Blow (TKO 3)

My face flushes, and I hate that I even brought her up. It’s not like I have exclusive claim to her, but she’s my Tamilyn. What the fuck am I doing? I can’t admit how I think she looks to him. It’s bound to backfire.

“She’s all right.” I shrug. In the back of my mind, I’m thinking of a million other things she is and all right doesn’t even begin to describe them.

“I’m thirsty. When are we going?” Austin smiles smugly. I hate it because I don’t know him well enough to know what he might be thinking.

I pull my phone from my pocket and glance at the time. “In about two hours.” I’m going to tell my mom how much I hate this idea of hers next time I talk to her.

***

Tamilyn just texted and told me she’s taking a cab up to Joe’s right now. When she knows she’s going to be drinking, she pays a cab. She refuses to get behind the wheel after even a sip of a drink and she won’t ride with anyone who has. I wish I was smart enough to be like her because right now, I’m thinking I want everything behind the bar to numb the pain and jealousy that I know will be swimming in my veins. In the back of my mind, I pray she has zero attraction to Austin. That would make my life just freaking complete.

“Hey, Austin, you ready to go?” I yell from the living room. It took me no time to get dressed. I purposely put on the polo shirt that I know Tamilyn loves. She said this teal blue looks good on me and I believe her.

“Hell yeah, let’s get going.” Austin emerges from his room wearing a shirt that’s so tight, I’m amazed he can even breathe.

I grab my keys and insist I’ll drive. Without knowing how well he holds his liquor, I don’t want to jeopardize anything. As my truck roars to life, so does the radio, and I quickly turn it down. The song Tamilyn likes is on again and it’s like I can’t escape her. She’s everywhere I turn. Son of a bitch.

Joe’s is not far from my apartment, only a few blocks, so we arrive in no time. The music from inside can be heard as my feet hit the gravel. Austin waits by the side of the truck, shuffling his feet. I’m afraid to move because any sudden movement could send my world into a tumultuous whirlpool.

“Rus! Why didn’t you tell me you were here?” Tamilyn calls out from across the small parking lot. Bile sits back in my throat begging to come up. I’m terrified but I need to suck it up. Hell, they haven’t

even seen each other yet so I don’t know why I’m freaking out like such a school kid.

“Because we just got here, Tammy Lou.” I grab her by her waist and hoist her up into the air, spinning her around. She’s used to me hugging her. We hug all the time, but the puzzled look in her eyes tells me she’s not used to this. She’s not looking disgusted or anything; it’s just different, that’s all.

I set her back on the ground and she turns to face Austin. His eyes widen as he drinks her in. It’s not helping that she’s wearing a pair of shorts and some sparkly sandals. She’s not dressed up but she’s gorgeous as ever. Her hair is partially pulled back just enough that her eyes could light up the path she walks. My beautiful Tamilyn.

“Hey, I’m not sure if you remember me, but I’m Tamilyn.” She extends her hand. He grabs hold of her hand, giving it a soft squeeze.

“I remember you.” That’s all he says as he continues to drink her in. She’s just standing there smiling. I can’t wait for this introduction shit to be over so I can move on with the rest of my night.

“Y’all ready to go inside?” I turn and begin walking, not bothering to look back and see if they are following me. I’m being a dick but walking away is much easier than staying and being tortured.

The dim lights of Joe’s shine inside. Music is blaring but I block it out. I have one thing on my mind and it’s the only thing I came for. A drink.

“What can I get you, sweetie?” the bartender asks with a grin. She must be new. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her before or I just haven’t been paying attention.

“Jack and Coke, please.” I slide my credit card across to her. “Start a tab too, please.”

“You’ve got it.” She begins mixing the drink and my mouth waters. I need this right now. Maybe once I’ve had this drink, I can relax and the rest of the night can go well.

She slides the drink to me and in return takes my card. The first sip stings a little but the second goes down much smoother. I thank the bartender and turn to face the crowd inside.

“Ruston, starting without us?” Austin smirks as he stands beside me. He flags down the bartender.

Tamilyn stands on the opposite side of me just staring at me. “What?” I ask her.

She crosses her arms over her chest. “You seem upset. What’s wrong?”

“I’m not upset, Tam. I’m just trying to enjoy my drink.”

“You walked off and left Austin and I just standing there.”

“You two looked like you were talking and I didn’t want to bother anyone.”

Her eyes widen and she takes a step forward and whispers, “He was just talking to me. Are you jealous?”

“Why would I be jealous, Tammy Lou? We’re friends, that’s all.”