Page 1 of Hard to Love

Chapter One

Thayer

Why did I agree to do this? Christy’s my best friend, but I just got back into town, and I haven’t even seen my family. My brother is gonna be pissed. Mother will think it’s inexcusable. Yet, here I am. Sitting in the corner of the hottest club at Myrtle Beach, Froggy Bottomz.

My head pounds with the rhythm of the music-making me squint as the club’s lights flash. What the hell was I thinking coming out tonight after the day I’ve had? Packing my apartment and getting it moved gave me a migraine from hell this morning. The drive itself wasn’t so bad, but I haven’t been able to shake it all day.

I need to unpack and make sure I have a bed to sink into. Yet, here I sit, nursing my drink and watching my phone. That’s all I’ve done lately, protect this damn phone. He isn’t going to call; he never does. But still, I wait.

Christy’s on the floor, dancing her ass off. I’m rooted to the spot nursing my Mai Tai. She’s going to have a hangover from hell in the morning. My phone buzzes with a text from my youngest brother, Chord. About the time I click it, Christy grabs it from my hand.

“What the fuck are you doing? We’re here to celebrate your graduation, and you’re in the corner on your phone. I demand you get drunk, now,” she says as she downs her fourth drink. She then waves at a waitress for another round.

Christy’s right: I deserve to celebrate and unwind. I’ve kicked ass at Clemson, graduating at the top of my class. Before I even graduated, I had my business set up and ready to roll.

Some would say I’ve been given all I have, but I know I worked very hard to get here. Yes, my family helped me get established. Nevertheless, I busted my ass to graduate at the top of my class.

I’ve spent the last four years at college earning degrees in business and horticulture. No, most women wouldn’t find a job in landscaping design their dream job, but it’s what I wanted.

My oldest brother, One, owns the largest construction company in North Carolina. I thought a landscaping company would do well. He also did.

I love being outdoors, working with the land. Watching things grow that I nurtured makes me proud. It was a natural fit; I really can’t wait to get started.

But here I sit, waiting on an asshole to call or text me. I keep waiting. Hoping that whatever his reason for walking away is a good one. That it’s the right choice.

One more check of my phone helps me decide. Nothing. He hasn’t even looked at my last two texts. So let’s drink him away. Maybe J.T. will help.

“Damn straight! It’s time I let loose and let go. Let me get another round, girl; it’s time to get fucked up.” I practically yell across the table at my best friend. The music is louder than my voice, but Christy nods and goes with the flow. It’s her way.

Taking my drink in hand, I down it as I look for that same waitress. I order a Bottle Cap and a Pink Panty Pull Down, secretly hoping my panties stay up. Once the drinks are back, I drink one immediately. I slam the glass down on the bar as I grab the other and head to the dance floor.

We dance our asses off to the beat of club music meant for nothing but dancing. It’s loud and thrums in my eardrums, reminding me I no longer have a headache. Just my heart that’s still hurting.

“Hey, I gotta pee,” Christy yells.

“Just tell everyone, dude. Let’s go.” Laughing as we dance off the floor, we stand for what feels like forever in line. So I check my phone for the hundredth time tonight.

“Still no word?” Christy nods at my phone.

“No. I don’t even know what I’m doing anymore. It’s like I’m a stalker. What the fuck?” I bemoan my response to her.

“You’ve got it bad. Move on already. It’s obvious he’s not into you. Besides, when do you ever chase a man?” She’s looking at me like I have a horn growing outta my head.

“I’m not chasing a damn thing,” I huff my answer as I take the first stall.

I’ve never waited on a man in my life; why am I waiting around on this one? It’s not like we’ve had some long-term relationship. We haven’t even dated. Why do I feel such a connection to him?

She’s right, damn it. Since when do I chase anyone? Constantly waiting for him to look at my texts. Never answering, never a flicker of interest since the first night. It’s like I’m obsessed.

Christy’s right; I need to unwind and forget about him for the night. It’s time to let my hair down and have some fun for a change. To hell with him.

“You’re right. He’s not interested. I’m over it,” I determine as I wash my hands, deciding to wash my hands of him too. “I’m done.”

Christy bumps her hip into mine with a smile on her face. “There’s my girl. Screw him. If he doesn’t see what he’s losing, he doesn’t deserve you.”

Dancing the night away was the plan. We made our way back to the bar and grabbed a couple of drinks. Downing those to get back to the dance floor, my buzz begins to kick in.

Dancing and drinking the night away was on tap, and after a few dances, sweat dripped from our hair. I was parched, so we made our way back to the table and hailed our waitress.