Convincing Her Read online

  Rich heard Cameron in the background telling Tyler to calm down, “Look, I can tell you’re pissed, but you really have no reason to be. Do you want to know what happened? I told her I loved her and she shut me out. She disappeared on me without a word. Not even a fuck you.”

  “Shit.” Tyler groaned into the phone, “I figured something like that might have happened.” After a long pause, “So what are you going to do to fix it?”

  He huffed, “There’s nothing I can do. You saw how I was before, chasing after her like a lost little puppy. I can’t do that again. She doesn’t want me around and I can’t do it again. It hurts,” he clutched his stomach as tension rolled through him, “to think about her in pain. The last thing I want is for her to suffer, ever. But I can’t change her mind.”

  “Have you tried?”

  “Not this time. She made herself clear.” He slid onto his bed, curling into a ball.

  “So that’s it, you’re done?” Tyler’s tone was bleak, “There’s no way to fix this?”

  “There’s nothing to fix Ty. I can’t make her see that it’s worth giving us a shot, a real chance. If you have any ideas, I’m all ears.” He’d already considered his options and giving her space was his only choice.

  “I’ll try to think of something. Talk to you later. Sorry for wigging out on you.”

  “No problem.”

  Forcing himself out of bed, he made his way to the mini-fridge. Grabbing a beer, he downed it and opened another. If he tried hard enough, maybe he could drink himself into oblivion.

  Rich slipped the bartender a twenty dollar bill and grabbed his drinks. He and Chris had been here for a couple hours now, and despite the alcohol running through his system he was still having a shitty time. This had been a weekly routine for the last month. Each time he watched Chris set his sights on another girl he wanted to punch himself in the face for acting like that in the past. Sure, he was hard up for some physical attention, but he couldn’t bring himself to fuck some random girl.

  Tonight Chris chose a blond. She was tall and looked a little bit like Tracy. Pete had kept him updated on her progress and she was doing great. She was even back at the gym teaching her classes. They’d solidified their Thanksgiving plans, and surprisingly enough Pete was planning to bring Tracy to the family get-together.

  Rich slunk into the booth, watching as Chris put his arm around the girl, he didn’t even bother asking their names at this point. Chris whispered something into her ear and she giggled and blushed.

  “Hey! Rich, how are you?” Amy appeared in his wavy gaze, her voice extremely loud, even over the blaring music. He blinked, observing her disheveled appearance. She was a cute girl. He wouldn’t have set her up with Tyler otherwise. Of course, that had been before the guy fell in love with his roommate. She was obviously wasted, bracing herself on the side of the booth. Her hair was a mess, and her eye make-up was smeared.

  “You okay Amy?” He slurred, shaking his head to clear his alcohol laden brain.

  “I’m bored out of my mind.” She slipped into the booth at his side, “I bet you could entertain me though.”

  He looked her over, from her breasts toppling out of her shirt to the too-short skirt that was much too high on her thighs. Considering the fact that his dick might in fact be broken, he sighed, “It’s not going to happen. You’re wasted.”

  She stared at him for a long time, “So are you.”

  “Yes, yes I am. Nothing good could come of this.” He waved his hand between them, “I wouldn’t be thinking about you, you wouldn’t be thinking about me, it would be a waste of time.”

  Pouting, she reached for his drink, “That’s rude. You know, I’ve never been rejected as much as I have this year.” She gulped the remaining liquid in the glass, “I guess I’m past my prime.”

  “Nah, you’ve still got it. I’m all fucked up right now.” He pulled out his phone, “I’m going to call you a cab, okay?”

  She huffed, motioning to the waitress to come over, “I’m gonna have another while I wait.”

  He flipped through his contacts on his phone, blinking several times in an attempt to focus on the screen. Finally, he found the number, motioning for her to move so he could make the call away from the loud speakers behind him, “Don’t go anywhere. I mean it.”

  It took a few tries but he made his way out of the booth, dialing the phone as he walked to the semi-quiet entrance of the club. After he was done, he slipped the phone back in his pocket and went back inside, relieved to see her at the table. “You have about thirty minutes. Don’t get alcohol poisoning.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to have some fun? Rumor is you haven’t gotten lucky in a long while.” She eyed Chris and the blond with a jealous expression, “I think I can remain coherent for another hour at least.”

  “Thanks, but no thanks. One of us would end up puking on the other.” Shuddering at the thought he slid into the booth, trapping her in the corner. As the waitress made her rounds he ordered a bottle of water, wanting this night to be over. There was no use trying to pretend anymore.

  He guzzled his drink, only half-listening to Amy’s account of her night. After he was pretty sure enough time had passed he grabbed her hand, lifting his chin at Chris as they exited the booth. Once outside he sucked in a huge breath, filling his lungs to the max before letting it out. Her cab hadn’t arrived yet, so he slid down on the curb while she twirled around a street sign, singing softly. “Have you ever been in love Amy?”

  A harsh laugh escaped her and then she hiccupped, “Yup, it blew. He turned out to be a total jack-ass.” She stopped twirling, “Is that what’s made you all boring? You’re in love?” She drew out the last word, mocking him.

  He ignored her, standing as the cab pulled up to the curb. “I’ll see you around okay? Be safe.”

  “Wait,” she grabbed his arm, “thanks for not taking advantage.”

  He gave a curt nod, pulling out his wallet and handing the cab driver two twenties, “This should cover it.”

  Her cold hands gripped his face and she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, “Whoever the lucky bitch is, she’s stupid not to love you back.”

  Waiting until she was on her way, he took a few more draws of the fresh air before turning to head back inside. He heard his phone sound with a new message and he pulled it out, focusing on the screen.

  Angel: That was surprising

  He swung his head around, searching for her on the crowded street. His vision blurred as he tried to focus on any dark head in the crowd, not having any luck. His heart was pounding, his hands shaking. It took him three times to type a reply.

  Rich: Where R U

  Unsure of how long he stood outside the club waiting for her response, searching for her, he finally gave up. Heading back inside and drinking another bottle of water, he was overwhelmed as his mind filled with questions. Why was she here? Why didn’t she respond to him? Why didn’t she talk to him? None of it made sense. He told Chris they needed to go, slipping outside to search for her again. Taking a risk, he pulled out his phone once more.

  Rich: I miss u

  He needed to get his shit together. Angie would never be his if didn’t straighten himself out. She deserved better than this, and so did he.

  Chapter Eleven

  Rich set his bag down in his childhood room, surprised that his parents hadn’t turned it into an office by now. He’d arrived about an hour before, welcomed by his mom. His dad was at work and Pete and Tracy were still on their way. It was weird being here, even more so since his mother had given him a big hug when he’d arrived. She looked older, her dark hair beginning to gray. But she looked happy too. They’d sat at the table and talked, Vivian hinting that she was disappointed he’d come alone. It wasn’t like he hadn’t tried. He’d left messages with Tyler and Cameron, sent her at least twenty texts, he’d even gone to the coffee shop she frequented every day for the last two weeks. She never showed and she never responded. It was done. He needed to
move on.

  Lying back on his bed he gazed at the Playboy centerfolds he had taped to his ceiling, chuckling as he wondered what his mom had thought about that and why she’d left them up there. Most were brunettes and his smile faded as he compared them to Angie. Despite their air-brushed beauty, there was no real competition.

  Hearing the door shut upstairs, he slid off his bed, stopping in the small basement bathroom to wash his hands and pull himself together. At least he’d gotten a haircut before he’d come, he actually looked half-way respectable.

  He met his father as he headed into the kitchen, returning the man’s handshake when it was offered. “Hey, how are you?” Richard Sr. looked a bit older than the last time he’d seen him, but his eyes crinkled at the sides as he smiled in welcome.

  “I’m great Rich, how are you doing?” He slid up behind his mom, giving her a chaste kiss on the cheek, “Sorry I’m late.”

  “It’s okay dear. It gave me time to catch up with your oldest son a bit.” She smiled up at his father, “Pete and Tracy should be here soon. It’ll be good to have a full house again won’t it?”

  Sinking into a chair Rich observed their interaction while searching his memories for any recollection of seeing them like this. Maybe all the stuff his mom said about things being different really had been true. He heard a song begin to play, raising his eyebrows at his dad when his mom grabbed her phone, disappearing into the laundry room. His father just shrugged, opening the fridge and taking out a soda and offering him one as well. “Thanks.”

  “So how’s school going?” His dad sat, taking a big drink.

  “Classes are good this year. How’s work?” He’d never made small talk with his dad before, it was surreal.

  “Work is work, if I were you I’d put it off as long as possible.” The old man gave him another smile.

  “You remember this conversation when I’m the oldest senior at my school.” He joked, sipping his drink. They sat in comfortable silence.

  He didn’t mean to be nosy, but he wondered who his mom was talking to, especially when he heard her say softly, “Did you get what I sent you?” He wasn’t sure how the caller responded since there was no response from his mom.

  “Where’s the welcome wagon?” Pete made his presence known, Tracy on his heels.

  Rich stood at the same time as his father, giving Tracy a quick hug as Pete greeted their dad with a nod. “How are you?”

  Tracy did a little dance, shuffling her feet, “I’m all healed up good as new. How are you?”

  “I’m here.” He answered honestly as he gave Pete a quick hug and pat on the back. “I told you I’d make it.”

  Pete smiled, “I’m glad.” He turned to Tracy, “Tracy, meet my dad, dad, this is Tracy.”

  His mom entered the room with a smile. She put her phone away, “Sorry I missed you coming in.” She made her way over to Pete, pausing for a moment before giving him a hug, and then did the same to Tracy, “Nice to meet you.”

  “Thanks for having me Mrs. Remington.” Tracy gave her a smile, taking Pete’s hand.

  “Call me Vivian. Sit down. Do you want something to drink?” His mom turned, opening the fridge.

  “So, let’s all get to know each other shall we?” His father sat, “It’s well passed time we did so.”

  Two days later Rich was convinced he’d been transported to the twilight zone. His parents were constantly touching, gazing at each other across the room. It was obvious that they were truly in love, something he had never been convinced of as a kid. Rightfully so, considering the small amount of information he’d gotten from his parents his first night home. Turns out they had gotten married straight out of college without ever going on a single date. It was weird to picture living with someone you didn’t really know but it seemed to have worked out okay.

  There hadn’t been any tension after that first night. They’d laughed and talked until early morning, finally crashing in their respective rooms. It was good, and he was happy, at least as happy as he could be as the odd man out without someone here to love. He was still a bit curious about his mother having private conversations on her phone from time to time, but he let it go. Maybe she had friends, adults did have social lives.

  Tracy had assured him she had stayed in touch with Angie and that she was fine, but there was something in her gaze that made his stomach clench. He’d pushed the feeling away, determined to try and enjoy himself. Pete was practically ecstatic, grinning from ear to ear every time their mom touched his hand or ruffled his hair.

  She had announced she didn’t want to wait until Thanksgiving Day to have their big dinner. She’d been experimenting with different recipes and promised they’d do something special for the holiday but said there was no reason to put off a good turkey dinner.

  Rich woke up around noon, taking his time in the shower before making his way towards the kitchen. Hearing the distinct sound of his mother’s ringtone, he paused, waiting.

  “Hi honey, how are you?” She whispered, her concerned tone causing him to frown.

  He jumped when his father laid his meaty hand on his shoulder, “Did you sleep well?”

  “Yeah, I slept great. Who’s she talking to?” He’d never heard his mom call anyone honey before.

  His dad replied as he shrugged, “No idea, I just let her be. It pays off.” Giving Rich a knowing wink, he made his way into the kitchen, pouring some coffee.

  His mom frowned as she met his gaze, hurrying out of the kitchen and onto the porch. She returned minutes later, the frown still creasing her forehead.

  “Is everything okay mom?” He picked up the knife and began cutting up some celery.

  There was sadness in her eyes, but she still smiled, “Yes, everything is fine son.” She instructed him on how much celery she needed, then placed some carrots in front of him.

  It was kind of fun, helping his mom out in the kitchen. He wasn’t a good cook, not having much experience, but he’d never spent time preparing a meal with her before. She took bites of everything as they went, always making sure his dad had enough coffee as he read his paper. It was another surprise that his dad had slept in. Rich could remember the man getting up at the break of dawn every morning.

  Tracy and Pete made their way into the kitchen about an hour later. Tracy looked well-fucked and Pete wore a relaxed grin as he pulled out a Red Bull. His parent’s didn’t seem to notice or if they did they didn’t seem to have a problem with it.

  Rich decided he should do some Christmas shopping since he had the time to kill, plus he wanted to get out of the house for a while. After stopping at several stores, finding a nice bracelet for his mom, a sweater and tools for his dad, and several small trinkets for Tracy and Pete, he washed his car, taking the long way back to the house as he listened to a classic rock station on the radio. All in all, it had been a good year. He couldn’t let his messed up love life damper those feelings.

  Carrying his bags down to his room, he checked his phone for any missed messages before heading upstairs, finding his dad in front of the TV with Pete, Tracy and his mom in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on dinner.

  “Get me anything good?” Pete asked, glancing away from the television.

  “Wouldn’t you like to know?” He flopped down on the couch, “So, I heard Tracy say you agreed to go to her parents for Christmas.”

  “Yeah, it’s only fair. They seem like nice enough people, sort of weird, but so is Tracy.”

  He nudged Pete’s shoulder with his own, “You love it.”

  “Yeah, I do.” His brother admitted quietly, “Everything is going really well.”

  “I’m happy for you.”

  “So am I Pete. If you’ve found the girl of your dreams, you hang on to her, no matter what.” His dad chimed in, glancing at Rich before focusing once more on the television.

  “Come and get it!” Tracy called from the kitchen.

  Rich heard his mom laugh. She seemed to really get a kick out of Tracy’s somewhat
flamboyant behavior. He took a spot by his dad, his mother on the other side of his father, Tracy and Pete across from him. “I’m really glad we did this.” He wasn’t sure why, but he felt really emotional.

  “So are we son. It’s been too long.” His father tapped his knuckles on the table, “Let’s eat.”

  He accepted each dish as they were passed to him, taking a generous amount. His mother had cooked enough for ten people instead of the five of them. As he was shoving a spoonful of mashed potatoes in his mouth, real ones, not the ones out of the box that he was used to, the doorbell rang. He raised his brows, “Are you expecting someone?”

  His mom clapped her hands together softly and stood, “Yes, I am actually. Excuse me for a moment.”

  He locked eyes with Pete across the table, “Do you know who it is?”

  “Nah man, it’s probably the same person she’s always whispering to on the phone.”

  So he hadn’t been imaging things. He noticed Tracy shifting in her seat nervously, “What’s wrong?”

  She shook her head quickly, “Nothing.”

  Hearing the door close he took a sip of water, wondering if some long-lost family member had shown up or his mom had started taking in strays. As he heard two sets of footsteps approaching he paused expectantly. His stomach flipped when he saw her, only partially visible behind his mother’s form. He froze, knowing he should say something, do something, but unable to form a coherent thought.

  “Come on in honey, take a seat. We just sat down.” His mother stepped aside, putting her arm around Angie’s shoulders.

  He really saw her then, dressed in an old baggy sweater and jeans, her eyes darting around the room, avoiding his gaze. Her hair was a dull brown, not the soft shiny waves he remembered, and her face was too thin, her cheekbones much too pronounced. Her face was clean of make-up and she looked tired.

  Tracy slid back from the table, walking over and giving her a quick hug. “Come eat, I helped cook.” She said proudly with a smile.