Page 34 of Body Checking
“Fanny. She’s our friend Fanny from high school. Isn’t that right,Fanny?” Her voice drips with malice and I finally let the first tear fall.
“That’s funny because I could’ve sworn her name was Maren. At least, that’s what her boyfriend said her name was.”
“Uh oh. Who is she claiming is her boyfriend now?” Carys places her hand over her mouth as if she’s trying to hold in her boisterous laughter.
“Oh, it’s no claim. I know, for a fact, she is the girlfriend of Cade Hamlin. And if you don’t know who that is, let me show you.” She reaches in her back pocket and pullsout her phone, then slides her finger across the screen, searching for what must be a picture of Cade.
It’s admirable that she’d want to help me out like this, but it’s all in vain. A picture of Cade isn’t going to do anything. They’ll assume I paid her to say that, or something. But instead of a picture of just Cade, she produces a picture of Cade, her and myself from the night we met a few weeks ago.
Cade is holding me close, our chests pressed together, and Bryn stands next to me as she holds her arm out, snapping a photo of all of us laughing.
“Thisis Cade “The Hammer” Hamlin. Former NHL player and current coach of the Houston Havoc. Andsheis his girlfriend. Cade is my best friend which means Maren is, too. And when someone tries to fuck with my friends, I do what I have to do to protect them. So,” she says, crossing her arms over her chest and flexing her toned muscles. “Why don’t you and your friends get the fuck outta my bar before I have my nice friend throw you out.”
She points a finger in the direction of a big guy standing at the other end of the bar, watching us with a keen eye. The girls look over at the burly bartender then back at Bryn. She gives them a little nod as if to saydo what I say and don’t make a scene.Carys flips her long blonde hair over her shoulder and points her nose in the air.
“This bar sucks, anyhow,” she says, as she takes her friend's arm and begins to pull them away.
“Oh ladies. Before you go, have a drink on the house.”
Bryn slaps one hand on the bar and pushes herself up. She takes a tall glass of ice water and proceeds to pour it down the front of Carys’ dress. Her mouth drops as the frigid liquid seeps through her tin foil dress and her friends jump back with a gasp.
“You bitch!” She shouts.
“That’s my name, don’t wear it out. Now get lost and don’t ever step foot in my bar again.” Bryn drops her feet to the floor and sticks out a finger in the direction of the door.
Carys spins around and tugs on her friends to follow. They move along quickly, not wanting to wear one of the bar’s finest drinks, and the crowd parts to let them pass. I watch them disappear then turn to face Bryn.
“Thank you,” I say to her, my throat clogged. “You didn’t have to do that, but I appreciate it just the same.”
“Hey,” she says, laying her hand on mine. “If I didn’t do that and Cade found out, he’d kick my ass back to Tennessee.” I give her a small, weak smile. “You know what they said is all bullshit, right?”
“Mhm,” I tell her, unconvincingly.
“Don’t let them get to you. They’re fake women with low IQs and shitty taste in clothing. Everything they said is just jealousy talking. You’re amazing, Maren, and I know both Cade and I have told you more than a few times. Brush them off and I’ll go get you another drink.”
“No,” I say quickly. “That’s okay. I think I’m going to go home.”
“Maren. Don–”
“It’s okay. Really. I’m just a little tired and I think Sasha is about two drinks away from taking off her top and dancing on the tables.” We both look over to see Sasha with her hands in the air, shaking her boobs and yellingwooohooo.
I press my palms flat against the bartop and lean over to Bryn. I give her a kiss on the cheek and a hug. “Thank you,” I whisper and pull away.
She gives me a sorrowful look and now I need to get out of here as fast as I can. I rush over to where Sasha dances and yank on her arm.
“We need to go,” I shout in her ear.
“What? No. Why?” she whines, flinging her body around to face me.
She sees the look on my face and her mood immediately changes from pouting toddler to concerned best friend.
“Maren. What’s wrong?” She takes my hands in hers and squeezes them.
“I’ll tell you later. Let’s just leave. Okay?” Tear after tear begins to fall.
She nods and says a quick goodbye to the girls we met. I put on a brave face and wave goodbye, then push my way to the door.
“Miss Maren. You okay, girl?” D asks as we fly out the door.
