Breaking Elle Read online

  “Come on Elle, stop being a downer! You’ve worked all week long and need to just go out with us girls.” Evelyn slips out of the locker room shower wrapped in the tiniest towel in existence. “If I’m lucky, maybe I can be Reed’s next victim.” She laughs as she drops the towel and starts to dress in an even skimpier outfit.

  I’m not surprised that other girls are having fantasies of him, but he’s so damn arrogant and cocky, with his raised eyebrow and that smirk plastered to his face, confronting me, but I found myself attracted to that. Why does he have to be that way? And why am I falling for it?

  “I don’t know. Cane and I plan to watch the game tonight. I’m not really feeling the whole bar scene right now.” I exhale impatiently.

  “Are you sure that’s it or does Cane just want you all to himself?” She turns to me after pulling her tank top over her head. “Come on Elle, liven up. Look dirty and play dirty is what I say. If you’re not going to cancel your plans with Cane, I will.” She grins mischievously, throwing her head back.

  “Fine.” I counter, lacing up my sneakers. I shove my towel and flip-flops in my bag, and throw it over my shoulder, anxious to take a break from work for a couple days. “I’ll talk to him,” I reply, my eyes darting towards the exit.

  I don’t know if I’m upset about being overworked, not wanting to go out, or Reed annoying me in every possible way. He’s gunning for me, but why? He doesn’t even know me. He could get his choice of any girl here, but he gravitates to me, the only one with a boyfriend. Maybe that’s the appeal, the unattainable.

  “Hey, be ready by ten. No excuses.” she sings as she pulls her hair back in a ponytail. “Be prepared.” She winks mischievously.

  “What do you mean?” I frown, wondering what she has planned for the night.

  We might try something different tonight.” She giggles. “Oh, relax.” She scoffs, when she sees my frustrated expression. “It’s no biggie. We’re not going to the Gypsy Bar this time. I heard there’s a new club in downtown Boston called the Good Life that’s really hopping. We need to broaden our horizons so to speak.” She winks.

  “Great! I can’t wait.” I can only imagine what that means for Evelyn. I pop in my earbuds, crank up the volume, and wave halfheartedly, already thinking about missing a quiet night with my boyfriend. How do I let people talk me into these things?

  Evelyn shows up promptly at ten o’clock as promised, pulling up in her silver Mercedes convertible. She honks twice and turns downs her radio that’s blaring Train’s “Hey Soul Sister” when I step outside on the porch. Cane isn’t happy about the change in plans for the night. He says he might go out for a beer with some of the guys and then meet me at the Good Life. He was still trying to talk me out of going out when he left my house.

  “Woohoo! Look at you! Girls’ night out becomes you! Has Cane seen you tonight?” Evelyn chirps, swinging her arm behind the front seat where a mysterious blonde sits quietly staring at me.

  “Yes.” I frown. Cane wasn’t happy about what I was wearing, saying that it was too sexy. I’m starting to conclude that he really hates this girls’ night thing with Evelyn, but I believe spending time apart is good for our relationship. “Is it a little much?” I spin so she can see the whole outfit, a black miniskirt with a purple halter and black strappy pumps.

  “Are you kidding me? You look fab, girlfriend! Get in!” Her mood is contagious, and I smile despite myself.

  “Evelyn, you’re being rude,” the girl in the front seat purrs. “Are you going to introduce us?” She pouts, regarding me carefully.

  “Oh, my bad. Elle, this is Mindy, Mindy, this is Elle. I work with her at the center. She’s a workaholic.” She rolls her eyes and giggles. “I had to drag her out tonight,” she replies, checking her makeup in the rearview mirror.

  My jaw drops. She is the girl who hooked up with Reed, and I’m hanging out with her tonight. This night looks to be memorable. I slide into the back seat of the car, scrutinizing the girl—long blonde hair, grey blue eyes and full pouty lips. She’s dressed in an angel white dress, but we all know that she’s anything but that.

  “So, you remember Mindy, right? She was the one who hooked up with Reed.” Evelyn looks at me through the rearview mirror.

  “I don’t think it’s something to brag about,” I reply, lowering my eyes to hide my distaste.

  “I would,” Mindy counters, looking over her shoulder at me. “He’s amazing; I mean if there’s one guy who knows...”

  “All right, all right, I don’t need details!” I interrupt, holding up my hands hoping she’ll stop talking. Seriously, this girl is ready to give me every detail of her night with Reed. I’m definitely going to need a few drinks tonight, especially if she starts talking about that again.

  “Oh lighten up, Elle, maybe there’s something that you can learn.” Evelyn jokes.

  “My sex life with Cane is fine.” I say, looking out the window. It’s more than fine. It’s perfect.

  “That’s number one in a relationship.” Mindy says with a dazed and distant look in her eye.

  What the hell does she know about relationships?

  “Speaking of Reed, where’s he been? I’ve missed staring at his ass all week.” Evelyn pouts.

  I was wondering the same thing. He asked for two days off, but he’s been gone for a whole week. I’ve been making excuses for him by telling the director that he’s sick. He hasn’t even had the courtesy to call. I’ve tried to reach him on his cell, but he doesn’t answer. Has something happened to him? Maybe he’s not coming back. My life will go back to normal and I won’t have to wrestle with these feelings and stop hiding. I think I’ll be happy with that, but I have a hard time convincing myself.

  On the way to the bar, we pick up a six-pack of beer and a bottle of vodka. I think it’s a little much, but Mindy says she likes to get a little tipsy before hitting the bars. I guess if you’re just looking for one-night stands, then going this route is perfect. She’s batting one hundred. Evelyn pops in a Paramore CD. When Mindy hands me a beer, she takes a long sip of vodka straight from the bottle. I pull back the tab and chug half the beer. By the time we pulled up to our first destination, I’m starting my second. It’s unusual, but considering my present company, I think it’s required.

  We pull up to the Gypsy Bar parking lot, and I wonder if Evelyn forgot her original plan of going to Good Life for the night. She squeezes her car into a parking place, kills the engine, and grabs her purse.

  “Hey, I thought we weren’t coming here tonight,” I say, scrutinizing Evelyn in the rearview mirror.

  “Oh, shit. Sorry Elle. I forgot to tell you. Mindy wanted to make a pit stop here,” She replies. Rummaging through her purse, she pulls out her lip-gloss and turns to look at me.

  “I hope you don’t mind. There’s a guy I’m talking to that might be here tonight,” Mindy sings as she turns and smiles. “

  A guy? I instantly think of Reed and Mindy, and their little fling. Why do I care? They’re both adults and can do whatever the hell they want. Isn’t that what most guys want, an eager subject like Mindy who doesn’t want to be taken seriously? A fling? I glance at her as she applies her lipstick, wondering how she feels the morning after when she wakes up in a strange bed with a random guy that she may never see or speak to again. What an empty way to live.

  “It’s fine. I just told Cane I was going to the new place. I was hoping he might meet me there.”

  “This is a girls’ night, remember? No boyfriends.” Evelyn glances back shaking her finger. “And don’t worry, tonight is going to be off the charts fun!”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of.” I mumble.

  Let’s go!” Mindy squeaks as she opens the door to get out. “Time’s a-wasting!”

  Mindy’s accelerated alcohol consumption already has her slightly buzzed as she staggers to the bar where she orders a shot. “You guys want anything?” She says pulling her wallet out of her clutch.

  “I’ll have a beer,” I resp
ond, eyeing the growing crowd on the dance floor.

  “Ditto for me.” Evelyn replies in between applying her bright pink lip-gloss again and checking out the scene around us.

  “Hey, ladies.” A bald, bulging, tattooed bouncer strides up, picks up Mindy by the waist, and spins her around. She squeals like a pig and holds on for dear life before he carefully sets her back down. “You know I wouldn’t let anything happen to you, Min.” He eyes her suspiciously. “How much have been drinking, sweetie?”

  “You’re so crazy!” she yells over the music. “Just a couple of shots.”

  “Hmm... I beg to differ on that. I’m keeping an eye on you tonight.” He smirks, but his eyes are serious. He moves to leave, but I catch his attention. “Who’s your new friend?”

  “Oh, this is Elle.” Mindy laughs, throwing her arm over my shoulder, and pressing her curvy hip against mine. I blatantly throw my bottle of beer back and shrivel under her arm.

  “You look like the responsible type. Keep an eye on this one.” He says throwing his chin up in Mindy’s direction. I smile wryly and finish my beer. He laughs at my reaction and turns to leave. “Have fun tonight, ladies.” I’m not able to shimmy away from Mindy’s embrace fast enough.

  “I’m so ready to dance! What about you, Evelyn? I need to work off all of this energy!” Mindy yells as she picks up her shot from the bar and throws it back.

  “I was born ready,” Evelyn pipes, adjusting her cleavage in her tight-fitting bustier. “You coming, Elle?” She asks looping arms with Mindy. “You’re not gonna get all gorgeous tonight and not dance.”

  “No, you guys go ahead. I need another drink.” I reply, anxious to have a couple minutes to myself. “I’ll be out there in a minute.”

  “Ok, whatever!” Evelyn yells as Mindy drags her out on the dance floor. I sigh and turn back to the bar, hoping to see the bartender I met the last time I was here. Disappointed that I don’t have someone to talk to, I order a shot of Patron. I’m gonna need one to get through the night with these two. A minute later, the bartender places the shot in front of me, and I slide him a ten-dollar bill.

  “You’re all set.” The bartender yells. “The guy at the end of the bar took care of it.” He walks away throwing the hand towel over his shoulder, taking the next eager drunk’s order. I peer down the length of the bar, but I don’t catch anyone’s eye to thank. I throw back the shot feeling the burning liquid singe my throat. Cringing, I place the empty shot glass on the bar, silently wishing I wasn’t here and that I didn’t just have that shot. I spin back to the dance floor watching the crowd bob and weave to the music, spotting Evelyn and Mindy waving at me to join them on the floor. Reluctantly, I hop off the stool and stagger my way through the crowd, not realizing the effect the beers and the one shot has on me until I’m on my feet.

  “There she is!” Evelyn screams, pulling me closer while playfully bumping me with her hip. Mindy has already attracted two guys who have sandwiched her in, and she’s loving the attention. I wonder if that’s how it all got started with Reed. I shake that line of thought from my head and look away.

  The strobe lights make me dizzy. The room begins to spin as I close my eyes and dance to the music, feeling the alcohol coarse through my body. Someone presses up against my back. I don’t bother turning to see who it is because it’s crowded on the dance floor. I begin to feel hands touching me, and I get irritated. That’s when I turn around and see blond hair and blue eyes sizing me up, and I know I’m in trouble.

  I pull up and park in the overcrowded parking lot, not wanting to be all alone tonight. I just want to be around other people as I watch them with a beer in hand while minding my own business. No trouble. But, no matter where I am, trouble always seems to find my unsuspecting ass. A little action never hurt anyone. I say a little; I always get me a lot. A lot of everything.

  I’m thinking the probability of me getting in some shit is high tonight. I’ve never seen this place so packed since I moved out here, so chances are good that trouble will seek me out. I shake my head at the thought and move towards the bar anxious to get a beer in my system to relax. I spot a group of girls in tight tops and short skirts who are eyeing me, tempting me with their tight bodies. I wink and they all fall in line like an army, a nice looking army of eager participants. I’d definitely be a good captain. I’d be able to whip them into shape in no time.

  “Yo, Reed! Man, how you been?” Turning, I catch Tyler moving down the bar towards me.

  “I’m good. How ‘bout you?” I find myself looking behind him thinking maybe his best friend Elle is with him, but no such luck. It’s hard to believe a few short weeks ago was the first time I laid eyes on her, just some girl at a bar, but now, after getting to know her a little bit, she’s more than that. Not sure what, but it’s something.

  “I’m good.” He grins, patting me on the back. “So, you come back for more?” He laughs leaning up to the bar he waves down the bartender.

  “If the opportunity presents itself, I may accommodate.” I laugh, acutely aware of the blonde that has appeared next to me.

  “You may get your wish tonight.” He nods towards the girl. “I’ve seen some that I’d seriously consider.” His eyes linger on a brunette that just walked in front of him who looks like she’s wearing something considered a bikini in Texas. “So, what are you having? First rounds on me.” He laughs as he turns back to the bar.

  “Cool, Heineken would be good. I got the next round.” I turn to the dance floor and check the crowd on the floor. We don’t have these kinds of bars in Texas that encourage all this dancing, grinding and bumping. Watching some of them teasing, moving their hips and their bodies like that on the dance floor, I can only imagine what kind of things they will be open to doing for me horizontally. Shit, I can probably take two home with nothing more than a smile.

  “Yo, here’s your beer.” Tyler turns handing it to me.

  “Thanks.” I take it and look back out on the floor. And there she is. I must have a radar for this girl. Unbelievable. “Hey.” I nudge Tyler with my elbow. “Is that Elle over there?”

  “Huh?”

  He nearly jumps out of his skin looking through the crowd for her. I know that he’s Elle’s best friend, but I knew from day one it’s more than just a friendship for Tyler. I mean, I don’t blame him. She kind of has that effect on me, too.

  “Yeah, that’s her.” He says, taking a drink of his beer. “I wonder where Cane is. Looks like she’s with Evelyn and some blonde chick. But, you don’t have to worry about Elle. She doesn’t get into trouble. She’s not like the other chicks in the bar.” He looks back over at me, and I can’t help but notice the smile on his face. He looks back out in her direction, taking a long swallow of his beer.

  “Remember me?” A blonde girl squeezes between Tyler and me, leaning into my arm as if we know each other.

  “I’d like to.” Tyler winks at the blonde who was just dancing with Elle. She grins at Tyler while he admires her breasts. She looks vaguely familiar, but I’ve never been good with names.

  “Mindy. We met like a week ago.” She says, pouting seductively. I smile, recognizing the blonde hair and the body but nothing else from our encounter. I had her and it’s flattering to know that she’s up for another go.

  “Oh, yeah.” I notice that she’s wearing no bra and has no panty lines. This girl likes to keep things uncomplicated.

  “So, you wanna dance? I know you can dance.” She winks.

  “Any other night I would take you up on your offer, but I’m in the middle of something right now.” I drawl, smiling, not blowing her off completely.

  “What could that be?” She grabs the front of my shirt, leans against me, and presses her nice little body firmly against mine. Maybe I need her to refresh my memory. I suck in a long breath, staring at those pouty full lips, seriously reconsidering her offer when I see Tyler push off the bar and cut through the dance floor. I follow the direction where he’s moving through the crowd of swarming bo
dies towards Elle. Something’s not right. I down the rest of my beer before I brush past Mindy and follow him out on the floor.

  “Why’s a sexy girl like you dancing alone?” He groans, biting his lower lip while undressing me with his eyes. My hand accidentally brushes against his and he takes this as an invitation to squeeze me. “What’s your name?” He leans forward, his lips almost brushing against my ear. I notice his bright white teeth, and his breath smells doused in beer.

  I don’t answer him. I turn and step away, throwing my head back to the music, and continue to dance alone. I ignore him again and hope that he takes the hint. His hand slides down my arm as he pulls me towards him, pressing my body against his chest while wrapping his arms around my waist. I feel his breath on my cheek. This guy’s not taking no for an answer, and I need to get away from him.

  Looking for some assistance, I turn to Evelyn who’s grinding on a guy and Mindy’s gone. I desperately pry his hands off me and push through the crowd to get away, but he’s relentless. Grabbing my hand, he roughly yanks me backward, causing me to stumble into him. Turning slightly, I throw my other hand on his chest to try to push him away, but he’s too strong. Now, he’s grabbed both of my arms. His hands tighten their grip around my wrists.

  “Hey! Where ya trying to run off to?” he yells through clenched teeth.

  “What are you doing?” I wince, looking down at his large hands engulfing my tiny wrists.

  “What’s wrong babe? Just trying to dance a little.” He hovers over me with his lips inches away from mine.

  “I don’t know you.” I turn my face, struggling to escape his vice-like grip.

  “Well, not yet.” He smirks. “You’ve got to be the hottest chick in here.”

  “Please, let me go.” I plead. The alcohol in my system is not doing me any favors. My limbs are useless to me. I should have stayed home with Cane like I planned. Now, I’m in a situation that I don’t want to be in, that I’d never thought I’d be in. I’m smarter than this.