Twisted Views

by T Gephart

  The way she moved indicated she was not the inhabitant of our neighbouring apartment either. As frustrating as it was, I was no closer to knowing anything or gaining any further information. At least it wasn’t a complete waste of time, seeing a pink Hermes Birkin bag in the flesh was akin to seeing the Loch Ness monster.

  “Damn it Dave! I’ve got nothing!” I stared absently at the vacant hallway that would not be divulging any further clues.

  “Just give it a few days, then go over and say hello.” Dave murmured not even looking up from his screen.

  “Yeah, whatever.” I gave up and moved away from the door. Feeling slightly defeated, I allowed my body to collapse into the duck-egg blue love seat that featured in my living room.

  My legs swung restlessly as my body twitched. I didn’t want to wait a few days. Whoever it was, was there now and I wanted to know who he/she/they were. Call it my morbid need to know. That and the fact I wished to keep my reputation of being the all-knowing Oracle of the building intact was weighing heavily on my mind. “Dave…”

  “Taylah! Really? You can’t wait a few days?” He raised his eyebrow as he watched me fidget with restless energy.

  “I’m just going to go over and see if they need any help settling in. After all, it would be the neighbourly thing to do. Not to mention I know the apartment intimately. I can, you know, point out all the features.” I lifted myself off the love seat as a smile played on my lips.

  Dave shook his head as he returned to his work, his grin reinforcing my decision. It was the right thing to do, bringing the welcome wagon and all that shit. It was a lost art and I was all about getting a little retro.

  Chapter 7 - Alex

  Author’s Note: Alex and Lexi have had their first awkward meeting after she moves to New York and in an attempt to be comfortable in a platonic relationship, Alex tags along with Lexi to a pub to see a band.

  When I entered Joe’s Pub, I knew she wouldn’t be here yet. It was early but I needed a beer, trying convincing myself this was a good move. Friends? Really? What the fuck was I doing?! I took another swallow of my beer and let the noise of the bar flood me, unfortunately I wasn’t able to wipe the memory of the last time we were together.

  The memory of her in my car ghosted me; the intensity had not diminished between us. I’d called her a self-absorbed bitch and she actually tried to slap me. Her aggressive response giving me an instant hard on despite the fact I was seething mad. There was always a knife-edge between anger and lust with Lexi and I’d have kissed her right then if she hadn’t followed her display of rage with the bombshell, “Is this what you want? To hate me? For me to hate you?” Hearing those words from her perfect lips slammed my brakes on hard. Hate her? Have her hate me? I’d rather tear my beating heart from my own chest than have that happen. I could never hate her. Even though initially it was what I wanted or at least what I thought I wanted. It would have made the fucking rejection a hell of a lot easier too but those feelings, no matter how hard I pushed, didn’t materialize. It wasn’t hate that I felt. No, it was something different entirely.

  My phone buzzed from my pocket, Marcy. She had been relentless the past couple of days. I knew what she wanted, as careful as she thought she was, her fucking objective was crystal clear. She wasn’t slick enough to fool me into thinking that it was just the sex she was interested in, even though I had given her a fair share of orgasms. It was about the exposure, my name and raising her profile. She wanted to play with the big dogs and being with me would open that door. She was ambitious; I’ll give her that, even though her film reel left a lot to be desired.

  I fished out my phone and deleted the message before reading it. I would see her tomorrow and call this whole thing off. As much of an asshole as I was, I wouldn’t break up with her (could what we were doing even be classed as dating?) over the phone.

  I glanced up and it was like I’d been punched in the throat. She looked fucking amazing. Her tight jeans were begging to be peeled off and that sexy little tank top did nothing but accentuate her tight, toned body. She was sexy as hell and I was in serious trouble. Her hair was different, straight and long down her back but it looked good on her and I watched as the eyes of the security guard followed the lines of her body when she walked. He wanted her, though he was smart enough to know that he wouldn’t stand a chance. I swallowed hard as I watched Lexi’s seductive smile tease on her lips and I felt my cock punch against the fly of jeans. Yeah, we’ll be friends… just friends, it will be cool. Funny how I don’t think my dick got that memo.

  Taylah waved from the distance and Lexi turned to meet my eye. Her fucking gaze seared me. Yep, serious fucking trouble Stone. I discreetly adjusted myself before heading over, last thing I need was to be displaying the wicked hard on I was packing. I walked over to them, Dave shouting over the music, “Hey Alex, what’s shaking brother?” He greeted me with a solid slap on the back, “Haven’t seen you in awhile. How’s the band?”

  My body screamed to touch her but I pushed down the impulse, instead I nodded and said hello to Taylah and Dave before I allowed myself to look at her again, “Lexi,” I almost purred as her name spilled from my lips.

  She flashed me a sexy smile, “Hello Alex, I hope you haven’t been waiting long?” Her full lips glistened as spoke, almost as an invitation to kiss her. I felt my cock thicken in my jeans and I was glad the bar was dark.

  “Not at all,” I smiled before turning back to Dave, “Band is doing great man. James and I have had some solid writing sessions. We’re hoping to start laying down some tracks after New Year’s, get the album out in March/April.” I was relieved for the safety of the conversation, forcing my mind to concentrate on something other than the throbbing between my legs.

  Dave and I tossed back the usual business talk. He was a really decent guy and an amazing guitarist. I had a shit load of respect for him and was happy to accept his offer that we collaborate on something in the near future. Taylah had waved someone else over who she was now deep in conversation with. I fought back a grin as I watch Lexi being polite, though I could tell the topic of conversation (whatever it was) was boring the hell out of her. Her lips parted slightly as she looked at the bar, God she was so fucking beautiful.

  “Hey, I’ll be back in a minute.” Lexi excused herself and I couldn’t tear my eyes off of her as she walked away. The sway of her hips as she walked sent an electric charge up through my body. Where the fuck was she going? I watched her hungrily until even her body disappeared, devoured by the crowd.

  “So Dave, what’s the story with these guys?” I focused my attention on the conversation, not allowing my mind to wander as to where Lexi was and what she was doing.

  Dave happily took the cue and gave me the run down on Insipid’s story. He was super proud of their ability to get signed despite a turn away from rock bands in recent times. The rise in manufactured talent was flooding the market and unless you had a reality show and a battalion of screaming teenage girls, it was hard to get noticed in a sea of unknowns.

  As Dave and I commiserated on the state on the music scene, Lexi materialised from the crowd. She was clasping a couple of bottles of Samuel Adams in her hand while laughing over her shoulder at someone. I waited, hoping like hell it wasn’t some guy she’d picked up at the bar despite knowing I had no right to feel jealous. Sydney, one of the PR assistants stepped out beside Lexi. My breathing normalized, as they got closer juggling the drinks between them.

  Dave beamed as he accepted his beer, “Thanks Lexi! You must be a mind reader,” he said while taking a swing of his beer.

  As Lexi handed the other bottle to me, I let my fingers gently make contact with hers in the exchange. I smiled, “Yes, thank you Lexi.” I raised the long neck to my lips and let the icy beer try and cool down some of my external heat. She watched me as I swallowed, my eyes locked onto hers as I lowered the bottle.

  I greeted Sydney before Lexi introduced her to Dave and Taylah. Dave was impressed Sydney was a fan and
the two of them dominated the conversation, amicably chatting about the band and the upcoming album.

  I took the opportunity while everyone was distracted to slide up beside Lexi, lowering my mouth to her ear. She looked down right edible and I couldn’t stay away a second longer, “So how does this friend thing work?” I whispered into her ear, “By the way you look amazing tonight.” I was careful not to let my lips touch her skin though I was desperate to kiss her. She shivered slightly as I got closer, “I’m not entirely sure, and thanks.” She was careful to keep her voice low but I saw her breath hitch slightly as she looked up at me. My mouth twitched into a grin as I got closer, “Here I thought you had it all worked out. You seemed to have a plan.” I let my hand graze the bare skin of her arm, I was so hungry to touch her it hurt.

  She pointed to the band taking the stage, informing me that her plan right now was to watch the band. She turned away from me but not in anger, there was something bubbling underneath, she felt the charge too. She had to. I positioned myself behind her, not wanting to block her view and my hand found its way onto her hip. I was so close to her no one would have even noticed but I couldn’t be this close to her and not touch her. Like a junkie, I needed a hit.

  She gave me a questioning glance, her raised eyebrow and smirk only making her more adorable. “Just being friendly,” I smiled forcing my eyes away from her and onto the stage. My hand fixed to her side.

  She mumbled something under her breath, but made no effort to move it. I lightly traced her hipbone as we watched the band. Zander, the singer, was predictable in his approach. I could see the cogs in his head turning as he worked the stage. He, like the other band members, while competent, needed to work on their chops. Their stage presence was lacking and they were trying to make up for it by “showmanship” rather than creating an atmosphere. It wasn’t an easy task to be comfortable on stage. When we started playing we were too young or too dumb to give a shit about image, we just wanted to play. We had relaxed into the band, into the music, whereas with these guys, it seemed forced. I followed the progression of the chords and the guitarist’s playing was pretty good. Clean formation on the fret board and a nice sound coming from the amps despite the distortion from his peddle. I’m not entirely sure why he felt the need to grind his cock up against his ax but hey, different strokes for different folks.

  As the set progressed, I felt Lexi relax into me. The tension eased out of her shoulders and she leaned back up against my chest. I almost came it felt so good. As her body pressed against me, I could feel every breath she took. I splayed my hand across her side, pushing up her tank top to expose a small trail of flesh. I moved from her hip closer to her stomach, needing, craving more contact.

  No one noticed us; their eyes and their attention were on the band. I played at the waistband on her jeans, wanting to go lower. Wondering if she felt the heat between us, wondering if she was enjoying my hands on her, wondering if she was wet, wondering if she wanted to touch me. My cock was throbbing so much it hurt and I had to turn slightly to my side so my hard on didn’t poke her. I wasn’t giving anything away. Not unless she showed me it’s what she wanted. I was done looking like a loser and I wasn’t hanging myself out to dry despite the ache in my balls. God, she was beautiful and smelt so good.

  “Thank you and GOOD NIGHT!” Zander threw the mic down and the monitors squealed, signaling the end of the show. He grabbed some random girl and kissed her as they made their way off the stage. I frowned, reluctantly pulling my hand from Lexi’s body. Fuck! Couldn’t they have played ten more minutes? I wasn’t ready to let her go but the house lights were coming up and as the crowd thinned, I had no reason to touch her.

  “Young and enjoying the fame,” smiled Dave. He knew, like I did, that it wasn’t egos that sold records. “They have a lot to learn. Come with me, I’ll introduce you.”

  Dave led the way to the stage’s side. Sydney grabbed Lexi’s arm, excitedly chatting in her ear as they moved ahead in front of me. My eyes followed the length of Lexi’s back to her perfect ass. I watched how the denim clung to her curves, it was spectacular and I would have done anything to be that pair of jeans.

  Dave cleared our presence with the bouncer and we moved into the backstage area. It was typical of the calibre of venue. Road cases and leads were roughly grouped together on the floor. The band sat casually as they cooled off without the comfort of a dressing room. I remembered these places, having to lug our own gear onto the stage and then tear it down. Troy would pay some schmuck a case of beer and a 50 to do it for us if we were “entertaining” our fans.

  “Zander, great show man! I got some people I’d like you to meet.” Dave called out clapping Zander around the shoulders. Zander apologized for the mic throwing before Dave gave him a little pep talk about not acting like a rock star until you are… a rock star. The way he spoke to these kids just made me respect the man more, he wasn’t trying to bullshit them while still nurturing their talent.

  Dave turned, introducing Sydney and Lexi, the band showing their “appreciation” for the girls with their smug smiles and wide eyes. “And Alex here decided to come check you guys out too.” Dave’s introduction of me forced the band to stop staring at Lexi and Sydney and notice who I was.

  Johnny, the guitarist leapt up and shook my hand. “Alex, big fan!” He took a breath before continuing, “That second album was off the chart, was that a Strat you were playing?”

  “Yeah, my ’64. The warmth of sound is nothing short of angelic and the sustain lasts forever,” I happily talked shop with both Johnny and Ben. They seemed genuinely interested in my playing and gear.

  In my peripheral vision I saw Zander closing in on Sydney, she seemed open to his advances as they spoke, giggling nervously as he moved in closer.

  “What about you Lexi? See anything you like?” Zander smirked; my blood ran cold with the way he was eyeing her up.

  “Not bad,” Lexi smiled, I couldn’t believe she was buying his bullshit line. “But you really need to lose the over-inflated egos and perfect your craft.” I grinned as I saw the scenario slowly unfolding. Lexi and her smart mouth were about to OWN Zander! “Truth is gentlemen, shaking your junk will only get you so far and then you are going to have to back it up. You have something here, be smart about it.”

  I bit my lip to stop from laughing out loud. God, I loved watching her work. She was calling it as she saw it, pretence be damned. It was like watching fireworks; you couldn’t help but stand back and admire the explosive power, it was a truly beautiful sight. Sydney looked on horrified while the band stood dumbfounded.

  Dave, obviously initiated to the “Lexi business model of feedback”, was relaxed as he nodded in agreement. “Lexi’s a publicist, she represents Alex and the guys. You should listen to her.”

  I couldn’t help but watch on in amusement, I’m sure they had been hoping for a different reaction, especially Zander who was probably angling for a three-way with Sydney and Lexi.

  “You’re English?” Zander sounded pissed. I almost felt sorry for him…almost.

  “Australian, actually.” Lexi was controlled, her confidence blasting off her like a nuclear detonation.

  “So you want to represent us?” Danny piped in hesitantly, I couldn’t tell if he was hopeful or down right scared.

  “You couldn’t afford her!” I laughed, knowing what she was banking working for us. Sol was still moaning about her hard nose negotiations, with James willing to write a blank cheque to lock in the deal. James was unwilling to let her go, he wanted her on our team. Her loyalty and dedication was unparalleled. It only made my feelings for her stronger.

  “Trust me though,” I decided to cut them a break, “she may be a hard ass but she knows her stuff. Perhaps she just needs to work on her delivery.” The tension in the room eased as I continued, “First time I met her, she had some choice words for me too.” I watched Lexi’s smile spread slowly before she finally laughed. I knew she was thinking of that day, yelling at Jame
s, Sol and I in Mike’s hospital room. How I followed her into the elevator, not willing for her to leave without hearing our side of the story. The tense drive back to my hotel in her shitty Civic. Me taking her keys hostage so she would shut up a listen. The crazy, animal sex we had once we both stopped talking. That day had been intense, for both of us.

  Sydney tried to smooth things over by offering her card and her PR services. Zander played with her business card as he regarded her offer.

  “You really have a way with words,” I laughed as I pulled her closer to me. I’d give anything right now to take her back to my apartment and try and recapture that first time.

  “If I recall correctly, it didn’t seem to bother you,” she huffed as she crossed her arms.

  My eyes widened as I leaned in closer. “On the contrary, I am constantly bothered by you,” I whispered, the smile curling my mouth. I was constantly hard too but I kept that little piece of information to myself.

  God, I wanted her alone. I wanted to touch her, kiss her, make love to her. I searched her eyes for any indication she was feeling the energy between us, that maybe she wanted this as much as I did. FUCK! Say something Lexi. Give me a fucking clue and I’ll do the rest.

  Johnny walked over, his eyes flashing over Lexi’s tits. I hated the way he looked at her and he didn’t seem to notice he was interrupting something. “Can I buy you a drink?” he offered, hope in his voice. Say no Lexi, tell him you don’t want his fucking drink. We’re not done here. Tell him. I waited patiently for her to answer him, hoping for only one outcome. The one where she told him to fuck off and she came home with me.

  “Sure,” she smiled as she walked away. The cocky son of a bitch moved his hand down her back as he pulled her to the bar. He looked back and shot Zander an arrogant smile over his shoulder as Zander gave him the thumbs up.