North Island

Chapter 2

Allie

I sit at my small kitchen table, sipping on my coffee and reading emails. I just finished reading the response from my application at Emerald Airways and I have an interview on Monday.

My phone dings with a new text message from Kylie. She invited me out to the local pub tonight for drinks and I accepted.

I busy myself the rest of the day by cleaning, writing in my planner, grabbing some groceries, and taking Asher for a walk before I get ready to go to the pub.

I take a hot shower and lay out my clothes for tonight. I chose a simple lose fitting black tank, with ripped skinny jeans, and some flat brown sandals. I style my medium length dark brown hair in beach waves and apply makeup. Adding some winged eyeliner to make my dark blue stand out and light pink lipstick.

This is the first time since I’ve been here I’ve made myself look good. This is the first time I’ve went out without permission, without a fight, without having to put on different clothes or do my hair or makeup differently. Tonight I’m going to drink to that for sure. This newly found freedom I’ve found all within inside of myself is content feeling.

My phone dings and Kylie lets me know her and her finance is here. His name is Jake and she’s deemed him DD tonight so we don’t have to worry about driving.

I slip on my shoes and kiss Asher on the forehead a goodbye.

I walk to the black ford pickup truck parked in front of the house and get in the back.

“Allie, this is my fiancé Jake.” Kylie is quick to introduce

“Hey, nice to meet you.”

Jake is a good looking guy, blonde hair, nice build, and looks at Kylie with nothing but love in his eyes. I’m deep down envious on their love.

Kylie looks beautiful, her blonde hair in curls, a white sundress fits her slim body shape. We laugh and make small talk to the bar, which was maybe a 5 minute drive.

Sitting down at a table, Jake has already found a buddy of his to sit with us. Connor I think is his name. Connor and Jake slip away to grab us drinks.

“Girl, you look hot tonight.” Kylie says winking at me.

“Aw, thank you. I feel good.”

“You’re about to feel better. Soooo what’s your type. A hot tourist dude who you won’t ever see again?”

“Ha, girl no. I don’t want a dude. I just got out of a relationship.”

“Oh s**t. Was it serious?” She frowns, sympathy fills her eyes.

“I mean, it was 5 years. Kind of the only guy I’ve ever been with. It’s all good though, don’t worry.” I assured her

Before she could ask anymore questions, the guys came back with drinks and took a seat. We all ordered beer.

The night goes on, we all laugh, dance, and drink more. It’s been a long time since I felt this good, alive, happy.

The song ended and Kylie and I stumbled back over to our seats. Drinking wasn’t something my ex enjoyed and said it was trashy for me to do. I didn’t drink a lot and I was a light weight. I didn’t want to get to drunk I’d embarrass myself. Ruin my new girl reputation. Small island, I’m sure word travels fast.

The guy go play a game of pool once we come back. Kylie is telling me some story about her and Jake’s bonfire party at their house last summer, but I can’t get over the feeling of someone watching me.

The bar is busy, I search around the room taking in all the people when my gaze lands on a guy with dark brown hair with a baseball cap turned backwards. Cargo shorts and a tight Henley t-shirt displayed across his broad shoulders and muscular arms. He has a short clean cut beard, but no doubt underneath is a sharp jawline.

He looks rugged and all man. Nothing like my ex. He eyes land on mine and I quickly look away.

“Allie!” Kylie waves her hand in front of my face

“Oh my gosh, I think I’ve drank way to much.” I giggle

“Who were you looking at?” She glances back behind her shoulder.

“Um, I won’t lie. The guy in the black Henley t-shirt.” I keep my voice low like he’s going to hear me over the chatter and music.

“Oh, Brady?” She smiles at me

“Does he live here?” I asked trying to act noticeably interested.

“Yes, he does. He’s a few years older than me. Was my brothers best friend growing up, so I kind of think of him as an older brother. Super sweet guy, single, and is easy on the eyes.” She drops Brady’s life story on my lap and I try to soak it in.

I nod my head slowly and the room spins and tips. f**k my lightweight body, I’m on my fourth beer.

The boys return a few minutes later, plus one, Brady.

Kylie looks up with a smile from me to Brady. s**t, I don’t know this girl well enough to know if she’s going to try to play matchmaker. I just found my full independence and this place is to small to have enemies.

“Hey Brady” she hugs him from her barstool, he’s tall.

“Hey Ky, how are you?” He ask her stealing glances at me. I sip on my beer trying to play cool. “Good. This is Allie, she just moved to the Island. Allie, this is Brady.” She winks with a smile

Thankfully she’s not spilling tea yet.

He holds out his hand for me to shake.

“Nice to meet you.” His chocolate brown eyes stare into my soul and he flashes his pearly white teeth.

I put my small hand in his large, warm hand and his grip is firm. He lets go and I miss the warmth instantly.

“Well I just came over to say hi, I’m gonna get going. Nice meeting you Allie and good game fuckers.” He slaps Jake on the back.

Not long after, Jake and Kylie drop me back off to my place. I strip my clothes at the front door and stumble to the bedroom, grasping for the walls and door frame until I land on my bed.

I stare at the ceiling and it spins. I want to puke. I close my eyes at see Brady’s handsome face. Just because my ex was verbally abusive doesn’t mean I miss the relationship we had as f****d up as it was. I miss the warmth in bed, the s*x, the company. Even though towards the end s*x and company wasn’t a big part of us anymore. Worried I’d regret throwing away five years in the trash was a mental battle. During our relationship I got lonely and upset and would want to break up, but he wouldn’t let me. It wasn’t until I psychically packed my s**t and left, it was over. It was hard. I second guessed what I had only ever known. I felt stuck, but no matter how defective we were, I loved him.

A feel the pressure of tears behind my eyelids and one fall down my cheek.

I can’t cry anymore over this, it’s just the alcohol talking now. I think back to Brady and my hand finds it’s way underneath my red underwear. My thumb rubs circles on my nub while my two fingers plunge into my v****a. I begin pumping and thinking how Brady’s hard body would feel on top of mine. The way his beard would scratch my skin. His deep sexy voice saying dirty things in my ear. I pump and rub faster and faster until my legs begin to shake and my breathing hitches. I’m taken away with my high as the electricity spasms from my head to my toes.

My eyes close and drift into peaceful sleep.