Page 91 of Waiting for Acceptance
I see the guys standing at the bar, laughing about something, as soon as I walk in the door. They turn to face me as soon as it closes behind me and I’m surprised to see some of them actually smiling.
“Lucy! Get the hell over here.”Well, guess I’m stuck with that name forever now.
“How’s it going man?” Tucker holds his fist out and I bump it, nodding at Sawyer as I do. “Can’t complain.” I slide onto a barstool and Max pulls out a glass, pouring me a scotch. It’s awkwardly quiet for a minute then Tucker breaks the silence,picking up in the middle of a conversation I was clearly not a part of.
“So how is this going to work anyway? We can’t do teams if there’s five of us.”
“Matty is going to meet us there. I realized our dilemma about half an hour ago and figured I’d invite him too.” Sawyer chimes in, setting his beer bottle down on the bar.
“Smart.” Tucker snaps and points at him.
“Umm. What’s happening?” I frown and see Tank smile, which is unnerving.
“Paintball.”
“Ah,” I say, finishing off my drink.
“Don’t be too nervous, city boy. We’ll take it easy on you.” I take the jab quietly and smirk. After all, the result of our little sparring match probably has him thinking he’s got me all figured out.
“I appreciate it, but I think I can handle myself.”
“Let’s get going then,” Max says, clapping his hands together.
“You can ride with us. They’re taking the bikes.” Tank nods towards Max and Tucker, who are heading out the back, as Sawyer walks towards the front exit.
“Cool.”
Tank comes in hot with directions, “Okay, so we’re doing this in teams. Sawyer and Matty with me, Lucy, you’re with Tucker and Max.”Why am I not surprised?
“Sounds good.”
“We got you, Rookie. If there’s anyone you want covering your six, it’s us.” Tucker slaps me on the ass, taking me completely by surprise. “Let’s do this.”
“If he doesn’t shoot you for that shit, I will,” Max mumbles to Tucker, but I manage to hear it and have to stifle my laugh.
Halfway through our time in the field, someone yells, “Every man for himself.” Splitting our teams up. I shake my head with a laugh. Why does this feel like some sort of hazing, or initiation of sorts? I get a hit on Tucker first, then Max, I make it a point to take a few shots on Tank when I spot him—just to make sure I didn’t miss—then get Matty and Sawyer last. When the game ends my shirt is completely covered in paint, but so is everyone else’s.
“Dude, where the hell did you learn to shoot like that?” Tucker asks me as we’re turning our gear back in.
“I spent a lot of time hunting with my grandpa when I was younger.”
“Holy hell. Color me impressed.” He gives me a pat on the back, and we return to the rest of the group. “Spurs?” He looks around the group, and everyone mumbles their agreement.
I recognize the name. Lauren likes their food during her…less healthy weeks.
When I slide into the back seat of Tank’s truck, I see him glance at me through the mirror. “What?”
“Nothing.” He starts the truck, looking straight out the windshield as we wait for Sawyer to finish talking to Matty outside.
“You don’t like me.” He grumbles in response, and his eyes cut over to mine. “Look, our girls are best friends, apparently, so why don’t we just address this now? That way Lauren doesn’t have to freak out every time we’re supposed to hang out together.”
“Why was she freaking out?” He frowns, and it’s then I see the genuine worry in his eyes.
“I don’t know man, you tell me. She was clearly worried about us all hanging out, but out of all the guys here, you’re the only one who doesn’t seem happy about it. So do you mind filling in the blanks?” His jaw hardens and he shakes his head.
“Lauren is like family to me. I don’t care much for people who hurt my family, and I don’t know you all that well yet. Meaning I’m not so sure you won’t hurt her again.”
“Again?” I cut him off, confused by what he means.
