The One

🌸 Chapter 5

🌸 Primrose Martin POV

Thankfully Chad pulls us back into the bar ending the horrifyingly awkward conversation about graduation. I can't talk to him about that without giving everything away. It's going to be harder to keep those dark times secret now that Matty and I are talking again.

It feels so surreal to be back in Newberry after five years. I distinctly remember getting kicked out by my father to live with my aunt because, and I quote, "You look too much like your mother. It's painful to see you each day." 

I was never close with my dad. But progressively after my mother died, he became crankier and more distant. Matty buffered a lot of it for me. My dad wasn't as rude when company was over. Matty often let me stay at his house so I didn't have to go home to my angry depressed parent.

Matty decided he didn't want to dance so he and Pete are playing pool. I'm trying not to stare at him from across the room, but I just want to drink him in. How could he possibly become even more handsome? I've missed him so much. His familiar haphazard thatch of brown hair on his head, his expressive honey colored eyes, his somewhat tight t-shirt testifying to his increased muscles. When he leans over, holding the pool cue, to line up his shot every muscle in his arm is on display. The veins running up his forearms standing out proudly on his tanned skin. He has no idea that every woman in this bar is watching him. He could have his pick, and I don't just mean the single ones.

He's more serious than I remember him. But then we are all grown up now, I can't compare him to his teenage self. I know he's also uncomfortable being around me. But then, I don't expect us to be friends again. He moved on from me, he made that clear.

After dancing a bit, I go to the restroom with the girls to freshen up. We meet at the mirrors to touch up our lipstick. Mandy turns to Heather, "Are you and Kellen together again?"

"Eh, when I'm in the mood." Heather shrugs. "He has a super big dick."

My hand covers my mouth, "Heather! I did NOT want to know that!" I laugh through my fingers. 

Mandy playfully smacks Heather on the arm, "You are so bad!"

"Well, when Mama's got an itch, he scratches it just right." 

Heather loves her bad girl image, ever since we were in high school. She was early to lose her virginity and gave all the rest of us vital information about how everything worked, including contraception. Well, I haven't needed contraception yet, but I will someday.

Heather looks at me, "You and Matt were gettin' cozy on the dance floor. Any chance that flame will rekindle?"

I start to answer but Mandy interrupts, "You two were always relationship goals for the rest of us." I give her a confused frown, not sure what she's saying. "The two of you never even noticed anyone else. And being best friends first, you knew everything about each other. When you started dating senior year it was hot, hot, hot. He could never keep his eyes or hands off you." 

"Him?! She was just as bad. Always climbing in his lap and giving him shoulder massages." Heather chimes in. She nudges me with her elbow. "You should totally go for it."

I shake my head, "I'm moving away soon, it would never work out."

Heather frowns at me, "Why move?! Stay here with us! Where do you want to move to anyway?"

I don't answer because I can see Heather will argue no matter what. And honestly, I don't really know where to go. 

Mandy pipes in, "I thought you had a boyfriend in the city?"

I shake my head, "Not anymore. I only ever dated one guy, you remember Jerry, the lawyer that I brought to the funeral." It isn't true, Jerry and I weren't dating. We are good friends but I could never see him as more.