The Final Play: A Short Story Read online

  Spencer was my bodyguard, my best friend, and someone I cared deeply for. Care for.

  I run my fingers gently over the image, smiling at the memory. What have I done? I’m going to have to stare at him all through this wedding.

  Perhaps this is what I needed to finally move on—to forget everything I’ve ever felt and get back into the dating scene again. That’s what I’ll do. I know a few single people coming to the wedding.

  It’s time to have some fun.

  “You did what?” Simone screams over the music in the club. The bartender pours us each another shot. We toss them back.

  I inhale and the scent of beer and sweat fill the dry air in the club. “I told him pretty much all of it. I didn’t go into details, but he got the picture.” I shrug. It’s been two days since I’ve seen Spencer. The wedding isn’t for another three, so hopefully, he still plans to actually show up after our chat the other night.

  “You left it three years too late to tell him. You should have done it sooner,” she slurs, almost slipping off her chair. I quickly grab her arm, almost falling myself. We burst out laughing.

  “I didn’t want to be the reason he gave up his dreams. I still care about him, so much.”

  She leaps off her stool, takes my hand, and leads me to the dance floor. “Let’s not discuss him anymore tonight. This is my bachelorette party. Let’s get drunk and have some fun. Where are the other girls? They should be here by now.” Her eyes scan the room.

  Mine fall on the doorway where a familiar figure steps through the threshold—Jackson, followed by Spencer. My stomach twists, and my body heats up.

  “I don’t see the girls, but I see someone else.” I immediately want to run out the back door. Nearest exit please bartender.

  “Who?”

  I point to the doorway.

  Simone screams, startling me, and before I get a chance to say anything she’s across the room and in Jackson’s arms. There goes our girls’ night. There’s no way Simone will leave Jackson’s side now. So much for a fun bachelorette party.

  I turn my vision to the screen of my lit phone, only to find a message from the two other bridesmaids saying they can’t make it. What bridesmaid cancels on such a night so late? Bad ones. I sigh. Just as well, the night’s gone out the window anyway with his arrival.

  Dragging my feet, slumped from my shoulders, I find myself back at the bar; it’s time to drown my misery with alcohol.

  I get the barman’s attention. “Another shot please, and perhaps leave the bottle nearby.” He places a shot glass in front of me and fills it with tequila. I rip open a packet of salt with my teeth and lick it from my hand as fast as I poured it. Tequila. The moment I throw it back, the barman holds out a lemon. I take it, suck it, scrunch my face. He gifts me with a grin and places the bottle on the counter—forget the salt and lemon, I’m all about the alcohol now.

  “Rough night, hey?” He frowns.

  “You could say that, and it’s about to become rougher.” I pause and look at his name. “Andy. I’m April.”

  “Nice to meet you, April. Why’s your night about to get worse?” He leans on the counter and stares. His pale blue eyes shine and hold me captive.

  I shake my head, breaking our gaze, and find myself looking over the crowd. Must not look at handsome man with pretty eyes. Find something else to spy while you talk to him.

  “What’s making your night so bad?” he asks again.

  “Someone I haven’t seen in a long time has come back, and now things are just ... weird.” I turn back to Andy. “Not only that—”

  “Oh, hell, is that Spencer Cook?” Andy cuts me off. His eyes grow big. Grief, he’s awestruck at the man who’s walking toward the bar. Toward me. Perfect.

  I turn my back to Spencer and fill my shot glass, tossing it back before refilling it again. I pause when heat radiates over my back. His body close to mine, his breath hitting my neck. A shiver runs down my spine. My body reacts, damn it! I want to turn around and kiss his perfect face. I grip my bottle and shot glass tighter.

  “Mr. Cook, welcome. Is there anything I can get you?” Andy’s voice interrupts my thoughts, and I find myself focusing on his lips that still seem to be moving. He fumbles over his words. Seriously. Perhaps it’s only me who doesn’t see Spencer as the golden boy this town has named him.

  “Hey, yeah. Can I open a tab? I’m after two rum and Cokes, and I’ll pay for whatever this pretty lady is having.”

  I spin around. His electrifying body is mere inches from mine. “I don’t need you to pay for anything.”

  His grin melts my panties. “Oh, April. I know you don’t need me to, but I want to. Take it as a peace offering.” He shrugs and reaches around me for the drinks Andy has so quickly made up for him. “Come … join us at the table.”

  After those final words, I watch him walk away through the crowd. My feet want to follow but my heart stops me.

  “You know him?” Andy’s star-struck face beams back at me. He’s like a kid in a candy store.

  “Yeah, we went to school together. He was my best friend,” I whisper the last part. I should be over there with Simone, making sure she’s having a great night. Even if the boys have turned up.

  “Wow! That’s so cool,” Andy gushes.

  “Yeah.” I take my bottle and glass and walk away before Andy can bombard me with a million questions about Spencer. This is why I don’t announce our friendship. His fans would suffocate me.

  When I see Simone’s face, it tells me everything I need to know. She’s happy. She’s marrying the love of her life, and I can’t help but smile because she’s just so in love, but the disappointment I have for myself quickly dampens my mood. I’ve let so many good, decent guys slip through my fingers because of what I’ve been holding on to. Who I’ve been holding onto.

  Spencer took my heart with him when he hopped in his car and drove away. I’ve never been the same. I’ll never be the same. And I can’t stop myself from loving him even from a distance. He’s such a boy—too blind to see what was right in front of him.

  “Sit, April.” Simone gestures to the seat beside her.

  Somehow, they managed to snag a table. It’s a rare occasion as this bar is one of the busiest, classiest establishments in town. I sit and pour another shot.

  “Are you going to drink that entire bottle?” Simone asks.

  I hand her the filled glass. “Nope, you’re going to help me. It’s your bachelorette party. Time to get drunk and have fun before you leave me behind as you bask in married life.”

  Simone throws back her drink, then wraps her arms around me. “I’ll never leave you. You’re my sister, sister. I need you.”

  We both laugh. We are each other’s sister, even if we’re not blood.

  After a few more shots, I watch almost every girl in the club go to Spencer, most of them snapping the perfect selfie, all of them practically throwing themselves at him. He laughs and flirts, and it’s in these moments I realize it probably wouldn’t have worked out between us anyway. I’m not the type of girl who could handle the kind of pressure that would come with being his girlfriend: the fans, the chaos everywhere we went. Even guys throw themselves at Spencer.

  My bottle of tequila becomes my best friend. I hold it closer. Cherish the buzz its beginning to give me. It’s like a life raft, something that’s saving me from the insanity I’m feeling being this close to him.

  Simone grabs my hand, pulling me from the chair. “Let’s dance.”

  I love to dance. The rhythm pulses through my veins, and our bodies move. I’m enjoying our night.

  Simone leans over and yells into my ear, “Are you okay?”

  I nod and give her a thumbs up. I don’t want to discuss it; I want to be one with the music and let the alcohol flow over me, giving me the sense of freedom I’m currently craving.

  When Jackson comes up behind Simone, they immediately start grinding against one another. I’m out of place. I’m the third wheel. I need to leave.

  I turn and hurry off the dance floor. I don’t get much farther because I’m suddenly face-to-face with Spencer. He stands a foot away from me. My heart pounds nervously against my ribs. He moves closer, and when he does, all the people around me fade away.

  Slowly, he stalks even closer until my chest is pressed against his. My body tingles with an uncontrollable want I’ve never felt before.

  Spencer’s arms snake around my waist. He begins to move, one of his legs finding its way between mine until we’re pressed against each other.

  I look into his eyes, and there’s lust there. A burning desire. His gaze drops to my mouth and comes back up, I’m met with a heated stare. I lick my lips. I want to know what his kisses feel like.

  It’s one swift move, one moment I hoped would come … His lips gently brush against the corner of my mouth. Spencer is teasing me.

  I can’t hold back. I’m unable to stop myself—I need to taste him. I don’t wait another second longer. Our lips connect and I kiss him with all the love I’ve held back all these years.

  The world around us melts away. My body is on fire.

  Spencer’s hands roam up under my shirt. He pulls me tighter against him. “Do you want to get out of here?”

  It’s like a cold bucket of water is doused over me.

  I move away. “What are you doing? What am I doing?” He opens his mouth to answer, I cut in. “This is a mistake. You’re going to leave again.” My hands rush through my knotted hair. My palms are sweaty. What the hell was I thinking?

  He’s only going to leave me again and I’ve set myself up for heartbreak. It feels as if I’m already standing on the sidewalk, giving him another hug and watching him walk away again.

  He reaches for me, but I step back. “April
, please?”

  I shake my head. “I can’t do this. I’m sorry.” I turn and race back to our table needing space. Scanning the room for Simone and Jackson, I grab my bag. They’re stepping off the dance floor, and I meet them halfway.

  “I’m sorry. I’m not feeling well all of a sudden. I’m going to go. Jackson, make sure you look after her.” Before Simone can ask the questions I’m sure are on the tip of her tongue, Jackson pulls her closer to him and plants a passionate kiss on her lips. “I’ll see you both later.”

  I turn to leave, but Simone grabs my arm and pulls me into a hug. “Are you okay?”

  My chin trembles. I don’t want to cry, not here, not in this club, and especially not in front of Spencer who’s making his way toward us.

  “Yeah,” I force out.

  Simone lets me go. With a quick dash, I head through the door and jump in the nearest cab. I just need to get through the wedding, then I can go back to pretending like he doesn’t exist

  Something’s making a hellish banging sound. My head pounds to the rhythm of the knocks, which I think are coming from my front door. I sit up and look at my clock. 8:30 a.m. Who the hell would dare knock on my door this early? People should be at work, not bothering those still sleeping off a hangover.

  Slowly, I make it to the door, holding back the bile that keeps threatening. Deep breaths, April. Deep breaths. The knocking begins again in earnest. “Will you stop with the banging?” I yell, causing my head to hurt once again. Thankfully, the banging stops.

  When I manage to get to the door without being sick, I open it to find a freshly showered Spencer, with a grin on his face that I want to smack off. He’s dressed in a navy blue shirt and dark jeans. He looks so damn delicious. How can someone wake up so chirpy after a late night out? I don’t even remember what time I got home.

  “What do you want?” I groan, resting my head against my door.

  Shoving his hands in his jeans pockets, he says, “We need to talk.”

  Hearing his voice wakes up my senses. If only it would ease the sickness stirring in my stomach.

  “I don’t have the energy for this conversation right now. I want to go and lie down.” With each word my stomach flips, and not in a good way. I can feel the urge to vomit coming, so I bolt to the sink and bring up whatever it was that I ate when I got home last night. It won’t stop coming. I turn on the tap and attempt a few mouthfuls of water.

  A warm hand rests on my back and starts rubbing.

  Oh, hell, no.

  “You need to leave,” I say quickly before my head is down in the sink again.

  “I’m not going anywhere.” The firmness in his words tells me he’s here for answers of some kind.

  I’ve got nothing to give right now.

  After a moment, when I know I’m not going to be sick again, I shut off the tap and stand up. Turning to face Spencer, I must look like death. His hand comes up and shifts some of my hair away from my face.

  “Since you’re not going anywhere, I’m going back to bed to lie down.” I move to step around his large frame, but he gently lifts me into his arms. My more than tender head stops me from fighting him, and I rest against his chest while taking a deep breath. His scent has always been the same, a woodsy smell mixed with some pine. It’s soothing, so I take another deep inhale.

  He lays me on my bed and pulls the covers up, then I watch him move around my room. It seems so natural to have him here, looking after me. He’s always looked out for me. If I was sick when we were teenagers, he’d climb through my window and lie with me in his arms. He didn’t care if he got sick too, and somehow he always made me feel better.

  He kicks off his shoes.

  “What are you doing?” I croak.

  “Something to make you feel better.”

  My chest soars.

  The bed dips as he slides in under my blankets, fully clothed. One of his arms goes under the pillow my head is on, and the other wraps around my waist. He pulls me closer. My skin heats as my body fits perfectly to his. Like this is how it’s supposed to be. It should have been Spencer and me all along. I should never have let him go.

  Now, I have another decision to make. Do I allow him into my life, or do I not let him walk away again?

  Silence fills my room. All I can hear is Spencer’s low breathing. It’s soothing. My eyes drift closed.

  After some time, Spencer shuffles.

  “You awake?” He breathes against my bare neck, making my insides giddy with excitement.

  I groan in response to his question.

  “I’m sorry about last night. It shouldn’t have happened, and I’m sorry. It was terrible timing.”

  My brow knits together. What’s he referring to? There are parts of last night that are a black haze. I remember the boys turning up and then I downed a lot of shots. The blackness …

  Slowly, I roll over to face him. I open my eyes, and his green orbs stare back at me. He really is sorry about whatever happened. “What happened? Things are a little hazy when it comes to last night.”

  His mouth forms a perfect O, and he releases a heavy sigh. “I was really hoping you’d remember, so I wouldn’t have to go through the details with you and then have you mad at me again.” He pauses, waiting for I don’t know what.

  I raise my eyebrows as if to say, tell me.

  “We kissed.”

  My hand goes to my open mouth. The two words bring a small light through the haze that clogs my memories of last night. We were dancing, we got close, we kissed.

  I try remembering how it felt, but that part evades me. I want to kick myself for not remembering our kiss. Our first kiss.

  “We kissed?” I ask to double-check.

  He nods. “Are you mad?”

  I shake my head.

  “Oh, good. I was worried you were going to kick me out and send me on my way again.”

  “What do you mean, again? I didn’t send you on your way the other day. You left.”

  His hand comes up to my face, his fingers gliding over my soft skin. “I was talking about three years ago. You let me leave; you sent me on my way.”

  “I did. You were going places, and I’d have only held you back. Then I knew you’d probably hate me. I did what I thought was right at the time.” I shrug. While staring at Spencer, I notice there’s hurt there. Is he upset with me for letting him leave?

  “You assumed I would be better off without you. Is that it?”

  “Something like that. You had big dreams, Spencer. I didn’t want to stop you.” My heart pounds with each word spoken.

  He rolls onto his back, and I’ve lost his warmth. I want it back, immediately. I want him to hold me again.

  “April, you could have come with me.”

  I sit and turn to look at him. It might not have been the best idea though; my stomach swirls and flips, reminding me of all the alcohol I consumed last night. “No, I couldn’t have. If you’d wanted me to come, you would have asked me. And if you’d stayed, you would have resented me for stopping you. I don’t know. I thought I did the right thing at the time.”

  He sits and gets out of bed before pacing across the floor in front of the bed. His hands rake through his messy hair. My head throbs as I lie back down.

  He stops, turning toward me. “I wouldn’t have resented you. Do you think so little of me?” His words come out harshly, anger clouding his eyes.

  “How do you know you wouldn’t? And I’ve seen the girls you’ve been with since you left. I’d never measure up to their standard.” I throw my hands in the air in an ‘I give up’ gesture.

  Spencer stops, his head down. He keeps balling his fists. Then he looks at me. His gaze is a fiery one. “Do you ever wonder why none of those girls stuck?”

  “Because you like different ladies? I don’t know.” I shrug.

  He gives a small laugh. “No. There’s only ever been one girl for me, and she let me walk away.”

  What did he say? Are my ears playing a trick on me?

  “What? I assumed you’d put our friendship on hold. Since you never reached out,” I state.

  His mouth opens to respond, and I put my hands up. He pauses. His head drops. I’ve hurt him. His voice is soft when he says. “I’m sorry. For everything. I’m really sorry. I should have done better, been a better friend.”