Chapter 4 Samantha and Mr. Shortstuff - Chapter 4

The next morning, Sam's alarm clock went off at 8am. She woke up with a headache, and slowly realized she was wrapped in someone's arms. She quickly bolted up and shut off the alarm clock. She looked at Stan, who was currently looking at her with a surprised grin on his face. He joked, "What? Did you forget I was here?"

"No, I just...ummm...I have to leave for work soon and I need to shower." she replied quietly. She secretly thought he would leave after she fell asleep last night, especially because she didn't have sex with him. She quickly climbed out of bed and gathered her clothes for work, and kept glancing at the man in her bed.

"Are you looking at me like that because you want me to join you?" he replied back. After seeing the horrified look on her face, he quickly added, "I'm just kidding. Actually, I was wondering if you could drop me back down by the bar. I mean I would love it if I could wait here in your bed all day for you, but I have a game to get to."

'Are you asking me to join you?' Sam felt her face get red. She was embarrassed by his response, however she was angry at his comment. 'Who the hell does this guy think he is?' She realized she needed to respond to his questions and she wanted to make sure there was no room for misinterpretations. "I will shower and change, alone. And since I do not want you in my bed, I will drive you back to the bar." and with that she turned around, went into the bathroom and locked the door.

She took a deep breath as she climbed into the shower. 'I am never drinking that much again. What the hell is wrong with you Sam!?! Damn it June for getting me in this mess!' Realizing she now had to give this guy a ride, she showered and dressed quickly. She didn't blow dry her hair, because she needed to get Stan out of the apartment as soon as possible and get to work.

When she walked out of the bathroom, Stan was buttoning his jeans. She had seen him without his shirt on, however this was the first time she really noticed his tattoo. It was a picture of Pop-eye. She let out a giggle, as he caught her staring. "Like what you see?" He definitely didn't beat around the bush. As he strolled over she realized just how short he was. He was basically eye level with her chest.

She was at least 6 inches taller than him! 'What the hell were you thinking, Sam!' She didn't have time to think about this, she knew she had to be to work on time. "No, I was just noticing your tat. Umm. Well I guess we should go. I would suggest putting your shirt back on, lest my brother think you did something inappropriate."

He smirked as he put on his shirt. "I thought maybe you'd appreciate the view."

"Nope, I've seen better." Sam replied, but she quickly exited the room before things got any worse.

Sam walked out of the room and kept walking without looking back. Once they were both outside the apartment, she quickly locked the door and strolled out to the car. They drove in silence back to the bar area. It was only a short drive, but Sam felt uncomfortable. 'Why the hell did I let him come home with us? Why did I let him stay in bed with me!?' All kinds of questions were going through her head as she drove.

When they arrived in the bar district, she pulled over and waited for Stan to get out. He hesitated for a moment before turning to her. "I had a great time last night. Can I have your number to give you a call later?" He asked politely.

"Umm..." she hadn't really expected that. "Sure." She looked around for a piece of paper and wrote out her number. 'Any guy would ask. It's not like he will actually call you.' she thought.

He grabbed the number and leaned over for a kiss. It was just a quick kiss. "Alright, I will talk to you later." he said as he exited the car. She quickly left and went to work.

She went to a few of Stuart's games the next week, and like always did the scorebook. The guys were always playing softball or basketball, and she would be the score keeper whenever she wasn't working or in class. They usually bought the pitchers of beer after the games, and even before she was 21, they would always slide her a glass. Stuart would always remind her that these were his friends, and that they were only nice to her because of it.

After tonight's softball game, they went to the local sports bar that all the teams frequented. She was having a few beers. She was a little quiet tonight until someone asked, "What's on your mind?"

It was Doug, who was sitting next to her at the table. He was 10 years older than her, but they had a lot in common. He was Sam's height with light brown hair, that was starting to grey. He was on the heavier side, but he still good looking. He had what would be considered a 'Dad Bod' if he had any kids. He was always a gentleman. He always would pull her in for a hug, or leave his arm draped behind her chair. Even though he was Stuart's friend, she considered him one too.

"Oh, umm, nothing much. What about you?" Sam said absent mindedly.

"You are quieter than usual. I just want to make sure you're alright." He smiled at her. She always wished Stuart treated her more like the guys on his team did. She would always be Stuart's little sister to the gang, which meant they treated her like a little sister. It was both a blessing and a curse.

"Well. Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course. Why are you being so shy today?"

"Umm..." She was quite nervous. 'How can I ask him and not sound like a slut?' she pondered for another moment before asking. "If you went to a girl's place after the bar, and all you did was cuddle...and I mean that is all that happened. Would you ask for her number?"

"Yes. Especially if that girl was you." While giving her side hug he added, "You are an amazing girl, Samantha, and any guy would be stupid not to be interested in you." Doug's words always made her feel better. Although she didn't believe it, as most guys never looked her way twice.

She laughed. "How is it that you aren't married to a wonderful lady by now?"

"Why? Are you asking me to marry you?" She blushed when he asked the question and he gave her a wink. "Don't worry about it, I am only joking. So how did you meet this young suitor?"

Sam went on to tell him that June had forced her out to get drunk. Then she met Stan, and June forced her to invite him over to have drinks. "I guess I just don't understand guys at all. I told him nothing would happen, and yet he still stayed and asked for my number."

"Well if he doesn't call you, he's an idiot." Doug smiled back. "And now that I know if I get you drunk enough I can cuddle with you, perhaps I need to supply you with more beer." He laughed as he filled up her glass and his.

Sam slapped his arm and laughed. She knew he was making fun of her, but it made her feel better nonetheless.