"Nah, I usually just go raid the house. Our staff keeps everything stocked. You can go inside and check it out if you want.”
It was nice of him to offer. While it was hard to admit, West's friends were much nicer and easier to deal with than I originally thought they would be. Even Cade had grown to be someone I'd consider a friend. They all had their little quirks. Axel–the rich but humble and brooding type. Cade–the loveable and humorous jock. And then there was West. He was more of a mystery. He tried to appear aloof most of the time–angry even–but he had a heart buried deep underneath all the armor. Very, very deep.
While hisadviceearlier about quitting Aces came from a good place, it left a sour feeling in my stomach. In a perfect world, I would leave Aces and Pete in the dust. I wouldn't think twice about quitting my job and never looking back. But my life wasn't perfect and I needed Aces. I needed money. West didn't understand that desperate feeling that comes with not having money at your disposal.
It was a stifling feeling. A feeling of no control. Desperation. And some people wouldneverunderstand that.
Snapping back to the present, I gazed out the window, and my eyes locked on the sparkling oasis outside. The aqua water was calling to me.
"Hey Axel, do you care if I go swimming?"
"Go for it. I have extra suits in the bathroom closet," he nodded to the door across from him.
The bathroom closet was the size of my bedroom. Not even kidding. It was ridiculous, filled with towels of every tropical color imaginable, flip flops, water shoes, swim trunks, swimsuits, and a few pool toys and floats. They were all organized on shelves and dressers. I pulled open the drawer markedwomen's swim–how clerical of him. Axel always had everything in its place, it was clear the guy was a stickler for rules and boundaries. He seemed more like an army brat than the son of a business tycoon.
Skimming through the suits, which were in order by size and then color, I noticed there wasn't a single one-piece option.I guess modesty was out of the question. Not that it mattered since I planned on swimming alone.
After trying on a few that were way too small, I decided on a black two-piece halter suit. It seemed to compress my chest the most. I didn't want to be flopping around for all to see, but it was hard with breasts like mine. The bottoms barely covered my ass cheeks, but whatever. The whiskey told me I didn’t give a fuck today.
I grabbed a hot pink towel and tucked it under my arm. When I went back to the living room, Axel was typing on his phone and West was scrolling on his.
"This looks like fun," I said flatly.
Axel chuckled. "It will be fun soon. I'm inviting a few people over for some day drinking."
West rolled his eyes. "Is this going to be a huge blowout? Or just a few people?"
"Just a few. Cade, some guys from the football team, a few from GPU, plus whatever chicks they want to bring," Axel shrugged as he continued typing out invites. It sounded more like a rager than a kickback.
"Do you have any weed? Because I can't stand most of those fucks. And if I'm staying for the afternoon I'm gonna need something to numb the pain.”
"I'm sure Ashtyn can help younumb your pain," Axel winked at him.
"And I'm leaving," I said as my face turned hot thinking about the night before in Axel's guest bathroom.
Once by the pool, I haphazardly dropped the towel on a chaise chair. I pulled up my messages on my cell and sent out a text.
Me: Please save me. I'm at Axel's with West and he's decided to throw a party...
Gabby: Wait, what?!?!?! Why are you at Axel's? And why are you with West? Tell me everything I’ve missed!
Me: Come here and I'll tell you everything. It's too much to text. Dress for a party and bring me something to wear :) I only have shorts and a t-shirt... oh and this:
*Sends selfie*
Gabby: Babe alert!!
Gabby: Ugh I'll try. You know how my parents can be. I'll see if I can come up with an excuse to leave.
Me: YES PLEASE. As soon as possible! Come around back to the pool house.
I knew my girl would come through for me. She needed more fun in her life too. Gabby's parents were strict with her and set high expectations.Going to a party and letting loose was just what we both neededI thought as I jumped into the pool, the cool and refreshing water instantly relaxing me.
I wanted to get a swim in before people showed up for the party. It'd been a minute since I was in a swimming pool, but I picked it up quickly. I swam the length of the pool a few times and then floated on my back, relishing in the sun’s rays and warm water. It was freeing. For a moment my mind didn't worry or wonder or care about anything.
Until I heard music blast from the surround sound speakers. I jerked my head up and three uniformed staff–waiters, I realized–were setting up booze bottles and cups on the bar next to the pool. Axel was messing with the stereo, trying to get the right vibe, I guess. He ended up stopping onhot girl bummerby blackbear. The sound boomed from the speakers located all over the backyard.
I wasn't sure how long I'd been swimming, but I took that as my sign to leave the pool and get dressed. I wasn't embarrassed by my body but I also didn't care for people staring at me in a revealing swimsuit. Especially when said people attended my school. Put me in front of a stranger and I really wouldn't give a shit.