Picking up the Pieces Read online

“Yeah yeah, alright. Well Becka is working tonight so it will be just you and me.” I can hear the excitement in her voice, and it’s good to know she has missed me as much as I missed her.

  “Ok, sounds good. I will see you soon.”

  “Yes you will, bye bye.”

  I push the control to hang up as the radio fades into a familiar song, which lyrics rip right through me. The first time I heard Wanted You More, by my favorite group, Lady A, I felt as if it were written just for me, during a time when I was waiting for answers that never came. As the emotion builds, I have to change stations to something more upbeat before I lose it driving down the highway. I told myself that I was going to keep it together, and breaking down now was not going to help.

  Cheyenne met Becka when they were assigned to live together in the dorms, freshman year. They instantly hit it off and became close friends. Meeting Becka during my visits, I could see why. She was a sweet girl, and as much as I liked her, it didn’t stop the jealousy I felt from time to time of her friendship with Cheyenne. I wasn’t used to sharing her and being so far away didn’t give me much choice.

  Cheyenne and Becka had decided this year they wanted to live in an apartment off campus and invited me to move in with them. Obviously, I accepted, hoping we would all be able to live together without an issue. Three girls in one small apartment sounded like it could have a whole lot of drama. And thankfully, every room had its own bathroom attached.

  Half an hour later, I parked my car next to Cheyenne’s and made a quick call back home to let my parents know that I had made it in one piece before heading inside. Luckily, the girls were able to find a decently furnished apartment, so all I brought with me were my clothes, bedding and some things to remind me of home. I grabbed my purse and a few small bags, and headed towards the stairs to find apartment 2D, my new college home. Before making it to the door, Cheyenne was barreling my way and launching herself at me.

  “Yay! You are finally here!” She screamed squeezing the life out of me.

  “It’s a good thing you are so small with the way you just attacked me, crazy.” I laughed, locking my arms around her, finally feeling at home, back with my best friend. Cheyenne was a good six inches shorter than me, at a whopping five-one. She was a petite little thing, filled out in all the right places, and had a big personality to compensate.

  “Hush it, let’s get you unloaded and then we can get loaded.” She released me and I followed her inside. “I can give you the grand tour later but first I will show you your room.” We pass through the living room and kitchen to a hallway and she opens the first door on the right. “Here you are. Home sweet home. I am in the room next door and Becka is across the hall.”

  Setting my bags down on the bed, I take a look around, silently nodding my approval for the new space. It wasn’t bad, in fact, better than I was expecting. The walls were beige and bare and the only things in the room were a dresser, desk, and full size bed.

  “It’s perfect.” I smile at Cheyenne as she stood in the doorway. “I don’t have much more to bring in. I figured the best way for a fresh start was to leave as much of the past where it belonged.” Cheyenne’s smile faded slightly and she made her way towards me.

  “Look Sawyer, I know that things didn’t go as planned, but in life, that happens more often than not. What I do know, is that I promise things are going to be great. We are going to make so many new memories that the old ones won’t matter anymore.” Not even here ten minutes and I was already being the Debbie downer. “Now let’s go get the rest of your things and then we’ll start on the wine while we are setting up your new room.”

  “Thanks, Chey. For everything.” I meant it. She has proven herself to be an amazing friend time and time again and I could never repay her for all she has done for me.

  CHAPTER TWO

  “Really, that’s it? Girl, you weren’t kidding when you said you wanted to leave the past where it belonged.” Chey set the small box down on the floor near the closet.

  “Yep, that’s the last one. Thanks for the hand, Chey.”

  “Anytime pal.”

  I pulled out my bed linens and began to dress my feather pillows with my new teal and black “bed in a bag” set. It was one of the few new things I purchased for my move, but it was too cute to pass up.

  “I’m going to make my bed, get a few things organized and then we should grab some supper because I am starved.” With all the nerves and excitement, I had barely eaten today.

  “Sounds good, roomie, see you in a few!” With a hop in her step, Cheyenne giggled out of the room closing the door behind her.

  Up until the red and brown Justin Boots shoebox caught my eye, it was much easier to pretend the past was still in Redwood. At my feet, I could see Sawyer & Austin scribbled in marker across the top of the lid, surrounded by various sized hearts. White edges lined the box; worn from the numerous times I felt the need to be close to him.

  “What are you doing?” I whispered to myself, knowing how terrible an idea opening this box would be. Why did I even bring it with me? I was a sucker for love. Who was I kidding; I was still a sucker for Austin.

  The lid folded back easily and the ticket from our junior prom peeked up at me. “A Night to Remember” was printed in script font on blue and gold shiny cardstock. I immediately drifted into a memory of the first time I had given myself to him. A small grin reached my face because, cliché as it sounds, it truly was a night to remember. As were the other steamy nights after that, down by the lake, under the stars…I quickly shook my head and returned my focus on the box.

  I pulled on a white plastic tip attached to about twenty-seven inches of hot pink nylon. I giggled to myself, thinking of all the poor moles that got whacked, so that he could earn over three hundred tickets to trade for them. It’s crazy to think that I still have these dirt-ridden shoelaces after all the years. Rummaging through the endless photos and movie stubs, my body stiffened as I pulled out a folded up piece of notebook paper from the bottom of the memories. I slowly spread out the sheet, careful to not increase the amount of tears and holes that already decorated it.

  Roses are Red,

  Violets are Blue,

  You should choose me,

  Cause I already chose you.

  I love you Sawyer.

  Always have, always will.

  Be Mine Forever?

  Yes or No

  Love, Austin

  A long sigh escaped my chest. I folded the broken promise back up, placed it with the other pieces of a former love, and closed the box. For a few seconds, I considered walking the box straight to the dumpster, but quickly shook the idea. Unable to part with those memories just yet, I reached up into my closet, and gave history a new spot to call home on the top shelf. Although my head knew better, my heart once again won the battle and the box is still in my life. For now that is.

  The lyrics of strong women sang through the speakers and chased away my sadness as I finished putting away my things. By now my stomach was yelling at me, reminding me of my dinner date with Chey. I changed my clothes and put on a pair of comfortable shoes to walk in.

  “All settled?” Chey called from the living room.

  “For the most part. So where to?” I replied closing my bedroom door behind me.

  “Just a little place up the street. You’ll love it!” She jumped off the couch and we headed out the door.

  My SUV would not be seeing much action living in such close proximity to downtown. School was a short walk from our apartment, along with other shops, bars, and places to eat. For tonight, Cheyenne decided I must experience the infamous Los Locos Tacos, acclaimed to have the best beef tacos for miles. It also didn’t hurt that the Locos Margaritas were two for one all day, every day. And, to my surprise, the hole in the wall taco place lived up to the legend. The tacos were killer and I ate way more than I should have. At this point, my stomach only had space for one of the two margaritas so I slid the other to Chey, who had no problem finding room.r />
  “I knew I should have worn my stretchy pants, it looks like I’m pregnant with a burrito baby.” The margarita I had just sipped nearly broke through my lips as I covered my mouth in laughter. Chey was leaning back in the booth with her stomach exposed.

  I swallowed down the near explosion and sputtered, “If that doesn’t land you a man, I don’t know what will. Did I mention how much I missed you?”

  “Ditto, friend! This is going to be the best year ever. Too bad we won’t have many shifts together at the bookstore.”

  “Yeah, it would be just like old times at the feed store,” I replied.

  Cheyenne had gotten me an interview with the supervisor of the school bookstore where she held a part time job. My work experience from the feed store made me an easy hire. I would only need to work a few shifts a week to help out with bills. My scholarship covered three-quarters of my tuition, and since the bookstore was part of work-study, I received credit for the rest. Plus, I still earn an hourly wage. My parents agreed to pay half my rent and monthly utilities. They would love to be able to pay for all of it, like they did for my brother, but with the medical bills from the accident, this was the best they could do. I argued that I didn’t need any help and would just find a better job, but my dad insisted that I stay focused on school and let them help. My father knew I saved a fairly large amount of money from working at the feed store and had no problem supporting myself, but his Jameson pride wasn’t taking no for an answer.

  “Actually come to think of it, it’s probably better we don’t live together, work together and have classes together. Not sure I could handle Chey-Town twenty-four-seven.” I winked at her and she quickly sassed me back.

  “You could only be so lucky!”

  “True story.” I pressed the top button on my phone and noticed how fast time had slipped away. “We’d better get home. I’m scheduled for training bright and early and this girl needs her beauty rest. Mama always said ‘First impressions last the longest’.”

  “Oh puh-lease, like you need to be any more beautiful. Plus, you will knock ‘em dead without breaking a sweat.”

  She was right, I wasn’t worried about the training. I was a quick learner and had been working for as long as I could remember. I loved talking with people and already had exceptional customer service skills.

  We paid our tab, and walked arm in arm back to our apartment. Upon entering, I walked straight to the kitchen to grab my nightly glass of water and Chey disappeared briefly into her room. She came out with a gift bag outstretched in her hands.

  “What the heck is this?” I questioned, wondering what this girl was up to.

  “A puppy, what the hell do you think it is?” Smart Ass

  I grabbed the bag, grinning ear to ear, as I reached in and pulled out a brand new, baby blue and black State University Sharks t-shirt. “This. Is. Awesome! Thank you so much!” I wrapped my arms around her tiny frame and hugged her fiercely. “You’re the bestest!”

  She smiled a proud smile in acknowledgment. “I know. Now you can wear this tomorrow on your first day at the bookstore. This is our typical uniform for work. Any school shirts or colors are acceptable.”

  “This is perfect, thanks again Chey.”

  “You’re most welcome, now get to bed and go show ‘em what us country girls are made of tomorrow.”

  “Good night, Chey-Town.”

  “Good night, friend.”

  I closed the door to my new sanctuary and grabbed my toiletries for a much needed hot shower. Exhaustion rushed over me as soon as the water rained down my aching body. I was going to sleep well tonight.

  Over the years, my body grew accustomed to waking up early each morning, and being away from the ranch made no difference. I hadn’t used an alarm clock since…well, never really. A yawn escaped my body as my arms stretched towards the ceiling. With plenty of time to spare, I slowly drank my coffee and was enjoying my toasted bagel with cream cheese. Chey is always shocked at how fast I can get ready in the mornings.

  Today, I spent a few extra minutes and actually used the blow dryer, leaving my hair down. I always carry a hair tie in my pocket knowing it will be necessary the minute my hair falls in my face while working. I pull my new shirt over my head and slip into a pair of khaki shorts and tennis shoes. With one last look and a mist of my favorite body spray, I grab my bag and head out the door.

  The walk to the campus is a few short minutes and I really enjoy the opportunity to be outside and see the town wake up. I am not surprised when I arrive before the store is open. I left way earlier than I needed to just in case I got lost. While waiting at the front door, Mrs. Luis, my supervisor, arrived shortly after.

  “Good morning, Sawyer. You’re here early.” She says with a smile as she unlocks the front door.

  “I didn’t know how long it would take to walk, so I left a little early,” I replied.

  “Well, let’s get to it then, shall we”

  The morning flew by and, as suspected, I breezed through my training. A shipment arrived the night before and I was instructed on re-stocking the shelves and familiarizing myself with the popular materials. The doors would open at ten today since there were no classes until next week. Students began to pour in as soon as the doors opened and it remained steady for the majority of the day. The computer system allowed us to look up the required books for students who didn’t have their list, so it was a lot of back and forth from the counter to the shelves assisting in their search.

  My shift was nearing its end and the crowd had dwindled to only a few students left in the store. They were all being helped, so I decided that I would get a head start putting back some of the inventory that was not purchased. Sometimes students either didn’t have enough money or their financial aid had not cleared yet. Either way, we had collected quite a stack behind the counter.

  Grabbing a few at a time, I swept around the store placing them back on the shelves. I saved the math section for last because they were the heaviest of the books and would take me the longest to put away. The MAC2233 books were like a sack of potatoes. Luckily, I am used to carrying heavy loads from all my time spent at the feed store and the never-ending hay and feed. Rounding the corner of the math aisle with the books stacked as high as my chin, my lips popped open in awe of the sight ahead. The dark denim boot-cut jeans were sitting low on his hips and the V-neck black t-shirt was hugged close to his lean chest. The ink of a tattoo peeked from under the sleeve of his shirt and I nearly gasped when his arm flexed lifting the book in his hand back to the shelf. As if all in slow motion, I remembered I was staring and getting closer by the second. Before I could peel my eyes away, his head snapped left and I caught his piercing stare lock with mine. His blue eyes seemed brighter than any I have ever seen, though it could be the contrast from his dark brown hair.

  My eyes darted toward the floor as my foot slammed against something hard beneath my view. Flying forward, the books dropped from my arms and I was caught around the waist by two strong hands.

  “Are you okay? I am so sorry” His voice was stricken with embarrassment and his eyes were apologetic. “I shouldn’t have left my books right there on the floor. They just got heavy and I was looking all over for a MAC2233.”

  “I’m f-f-fine.” I stammered still in awe at the eyes staring back at me and his grip on my waist. “I shouldn’t have been carrying so many books that I couldn’t see where I was going.”

  Truthfully, I was a little distracted, but I would never admit that.

  I stepped back out of his grip and began to pick up the books I dropped. He quickly knelt down to help and we shared an intense silence for a few seconds.

  “So, MAC2233? Was this what you were looking for?” I handed him one of books from my pile with a sarcastic grin.

  “Yes. And again, I am very sorry. This is all my fault. I hope you aren’t hurt.”

  “I’m fine. Nothing a little moonshine can’t fix.” You’re kidding me. Did I really just say that to a complete
stranger? The look on his face revealed to me that his crazy girl alarm must be sounding. “It’s a southern thing. My granddad says it cures everything”

  He gave me a warm smile and grabbed my arm to help me stand up.

  “Interesting theory, I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for the book.”

  I finished putting away the books while he gathered what he left on the floor and we made our way in silence to the register. I placed his books into one of the store bags after ringing him up and placed it on the counter. He slid it off the edge and turned to walk out.

  After just a step or two, he turned back over his left shoulder and looked me in the eyes.

  “Again, I’m really sorry. Hope you can forgive me.” He flashed a mouthwatering smile and winked at me.

  “I’ll think about it.” I replied back with a playful grin as he turned and walked out the door. My eyes refused to leave his body as I watched his every step out to the parking lot. For a brief moment, I’m pretty sure I saw him pause as if he wanted to turn around, but he didn’t.

  For the rest of the afternoon, all I could think about was how good it would feel to have those arms wrapped back around my body, except this time, having his lips locked onto mine. It had been so long since I felt such an instant connection to anyone other than Austin. I wonder if he felt it too, but, since I didn’t grab his name, I will probably never know.

  CHAPTER THREE

  I was really enjoying my job at the bookstore. My first week of shifts was busy, slammed with students gearing up for the fall semester. I have met a lot of nice people, including a dangerously sexy one, and hadn’t been able to get MAC2233 off of my mind. I would close my eyes at night and see his piercing blues looking directly into mine. It was insanity, I didn’t even know this guy and I was having crazy sex dreams about him.

  This semester I decided to take an easy course load to get my new life settled. I only have classes a few days a week and work a few shifts in between. Directly across the street from the bookstore, is a vintage style coffee and bagel shop called Java Café. It has an amazing assortment of hot and cold beverages along with fresh baked New York Bagels. This is where Becka has been working since her freshman year.