Include Sticky Posts in Total Post Count

I’m having problems with sticky posts. If I specify 20 posts per page, it displays 20 posts. But, sticky posts are additional to the 20 posts. How can I set up the query so that only 20 total posts show (normal posts and sticky posts). I’m using The Style theme (hence the options) and it is set to 20 posts right now. Should I use the counter? Any help would be appreciated!

Here’s the code I’m using:

<?php $args=array(
			'showposts' => get_option('thestyle_homepage_posts'),
			'paged' => $paged,
			'category__not_in' => get_option('thestyle_exlcats_recent'),
			'orderby' => post_date,
			'order' => ASC,
		);
		query_posts($args); ?>
		<?php if (have_posts()) : while (have_posts()) : the_post(); ?>
			<?php include(TEMPLATEPATH . '/includes/events.php'); ?>
			<?php $i++; ?>
            <?php endwhile; ?>