Chapter 5: Bryson’s Drama

Bryson

I woke up today thinking about Alissa. Our first date was everything. Well to me anyway. I haven't heard from her in about a week now. No I haven't called or text because I thought she would have done that by now. Other women usually did.

She's not like other women though. Not even my wife. Yes, my wife, I've been married for 12 years. She was my high school sweetheart and my first real relationship. As good as that sounds our relationship hasn't been good in a few years now. We've been separated but still living in the same house with our two beautiful twin boys.

The boys are really the only reason I have stayed with her for this long, my wife had gotten pregnant our first year of college. I dropped out and worked for us until I could pay rent up somewhere and keep us somewhere stable.

After they were born I tried everything to be there for her and talk to her but she became distant. At first everyone was telling me that I have to be patient because she changed from the pregnancy. That was understandable but then something happened.

I sent the boys away for a weekend to surprise her. Told her I was working late and she told me she hadn't been feeling well. The plan was to take her to her favorite restaurant, walk Santa Monica beach, lay under the stars and talk until the sun came up.

Instead I walk into our home while she was having sex with some random guys. Yes, plural. More than one. She begged me to stay or she would take the boys out of my life forever. So guess what I did. I stayed. I haven't talked to her much since only things about the boys.

I let her do what she wants and in return I do the same she just doesn't like it. The last woman I seen she ran away being crazy.

Alissa though. She's perfect. We like the same things. We never have a dull moment together and she's beyond beautiful. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to have a chance with her.

I've been too prideful to text or call but I want to see he so bad. Maybe I should surprise her on campus.

Nah, too desperate.

Maybe I should just casually but into her. At her job. Yea that seems more subtle. I finished getting dressed and texted Audrey to see where Alissa works.

Me: Hey can you tell me where Alissa works?

Audrey: uhh stalker much?

Me: I'm not stalking, can you just tell me.

Audrey: she works at Manny's bookstore on the strip, I will warn you she doesn't really like pop ups.

Me: Yea, gotcha. Thanks!

I headed out to see if she was there. Hopefully she's happy to see me. Hopefully she's still interested.

Alissa

Today I feel somewhat good. I know yesterday was kind of chaotic but we came to a realization on what we should do. Even though we're not together right now I am working on my trust with him. Who knows we might get back together.

Maybe.

Today was the first day in about 2 weeks that I'm working, Manny hasn't really had any hours for me and I'm happy that I'm back on the schedule. I honestly missed the place. It was never busy so I usually just find me a good book to read and sit in my favorite spot in the back of the store.

I straightened up by the register and organized a couple of display shelves before I decided to get a book from the shelf for myself.

Browsing for a book I heard the bell in the front go off signifying someone has entered the store. I began walking to the front of the store but stopped where I once I realized a familiar face. How did he know where I worked?

I didn't know what to do until another customer came in. Great! Now I have to go up front. I straightened myself up and continued to the register.

"Goodmorning, how May I help you?" I asked Bryson first of course because he was the first one in the store.

"Uhh yea I'm going to browse a little first, you can help her first." He said. He's so fine. Is this a sign? No, no, no, lis! You already have enough guy trouble on your plate focus.

After I finished helping the other customer I made my way to Bryson. If my thoughts could speak they would sound this whole place off.

"So long time no see huh?" He started. Lord if I was a popsicle I'd be a puddle right now.

"Yea I know, it's been a lot going on. How have you been?" I asked trying not to be awkward.

"I've been ok, I'd be lying if I said I haven't been wondering where you been, after you get off do you want to walk the strip? Maybe stop and get something to eat? My treat!" He asked, even though I had a break through with Tyler were not together so why not?

"Umm sure I get off at 3:30, are you going to meet me back here?"

"Yea, I'll be back this way as soon as I'm down running a few errands actually. I guess I will see you later." He said smiling about to walk out.

"So you didn't come to buy a book huh?" I said chuckling and smiling ear to ear.

"Uh I'm not going to lie no I didn't. But I did get what I came for so I'm a satisfied customer." He said and walked out the store.

That man right there. Whew.

I remember when I could only dream for someone like that to show interest in me. Not only him but Christian as well. Maybe I should see both of them. Just to see who I want to take seriously.

I like both of them but I'm also still in love with Tyler. Me and him aren't seeing each other either so I guess, may the best man win right?

Yea. May the best man win.