Tattoos & Unicorns Read online

  When I exited the bathroom, the two of them were still sitting on the love seat. Just as I thought, her legs were crossed towards him. Her thigh was exposed, and she was twirling the ends of her hair. I rolled my eyes before grabbing my pillow from my bed, and heading towards Morgan's room.

  “Where are you going?” She asked.

  “I'm tired.” I lied, just before closing the door behind me.

  I tossed my pillow onto her bed, and gave hers a little shove before climbing under the comforter. I closed my eyes in an attempt to fall asleep, but the sound of Morgan's laughter suddenly felt like nails on a chalkboard. Why did I let her railroad me? If I was able to stand up to a man I barely know, and basically demand that he have sex with me... why couldn't I stand up to my best friend?

  Throwing the comforter aside, I marched towards the adjoining door with purpose. I didn't bother knocking, or even with a warning. I just pushed right on through, and what I saw when I entered made me absolutely furious. Morgan was straddling Owen on the love seat. His hands were at his sides, but hers were resting on his chest.

  She jumped when she saw me, and gave me a small smile. Owen turned his head, and opened his mouth to speak but I held my hand up effectively stopping them both.

  “I get it.” I said, as the anger rose inside of me. “She's tall, blonde, and pretty much fucking perfect. If you want to hook up... be my guests, but you aren't doing it in my room.”

  “Ronnie, it's not what it looks like.” Owen said, as he gave Morgan a little shove so that she'd climb off of him.

  He stood, and I made it a point to notice the lack of erection in his pants. Was it normal for my first instinct to be looking at his crotch? Probably not, but it oddly made me feel a bit better knowing that she hadn't turned him on.

  “She came onto me.” He said.

  Morgan stood then, and rushed over to me.

  “Ronnie! I would never-”

  “Sexy cowboy.” I said, interrupting her.

  “What?” She laughed. “That's different. You were with Derek, and clearly you weren't interested. I was just trying to-”

  “And Alex? He approached me first at the boutique, remember?”

  “Any man that jumps women like that isn't someone worth spending your time with.” She countered.

  “Oh, so you're protecting me?” I scoffed.

  “Yes! It's what I've always done.”

  “Tell me the truth then. Did you come onto Owen?”

  “Yes.” She admitted freely.

  “Why?”

  “I was testing him.” She said, smugly. “When I walked in on the two of you about to hook up, I was worried. He's not your type, Ronnie. He's a bad boy with a motorcycle, and absolutely no responsibilities. A girl like you; you need someone dependable.”

  “Like Derek?” I asked. “Because, look how well that worked out.”

  “Dammit, Ronnie! You're not me!” She nearly yelled.

  Owen was standing in between us like a deer in headlights. I could tell that he was feeling uncomfortable, but it was his fault that I was reacting this way. He had challenged me by asking why I let Morgan do the things that she does. Seeing her with the man that I wanted, had somehow given me the courage to unleash everything. To let her know that the way she was treating me was not acceptable.

  “Well thank God for that.” I said, devoid of any emotion.

  Morgan's jaw dropped, and she took a step back.

  “Why don't you tell me how you really feel?”

  “OK.” I said, stepping towards her. “I've been living in your shadow ever since we met. I always do what you want to do, and who you want me to do it with. I started dating Derek, because you told me to. You said he was what I needed. I got the degree that you wanted me to, so that we could go into business together. I gave up everything so that you could shine, and the one time a man is interested in me, and not you; you want to take that away from me too.”

  She started to blink back her tears, before wiping her eyes as a few managed to escape. Normally, seeing her upset would make me upset too, but right now I was letting my anger control my emotions. She nodded in understanding before quietly brushing past me, and back into her room. She shut the door behind her, and I could faintly hear the sound of the lock engaging.

  I let out a deep sigh, and then I sat down on the edge of my bed. I sat there for a few seconds, before the floodgates inevitably opened. I laid my head in my hands, and I sobbed. I had never been so harsh with her, and to do it in front of someone else had probably only hurt her more. I felt the bed dip beside me, and Owen placed his arm around me in a show of support.

  I laid my head on his shoulder, still keeping my face covered. He ran his hand up, and down my shoulder, and kissed the top of my head gently.

  “It needed to be said, Ronnie.” He said softly.

  “I know.” I sniffled. “I just- I could have handled it better.”

  “Just give her time. I'm sure in the morning, when you've both had time to cool down, things will be better.”

  I nodded, as I wiped my eyes.

  “Excuse me.” I said, as I went into the bathroom to clean myself up.

  I washed my face, and hands, and grabbed a cool washcloth to place over my eyes. They were red, and puffy, and I barely recognized myself. The last time I cried like this was when I caught Derek with his pants off. I had never told anyone the real reason that I chose my major. Yes, I enjoyed my work, and I was damn good at it, but it wasn't always my first choice.

  Morgan was the first person to believe in me, but over the course of our friendship I began to wonder why. She helped me choose my college classes. She chose my major. It was her idea to open a boutique, but she needed me. So she groomed me, and I let her. I let her, because the thought of working with my best friend, and having our own business appealed to me.

  What girl doesn't dream of striking it out on her own, and becoming something? Morgan needed me, and I needed her. So I didn't question any of the decisions she made for me. She knew what was best for me, and for our business plan. I followed her blindly, even when it concerned love. Looking back now, I know I never would have accepted Derek's proposal if I didn't have her blessing.

  “Ronnie?” Owen called from the other side of the door. “The police are here. I'll be right back. Will you be alright?”

  “I'm fine!” I called back.

  When I heard the door shut behind him, I finally came out of the bathroom. I glanced around the room, realizing that I left my pillow in Morgan's room.

  “Shit.” I sighed, before laying down on the bed with my hands behind my head for support.

  I closed my eyes then, going over everything I'd said to Morgan tonight. The more I thought about it, the worse I felt. I was harsh, when I didn't need to be. I could have pulled her aside, and had a conversation like an actual adult. Instead, I let my jealousy get the best of me. Seeing her straddling Owen like that... it just made something snap inside of me. A part of me that I never even knew existed.

  I was jealous, and I had no right to be. Owen, was nothing to me. He made it very clear that he didn't want to be anything to me. It shouldn't have mattered if they wanted to hook up. It shouldn't have bothered me in the slightest, but it did. In all the years that Derek, and I were together... not once did I feel jealous. And now here I was losing my mind over a man who told me in no uncertain terms that he doesn't do relationships. On the bright side? Things couldn't get much worse.

  I WOKE UP THE NEXT morning to the sound of someone snoring. I rubbed my eyes still groggy from the night before, and blinked past the bright light from the patio door. There, laying beside me was Morgan. She had bags under her eyes, and her hair was a disheveled mess, but she was tucked beneath the comforter sleeping peacefully.

  I glanced around the room then, remembering that Owen never came back last night. Or, maybe he had? I fell asleep soon after I climbed into bed, the events of the day more than just emotionally tiring. Morgan stirred beside me, and when
she opened her eyes I quickly closed mine.

  “I know you're awake.” She said, with annoyance.

  I opened my eyes slowly then, and soon we were face to face. Only inches apart, we had no choice but to acknowledge one another.

  “Hi.” I said, awkwardly.

  “Hi.” She said, back.

  “I'm sorry!” We both blurted out at the same time, before laughing at ourselves.

  “I shouldn't have said the things that I said last night.” I started, extending an olive branch.

  “Yes, you should have.” She sighed. “Ronnie, I know I could've been a better friend to you.”

  “I can't blame you for everything though. You didn't force me to do anything, I have free will. I just chose to let you make all the hard decisions in my life for me. I guess it was easier that way.”

  “I always felt like I had to protect you from the world.”

  “Why?” I laughed.

  “Honestly? You're better than me, Ronnie Locke. You deserve a better friend than me, that's for damn sure.”

  “I'm not better than you.” I said, softly.

  “Everyone leaves. I've not had one constant in my life besides you, and I guess I felt like I had to protect that. I needed you to need me so that you wouldn't be the next person to walk away.”

  I reached for her hand, and gave it a little squeeze.

  “By keeping me on a short leash, you're only making me want to pull harder.”

  She nodded, as she wiped a stray tear from her face.

  “I understand that now.” She whispered.

  A loud thud from Morgan's room suddenly caught my attention. I looked at her with question, and she gave me a small apologetic smile.

  “Morgan?” I asked, as I sat up in the bed.

  She quickly sat up beside me, and held her hands out in front of her.

  “Before you get angry, let me ex-”

  “You ladies decent?” Owen called from the other side of our adjoining door.

  My eyes grew wide, and I could feel the anger rising inside of me.

  “You didn't!” I snapped.

  “What? Of course not!” She snapped back.

  “What the hell is he doing in your room then?” I whispered.

  “Ladies!” Owen called again.

  Ignoring my question Morgan climbed over me, and made her way towards the door to unlock it. A few seconds later, she returned with Owen on her heels. I slowly pulled the comforter up, and over my chest, and he winked at me. He winked at me? What the hell?

  “Morning, Ronnie.”

  “Morning?” I said, with question. “Care to explain what you're doing here?”

  He laughed. “By the time the police left it was late, I was tired, and you were already asleep. Morgan was nice enough to offer me her room for the night, so she came to sleep with you.”

  I instantly felt like shit for accusing Morgan, but after what she tried to pull last night she couldn't exactly blame me. I nodded slightly, and he sat down on the love seat at the end of the bed. Morgan quickly excused herself back to her room, leaving Owen and I to our own devices.

  “Do the police have any leads?” I asked, breaking the now awkward silence.

  “None.” He said, with defeat.

  “I'm sorry.”

  “It wasn't your fault, Unicorn.”

  I rolled my eyes. “So, what now?”

  “Looks like I'll be hanging here a bit longer than I intended.”

  “You could rent a car?” I offered.

  Morgan came bursting through the door then, and I spun around so fast that I thought I may have whiplash. She smiled apologetically, before getting a massive grin on her face. This was her 'I have an idea' face. I never knew if I should be afraid, or excited?

  “I couldn't help but overhear your conundrum.” She said, addressing Owen.

  “My conundrum?” He arched a brow.

  “You've lost your ride to New York. We have a ride to New York. It makes perfect sense that you come along with us!”

  I opened my mouth to speak, but Morgan turned to face me next.

  “Come on, Ronnie! It will be fun. Besides, it gives the two of you some more time to explore... whatever this is.” She said, motioning between the two of us.

  “I'm not sure that there's anything to explore.” I said.

  “I'm not so sure there isn't” Owen countered.

  “You can't be serious? You've been playing hot, and cold since the day we met.”

  “I thought we cleared that up.”

  “You two are missing the point.” Morgan chimed in. “Clearly we met for a reason, why not bring him along! If anything it will piss your mom off, and that's always a great idea.”

  I couldn't help but laugh at her reasoning, as I looked over at Owen. She was right. My mother would absolutely lose her mind at the sight of him. The tattoos, and piercings would be enough to send her into cardiac arrest.

  “I appreciate the offer.” Owen started. “But, my time line isn't as lenient as yours. I'll just rent a car, it's no big deal. Really.”

  “We can move our time line up!” Morgan said, practically begging. “It's a three hour, and forty minute drive to Maryland from here. If we leave in the next hour, we can get there by lunch time. Spend the day seeing the sights, crash at a hotel, and head to New Jersey tomorrow morning.”

  “I thought you already booked the hotels in advance.” I said, trying to find fault in her plan.

  “Minor details.” She said, brushing my concerns aside. “Besides, all of our things will be in New York by the end of the week. We can just unpack sooner than planned.”

  “This whole spring break, road trip was your idea.” I reminded her.

  “I really don't want to intrude on your trip.” Owen said.

  “I agree. It's a little hard to get laid when you have someone like him tagging along.” I said.

  “Since when was this trip about getting laid for you?” Morgan asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

  “Blame Owen. If he'd have just done what I needed-”

  “Hey!” He said, stopping me. “We were interrupted, and that doesn't mean that we can't-”

  “We can't what?”

  “You know what, Morgan? I accept your offer!” He said, as he stood. “Pick me up in an hour. I'll text the address to Ronnie.”

  “Wonderful!” Morgan gushed. “See you soon!”

  I watched dumbfounded, as he walked out of my hotel room. I started to wonder how he was getting to his mom's place then, and laughed to myself. He'd probably have to stand outside waiting for an Uber. There was no way he called ahead of time, and his pride would be too wounded to come back inside to wait.

  “What was that?” Morgan asked, as she plopped down onto the bed in front of me.

  “What was what?” I asked, feigning innocence.

  “I knew it!” She laughed. “You were pushing his buttons!”

  I shrugged my shoulders. “He's infuriating. Hot, cold, and everything in between. He gave me some speech about me deserving better. I really wish everyone would just let me decide what I deserved for once.”

  “I guess I'm just surprised. I never thought you were interested in random hook ups.”

  “It isn't exactly random. I like him, and for the most part he's a genuine guy.”

  “But?”

  “But.. the way he sees right through me is disconcerting. I guess it gives me a bit of a thrill to get a rise out of him.”

  “He's certainly made you bolder.” She teased.

  “I'm just tired of always playing it safe, Morgan. When he was kissing me... I felt like I was on fire. I know how cheesy that sounds, trust me. There's just something about him.”

  “So what's the plan then?”

  “Enjoy as much of him as I can until we get to New York, and then we'll go our separate ways.”

  TEN

  WHEN I PULLED THE TRUCK into the driveway of the address Owen had sent me, my new found self confidence seemed to dis
appear. My hands were sweaty, and my heart began to race in my chest. I sat there, gripping the steering wheel wondering if I should go knock on the door. After a few minutes Morgan cleared her throat, and I turned to face her.

  “Are you going to honk?” She asked.

  “That seems rude. It's his mom's house.” I said, shutting the ignition off. “Maybe we should see if he needs help with his bags?”

  “I've seen his muscles, he's more than capable.” She said, as she reapplied her lip gloss using the visor mirror.

  I sighed before reaching for my door handle, and using the running board to climb down. The closer I got to the front door, the more nervous I became. I couldn't explain it. It wasn't like Owen, and I were dating and I was meeting his mother for the first time. We were friends. Right?

  After climbing the stairs to the porch, I rang the doorbell and waited. A few seconds later a beautiful woman with dark hair, and the same green eyes as Owen answered the door.

  “Hello.” She smiled. “You must be Ronnie!”

  She pulled me into a hug, and I was completely taken aback. When she wasn't releasing me I hugged her back, and then she pulled away so that she could look at me.

  “You're beautiful, my dear.” She winked.

  “Thank you.” I blushed. “So are you.”

  Owen came to the door then with an army style bag tossed over his right shoulder.

  “Sorry about her.” He said, hiking his thumb in his mom's direction. “She can come on a bit strong sometimes.”

  “She was no such thing.” I smiled. “Do you uh, need any help with your bags?”

  “Go on back to the truck, Unicorn.” He smirked. “I'm a big boy.”

  His mom chose then to elbow him in the ribs. I tried to stifle my laughter but I couldn't help it, and when his eyes caught mine he smiled back at me.

  “I apologize for my son's lack of manners.” She said, extending her hand. “I'm Marisol.”