Catch Me

Since that day when I had a flashback to the night I was almost killed by my ex and saw his scary face in the front of my mind, he never showed up again and I'm back to sane Riley. Today, I'm also heading with my girlfriends to the bridal shop to get our final fittings done on our bridesmaids dresses.

“Did you really see whatshisname the other day?” Myra asked.

Why does she have to bring him up on such a happy day? I rolled my eyes and answered. I’d like to remember the otherwise amazing evening with my man who treats me like a queen or to him, a goddess, who was gone for a month and surprised me at my apartment.

“Yeah, but all is good now. If Zack wasn’t here, I might not be at the moment. Now, can we get back to happy stuff?”

They nodded.

Thank you.

“Anyway, how’s your dress fitting?” Krissy asked me.

“Perfect just like the first time I tried it on.”

I spun around and smiled. Obviously, it wasn’t my wedding gown, but I was ecstatic and couldn’t wait for Zack to see me in it, just as I couldn’t wait to see him in his tux.

“You look beautiful.”

“So do you.”

Then, Myra came out of the dressing room.

“Looking beautiful, hun.”

“Thank you. You do too.”

We were there for only around ten minutes. Our next destination was to our usual restaurant for lunch.

“I have a question for you two.” I asked.

“Yeah?” Myra asked.

“Wanna head out to a bar tonight?”

“Absolutely.”

“Count me in.” Krissy replied.

That night, we went out to the same bar where I picked up Zack close to two months ago.

insert chapter one

I smiled at the memory.

“I don’t know if you’ve looked hotter, aside from when you met your beau.” Myra complimented.

I had added a necklace, earrings and a bracelet with matching heels.

“Really?”

“Of course. That isn’t something I either one of us would lie about.” Krissy said.

I nodded.

“Thanks guys.”

We headed out to our usual club where I was beyond ready to get drunk. Walking up to the bar, I intended to order a rum ‘n coke when I heard someone order it for me. I recognized the voice as my boyfriend’s. I smiled and hugged him.

“What are you doing here?”

“It’s great to see you, too, babe.”

“I’m sorry. I’m just surprised to see you. Is this just a coincidence?”

“It is. I had no idea you and the girls were here.”

I kissed him and he kissed me back.

“You know, you look so fucking sexy tonight.”

“Thank you. You’re so sweet.”

“I try.”

“And you succeed.”

He laughed then I took a sip of my drink, leaning up against him.

“So, this is the infamous Riley?” I heard from behind me.

I turned around to see someone who I assumed was Zack’s friend.

“Riley, this is John. John, this is Riley.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” I said, shaking his hand.

“You too.”

“So, how long have you known Zack?”

“Oh, wow. I’d say for about five to six years now. I met him at the gym.”

“Naturally.”

“Why’d you assume that?” Zack asked.

“Have you met yourself? That’s where you spend so much of your time.”

He shrugged and I kissed his cheek.

“I like her already.” John said.

I smiled and turned back to my drink.

“I heard you were the other person who told him to talk to Anna.”

“I was.”

I didn’t like to hear her name. She’s out of the picture and now, it’s me who’s with him, so why even bother with saying her name? I knew Zack didn’t like it either.

“Thank you. I think you’re the one who finally got him to do it.”

I didn’t know what to say.

“I’m glad that he finally did. I wasn’t expecting this though. I just wanted him to be honest with her.”

After another minute of talking, he was gone and it felt easier to breathe.

“I can’t stand hearing about her anymore. Let the past be in the past.” Zack said irritatedly.

I made a face and kissed him.

“I can’t either.”

“Glad I’m not the only one.”

“It hurts me too, so I would like to not hear it.”

Ten minutes later, I was back out on the dancefloor with my girlfriends, enjoying myself when I heard a familiar, yet unwanted voice. Chills instantly when up my spine; the only surprise I wanted was Zack and now, I have a quite unpleasant one.

“I’d recognize that rack anywhere. Wanna give me another chance?”

I just turned around. I was not going to engage.

“You think I would honestly do that? I have a boyfriend.”

So much for that.

“I still don’t believe you. Look at how you’re dressed.”

“Well, it’s true and he’s here.”

“Where? I don’t see him.”

I heard distinct footsteps from behind me that I hoped were Zack’s. I knew I was right when I felt our fingers intertwine.

“You see him now, halfwit?”

“What’s going on?” Zack asked.

“This is the guy who assaulted me.”

I looked into Zack’s eyes and saw anger that I had never seen before and quite frankly never wanted to see again. He’s generally a happy guy, so this was a tad bit frightening.

“You let her dress like that?”

“I don’t give her permission for anything. She’s a human being and her own person.”

I held onto his hand even tighter as I couldn’t be happier that he was mine and he cared about me.

“This doesn’t bother you?” he asked laughing.

“Why would it? I know who she is.”

“Women are not humans. They’re objects.”

The guy continued to laugh.

I’m done.

"What the fuck did you just say?"

Before he could get a response, I ripped my hand out of Zack’s and went after him. Luckily, Zack pulled me into him although I was ready to knock this guy’s lights out.

“Let me go. Let me kick his ass.” I said struggling against him.

“Not happening, babe.”

“If she’s a human being, why aren’t you letting her go?” the douchebag asked.

“Step off, dude. Now. You’re gonna fucking regret it.”

Although the upper half of my body was contained by Zack, my legs weren’t and I kicked him as hard as I could in the balls. He collapsed to the floor, holding himself there.

“You can let me go now.”

He hesitantly let me go and I kicked him again in the stomach.

"Riley. Was that actually necessary?"

"Yeah. Yes, it was. He's the scum of the earth." I said seriously.

I looked over at my friends who I had forgotten about once Zack entered and were shocked, but they did come over and hug me.

"You are a badass." Myra said.

"But that doesn't excuse that last kick." Krissy added.

"I told ya." he said.

"Shut up." I said.

I went to the bar and ordered a drink. I felt his arms drape around my neck as I was sitting down and his lips were at the top of my head.

"Hey beautiful. What brings you here?"

I giggled and touched his hands.

"Now, that's how you talk when you're trying to flirt." I said.

"Does that mean you're not mad?"

"Annoyed, maybe, but not mad."

"I'm always gonna be on your side, no matter what. You know that, right?"

"Of course."

I turned and he kissed me.

“Wanna just go home or do ya wanna stay?”

“I’ll stay. I’m not gonna let one insignificant prick ruin my night, although going home is tempting.” I said, biting my lip.

“I’ll gladly come home with you.” he said, sliding his hand across my thigh.

Why does he have to make things difficult?

“I need a girls night and anyway, I will see you tomorrow. Sorry baby.”

“That’s okay.”

We were there for a couple hours without incident and had an amazing night.

Notes