Shared Interest

2.11: Caught in the Headlights

(A/N) I hope you guys enjoy the updates! This book is now my main focus so more updates coming soon as promised!

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Kayla and I had decided to grab drinks after work. It was now Friday night and the place was hopping, no literally! There were some drunk off their ass guys in the corner playing darts, literally jumping around, hopping, and singing at the top of their lungs. I smiled at their carefree behavior, trying to think of the last time I had felt that at ease and failed to think of anything not involving me and Parker naked.

"They seem like a fun group." Kayla laughed before taking a sip of her dirty Shirley

I smiled, "Yeah for sure, a real rowdy bunch."

"You bet," a deep voice stated from beside me causing us both to look at him "we go way back. Decided to get the boys back together tonight for somewhat of a reunion. We all went to college together."

He was quite handsome, his jaw line prominent and his amber eyes wild. His curly hair was rather askew, his chestnut skin thick with sweat.

Kayla was the first to find her voice, "They seem like a good group. Any reason you chose this weekend to get together?"

He grinned like she'd just asked the golden question like the flakes that glinted in his eyes, "Well since you asked, it's actually my birthday."

"Happy birthday!" Kayla and I both exclaimed in unison

This attracted the attention of the group that broke out into a sloppy rendition of happy birthday. The other bar goers turned to watch them as they stumbled toward us. Two of the men wrapped their arms around his shoulders as they sung, completely out of pitch. Once finished the entire place burst into a round of applause.

A particularly rowdy one of the men yelled out "A round for the bar on me! Shots of tequila for everyone!"

"You know what they say about tequila." Another man smirked at us.

I faked a nervous smile, the nerves very very real.

"We'll be right back, just running to the ladies room." I stated, the birthday boy giving me a skeptical look.

I didn't bother to wait for a reply as I grabbed Kayla by the wrist and pulled her in the direction of the facilities.

She laughed as we stood in the line, "Too much for you I presume?"

"A bit." I stated as I leaned back against the wall.

I crossed my arms tightly over my chest.

"They're just having some fun and truthfully, they seemed rather harmless." She stated with a shrug, "Do you mind if I go back to join in on that shot?"

I shook my head, my nerves settling slightly as a smile escaped to my lips, "Of course not, I'll be right there."

She grinned before spinning on her heels and half running back to the bar. A year ago I would've been right alongside her, hell I would've been the first yellow in excitement at the idea of a free round. Today I just felt queasy, my mind racing as I closed my eyes and tried to settle my thoughts. The place smelled of musty sweat, the speakers vibrating through the walls, and the bitter metallic taste in my mouth nearly too overwhelming to take.

"Hayden?" A familiar voice questioned

I opened my eyes to find myself face to face with none other than Aria North.

I squinted at her, "This isn't really your scene Aria so what on earth are you doing here?"

"In all honestly?" She paused and bit her lip before continuing on, "I saw you through the window and I came in to talk to you."

"I thought I made it very clear in the office that I'm not interested." I rolled my eyes, my voice surprisingly even and confident.

She seemed amused, "Well Hayden's not interested, but are you Harper?"

I looked back at her but she seemed distorted, the room spinning hazily around me.

"I, uh, how?" I mumbled out

She bit her lip and shrugged as she leaned against the wall of the thin hallway opposite me.

"I need to go." I stuttered out before making a beeline for the door

My hands were shaky, my focus faltering as I tried to fish my phone out from my pocket. I clumsily dropped it and cursed myself as I bent over to grab it.

"Are you okay?" I recognized Kayla's voice as she knelt over to help

I stood with my phone and over enthusiastically held it up, "Just dropped my phone but I've gotta go. I'll see you Monday, bye!"

I ran out of the bar so fast my head was spinning as I entered the cool summer night of the city street.

She must've followed me because it was only seconds before she stood beside me, "Hayden what's wrong?"

I stared at my phone, my fingers uncooperative as I tried to dial Parker, I mean Payton's, contact. I backspaced the name and tried retyping, my fingers unable to hit the right keys.

"I just need to go." I mumbled out, the memory of Aria's words rattling around in my brain like a box of screws in the dryer

She put her hand on my shoulder causing me to meet her kind coffee eyes wide, "Hayden please let me help with whatever's going on."

"I can't." I stated as I turned and rushed off down the dark street.

I finally was successful and clicked her contact before pressing the phone to my ear.

There were three rings before "Hey how's the bar?"

"I need you to come get me right now." It came out rushed, my words each fading into the next

"Hey slow down, what's wrong?" She questioned, her voice trying to pass for calm but the obvious worry lurking underneath

"Now Parker!" I half screamed into the phone.

There was a moment of silence before she spoke, "I'm on my way. Are you still at the bar?"

The bar was only a couple blocks from our place. It was one we had frequented over the past few months.

"I'm walking." I mumbled back, focusing for the first time on the sidewalk before me.

I could hear the start of an engine in the background, "Can you tell me a landmark of sorts to meet you at?"

I looked around and spotted a small coffee shop called The Cafe.

How fucking original?

I looked around once more as I continued on and felt myself spinning out of control. My mind going faster than even my tired legs as I continued to pace the midnight walkway. My eyes settled on a bookstore called The Last Page and I let out a breath.

"The Last Page bookstore." I half whispered as I stopped outside it.

"Stay right there Harper. Are you alone?" She questioned

I nodded though she couldn't see me, "Yes."

I could hear the engine raving on her end of the line but as I looked up I realized it was in fact not. Headlights rushed towards me and I swallowed hard. I felt frozen, unable to move as I watched the vehicle hurdling towards me like a train that had derailed. It came to a sudden hault and I recognized it as Parker's. I still didn't move, I just stared at the blinding head lights.

"Harper are you okay?" She sounded far off, like she was still a block or so away.