Entangled (35 page)

“Do you? If you’re sure it’s what you want, then no, I don’t. Go for it. But if there are any doubts, then wait. But it seems like you got it under control. Ultimately, it’s your decision.” I consider her words, while I leave the room and enter the bathroom to dry my hair with the dryer. The heat on my scalp erases all my thoughts. I flip my head forward, along with the rest of my hair to dry all the hair underneath. I love those commercials where the girl is modeling a shampoo and her locks are so silky and when she moves her head side to side, hair is flying every which way. So when I finish drying it, and get tired of the blood rushing to the top of my head, I flip my hair and shake it. For a moment, I feel like a model, and glorious. But then reality crashes down on me, reminding me that I’ve gotta get ready. I decide to curl the ends a little, just to put a little more oomph in it, right after I put my outfit on.

It’s a one piece black dress with a white ruffle trim that flares at the bottom and around the neckline. It came with an apron, duster and choker but I had to buy a petticoat, thigh highs and I already had black shoes.

“Wow!” Andi says, stunned as she leans casually against the doorway. I smile at her and then glance at my reflection in the mirror. She walks in and sits on the toilet seat. “Do you want me to curl your hair?” I nod thanks, handing her the curler after plugging it in. She waits for it to get warm. “You look hot Maddy. Noah is going to have to keep a close eye on you.” She grins, “But he will feel like the luckiest guy in the bar.” I roll my eyes, keeping quiet, lost in my thoughts.  “Maddy.” Andi snaps me out of my trance.

“What?” She drops the curler and it bangs against my head, burning my scalp. “Ouch!” I yelp, grabbing the tender area and rubbing it.

“Shit, I’m sorry. It slipped. I was asking what time he’s picking you up.” Tears prick the back of my eyes.

“Six-thirty.” She curls the right side, flipping it outward. The curl bounces naturally. I turn my head to the side for a better look. Andi always curled my hair before dances or parties. I loved how she styled my hair and thought she should go to salon school to make a career. She loves her job at the bank, though. So I guess that’s where she’ll stay for now.

She inspects my hair to make sure it’s all curled and even. Her blonde locks sit on her shoulders, uncurled. I guess she wanted to make me complete before she worked on herself. “Maddy?” I glance at her reflection, waiting. “Please don’t mind my bitchiness the next few weeks or months. If I snap at you, please don’t take it personal.”

I take her hand and turn to face her. “We’ll get through this…you and me. I’m here for you as you were there for me for so long after all my drama. We need to be there for you mom and sister, but if you need to cry, don’t hesitate. You can’t hold it all in, just go somewhere and let it go.” She hugs me but quickly pulls away.

“Crap, sorry. I don’t want to ruin my awesome job. She gently tugs on my curls. “You’re all done.”

“Thank you, so much. Now you need to get ready.”

When I finish with my make up, I clean the kitchen counter and straighten the living room. Noah should be here any minute and Andi’s taking a shower. A knock at the door stops me from cleaning my room, so I close the door and grab my coat, choker and duster. I slip my shoes on  and open the door.

“Wow. Fucking wow. Am I at the right house? I was looking for a smoking hot brunette. Have you seen her?” I laugh, as I wrap my arms around his neck. “I’m not sure if I should be jealous or flattered. But are you here to take me in, Officer?”

“That depends, have you been naughty?”

I lean in and whisper in his ear, “I’ll let you know later tonight.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” He kisses my neck briefly, making me shiver. I tell Andi I’m leaving and lock up. Once we’re outside, my legs catch the cold breeze. But I ignore it.

Noah helps me into the jeep and when he’s inside; he takes the duster and twirls it in his hand. “This is pretty cool. It’s like a real duster.”

“Sure.” I laugh. “Hey, I never did say thank you for talking to Andi the other day. You really changed her view of you.” He kisses the back of my hand as we back out of the parking lot.

“I just wanted her to know I was here for support. I know what it’s like to lose someone you love so deeply. And I wanted her to know how serious I am about you. I don’t want her to think I’d ever hurt you. The way I treated the other girls before you, I won’t do that again.” His eyes show certainty and sincerity when he looks at me. It sent butterflies swarming in my belly.

“Well, thank you.” I squeeze his hand.

We enter the parking lot at Midnight and it is starting to fill up. Normally everything happens after 8 but people arrive early. “I’m starting to rethink your costume idea.” Noah says looking out his window. I notice a few of young people, our age in crazy costumes. I unbuckle my seatbelt, lightly slap his arm. “Just be nice, officer. No fighting tonight.” He nods unconvincingly as we step out of the vehicle. He approaches my side, taking my hand.

“Oh my god Maddy, is that you?” Dale approaches me, dressed up as Superman. He’s a regular at the bar, an old friend, and mid-forties, biker with tats, scruffy beard and beer gut. He’s nice.

“Who’s this clown?” Noah asks in my ear.

“Relax, it’s Dale Stevens. He’s a nice friend.” I smile as he stops in front of me, “Hi Dale. It’s me, little ‘Ol me.” I hug him. “Dale, this is Noah. Noah, Dale.” I notice Noah putting on a fake smile as he shakes Dale’s hand.

“Nice to meet you, Noah. Are you going to take me in? I swear it wasn’t me this time”

“If there’s no trouble, there’s nothing to worry about.” Noah jokes and they easily fall into small talk. I relax against him and take in my surrounding. “Hey babe, can you get us a table? I need to use the restroom.” I nod.

“Yeah, I’ll see you later Dale.”

I grab a table close to the stage, and as I take my phone out of my purse, I text Andi.

“Is this seat taken?” I look up and see Trey dressed as a pirate. I try not to laugh but he just looks ridiculous. Definitely not pulling it off like Johnny Depp.

“Well, hello Trey. I’m sorry to tell you, you are no Johnny Depp. Nice try though.” He pulls up a chair beside me. “You look hot! Want a drink?” Shit, the events from the last time I was here come rushing back and I need to get him away from here. “No, I’m good. And that seat is taken. I have a few more people coming.” He looks around. “I don’t see anyone coming.”

“I’m sitting there, asshole.” Noah approaches us.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Are you going to arrest me?” He stands up, eye level with Noah. I have to stop this.

“Trey, just leave. I don’t need you starting shit tonight.”

“I’m not going to fight. I just wanted to sit down and talk to a pretty girl.” He says, keeping his eyes on Noah. “Oh wait, does this have to do with the first time we saw each other? Were you jealous that I got to take her home and not you? I asked her about you and she said you were friends.” Son of a bitch, I want to slap him. Now he’s asking for a beating.

“You should really walk away unless you want your ass handed to you.” Noah says, challenging.

“Is that a threat?”

“Oh for fuck’s sake.” I stand up and get in-between them. “Trey, please just leave. I should have never let you take me home that night. It was a mistake.” I tug on Noah’s arm but he doesn’t budge. “Noah, please don’t let him get to you. He’s not worth it.” His face seethes with anger that radiates off his body.

“We’re here, let’s get this party started!” I let out a relieved sigh when I see Andi, Derrick and Landon.

“Oh my god, Maddy what are you wearing? Noah, you let her walk out like this?” Derrick jokes. I give him a quick hug and whisper, “Noah’s pissed. You need to keep a fight from breaking out.” He looks up and sees Noah and Trey in the same position. Men and their damn testosterone. Derrick walks up beside Noah and claps him on the back, “Hey Noah. I love your costume.” He smiles, trying to break the tension. “How are you gentleman doing tonight?”

Finally, Noah looks away, acknowledging his cousin. “Hey Dere, love your cowboy get up.”

“Thanks. I make these jeans look sexy.” As soon as Trey walks away, but not before giving Noah a “go to hell” look, Derrick says, “What the hell is going on?” I tell him about our Trey encounters, all 3 of them. “Damn, he sounds like a psycho.”

“You look hot.” Landon approaches me, resting his arm on my shoulder. He’s dressed as Zorro, mask and all.

“You too, Antonio.” Noah and Landon finally made peace, shaking hands and whatever else guys do. It was a couple weeks ago. It was nice to see them finally getting over their issues.

Andi dressed up as Sandy from Grease and she looks hot. Even though she has blonde hair, she got the wig to match her all-black attire Olivia Newton-John wore at the end. “Okay, here we go. Let’s drink the shit out of tonight.” She brings a pitcher to our table with cold glasses.

I notice Noah’s uncertain, uncomfortable expression. I fill my glass to the brim. Maybe a buzz will loosen me up a bit. I had put in a song for karaoke but it doesn’t start for another hour. “I love your costume, Maddy.” The DJ, Mike had told me as I hugged him. He’s dressed as himself, so original.

As a couple of hours pass by, I’m feeling a bit tipsy. I order water to help with my buzz. I don’t feel like throwing up tonight, but I just want to feel great. Andi and the guys went off to talk to people and probably dance or playing pool. Noah hasn’t touched his drink, hardly and he looks bored. I ask him every so often if he’s okay but all he says is “yeah, I’m fine”.  I wanted him to have a good time and socialize but he’s being a total downer.

I set my glass down and get up. “Dance with me?” I extend my hand out to him. He takes it, letting me lead him to the dance floor. A slow song is playing so it’s the perfect opportunity to find out what his deal is. He embraces me, his hands on my hips and my arms are around his neck. “Hey, are you okay?” I search his face but find no emotion.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“You keep saying that, but you don’t look fine. And you have hardly touched your beer.”

“I’m not a big drinker, okay?” I try not to take offense to his tone. That explains why I only see him with one drink when we go out. I guess it’s part of his past he’s trying to change? “It’s okay to have a little fun, Noah.”

“I don’t need alcohol to have fun,  Maddy.” Touché. But still, what’s with his attitude?

“Sorry, you just look bored. I want to know that you’re enjoying yourself, is all.” We’re still dancing, but it doesn’t feel like he wants to.

“I’m fine, Maddy. You seem to be having fun for the both of us.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing.” He looks away from me and I bite my lip to keep my mouth from spewing out shit I’d regret later. And right at that moment, my name is called for karaoke. “We’re not done.
I’ll be back.” I walk up to the stage, hearing chants and whistles from the crowd. It’s more from my outfit than from me singing, even if half the people here know me. I feel like I’m on display and my legs are cold.

I momentarily forget which song it is, but once the music kicks up on the speakers, I recognize it’s “Who Will Save Your Soul” by Jewel.  Even a little buzzed; I sing my heart out-slightly off-key. And when I sing the chorus, I glance at Noah watching me. His expression is neutral. I can’t help but wonder why he’s acting so weird, distant.

All is fine until a drunk guy appears on the stage and starts freak dancing in front of me. I can’t help but laugh. This shit happens here once in a while. It’s a bar full of drunk, horny bastards that like to get a little crazy. Noah’s face is none too pleased, so I stop laughing and walk away from old man. I’m singing, ignoring this guy but he’s groping me and it messes up my performance.

“No touching the singers please.” Mike says into his microphone. But he pays no attention, as his hands reach my ass and I gasp into my microphone.

“Get off her fucker!” Noah is up on the stage, moving him away from me before I can blink. He stumbles and nearly falls on his face.

“Noah, what the hell?” I finish the last part and hastily return the mic to the stand. I stalk off the stage, pissed. “Noah, what is your problem?” The question sounds absurd in my mind and I know I need to back off but I’m livid.

“My problem is some drunken ass was groping you while you were singing. It was disrespectful, not to mention, sick. Why are you pissed at me?” Why am I? Oh yeah, because of his sour puss attitude all night. That was the last straw. I shove past him and sit down, grabbing my glass for more. I take a big swig.

“Wanna play pool? Either of you?” Andi asks us. I shake my head. Noah glares at me while I take another drink. “No thanks Andi, I’m out of here. I’ve had enough fun for one night.” I look up as he’s putting his coat on.

“Are you fucking kidding me? Fun? What fun?  You’ve been a god damn sour puss all night.” He turns to leave and I hold back tears. I grab my coat and run after him. “Noah!” I catch up to him and grab his arm.

“Go back inside, Maddy, before you get cold.”

“Screw the cold. Talk to me, please.” He stops walking. “I shouldn’t have come here.” I wrap my arms around myself, shivering. I almost take his advice and go inside, but I need to know why he’s so mad. He sees me shivering and wraps his coat around my shoulders. We walk to his jeep.