The air smelled musty, and the thick smell of cigarette smoke clouded her nostrils.
Amy Thompson sat at her usual bar, in her usual spot, drinking her usual Corona Light.
She watched her best friend pulling the man she was dancing with by his tie. Her friend bit her lip seductively.
Amy sighed. She'd definitely have the apartment to herself tonight.
For the, 'what was it again?' Amy thought, 'the 3rd night in a row?'
3 nights at Thompson Tavern, 3 different guys, 3 times that Amy walked out alone and drove home.
Her brother had owned the bar for 4 years now, and it was already the most favored in their small town near the beaches of San Diego. Everyone went on a Friday, Saturday, and would you believe it? Sunday nights.
Amy was amongst the regulars, but only to people watch and make sure her best friend Renee had a ride home.
She got little enjoyment out was drinking herself out of reality.
Amy Thompson was 5'5 with mid-length auburn hair, and stunningly green eyes. When she was angry, they seemed to tear apart the victim that was under her vision.
She ran constantly. It was one of her true passions, leaving her a well-toned body and a California tan.
She had her own particular sense of style, and dressed however the hell she wanted. She could give two shits about what other people thought of her.
Ever since high school, Amy had the "boys" falling all over her. Begging, and fighting, but seldom winning her attention.
She had her crushes yes, but they all fell under the spell of her best friend, Renee Langston.
They were almost opposites.
Renee had long blonde hair, stunning blue eyes, and just happened to be 5'8, with wonderfully long legs.
Where Amy was out-going, Renee was shy.
Amy was obsessed with running, but Renee had the metabolism of a super-human, and never needed to exercise in her life.
In Amy's mind, Renee was absolutely perfect. And many times during their 21-year friendship, Amy resented her.
But she was Renee. Sweet, friendly, supportive and caring.
They had supported each other through everything.
But that didn't stop Amy from being irritated when Renee continually seemed to steal the boys right out from under her.
The boys could never seem to make up their minds between the two of them. Amy had them laughing up a storm, doing crazy things, close to being one of the boys, and constantly being the center of attention. But the choice was obvious.
Renee put out. Almost always.
Amy played hard to get. And in high school and college, the boys went with what was easier.
Renee. This always-surprised Amy, considering how shy Renee But once Renee opened up, so did her legs.
And apparently, that's a favorite among the male species.
'So there she goes, with yet another one.' Amy thought to herself as she got up to leave. She set $4 on the bar and nodded to her brother.
"Leaving already kiddo?"
"Renee's got a ride."
"Yeah, I saw that. Well, see you Friday then?"
"Unfortunately."
She smiled, waved and walked out.
The night had been going great.
Amy had the guys laughing, joking, and sharing shots with her.
Until Renee showed up, wearing her denim mini and a blue halter with matching flip-flops.
"Hi boys." she had said shyly.
And immediately, their attention was hers.
Amy had walked back to her usual spot, after Renee showed up, got her usual Corona, and watched the "festivities".
Now she drove home, wishing for once she had someone sitting next to her.
But she wasn't like most girls.
She liked romance. Candles, wine, a bath running.
She didn't like just having sex. She liked making love.
But guys who enjoyed making love was far and few between.
So Renee took care of them. As always.
She got home, threw her purse down on the couch and went to change. When no one was home, Amy had a habit of donning bootie-shorts and a slightly baggy SDSU shirt.
She popped some popcorn and sat down to watch a movie.
The doorbell rang. Amy opened the door to the most handsome man she had ever seen.
He was 6'3 at least with dark brown hair and almost black eyes.
He was wearing jeans and an ACDC back in black T-shirt.
If he hadn't smiled the most gorgeous smile Amy had ever seen, she would've thought he was the bad-boy type.
But he did, and then she couldn't even label him.
He was incredible, with his muscular, tan arms, the veins in his forearms protruding slightly.
Amy thought she'd swoon right there and then.
"Uh-uh, um s-sorry" He quickly looked away.
But not before he had a glimpse of her beautifully long legs and perky breasts.
Amy drew a blanket around her.
"Can I help you?" She asked confidently, although her knees felt like Jell-O. She couldn't take her eyes from him.
"Yeah, I uh, my dad is the landlord, and he sent me up to ask for the other half of the rent."
Amy raised a perfectly arched eyebrow.
"It's kind of late to pick up the rent isn't it?"
"Well, yeah I know, but I was working late with some paperwork, and he called asking me to while I was here."
"Well alright then, come on in. Do you want a beer?"
"No thanks."
"You're a good boy then? Have a seat." she motioned to the couch.
"You could say that, I drink I guess, but really I've got to work tomorrow."
Amy threw the blanket on the couch as she walked to her room.
Pulling on some sweats, she shook her head violently, gaining her control as she walked back out to the living room.
She sat down in a chair opposite to him.
"Now, explain again to me what this is all about?"
Ryan couldn't concentrate on what she was saying.
He was lost in her beauty, and he couldn't get the image of her clad scantily in her so called, "pajamas" out of his mind.
"Silent type too?"
"What? Sorry, I've worked all day today, what were you saying?"
"I asked what you're here for again. I paid the rent three days ago."
"Only half of it, I'm afraid."
"What the hell?" Amy pierced him with those scorching green eyes of hers.
Ryan felt a little intimidated. He also felt himself straining uncomfortably against his jeans.
"Half?" Amy asked.
"Half."
Then it dawned on her.
"Why the fuck do we pay separately?" She asked aloud.
"Hmm?"
"My fucking roommate. We pay separately. She must not of paid."
"I'm sorry...I-"
"Don't worry about it, I'll pay it now to make your life easier. But only cause you saw me practically naked, and I feel sorry for you. Just a sec, I gotta get the check-book." Amy turned back to her room.