Michelle Valentine - Rock the Beat

For some strange reason there are socially acceptable jokes made all the time about women being late for dates, but there arent any for guys. Take my boyfriend, Jackson Cruze, for example. Hes stunningly has a face like Channing Tatum, a body that David Beckham would be envious over, and the time management skills of a well-trained baboon. The guy couldnt be on time if it saves his life.

I check my watch again and sigh. Surely he wont forget to pick me up tonight? Weve had this date planned for two-year anniversary for some time now. Hes not that big of a jerk, is he?

I pull out my cell and call my best friend, Max, while I wait. Like clockwork, he answers on the second ring and I ask, Where are you?

Max laughs into the phone while the sounds of a wild party fill in behind him. Im at Paulos. Why arent you here? This is the biggest end of summer bash Ive ever seen. You got to get your ass over here.

Paulos has the best Mexican food, drinks and DJs this side of the border. Its one of my most favorite places to hang out with my friends, and it sounds a whole lot better than waiting on my date whos already over an hour late.

I pick at my nails. I cant. Im waiting on Jackson. Its our anniversary.

Um, Holly, Jacksons here.

My nostrils flare and my brow crinkles. What?! Why is he there? Hes supposed to be here. This makes no sense.

Im not sure, baby girl, but by the looks of him, hes been here for a while.

Un-freaking-believable. Is he drunk?

Theres a bit of rustling on Maxs end. Judging by the number of beer cans piled on the table and slight wobble in his stance, Id say hes hammered. Better forget tonight, Blondie, and plan on reaming his ass for it tomorrow. Come over and hang out with me. I miss you.

I resist the urge to chuck my cell out into gravel parking lot in front of my house. Phones are expensive, and I dont have an extra penny to waste. Im not really feeling up to it. I think Im going to head on to bed.

All right. Love you. Call me tomorrow. I want to know what excuse he feeds you this time, Max says.

Hes never been a big fan of Jackson, and this little incident certainly wont help win Jackson win any favor points. I cant count the number of times Max has encouraged me to break up with my boyfriend over the last two years.

Sure thing. Good night and have fun, I tell him before ending the call.

I haul my ass out of the old, white, rocking chair on the front porch and trudge up my stairs. I cant believe he forgotI even reminded him today. Youd think after two years, being together with me would mean something.

I close my bedroom door and then fall onto my bed. The yellow sundress I bought special for tonight becomes my blanket as I curl my legs inside it. Tears push their way down my temples before landing in the long, mess of blonde hair spread across my pillow. I cant believe Jackson did this to me.

Dont I mean anything to him? You dont blow off people you love for a stupid party.

I know hes not been the best boyfriend in the world, but I didnt expect for him to totally blow me off like this. I know things have been rocky between us since I came home from college this summer, but thats one of the reasons I decided to stay home this fall. To mend what a year away at school had broken.

I close my eyes, feeling stupid for loving someone that obviously doesnt love me back, and cry myself to sleep.

The next thing I know my shoulder is gently shaken, stirring me out of a deep sleep. Holly. Wake up.

Its Jackson, no doubt still drunk off his ass and feeling guilty. I roll over and rub my eyes while trying to make him out in the dark. What time is it?

Its nearly five, he whispers.

I sit up quickly. Are you out of your mind coming in here at this time of night? If my dad catches you, hell kill you. Howd you get in here anyway?

After blinking a few times, my vision adjusts to the moonlit room. Jacksons sitting on the edge of my bed with his lips pulled into a tight line. I tense. Ive seen that look before. Its the expression he wears when hes nervous.

His polo shirt hugs his toned body as he bends at the waist, resting his elbows on his knees while he drops his head. The front was open, so I let myself in.

I sigh heavily. Really, Jackson, this cant wait until the morning? I know youre sorry for standing me up. I forgive you for that. People make mistakes.

He turns toward me and grabs my hand. You dont know how glad I am to hear you say that. I dont want you to hate me.

I dont like the way I can sense desperation on him as hes touching me. Theres something wrong. Ive known him long enough that I can just feel it. Why are you here, Jackson? Did something happen?

Jackson runs his hand over his shaved head and shoots his gaze down at the floor. I didnt mean to do it, Holl. You have to believe me.

I lean down trying to catch his gaze, but it doesnt work. He wont look at me and this causes my stomach to drop. Didnt mean to do what, Jackson? Youre scaring me.

He takes a deep breath. He takes a deep breath. Ive been sleeping with someone else while you were away at school, and well, I did it again tonight, so I figured it was time you knew.

My breath catches at the same time my heart crumbles in my chest. I clutch my throat. Theres no air and I cant breathe. One word keeps assaulting my mind. Why?

Because I dont think I love you anymore. If Im being honest, I dont believe I have for a while now. Weve grown apart Holly and I want to date other people. His words are barely a whisper, but he might as well be screaming them at me.

Hot tears pour down my face as I toss his hand aside. Get out.

Jackson stands and shoves his hands deep in his jean pockets. Im sorry, Holl. Ive wanted to tell you for a while now, but I

I cover my ears. I dont want to hear anything else he has to say. Hes already said enough. Get Out!

The sound of me shouting mustve been loud enough to wake my dad in his bedroom downstairs. Footsteps pound up the steps and my father comes bursting in the door with a baseball bat in hand. Panic wells in my fathers eyes until he spots my boyfriend in my room, then his expression turns from fear to anger. Before Dad has a chance to scold Jackson for being in my room, Jackson runs out my door and out of my heart for good.

Closer

Holly

I lay on my bed staring up at the ceiling. Its been two weeks since Jackson dumped me. Two weeks since my heart was obliterated. Two weeks since I basically stopped living my life. For the last two years Jackson has been my world. Without him Im not even sure how to carry on.

A loud pounding on my bedroom door makes me jump. Blondie, I know youre in there. Get decent, because Im coming in.

Max I whine. Go away. I dont want to see anybody.

The door flies open and my best friend, Max, comes barreling through. He marches over to my bed and grabs my wrist, tugging me to sit up. Jeesh, Holly, this is pathetic. Get your cute, little ass up. Were getting you out of this house. Its been two weeks.

I groan and try to fling myself back onto my pillow, but Maxs hold wont allow it. Oh, no. No more lying in this dark room, depressed over a man thats good riddance as far as Im concerned. You, missy, are going out and rejoining the land of the living, whether you like it or not.

I try to protest, but Max grabs my arm and leg and hoists me over his broad shoulders. No, Max. Please.