**Chapter Eleven**
After everyone was finished with their classes, we all met up in the parking lot. We were all going to ride in Dre’s car, which was a hassle. It wasn’t enough seats for everyone’s butts. We should have been taking more than one car, but they insisted we only do one. Now we were having this huge debate about who was going to sit where. It wasted time, but we did finally come to an agreement.
“Dillon’s sitting in the front seat, so you backseaters need to figure it out,” Dre said with no qualms.
Cameron shrugged. “Anna could sit on my lap if she doesn’t mind,” he suggested.
I nod in agreement to get this show on the road. “Yeah, whatever will get us out of here faster.” I was tired of this debate.
However, Drew had other plans in mind. “Or Juliana could sit on my lap and Annabelle can sit in the middle seat.” He countered, making the debate go on longer.
We all looked at him, trying to figure out why he said that. Even Juliana had to glance at him when he said that. It’s like he had a problem with me sitting on Cameron’s lap or something. Why else would he shut it down so quickly? Also, he should have said it earlier if he were going to shoot down everyone else’s ideas. We could’ve solved this by now if he spoke up before. Alas, he still looked so cute in my beanie.
Drew’s comment sparked a mini argument between him and Juliana. It was the first time I’d seen them argue about anything. Ironically, it was something he said pertaining to me. Whatever she was seeing, I wasn’t, and the argument only stalled us even more.
“What’s the problem with her sitting on Cam’s lap?” Juliana crossed her arms with a slight frown on her face.
Drew’s face went a little pale, shrugging his shoulders. “Nothing, it just made more sense for you to sit on my lap.”
No one bought that. I mean, I did, but I’m an idiot. Juliana called his bluff, and she wasn’t having any of it. “That’s too bad because I’m sitting in the middle.” That made Drew frown a little. “Now let’s go people.”
She did exactly what she said she would and sat in the middle seat. I casually sat on Cam’s lap, and it wasn’t weird at all. We were all excited to get to this bar. All of us except for Drew. Once again, he contributed nothing to the conversation, keeping his eyes out the window. I can tell by his body language that he was stewing in his seat. Over what, I do not know. It’s obvious he was angry, though. We could only hope he wouldn’t be like this the whole evening.
Dre parked his car right in front of this small pub, whilst we had to walk to the back. The alley was quite scary to me because you never know what could happen in one. As we walked through, I quickly latched onto Cameron, since he was the closest to me. He didn’t mind as he squeezed back, making sure I felt ok. Yes, I’m a big baby and need comfort in almost any new situation that’s thrown at me. I wouldn’t have made it back here if it weren’t for him.
As we got to this little door, Dre knocked on it in a weird sort of pattern. After a few minutes, it opened to some guy greeting both Drew and Dre. It did not surprise him to see them there and gladly let the rest of us in as well. I’m sure it’s because we were their guests, but they weren’t lying when they said we could go to a bar. No one asked for our ages and we had free rein to get whatever we wanted. I would not get caught up in how this was legal. When you’re the owner of a bar, I guess you can do whatever you want. So long as you don’t get caught. Besides, half of us were 1 year away from 21. It’s the other half that was not.
I being included in that other half decided not to get any alcoholic beverages. The first sip I had wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. I’m so inexperienced in the craft that I don’t know what I should be drinking. What tastes good? What won’t make me completely wasted? Knowing nothing about alcohol and how to drink it would ultimately be my downfall.
However, the bar itself was nice. There’s the bar, of course, with seats all around it. There was enough space for people to dance or just bop to the music. In one corner, it looked like another sitting area, but for smokers. I’d be avoiding that at all costs. Then, the corner on the other side was where the pool tables were at. This place had a little something for everyone and I liked how friendly the staff seemed to be.
After not even an hour at the bar, everyone was off doing their own things. Dillon, Dre, and Cameron were over in the smoker’s corner, doing things unimaginable. I spotted Juliana on the dance floor, chatting it up with some strangers. Drew was nowhere in sight, and I couldn’t help but wonder where he went. Then there was me, who was sitting at the bar enjoying an ice-cold coke. I couldn’t decide what I wanted to get as my eyes scanned the menu. How did adults make this stuff look easy? It was hard!
Though it saved my troubles when the very hot bartender came over to speak to me. His name was Keegan, and he was very tall with gigantic muscles to match. His smile was to die for and I could feel my mouth drooling just looking at him. I haven’t drooled this much over anyone other than Drew, but this was different. To my knowledge, Keegan was a free man. A free man I may get my hands on.
Leaning over, Keegan smiled at me as he looked over the menu himself. “You see anything interesting on there?” He questioned. “You’ve been looking at this thing for an hour.”
My cheeks flushed. “Sorry, I’m very new to this. I don’t know what I’m doing.” I admit. “Who knew drinking could be so hard?”
He chuckled. “Well, since you’re a novice, why don’t we start with a frozen, fruity drink?” His smile captured me again.
Smiling back, I nod in agreement as he got started on making it. I wasn’t sure how to act around this guy because normally I wouldn’t be talking to one. However, Keegan was so attractive that we needed to speak a little. I wanted to know what he liked, how old he was, and why he was working at a bar. He could’ve been one of those male models instead of wasting time here. He wasn’t putting those good looks to use.
Finishing my drink, he slid it over to me as I pulled out my wallet. Before I could get the money out, he stopped me.
“This one is on the house, my love.” He said, cleaning up his station. “What’s your name, anyway?”
I sipped the fruity drink, pleasantly surprised. “Annabelle. Wow, you were right, this is good,” I sipped some more.
He chuckled again. “If you couldn’t tell already by my name tag, I’m Keegan.” There goes that smile again.
“You sure are beautiful, Keegan,” that slipped out of my mouth. My cheeks went red hot when I heard myself, so I sipped my drink again.
Luckily, this guy had a sense of humor and laughed, anyway. I’m sure he was used to getting hit on all the time. With looks like his, it had to be a common thing anytime he went anywhere. It’s hard not to tell this guy how good-looking he is without falling over yourself. From his face to his body, the man was perfect. I almost forgot about Drew, but who am I kidding? I could never forget him, but this was a great way to put my plan into action.
Leaning against the bar, I look up at Keegan, who stayed around for a bit. “If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?” I needed to know before I pursued anything further.
“I just turned 21 last month,” he says. “Why so curious about my age, little lady?”
I pursed my lips, looking away. “I was only wondering.” I didn’t tell him the full truth.
Before we could say more, another person called for him at the other end of the bar. He had to excuse himself by leaving me alone with my drink. Scanning the area again, Cameron and Dillon were still in the smoker’s corner. While Dre migrated over to the pool tables along with Juliana. There was still no sight of Drew anywhere, making me worried. He was furious on the way over here. Who knows what he’s gotten himself into now?
I didn’t have time to worry about that when Keegan came back over to me with another drink. I did not know what it was, but apparently, it was from the gentlemen that called him over. It didn’t look too bad, and the smell wasn’t revolting. It seemed safe enough to drink, so that’s what I was going to do. I’m sorry, it would be what I would do if a hand hadn’t covered the cup before it reached my mouth.
Following the hand-up, I was surprised, yet thrilled, to see it was Drew. He appeared out of nowhere, stopping me from drinking whatever was in that glass. This whole time I’ve been wondering where he was and now he shows up. It’s a good thing he did. What he said was true, and I should be more cautious when accepting drinks from other people. I didn’t want to get myself in a situation that could’ve been prevented.
“Don’t you dare drink that,” Drew said, taking the glass from my hand. “Rule number one of drinking, don’t accept drinks from strangers. For all you know, this could be spiked.”
He was right, so I focused back on the drink Keegan made me. “You’d think I’d have common enough sense to know that.” I reprimand myself.
Drew sat down at the bar with me. I guess to make sure there would be no more drink accepting. However, what he said next appalled me. I didn’t think it was necessary, but he did and it showed me how much Drew had matured since high school.
“I’m sorry, Annabelle. I didn’t mean to get upset earlier when we were coming here.” He apologized. “I honestly don’t even know why I was upset, but I’m still sorry.”
For a minute there, I didn’t know what to say. But I smiled graciously, accepting his apology. “Well, thank you anyway. You didn’t need to apologize, though.”
His eyes looked back at me with a brightness like before. “Oh, and you can have your hat back. I’ve been keeping it hostage.” He hands it to me.
I sip the last bit of my drink and shake my head. “No, you keep it. It looks…good on you,” I say that turning away.
The more I looked at Drew, the more my heart yearned for him. He just had to come over here and sit with me. Giving me little doses of attention would make it even tougher to get over him. Shouldn’t he have been with Juliana? They got into a mini argument earlier. Maybe they were avoiding each other for the time being. Even so, I’m not the one he should check up on. Yet, he did anyway.
That didn’t stop Keegan from coming back and doing the unthinkable. The bar was getting quite full, so he was going to be busier than he was before. He didn’t waste a moment before pulling out his phone and handing it to me. Drew noticed this and watched the interaction between us. He kept his thoughts to himself, though. What else was he supposed to do?
Keegan smiled at him as he explained what he wanted me to do. “I’m going to get busy now that it’s getting later. So, I’ll need you to do me the favor of putting your number in my phone.”
I giggled at his nonsense. “Why may I ask?” I knew why, but it was a lot more fun asking.
“Because I rather get to know you more when I can give you my undivided attention.” He wanted to get to know me. “You’ll definitely be hearing from me.”
My smile was so big that my cheeks hurt. It’s the first time I’ve ever been asked to give a guy my number. It being Keegan made things even better. I quickly put my number in his phone, handing it back to him. He had to rush to get back to work while I sit happily with myself. Drew didn’t look thrilled, but he smiled at me, anyway. My mind raced, excited to get more information about Keegan. Maybe he would be just what I need to let go of Drew.