Bad At Love

I watched as my best friend Sofia tossed articles of clothing around her room, covering up the little space that was her floor. She had been doing this for the past half an hour. Throwing clothes she wore daily because Aunt Flo made an early arrival. Her snide comments about how it would make her look 'too fat' began to irk me. It was irritating considering Sofia was one of the fittest girls I had ever laid my eyes on. She was athletic and toned. She was the epitome of beauty and grace. But with how rough the last two years had been, she wouldn't listen to what anyone said. Sofia had dated her boyfriend, Reid, for two years before he decided he was wasting his time with her. She was in no-way 'wife material'; which, to me, translates to he's a piece of s**t. She had spent months crying in her bed, refusing to do anything about her classes or work. While she was heartbroken, she almost got kicked out of Uni. On that same day, she was fired from her long-time managing job at the Deli Shack. The girl needed a break after what she had been going through the past few months. There was no doubt about that. So, when she flashed me her puppy dog eyes and pouty lips, there was no way I could say no to coming out tonight. "Sof, please, just wear the yellow dress. It doesn't make you look bad at all. I promise," she had bought a yellow halter dress earlier in the week and had been dying to wear it out. The dress was one of the more appropriate garments for this evening. It had hugged her curves in all the right places. I was certain that any man who would see her wearing this dress would want to take her home with them. I had attempted drilling this into her head, repeatedly expressing how attractive she was. "I look fat in it. Why would I wear it?" Sofia whined as she stomped her feet on the floor. Pfft, as if. I bit back as I tucked a stray hair behind my ear, "you're lying, Fah. You just want me to stop looking for something because I have been at it for an hour now," she claimed. I rolled my honey-hued orbs. Of course, she would accuse me of lying to her. Even though I had done nothing but tell her the truth during our entire friendship. We've been friends for longer than either of us could remember. "I mean look at you, you're wearing a gorgeous maroon body con dress," she gestured towards my frame. I looked down at the dress she was talking about. I bought the dress back-in April, and it had been collecting dust in the back of my closet ever since. She hadn't been lying though, it's deep v-line cut with a lace exterior was one of the more provocative pieces I owned. But, now it was being used against me. I couldn't help but groan and shove my face into my hands. "Yeah, but you have a phenomenal rack, whereas I am part of the itty-bitty titty committee," I mused as my hands grasped onto my breasts. I shook them for extra emphasis. "Please, wear the damn dress." I insisted, my eyes boring into her. I watched as she finally submitted. Sighing in success, I walked over to her vanity mirror and began to apply my makeup. For a few moments, we sat in silence; letting our minds wander to what we would be doing to make ourselves look good. "So, your sisters getting married?" Sofia's words made me recoil and glare at her through the mirror. Half of me wanted to leave the conversation hanging in the air, not dignifying her stupid question with an answer. She knew damn well what the answer was. I sighed dramatically as I picked up my thick makeup brush. "Yeah, I don't know why she invited me. It's not like she wants me there. If she did, she would've sent me an invitation months ago. But she sent me a text saying she wanted me to meet him when they came into town next week." I droned on. It was a futile attempt, despite being blood, there was not much more Kiera and I had in common. "That's true, I suppose, but at least she's trying. I know it's not much and she's still a massive t**t, but she's trying not to be as distant." She stated as she sauntered over to the vanity and plopped down next to me. I knew she was right, my sister had been talking to me a little bit more than usual. I had received at least three texts this month, and for Kiera, that was a world record. But I knew that if she wanted anything to do with me, she would've told me she was in a relationship. She wouldn't have kept me in the dark all the way up until the wedding, which was less than half a year away. "I know she is. I just don't see why she's trying this late," I murmured, grabbing onto the concealer to the left of the table. "I don't want to talk about this right before we go out, it'll be the only thing on my mind, and I want to get laid tonight. My mind consumed with thoughts of my sister isn't going to help with that," I mused, elbowing her slightly. "Alright, I'll leave it alone. Just keep an open mind, ya?" She flashed me a nice smile before starting to apply her foundation. I frowned, the corners of my lips dipping. My eyes drifted off to the side. I couldn't let Kiera get to me, she did too much of that when we were growing up. Keira was the definition of a golden child. My parents praised her for being brilliant and wise beyond her years. And while I was just as smart, they didn't care about me. I was the younger sister, a replica of the first. I exhaled, the air pushing out longer than usual. I didn't need to think about this. I pushed the thought of her and my parents to the back of my mind. ~ My jaw tensed as my eyes rolled to the back of my head. I had spent the last half hour bickering with Sofia. She had been insisting that the guy I had been crushing on for three years was gay. "There is no way!" I griped, sloshing back the clear, burning liquid. "I'm telling you, Fah. He literally came out during today's lecture. It was sly as hell too," Sofia had followed suit and tossed back a shot of her own. "Our professor was talking about the bill that passed about same-s*x marriage, right? He asked for opinions all around the room. About a dozen people answered before someone voiced a negative opinion. Tyler just butted in, he started cursing at the dude. Telling him he could go shove a dildo up his ass and that he knew the scum bag would enjoy it, too." She quirked her thin black brow as her lips pursed into a smirk. I scoffed at her, my eyes rolling to the back of my head. "That's ludicrous. I highly doubt he said that to him," I bickered. Her poor excuse was futile in trying to end my crush on him. It wouldn't work even if it were true, to be fair. He could tell off a man, and I'd f**k him for it because he's not close-minded. But to Sofia, it meant he was gay. "He did, I vow to you," Sofia dramatically nodded her head as she placed her slender hand on top of the table. "Whatever, that doesn't even mean he's gay. It just means he stands with the LBGTQ community, and that makes him even sexier," I retorted with a raised my brow. Sofia widened her sapphire-hued orbs and choked on a laugh. She and I both knew there was something off about him. I had thrown myself at him on many occasions. I even wore lingerie one time at a Halloween block party, and he never took the bait. I had chalked it up to him having eyes for another girl. "You and I both know it happened. Plus, there has to be some reason why he hasn't jumped into bed with you." She leaned her arms on top of the table, before tucking her jet black hair behind her ear. I groaned as I looked at the empty drinks on the table. I wanted nothing more than to feel the burning sensation in my throat to forget this conversation (and that man) ever existed. "I'm going to grab us another round, same thing?" I quirked my dark brows in question as I slid out of my seat. "Yeah, I don't feel like doing anything other than tequila." She answered, before looking down at her nails. I chuckled, If you're Sofia Guilia Russo, every day is National Tequila day. She had a literal problem. Normally, when someone drinks Tequila, they make the worst decisions of their life. But when you're my best friend, you don't care if you make bad decisions. You prefer them. As I reached the bar, I looked over at the bartender, talking up some lady at the end of the bar. She was giggling like a little school girl talking to her first crush. Yuck, I thought to myself. I placed my elbow on the bar top, my head resting awkwardly on my hand. I knew it would be a minute before the man would notice he had a patron. That's usually how these things worked for me. I was ignored by the male population unless they had decided they wanted me. "He's one of the worst bartenders around." A masculine voice rang through my ears as I felt the hairs on the back of my neck raise in... excitement or fear. I hadn't quite deciphered it yet. "He sure seems like it. He's talking to the wrong girl, because that woman hasn't bought any of her own drinks. So, she can't even leave a tip," I snorted a reply as I looked over at the source of the voice. I tried everything in my power to prevent my jaw from dropping to the floor. He was gorgeous, stunning even. He had a long face with a nice strong jaw. His eyes were a dark mocha, along with his gelled back hair. He was lean, and even though I wasn't standing straight, I knew he would tower over me. He was dressed in a charcoal gray suit with a white button-up underneath. He looked like the poster-child of Wall Street. He chuckled deeply, sounding as if he crafted out of steel and velvet. "That's true. I'm pretty sure almost every guy in here has bought her a drink," he replied. A smoldering smile graced his lips. His eyes were trained on me as if he was trying to read my mind, and if he could, I would easily let him. "Well, I'm sure every guy in here has bought her one. She's not too bad on the eyes, I'm sure I would buy her one if I had a d**k between my legs." I admitted as the man shook his head over at me and leaned his neck down, giving me a better view of his face. His five o'clock shadow almost dares me to lean forward and touch it with my fingers. "I haven't, so, not every guy has," he flashed a bright white, dangerous smile at me. "Well, I'm sure you'll offer her one eventually." I flashed a small smirk, before turning my attention back over to the bartender. He was still engrossed in his conversation to recognize us. "I'd much rather offer to buy you one," I felt him lean closer as he spoke, the pant leg of his suit grazing the side of my bare thigh. I had never been more thankful for having worn a dress. Especially if it had meant handsome men would rub their legs against mine. I craned my neck to face him again. He occupied the seat beside me, his elbow mimicking my position, along with his head resting in his hand. "Is that so?" I quirked a brow at the man. But he didn't answer. Instead, he flashed me a wicked grin and nodded toward the bartender. "Hey man! We've been waiting a minute now, I'm sure she'll be there after you make these drinks." He called out, gaining the attention of not only the bartender, but also lingering eyes. I stifled a laugh as I leaned forward, my face burying into his shoulder. The intoxicating scent of leather, fresh pine needles and whiskey filled my nostrils. He was intoxicating. I pulled away too soon as I ran a hand through the side of my hair. "Wow, I didn't have the balls to do that," I admitted as I glanced over at the now irritated bartender. The man beside me chuckled, earning my gaze again. "I could tell," he teased before winking at me. I eyed him for a moment, curious as to who he was and why he bothered talking to me in the first place. It's normal for men to approach me, but men of his caliber -- in no way. "What can I get you?" The bartender droned, he had two thick glasses in his hands ready to prepare our drink order. I eyed the man next to me and waved my hand towards the bartender, urging him to order. The man shook his head and pursed his lips, his hand gesturing in my direction. "You were here first, and it'd be rude of me to order before a beautiful lady. Anyways." His brown eyes danced in the dim lights of the dive bar. I couldn't decipher if he was a gentleman or just a man trying to get laid. But nonetheless, I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment. He sure knew how to talk to a girl. "Can I get two shots of tequila? Not dressed or chilled." I recited the order to the man and watched as he poured the two shots with their well, Hornitos. "Wow, you're bold to drink Tequila on a Tuesday," he flashed an impressed grin before he continued. "While you're at it, pour two more of those along with a double Jameson and Sprite. Also, I'm taking care of these drinks. And the rest of this fine young lady's tab," I watched with wide eyes as he slapped two hundred dollar bills on the bar top. His eyes trained on the bartender to ignore my hard stare. "You don't have to do that, you know?" I raised my brow. I wasn't going to deny him paying for my tab; I didn't mind one bit. But, I hadn't even given him my name. Yet, here he was, offering to pay a tab that had to be at least half of what he set down. "I know, but as I told you, I wanted to buy you a drink," he peered at me from the corner of his eye. I could've sworn I saw a little spark of mischievousness. It was too quick for me to decipher what it was for, but I didn't mind. At the rate this conversation was going, I didn't care about anything he did for me, and to me. How could I deny the advances of such a beautiful man? I smirked for a moment, before extending my hand forward to properly introduce myself. "I'm Farrah," my name slid out between my lips with no hesitation. "Silas," he smirked slyly. He grabbed my slender hand into his sizable one, before bringing it to his lips and pressing a soft kiss. His stubble scratched the surface of my skin, causing my hair to raise on the back of my neck for the second time. "It's lovely to meet you," he confessed as his eyes peered up at me, his lips lingering on the top of my hand. The world seemingly stopped as everyone around us disappeared. My eyes trained onto him, watching as they danced with mischief. He had my full and undivided attention, just as I had captured his. We stood there for what seemed like minutes. Until the sound of clinking glasses interrupted. I cleared my throat as I slipped my hand out from his with hesitance. I turned to face the aggravated bartender. "Would you like to come back to my table and meet my friend?" I inquired, a sultry smirk gracing my lips. Over half of me wanted to grab his hand and take him anywhere out of sight. Only so he could take me in every way he wanted. Hell, with how much desire was building inside, I would even let him take me on the bar top with all patrons to see. But I wanted more than just one round, and I would have to be patient to get exactly what I wanted. "I would love to. I even have a friend of my own to bring along." I watched as the corner of his lips tilted upwards. He grabbed two shots in his hand, before giving me one. "But first, let's cheer," he finished. I grabbed the glass, causing our fingers to brush over one another. For the third time tonight, my hair raised again, and I couldn't help but get the feeling that it wouldn't be the last. "Here's to being bold," I raised my brow to him. Our glasses clinked together, before sloshing back our shots of liquor. Our eyes never broke eye contact, as we simultaneously set the empty glasses on the table. I watched as he stood up with his drink in hand. "I will grab my friend and join you guys. Where are you sitting?" He looked over at me as he asked the question, his free hand sliding into his pants pocket with ease. I followed suit by standing up and stepping off the stool with my two shots in hand. Looking over my shoulder, I nodded my head in the direction of where Sofia was sitting. Her back facing us as her bright yellow dress surpassed the rest. "See that beautiful woman wearing the yellow dress, over in the corner? Right there." I looked back over to him to find him staring at me rather than where I was directing him to look. I couldn't help but let a smirk play on my lips at how I seemingly had him wrapped around my little finger. "I hope you know where I was talking about, because I'd hate this to be our last conversation." I teased as I stepped back to my table. I watched him flash a grin, before turning on my heel to make my way towards Sofia. "Who was that hottie?" I heard Sofia's voice ring into the air, despite her back being faced towards me. My cheeks heated up at her sly comment as I rolled my hazel eyes at her. "Seriously? You were spying?" I scoffed at her as I slid briskly into my seat, setting the shots onto the table. "Of course, you were taking forever, and I literally had nothing better to do." She wiggled in excitement as she caught sight of the liquor that rested on the table. "Well, he and his friend are coming over to keep us company," I flashed her a quick smile. I knew full well that she would be happy to have the company of a man. "Really? Did he at least buy you a drink?" She quirked her brow as she grasped onto one of the glasses in front of us. "Actually, he paid for the whole tab," I replied. I followed her action and grabbed onto my own before making eye contact with her. I watched carefully as she pursed her lips and shrugged. Sofia was not the type of girl to accept free handouts, especially of the alcohol variety. But I could tell, in this moment, she didn't care. "I am not going to complain," she quipped as she took a sip of her tequila, a refreshing smile gracing her lips. "Hello, ladies," I heard the familiar voice before I saw where it had come from. My head tilted upwards to reveal the handsome man I had been drooling over. Standing beside him was a man just as handsome as he. The man had curly black hair, a five o'clock shadow accompanied with a charcoal gray suit. He was a few inches shorter than the man I had been talking to, but that height didn't matter to someone as small as Sofia. In fact, it was preferred. "Farrah, Farrah's beautiful friend, this is Nicolas. He is my coworker, best friend, and occasionally, partner in crime." I watched as Silas wrapped his arm around his friend's shoulders, giving a tight and encouraging squeeze. "Well, thank you," she blushed profusely at Silas' words as she slipped a few strands of her dark hair behind her ear. Her eyes trained indiscreetly on the shorter man. "I am Sofia," she introduced herself, her eyes dancing with delight. "It's lovely to meet you," Nicolas replied. He looked at Sofia with wide eyes, drinking in her dark features as if she was the most beautiful woman in the world. I watched as he sat next to her. Already entrancing her in a conversation about how stunning she looked in yellow. I was so wrapped up in Sofia and Nicolas to realize Silas had pulled up a chair next to me. "You don't have to stare at her all night. I'm sure she can handle herself, if she's friends with a woman like you." He mused as he took a sip of his Jameson and Sprite. "I'm sure she can, I'm just not sure if I can handle myself," I replied. My head turning to face him as my eyes drilled into his, trying to memorize every inch of his facial features. "I don't think I can either." But that's the fun part, is it not?" His smirked mischievously as I daydreamed of all the ways the night could end.