A Tattered Love (8 page)

The door opened, and a man appeared. “Can I help you?”

I was surprised by seeing another man in her apartment. I checked the number to make sure it was apartment 209.
Was this her new fling?
Wow, I suddenly felt as if I had been slapped in the face. “I’m looking for Riley.” I said flatly.

“She’s in the shower right now. We’re heading to dinner soon.”

I just stood there, speechless, not knowing what to say, or just what was going on. I heard a door close inside the apartment. Then I saw her—Riley walking out in nothing but her towel. When she saw me, her mouth dropped immediately.

“Hey, baby girl, you have a man here for you.”

Riley walked up to the door, and was very shocked to see me—just about as shocked, as I was when this man answered the door. “These are for you. But I guess I’m too late. Have a wonderful dinner.” I sunk my head down and turned around and walked away quickly. I didn’t want to cause a scene, and I definitely didn’t want to get into it with whoever this man was in Riley’s apartment. She yelled my name, but I kept walking. Once I got down the stairs, I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I was feeling heartbreak. I wanted Riley in my life so bad, but I guess I was just too late. I should have come sooner.

I was halfway across the courtyard when I heard Riley screaming my name behind me. I decided to stop. I turned around and just as I turned, she flew and jumped into my arms wrapping her legs around my waist and her arms around my neck. I stumbled back a bit by her surprise, but kept my balance wrapping my arms around her. You can tell she just threw on some clothes fast because they didn’t even match.

But wow, did she look so hot.

“What are you doing, Riley?” I asked surprised to be holding her.

“Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful. You’re beautiful. I’m sorry.” She let her feet fall to the ground and backed away from me.

“I don’t understand. It’s clear you already moved on, Riley.” I shook my head confused.

“What? That’s just Seth. He’s a friend of mine, well, best friend from back home.”

I wasn’t sure what to believe, but I wanted to believe her. Did she just forget about our date tonight? Or did she just think it wasn’t going to happen because of my stupidity over the weekend.

“So, you’re not with
Seth
?”

“No! He’s just a friend. What are you doing here, anyway?” She asked curiously.

“Riley, I want to apologize to you. I couldn’t take the fact that you were avoiding me. I had to see you and try to make things right.” I let out a deep sigh. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I have no reason to have snapped at you. It was wrong, and I won’t ever let it happen again. I was just really upset, and I should have never taken it out on you. I like you, Riley. I don’t want to lose you when I barely even had you.”

“I’m sorry I snapped. I just... I don’t let people treat me the way they want. I’ve been walked on in the past, and it made me into the strong person I am today. I accept your apology.”

She had just made my night.

Riley

I didn’t know if I wanted to run after him, but Seth pushed me to go. The flowers were a really sweet gesture, yet I am not going to let my guard down on Dustin. He needed to know that. He made the butterfly effect seem like tornados going off in my stomach. It’s more than a tingling feeling; it’s like a heart attack waiting to happen! He makes my heart palpitate, and even though that may sound like a bad thing, he made it feel right. I’m scared of moving forward, but I knew this was right. Mark would have wanted this for me. He would have wanted me to be happy. Dustin did that for me.

“It’s ok. I deserved to be snapped at. You had every right to go off on me.” Dustin took my hand and squeezed it. “Let me make it up to you.”

How could I say no to the one person that I felt I needed in my life right now?

“Can I ask you something?”

I wanted his complete honesty.

“What’s that?” He smirked.

“Why do you like me so much?” My eyes ran up and down his body, taking it all in.

“Because you’re worth it. The second I laid eyes on you, I wanted to know you. So here I am, not giving up.”

“Don’t give up, yet. I may be a tough girl, but you still have to walk in my shoes, and dig through my past in order to uncover what really lead me here. Hopefully that might led you to my future.” I nodded to the floor showing my place.

“I plan to do just that.” Dustin leaned down wrapping his arms around me and pressed his lips to mine softly. He was gentle with me, the way he brushed his lips to mine barely pressing as if he were teasing me with a genuine taste of him.

I so wanted to take him right then. I wanted to peel his shirt off and make love to him, right on the grass in the middle of the courtyard because that’s just how I felt.. I was almost proud of myself for slowly letting him in my heart. I just hoped he would never break it.

I decided to take the evening with Seth. I knew how bad Dustin wanted to spend the evening with me, I know I was supposed to, but Seth wasn’t going to be here very long. I needed to make sure that I was able to spend some quality time with him while he was here. I reassured Dustin that Seth was just a friend. In fact, he has a boyfriend, so he really shouldn’t have any concerns. We ended up at Eddie’s because he wanted to see where I worked. I showed him around and introduced him to some co-workers.

I didn’t recognize a man that was in Eddie’s waiting tables. After Seth and I devoured our dinner, I headed over to Kate, our hostess, to stick my nose in the gossip that I had clearly missed. Kate was a sweet girl in high school, and graduating this year. Her parents wanted her to have a job, and we were happy to have her here. She was petite and brunette with heavy blonde streaks flowing through her hair. She wears glasses that really accentuate her eyes, making her eyes appear to be an even more fabulous shade of green.

“Kate, who is that?” I nonchalantly pointed in the direction of said unknown man.

“That is the newbie, Efren!” She smiled wickedly. “Isn’t he cute?” She rubbed her shoulder against mine taking in our new view.

“Wow! I didn’t realize we were hiring.” I smirked.

“Neither did I. Who is the guy you’re with, boyfriend?”

“Best friend.” We both stared at Efren as he maneuvered about the kitchen getting his orders together. He clearly had been a server before. The way he moved about effortlessly had us watching in awe.

I knew I didn’t want to bring up Dustin to my co-workers yet because I didn’t want them to think I got the job because of him. Everybody knew Abby played a role in getting me hired, yet they weren’t aware Dustin was best friends with Abby’s boyfriend. Then again, I didn’t care what they thought. I just don’t want it to interfere with my job.

Seth and I said our goodbyes, as today wasn’t the day for me to be introduced to Efren. He was busy and Larry, our main boss, was focusing his attention on him and getting him settled. Seth and I headed back to the apartment to relax for the evening when I checked my phone and noticed there was a text message.

Dustin: ‘Hey baby, I hope you had a good evening. I’m glad we finally made up. If you’re interested, I’ll be up late tonight if you want to talk.’

Well that was strange. Dustin and I never spoke on the phone before really. I wonder if he is just missing me. Maybe Dustin is one lonely man and hopes that I fill that void. Who was I kidding? Without Cooper, I’d be one lonely girl, too! I decided to text him back.

Me: I’ll try to give you a call later. <3

I cuddled next to Seth on the couch and propped my head on his shoulder. I missed having Seth around. He was my go-to man and an all around great friend.

“So, are you ever going to talk to me about that man at your door, who obviously adores you?” He took his hand and slapped my leg lightly, playfully.

I gave him an ‘ouch’ look. “His name is Dustin.” I plainly said hoping he wouldn’t make me go into details.

“Girl, I don’t care if his name is Dustin, or shit head, I want to know ABOUT him.” He sighed. “I take that back, I would definitely care if his name were shit head. You get what I’m saying.” He rolled his eyes at me, and stared at me waiting for more information.

“Well, I thought this guy was a shit head recently until he came to my front door tonight. I met Dustin through Abby and her boyfriend Evan.” I looked at the TV, again hoping the interrogation would stop.

“Riley Miller, getting details out of you is like pulling teeth! Come on! I’m your best friend; tell me what’s going on!” He slapped my leg harder gaining my attention.

“Why the abuse!” I laughed loudly sneaking in a snort. “Fine, fine, fine! We’re seeing one another. Sort of. We haven’t gone on an official date yet, we just had sex.” I rambled on the ‘just had sex’ real soft and fast as I was hoping he wouldn’t hear that part.

I did see Seth as my best friend, but it’s been a long time since I’ve confided in him. It’s almost like starting over with him because he’s missed so much that’s gone on since I’ve been in Cape Cod.

“You just had sex? How does that work? Riley, that’s so not like you.” He wrapped his arm around me and expected me to explain more.

“Seth, I know it’s not like me, but it felt damn good. I have come out of my shell out here, thanks to Abby. She’s made my attractive side, and playful side, come out.” I stood up and wandered into the kitchen. I grabbed two sodas and brought them back to the couch.

“As long as you’re happy baby girl, I won’t have a problem with him.” Seth approached.

“Thank you, that means a lot actually.”

“Actually, I have some news for you.” Seth turned to me with the biggest smile on his face.

“Oh?” My eyes grew wide, and my nose crinkled with question.

“I got an internship in Boston, I’m moving out this way with Jermaine!”

My mouth fell open, as I couldn’t believe what I just heard. I ran and jumped in his lap.

“Ahhh!” I screamed. “That’s so exciting, congrats, why did you wait so long to tell me!” I yelled at him in excitement.

“I wanted to surprise you and wanted the moment to be perfect. So you make sure you go and tell your shithead boyfriend that I’m watching his back for good now!” He laughed embracing me in a hug.

I was so ecstatic that Seth was moving out here I almost couldn’t contain myself. I knew moving away from home was going to be hard, but I never knew that moving away from my best friend would be densely strenuous. I’m glad that I didn’t have to wait much longer for Seth to be close to me again. I finally will have my best friend back!

The rest of the night went smoothly, and we celebrated with a few glasses of wine, which then turned into two bottles. Seth passed out on the couch, and I passed out in the bed half naked with Cooper cuddled up in my side taking up over half the bed. I knew Cooper was a bed hog, but damn. He is not the tiniest of dogs and sometimes he just overtakes the bed to where I should practically sleep on the floor! They say dogs are stupid, ha!

** CHAPTER 7 **

Riley

After an extremely long, excruciating morning, I decided to take my break.

“Bob, I’m going on break!” I yelled into the kitchen.

I headed outside with my smokes in hand, and decided to give Dustin a call since I wasn’t able to last night. I wanted to let him know my exciting news.

“Riley?” He answered rather quietly, but enough to where I could still hear him.

“Hey!” I responded overly excited.

“Hey, I kind of can’t talk, I’m at work. Can we meet up later?”

Man his voice sounded sexy!

“I’m so sorry. It so didn’t cross my mind. I’ll call you later.” I giggled, and ended the call feeling bad I interrupted at work.

I lit my cigarette and started to enjoy a few drags. I glanced at my watch, and still had a few minutes left on my break. I noticed the newbie walking up the sidewalk in black pants and a sexy blue V-neck shirt. His soft blue eyes matched his blonde wavy hair that flowed in the breeze. He was average height with a powerfully lean build. You could tell he spent a lot of spare time at the gym. Maybe he needed to work here to support his gym membership!
Ok, enough being mean!

I stepped up to him right before he made it to the door. “I’m Riley, you’re new, right?”

He looked down my body then back up to meet my eyes just as I sneered at him. “Efren.” He shook my hand firmly. “Nice to meet you, Riley. Yes, I’m new.”

My first impression of Efren was truly sexy. Not only did he check me out right in front of me, but also I actually thought it was hot that he did it!