It was around six pm when we finished with the dress fitting. Personally I didn't like the bridesmaid dresses. It's as if Addie wanted us to look super horrid that way the whole spotlight would be on her. Don't get me wrong, it was after all her wedding but I didn't like my dress. I felt very uncomfortable because unlike Elishama, Laura and Mal... it shaped every meander of my body. As the years had went by, I always avoided wearing tight clothing or dresses because it grabbed attention that I didn't want. Laura thought, in fact they all thought I looked great but I didn't feel that way. I felt out of place. Maybe my insecurities were getting the best of me. I had to convince myself that it wasn't about me, it was about Addie and Jeremy. I shouldn't be a drama queen about a dress shaping my body...
By eight pm, we were at Addie's hangout. I never quite caught the name of the bar so far as I can remember; it always was Addie's hangout amongst friends and family. Not that our parents ever came here, they didn't. They just always said things like 'you better not go to Addie's hangout out' along those lines.
Nick was always on time.
That was a good thing, he got acquainted to the girls before Jeremy, Eric and Sam came along. Mallory had actually brought someone as well, Tristan Grant. We knew each other because this town was quite small. We just never talked to each other. He had brunette locks and grey eyes. He wasn't the most good looking guys but his body compensated for that. Mal had explained that they were gym buddies, just gym buddies. Tristan's parents the Grants owned a famous super market. It wasn't as big as Walmart obviously but it was big and popular around Eastwood Valley and yes, they went to our church.
Laura later pulled me aside saying..
"Nick is actually cool, very hilarious too."
"I knew you would like him." I added taking a sip of my margarita. I wasn't a fan of alcohol but I just knew once Sam and Eric were here they would be a bad influence. Sam and Eric were literally the worst combo, they got along with each other for all the wrong reasons.
"So Nick what do you do for a living?" Addie asked.
"Well, I'm a nurse. Based in New York only came to visit my family for a bit." He explained.
"Woah, Leona also resides in New York as well." Laura added. I got the feeling that she felt it was meant to be or she just felt sorry for me after I told her how Eric had rejected me and dumped my ass like a hit potato. I may have exaggerated but he did hurt me and I hated his stupid handsome face. Deep down I know I didn't hate him, I couldn't, I wasn't able to.
He told us where he worked and which Side of New York he resides in. I wasn't listening, I was distracted by my own thoughts. I didn't want to go back to New York. I only went there because I felt the need to get away from Robbie. I was back and I had my family and friends with me. Supporting me and all the love that I need. I was always home sick in New York. It was great, I had a couple of friends and went on a couple of dates but it was nothing compared to the warmth I felt right now at this moment.
"TWENTY BUCKS !!" I heard Sam's voice even though the music was playing, I could always tell Sam's loud voice anywhere. "Eric and I were right, Chelsea could never go against Barca not in a million years right Eric?" Sam said in a aggressive tone, I looked at where Eric was as they approached our table in the corner of the bar. Eric was already looking at me, I hadn't noticed but when I looked at him our eyes immediately locked even with the amount of people around us. I knew I was going insane so I quickly looked away.
"Sorry, we're late. We got a tad bit occupied." Eric apologized but Jeremy and Sam were still arguing. Eric almost immediately introduced himself to Tristan and Nick before forcefully seating next to me making sure to push Nick away, I felt awkward when I felt his hand go around my waist. We were seated on a black leather couch and there was a table with drinks in the middle.
"Why didn't you answer my texts?" Eric whispered in my ear. I took a sip of my margarita tried to stay calm.
"I was busy.. with Addie.. and the girls." I whispered back. Everyone seemed to be arguing about something. The guys were getting along just fine even Nick and Tristan fit right into the group. I assumed I never actually told Nick that I had a boyfriend so I felt bad when Eric kept giving him the cold shoulder. Eric was being cold and hard on Nick for absolutely no reason but Nick just stayed off as he talked to Elishama.
"You could have atleast texted me that, it only takes two seconds." He murmured back, clenching his jaw before taking a gulp of his cold beer. I stood up from my seat away from Eric and excused myself. On the way to the toilets that were so bad, dirty and revolting. I decided I wouldn't go in, I would just go stand by the ally right out of the bar. I needed air and I felt good when the cold breeze hit my face immediately after going out there. There was a couple not so far from where I stood who were making out so I stepped away, kicking the can that was in front of me. I suddenly regretted wearing a dress, it was short but Laura bought it for me on my birthday and she had been complaining that I never ever wear it so I did. It was a black dress that was up to my thighs and long sleeve but gave the right amount of cleavage, obviously tight because that was so Laura.
"What's wrong?" I heard Eric's voice from behind me so I looked back and stood by the wall. Eric was a few meters away lighting up a cigarette, it made me even more annoyed honestly.
"I'm tired of you asking me that question.." I retaliated.
"Kill me, for actually caring." He said sarcastically and doing the most annoying thing that I hated. Blowing his smoke in my face. It was dark but I could still make out his facial features and the emotion in his eyes.
"Eric... you leave in like a month then I have to go back to my life. Do you mind not being so overprotective so I can also meet new people..."
He let out a laugh.
"Meet new people like who? Nick?" He said in disbelief.
"Maybe.." I muttered looking at the concrete ground.
"You're so f*****g Beautiful Leona. So damn beautiful, you have this cute smile that could literally bring any man into his feet. You have the most mesmerizing green eyes and I- well anyone would love to look at forever. You have one hell of a body that any girl is probably doing squats on a daily to get that. You have this beautiful long red hair that is so unique and delicate. You're just so prefect and you wanna settle for that guy? Seriously that Nick guy?" He hissed at the end right close to my bare neck making me shiver.
"It's not always about the looks Eric." I replied refusing to look at him. Frustrated he threw his cigarette stepping on it then pushed me against the wall. Lifting my chin up so I was looking straight into his hazel brown eyes.
"It is." He simply said. "Sometimes.."
"Even if it wasn't about the looks.. you have a beautiful soul, kind and generous always forgiving not to mention smart and you have this quirky humor. I think anyone would fall for your personality without the looks... it's all just a bonus." He whispered in my ear sending tingles down my spine.
I had absolutely no idea how to respond to that. That's the most Eric had ever complimented me. He always did but this was different.
"Thanks, I guess." I said trying to pull away from him. We were just to close for comfort and we both knew it as I could feel his hard on pressed against my abdomen.
"No matter how many times, I try.. I can't-" He whispered.
"I'm just so attracted to you, it doesn't even make sense." He paused. "I'm sorry.." he said softly.
"It's okay, I get it." I replied.
"I don't want to hurt you but I just want you to know that I'm physically attracted to you and I can't help it. Any man in my position wouldn't be able to. I haven't slept with any other girl besides Debby then you came along and I lost it. I lost all control and sanity." He admitted, I was hurt. He was physically attracted to me... another Robbie Part two.
"I get it." Was the only thing I could muster. I was hurt and was afraid I would cry because these tears were literally right under my eyes. I closed my eyes, trying hard to keep these tears in when he unexpectedly laid his lips on mine. It was soft and slow. It felt like home. I wanted this forever but-
He wasn't mine to keep.
"We should probably go back inside.. I guess you're right. I'm going to leave soon and you need to be out there and actually get yourself a real boyfriend."
I didn't know if he was being sarcastic but I let it slide. I was too emotional and I would end up looking foolish in front of him. So I fixed my hiked up dress and left him standing there alone, in the dark.