Sharp Edges

Prologue: Fresh Start

Finally. I sigh, pulling into Wind Ridge Estates. Wind Ridge is a small apartment complex that I found online after several days of driving aimlessly. My only real destination being "away".  Away from my hometown, away from the memories, and most importantly, away from the looks of pity that follow me around like a shadow. The apartments at Wind Ridge are small, furnished and well taken care of. They are also cheap, which means my savings will allow me to live comfortably for a while before work is absolutely necessary.  

After I park, it takes only a moment to find the building with a small sign in the yard labeled "Office", and I make my way inside. A shorter lady with silver gray hair looks up from behind the counter as the door chimes. I smile politely and greet her.

 "Hello, my name is Skye. I spoke to a Betty Smith yesterday about signing my lease and moving in today."

"Oh yes dear. I’m Betty. It is lovely to meet you, Skye. I have all the paperwork ready for you to look over and sign."

"Thank you so much Mrs. Smith. I really appreciate you doing all of this on such short notice." 

"Please, call me Betty, and you are more than welcome sweetheart. You did the hard part. Having six months’ rent in advance really helped speed things along. Of course, we still must verify all your information and check with your references, but the lease is only a year and you have paid half of it up front!" 

I give Betty my most thankful smile and pick up the clipboard. Looking over the paperwork, I find a standard lease agreement and I finish filling it out in no time. 

Twenty minutes later I am saying goodbye to Betty. Having only known the woman for a short period of time, I find myself reassured in my choosing of Wind Ridge Estates. Betty, with her sweet grandmother-like nature, told me about a job opening at a popular restaurant in town. Though I do not necessarily need to work right away, I made a mental note to go check it out after I get settled in. 

Keys in hand, I head out to find Apartment 11-B. My new home for the foreseeable future. Spotting a dark tan door, on the second floor, with the numbers 11-B in black print, I head up a flight of green metal steps. It is quiet out and I take a deep breath before opening the door. I feel around and find a light switch with my hand. Taking in the room before me, I am impressed with the small apartment. The photos online did not do it justice. The apartment features tan carpet and a cabin in the woods feel. Smiling I walk through the small living room, over to the kitchen, and run my hand over the rough rock counter tops. They are a huge contrast to the slick granite I am used to seeing in kitchens, but I find myself loving them more with each passing second. A small hallway leads to the one bedroom. The bedroom is a decent size, and a queen size bed is already in place. The closet and chest of drawers will easily hold all my clothes. Smiling, I head across the hall, taking in the rock shower, small sink, and large mirror that make up the only bathroom. I find myself slightly disappointed that there is no bathtub, but remind myself that, overall, the good outweighs the bad. Now, time to start unloading. 

I wake the next morning fully rested, and ready to explore my new neighborhood. First, I need to find a grocery store and stock up the apartment. A girl needs food after all, and it'll gives me a good reason to drive around and explore the area. I find a grocery store nearby, making quick work of my shopping list. 

Later, I enter the address that Betty gave me into the GPS. Twelve minutes of driving, and I am pulling into a beautiful rustic diner. Sharron's is printed in large red letters, on a white sign, above a log porch. There are two large bay windows on either side of the double doors leading into the building. Taking everything in, I follow a young boy and his father inside. Just past the doors is a podium where a girl about my age is organizing menus. She smiles warmly and greets the boy and his father by name. 

"Good morning Jon. Little Henry, you’re looking as handsome as ever. If I didn't know any better, I would think you two just like seeing me."

Henry blushes and stands closer to his father.

"Good morning to you too Jules. Henry's mother is visiting her sister, out of town, this week and little Henry here, refuses to eat my cooking," Jon replies, following Jules out of the entry way. 

A few minutes go buy and Jules bounces back into the room. She is taller than me with beautiful blond hair and green eyes. She gives me a quick once over seeming to approve. As I'm preparing to introduce myself, Jules cuts me off.

"Your Skye, right?"  "Here for the waitress position?"

"Umm, yes, how did you...?"

"Betty called yesterday, when you arrived, to make sure the position was still available. She let us know to be expecting you! I am Julie by the way. My friends call me Jules."

Smiling I reply, "Nice to meet you, Jules."

"My mother owns the place. Follow me and I will show you to her office. She will get you all squared away. She will probably want you to start Monday. Don't worry, she won't make you work weekends. She understands the importance of a decent social life for girls our age. Speaking of social lives... and weekends, tomorrow there is this party. You have to come so I can introduce you to people."

Her implied question hung in the air for a moment as I tried to mentally process everything Jules just said in one breath. 

"Sorry, I get excited and talk quickly, I will try to slow down until you get used to it." She adds. 

"It's okay, I think I caught everything." Laughing, I continue, "Your mom sounds great, and yes, I would love to go to the party with you and establish my new social life. After all it's a new chapter for me. Might as well do it right!"

We exchange phone numbers and some more small talk before we come to a small office in the back corner of the kitchen. The door is open, and an older version of Jules sits behind a desk, talking quietly on the phone. When she sees us, she holds up a hand indicating it will be just a moment. After politely ending her call, she looks up with kind eyes. 

"You must be Skye! I'm Sharron. Welcome to Jasper. It's nice to meet you. I hope your settling in okay?"

"I am. Thank you. Betty mentioned you have a waitress position available. I thought it might be a good way to get to know the people here and replenish my savings at the same time." 

 "You made a wonderful impression on Betty, and I value her opinion a great deal. I'd like to give you a shot. The jobs yours if you want it. I have an application for you to fill out so that I can get your information put into the payroll system. How's about we get you started Monday morning at eight? Jules will be here as well so she can show you the ropes. "

I filled out the application for Sharron and made plans with Jules to meet at my apartment around nine the following evening so we could ride to the party together. 

Saturday evening, I'm staring into my closet, I decide on a navy-blue top that draws plenty of attention to my cleavage. I pair the top with my favorite pair of fitted blue jeans and finish the look with a pair of open toe boots. After putting on a layer of makeup I start curling my long dark hair. I'm adding the last curl when I hear a knock at the front door. Opening it, I find Jules on the other side. Her wavy blond locks making her look like a model and her outfit making me feel slightly under-dressed. 

"Hey babe, are you ready to head out?" Jules asked, engulfing me in a hug like we had been friends for years instead of days.

"Well, I was. Now I'm not so sure. Should I put on something a little more....,? I let the rest of the sentence hang. 

"What are you talking about? Girl you look like Fire! Grab your stuff and lets go or we are going to be late!"

 Before I can even respond Jules has grabbed my hand, and is dragging me out the door, and down the flight of stairs. When we reach the parking lot, less than a minute later, Jules stops and turns abruptly to face me. 

"Okay so... who's drinking and who's driving?" She asks. 

"I think I will drive this time. It would be a shame for you to waist that dress on a sober Saturday night. Plus, I would like to have my wits about me when meeting new people. First impressions, and all that." 

"Skye, you’re a girl after my own heart! Not many people around here respect the value of a good dress. I knew from the moment I laid eyes on you that we were going to be best friends!"

Jules's dress is a light turquoise with flower print. A V-shaped neckline highlights her smaller chest, and the hem line falls slightly above her knees. Subtle in a sexy way.

 Laughing at Jules's bubbly nature, I show Jules to my black Avalanche in the parking lot. She raises her brows at me, obviously surprised. 

"I wouldn't have pegged you as an Avalanche type of girl but seeing you behind the wheel.... it fits your personality just fine”, Jules says, smiling, as we climb in.

"It was a gift for my sixteenth birthday. It might not have been my first pick either, but it has grown on me over the years. Now I can't imagine myself driving anything else. What do you drive?" 

We exchange similar chit chat, getting to know each other as I drive. Jules giving me directions along the way. Before long we turn on a busy back road. Cars line the ditches on both sides of the road. We are still a ways from the gate where it appears everyone is entering. I see an open spot and go to pull in before someone else can take it. 

"O no, Hun. Go on up to the gate they will let us in." Jules points to the gate where they are turning cars away and only letting people on foot enter.

"Are you sure? It looks like the guy at the gate is telling people to park out here." I give her a sideways look waiting on her to reply.

"Definitely. They will let us in."

"If you say so." 

I pull up to the gate and roll my window down. Jules leans across my center consul and talks to the man at the gate, then he waves us through. Inside is a pasture with vehicles parked in random places. I pick a spot to park, and Jules's door is open before I have even cut the engine. Once I'm out, Jules grabs me by the hand and starts leading me through the parked cars, until the cars turn into people. Jules clearly has a destination in mind, so I let her guide us through the masses while I take in my surroundings.

There must be at least three hundred people here. Loud music was coming from further into the crowd, but I notice Jules was no longer leading me straight into the mass of people. Rather, she had us skirting around the edge to the right. 

"Zack!!!" Jules's voice booms in front of me. She lets go of my hand and takes off running, flinging herself into the arms of a very attractive man. He spins her a round in a circle, planting a peck on her lips before setting her down on the ground. 

Pulling her into his side, Zack drapes his arm over her shoulders. She snakes an arm around his waist. They turn back towards me. "Zack, this is Skye, the girl I was telling you about. Isn't she stunning?"

I smile politely. Feeling uncomfortable that Jules just asked someone, who is apparently her boyfriend, to comment on my beauty.

"Thanks babe, but I've got nothing on you." I say in an attempt to direct the attention away from myself. 

Zack steps away from Jules, taking my hand, and kissing the back of it like some kind of prince. I intentionally chose to ignore the fact that he stared into my eyes seductively while he did it. Making it clear his intentions were anything but prince-like.  

"I'm not her boyfriend. We're just close. Affectionate nature you might say." He glances over his shoulder at Jules who is still smiling. 

Someone calls her name, and she excuses herself. "If it's okay with you, Skye, I'll leave you two to get acquainted?" She winks at me. "I'm going to go get drinks!" 

 I nod, and she heads back into the crowd. This time stopping to chat here and there unlike on our first trip through.

Turning my attention back to Zack, I notice he never let go of my hand. Someone looking on now might think he was my boyfriend. 

I look from our hands to Zack's face, raising my brows at him. "Affectionate nature huh?" 

"What can I say? You're a stunning girl." He lets go of my hand and drapes his arm around my shoulders. "If it makes you uncomfortable, I can stop?" His cocky grin is back, and he raises his brows in question.

I consider whether or not I'm okay with Zack's affections. Technically, I am free to do whatever I want; with whoever I want. Plus, Zack is hot. His dish-water blond hair and green eyes are definitely doing something for me. Not to mention, from my current place under his arm I am fairly certain he is sporting some rock-hard abs under his black t-shirt. 

Instead of answering his question with words, I wrap my arm around his waist. Yep. Definitely abs. I look away shaking my head. I can't help but wonder what I'm getting myself into. He is clearly a playboy, but after Jaxon, maybe a little fun is what I need. 

Jules returns, and we spend several hours talking and hanging out. I am sitting in Zack's lap with his arm around my waist, and Jules is sitting beside us with Zack's other hand on her thigh, possessively. The group dynamic still confuses me, but we seemed to fall into these positions naturally. The last fit of laughter left me feeling tired, and I look at my watch. Almost midnight. Maybe I should start thinking about calling it a night. 

Before I can call it a night, a girl I've never seen before comes strutting over. She is shorter than me, but not by much. Her hair is a bright red. I really try not to be the judgmental type, but I can't help but think it’s the kind of red that could only come from a box. Her box red hair is tied up on top of her head and she looked pissed. I feel Zack tense behind me.

 O shit...I swear... If this girl is Zack's girlfriend, I will join her in administering whatever punishment she deems necessary for his playboy behavior. 

To my surprise this new arrival walks straight over to Jules. Stopping only about a foot in front of her. Hands on her hips. 

When she doesn't say anything and just stands there glaring Jules breaks the silence. "Stacy, can we help you with something?"  

"You can tell me why you felt the need to tell my boyfriend I was cheating on him."

I was in shock. I've only known Jules for a couple days, but she has always been kind to everyone. Affecting them with her happiness and positivity. Not even a hint of that was present in her now as she begins to lay into Stacy. "Any number of people could have told him. Have you checked with the 3 guys you entertained this week that were... not Brad?"  The words came out laced with venom. 

Stacy whips her hand back ready to slap Jules across the face. 

Acting on instinct I jump down from Zack's lap, and put myself between Stacy and Jules. Stacy's hand connects with my cheek, and a loud smack rings out. My reflexes kick in, and I'm swinging back. Another smack. This one slightly louder than the first. Stacy stood in front of us holding the left side of her face. I don't know what shocked her more. The fact that she hit me, instead of Jules, or the fact that I smacked her ass back. 

Speechless, Stacy spins on her heal and heads toward the gate where we entered.  

I can't contain myself anymore and burst out laughing while taking Zack's previous seat on the tailgate. "Jules, I could use one of those drinks now." I say, while Jules and Zack turn to me with concerned looks.

"Skye, are you okay? Jules asks, coming to sit beside me. She uses my chin to turn my head to the right, getting a better look at my cheek. "You’re probably going to have some slight bruising." 

Zack moves over to stand between my legs, taking my face in his hands, examining my bruise for himself. "I did not expect you to be laughing after getting smacked in the face." Zack adds. "Maybe some cursing or even crying, but laughter...?" Zack starts to chuckle sending me into a laughing fit all over again. Jules joins in as well.

When our laughter dies down a little Jules says, "Seriously Skye, why did you do it? You've known me for all of two days."

"I just reacted. I'm fine. However, if you want to make it up to me, you can tell me who in the hell Brad is, and why that psycho thought you ratted her out to him?"  

"Brad is my brother." Jules replies. 

The situation was starting to make a lot more since. "Yep...I should've hit her harder. Do you think she is still here? Maybe I can catch up to her and have another go?" I smile at Jules. 

 "Not a chance, I'm going to go find you a drink. But only one because your still driving...I'll see if I can scrape up some ice for your face too." She disappears into the crowd again. 

"You're a feisty little thing, aren't you?" Zack asks, moving back between my knees. 

"Who are you calling little?" I tease. 

Zack runs his thumb across my bruised cheek. I flinch a little at the pain, but do not move away. "I didn't like seeing you get hit, but I'd be lying if I said that bruise wasn't turning me on."

"Cat fights turn you on. Why am I not surprised?" I tease Zack, rolling my eyes at him. 

With no humor in his voice at all Zack replies, " No, Skye. What turns me on is you being selfless enough to put yourself in harm’s way for a friend you've known less than forty-eight hours. Not to mention you were also willing to cause harm, to a complete stranger, for that same friend." His eyes lock on mine as he speaks. 

 "Well, I can't take full credit for the last part. Hitting her back was less about defending Jules, and more of a reflexive reaction to being hit in the face. I'm fine Zack. I promise".

His position between my legs, and the adrenaline still pumping through my veins, is starting to make me hot all over. 

Zack growls, yes growls, closing the short distance between us, attacking my lips with his own. Wrapping both of his hands into the hair at the base of my neck, he presses his tongue against my lips asking for entry, which I grant. God. He tastes even better than he looks!

Picking me up, Zack carries me over to the driver side of his truck, away from the prying eyes of the crowd. He presses me against the side of the cab; never once breaking our kiss. His hands began to roam over my chest, and I let out a moan. A moment later, he breaks away. 

"Damn it, Skye. Moan like that again, and I'll have to take you right here, with all those people close enough to hear you scream my name." He looks from me to the crowd only 20 yards from where we were, before kissing me deeply.

"Well, well, well. That didn't take long at all." Jules's voice breaks my trance. 

Surprised, I break the passionate kiss, simultaneously unwrapping my legs from around his waist, and letting my feet find the ground below me. Zack on the other hand makes no move to change our compromising position. I look from Jules to Zack with wide eyes, unsure of what to do next. 

Zack addresses Jules but never looks in her direction. "Jules, I'm going to need you to come back later." He presses his mid-section against mine like he is ready to pick back up where we left off. Jules or no Jules. 

Jules smiles and rolls her eyes. "A neighbor called in a noise complaint. Cops are coming to make sure everyone moves out." She crosses her arms over her chest and waits. 

"Fine." Zack says, stepping back. He leans in again and presses a kiss on my bruised cheek.

I'm left standing against the truck flustered.  When Zack reaches Jules, he stops and kisses her cheek before continuing toward the back of the truck. 

I close the distance between Jules and I, and she wraps her arm around my shoulders smiling at me. "Good work, Skye." 

I feel my cheeks heat up as a blush spreads across my face. "I'm sorry you found us like that. It just sort of...."

Jules is smiling from ear to ear. "Girl don't apologize! I knew from the moment you two looked at each other that it was only a matter of time before things got hot and heavy." 

We Join Zack at the back of the truck where he is closing his tailgate. "Well, I'm ready to head out. It was nice to meet you, Skye. I hope we can finish what we started sooner rather than later."

Zack continues, "Jules, I’ll see you back at my place?" 

"Actually, I was thinking about crashing at Skye's'."  "That is... if it's okay with you, Skye?" Jules asks. 

"Of course, babe." I answer her. 

"So, you’re just going to leave me high and dry then?" Zack asks Jules with mock hurt.

Jules unwraps her arm from my shoulders and steps over to Zack. "Dry? After what I just saw going on between you, and Skye here, I doubt your anything but... dry." Jules teases right back and continues, "Plus, I'm sure one of us can make it up to you later." Jules finishes, batting her eyelashes at Zack. 

Zack replies. "Fine, but you owe me."  Then to my complete and utter surprise he reaches out, and pulls her into him by her waist, going in for a full-on snog right in front of me.

I watch in shocked silence. Not knowing what to say or do. All night they have been touchy-feely, but he was even more affectionate with me. My brain is totally scrambled. 

When they break apart, I get out my cell phone, pretending something on it needs my attention. 

"Ready?" Jules ask me, turning away from Zack. 

"Umm... Ya. Let’s go." I answer. 

Back at my apartment, I turn on the lights and Jules takes a seat on the couch. "Please tell me you have something to eat in that fridge. I know you've only been here two days, but I am starving!"

"You’re in luck. I've already stocked the fridge. How about a frozen pizza? 

"Perfect." She answers. I pop the pizza in the oven and grab two bottles of water. I sit on the couch opposite of Jules, and hand her a water.

I don't say anything right away, and an awkward silence fills the room. 

"What's on your mind Skye? I can tell somethings off."

"You're right. I wasn't sure how to bring it up, so I'm just going to come right out with it."

"Skye, whatever it is, I promise I won't be upset with you. What's up?"

"When we arrived at the party Zack kissed you, and I assumed he was your boyfriend. Then he said he wasn't your boyfriend, and was all over me all night, but was still affectionate with you. Then after the Stacy situation, Zack, and I... well... you saw. But before we left, he kissed you. I mean really kissed you. I guess what I'm asking is... are you two one of those couples who bring in a third person for both of you to... share...like physically? If you are, I'm not judging, but that's not something I'm into...personally."  After I finish, I let my head fall into my hands. 

"Skye, I am so sorry. I never stopped to consider how my relationship with Zack would look to a girl he is obviously trying to start something with. My relationship with Zack is complicated. Mostly because there is a lot about us that I can't tell you. Not yet anyway." She takes a deep breath like she is figuring out what she wants to say next. 

Taking my hands in hers she continues, "Think about the relationship with me and Zack as something like...a friends with benefits scenario. Its more complicated than that, but that is the best way to describe it, for now. We have needs... physical needs I mean. Zack satisfies mine and I satisfy his, but it's more than that. We care about each other like family. You could even say we love each other but it's a... companion kind of love...not a partner kind of love." Jules pauses...

"Basically, Zack will try to get in your pants, but I will not. Your hot and all, but not my type." She laughs.

The oven beeps and I get up to get the pizza. I throw a couple slices each on two paper plates, grab two beers from the fridge and make my way back into the living room. 

"So, theoretically speaking, if I were to become intimate with Zack, you two are not sharing me, but me and you would be sharing Zack?" I ask Jules.

"Yes. There would be no threesomes, or anything like that. Zack will take care of each of our... needs... individually and vice versa...Plus, from what I saw tonight, you could use a little s****l release. How long has it been since you've been laid anyway?" She asks in a teasing manner. The heaviness of our conversation evaporating. 

"Four months, three days, and...", I look at my imaginary watch, "...three hours". I answer. 

Jules sits up and looks at me. Eyes wide. "Seriously!? Explain." She gestures for me to continue, and picks up her pizza, taking a large bite.

Smiling I continue, “There’s not much to tell. I was in a long-term relationship with someone. Not just any someone. THE someone. Things were great. There was talk of marriage and maybe even kids someday. Then one day out of the blue, he ghosted. I found a note on our fridge that said, I'm sorry. No explanation. Just, I'm sorry. The town was small, and everyone knew us as a couple. After a few months, I couldn't take the looks of pity anymore. I was so sick of everyone waiting for me to break that, I packed up and pulled a ghosting of my own.  I haven't been even remotely physical with anyone until tonight, but it felt like time.

She makes a show of patting around on the couch. "Where's my phone?"

"I'm not sure, why?" I ask a little confused. 

"Because, your right. It is time." She pulls her phone out of her purse. "I'm calling Zack to come over and finish what you two started earlier. By the time Zack is done with you tonight, you won't even remember the other guys name." She pauses holding the phone in front of her, and I throw my arms around her. 

After a moment I release her, pulling back to look at her face. "Jules you have no idea how much it means to me that instead of offering me sympathy or pity you automatically jumped straight to revenge sex." 

"Girl, it's only revenge s*x if your ex knows you’re having it. That's not really an option in this situation... What I had in mind was more of a good, old fashioned, moving on, s*x. You know, the kind that blows your mind, and makes you question what you ever saw in the first guy anyway?"

"You're awesome." I state.

"I'm serious Skye, I'll call him right now."

"Jules, as much as I appreciate the offer, both of us sleeping with Zack will complicate things. You’re my first friend here and your mom is fixing to be my boss, I don't want to risk our new friendship over s*x, regardless of how mind blowing."