Just Be You (A Standalone Novella): And, I'll Just Be Me Read online

  “Wait! This is all beside the point!” I shake the paper at her again. “Who drew this?”

  My anger swells again but it seems that the picture of me is not the only thing that’s causing it. Why can’t I remember her? Just another thing I hated about all the fame in high school. There were so many others that went there, and I probably didn’t even give them the time of day. I was so shallow back then, forced to see the glory from dear ole’ dad. I was sorely disillusioned.

  “I did.” She lowers her head, a little, looking up at me from under those long dark eyelashes. She reaches out and tries to take the paper from me but I pull it away quickly, causing her to almost fall. I bring up the paper and study it. It’s a good likeness. It’s when I was jogging on the beach. It must have been hard for her to see me all that well since I mostly run late at night. What am I saying? It’s damn good. “Hey! C’mon! That’s mine,” she says, matter of fact. She tries to grab it again, but I’m too quick for her and hold it against my chest.

  Raising my brows, I tsk her. “You drew me without my knowledge. I’m sure there’s some kind of law that says you can’t legally do that.” She takes a step back and gives me a look. “Okay, maybe there really isn’t a law for that.” I look at it again, studying it more. She really gave it a lot of detail. I look back up and hold it out to her. She snatches it quickly from my hand. “Why’d you draw it? I mean – why me?”

  Suddenly, she thrusts the picture at me and takes another step back. “You can have it,” she whispers nervously. Strange yet intriguing. Definitely a beautiful girl.

  I give her a smile, trying to relax the situation. “Ha, you’re not getting off that easily. Not until you tell me why. It’s really good, ya know?” She looks down, bashfully, but there’s a hint of a smile on her lips. I take a step toward her which puts me right inside her apartment. “No, really. I don’t know how you got such a great likeness when I normally run after dark.”

  She looks up, her lips part. “Um. I sketch really fast, and you were going in and out of the light outside and I kinda can remember what I see pretty well?” She’s cute. We stand in awkward silence.

  “Well, it’s really good. You have talent.” More silence. I look around behind her. “Guess these buildings are pretty similar with their apartments. She looks around, over her shoulder, then back at me.

  “Oh! Did you want to come in?”

  Do I? Hell, yes I do, but it’s late. Or early if you think about it.

  “Rain check?” I look at my watch. “How about tomorrow?” For some reason, one I can’t explain, I need to see her again. She’s refreshing. Doesn’t take my shit. She hesitates. “I’d like to see more of your drawings.” I give her another smile, hoping she doesn’t think I’m some nut job who just wants in her panties. I mean – she has to have guys wanting to knock down her door.

  “I have to work tomorrow.” She smiles and suddenly I feel like I can’t breathe. “I work at the coffee shop.” My brows raise in excitement. “I’ll be there all day.” She looks over at a wall and then back at me and lets out the cutest laugh. “In fact, I have to be there in about five hours.”

  I take a step back, then another, heading out the door and feeling the smile on my face. “What time is your break?”

  She follows me until her hand rests on the side of the door. “Eleven-thirty?”

  I begin to turn to make my way downstairs and look over my shoulder, my smile still there. “I’ll be there.”

  I jog down the stairs, feeling exhilarated. Hearing her door close softly as I reach the bottom step, I run out of her building and down the small walk then let out in a full run down the sidewalk to my building. I may not remember her from high school but I’ll never forget her now. How in the hell did I not notice her in school? I feel lighter, a kick in my step. I may not be able to go to sleep tonight.

  Chapter Four

  THE Weston Minton – star quarterback of Northwestern High. All around jock, always swarmed by a ton of people, popularity overload. Exact opposite of myself. Yet, the guy I met last night seemed a contradiction to the Weston I saw at school. Playing his guitar, the song, and his voice – oh, my God! It was so not the Weston I remembered from school. Then, what a shock to find out he was the guy I’d sketched so late at night sitting on my deck. I mean – there’s no doubt I thought, as well as all the girls at school, he’s a great looking guy but to see him in the flesh, even before I knew who he was, had me mesmerized. And apparently speechless, at first, when he came to my door. He was so angry, so animated, yet so gorgeous. It was apparent he’d just been running. A light bead of sweat covered his tanned skin. Seeing him that close, looking at those large biceps and muscular chest through his tank top, left me reeling.

  I’d just about fallen asleep when he came pounding on my door. Scared the shit outta me. And after he left, I didn’t think I’d ever go to sleep. I think I ended up with a couple of hours of restless sleep then got up and showered. I made my way to the coffee shop, thinking I’ll need an IV of endless coffee today.

  The morning has been long and busy. Students and other patrons came in by swarms. At least it’s kept me busy and my adrenaline going so I don’t collapse from lack of sleep. My break came and went and no Weston. To say I’m disappointed doesn’t cover it. He made me so curious about him last night. That song he played and sang, I’d never heard it before. Was it an original? I can imagine him sitting on his couch, guitar over his lap, playing it as he came up with the words. Shirtless. Wait! What? Okay, it’s no secret he’s gorgeous. I find myself smiling as I wipe off a table after the lunch rush. That image alone makes my fingers itch to sketch him again. Moving around the room, I clean table after table. Sheesh, some people are pigs the way they leave them. I make my way outside onto the deck and start to clean up out there. Uh, hello? There’s a trash can not two feet from this table yet it’s sitting here covered in trash.

  “Sorry I’m late.”

  I look up at the sound of his voice. It’s like he’s walking up the steps in slow motion. Body glistening with sweat in the bright sun. He pulls up his t-shirt over his head and I watch as it begins to cover his broad chest, the ridges of his sculpted abs and the small light trail of hair down to the waistband of his shorts. My mouth suddenly goes dry as I blink my way back to reality. “Uh… that’s okay.” I start cleaning the already clean table and then move to the next one. I stop, my hand raised holding the damp cloth as he pulls out a chair and sits down. “Can I get you something?”

  I watch him remove a small cloth from the pocket of his jogging shorts and wipe the sweat from his face and find myself licking my lips. Wait! Why the hell do I find that so sexy? This is the Weston Minton! Okay, maybe I’m a little smitten. Maybe the fact that he was so popular and I was a nobody makes me a little… jealous? Remember, Piper, you wanted it that way. You wanted to be alone and study. “Can I just get a bottled water, please?” His voice pulls me from my thoughts.

  “Sure.” I smile and turn to get it. Once back, I set it on his table and start to head inside when he stops me.

  “Can you sit?” I look at the back door and then at him. “Just for a minute?” He gives me a look of apology. Brown eyes gleaming. Sexy smile. How can I say no to that?

  I walk over and pull out the seat beside him. “Okay. But just for a minute.” I give him a smile and am given one in return. And what a smile. Resting my elbow on the table, I put my chin on my hand. “So. What is the star quarterback doing in this small town playing guitar and singing at an open mic night at Johnny’s?”

  He looks uncomfortable as he takes a drink. “Was. Was the star quarterback.” My brows lower in confusion. He had everything. Rich family, popularity, a very promising career. “It’s not what I wanted,” he states as he twists the cap shut. He looks off to the ocean, seeming lost in thought. “I’m not gonna lie. It was fun, at first. Having all
the attention when I started out. Football was never as much of a passion for me as it was for my dad. I just liked playing. At first. By junior year, I had no time for myself, no life of my own. Dad became a scowling parent, always upset when a play didn’t go well and said I wasn’t trying hard enough.” He blinks several times and looks back at me, his lips turn up into a smile. “I found some comfort in playing my guitar and started writing down words to tunes that I’d make up. It calmed me, gave me the alone time I craved and gave me some peace.”

  I smile back, caught up in his world for a moment. “So, after you graduated you shifted gears, headed here to find the true passion you always wanted.”

  He chuckles, looking down at his water then back at me. Such a sexy sound, sending a shiver through me. “Kind of. I came here to get away from all of it. Find out what my passion truly is. I got so sick of all the attention, wanting time for myself for a change, ya know?”

  Now I let out a small laugh. “Sort of? The only friends I had were the kind that just wanted to use me. I hated it and felt so alone. But I liked it that way. I didn’t have to worry about anyone hurting me.”

  He raises a brow. “And now? You seemed to be in the thick of people here, whether that was your intention or not.” Wow! He’s so perceptive.

  “Now.” I smile and shrug my shoulders. “I want to really live, something I feel I haven’t really done. I want to break out of my shell and have fun, be around people and I guess be a little popular?” I look down at my hands, intertwined in my lap, then back up at him. “I’m tired of being alone.”

  We talked for the better part of an hour. Trina telling me by her looks, when I’d glance her way, that we were slow enough to keep talking to the gorgeous guy beside me. I’m sure she will badger me for all the juicy news later. When I watched him leave, my heart saddens as he walked down the deck steps and I went back to work. Other than the girls here, he’s been really the only other person I’ve talked to that much. I find it strange, but in a good way, that I want to be friends with him. I mean, really friends, not just someone that will use me and throw me away when it suits them. He makes me feel like he could be a good friend, one that will really care about my feelings. All in less than an hour of talking? Maybe he just has that way about him, but if I don’t take a chance and find out, I’ll never know. I could use a true friend.

  The rest of the weekend and into the next week was long. I went to Johnny’s a couple of times but the rest was spent on studying and working. Thanksgiving break was getting closer and so were finals before the end of the semester. I can’t fall behind now. My new routine also consisted of West finding me sitting out on my deck, late at night, when he was running and after reaching the pier, he’d turn to run back and always come to my apartment and hang out for a bit before returning to his. This allowed us ample time to really get to know each other. I’ve never had such a great connection with someone, male or female, and we are quickly becoming good friends. He’s gorgeous, and I won’t deny that my attraction to him is beyond friendship, but for now, I love how close we are becoming and cherish being friends, something I’ve not really had before.

  Heidi constantly whines at me to go to Johnny’s on Wednesdays to learn line dancing and then pouts when I tell her I have to study, even though it’s secretly something I’d like to try. Since I’ve been here, I hadn’t really tried to make any friends, always leery of people wanting to use me at their convenience like back in high school. But Heidi, Trina and Shelley are pretty fun to be around, whether at Johnny’s or just at work.

  “C’mon, Piper! There’s only a few weeks until Thanksgiving break and I know you’re going home. Come with us tonight and learn just one line dance.” Heidi holds up one finger, practically in my face, giving me her best pleading look, which isn’t all that much. I have to stifle my laugh. She is persistent. I’ll give her that.

  “I really should study.” I bite my lower lip, finding I’m actually considering this.

  “I promise I’ll leave you alone if you do.” Yeah, I bet she will. “Please?”

  So, I cave. I figure, why not? I’ve exhausted myself studying and I could use some fun. Although, I do have Thursday night to look forward to. West said he’ll be playing at open mic again. Spending time with him, I thought, would lead to a possible romance, instead, it’s led to the start of a great friendship. One I’m finding I need desperately. I’ve never really had that. We spend almost all our free time together, either at my place or his, or on the beach. Talking. Laughing. He’s so much more than just a gorgeous guy. And I love the times we sit and he plays his guitar for me. He is really talented.

  I walk into the bar late and find everyone already doing a line dance so I sit down at the nearest table and watch. Piercing green eyes find mine, instantly. Cian’s mouth turns up into a smile, and my heart starts to beat a little faster. I haven’t really spoken to him much since that first night here. I watch as they all move in sync, going to the beat of the song. It really does look like fun. The song ends and everyone leaves the floor.

  “PIPER!” I smile as Heidi runs to the table, Trina and Shelley following her. How she runs in those high heels, I’ll never know. “I’m so glad you came!”

  We chat for a few minutes, excitement in the air, when two pitchers of beer are set down on the table. I look up as glasses are also placed there and right into the green eyes of Cian. “Yes. We’re glad you were able to come.” He smiles, showing the white gleam of his teeth, and I can’t help but smile back. He’s intoxicating. We keep staring at each other as he fills my glass with beer and even when I pick it up to take a drink, I watch his mouth encase the rim of his own glass. Even in the dimness of the light, I can see his eyes darken as he continues to look into mine.

  The music begins to get louder and people start walking toward the dance floor. I look at everyone getting ready to dance when a hand appears in my line of sight. “Come. I’ll show you.” I look up at him, blinking rapidly. Placing my hand in his, I reluctantly stand and follow him to the dance floor. His strong hand holds mine as I mimic his moves. I can’t help but smile as I start feeling the beat of the song, looking up at him. “Good.” He smiles.

  Three line dances and a little stumbling later, another song came on. A little overheated, I start to walk off to get a drink when I feel him take my hand, twirling me around, pushing me out and pulling me into him. His free hand takes mine, and suddenly we’re dancing – close. I look up into his darkened eyes, yet there’s a glimmer of playfulness to them as well. We move as one, which is surprising since I’ve never really danced that much. Especially with a guy. Suddenly, he takes a step back, twirling me again. Out then back into him. Tilting my head back, I laugh. Raising my head, I look back into his eyes. He laughs with me, and I find I’m enjoying myself and his company.

  By the end of the night, I’m tired but in the best way. I had… fun. The girls left about a half an hour ago, surprising myself that I stayed. Cian takes my hand, something I’m finding I love, and walks me out of the bar. “Walk you home?” he asks, a smile on his face and glimmer of hope in his eyes.

  I look down, shyly. “I only live across the street.”

  I feel his fingers under my chin, raising my head and looking into my eyes. He smiles. “I’m a gentleman, nothing more.”

  I nod, suddenly unable to speak. He looks up and down the street then leads me across the cross walk. My heart skips a beat. He’s good looking, there’s no doubt about that. Feeling his strong hand squeezing mine then his fingers thread through mine giving me goose bumps. I’ve dated, a little. I’m not a virgin but right now I feel like one. No one’s really paid that much attention to me, always alone with my studies. It feels… nice to have someone hold my hand, look at me the way he does.

  He leads me down the sidewalk, past the coffee shop until we’re in front of my building. We turn, facing each other, and he takes my oth
er hand, staring into my eyes. “I’m glad you came tonight.” He smiles, and my heart takes another skip as I smile back. “You were good. You learn quickly.”

  I look down at our hands, shyly, then back up into his eyes. “Thanks. I had a good teacher.” His smile lifts.

  We just stand there. I feel awkward while he looks confident. If I only had a shred of his confidence. Releasing one of my hands, he grasps my arm, leaning toward me. His eyes move from mine to my mouth then back to my eyes. “I’d like to kiss you,” he whispers. I barely nod when his mouth covers mine. Warm. Damp. Sweet. He’s gentle. Tender. It’s the best first kiss in my history of first kisses. I feel a little lightheaded when he stops and takes a step back while still holding my hand. My arm feels warm beneath his. Another moment of awkwardness until his mouth lifts into a smile. “I’d love to do that again.” My heartbeat picks up. Leaning toward me, his lips press against my forehead. “Another time.” Oh my!

  He walks around me and I watch him walk back across the street, thinking one of the two cars in their lot must belong to him. I wonder where he lives that he has to drive there. Feeling stupid at my gawking, I turn and walk to the front door, go inside and up the steps to my apartment. Once inside, I lean back against the door as it closes, letting out a long breath that I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. Reaching up, I place my fingers against my lips, still feeling his there, and smile. My heart flutters as I turn off the lights and make my way to my bedroom, feeling a little lighter and a definite kick in my step.