Escaping Heartbreak (3 page)

FOUR

Travis

“Hey Waylon,” I yelled out the back door. “Why don’t you see if you can stay the night at Andy’s house?”

“Why, where are you going?”

“Out,” I walked back inside the house. I could hear his footsteps matching mine.

“I’m old enough to stay home by myself; I’m not a baby Travis.” He whined, indicating that he was, in fact, still very much a kid.

“You’re thirteen and my responsibility.” Not by law, but since mom left three years ago I’d been taking care of my little brother.

“I’m so sick of hearing that shit.” He plopped down at the kitchen table and shook his straight blonde hair out of his eyes.

“Watch your mouth.”

“I can’t see it.”

“And that right there is exactly why you’re not staying home by yourself. If you start taking on some more responsibilities around here and show me that I can trust you, then I might change my mind.” The boy can’t keep his grades up, and he barely lifts a finger to help out around here. After everything that he’s been through… I can understand his need to act out. But it has been several years since the incident. It’s time he took more accountability for himself.

“Fine, I’ll call Andy.”

“Thanks,” I gave him a light shove to lighten the mood.

“But only for tonight. You promised me that we’d watch a movie this weekend.”

“I know and we will. Tomorrow night it’s just you and me okay.” He nodded and stomped off to his room. Since he’d turned thirteen he developed one smartass mouth. I guess he acted like me. Damn it, that can’t be good.

I was so stoked about tonight. I ran into my old friend Dane Evans at the gas station earlier today and he invited me and some of the guys down to their lake house for a party later. The last time I saw him we were about fifteen years old. He and his sister hadn’t been back since his parents passed away a few years earlier. Dane said that his sister Sawyer was moving into the place. It doesn’t seem right. She couldn’t have been more than twelve the last time they were here. She shouldn’t be old enough to be living on her own; at least that’s what I thought. Dane said she was about to turn twenty one. I couldn’t believe it. The night was sure to be fun as
hell. I couldn’t wait to catch up with Dane and his sister, and a free cold beer didn’t sound bad either.

All week long my boss had been on my ass. Trying to be in two places at once was killing me. Waylon couldn’t seem to keep his self out of trouble at school and when he was not in trouble he
was falling behind on his studies. I was constantly being called to come up there for one reason or another. Luckily the house was paid for so my measly little job covered the bills. My dad’s insurance paid for the house when he passed away about four years ago. Thankfully mom didn’t try to sell it before she ran off and left us here. 

For the past three
years, I had been selling auto parts in town at London Auto. Fancy I know. I also worked part time at Gordon’s Gym. Gordon was a longtime friend of the family and he let me help out, in return for free membership. I wanted to teach the youth boxing course, but it wasn’t in the budget for him to hire for that position right now. He said as soon as a spot opened that I’d be the first to get it. That was over a year ago. When dad passed away he left me and Waylon a little money, but we weren’t allowed to touch it until we were eighteen. I wanted to use mine to go to the Community College, but when mom quit coming home night after night, I quit. I decided that I would save the rest and go back when I had the chance. Turns out groceries, lights, and cable was more important.

“Andy said I could stay over. I’m going to take my new Xbox game you got me for my birthday.”

“That’s fine.”

“Will you drop me off?”

“It’s three houses down.” I glared at him.

“And,” he rolled his eyes.

“Boy, I am about to smack you upside your head. Quit rolling your damn eyes. You got two legs and you need to start using them, Lazy. I’m going to go and take a shower, be ready when I get out. I’ll drop you off.” I sighed.

So many nights I would lie in bed and wonder if Waylon would do better than me, if he’s even capable. I kn
ew he was smart, but since Mom left he’d just given up. New London was a small town and the people talk. They know that Momma walked out on us, but no one ever said anything. I hope they never know the real reason. I’m sure they just felt sorry for us and all that bullshit. I thought that after she left someone would turn me in, maybe even say I’m not fit to raise my brother. It hasn’t happened yet, and I’d kill the man who did. I couldn’t lose him too. He’s all I’ve got. I tried so hard to make things easy for him. One of these days it would all pay off, and he’d have a life that he deserves. I’d make sure of it.

###

The place hadn’t changed a bit. I pulled my truck in front of the Evans’ lake house. The place was like a mansion. I loved it here. I remembered all of those summers that we’d spent fishing and swimming out back. The place has a lot of great memories for me over the years. I hate that Mr. and Mrs. Evans’ are gone now. They were good people. I would spend days here and they never seemed to mind.
It’s funny how quickly life can change, and how easily things are taken away.

“Travis, hey man. The gang’s all here.” Dane yelled from the porch. He was already hammered.

“What’s up man? Looks like I’ve got some catching up to do,” I wrapped my arm around his shoulder. He was a big guy, but I was even bigger. Working out at the gym had really paid off.

“Beer’s in the fridge, and liquor is on the counter, Man. Help yourself,” his words were slurred and all over the place.

“I think I will.” I walked inside. Everyone seemed to be annihilated already. I was in a stress free zone for the night, time to blow off some steam. These boys had nothing more to worry about than a final exam or getting to work on time the next day. I wish I could say the same. I have actual responsibilities and someone to take care of. It’s been two years since I have actually been to a party, my reasoning for babysitters involved inventory at work. I’m living like a forty year old man, and I’m so over it. Tonight I had no responsibilities, so I planned to get shit faced, starting now.

A bottle of Tequila later and my lips were tingly. I swear I don’t think I’d been there two hours yet. Where are all the girls? “Dane,” I rested my arm on his shoulder. “Did we invite girls to this party because I seriously need to get laid?”

“Too much fucking information Trav,” he passed me a bottle and I took another drink. “There are girls here.” He waved his arms around.

“Dane, dude, I see these girls all the time. I don’t want them. I want someone new, someone hot. Can’t you help a brother out?”

“Sorry man, I can’t help you.” He snatched the bottle from me. “But I can help myself. See that hot chick that just walked through the door.”

I nodded.

“She wants me.” I looked towards the door to see a beautiful redheaded girl standing there.

“Who is she, and how do you know she wants you?”

“She is my sister’s best friend Wren. Trust me she wants me.”

“It must be nice. She really is hot. Does she have any friends?” He gave me a look like he might punch me in the gut. “I mean besides your sister, damn.”

“Don’t know, and don’t care. I have to go man. Listen, have fun. Don’t drive okay. When you’re ready to pass out, just pick a room okay. I’m going to hit that.” He pointed to the red-head. He hopped over the couch and went after her.

It had been so long since I’d had a girlfriend, or even had sex for that matter. I slept with one of the members down at the gym, but it was just a one night stand. It’d been about six months ago and it was a spur of the moment thing, weakness on my part. All the more reason to drown in my sorrows, and hopefully remember nothing.

After losing my ass in beer pong, I decided to lie down. Everything was starting to get fuzzy and I knew I’d be sick if I didn’t. I started down the hall and tried to remember which room was where. I couldn’t go into Dane’s old room unless I wanted to walk in on a hump fest. Not a good idea. I went to the next bedroom on the right. I didn’t remember whose it was, and since it was empty then it looked good to me. I kicked off my shoes and took off my pants and shirt. It took me a minute. I kept getting tangled up. I left on my boxers and climbed in the bed. Sleeping it off sounded like a good plan, if I didn’t puke first. I was going to strangle Dane for this hangover.

FIVE

Sawyer

When I arrived back from the store, there were cars parked everywhere in the drive. I had been gone for two and a half hours and already he’d thrown a party. How did he manage it? I swear, I am going to kill my brother. The music is blasted through the living room as soon as I opened the door. I knew Wren was there somewhere condoning that shit. I had seen her car out front.

“Hey there gorgeous, are you here for a little fun?” I put my hand up to stop him from getting closer. His breath was about to knock me over or get me drunk, I’m wasn’t sure.

“I’m looking for my brother.” I yelled over the loud music. The drunken guy just rolled his eyes and walked off. “You were a lot of freaking help, you douche.” I scoffed and walked over to the stereo. I pressed the power button to turn it off, and everyone gave me their full attention. There were probably only about ten or twelve people here, but they were loud and drunk as hell. “Listen up!” I yelled even though everyone was quiet. “I am looking for someone.” A tattooed boy with big green eyes stepped forward, and he was HOT. Damn you hot boy, not right now. “Not you,” I waved him away. I hated that I had to send him away. I might need to look him up later. “I am looking for my brother. Anybody seen Dane?”

“Holy shit, you’re Sawyer.” The tattooed guy asked, as he moved in closer.

“Yes, why?” I raised a brow, looking at the hot guy with a different kind of interest than I had before.

“I used to hang out with Dane a long time ago. I was Vincent, well Vince now.”

No freaking way.
“I hardly recognize you without your braces? I can’t believe it. You have changed so much.” I couldn’t believe that hot guy standing in front of me was the same scrawny, dorky kid that I remembered from my childhood.

“No more braces.” His smile was perfect. He brushed away the small strand of hair hanging in my face, making sure that I felt his hand touch my skin.

“I see that,” down girl. I shook my head, and pulled myself back to reality. “So, have you seen my brother?”

“Yeah, he and some cute little red-head went to his room about an hour ago.” Oh no. “I’m sure we can find a room of our own.”

I ignored his comment and the way his eyes skimmed my body. “Is she about this tall?” I held up my hand, “long red wavy hair and big boobs?” I asked.

“That’s her.”

“Well damn,” I couldn’t believe she slept with him. “He better hope he don’t mess that up.” I said to him, but I was really saying it to myself. “Do you think you can help me shut this party down? I’ll give anybody a ride home that needs one.”

“On one condition,” he smirked. His long dark hair almost hid his dark green eyes. When he smiled it just sort of sucked me in.

“Depends on what you want.” Who am I kidding? He looks way better than the last guy I was with. I’d probably take him to bed right now if he asked.
I am not a slut. I am not a slut. I am not a slut.

“How about a date?” He licked his lips. The nerd
he’d once been was long gone. He was a cocky thing now. It must be those tattoos, both arms are covered. They peeked out from his t-shirt and ran all the way down his arms. One arm was covered in some kind of tribal design and was all black and white. While the other was some kind of dragon. It was filled with vivid oranges and reds. I’d never seen anything quite like it. Did I mention the fact that he was HOT?

“Can I just say maybe for now? This is my first night back and I need some time to settle.” And reasonable Sawyer showed her ugly face.

He seemed a little mad, kind of aggravated like he wasn’t used to anyone telling him no. He could take it or leave it. He stepped back and put his hands in his pocket. What an arrogant little bastard? I wasn’t so sure about this one after all.

“Yeah, sure, whatever,” I didn’t know if he was
always an ass or if it was just the alcohol talking. Either way, he had to go.

I unloaded my truck of all the cleaning supplies and groceries while everyone hauled ass out of there. Vince was the first one to leave, go figure. He didn’t stick around to help ship people out. I guess he didn’t like my answer after all.

Only two guys had to have a ride home. I was a little worried about being alone in the car with guys I didn’t know, but remembered my mace and figured as intoxicated as they were that they wouldn’t try anything. Of course, I didn’t think about the fact that they’d aggravate me to death. Ear plugs were needed more than mace.

It was nearly midnight by the time I got home and finally had a quiet house again. I was worn out. It had been such a long day with all of the moving and cleaning and shopping. All I wanted to do lie down in my bed, and sleep.

I already had my shirt off and thrown on the floor when I walked in my room. I switched on the light to find a t-shirt to sleep in. The loud groan nearly gave me a heart attack. Someone was in my bed and wearing nothing but a pair of boxers. Not even a decent pair. They looked like a thrift store special. What the hell?

“Please, for the love of God, turn off the damn light.”

“Um no,” I walked over to the side of the bed he was on and stared down at the drunken idiot lying there half naked. “You need to get your ass up out of my bed.” Could this night get any worse or better? He was kind of hot.
What am I saying?
I snapped out of it.

His eyes opened slowly, and even through the redness I recognized them. I couldn’t place him, but I knew him from somewhere.

“Sawyer Evans, is that you? Am I dead?” He moved his arm to block the light from his eyes. “Wow.” He was only looking at me through one open eye, but that eye was definitely checking me out.

“That seems to be the theme around here tonight.” People recognizing me and checking out the all grown up sister.

“Huh?”

“Nothing,” I rolled my eyes. “You can leave any day now.”

“You don’t recognize me?” He asked.

“Listen, I’d love to play twenty questions with you, its real fun and all, but the effing party is over and
all I want to do is go to bed.” He laughed.  “I’m glad you think this is funny.”

“Sorry, I just don’t remember you being so,” he paused. “Grown up,” well that wasn’t what I was expecting. He slid his legs to the side of the bed and rose up slowly. The muscles in his chest and arms flexed with every movement. “I’m real sorry Sawyer. Dane said to find a place to lay my head. I can’t drive, and this was the closest place I could make it without crawling.” He tried to stand; his head was pressed in the palm of his hand. Stumbling, he fell back on the bed. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

“Oh hell no, not in my bed, please,” I pleaded. “Come on, the bathroom is ten feet away.”

“Ugh,” he groaned.

“No, no, no,” I took his hand and pulled him as hard as I could. He barely budged. He was huge, muscles everywhere. I mean everywhere. “Please whatever your name is. Come on.” I leaned over him and placed my hand to his cheek. His skin was clammy and coated in perspiration. Flashes of Dane’s pale face were flooding my memories. I don’t know how many times that I’ve taken care of him in this same situation. “Please come on.”

He rolled over on his side, towards me. I jumped back out of the way, afraid he might barf right in my lap. Slowly he slid himself off the bed and onto the floor. I’m not sure how that happened, but I realized in the process
that he has the sexiest back I had ever seen, irrelevant I know. Watching him crawl to the bathroom was so damn funny. Although the sad and pathetic noises coming from him, made me feel a bit sorry for him. Every time he paused to breathe, he reminded me of a big beef burrito.

I reached my hand down to help him several times, but couldn’t seem to find the right thing to do. So I just watched him. Stepping ahead of him, I turned on the bathroom light. He was so close, just a couple more feet. I’ve honestly never seen a grown man crawl on his hands and knees like this. With the strength of his arms, he pulled himself up over the toilet, and not a minute too soon.

The hurling came from the depths, and that was my cue to haul ass. “I’m gonna go now.” I turned to leave.

“
No, please,” he looked at me for a brief moment, his body moving quickly with each breath. “Don’t go.” The words were barely out of his mouth before he started to puke again.

“Damn it,” I whispered to myself. Why did I always get stuck taking care of everybody? My conscious was Mother-freaking-Theresa. I opened the closet door and grabbed a washcloth. While the cold water
ran, I reached over and flushed the commode while his head was still buried in it. If I were staying then I couldn’t see or smell that, otherwise I’d be sick right along with him. Courtesy flushes were needed. Looking in the mirror, I realized I was still only wearing my bra. Oh well, too late to worry about it now. He didn’t seem to notice or care, so why should I?

I got down on my knees on the floor next to him. Slowly, I used the cold rag to run along the side of his face and neck. The muscles in his jaw flexed with every touch. He lifted his head to look at me, and I was immediately glad I stayed. There was such sweetness in his eyes. He was actually pretty handsome when he wasn’t puking his guts up.

I had a rag to his forehead when he finally spoke. “Thank you, Saw.”

“You’re welcome,” I replied.

He slowly lowered himself onto the floor and within seconds he was out. Since he was on his side, I figured it would be okay to leave him. There was no way that I could move him anyway. I went back inside my room and grabbed a spare blanket. He was already snoring when I came back in. Placing the blanket over him, I laid the cold rag on his forehead. I made sure to leave the door open to the bathroom so that I could hear him if he needed me. What a crazy night? I made a mental note to cuss Dane out first thing in the morning.

The last thing I thought about when my head hit the pillow were those familiar eyes. I couldn’t remember who he was, but I would find out one way or another.
He seemed to know me. In the meantime, Mr. gorgeous-no-name would bring me sweet dreams.