Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait, haven't really been in the writing zone for a few months. But finally, the last chapter is complete. Part 5 of 5. Thanks to DanglingHearts for the beta.
It's funny how much life can change in such a short amount of time. It took me a month to realise that I was single. That Jackson was out of my life. I'd ignored Paddy's texts for a few days, but after the 8th day, I caved. I met up with him in Bar West. We had drinks. But there wasn't a click. We're mates now. It's different from Jackson. He's not all with the calming words and talks. He just lets me rant and rave and then we get drunk.
He's with Lief now. Has been for three months. And they seem like they could actually go the distance. Paddy's home most weekends to see him.
I turned down the advances of any guy that offered to buy me a drink. I wanted to be me for a while, settled in my own skin. It was 5 months after Jackson ended things properly that I met Sam. He was all red hair and eyes as blue as the ocean and a tongue sharper than barbed wire.
We met the night of my 19th birthday, in Bar West. I was out with Adam, now single, Ryan, Paddy (and Lief, by association) having fun, the drinks flowing and the banter at its peak. I was coming back in from having a smoke when I bumped into him. I was about to warn him about looking where he was going when his eyes caught mine.
It was like an electric shock. I dunno, but it was intense. He just made me shake. I offered to replace his spilled drink and we got to chatting. We chatted and danced and when he had to go we kissed and he gave me his number. The morning after my birthday I gave him a call (well, when I say morning, I mean 4 in the afternoon – the head on me wasn't up for anything before 2 o'clock) and arranged a night out during the week.
Mam called by with a card for me that a night and instantly picked up on the happy vibes, how could she not, I was practically bouncing off the walls.
"You really like this guy, don't ya?" she asked me, as we settled before the telly to watch whatever rubbish was on.
I snorted, trying to hide it. I didn't wanna jinx myself. But then I thought of his sparkling blue eyes and that kiss and I blushed. Blushed! I never blush! She just cackled and, being my mam, had to instantly ask questions. Not even attempting to skirt around the truth, I just answered her honestly.
The date finally arrived and I dressed up, splashed on my new cologne (a gift from Adam) and ran to catch the bus.
I arrived at Bar West a while before him so, to settle my nerves, I ordered a bottle of beer.
And that's when he walked in.
Jackson Walsh. Builder. My ex.
On the arm of some other guy. Laughing at something stupid.
And I was surprised when I felt happy for him, glad that we had both successfully moved on from our failed relationship, even if it did take me a few months to bounce back.
His fella grabbed a booth by the snooker table as he headed towards the bar. He recognised me a few feet before he reached his destination. I wondered if he'd talk to me.
But I needn't have. He made a bee-line straight towards me.
"Hiya Aaron," he said, smiling at me with those kind eyes. He hasn't changed. Still as charming.
"Jay. Long time no see."
"Yeah, work's been busy."
"Yeah, Charity was saying you were working on the conversion. Surprised I haven't seen ya around the village more, to be honest."
"I thought.. I thought it'd be best if I avoided it. Didn't want to antagonise ya."
"Mate, honestly, it'd have been nice to see ya. There's no bad blood here, honest."
"Good to know."
He ordered their drinks, two pints, and we chatted as he waited for his change. I glanced at his partner as he racked up the table.
"His name's Steve. He's my mum's best friends nephew."
I raise an eyebrow at the explanation.
"Mum's new business. Thinks she's a matchmaker now. Except I'm her only client."
I laugh, because it's something I know Hazel would do.
"She's actually done well this time with her new venture. We've been seeing each other since December. I think she's disappointed it's worked out so well, actually. Think she has some other guys she wants to set me up with. "
I laugh again as he accepts his change, pocketing it.
"What about you? Seeing anyone?" he asks, breaching the subject tentatively.
"I'm actually waiting for my date to show, as it happens." I glance at my watch and then at the door. "He should be here in a few minutes."
"Well I best leave you to it! Don't want to be showing you up with my good looks and witty remarks." He nudges me with his shoulder before lifting the pints and moving off.
"As if!" I call after him, my voice full of mirth. The door opens a second later and there Sam is. He removes his glasses to demist them before scanning the not-so-busy bar. I wave to him and his face brightens as he catches my movement.
"Sorry, bloody bus was late and then we got caught behind some old granny out for a drive! Been waiting long?" He asks as he sits beside me, a fresh beer resting before him as I pay the barman.
"Not long at all, my bus got caught behind a tractor!"
"The joys of living in the countryside, eh?" He smirks as he removes his jacket and slings it over the back of his chair.
I laugh and raise my bottle, glancing over Sam's shoulder at Jackson. He raises his pint. I join him.
Sam sighs as the cool liquid quenches his thirst.
"So, Aaron Livesy, who are you?" He asks, placing me in the centre of his universe.
I can't help myself. I blush again.