Page 52 of Just Breathe

Nathan

Jane walked away from us, looking very sure of herself with a sway to her hips. This girl was something else. She kept us on our toes, and I fucking liked it. “I think you’re going to get hustled, Callum.” He scowled at me.

“There’s no way she can get me an appointment less than a week away.” He took a drink of his beer, glancing at her, looking a little nervous. Hell, I would too. Her brother sounded awful, but spending a weekend with her, I think I could handle it.

“Shit bro, I think you’re fucked.” Kelsey took a sip of water, clearly enjoying this.

Aiden laughed. “I’m with Kelsey. I think you're fucked.”

“I just don’t see how she could make him change his schedule. I’m serious. This guy is always book and booked solid. He charges a deposit, and that shit isn’t refundable.” He glanced at Jane again, looking doubtful with just a hint of excitement at the possibility of getting a tat from this dude. Or was he excited to get to be alone with her?

“Ten bucks they are related,” I say, looking over at her too. Her back was to us, still giving me a view of her ass. That voluptuous ass I’ve dreamt about.

“Ten bucks it’s an old boyfriend.” Kelsey put her hand out for me to shake.

“Ten bucks it’s just a friend.” Aiden gets in on it too and we all shake hands.

“Really guys?” Callum tried to look mad, but he’s amused. I think this is the most of ever seen Callum smile in the last two weeks.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I ignored it, but it vibrated again.

“Oh, she just squealed. I think she’s got it, dude,” Kelsey said as I pulled my phone out of my pocket.

Once I saw the name on the screen, I froze. I’ve been expecting this call for a few days now, but I was not prepared to see it. “I gotta get this.” I get up, not even looking at the guys, and I know they are wondering what the hell is going on. I feel Aiden’s stare on me as I walk away, but I can’t answer this in front of them, or even Jane. The call ends only for it to start up again. I find a spot that few people are around and answer the phone.

“Hello.” I try to make my voice as strong as possible.

“Well, it’s about fucking time. I’ve been calling for forever. I don’t know why you make me wait like that, Nathaniel.”

Just hearing her voice made me instantly hang up. Fuck. I couldn’t do this and I was still feeling raw after Jane’s breakdown, making me feel like the biggest fucking man baby. I was too old for me to be feeling like this and no matter how much time went by, I still felt like the biggest wuss in the world.

I looked at the people around me acting like they had no care in the world while I had world war three going on in my mind. My breathing was shallower, the start of a panic attack itching its way out. I thought I was getting better, but apparently I was wrong. Fuck!

I walked towards the nearest booth, asking for two beers. I didn’t even care what they were. After I paid and I walked far enough away, I downed them quickly and went to another booth for two more. I downed those just as quickly, debating on getting two more.

My inner demons finally quieted down enough I could focus on something else. I just needed to take the edge off enough. I knew this wasn’t a healthy way to deal with them.

“Hey Nathan,” someone said in a breathy voice. I instantly pictured Jane, but Candy came into view. Whoa, when did she walk up to me? “I’ve miss you.” She leaned up against me, pushing her boobs into my chest.

“I just saw you,” I said, stepping back because she felt wrong.

She pouted. “I know, but I can’t I still miss you and your amazing cock.” She leaned close, like she was trying to hide what she said, but I know Candy was staking her claim. “Where’s Cal?”

“Look Candy, I know you think…”

“I know I’m sorry, but can you blame a girl? You guys are amazing,” she interrupted me because she knew what I was going to say, anyway. “I can’t help but be dickmatized.”

I laughed at her choice of words. “Dickmatized?”

“Yeah, you know what I mean.” She flashed me a smile, and the awkwardness withered away. “Let me buy you a beer.”

“Sure.” I followed her to the nearest booth, thinking one more, and I was done. This one would make everything silent, and that’s just what I needed. She ordered two beers and got something that I liked. I wonder if it was a coincidence, or she remembered what I liked. I looked out into the crowd, wondering if the group was still in the same spot. Aiden and Callum were probably worried, but they didn’t want to draw attention to me, keeping Jane entertained. I wonder if she got the guy to tattoo Cal.

We walked to the side of the booth since it was along the edge. “Cheers.” Candy handed me a beer, and we clinked our plastic cups together. I drank this one much slower, but not by much. I finished mine before she did.

“Mmm, this one is actually good. I’ve never been a big fan of ales, but not too shabby.” She smiled at me. “Look, I just want to apologize. I won’t do this again, and I remember what we agreed on in the beginning.”

“Look Candy, that’s why we made the agreement in the beginning. We want to make sure there isn’t any confusion about what’s going on.” I felt the other beers affecting me.

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