lip gloss, and I’m ready to go.

  It’s only 5:00pm, so it’s not very crowded yet. My trainer is a short spitfire named Alex. She introduces me to the other servers and quickly gets down to business. She walks fast, no matter where we go. Smiling at everyone, she seems to genuinely like working here. The kitchen staff has nicknamed her “Feisty”, and I can certainly see why.

  “The key to making this job work for you, Quincy, is that you can’t let anything get to you. Not everyone will like you, so don’t get your feelings hurt. Just remember to help your fellow servers, and we’ll help you. We like to work as a team around here. The bartenders are the same. Don’t slam them, and they’ll take care of you.”

  More people trickle in, and things begin to pick up. We are getting more drink orders, so Alex sends me to the bar to pick them up. The bartender has his back turned to me. I take the opportunity to check him out. He has on the signature red Player’s shirt and black jeans. Somehow, he manages to make them look hot. My eyes move upward toward his butt. Whoa! That boy looks good. I notice a tattoo peeking out of his shirt on his neck. Recognition floods over me. I have seen that tattoo before. I should have known he’d be a bartender.

  My body is frozen in place, as I wait for him to notice me. He finishes making my drinks, and turns toward me. I don’t know which of one of us is more shocked. He recovers quickly, as a smile slowly spreads across his face. Even though the lights are low, I can still see the vibrant blue of his eyes. “Well, well. So I guess we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other, huh?”

  “Hi, Brody. I didn’t know you worked here.” How does he shut down my mental capacities with just one look?

  “Been here a year or so.” He shrugs. “I’m guessing you’re the new girl Alex is training?” He pushes my drinks across the bar to me. “Tell her to come get me if you all need anything.”

  What is going on here? He’s being nicer to me than he ever has been. “Thanks.” I am thrown by his sudden change in personality, so I just take the drinks and walk away. When he smiles like that, it makes me forget his mood swings.

  I take the drinks to the table and pass them out while Alex takes their food order. She makes the job look so easy, but I know it’s harder than it looks. We move back and forth between the kitchen, bar, and tables. Each time we go to the bar, I can’t keep my eyes off Brody. He also moves quickly, mixing drinks while talking to his customers.

  A few times throughout the night, I notice him watching us, too. I wonder if there is something between Alex and him. If so, they are good at hiding it.

  “I see you’ve met Brody. You’ve got that look that all females get when they look at him.” Alex smiles at me. At the guilty look on my face, she laughs. “You aren’t doing a good job of hiding it, baby girl. You can look all you want, but he doesn’t do the boyfriend thing. Some rule about a girl he used to date. She broke his heart, and he hasn’t left with the same girl twice ever since.”

  “Alex, it’s not like that. I’m sort of dating one of his roommates.” Now, why did I say that? I’m not even sure it’s true.

  “You may be, but men don’t usually look at their friend’s girl like he looks at you. Just be careful. He’s a nice guy, but I don’t think anyone really knows him. Not that I wouldn’t like to, if you know what I mean.” That’s all I needed to hear. I feel a blush heat up my face. “Now, I know you’ve thought the same thing.” She laughs. It’s hard to find the humor in it when she hits so close to the truth.

  I walk away to start some of the cleaning duties we’ve been given. Since it’s a week night, the bar never really gets full. It gives me a chance to think. But my mind is a jumble of thoughts. He doesn’t date. He might even sleep with my coworkers. Alex is great, but I hope she never gets to do whatever she was thinking about. Why, why, why does he have this effect on me?

  Alex praises me when she lets me go for the evening. And I am so ready to get out of here. I go out the backdoor and head to my car. It’s not very well lit out here, and honestly, it’s a little spooky. Just as I get to my car, a hand wraps around mine. Jumping, I swing around, only to find Brody looking down at me. “Did you think of an answer to my question, Quince? Are you with Declan or not?”

  I’m not sure why it matters to him. He’s not interested in me like that anyway. “I’m not with anyone, Brody. I’ve only known him a week. That’s not long enough to know anything about anyone.”

  “Oh, I don’t know about that. I know enough about you to know that I want to get to know you better.” His voice lowers, and he leans in so closely that I can feel his breath on my cheek. “I know enough to know that I’d like to kiss you right now. To know that if I do, it won’t be nearly enough.” His
lips graze my face, just enough to let me know they are there. “I know you want to kiss me like I want to kiss you. I just don’t know the answer to my question.” If I just moved an inch, his mouth would be on mine. And I want it.

  My body trembles, and I lean toward him. He even smells like a dream. Our lips brush together, but he pulls back, just enough to break contact. “No, Brody. The answer is no.” I whisper as I hold my breath.

  His arm wraps around my waist as he pushes me against my car door. Those beautiful blue eyes darken, and his face is intense. He doesn’t close his eyes as his mouth moves over mine. I’ve never kissed anyone with my eyes open. Instead of feeling weird, I feel strangely connected to him. He pulls away to lick my bottom lip and nips it with his teeth. Suddenly, he puts his hands on each side of my face and deepens the kiss. I gasp as he slides his tongue into my mouth. I close my eyes. This kiss is the stuff dreams are made of. I try to do what he is doing, and when our tongues meet, I moan low in my throat. He slows the kiss and pulls away. “I knew it would be just like that.”

  Slowly, I open my eyes and wonder if this is really happening. My chest is visibly rising and falling as I try to catch my breath. I lean back against my car, not trusting my legs to hold me.

  “Give me a chance, Quince. You might just like what you find.” With that, he turns and walks back inside.

  What the hell just happened?

  Chapter 11

  The next few days are so hectic that I barely get a spare moment to talk to Jenna. I have always told her everything, but for once, I’m kind of enjoying my secret. There is just something so hot about being kissed like that when no one else knows about it.

  I think Jenna may have some secrets of her own. She has been with Eric every night this week. Sometimes, I run into him as he’s leaving our dorm at curfew. They already act like a couple, and it’s beginning to look serious.