Free Pieces of Paisley by Leigh Ann Lunsford

Chocolate cake, tequila, and wine coolers. The physical part of our relationship is heating up, and I can tell she is ready for more, but I always stop it. I want her to be sure before she gives me herself, because I don’t think I will ever let her go.
    Rick has duty tonight so the usual barrage of guys here will be less. I don’t get why he brings them all back when he has his fiancé here because all he does is treat her like shit when they are around him. Kara and Paisley have gotten pretty close, and that makes me feel better. If anyone can help her through the next month when we deploy, it will be Kara. Although she is going to Rick’s grandparents during the deployment, I know she and Paisley will take turns visiting and it will keep her away from Krista. Since she and Chad ended their thing, she is on a downward spiral. I know it isn’t over Chad, they are still friendly and occasionally hook up, but Krista is destructive, and I refuse to let her take Paisley down.
    Seeing my girl walk in like she is comfortable here makes my heart soar. She should be comfortable here. There are days I get home from work, and she is sitting here waiting on me with her schoolbooks spread around her and chatting with Kara. The only thing that could make me happier is if she would quit smoking. That is one bone of contention between us that we can’t resolve. She tells me if I quit dipping then I can say something about her smoking, but she still won’t quit. She always points out it is her decision. She dressed for me tonight, conservative just like I like. Don’t get me wrong, she has an amazing body, and I enjoy looking at it, I just don’t like anyone else looking at it, so she has on a school sanctioned outfit tonight, so her shorts are longer and her top is covered. I meet her halfway and pick her up. “Happy Birthday, Beautiful,” I tell her before I take her lips in mine and worship her mouth. When she wraps her legs around my waist and deepens the kiss even more, the world comes to a stops. Only the biting words of Krista telling us to get a room break our spell.
    Paisley laughs it off, and as much as I want to tell her to mind her own business I promised Pais tonight I would keep the peace. I am going to let the party go on for a little while before I steal her away and give her the present I got for her. I let her mingle, and I hang out with some guys in the kitchen, and she is in my line of vision most of the time. She has found her spot on the couch with a wine cooler and a smile on her face. She and Kara walk outside, and I know she is going to smoke. I bite my tongue determined not to ruin her night. I quickly get drawn into the conversation about sports and when I glance back in the living room, I see Kara but no Paisley. I make my way outside to look for her, make sure nobody is bothering her. When I don’t find her, I make my way back inside.
    “Where is Paisley?” I ask Kara.
    “Krista was bound and determined to get to Krystal’s and was stoned out of her mind. Paisley and she were arguing about her driving, and I offered to take her because Pais has been drinking, but Krista would not relent. Paisley ended up riding with her, and I couldn’t stop them.”
    I am pissed, at both of them, but more at Krista for once again putting Paisley in a bad position. Paisley should have never gotten in that car, but I know in my heart, she was trying to help Krista. “Fuck! This is what I am talking about Kara. She is going to end up hurting herself and Paisley one of these times, and she doesn’t care. I have never met anyone more selfish than her.”
    “I get it, Jake. You aren’t going to change Paisley’s mind about her. That is her best friend, and she is protective as hell.” Right then, the door bangs against the wall, and Krista comes in with a sackful of burgers. I speak before I think.
    “What the hell, Krista. It is one thing if you want to kill yourself, but leave my girlfriend out of it. You are