A Wintertime Love (2 page)

I took a sip of my beer, trying to ignore the two girls. I grabbed a piece of fish out of the basket and proceeded to chew, when suddenly I heard my name mentioned in the conversation. I was all ears after that.

Apparently Christina thought I was a mega hottie too.
Hmm . . . Something to hold over Dylan’s head to piss him off when he’s being a dick. Perfect!
I chuckled to myself, as I continued listening. A. J. had just been offered a job in New York, as a personal assistant for an author., so she’d be leaving just after the holidays, leaving school to pursue her dreams, just like that! I already had great respect for her, and from what I could gather, she had intelligence. I had a feeling she was a keeper. Only one problem, I didn’t know her . . . yet. 

I excused myself, heading to the restroom trying to figure out what I would say to this girl. I came up blank.
What the hell is wrong with me? I never have these issues when it comes to women
. But there was something special about her. I could sense it. She didn’t behave like the other women our age. She even carried herself differently, more confidently. I zipped up my fly, washed my hands, and headed back to my seat. 

“Hey, Tristan,” Christina screeched, as I approached the table.

“What’s up, Chris?” I mocked back in a high-pitched voice.

“I have someone I want you to meet.”

“Sure.”

“Tristan, this is A. J. A. J. Kane, this is Tristan.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” I smiled, shaking her tiny hand.

“The pleasure is all mine,” she said, batting her pretty eyelashes at me.

“So, do you go to school at DU? I haven’t seen you hanging around campus,” I mentioned, shoving a French fry in my mouth.

“No,” she shook her head. “I’ve been attending CU Boulder, studying English and Journalism.  I’m actually getting ready to take a position in New York after the holidays.”

“So, did you graduate early or something?”

She hung her head low. “Not exactly. The opportunity came, and I feel like I need to take it. One of those once in a lifetime things. My parents aren’t too happy about it, but I need to do what’s right for me.”

“I get it. I think it’s cool that you’re following your dreams. Not many people do that anymore. They just give in and conform to what society tells them is the right thing to do, and then one day they wake up, and all of their dreams are gone. Kind of a shit situation to be in if you ask me.”

“Exactly! Do you think you could explain that to my parents?” she laughed.

“I’d be glad to, just as soon as I’m able to explain it to mine.” I took another swig of my beer. “Why don’t you have a seat?” I pulled out the chair next to me.

“Thanks,” she said, sitting down.

Damn, she’s pretty.

“You have an accent. Where are you from?” She flashed that beautiful smile.

“I’m from a town just outside of Moscow.”

“That’s pretty cool. I’ve always wanted to visit Russia. Maybe one day I’ll get the opportunity to visit. Will you will be going back after you finish your studies here?”

“I haven’t decided yet. I kind of like it here. Plus, it’s a lot warmer in Denver than it is there.” I shifted in my seat a bit.

“I can imagine. I hear it gets really cold there. At least that’s what I’ve read and seen in pictures.”

“Well it’s not too bad in the summer. The average temperature is about nineteen degrees Celsius, which would equate to around 67 Fahrenheit.” I plucked another french fry out of the basket.

“Holy crap! That’s cold! Do you go swimming there?”

I laughed, “We have indoor swimming pools. Don’t you watch the Olympics? They have Russian swimmers, don’t they?”

The bar erupted once again with another touchdown for the Broncos. I didn’t care, though. I was too enthralled in the little beauty sitting next to me.

She took a slow sip of her water, blushing. “I just wasn’t sure, since all the pictures depict it looking like Christmas year round.”

“Fair enough. When I first came here I didn’t know what to expect. In Russia, we’re taught that Americans are evil. When I stepped off the plane, I didn’t really know what to expect, but the image of evil wasn’t what I saw. In fact, I saw quite the opposite. I saw people who were just living their lives, no different than any Russian. Where they came up with that, I have no idea. It always amazes me how afraid we all are of the unknown. Every culture is beautiful with its own traditions.” I was wondering where the hell all of this sentimental, gushy shit was coming from.

“I couldn’t agree more. I think it’s because so many have closed their minds off, they only see what they want to see and believe what they want to hear.”

I decided to change the subject before I lost my man-card. “So tell me, A. J., how’d you know Christina?”

“I’ve known her since second grade. My family moved across the street from her the summer before we started school, and we’ve been best friends ever since.” She twirled her hair between her fingers. “I love her like a sister. I’m going to miss her so much when I leave.”

“Yeah, Christina is definitely a one-of-a-kind girl. I know Dylan thinks the world of her.”

“She’s lucky to have him. I wish I could find a guy like that. There’s just not many of them out there, and those that are . . . are already taken.”

“Do you have a boyfriend?” I asked, and then suddenly wanted to kick my own ass.

“No. I was dating a guy for two years, but then I found out he was cheating on me, and when I asked him why, he said it was because I had gotten fat!”

“Asshole! You’re fine the way you are.”

“Thank you!” she said, blushing.

“It’s true, A. J., and don’t let some asshole make you feel bad about yourself just because he can’t deal with his own fucking insecurities.”

“Tristan, you are one of the sweetest guys I’ve ever met!”

 “What are you doing this Friday night?”

“I don’t have any plans. Why?”

“Well . . . Dylan’s parents are throwing this huge charity ball, and I was wondering if you would do me the honor of accompanying me as my date?”

“Seriously? I’d love to!”

Just then, Dylan came up and placed his hand on my shoulder. “Hey buddy, you about ready to go? I’m ready to get out of here.”

“Yeah, just give me a few. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”

“No problem. I just want to get going before all the crazy, drunk assholes get on the road.”

I turned toward A. J. “Here’s my number. Give me a call and I’ll give you the details for Friday.”

“Tristan, you can have my number, too. I know you’re not some crazy stalker I just met in a bar, for cryin’ out loud!”

“Well I didn’t want to come across like a dog in heat; after all, you are my best friend’s girlfriend’s best friend—and that just sounded like something straight out of a Jerry Springer show!” I shook my head, laughing.

She laughed too.

We exchanged numbers, programming them into each other’s phones. I looked her in the eyes, taking in her beauty and knowing I wouldn’t soon forget it.

“How are you getting home?” I asked.

“Actually, Christina and I are going out for a little bit. You’re welcome to come if you’d like,” she offered.

“Thanks for the invite, but I think I’ll head home with Dylan. Be careful, there’s a lot of creeps out there!”

She giggled, “Tell me about it!”

“Call if you need a ride home.”

“Thanks Tristan, you’re the best!” She leaned over, placing a soft kiss on my cheek.

I’m such a dumbass! She probably thinks of me as a big brother now. Fuck! That’s just what I need:
That
‘I only like you as a friend’ bullshit! I gestured to Dylan that I was ready to go; we said goodbye to the girls and headed to the truck. It didn’t matter how close we’d parked to the bar, it was still too fucking cold. It reminded me of home, the way the cold sliced through the skin like a knife, the wind burning my skin.

We finally reached the truck and I shivered until the seat’s heater turned on and warmed my ass and back.

Dylan was full of questions. “Well . . . what’d you think?” he asked.

“What do I think about what?” I replied, knowing damn well what he was referring to.

“Don’t be stupid, Trist. What do you think of A. J.?”

“She seems nice,” I said, not really wanting to discuss what I really thought about her.

“Nice? You just think she’s
nice
?” he asked flabbergasted.

“Yeah, I mean . . . I spent all of two hours with her. How much of an opinion can I have of her in that short a time?”

“I guess if you say so, man, but that chick is smoking hot!” He leaned over, adjusting the heating dials on the dashboard.

“She’s not bad,” I admitted, “I wouldn’t turn her down.”

Dylan turned, staring at me. “So you
do
like her. I knew it!”

“What’s not to like, Dylan? She’s a hot girl and she’s intelligent. That’s as far as it goes. Why are you acting like such a girl about this? You normally don’t give a shit what I think about any chick.” I stared out the window.

“I guess you’re right, man. It’s just that she’s Christina’s friend, and she really wanted you two to hook up, that’s all.”

“I get it D, and I’ll admit it. She’s beautiful, and she’s definitely my type, but as far as us hooking up, you can forget it. We’re just friends. Besides, she’s leaving, and I don’t do long-distance. They never work out!” I was rubbing my hands together trying to get warm.

“Well, if you like her then maybe you should give it a chance,” Dylan said as we pulled into our apartment complex.

As I walked up those stairs freezing my ass off, she was all I could think about. I felt the blast of heat as we opened the door, but the thought remained. I took off my coat and placed it over one of the kitchen chairs, before heading straight for my room. My mood still sucked, but thoughts of A. J. were rectifying that.

I slipped out of my clothes and lay in bed until I succumbed to a deep sleep. My dreams were filled with visions of the Broncos winning the Super Bowl.

I was just getting to the good part in my dream when I heard a loud crash outside my door. I flew out of bed and opened my door to see what all of the clatter was about. It was a very drunk Christina returning home from the clubs, and Dylan was trying to get her to the bathroom before she blew chunks all over the hallway.

I looked at the clock:
4 a.m.
I walked back over toward the bed and picked my phone up off the nightstand to see if I had missed any calls. None.

I sat at the edge of my bed and listened as Christina hurled in the bathroom. I felt bad for Dylan always having to take care of that girl when she drank. She was one of those girls who loved to party and drink, but couldn’t hold her liquor to save her life. Two shots and the girl was wasted beyond belief. It was fun to watch, though, because she was such a fun drunk. She’d do the craziest shit after she’d had a few, but the aftermath wasn’t so fun to watch.

I realized Dylan had everything handled, so I went back to bed. I hoped I could go back to the same dream I’d been having before. Instead, I tossed and turned thinking about all the places I wanted to visit. I thought it would be cool if maybe A. J. wanted to accompany me. That was, if she wanted to spend that much time with me. I was already making plans for a girl I didn’t even know; did that make me any better than her asshole ex-boyfriend? Probably not.

I really needed to focus on my shit and stop living in
la la
land. I was acting like a complete girl, and that just wasn’t me. This chick was seriously messing with my head, and I didn’t even know her yet.

“Screw this,” I said, flinging my bedroom door open and heading to the kitchen for a glass of water. As I rounded the corner, I saw a silhouette leaning against the sink. “What the . . . ?”  It was A. J. She spun around and stared at me, dressed in a long t-shirt that barely covered her thighs.

“You alright?” I asked.

“Ugh . . . no. I’m not feeling so well.”

“Had a little too much to drink, did you?” Stating the obvious, I reached for the ibuprofen.

“Yeah. I think so. I won’t be doing that again anytime soon,” she said as she leaned her head in the kitchen sink. “Tristan, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you. I would have used the bathroom, but Dylan has Christina in there.  I was fine when we got here, but now . . . well . . . as you can see, I’m not doing so well!”

“Don’t worry about it, A. J. It happens to the best of us. How did you ladies get home, anyway? You never called.” I was feeling a little pissed off that she hadn’t called. Drinking and driving wasn’t cool, especially after losing a hockey brother at the beginning of the school year.

“I didn’t want to bother you, and I didn’t feel right calling you to come pick up our drunk asses after just meeting you.”

“I told you to call.” I said firmly. “I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t mean it.”

“It’s okay. We took a cab here.”

“Well, I’m pissed you didn’t call, but I’m glad you didn’t attempt to drive. I’m sure Dylan’s probably pissed, too.”

“Yeah, he wasn’t too happy to see us when we stumbled in the front door, giggling and bumping into everything. Then Christina started blowing chunks everywhere, and he really got pissed!”

“Yeah, don’t worry about him, he’ll get over it,” I handed her a glass of water and some ibuprofen.

“Thanks, Tristan. You really are one of the sweetest guys I’ve ever met.”

Great,
I thought.
Yeah, I’m real sweet. Maybe you should come to bed with me and find out how sweet I really am.
“It’s not a big deal, A. J. Do you think you can lie down, or do you need to be near the sink still?”

“I think I’ll be fine. I was just feeling queasy for a bit, but then you came along, and now I feel all better!” She smiled at me.

I could still see her face as the light from the moon illuminated through the apartment.
I was right; she is beautiful, like an angel sent from heaven.

“You are more than welcome to sleep in my bed if you’d like.”

She turned, pulling her shirt down a bit and suddenly trying to hide from me. “I really couldn’t impose. The couch will be fine.”