Entangled (4 page)

“Do I need to remove you physically? This is ridiculous, Kase. Just move on to someone that wants the same thing you do, I’m not the guy for you.” Or anyone for that matter. I closed myself off long ago.

“Where are you moving to?”

“Colorado, not that it’s of importance to you. But I’m staying with my aunt, at least for a little while. And then I’ll get my own place.” Why am I still here? I wave my hand at her to move and when she doesn’t budge, I clench my teeth so hard they would shatter if they were made of glass. “Fuck, Kasey get the hell out of my way. I need to leave. Quit playing these damn games, guys don’t go for that shit.”

Last night in this town and I’m happy to be spending it at the pall hall with my buddies. Rita’s Pool Hall is our hang out spot, for New Yorkers like me. It’s a friendly establishment. Rita, a really cool biker chick opened this place years ago, it used to be a bank. It’s mostly filled with pool tables and dart boards, with tables scattered throughout. I’ve gotten my ass kicked here a few times and thrown into a table, when I was picking fights with the wrong people. But Rita took to me and always had my back. I was a trouble maker, but who wouldn’t be when their father hates their only son and their mother loves booze more than being a mother. I’m lucky I didn’t end up in prison.

“Your shot.” Spencer calls to me. I get up off the stool and grab my stick and glide to the table. Lining up my balls properly, I figure out my next strategy to sink in my stripe.

“I hear you’re leaving us.” A sexy female voice says from behind me and I know instantly who it is. I look up and see Jasmine, a bartender I know. She’s leaning against the pool table, a little too close for comfort. Her too short halter top droops and her boobs hang out.

“Uh, yeah tomorrow actually.” My eyes drift over her body and my mouth goes dry. I meet her gaze and catch her frown. I guess I’ll have to get used to girls frowning when they hear I’m gone.

“Why?” I straighten and hold my stick in front of me for balance.

“Because I’m ready for a change. New scenery, new life. Now excuse me Jaz, but I’m in the middle of a game.” She huffs and walks away.

“Rita!” I shout. She was a second mother to me, more like a first really. She’s pretty buff, pretty and about 5’6. Her long black hair is always in a ponytail.

She approaches me with a smile and gives me a big hug. She’s intimidating when you first meet her. But I love her “I don’t give a shit” attitude.  “You know I’m going to miss the shit out of you, Noah.”

“Same here, Ri. Maybe I’ll come back someday, just to give you hell.” She laughs.

“I’ll gladly welcome it.” Her smile is warm and meets her eyes. “I’m proud of you for taking such a big step. You need to see what else is out there for you. This world is too big to not be experienced. Just be careful on that long ass drive. Don’t you dare fall asleep behind the wheel.” She points her finger sternly.

“I’ll be careful, promise.” I take a shot and miss the 3. “Well, that sucks.” I go back to my stool and plop down, lighting up a cigarette. I only smoke when I drink which I hope to kick both habits in Colorado. I’m hoping to make many changes there.

“So how did it go with Kasey?” Spencer sits beside me, drinking a beer. I take a swig of mine.

“Oh, well she’s fucking crazy.”

“You just now realize that?” He shakes his head, amused.

“Yeah, well I was blind, what can I say? I’ve seen the light.” Spencer hoots and punches my shoulder. “She asked to come along, to Colorado.” He stops laughing and raises a brow in surprise.

“Are you serious? Wow, she really is crazy.” I nod. “She really got it bad for you, my friend.” My eyes narrow but I shrug. “Shots on me!” He says to the bar.

“Oh fuck, I can’t do any tonight. I have to hit the road tomorrow.” He grins with mischief. All the guys come over to the table, obviously in it for the free drinks. My conscious keeps telling me what a bad idea this is. Just one shot, I’ll only do one. No more.

“Hey, No-Uh it’s your shot!” Spencer blurts out sarcastically. I can tell he’s buzzed, maybe on his way to screwed. Looks like I’m taking his ass home. I hit two balls in and the guys howl. I’m pretty far from buzzed and I better keep it that way.

After missing a shot, I sit back down and scan the bar, knowing this will be the last time I’ll see this place and these people. For a while at least. It’s so strange to think I’m moving. I was supposed to move after graduation, but it wasn’t to another state. Just another town and with someone. Yeah, that didn’t happen. My cheeks get hot and I quickly focus on something else. The waitress brings our shots to the table. “Hey, the shots are here.” I yell to Spencer. He walks over to me, or shall I say, staggers to the table.

“Okay, everyone, get a shot.” He slurs but everyone, including me, picks up a shot glass and waits for further directions. This should be interesting. “This is Noah’s last night here. My best friend is ditching me. However, I’m hoping he fulfills his destiny of becoming a stripper or something cool like that.” Yeah, he needs to shut up now. “Maybe he’ll become a monk.” Everyone laughs and I just gape at him. Although at the rate I’m going, that is more likely my future. “No, seriously…to Noah.” He lifts his glass to me, “I hope your new start is everything you hope it’d be. You deserve to be happy.”

“Here, here.” Everyone says as they tip their glasses back. I nod in Spencer’s direction, appreciative of his sentimental, albeit a little ridiculous toast. Stripper, really? If I were looking for that, I’d just keep my ass here. New York is perfect for stripping. I guess it’s the thought that counts. Everyone goes off to do what they do and I’m left tired and dreading the long trip ahead of me. Why didn’t I just plan to fly? It’s not like I’m taking much with me. I ask for water for the remainder of the night.

About an hour later, I’m done and ready to go. Spencer saunters, barely, over to the chair beside me. “I’m going to take you home.”

“Where am I gonna sleep?”

“I have a couch, moron.” His brown hair is sticking up and his shirt is a little out of place. “Were you just in the bathroom?”

His mouth widens with a grin, “Oh yeah.” He makes a sex face, I shake my head and laugh.

“Who was it this time?”

“Umm, Jaz. She’s uh-mazing. You don’t know what you’re missing, dude.” I’ve been there, I know. Not interested, but good for Spencer. I guess. I can’t help but wonder what he’ll do without me here. I hate leaving him. I pat his back, awarding him. “So, are you coming with me?”

“Oh hell yeah, let’s do this. Whoo!” He hollers, throwing his hands up, cheering. I tell everyone goodbye, taking a last look at the bar that became my past. Spencer stumbles out the door to my jeep.

“I’m not gonna miss your drunk ass.” I tease.

“Shut the fuck up, you know damn well you will. I’m one of a kind.”

“Just get in my car drunkie. And don’t you dare puke or I’ll make you clean it up.” That’s all I need to smell the whole way to Colorado. Ick! I shut his door and climb in on my side. I turn the radio on to drown out the sound of his incessant snoring, since he’s pretty much passed out now.

As soon as I pull up to my apartment, I park in the garage, I shake him awake. “Hey, we’re here. Spencer, wake up.” He doesn’t stir and I finally yell, “Spencer, get the hell up!” and give him a good shove.

“Huh?” He jerks upright, glancing around, forgetting where he is. “What the f-“ He winces and grabs his head, as if his head is pounding inside his skull.

“We’re at my place. I gotta get some sleep, so let’s go.” I get out of the car and help him out on his side. I shut the garage door.

“I need a cigarette.”

“You don’t smoke, Spencer.”

Realization dawns on him and he nods. “Oh yeah, I want to smoke.”

“I want to sleep. Tomorrow you’ll wake up and thank me for not giving you one. Trust me.” We walk up the stairs. I turn the living room light on and find a blanket to throw on Spencer, sprawled out on the couch. I take a look at the room, the boxes that are stacked in the far corner by the entertainment center. The majority of the shit in this apartment belongs to my father, since he bought most it. He can have it all back.

I use the bathroom and do my bed-time business before entering my room and passing out, with my clothes still on.

Chapter 6

Noah

I’ve got a migraine the size of a basketball; I didn’t even drink, as much as Spencer anyway. I knew it was a bad idea to drink in the first place. I guess that’s what I get for not listening to my conscience, it’s usually always right.

I push the covers off and glance at my clock; 11:00. Well hell, so much for getting an early start today. I walk out of the room, into the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee.

“Fuck, how much did I drink?” Spencer enters the kitchen, holding the side of his head. I shake mine, trying not to laugh.

“You were plastered. I had to help your ass out of the car.” He sits down at the table and moans, leaning his head down on top of his crossed arms.

“Okay, I’m never drinking again.” Famous last words. I raise my brow, knowing he’s full of shit. “Yeah, I’m lying out of my ass. Speaking of, I remember tapping some in the bathroom.” I drink my coffee in silence, looking around my apartment. I can’t distinguish whether I’m sad or anxious to leave. I think I’m just dreading the drive, which will take about 3 days. If I wasn’t by myself, it wouldn’t be so bad. Thank god for my music to keep me entertained.

I only packed my clothes, movies, books, pictures and a few other knick knacks. Everything else belongs to my father. He can keep it all.

“Is your mom coming by to see you leave?”

“Nah, I think she’s with Larry or Harry or Gary or some shit. It’s whatever. I don’t expect her to say goodbye.” Not like she ever cared before. I shrug it off and act casual about it but I know deep down, there’s the boy inside of me that wishes his mother would actually care. Just a little.

“Kasey?”

“God, no. But the way I left things, I doubt she’ll ever speak to me again.”

“You can only hope.”

I pack the jeep, getting a later start than I’d hoped. It’s obvious I’ll be stopping somewhere for the next two nights.” “Man, this sucks. What am I going to do without you?” I laugh.

“Get some new friends, I guess.” We’ll both have to make new friends and we won’t have each other’s backs. Not like it used to be. I smile, hiding the emotions rising up. I know I’m making the right move, for me.

I pat him on the back with friendly affection. “You’ll survive without me. You’re a lovable guy. It’s not you I’m worried about.” I was lovable at one time, too. Or to certain people. Now I’m closed off, irritable, sarcastic and not in the best way. In fact, I tend to piss a lot of people off. “Get in the jeep, I’ll drive you to get your car.”

We sit outside the lot, it’s just after one in the afternoon. I was hoping to leave around eight this morning but thanks to Spencer’s drunken ass, I’m behind schedule. I should’ve known going to the bar last night was a bad idea.

“I guess this is it.” Spencer extends his hand out to me and I stare at it like it’s a foreign object.

“Are you fucking kidding me? Get over here.” I grab him in a hug and pat his back. He’s more like a brother to me so why wouldn’t I hug him? “I’m moving to another state, not another country. I’ll still visit. And I’ll have a place you can come to when you need to get away for a few days.” He nods and reaches for the door handle.

“Well, if you get bored on your long ass drive, call me. I hear the drive sucks. Good luck.” Great. We fist pump right before he gets out. “I’m gonna miss you, Noah.” Starting over is scary. It’ll be weird not having Spencer nearby.

We finish hugging. Spencer comes to my side and tousles my hair. “Get the hell out of here before I hide your keys and you’re stuck here.” I scoff, knowing that’d never happen, he’s not quick enough.

“Alright, I guess, expect a phone call in about an hour.” I joke.

“You’re a pussy.” He shoots back.

“I should’ve flown. Jesus, this is going to suck.” I shrug.

“Have fun.” We part ways.

First stop, I pull into a gas station and fill my baby up. It takes almost seventy bucks. I load up on snacks and drinks for the trip and lots of coffee. Okay, let’s get this show on the road. I tell myself and my jeep. Hoping for a safe journey with no flat tires or engine problems. I did have an oil change and checked all the gages and fluids, so I should be good to go.

“Why are you bothering me?” I put my phone on speaker to talk and concentrate on the road. I’d rather be talking to myself though.

“Well, I want to make it clear what I said the other day. Once you’re gone, you’re on your own. You won’t get any help from me, financially or otherwise.”

“I don’t need your help. I’ve done just fine without you this far.” Honestly, I’ve struggled, getting through school but I keep that information to myself. I was a good student in high school, got good grades and did well in sports. But like many that carry their athletic talent into their future, it wasn’t for me. I love to play sports as much as the next guy but I do it for fun…or to take it out on my father. Every football, baseball or soccer ball, I’d kicked, hit or threw was his face. I did go to school the first year to get my teaching degree. My heart wasn’t in it. So I worked two jobs, instead. After the accident, my head was so fucked up. I’m glad to be leaving this place, to sort my shit out and figure out what I want to do with my life.