Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had a lot of good times together, but I don’t answer to you.”
By this point, she’s fuming. I can almost see the smoke billowing out of her ears like a chimney, but I don’t give a shit. She’s not going to make me feel guilty about this. I take another sip of beer and put some space between us. She just stands there, staring, like she doesn’t understand how I could turn her down for the night. A couple minutes go by in silence before she finally speaks again.
“Maybe it’s best if someone else drives me home. We both need to sleep on this. I’m sure we’ll feel better in the morning.”
No, what I need is to get her out of here and talk to Mia some more. That, and another beer would help. “Do you have someone who can take you home? If not, you know I will.”
She relaxes a little. “I know, but I think I’m going to call my sister and ask her to pick me up instead.”
I nod. “Okay. If you need the ride, let me know.”
“Thank you, Chase. Call me tomorrow?”
“Yeah, will do.”
She opens the door and heads inside. I decide to stay out here for a couple more minutes to cool down. I need to be calm and collected before approaching Mia.
Finishing off my second beer, I lean across the railing and listen to the familiar sounds of Austin. I pay close attention to the breeze sifting through the air, the occasional sound of cars passing by on the street below, and the voices being carried up to the balcony. What I love about Austin so much is that it’s city like enough to be busy and thriving, but you don’t have to drive very far before you’re breathing clean, country air. Out there, it’s peaceful and somewhat secluded. You really do get the best of both worlds.
A couple minutes pass by and I’m feeling significantly more relaxed. I walk back inside and look around, spotting Mia. She’s sitting next to Raven on the couch, and she’s eating a hot dog. I stroll up, sit on the other side of Raven, and place my arm on the back of the couch. Raven turns her head, and I give her a pleading look, one that tells her that I’d really like some alone time with her friend.
Quickly taking the hint, she clears her throat and starts to make her way off the couch, but not before Mia’s hand comes crashing down on her knee. “Don’t even think about it, Rave,” she warns.
Raven stays hunched over, looking back and forth between us. I take the opportunity to crane my neck and watch Mia. She’s deliberately avoiding eye contact.
“Well, this should be fun,” Raven says, sitting back. I really wanted to do this without an audience, but seeing as how Mia isn’t letting that happen, I simply modify my expectations.
“So, Mia, what day are you available to go out with me this week? I was thinking dinner and maybe something fun afterwards?” Go hard or go home, right?
She leans forward and gives me an icy glare. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
Damn. She’s obviously a little scorned, but no worries. I can take it.
“You’re cute when you’re mad, you know that?” I’ve only just met her, but I already feel comfortable enough to push her buttons. I’m sure I’m coming on a little strong, but soon, she’ll see it as part of my charm.
She scowls and slides her Aviators over her eyes, unimpressed. This is the second time I’ve caught her wearing sunglasses inside. WTF?
When it’s apparent she’s going to continue to ignore my advances, I try a different approach. “Raven, could you do me a favor and tell your gorgeous friend here that I’d like to apologize for what happened between us earlier on the balcony? I’d also like to apologize on Christa’s behalf for her catty attitude in the kitchen. That was uncalled for.”
Mia leans forward again; the scowl is gone. “You know, Chase, I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself, and luckily, I don’t need my friends to be my messengers. I appreciate your apology, but there’s nothing you need to be