The Arch Nemesis

Sorry I haven't written in a while, it's been a crazy couple of weeks... But it is November now, and the worst is ALMOST over.
So BJ never ended up coming. Something happened with his job, and he was reassigned to a new area, or some shit... I don't really know, it doesn't quite make sense to me, but his trip has been postponed to who knows when. And since then he's sort of just stopped talking to me, so I give up. I doubt it would have worked out anyway. If he comes to Chicago, we'll go from there, but otherwise it's no sweat off my back.
So this upcoming weekend, a bunch of my old coworkers/friends from Houston are coming up to Chicago for the Texans vs. Bears game. And I took next Saturday night off so that I could see everybody. JC might be crashing with me again, Ali is coming with her boyfriend, and Sheila and a whole bunch of people from my old bar. Unfortunately, I just found out that this also includes my arch nemesis. She apparently just invited herself along, last minute! Because of course, no one would actually invite her to come. She is that person that even if you don't invite her, and don't tell her where everybody is going to be, she is just always there anyway! I looked back to see if I've ever blogged about her before and I couldn't seem to find her. So maybe I've just never called her by name, but her name is LIZZIE. Yes, that is her real name. And she is like fucking Voldemort. I seriously hate her. If I could get away with setting someone on fire, it would be her. She is a slutty, man-stealing, selfish, self-centered, dirty, slorefaced biotch. And she is a horrible person. And nobody likes her. She is one of those girls that has NO girlfriends, because nobody can trust her around their boyfriend. And because she is a horrible person. Ugh I JUST FUCKING HATE HER!! And she's coming here! And now I'm expected to like hang out with her?! FUCK THAT!! I really do not want to see her AT ALL.
I don't want memories of her in this city. This wonderfully clean-slated, innocuous city. I don't want to be thinking about how she was constantly flirting with Brandon at work, in front of me, when we were together, or how she hooked up with him a bunch of times, and probably still is along with the rest of the state of Texas. I don't want to think about her ugly, rat-like face, her nappy ass hair extensions, or her overly large vagina. I just...@#$)*(@Q#$&^(@#*OB$&CO!@#V&!!! I HATE HER!!
So now what do I do??
I told JC and Ali and Sheila that I do not want to be in the same room as her. And Ali hates her too, so she and I agreed that we would try to do our own thing. But Sheila and JC think everything will just be fine, and I should just let it go, because "it was a long time ago". When a bitch fucks with your relationship, and then sleeps with your boyfriend right after you guys break up and then has the audacity to look at you in a way that says, "haha I got him to dump you and now we're fucking, I WIN" you don't forget something like that very easily. It doesn't matter if it happened 10 years ago, or 10 minutes ago. FUCK.THAT.BITCH.
I mean I don't hate very many people. I don't! I think I'm a pretty easy-going person, and I'm easy to get along with, and I mostly like everyone. But there are certain things that are just unforgivable, and what she did is one of them. Not to mention, I'm not the only girl she's done it to. Yea, Bethany's friend Amy. Super sweet girl, sooooo nice, it's impossible to not like her. She and her boyfriend worked together at this bar. Amy was a bartender and her boyfriend was a doorguy. Well Lizzie just started showing up there, alone, and pulling up a stool next to Amy's boyfriend and flirting with him for his entire shift. Amy told her boyfriend she thought it was weird, and that she wasn't comfortable with Lizzie coming into the bar, so then Lizzie started coming in and sitting down at the bar, right in front of Amy, just to spite her. With that stupid smug look on her face. And then of course Lizzie ended up sleeping with Amy's boyfriend, and (duh!) Amy found out and was heart-broken. And right after that happened, Lizzie came to work at my old bar, with me and Brandon.
I really don't think I'm capable of being "The Bigger Person" if I have to be around her. Especially not if I'm drinking. I know I just need to stay away from her, but I don't know if that is going to be possible next weekend. Because I swear, if she tries to talk to me, let alone come near me, I will not be responsible for my actions.

In other news, hooked up with Matt again last night and it was awesome! Afterwards we just laid there and talked about stuff for like an hour. I was hoping he might actually stay the night, but he didn't. ((Sigh)) Is it possible to transition from booty call to dating? Cuz I think he and I might actually...work. We have a lot in common. I dunno, maybe I'm just getting too sentimental. Well whatever, at least I can have sex when I want it. I should just be happy with that, right? Right???

I Got A Feelin'... That Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night

Sorry, it's been so long since I've blogged! I've been meaning and meaning to write, but I've been so busy, and I'm about a week behind on sleep now! Ugh...
So let's start from the beginning. Thanksgiving week was nice and relaxing. I had to leave work early on Tuesday for my doctor's appointment. I got my blood work done, so they could try to find out what's going on with my hair, and nothing turned up. :( So I have to go see a dermatologist. But hey, at least I'm healthy! I mean, other than the obvious.
Wednesday was my last day of the work week, and Sheila and I went out and got pretty crazy that night! Cory and I were supposed to hang out, and he had texted me earlier that day, but when I was ready to go, he didn't answer the phone! So I just figured, oh well. And Sheila and I had tons of fun, just the two of us, anyway. I haven't been that drunk in a long time. Lol. But don't worry, we took cabs, so we were safe. I crashed pretty hard that night after a much needed carefree night of partying. A little too hard though, because I did not wanna get out of bed the next morning! I was an hour late to Thanksgiving lunch/dinner at the grandparents, and everyone had already eaten. My parents were in Florida, and Sophie was spending the holiday with Brent's parents, so it was just me. But Jenna and Paul were there, and I scarfed down a plate of food before everyone started packing it all up. We actually had a pretty good time, the 3 of us. We sat at the table in the kitchen, talking and goofing off, while the rest of the family was in the living room being boring. Lol. My grandfather is a bit crotchety in his old age, and he's very particular, and likes to give his grandsons a hard time. He's also going deaf, so he shouts a lot. Lol. So Paul was just sitting in his chair reading a GQ, and Grandpa kept harassing him. Lol. Yelling at him to get his lazy ass up and help clean up. Jenna and I could hardly stifle our laughs.
So I had fun, catching up with them. Jenna had to leave that night though, because her boyfriend had a death in the family that week. So unfortunately, she and I didn't get to spend any more time together after Thanksgiving dinner.
I had been planning on going out again Thursday night, but I was just so tired, I ended up staying in, cuddling with Jasper on the couch, and going to bed early. Cory called to tell me he was sorry about the night before, but he'd passed out on his friends couch, and woke up at 4am fully clothed. And of course, I was too tired to do anything, so we ended up never getting to see each other! I was pretty disappointed I guess, but having too much fun to really notice.
Friday night I had to work at the bar; that kinda sucked. I didn't even leave my apartment during the day, because I was afraid of Black Friday traffic. I live pretty close to the mall, so it gets really insane over there. I had a really horrible dream about Brandon that night too. I dreamt that it was my birthday, and he was trying to give me something; he had bought it when we were still together. But I told him it was too much, and I didn't think it was appropriate for me to accept his gift. And he kinda just shrugged, said ok, and then walked off. And we were in the parking lot of the mall or something, so I turned and started to walk the other way, and I just started crying. The my mom came and picked me up, and as we were leaving the parking lot, I saw Brandon and his new slore standing on the curb, kissing. I woke up sobbing. Needless to say, I wasn't in the greatest mood. But I had to run errands and pack my things for my trip with the girls to go watch Todd's football game! My first NFL game ever!! So that definitely cheered me up. Our plane was slotted to leave at 7am Sunday morning! Work was kinda slow, but I didn't have to work behind the same bar as Brandon, which was nice. ANNNND...I met someone!
I was working the waitress well, and I noticed one of my favorite waitresses, Liza, talking to this guy. He was tall, with olive skin and dark hair, and he had kind of an exotic look to him. Like he might be Hawaiian or half Filipino. So I asked her if he was a friend of hers.
"No, he's just sitting at one of my tables.", she said, "Why?"
"Because he's hot!" I said.
She laughed. "You wanna know what he said about you??"
"WHAT!" I could hardly contain myself. Surely, this had to be a joke.
"He said, 'That girl looks mean, and a little scary, but I like it!'"
I busted out laughing. "Find out how old he is, but don't tell him I asked."
So she came back, and reported that he's 31.
Perfect! I thought. No more immature guys who need to get their lives together!
I quickly whipped up 4 of my best shots.
"Bring these to him and his friends, one is for you, and tell him they're from me." I said to Liza.
"One's for me? Thanks!" She beamed, and bustled off to his table.
I sorta got busy for a while after that, and before I knew it, he was standing in front of my well!
"Hey! Thanks for the shots, they were really good!" He said.
"You're welcome." I said, "I'm Peyton."
I shook his hand, blushing slightly. I've never dated someone that much older than me before. And the thought of it was kind of intimidating. For some reason, I couldn't stop thinking about it! Lol. I mean, it's only 6 years, but the most I've ever done is 4.
"I'm [Cali]." He said. (That's what I'm calling him, cuz I later learned, he's from San Diego.)
"So, my friends and I are actually about to take off... Do you think I could call you sometime?" He asked.
"Sure! Um...one second." I ran to the other end of the bar to grab my purse. I whipped out one of my photography business cards and handed it to him. Much quicker than writing down my name and number.
"Thanks!" He said, "I'll see ya later."
"Bye!" I said.
My night got considerably better after that. But wait till you guys read about our trip!

Make a Move

OMG! So last night, I went out to dinner with a bunch of people from the bar for Sheila's birthday. And Taryn was there, with a couple of her friends, including a guy in town from the Bahamas, who I couldn't help notice was pretty good looking. So I discreetly asked her about him at dinner (we were texting under the table), and she informed me that he's single! Except, he's only gonna be here till Sunday. But what the hell! So I told her to drop a few hints for me, and sniff around little bit. Which she did. She told him I thought he was cute, but I ended up having to go home relatively early, and nothing came of it. Oh well.
So for the last hour, I've been sitting at my desk, doing some gruelling spreadsheet work, and fantasizing about my nap when I get home, when Taryn texts me! Apparently her friend from the Bahamas wants to know what I'm doing tonight! :D Her other friend, JC, is texting me too, asking me what I'm doing. Apparently him and Bahama Boy are going out tonight. Unfortunately, Taryn is working, but she says I should hang out with them. And I'm definitely considering it! She wants us to come visit her at work. Of course, I can't be out late, though. I was in bed by midnight last night, which was a miracle, and I still barely made it to work today cuz I overslept. Ugh. But as long as I get here before my boss does, it's ok! Hehe.
Well now I'm just patiently awaiting a text back from JC. So I guess we'll see what happens! But I definitely gotta get the hell out of this office! Thank God tomorrow is Friday...

P.S. Brandon was at the dinner last night, and I totally followed my game plan! He got there late and had to sit at the very end of the table by himself. I honestly felt sorry for him! But he walked down the entire length table to say hi, when he got there. I said hi back, and that was it! Easy as pie.

A Good Day

Taryn's birthday party was fun! I put on my sexy new dress, and my gold satin pumps, which matched perfectly, and headed out to the restaurant, feeling pretty damn good!

Brandon showed up shortly after I did, with Mr. S.'s brother, Anthony. I was surprised when he sat down next to me, instead of Anthony, since they're pretty much inseparable these days. Seriously, they play golf together like 3 days a week. Summer and Ben sat across from me at the table and we goofed off and talked for most of the dinner. Brandon was pretty quiet throughout dinner, but I assumed it was because he was sitting at the end of the table.

After we ate, we all headed over to my old bar, which is where most of the other people still work. Mr. S. gave us 2 free bottles, and we all made ourselves comfortable. After eating all that food, I wasn't really feeling up to drinking. I had a couple shots, and my stomach was already protesting. So I just took it easy. Bethany and Tug, Summer and Ben, and Ali all left early because they had work in the morning. So I hung out with Misty, and Sheila.

At one point, I noticed Brandon talking to some girl. It was obvious that they knew each other. She wasn't pretty or anything, and I could tell he wasn't into her, but she kept touching his hair, (which was in a ponytail because he really needs a haircut!) which I thought was a little weird. So I walked right past them and out the front door. I contemplated leaving, cuz I was kind of bored, and Brandon was ignoring me, but I ran into Gavin outside and stopped to chat with him. That was when Brandon walked outside. I could tell he was hurrying out to see if I'd left. But he practically stopped dead in his tracks when he saw me standing there with Gavin.

It was weird, because I didn't even think he'd noticed me leave, but apparently he was paying closer attention to me than I thought. Which is a dynamic that's different for us, but I think I like it. So I decided to stay, and went back inside.

When the bar closed, a smaller group of us went back to Mr. S.'s house. I left my car in the parking lot at the bar, and drove Anthony's car, with him and a few others in the back. Anthony was definitely too drunk to drive.

So we hung out at Mr. S.'s place for a while, and then I asked Brandon if he'd be able to drive me back to my car when he left. And he said sure. So, around 4:30, everyone left Mr. S.'s house. When Brandon and I got to my car I asked him what he was gonna do.

"I guess I'm just gonna go home."

"Wanna come over?" I asked. I couldn't resist.

He hesitated. "Ummm..."

"It's a simple question. You can say no." I said, smiling at his nervousness.

"Ok. I'll come over. " He said, nodding.

So he followed me back to my place. I let him stay in my bed this time, but nothing happened! We just laid there and talked for a really long time. I explained to him that I just wanted us to be really open and honest going into this, because I want him to be clear about what my expectations are. I don't want us to repeat our mistakes over and over again. And he agreed, and he said he's gonna try not to be so distant, and be more open with me about his feelings. Eventually we fell asleep. This afternoon, I woke up to Brandon's arm around me. :) It was such a wonderful feeling.

When we got up, we decided to go get breakfast/lunch/dinner, at our old spot, Chili's. Hehe. We stayed there for a long time too, talking. And I told him that even though I wanted us to take things slow, I expected him to actually court me, and that I didn't want us to just slip back into our old routine.

Then we talked about other stuff, our lives, jobs, etc. His dad is getting married this Saturday, and he's pretty nervous about seeing him since they have so many unresolved issues. He's also planning to move out of that house he's been living in. He's moving back in with his grandparents. Which, I do think is pretty lame, but I absolutely hate that roommate of his. He's a lazy asshole, and a bad influence, and anything is better than Brandon living with him. Plus, he said he's trying to save money, and he doesn't want to rent anymore. He wants to save up and buy his own place. So I can respect that.

After we ate, he actually opened the car door for me! I think it's cuz I made some comment earlier about chivalry being dead. ;)

I sent him a text after he left that said, "Thanks for taking me to breakfast/lunch/dinner!"

And he said, "No problem. It was fun and good to get some things out. Thanks for listening."

And I said, "Anytime."

I think, so far, things are going really well between us.

Even though, I'm not gonna lie, I wanted to kiss him sooooo badly this morning! But I resisted the urge. I don't wanna ruin a good thing.

Earlier, I was reading through some of my old blogs, and I realized that exactly a year ago today, Brandon and I met for the first time. :)

What are the chances?

Birthdays and Lawsuits.

Last night, Sierra invited me to hang out with her and Sheila, 2 waitress/bartenders from my last job. They were meeting up at my old bar. So I went up there to meet them, and there was Brandon, with another one of my old coworkers, Tom. Melissa had a friend staying in town with her for the weekend, so it ended up being the 6 of us for the night. And we had a lot of fun actually. We found a chill, low key spot to hang out, and posted up there for the night. I was a little nervous at first, because Brandon was drinking, but he was taking it easy, and everything was cool. I wanna say it's almost as if things have gone back to the way they were, with Brandon and I, except that we're not boyfriend and girlfriend. But we still talk, and joke and laugh, and enjoy each other's company. It just never goes any further than that. No pressure. It's kinda nice actually. I didn't think it could possibly be this easy.

At the end of the night, we all ended up back at my old bar, since we all took one car. And we were just sort of hanging out while it was closing up. I could tell Brandon didn't wanna leave until I was ready to leave. And to be honest, I didn't wanna leave unless he was leaving. So were kinda just there, in limbo for a while. But it was cool. Gavin was there, working, and we were all just kind of bullshitting.

Then finally, I said I was ready to call it a night. So we all walked outside.

"Hey, are you going to Taryn's party tomorrow?" Brandon asked as I reached my car.

"Yea, of course. Are you??" I asked. I was surprised he even knew about it.

"Yea I mean, some of my friends are going, and they invited me so...I was thinking I'd go."

"Oh. Ok well then I guess I'll see you tomorrow." I got in my car and drove off.

While I was driving home, Brandon called me. I guess he just wanted to chat while he drove.

"You're ok to drive, right?" I asked, recalling all the beers he'd had.

"Yea, I'm fine. I just...gotta go home, cuz I'm playing golf tomorrow and I took my clubs out of my car so, I don't have any of my stuff."

It was so weird hearing him say that, cuz that's something he would have said when we were together, after I asked him if he was staying the night. Except I hadn't asked him if he was staying the night. But maybe he thought I wanted him to. And I kinda did. But I'm sticking to my rules.

"Ok..." I said.

We talked until I pulled into my apartment complex. Then I told him I was home and letting him go. And that was it!

He sent me a text a few minutes later that said he just wanted to let me know that he made it home, and goodnight.

Maybe we can be friends. I mean, I realize this is totally not a normal friendship, because there's that anticipation there. It's like we both know where it's gonna lead eventually, we just...don't know how long it'll take us to get there. But I kind of like it that way. It adds excitement, and mystery. And we're hanging out in groups, instead of just the 2 of us, so it's really casual.

Tonight is gonna be super fun! A huge group is meeting at this super nice restaurant for Taryn's birthday. And then we're going out for drinks afterwards. I got this amazing dress to wear! It's not too dressy, but it's cute, and sexy, and perfect for dinner and cocktails. I can't wait to wear it! And Brandon's gonna be there, so he'll actually get to see me in it!!

So lately, I've been so busy blogging about Brandon, that I haven't really had a chance to talk much about work. Things were getting a lot better for a while, but in the last week, it's taken a major nosedive. I HATE Justin, the main guy who runs the place. He's such a cocky asshole. He's one of those people who feels like they have to control everyone around them, and I can't stand that. He treats all his employees like they're his subjects!

On top of that, they take money out of our tips every night to pay the managers, which is illegal! And now they keep giving me all these really shitty shifts. I'm only working one day this week! At 10 o'clock! I can't afford to work four hours a week! How the hell am I supposed to pay my bills!? So I'm already looking for a new job. And as soon as I find one, I'm gonna slap Justin with a lawsuit! That's right. I've already spoken to a lawyer about them stealing money from us, and I can totally win. And it's not even about the money, it's about the fact that they treat all of us bartenders, especially me, like we're so easily replaceable, and they don't give a shit about us! And that's not fair, or right. So I'm getting even. Plus, I figure, at least this way, I'll be helping out Bethany, and Summer, and Tara. I'm really gonna miss working with them though. :(

The good news is, because I'm off so many days this week, I get to hang out with Todd! He's getting in town tonight. It's their biweek or something like that, so he doesn't have a game this weekend. AND Jenna's coming in town too. She's staying with me this weekend and all 3 of us are going out Friday. I'm just gonna have to be really frugal! But I can do it. My bills for this month are already paid.

Well, I gotta go hit the gym and the shower and start getting ready for Taryn's party! Wish me luck~!

Spontaneous Trippage

Since I've been back, I've been doing a lot of partying with my coworkers. And it's been awesome! And Tuesday it was somebody's birthday, so naturally, all of us were out. Including Brandon and I.
In the midst of all our partying, Cameryn, one of my managers, asked us if we wanted to go to Austin tomorrow. All the managers had been invited to some huge party, hosted by Dos Equis, and hotel rooms were already paid for, etc. Brandon was hesitant at first, but I talked him into it.
So Wednesday afternoon, Brandon, me and Sheila, another one of my coworkers, all headed out to Austin together. By the time we got there, it was like 7:30, and Mr. P, Cameryn, DJ, Mark, Ali, Blinn, and The Albanian were ready and waiting for us. So we jumped in the van, and we were off! The castle where the party was being held was about an hour and a half outside of Austin. So we stopped and picked up some beers on the way (don't worry, we were being chauffeured). By the time we got there, it was about 9:30, because we had to make several stops for bathroom breaks. Lol. This place was literally out in the middle of nowhere, and there were cars everywhere. And cops, and buses, and people walking around in the middle of the street... It was complete chaos!! The cops were trying to shut down the party, and weren't letting anyone else pass. All of us were pissed, but especially DJ, cuz he had friends in there or something. But we just figured, what the hell! We're in Austin, let's head back and hit downtown. So we left.
Once we got back into Austin, the van dropped us off at the bar of Mr. P.'s choosing, and we got started on the shots. I seriously don't think I spent a penny all night, between Mr. P. and Blinn buying us all rounds. Brandon, Mark and I smoked a little reefer too, so we were startin' to feel pretty good! After about an hour, we headed to 5th Street, and planted ourselves in another bar. We took more shots, danced, and just had an amazing time! It was so much fun! And I've never gotten to see Brandon dance before, so it was pretty hot.
Me and Brandon, Sheila and Mark were sharing a hotel room , so when we got back to the hotel, we all went in the bathroom and smoked some more. Lol. Mark is the biggest pothead ever. Blinn and The Albanian stopped by our room, and Blinn was wildly drunk. He took a handful of Brandon's weed and ate it!! ]
He kept saying "This tastes like sourdough!" Lol. I took pictures.
This morning, I was surprisingly not hungover, but I was exhausted, and my memory was a little fuzzy. I just kept thinking what a whirlwind adventure that was, and how much fun we had. Oh, and I kept thinking how Mark has now seen me in my underwear. ((Sigh)) Oh well.

Ok, now I wanna update you all on the new girl at work that I hate. Her name is Kate, and she just turned 20, and she constantly is throwing herself at Brandon. That's the first reason why I don't like her. The second reason, is because the first shift I worked with her was her first paid shift. And all she kept asking at the end of the night was how much money she could expect to make, and how she made $350 every Friday at her last job, and blablabla... I just wanted to smack her.
So I flat out told her, "Yea, you're not gonna make that here. You're never gonna get the shifts that make that money, because those shifts go to the people with seniority. And right now, you're at the bottom of the totem pole. So don't expect to make that."
Then she went on about how she's so used to being a big fish in a little pond, pulled out a wad of cash, and said, "See this is how much money I made at my other job last night!"
I pointedly did not look. What a stupid bitch.
If you like your other job so much, why the fuck are you working here??
Ugh... So then, Greg said something about me and Brandon, and she immediately turns to look at me and goes, "You and Brandon are together??"
"Yea." I said flatly.
"Oh... Well how long has that been going on??" She asked.
Bitch! It doesn't matter if it's been going on 2 seconds, cuz you still don't have a chance, now back the fuck off!
That was what I wanted to say.
But Greg interjected for me. "Like nine years!" He said, laughing.
I laughed it off too, but I could tell she wasn't happy about it.
Did I mention she wears crop tops, cut off shorts and dark pink old lady lipstick?? WTF??

UGH!! This girl just totally rubs me the wrong way.
And I'm not the only one. Bethany and Alyssa don't like her either, and I've heard from about 4 others that she's not their favorite person. So we'll see how long she lasts, what with everyone disliking her and all. Haha. At least she's under 21, and she won't be at the boat party this Monday. It's gonna be so much fun, I can't wait!!!

Well, I'm about to go to work now. Brandon's picking me up :), so I gotta go!