A Tattered Love (5 page)

“What’s up, man? What are you doing today?”

If I were to hang out with Evan, it would be easier to say I was in the area because I was chillin’ with Evan, and not intentionally coming to see Riley.

“I was thinking maybe we could hit up the beach and play some volleyball?” I asked Evan.

“Yeah, man, that sounds like a plan. How about I meet you at the beach in, say, an hour?”

“See ya there, dude.”

“Later.”

This would be perfect, I thought. I would go to the beach with Evan and play some volleyball, then I could make my way over to Riley’s and talk with her. Or do I talk with Riley first then go to the beach, and hope she’ll come to the beach too?

So I climbed out of bed and threw on some clothes. I headed over to Riley’s so I could maybe talk with her before the volleyball game.

The sound of my Mustang roared as I turned the ignition. I entered first gear, slammed my foot on the gas pedal, and floored it as I headed out of town. I loved my car, and it was seriously my baby. My 2012 Ford Mustang GT was the best thing I had ever bought for myself. I loved driving it and making modifications to it. I always felt very proud that I could say that at twenty-four years old, I owned my own car. Not many kids my age could say that they did that on their own.

I was scared to talk to Riley. I knew that I screwed up by sleeping with her without even knowing her, but I wanted her to know I wasn’t like that, either. I mean, I had been like that in the past, but I wanted her to know that I didn’t want to be like that. My childhood was one that most kids only dreamed about. My parents were so much in love with one another, and still are, that I envied their relationship. I wanted to find a woman that I would be able have that with. I wanted to share my life with somebody that had the same goals in life. Most of the guys my age just wanted to have sex and party, but I was really over that stage in life. I’ve had my fun, and even though I’m still young, I wanted to find that special girl even though I didn’t want to face heartbreak again. It was the risk I had to take for Riley.

I was afraid that I had already chosen Riley in my mind, but would she meet my expectations or disappoint me? So far, I couldn’t blame her from running from me. That was almost my sign that she was the one. Most of the time, when this had happened to me, the girl stayed and ogled over me. I knew she only wanted me for my looks or my money and assumed my looks meant I wanted to get laid. Just because I’m good-looking, doesn’t mean I want to be in every girl’s pants, which was the stereotype I would get quite often. I used to have many friends that were girls. Yet, those friends, I had come to realize just wanted the status of being a friend of Mr. Popular. Once I caught on, I dropped them—and fast.

I arrived at Evan’s apartment complex and parked. I grabbed my bag out of the backseat. I headed around the other side to Riley’s apartment and made my way up the stairs and down the hall to apartment 209. I took in a deep breath and knocked on the door a couple times. I heard a dog bark pretty loud as I stood there waiting. I knocked again after a few minutes, and still heard nothing but the dog. She must not be home. Maybe she works Sundays.

I turned around and headed down to Evan’s apartment.

Evan opened the door. “Hey, thought we were meeting at the beach?” He asked confused to see me.

“Oh, right, I forgot. My bad.”

“It’s cool, come on in while I grab my bag.”

“All right.” I sat down on the couch to wait.

I looked around. The TV was off, and the apartment was pretty quiet. “Abby working today?”

“Nah, man. Abby and Riley went grocery shopping together.”

So, she wasn’t working. That was excellent news for me.

“Oh cool. How long have you known Riley?”

“Just a few months, man. She became friends with Abby since about the first day she moved here. Abby noticed her dog and made small talk. She realized she had just moved in, and offered to help her unpack and to help her shop for furniture. They started talking, and Abby got her a job. Best friends since, dude.”

“She’s cool,” I added.

“Yeah, man, she’s a great girl. She’s sweet, and I’m totally glad she came into Abby’s life. Abby needs the great friendship they have.”

“She’s single right?” I asked nonchalantly.

“As far as I know. She’s here quite often and never mentioned any guys.”

“There’s just this vibe I got from her, man.”

“What’s this I hear you went to Eddie’s and over paid your meal? Since when do you go to the pub?” Evan asked me walking back in the room with his bag around his shoulder, sliding his wallet in his pants.

“Word gets around fast, huh? I like her, just wanted to stop in, eat and say hi.”

“Well, she’s all yours, man.” Evan chuckled.

Riley

“So do you think you like him?” Abby asked while pushing her cart into mine making me laugh.

“I don’t know, Abby. I don’t know what I want with my life right now.” I said putting a gallon of orange juice in my cart.

“Ry, I didn’t ask you about what you wanted in your life. I asked you if you liked Dustin?”

“I don’t—”

Abby cut me off, “Yes or no?”

“Yes, but I don’t know if I’m ready.” I shot an annoyed look at her.

“Riley Grace Miller, you already slept with him, the hard part is over, you have to be ready, or you wouldn’t have allowed yourself to do that.” She laughed stopping my cart.

“Thanks, Abby.” I rolled my eyes. It felt good to be able to talk about Dustin with someone. If Abby had not become such a close friend, I could never have told her that I had already slept with him. A lesser friend would have judged me right away, but Abby accepted it for what it was.

“I’m serious. I haven’t known you for a long time, but I know that you’re genuine. I know you’re not a slut that sleeps around. You slept with Dustin because you had feelings for him, you like him. It’s ok to like him.” Abby reminded me.

“Want to know what he said to me?”

“Details, please!” She smiled and then endured hearing all the juicy details.

I leaned against the freezer door. “He asked me if I’d ever had a life situation that I knew was meant to be. You feel that you must do something because if you didn’t risk it, or take the chance at an opportunity, you would regret it later.”

“Yeah and…” She circled her hand to tell me to continue.

“I told him that sometimes you have to ask yourself if it’s worth the risk to chance it.” I took a deep breath and let it out. “Then he kissed me, and he asked me if the risk had been worth it? It was the sweetest thing any man has ever said to me, Abby.”

“The risk of sleeping with him? Girl, you’re naïve.” Abby laughed.

“No, that he took a risk with me not knowing if I was going to like it, go along with it, like him, and then chose to still get to know him.”

“But you ran away, and you haven’t spoken since.” Abby shook her head confused.

“Like I was trying to explain to you—yeah, I like him, but, I don’t know if I’m ready for him.”

“I know Dustin pretty well. He’s one of Evans’ best friends. He’s a good guy, Riley, and you should give him a chance.”

              “Give me three reasons why I should?”

              “Ok, well for one, he’s like the sweetest guy ever. Secondly, he’s polite and has outstanding manners. And third, well, he’s very good-looking.”

I looked at Abby with a blank look on my face. I want so badly for this to happen, but I was just so scared it wouldn’t work out. I’ve never dated somebody I felt was so out of my league before.

“His Dad owns Eddie’s Seaside Pub. I don’t know if I want to be sleeping with my boss’s son.”

Abby’s phone went off, which caused us to have to put our girl talk on hold.

“Hey, baby.” Abby answered on speakerphone.

“Hey, wanna watch us play v-ball?”

“For sure, I’ll bring Riley. We just have to finish shopping, and then we’ll head over.”

“Love you, baby cakes.” Evan sweetly proclaimed.

“Love you too, sugar bun.” Abby hung up.

They always say the weirdest things when they call one another. They were too cute for each other. I couldn’t help but think Abby was right—maybe I should give Dustin a chance.

“I’m dragging you to the beach, and we’re going to watch Evan and Dustin, and the guys play some volleyball. No if, ands, or buts—you’re coming Riley Grace Miller.”

“That actually sounds like a beautiful plan. We need to run home first. I want to get my suit so I can sunbathe.” A broad grin grew across my face.

“You just want to gloat your stunning body some more in front of Dustin.” Abby cachinnated.

“Stop laughing. My body has to go on a diet before you can say it’s stunning,” I joked.

“Oh, please. You’re a skinny bitch!”

“I could make this body look better, Abby.”

“Girl, Dustin obviously likes you as you are. So just chill out, Riley.”

I smiled and pushed my cart ahead. “I need a few more things then I’ll be done.” I hurried down the aisles and picked out some items I can make for dinner this week. Once I was finished, I checked out and waited for Abby. I waited for her patiently with Dustin on my mind. The knowledge of seeing him today gave me butterflies.

“Let’s go unload our groceries, get in our suits, and head out of here. Time to enjoy our Sunday!” Abby clapped her hands and headed out to her SUV.

“Sounds like a plan!” She could see the excitement in my eyes.

We loaded our groceries into her Durango and headed home. Once we unloaded our groceries, I visited Cooper briefly and searched for my swimsuit. I had a knock on my door. I rushed to the door along with Cooper who let out a few barks.

I looked through the peephole, and saw it was Abby. I opened the door, and Cooper attacked her with love. “Come on in, I’m searching for my bikini.”

“Where that sexy white one you bought at that beach store with me. I think it looks smokin’ on you!” Abby had a witty smile.

“If only I can find it!” I proclaimed.

“Find it! Hurry up, Ry!” I sighed. “I’m going to play with Cooper.”

I hurried around my bedroom and tossed my clothes everywhere to find this stupid bikini. Once I reached my closet, I could have slapped my forehead for being so brainless… “Found it!” I yelled out loud for Abby to hear me. “Let me get dressed, and I’ll be right out!”

I slipped my bikini bottoms on, tying my strings to the top in the back. Shit!
I should have shaved!
I darted into the bathroom and flung the water on, and quickly took the razor and shaved some hair off my legs. I splashed water on my legs and patted them dry. Then I yanked on a jean skirt and threw on a bright pink tank top, over my bikini. I slid my feet into black rhinestone flip-flops. My hair was blow-dried straight after my morning shower, and I pushed a headband in my hair to keep the hair out of my face. Whew, now I’m ready!

“Damn, girl. I’m jealous. Well, then again, I used to look that good for Evan until I just decided I don’t give a damn anymore.” Abby said with a sneer.

We both laughed out loud.

“Bye, Coop, be a good boy!” I threw Cooper some treats to enjoy while we were gone.

“Your car or mine?” I directed Abby.

“Don’t be silly, Riley, we’ll take mine. I know your car is on the outs, so it’s no biggie. The Durango likes to go for rides.”

                            Grabbing my purse and beach towel, we headed out the door and took off for the beach. We blasted the latest hip-hop tunes and sang along cheerfully as we made our way there.

** CHAPTER 4 **

Dustin

              I served the ball, and tried to get into my game spirit. We were almost done with the game when I saw, Abby and Riley laying their beach towels on the sand. I had to do a double take because I was shocked to see Riley. Then, all I could do was stare as she was undressing, and was then in only her bikini. Simply stunning! I focused back on the game, spiked the ball to the other side of the court, and made a winning score. The guys on my team all yelled and cheered for me for scoring the winning point. Evan yelled for me, and we ran over to the girls. Evan heaped Abby up in his arms and hugged her while spinning her around.

“Hey, Riley.” I grinned walking over to where their towels were laying.

“Hey, Dustin. Looks like you guys had a good game.”

“It was a good game. We won!” I said excitedly. Riley, can we talk, please. I just want to talk, I promise.” I offered my hand to her.