Mistakes: Chapter 5: Explaining to do

Chapter 5: Explaining to do

She woke up the next morning to someone knocking on her bedroom door.

“Angie.” She heard Jacob yelling from outside the door. But impossible, if Jacob was outside her door, then whose arm was around her?

“Oh shit.” She sat up in bed. Nick rose up too and smiled at her.

“Good morning, sunshine.” He beamed. “You got shit to tend to.” He said pointing at the door. It moved under the pounding.

“Alright.” She screamed at the closed door. “Give me a minute.” She started to get out of bed, but the pulled the comforter back over her. “Close your eyes.” She demanded of him. He laughed but closed them and tossed his hand over them too.

She quickly got out of bed and tossed her robe on. “Get your clothes on and stay here until I come back.” He saluted her. She rolled her eyes and headed to the door. She opened it a peek, but Jacob was not there. She quickly stepped out just in time to see him coming back down the hall with two cups of coffee.

“Here” He handed her a cup. He had washed the rest of the makeup off his face, except for the bits that were stuck in his beard. “Want to go chat in bed?”

“No!” she quickly answered. He raised his eye brows at her. “I mean, no, let’s go in the living room.”

“Okay.” He eyed her suspiciously but followed her to the living room.

“Angie, I am really sorry.” He said sitting down on the edge of the couch.

“Ok, you are forgiven.” She glanced nervously down the hall. She thought she had heard cursing coming from the room. “Can you just come back later and we can talk then?”

“I guess.” He sat his coffee on the table. “Angie is something wrong? You never forgive me this quickly.”

“Nope, everything is fine.” She smiled. “Just trying to open a new door, burn and old bridge.” Yup, defiantly heard cursing coming from the bedroom now, and so did Jake.

“What was that?” he questioned.

“Nothing, it was nothing.” She stuttered. “I heard nothing.”

“Who’s in your bedroom, Angie?”

“My bedroom?” she ran her fingers through her hair. “Don’t be silly, no one’s in my bedroom?” Damn, what was he doing in there? Jacob rose from the couch and started down the hall.

“Jake, wait.” But before she could stop him he had swung open her bedroom door. And there sat Nick, in his boxers, on the edge of the bed playing Donkey Kong on the Super Nintendo.

“Well, shit,” He said smiling at Jacob. “looks like the Joker is still alive after all.”

“Who the hell are you?” he demanded.

“Name’s Nick.” He said. “Hey can you help me get past this level?” he offered the controller to Jacob.

Jacob’s eyes bulged out of his head and he turned on Angela.

“It’s not what it looks like.” She explained. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing would come out. Finally he banged his hand up against the door causing Angela to jump then stormed past her as quickly as he could.

“Seems kind of violent, Ang.” Nick said going back to his game. You don’t need that.”

“Get out!” she screeched at him. “Get out now!” she picked his jeans up off the floor and threw them at him. Then quickly ran after Jacob. But she was too late; he was already peeling off when she ran down the steps.

“Tough break.” Nick said from behind her. She turned and started pounding his chest and crying.

“Whoa, Whoa, Whoa.” He grabbed her hands so they stopped pounding him and wrapped his other arm around her. She stopped trying to punch him and started crying on his shoulder.

“Come on.” He soothed her. “Don’t cry.” He rubbed her hair. “Let’s go in and get you some clothes on.” He led her back into the house.

Jacob sped down Papermill heading towards the interstate. He knew he was a jerk last night, but he did not think she would have hopped in bed with someone else. He stopped at a red light and reached into his pocket and pulled out a little black box. He clutched it in his fist, finally he flipped it open. The ring inside was simple. It was a white gold band with a princess cut diamond resting on top. He felt like his heart was breaking as he stared at that ring. The car behind him started blowing its horn. He looked up and the light was green. He slammed the box shut and angrily threw it in the floor; he quickly changed lanes and headed to the bar instead of home.

She sat on her bed and dialed his number again. No answer, but she couldn’t blame him. She imagined how she felt last night when she saw him dancing with Bridgette and could only imagine what he thought this morning seeing a half naked man in her bed. Quickly, she sent him a text also.

To: Jacob

Please, Jake. This isn’t what you think. Please talk to me.

She hesitated, the added:

I do love you.

“Coffee?” Nick asked coming in the room and handing her a cup. She took it and looked down into the cup. Black, Jacob knew that she liked lots of cream and a little sugar.

“Thanks.” She mumbled and sat the cup on the dresser. He leaned against the door frame and watched her.

“Did you get him?” he finally asked.

“No.” she sadly shook her head. “He won’t answer.”

“Bummer.”

She looked up at him leaning casually in the door jamb. He still had his rugged good looks she had fallen in love with all those years ago, but looking at him know, after seeing Jacob’s face, she knew she was no longer in love with him.

“I think you should leave.” She told him. He sighed and walked over and sat beside her on the bed.

“I don’t think I want to do that.” He said. “You need me.”

“Excuse me!” she exclaimed jumping up off the bed and pacing in front of him. “What makes you think I need you? I have lived without you for 5 years. I have moved on. Or at least I had till you decided to show back up and run the man I love off.” She ranted. He smiled at her which made even more furious with him.

“Are you done?” he asked.

“No! I’m not!” she pulled a pair of flip flops out from under the bed and grabbed a hoodie off the floor. “I have to go find Jake. When I get back I expect you to be gone.” She stormed out of the room dialing Jacob’s number one more time. When she got no answer she dialed Amy instead. She slammed her car door and revved the engine just as Devon answered.

“Hello.” He said.

“I need to talk to Amy.” She told him. She heard mumbling in the background then Devon came back on the phone.

“She’s giving the babies a bath, can she call you back?” she sighed in frustration.

“No, I really need to talk to her!” she exclaimed starting to cry again.

“Hey, Ang, what’s wrong?” he asked.

“I have just ruined my life and I need to talk to my best friend and she won’t even talk to me.” She sobbed.

“No, it’s not like that.” He soothed. “She’s had a rough night with the babies. Look, why don’t you meet me for a beer and we can talk. I will be the best fill in BFF I can be.” She could not help but smile a little.

“No, it’s ok. I am sure Amy needs your help.”

“Are you kidding?” he chuckled, “She won’t let me help, she fusses and says I am doing what ever it is wrong, she takes the baby and redoes what ever I just did.” Knowing her best friend she could see her doing this.

“Come on,” he encouraged, “What do you say?”

“Alright.” She gave in, not sure how a bitch fest with Devon would work out but needing someone to talk to besides the two men in her life.

“Great.” He said, “Meet you at Cool Beans in fifteen.”

Jacob sat at a corner booth, nursing his picture of beer. She had not seen her when she had came in and he had not let him self be seen. She sat at a table by the bar laughing and taking shots with Devon. His frustration grew and he could not think of any reason why she would be with him, other than she was sleeping with him too, right behind her best friend’s back. They had been here over three hours and both were incredible drunk. He sat and watched them. No knowing what else to do. His heart had been broken in to a million pieces. The girl he thought he knew and loved, he didn’t know at all.

“One more,” Devon begged as he sat Vodka shot down in front of her.

“I am going to puke if I drink that.” She informed him. They had been sitting here for hours on end. Devon was a better BFF fill in than she thought he would be. She felt much better, but that was probably the alcohol talking. She knew she still had to face her problems. She had checked her phone every so often, hoping Jacob would call. She knew she needed to go find him.

“One more and I will call a taxi.” He promised.

“One more and we go back to the real world.” She picked her shot glass up and toasted him. She shook her head as the cool liquid burned like fire going down her throat. One too many, she thought to her self.

“Thanks, D.” she said as seriously as she could manage. “Thanks for listening and thanks for getting me drunk.”

“No prob, that’s what stand in BFF’s are for.” He joked. He picked up his phone and called a local cab company. “Said he would be here in 10, you coming too?” She sighed.

“No, I am going to wait a while then call Jacob again.”

“Ok.” He grabbed her hand, “Call me again if you need me.” He stood up and stumbled over to her and kissed the top of her head. She waved her hand in a half wave, and then let her head fall down on the table. She sat like that for several minutes. She felt someone slide into the seat across from her, but did not raise her head.

Jacob watched as Devon stumbled out of the bar. He had kissed her on top of the head before he left. A friendly gesture, right? He was jumping to conclusions earlier, just what had gotten them in this fight in the first place. He watched her as her head fell down on the table and he sighed. He walked to the bar and ordered a glass of water then slid into the seat across from her. She didn’t move and for a moment he thought she had passed out, but then he heard her groan.

“Too many shots before breakfast?” he finally said. Her head shot up, but she quickly groaned and dropped in into her hands. “Here, drink this.” He slid the glass of water across to her. She took the glass and gulped the water. When she was done she put the glass down and smiled at him,

“You didn’t answer my call.” She said.

“I know.” He looked down at the table. “I was upset with you.”

“I’m sorry, Jake.” She sobbed. “I know you think the worst, and I don’t blame you.”

“Why were you with Devon?” he asked with more accusation that he intended. She stared at him for a moment. Not sure how to take this question.

“I needed some one to talk to.” She finally said, “And he was available.”

“That’s all?” he asked. She groaned at his question.

“Seriously, Jake.” She shook her head. “You have to trust me a little.”

“Well, what the hell am I supposed to think after what I saw in you bedroom this morning.” He shot at her.

“Look, I know what it looked like, but I didn’t have sex with him.” She looked at him to see if he believed her. His expression was blank so she continued. “He is an old friend, who was passing through town. He helped me drag you in the house after you passed out on the door stoop.”

“Then he dragged you to the bedroom with him?” he said angrily. She slammed her hand on the table.

“No. There was no where else for him to sleep seeing as you were passed out on the couch.”

“Oh, I see.” He nodded. Neither of them said anything for a few moments. Finally Jacob spoke. “Angie, this isn’t the guy, is it?” She didn’t say anything but shook the water glass. Jacob snorted and leaned back. “He’s the guy who left you.” He shook his head “Unbelievable.” He stared at her. “So you expect me to believe nothing happened last night with the only guy you ever claimed to be in love with.”

“That’s not true.” She shot at him. “You know I loved you too.”

“Loved?” he questioned, “Past tense?” he sighed, “Does that mean this is over?” He saw the anger flash over her face.

“It means what ever you want it to mean.” She spat at him. “I have to go.” She quickly stood and caught her self before she fell.

“You can’t drive.” He said standing too.

“I can do whatever I want. I can sleep with who ever I want and there is nothing you can do about it.” she glared at him and her words stung him. She stormed out the bar door and ran into Nick. She screeched in frustration and pushed him out the way and stormed past him. Jacob bust out behind her but stopped when he ran into Nick also.

He crossed his arms and glared at him, blocking his entrance into the bar.

“We need to talk.” Jacob demanded.

“I have nothing to talk to you about.” Nick shrugged.

“Alright,” he tossed his arm over his shoulder. “Well at least let me buy you a beer.” Nick shrugged again and nodded.

“Alright, that’s cool.” Nick shrugged again and allowed Jacob to lead him into the bar. He led Nick to the booth he had just abandoned with Angela and deposited him there. He walked the short distance to the bar and ordered a pitcher of Yuengling and two glasses. He walked back to the table where Nick sat watching ESPN talk about the Vols who where playing South Carolina later that afternoon in Carolina.

“So, you still follow the Vols?” Jacob asked pouring a glass of beer and sliding it over to him.

“Nah, I don’t really follow any team.” Nick took the beer and took a drink.

“Any pro team?” Jacob tried engaging him in conversation.

“Nah.” He took another drink of his beer.

“Alright, look,” Jacob leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. “Are you sleeping with my girlfriend?” Nick shrugged and tossed his arm over the back of the booth. Jacob tried his best to control his anger. His instinct was to burst this guy up side his head, but more than anything he wanted answers out of him.

“You want a shot?” he asked. “What do you like?”

“Sure, how about a shot of Petron.” Nick rubbed his hands together.

Jacob went to the bar and ordered two shots of Petron. He walked back to the table and slid one to Nick. After Nick had slammed his, Jacob slid the other one to him.

“Here, take my too. I am on call tonight.” He lied, thinking if he could get this guy drunk maybe he would talk.

Several hours and numerous shot later, Nick had loosened up a little and was talking to Jacob.

“Know what I don’t understand?” Nick asked swirling his jack in his tumbler.

“What’s that?” Jacob asked.

“What is the point of male cheerleaders? They look like fags.” He said motioning to the TV where they were showing the Tennessee cheerleaders.

“They do get to look up a cheerleaders skirt all afternoon.”

“Shit.” Nick took a sip of his drink. “So does a football player if you work it the right way. All the male leaders get to do it look. The football player can touch.”

“Where you a football player?” he asked

“Shit, nah.”

“How did you meet Angela?” he took his opportunity.

“At a bar.” He said. “I am a musician and I saw her while I was on stage.”

“Oh yeah, you’re a musician?” he faked interest. “What do you play?”

“Guitar and sing.” Nick answered. “You play?”

“Nah, never had the time to learn.” He took a sip of his beer he had been nursing for hours. “Did you go to school here?”

“Nah,” Nick shook his head. “My parents moved over here to retire. They wanted to be close to the mountains and shit. I stayed for a while, but had to get out of this shit hole.”

“Where did you go?”

“I left and headed to Nashville for a while, then headed up to New York.”

“I don’t think I could just pack up and leave everything behind like that.” He shook his head.

“It’s exhilarating.” He stated. “Nothing like just hopping on your bike and heading out of town, not ever looking back.”

“But you came back.” Jacob pointed out.

“My ma died.” He informed him.

“Oh.” Jacob was taken back a step. “Sorry to hear that.”

“Ah, she was old.”

“So are you going to pack up and leave again?”

Nick shrugged. “I’m not sure. I have some unfinished business.” He drank the rest of his Jack. Seeing him being empty, Jacob quickly got up and grabbed another one.

“Unfinished business?” He picked the conversation back up. “Do you mean Angela?”

Nick smiled and picked up his new drink. “Yeah, I mean Angela.” Jacob sighed.

“Do you really think you can come back into her life after 5 years and pick up where you left off with her?”

“She asked me the same question.” Nick pointed out.

“She’s moved on you know.”

“Yes, with you.” Nick said. “But you don’t trust her.”

“What do you know?” Jacob retorted.

“I heard enough of your argument last night at the bar to figure out it wasn’t the first time you had argued about her sex life.” He paused and smirked. “Angie is a freak when it comes to sex, trust me, I know.” He laughed as Jacob tightened his fist on the table. “See, there are your trust issues.” Nick raised his eyebrows and took a drink. “I bet you think we had sex last night, don’t you?” Jacob bit his jaw and crossed his arms. Nick sighed and leaned back again.

“I didn’t bang your girlfriend last night.” He stated. “Is that what you wanted to hear?” he drained his drink waiting on Jacob to respond. After several moments Jacob reached in his jacket pocket and pulled out the little black ring box he had retrieved from his floor board earlier and slid it across the table to Nick. Nick took the box and flipped it open.

“I’m flattered, really.” Nick smiled, “But I hardly know you.”

“I was going to ask her to marry me.”

“Was she going to say yes?”

“Until you showed up.”

Nick smiled and toyed the ring box.

“I obviously don’t know the whole story, but I know that you really tore her up when you left her.” Jacob started. “You said your self you aren’t going to stay, so why are you doing this too her again?” he paused and looked at Nick who was now leaning up on the table staring into his empty glass. “I really love her, and you are right. I do have trust issues that I need to work on, and I will. But I can’t do that with you here.”

“Do you just expect me to leave?” Nick asked.

“Your going to leave any ways.” He pointed out again. Nick sighed.

“I care about her too you know.” He snapped the ring case closed and slid it back across the table to Jacob.

“Really?” Jacob asked, “You have a funny way of showing it.”

“Man, I was a kid back then, I wasn’t thinking straight.” He tried explaining. “I had got into some bad shit. Things she didn’t know about.” He played with the ice in his empty glass. “I knew that if I stayed around and tried to work my shit out, she would get involved and would protect me no matter what, and I didn’t want that.” He chuckled. “It didn’t help that her nosy friend, what was her name,” he thought a moment. “Amy.” He snapped his fingers, “knew about my problems and she was threatening to tell.”

“Wait,” Jacob stopped him, “You are telling me, Amy knew something and didn’t tell Angie?”

“I take it that bitch is still in the picture.” Jacob raised his eyebrows at him.

“Yes, she is one of my employees and I do not like your terminology.”

Nick laughed. “So sorry, will you ever forgive me.” He shook his empty drink. “I could use another.” Jacob sighed.

“Fine, but this is the last one.” He retreated quickly to the bar and ordered yet another drink.

“Look, man.” Nick said accepting his drink. “Tell you what, let me just go talk to her.” Jacob quickly shook his head. “Just one last time, she deserves that before I disappear.” Jacob just glared at him. “Maybe I am just drunk, and I think you have possibly taken advantage of that, but you are right, I am never going to stick around and if she can be happy, well, then here’s to you.” With that he slammed the Jack in one drink.

Since he had purposely gotten Nick drunk, he decided to accept his final offer and drove him to see Angela one last time. He even stopped by Kroger first, where Nick bought her a dozen roses. “A bargaining tool.” Is what he called it? He did however enter his own stimulation. He had written something quickly on a napkin and told Nick that he had to give it to her and ask her to follow the directions on it. Before he dropped him off at her door he gave him the number to a local cab company so he could get back to his bike when the time came. He watched his stagger a bit as he made his way to her door.