Choices

The man named Jackson lead us up to apartment #205. He opened up the door and I instantly fell in love. Despite the fact that it's supposed to be a studio apartment, there was so much room. It was actually a one bedroom rather than a studio. I walked into the bedroom and it had a huge walk in closet and a sliding door which went to the small, yet decent, patio. I could definitely picture myself here. The kitchen was a good size too. It had granite countertops and what looked like new fixtures. The place was gorgeous. Thats when the doubt sunk in. This place had to be pretty expensive. But I decided I'd hear what the guy has to say before I give up complete hope.

"So what do we think about the place?" Jackson asked eyeballing me.

"I like it. Really good size and it close to work..." I trailed off.

"Okay so considering the fact that Brian is a good friend of mine I'll only charge you for first months rent rather than a deposit and rent. But of course we'd still have to fill out paperwork. So lets head back to my office and get started." He smiled.

"Wait, how much is rent before we start signing stuff?" I asked.

"Well, for this unit its only a thousand a month. Which isn't bad considering location and how well maintained we keep this place."

"I can do that! Let's sign some papers." I said enthusiastically.

Was it me, or was everything seeming too good to be true?

"Why are you helping me?" I whispered to Brian as we waited for Jackson to bring out the paperwork.

"Cause 1. You're beautiful, 2. I know what its like to not have a place to stay and 3. I like you." He smiled.

Damn it, I can feel myself blushing again.

"Okay, well here's all the paperwork. Make sure to read everything over and we can have you moved in by the end of the week." Jackson said handing me the papers.

I filled everything out. The rules and regulations were pretty basic. They were alot like the apartment I was paying for in Colorado. Speaking of which I should call my mother and have her send me my stuff soon. Jackson told me I didn't need to pay anything until I officially move in, so come Friday, I'll be living in an apartment of my own.

Brian and I walked out to his car and I had a huge smile on my face. He was like my guardian angel or something. Either way I was grateful to have met him.

"Thank You." I said to him as we drove back to the pier.

"You're welcome." He smiled at me. "So are we continuing our pier date?" He asked.

"As much as I'd love to, I need to go get ready for work." I said regretfully.

"Well, maybe I'll just come bug you at work tonight." He said with a crooked smile.

This guy is good. I smiled at him and leaned in for a hug. To my surprise he went in for a kiss instead. He held my face and made the kiss long and passionate. Here I thought we'd just be people who were going to mess around but he likes me. And if I have to admit it, I like him too. More than I probably should. I broke away from the kiss.

"I really have to go." I said.

"I'll see you later." He waved to me as I got out of the car and walked back to my room to get ready.

I changed out of my little pier date outfit and traded up for some boots, black jeans and my favorite red crop top. Then I darkened up the make-up around my eyes. Might as well look like a bartender right? I could hear my mother yelling at me now about how "ladies shouldn't look like that." But this is my new life. Plus, maybe Brian will come in tonight and see me. I finished up getting ready and made my way over to the bar. Of course when I move into my new apartment the walk will be a little further but I enjoy the walking.

I went into the bar and my boss instantly rushed to my side complimenting me on my outfit and look. He ran me through my shift and then let me get to work. It was all easy. Even the drinks were easy to make. Plus since I was new I was able to have the list of what to do for drinks and the different types. It was nice. I actually enjoyed this. After a few hours, even more people started showing up. Then Brian came in. Huge smile on his face, exposed tattoos, messy yet spiked up hair. Looking hot as usual. With him was the same guy from Vegas and then a shorter guy in comparison to them both. He walked up to me and greeted me with a kiss. I was highly flattered yet at the same time I was worried about him doing this while I'm at work.

"Ahhh, my favorite customers!" My boss came out saying to Brian and his friends. I assumed
they were usual customers.

"Wow Johnny, you finally did something right by hiring such a hot girl." Brian winked.

I blushed and my boss just looked at me.

"Its nice to see you again Vegas girl." The tall one said.

"Oh so you guys know each other?" My boss asked.

"This is my girlfriend." Brian said wrapping his arm around me.

What? Had I agreed to this? Did he ask me and I forgot that I answered? Better question, do I mind? Not really. He looked at me to see if I was going to disagree with him. I knew that I should disagree and stick to my whole "all guys are assholes" bit. But in the short time I've known Brian, he's been the best kind of guy to have around. Yet, there was things about him I didn't know. Guess we can talk about those things on our date.

"Ahh, don't break my new bartender's heart Haner." My boss said.

"Wouldn't dream of it." Brian smiled.

"Hey where's Zee at?" The short guy with Brian asked.

"Said he was busy tonight. So its just us. Matt's with Val too.:" Brian answered. "They'd love you by the way." He said to me.

"Oh well I'll have to meet them." I smiled.

"You will. Speaking of which. This is Jimmy, he was in Vegas with me. And this little guy is short shit." He laughed. "Guys this is Darla."

"You can call me Johnny." He said after Brian introduced him.

"Okay well it was nice meeting you guys but I have to start working my shift." I smiled and left the trio of guys.

They seemed like people I could picture myself around. Then again, I'm still pretty socially awkward. I continued working my shift getting random winks from Brian. It was cute, yet very very distracting. How does he do it? Finally, he had to leave cause his friend Johnny was too drunk. He promised to text me and then see me tomorrow to help me check out furniture. I finished out my last hour with the other bartender who was actually really cool and we traded off doing different tasks. Then I was out.

I pulled out my pack of cigarettes and headed to the beach to unwind before I went back to my room. I was overly exhausted. My spot on the beach is the only place I wanted to be right now. As I got closer to my spot, I noticed someone was already in it. Well that's fucking annoying. All this beach and he had to sit in my spot. Though I shouldn't get so worked up, I guess I'll just sit somewhere else for now. As I passed by my spot, the person sitting there got up. I walked fast past him in case he was a complete creep, but then I accidentally dropped my cigarettes. The guy picked them up and walked over to me. I recognized his tattoos. This was the guy who kept me from falling. How embarrassing.

Notes