Accidental Neighbor by Sharon Woods
Chapter 1
Jennifer
The shivers running up my arms into my bones has me rethinking my outfit choice tonight. Cold wind whips around my bare thighs, my teeth chatter, and I shuffle forward. My friends are waiting inside and this has to be the world's slowest moving line, making me late for my best friend's birthday celebration.
It was a struggle to make it here on time, and that was before I had to stay back filling in paperwork of the child that had an allergic reaction and vomited on me just before the mom arrived. Loving my job makes these times bearable. I'm scheduled on the late shift at work this week and getting ready for a big night out takes time.
The line starts moving—thank God—and I smooth my dress down before reaching inside my bag for my ID card.
Shit. The contents from my purse spill onto the pavement. I quickly squat down to gather my belongings when I hear a rip, and I suck in a breath and freeze. Cool air hits the only few warm areas on my body, and I shiver as I take a glance down at my right thigh.
“Great,”I mutter as I scramble to pick up my lip gloss, phone, and wallet slowly. This is what happens when you stuff too much into a small bag.
I stand back up slowly, careful not to make the situation worse and to prevent any more mishaps. I tug at the end to straighten my skirt, trying to add the illusion of more length. My tight tartan yellow skirt has a new thigh slit. Shit.I’m lucky I chose a black bodysuit and over-the-knee black boots to make me appear less trashy.
Finally, I make it to the front of the line, but my relief quickly turns sour. The bald bouncer eyes me with heated desire, his stare lingering on me, and I quickly avert my gaze. I fight the urge to roll my eyes, but I cannot afford to piss him off. I need to get into the bar. My phone vibrates in my hand, and one guess who it is. I'm sure Olivia is already halfway drunk by now.
Checking the screen, my mouth lifts in the corner, ‘Olivia’ flashing across the screen. I hit decline but type out a quick text.
Jennifer: I’m about to get inside, just in line now. See you soon, birthday girl.
Olivia and I have been friends since kindergarten; she is the most supportive friend you could have in your life. I don’t usually enjoy nightlife—clubbing, partying. Even at twenty-two, I much prefer staying in with a movie and a glass of wine or going for a low-key dinner and drinks with friends, but I wouldn’t miss her twenty-first birthday for anything. I know Olivia chose The Boilermaker House. It has a reputation for its relaxed atmosphere, knowing it would be more suited for me. I am sure she has plans to go crazy at a club somewhere after here and she will try and beg me later on, but at this moment, all I can think about is my bed after a long week at work.
“ID, sugar?”
A shiver runs through my body at his slimy tone. My stomach drops, and if I have to be here any longer, I will need a bin to get rid of the bile forming in the back of my throat. I straighten my now tense body and try to muster up some semblance of a smile. I hand over my ID, and he checks it, nods, and looks over to his other security guy working in the corner who dips his head in return.
What was that about?
“Have a good night, Jennifer.”
My heart races inside my chest, and for once I can’t wait to be inside the bar.
He hands back my ID and I tighten my hold on it, the edges digging into my skin. He grabs the rope between us and unhooks it, stepping aside to let me through but not enough where I don’t have to touch him without falling. My shoulder rubs along his torso and my stomach turns at his sleazy expression. I quickly turn my head, focusing on the walkway to get inside the bar.
Without turning back to see if he’s still looking, I walk as fast as I can without running the risk of tearing my skirt further. Noticing a sign for the bathrooms, I head straight for it. I lean on the sink and take a few breaths, trying to push the interaction from my mind. Spotting a full-length mirror on the side wall, I head over to check the damage on my outfit. Luckily, the tear isn’t too bad; my shoulders drop and I sigh in relief. Running my hands through my freshly washed hair and flicking it over my shoulders, I lean forward toward the mirror to examine my makeup. I am satisfied none of it is smudged, rolling my glossy lips together. Happy how I’ve managed to come together after the little time I had, I take another deep breath before strolling out to the bar to find my friends.
Peering left and right, I see I’m surrounded by tall wood tables with long booth seats. The venue is lit with warm globes, creating a yellow hue. My lips lift in excitement. I love the cozy feeling the venue provides. The smell of hard liquor is evident but the soft music playing through the speakers in the ceilings keeps me from running outside and into a taxi back home. I’m trying to spot my group when a screech comes from my left.
“Jen! Jennifer, over here!”
Turning my head in the direction of her voice, I see Olivia waving her arms around above her head, the biggest smile lighting up her whole face. My mood instantly lifts, along with the tension I was carrying. Olivia, my little pocket rocket, is everything. My smile is a big toothy one and I wave back with excitement, stepping across the stained wooden floors to join the group that’s sitting at a large wood grain table. Olivia jumps up from her chair, walking toward me, and throws herself around my neck. A laugh slips out of me and I hug her back, squeezing her in my arms. Her skin is warm and her cheeks are flushed from already having a few, or more, drinks. I pull back and rest my hand on her upper arm, her signature Daisy scent putting me at ease. “Happy birthday! I can’t believe it’s finally here.”
She bounces on her heels, her green eyes wide and glassy.
“I know! I am so fucking happy you’re here. Let’s get a drink.”
She looks radiant in her emerald-green dress and gold shoes, and if it was sparkly and had wings, I would think she was a tinkerbell. Her blond hair is curled to perfection and her red lips are freshly painted.
“I would love a drink; what are we having?” I ask. Olivia turns to me but stumbles and I grab her arm to steady her as a giggle slips from her mouth. “On second thought, are you sure you don’t want some water first?”
She pushes me gently and tips her head back. Shaking her head vigorously from side to side, she says, “No way, Mom, I'm fine. I'm just happy you’re here now.”
I smile back at her comment. I don’t believe a word she says but I really can’t control her. Not that she’d let me if I tried, especially when you add alcohol to the mix. “Okay, but if you vomit, do it near someone else. I’ve already had vomit in my hair once today.”
I grab her hand and put her arm through mine so we can walk side by side to the bar. Getting a good look around, I take in my surroundings. Exposed wooden beams run along the roofline and globes hang from the ceiling and hover over the bar. The same soft yellow glow is coming from the globes. The bar has a rustic feel but with modern magical elements. I have never seen anything like it before.
Reaching the bar, I notice all the bartenders are dressed in suits and the bottles of alcohol lining the many rows of wooden shelves are mainly whiskey or scotch. But in the middle of the shelves is a huge beer on tap system. Scanning the names above, my brows crease. “Ah, er, Olivia. What have you been drinking tonight? I only see beer, whiskey, or scotch.”
I search the bar for something I’d usually drink. Wine or a cocktail.
Olivia half leans on me for support. “I don’t know the name of it but it’s so yummy. Tastes like fruit and cotton candy. You need to try it.”
Looking around, I spot some menus on the bar, and when the person in front of us moves, I drag Olivia forward while I snatch up a menu. She leans on the bar, peering around, while I see what's available on the menu—which is ridiculously long. Who knew there would be so many types of beer?
Reading until I find the drink with fruit and cotton candy. “Found it,” I say to no one in particular. Peering up, I turn my head left and right, spotting a free bartender. I offer a small wave and he nods his head in acknowledgment as he strides over. As he approaches, I see his blond hair is slicked into a neat man bun, and he’s wearing a black vest and a black bow tie with a crisp white shirt.
He pauses in front of us. “Ladies, good evening, what can I get for you?” he says in a deep voice.
Before I can order our drinks, Olivia cuts me off. “Oh my God, I love your accent. Is it American?”
He snickers at her giddiness and nods. “Correct.”He smiles wide, his eyes roaming her face, and a corner of his lip rises.
I roll my eyes at the way she twirls her hair around her fingers and flutters her eyelashes at him. “When did you move here?”
I need a drink if I have to watch this interaction much longer.
Olivia is single and extremely flirty. It’s part of her charm. Men fall at the drop of a hat for her. And women are either jealous or wanting to be friends with her. I envy her carefree, speaks-whatever-is-on-her-mind attitude. I don’t have an ounce of it, keeping how I feel locked tightly away.
Clearing my throat, I try to gain their attention, which fails miserably. “Hi, sorry to interrupt.” I wave my hand between them. “But I’d love to order some drinks.”
That seems to snap him out of his fuck-me eyes he has going on with Olivia. His head and body tilt in my direction, giving me his full attention. “Of course. What can I get you two?”
“Can we grab two trademark turquoise drinks?” I point at the menu where it's listed just in case he doesn’t hear me clearly.
“Coming right up.”He wanders off and I watch him gather the liquors for our cocktails when a sharp pain has me looking down at my arm for the culprit.
“Ouch, Olivia, what is that for?” I ask, covering the area with my hand. Ignoring my question, she doesn’t explain why she pinched me, just nods in the direction of the bartender. “He’s so hot, Jen.” She stares at him with a dreamy stare in her eyes. “Check out his tight ass in those pants.”
I laugh, shaking my head. I can’t help but check him out. She’s trying to whisper, but it’s a lot louder than she intends, clearly, when his lips tug up in the corner at her comment. He doesn’t pause or look up, but the smile remains as he continues carrying on making our drinks.
Good because I need this right now. Completely oblivious to this, she carries on.
“I’m going to see if he’ll come out after his shift.”
Her smile is contagious, and I can’t help but smile back at her. I lean in close to her ear so she can hear me and whisper, “As if he could resist you.” Her smile widens and I pull back, turning my attention to the bar as he puts down our drinks.
“This one’s on me. Happy twenty-first birthday!” Olivia lets out a little squeal as I hand over the money for the drinks, and we clink the cocktails together.
As soon as the flavors of candy and fruit hit my tongue, I know it was the right choice. “Oh, you’re right, this is delicious!”
“Told you!”
I busy myself reading what else is on the menu while Olivia invites the bartender to join us when he’s finished, and then we wander through the crowd, back to join the others.
When we arrive at the end of the table a few minutes later, I finally get to see who turned up tonight. Olivia’s brother, Jackson, is on the end of the round booth, already standing up to pull his little sister into a side hug. They cheer their drinks and she laughs at something he says, her head falling back on her shoulders.
I spot and wave to our good friend Katie who’s sitting next to the space Jackson just vacated. We met Katie on the first day of primary school and she instantly turned our duo into a trio. We’ve all been stuck with each other ever since. I'm about to say something to her when strong arms wrap around my waist and lift me into the air in a hug. I try to keep the drink from sloshing over the sides of my glass and let out a squeak of surprise.
“Jenny, ’bout time you got here!” Jackson shouts.
“Jackson, put me down right now.” I wiggle in his arms, trying to free myself but it's no use; he’s stronger than me. I go limp, giving up the battle.
Jackson is a few years older than us, but he’s been like a brother to me since I was four. We were always together, Olivia, Katie, and me. Of course, he treated us all like annoying little sisters, especially in his teens, but I know he secretly loved having us around.
Jackson finally sets me on the ground, and I smack his hand away when he tries to ruffle my hair. Chuckling, he takes his seat again next to Katie. A few of Jackson’s friends are seated in the booth as well. Tyler, Cody, and ah… shit, Nathan. We hooked up once, when I had too many drinks at Olivia’s. I have no desire for round two, but he seems unable to understand that.
I don’t know them well and have only met them a couple of times at some of Jackson’s gatherings when I happened to be at their house, but Katie has always gotten along well with his friends.
The guys shuffle further in around the booth to make room and I slip onto the seat next to Tyler, putting some much-needed distance between myself and Nathan, but I can feel his eyes on me.
Olivia slides in after me. They throw a few hellos my way before they’re back to their beers and banter.
“I thought you weren’t going to make it!” Katie says from across the oval-shaped table. Her hair is up in a bun with two pieces out, framing her face, the green headband in her hair making her blue eyes pop.
“Ugh, don’t even get me started.” The last thing I want to do right now is think about being covered in vomit. “I love my job, but today was just not my day.”
“Oh, hon. Well then, a good drink is exactly what you need,” Katie says soothingly.
“Darn right it is!” Olivia smacks her lips on my cheek and laughs before declaring we all need to do shots.
Oh God, what have I got myself into tonight?
Jackson returns a few minutes later with a large tray of clear shots, placing it on the table before handing each of us two shots.
Oh, not good.
We all raise our first shot. “Happy twenty-first birthday, Olivia!” we shout and clink our glasses together.
I’ll definitely regret this later.
I throw the shot back before I have time to psych myself out, the liquid burning a path down the back of my throat. Screwing my face up, I grab my cocktail and take a long sip, chasing it down.
The second shot isn’t any easier than the first, and I can already feel the alcohol working its way through my system. This is why I don’t do shots. Give me a nice glass of wine or cocktail and I’m good to go. Although I must admit, I’m definitely starting to feel relaxed.
I'm on my third trademark turquoise, the buzz of alcohol well and truly in my veins, the bar’s vibe has hit a new level. The music is louder, and some of the tall bar tables have been moved to make a bigger dance floor. I should probably slow down if I want to stay standing for the rest of the night. I haven’t eaten since this morning, and I wonder if they’re still serving hot food at the bar.
I hope so.
I check the time on my phone—ten o’clock—and realize I might be pushing it.
“Hey, I'm going up to the bar to see if I can get some food,” I shout, but nobody pays me any attention. It’s likely they can’t hear me over the music, but I wave my hand at Katie over the table for good measure. Jackson leans in close and whispers something in her ear, a lazy grin on his face. Katie giggles, a blush spreading over her cheeks.
Well, this is new.
Nudging her leg under the table gets her attention, and I raise an eyebrow at her, flicking my eyes to Jackson, trying to find out what she is playing at with Jackson. Her gaze flicks to mine as a grin takes over her face. My eyes widen and she studies me for a moment, her blush deepening before focusing on him again, and I can't help but laugh.
I’d swapped seats with Olivia so she could talk easier with the guys but my stomach growls, and I need to get to the bar for some food. I tug on her arm gently to pull her from the conversation. She turns her gaze to face me. “I'm heading to the bar to order some food. Did you want to come?”
Olivia jumps out of her chair. I giggle and slowly join her. My head feels light from the buzz I have going on. I shuffle out of the table before Olivia links her arm through mine, and we set off through the crowd that is now double in size. We squeeze our way to the bar, then wait behind patrons ordering.
I shout into Olivia’s ear so she can hear me over the loud music. “Do you want something to eat? I need food badly if I’m going to have any more drinks!”
“No, I’m good; just grab me a drink,”she yells.
“Are you sure?”
She unlinks her arm and pops a brow at me. I lift my hands in surrender.
“Right, I get it. I’ll order you a drink.”
I watch as she heads farther down the bar, already distracted, as the people in front of me move away with their drinks. I step forward and lean on the bar, reading the menu once more.
I flip the menu over and scan through the drink menu, wanting to try something new.
“Oh, honey or say my name,”a deep sultry voice says beside me, close enough I can feel his breath on my cheek, and I suck in a sharp breath. My head whips in that direction but connects with a hard jaw. Ouch. I rub the back of my head and peer up into the most magnificent set of deep-brown eyes.