I am an asshole.
A bonafide piece of shit that ignored a beautiful woman who is my friend. Not only did I barely acknowledge she was sitting across from me, I did it while catching glimpses of her and wondering how she could possibly be more beautiful than the last time I saw her.
See, asshole.
Minnie’s long blonde hair is up off her neck and the top she’s wearing is off her shoulders, fully exposing her throat as she talks animatedly to Julia and Mrs. Sullivan. I’m not sure I’ve ever looked at woman’s neck and thought “Damn, that’s hot.”
Until now.
Minnie hasn’t said much to me and I don’t blame her. I saw the smile on her face when we first got here. She looked relieved to see me and I assume she was grateful to have someone here that she knows. Someone she has talked to every night this week until neither of us could keep our eyes open. Only, I didn’t greet her like any of that had happened. No, I sat across from her with a simple “hey” and a smile.
So, that’s not the worst thing I could have done. Nope. I waited a while longer for that when I joined Landon at the table behind us that held four women who were obviously out for a good time. I can feel eyes burning a hole in the back of my head. I’m trying hard to keep focused on Lisa or Linda, whatever her name is. It’s hard since all she’s talking about is how she doesn’t normally go out or drink. Yet, she’s on her second shot and third beer. Seems like she’s taken to the drinking part just fine.
I have no interest in this woman. She seems nice enough and maybe a few weeks ago I would have been more interested. I would have welcomed her hand lingering a little longer than necessary on my arm. Even her friend with the low-cut top and high-pitched laugh would have been tolerable.
Now, after the time I’ve spent with Minnie, none of these women compare. They seem desperate and, honestly, extremely loud.
“So, Owen, what do you do for a living?” “Low-Cut Top” girl has nudged her way against the woman I’ve deemed “Arm Toucher” as she purrs her question my way.
“I’m in construction.” I glance over at Landon, who is talking with the good girl in the group. There’s always one. She’s the girl they probably bring along to watch their purses and hold their hair back when they drink too much and are praying to the porcelain god.
“Oh, that sounds interesting. Do you like building houses?”
“Uh, not really. Will you excuse me?”
I don’t wait for the women to grant me permission before I turn and head for the bar. I should go sit back at the table with the rest of my friends, including Minnie. I should be a decent guy.
But, I won’t. Going to sit with them, having drinks, and a good time with Minnie will only muddy the waters. Flirting and a few kisses have already sent me into the land of confusion. Hanging out with her and our friends while she looks like she just stepped off a runway is pushing it. I know we’ll flirt, she’ll smile at me, and I’ll flirt back.
“What’s up, man?” Jameson smacks me on the shoulder as he takes the spot next to me at the bar. I stand here listening to Jameson and the bartender, Mel, throw insults at each other before they finally call a truce and Jameson orders us drinks.
“Even if you buy me a drink, I won’t put out at the end of the night,” I joke before finishing my beer and taking the fresh one from the bartender. Raising the bottle in thanks, I take a long drink before setting the bottle down on the bar.
“It’s cool man, I love you and all but you’re not really my type. I’ve got a thing for sassy brunettes.”
Jameson and Ashton have danced around each other for years. Four years ago, they crossed a line that affected the rest of us. It changed the dynamic of our group and I don’t want to ever go back to that kind of chaos. I love Ashton like a sister, but she was a pain in the ass and moody as fuck anytime she and Jameson were around each other. Meanwhile, Jameson slept his way through town—and surrounding towns—trying to pretend he didn’t have feelings for Ashton. Did I mention this went on for years?
Yes, very dramatic. Our own personal soap opera. It sucked.
“So, I know you did this whole thing to help Ashton with her stage fright and whatever, but will you promise me you’ll never sing again. That was painful, man.” It was. I’m not even sure Jameson should lip sync, it was that awful.
“No plans to ever do that again. I mean, I love her, but that was fucking torture.”
We laugh and catch up a bit on work and my efforts to find a recipe for the perfect stout. The atmosphere in the bar shifts as the night continues. I didn’t realize how long Jameson and I had been at the bar until Ashton made her way over. Soon, the two of them were in their own world and I felt like a third wheel. This is but another reminder that our group is changing; our lives are changing.
“I guess I’ll go find Landon and see if he’s ready to get out of here.” Ashton turns, her arms around Jameson’s waist, and smiles at me. A little mischief is on her face and if I know Ashton Sullivan, and I do, she’s up to something.
“I think Lan already left. Well, I know he did, because he introduced me to some girl and said she was driving him home.”
“Well, that’s great. I’m his ride and he left without telling me.”
“Oh, that’s on me. I told him I’d tell you. Guess I forgot. Oh shoot, and I think Ben and Piper left, too. Babe, whatever will poor Minnie do to get home?” Ashton smiles up to Jameson, who shakes his head in response. That sugary sweet voice she’s using is the one we’ve heard a million times over the years. Usually, that was reserved for her dad when she was trying to get her way.
“Looks like you guys have a stop to make on your way home.” I pull my keys from my pocket and am about to congratulate Ashton on a great night when she stops me, a hand on my forearm.
“Owen, can you take Minnie home? We’re staying nearby tonight. Kind of celebrating and stuff.”
“Don’t bat those eyes at me, Ashton Sullivan. That shit may work with this guy,” I say, motioning toward Jameson, “but, not on me. Ben wouldn’t just leave Minnie. Are you sure they aren’t here?”
“Positive. Min was in the restroom and I told them we’d find her a ride home. Please!”
“You’re a brat, you know that?” I poke at her and roll my eyes.
“Oh, totally. I know this to be true. Thanks a bunch, I’ll just go grab her.”
Jameson laughs at his girlfriend and I mock his obvious love of her. I mock because this poor schmuck is stuck with her and her stubbornness for life. No thanks. But, for them? I’m happy. They both deserve it and I’m glad they’ve worked through their shit and found a way to make it work.
A few minutes later, Ashton returns with a less-than-enthusiastic Minnesota Walker. If I had a bunch of feelings, I’d probably be offended she isn’t more excited to catch a ride with me. She still looks fantastic, even after a night of drinking. I can tell she’s a little tipsy but not drunk. As Ashton insincerely apologizes for the mix-up, Minnie offers me a small smile. It’s timid and uncertain. I hate that. We’re friends. We talk every day and yet, she’s standing before me like she’d rather be leaving with anyone else.
“Are you about ready to go? I’m kind of beat.”
“Uh, sure. Ash, thanks for including me tonight. You were fantastic. Jameson?” J looks up from where he’s nuzzling Ashton’s neck and smiles at Minnie. “Maybe don’t change careers. I think construction is a better fit for you than professional singing.”
We all laugh and Jameson promises to not quit his day job. Minnie steps toward me to leave and I step aside, motioning for her to go ahead and toward the door. I start walking, and as Jameson shouts something completely inappropriate in our direction, I throw my arm up and flip him off. Thankfully, Minnie is far enough ahead of me and almost to the door so I don’t think she heard him.
“I’m just this way near the fence.” Minnie nods in response and begins walking in the direction I indicated. While I appreciated how her top displayed her neck earlier, I didn’t have a chance to see the way her jeans compliment her assets.
Friends, Owen. Get it together, man.
As we approach my Jeep, I click the fob to unlock the door. Before Minnie can reach for her door, I grab the handle, opening it. She hesitates before climbing in the car and whispers a thank you. My response is a nod. Not “you’re welcome,” but a nod. Idiot.
Once I’ve buckled myself in, I look over to see if Minnie is also buckled up and note she’s turned more toward the door, looking out the window. It’s obvious she’s not interested in talking so I just start the car and pull out of the parking spot and toward the highway.
After twenty minutes, nothing fills the car but music. I put the top on before we left because even though it’s hot as Hades during the day, it’s cooler at night and there’s always the possibility I’ll meet someone and the last thing I need is a frozen girl as my passenger. I can’t stand the silence anymore so I break it the best way I can.
“So, J really sucked tonight.”
Minnie laughs a little but doesn’t turn my way before answering. “I don’t know, he wasn’t that bad.”
“Were we at the same place? I’m sure dogs within a twenty-mile radius were howling. It was bad, Min.” Shrugging, Minnie turns, facing forward. It’s progress from her back facing me.
“You’re right. But, he’s my boss, I shouldn’t exactly tell him that.” When she glances my way, I note she’s giving me the cordial smile. It’s the same one she used with the waitress at the bar.
“I’m pretty sure you already did. Plus, he’s your friend, Minnie. It’s expected you will mock him endlessly.”
Minnie doesn’t respond, so I continue with basic small talk. How’re the kids? Is her sister doing well? When does her sister come home? Is the door still working? Yep, I asked about the door. Again. She’s polite enough but her answers are clipped and I can tell she’s pissed. At me.
“Min, you pissed?”
“Nope.”
And, there it is.
“I think we established already that I know ‘nope’ is a dirty four-letter word with a lot of meaning.”
“Did we? I don’t really remember, Owen. Was that before or after you pretended we didn’t know each other? That we haven’t hung out?”
“What are you talking about?”
I wanted Minnie to talk to me, but I may regret this by the look in her eyes. She’s shifted herself so she’s facing me now, her seat belt straining against her body from the way she’s sitting. Her deep, blue eyes are almost black as the night. Those plump lips of hers, which by the way are still bright pink, are pursed and I can tell I’m about to regret asking for an explanation.
“What am I talking about?” she grits out between clenched teeth. Oh shit. Yep, I screwed up.
“I am talking about the fact that tonight when you got to the bar, you didn’t so much as nod your head at me like a fucking stranger. Thank goodness nobody knows we hung out or have even spoken two words to each other. I would be mortified.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I said hi to you like everyone else. You’re being a little dramatic, don’t you think?” The moment the words leave my mouth I regret them. The gasp she responds with confirms I probably should have just apologized. “Look, I’m sorry, all right? I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Whatever.” Her response is final and an indication that no further discussion is needed. She turns in her seat and remains silent the remainder of the drive. When we’re about ten minutes from her house, I ask her if she has plans tomorrow. She simply shakes her head in response and keeps her gaze looking out the window of the passenger door.
“Are you still mad at me?” I know she is.
“It’s fine.”
“Doubtful. Like most situations with women, I fucked up.” Minnie turns to me and nods. No smile. Not her bright, sunshine-filled smile that she wears like a badge every day. She isn’t even offering me the small tight-lipped smile she saves for when she’s annoyed but being polite. Nothing. A nod.
I pull up in front of her house and don’t feel comfortable leaving things like this. I’ve screwed up. I was rude and didn’t talk to her. I like keeping our friendship between us. My friends are great, but sometimes you’d think they’re eighteen not almost thirty.
Once I have the car in park, Minnie unbuckles her seatbelt and opens the door. She hesitates before exiting but then hops down and turns. “Thanks for the ride. Drive safe.”
“No problem.” I reach my hand out and touch her arm. “I really am sorry. I was a complete dick. I should have talked to you. I like you, Minnesota, and I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings. I’ve told you I’m an idiot. This should just prove my point.” I smile at her and, finally, she gives me one in return. It’s small, but it’s there. I look past her toward the house and note it’s dark; not even the porch light is on.
“Do you want me to come in and check the house? I don’t really like the idea of you walking into a dark house like this. You should leave a light on, at least the porch light.”
“That’s weird, I did.”
I don’t even hesitate, I turn the ignition off and am out of the driver’s seat and next to Minnie on the sidewalk in seconds.
“What do you mean, you did? You left a light on?”
“Yeah, I always do. I hate coming home to an empty and dark house. It freaks me out. Makes me think of an old horror movie, ya know?”
“I do. Let me have your keys; you stay here and I’ll go see why your light isn’t on.” I expect an argument, but instead, Minnie pulls her house key from her small purse and hands it to me. I quietly walk up to the house and unlock the door. I am only one step into the house before I feel a hand on my lower back, causing me to jump.
“Sorry,” Minnie whispers.
“I told you to wait by the car.” My voice is a whisper, but my tone relays my frustration.
“I know. I didn’t listen. Let’s go see what’s happening.”
I chuckle a little and shake my head. Because, as I’ve come to know Minnie, this does not surprise me. She’s brave and a little stubborn. That’s evident in the fact that she has taken on the responsibility of her nieces and moved to a new town where she didn’t know a soul.
The only light to guide us as we check the house is the moonlight. Thankfully, it’s a full moon and bright enough to keep me from running into random walls. Minnie has a death grip of a hold on my shirt. By the time we make it through the house and back to the living room, she reaches for a table lamp and clicks it. Nothing happens. When she makes her way to the hall and flips the light switch, we both sigh in relief.
“The power is out,” we say in unison.
“I’ll go flip the breaker and be right back.”
The breaker is in the laundry room off the kitchen. The moon provides enough light for me to make it through the kitchen with ease. Once I find the breaker box, I open and flip the switches and I hear Minnie shout that the power’s back on.
I return to the living room where Minnie is bent over pulling off her shoes. I stand for just a few minutes and take in her body without her knowledge. Pervy, maybe, but fuck she’s hot. Especially when she’s bent over like that pulling off her shoes. Then, she does the one thing I’ve been wanting to do most of the drive home. She pulls her hair out of the ponytail and runs her fingers through it. I need to get a grip so I clear my throat to announce my presence.
“Looks like everything is okay. I’d check with a neighbor tomorrow and see if anyone else lost power. If it was just a little outage on the block there shouldn’t be a problem, but if it was just your house, we’ll want to get someone out to check. You can never be too safe in these older homes.” My tone is business because I’m an idiot.
“Thanks, I will. And, thanks for making sure there wasn’t a murderer in my house.” Minnie offers me a real smile that I have no trouble returning.
“You’re welcome. I’m glad there was no movie-worthy axe murderer laying in wait,” I tease.
“Hush.” Her tone is teasing as she lightly smacks me on the arm. “Can I offer you something to drink? Maybe a snack?”
“I don’t know, can you?” Unamused, Minnie starts walking away from me and toward the kitchen. I follow.
“Don’t mock me. I’m kind of hungry and it’s not really that late. I was going to make a drink and maybe something to eat.”
“I could eat.”
“Okay, I’m going to change really quick. Will you put on some music? I have an iPod and docking station on the counter.” Without waiting for a response, Minnie turns and begins down the hallway. Before she makes it far, she stops and turns to me. “And, maybe some music that isn’t full of aggression. I’ve had enough of being angry tonight.”
I nod in response and pull up her playlists. Choosing the one entitled “Chill,” I click play and start rummaging through her refrigerator. The least I can do is pull out some food options.