Ribbon of Fate: Love or lust?

by Carston Hendry

  “Please forgive me, I did not mean to bring up sad memories.” he says sincerely

  “I am never really sad per say when I think of him, I just miss him. My memories of him are my most cherished possession.” I say as I fight a tear that is trying to make its way out and down my cheek.

  “I have never met anyone quite like you. You are like a polyhedron.”

  I look at him confused, “A what?”

  He laughs and smiles “It is a figure with many sides. I like to learn new words, I feel it keeps my brain sharp. This just so happened to be the word from yesterday. I was so sure I would never have a reason to use it, but you are fascinating.” he smiles when I laugh at that part. “You are quite an amazing woman Ember. I have really enjoyed spending the day with you.”

  I can feel the heat in my cheeks, there is no hiding it. “Thank you. I hope we have a chance to do it again sometime.” As we walk back to the park I see Kade heading our way. “But I really must be going now.”

  I try to say goodbye and get far enough away from Jonas before Kade goes off. I failed.

  “Where have you been? I have been looking all over the place for you. You just took off and disappeared. What in God’s name is that thing?” he says pointing at my stuffed octopus.

  “I ran into Jonas and we shared some tasty food and went on some rides, played some games and won this. You told me to go have fun so I did.”

  I was trying to leave out the part about talking for hours, the flirting and definitely the falling on top of him incident. I know this makes me a bad girlfriend but today was amazing and I have no intention of tainting it with Kade and his jealousy. I mean to have someone to actually have a conversation with and enjoy the day, I will take whatever wrath he has to throw at me.

  “Just ran into him. Like old friends? You know nothing about this guy. Look at him.” he says as drags me off, squeezing my upper arm too tight. “He is trouble. Anyone with that much hate for their own body, that has to cover it in gross self-mutilation dipped in ink, just...I can’t believe you would even be seen associating with that thing.”

  “Um hmm, you're hurting me Kade.”

  “Are you even listening to me? Em you have a reputation to keep up, you have my reputation to think about too. How are you so selfish?” he let go of my arm and walked in front of me to the car, slamming the door once he was in. I wasn’t sure if he was going to take off without me or not, but he waited revving his engine for me to hurry.

  He kept digging into me on the ride, but I missed most of it. Thinking of all the tattoos I could count on that perfect body. The faint outlines I could see under his snug shirt. How much of him…ok I have to stop this. This fantasy I have going in my head is going to get me in trouble.

  When he pulls up to his house I get out of the car and head straight to my Jeep. Not even saying goodbye. I put on my ADTR playlist and rocked out the whole way home. Never once did the smile leave my face.

  Spencer was sitting on the floor in our living room when I got home. He looks up and me and cocks his head to the side. “Did somebody get laid?”

  “What?” that is an odd thing for him to ask me knowing I spent the night away from home.

  “Either you took something or you got some good dick, girl don’t think I don’t know that look.”

  I laughed so hard I snorted. Sex with Kade is never concidered ‘good dick’. I must still have the stupid smile plastered on my face. “It’s Spring Fling Festival time. Can’t I just be happy? It was a good day.”

  “Emmey?”

  “What?”

  “Do I look stupid? Cus, honey that ain't no I had fun at the fair kinda smile.” his southern drawl seems to really come out when he gets testy.

  I grin and decide to tell him about my day. He never judges me, and always loves me no matter what I say or do. I sit on the floor in front of him and wrap my arms around the big stuffed animal and give him the juicy details of my day.

  “So, let me get this straight. Twice you have been entangled with this dreamy inked beast and think it is a coincidence?”

  “Well yeah, what else would it be?”

  “Oh sugar, you are so naïve and adorable. What color was the first ribbon?”

  “Red”

  “Ok and what about the one today?” he says with an odd smirk on his face.

  “Also red I think. What does that have to do with anything Spence?”

  He is much too excited about whatever it is he is about to get into. He has a knack for storytelling and over exaggerating. “Emmey, you know I love you but some things just go right over your head. Like fate, destiny, what is meant to be. Girl I’m gonna need you to get your ass in gear and take the reins on this. I’m only gonna to tell you once.”

  I look at him confused.

  “There is an old Japanese legend about the red string of fate. This string basically comes from your heart and out of your finger, like the thought of the left ring finger being connected to the heart. Only this string doesn’t stop at the tip of the finger. It trails out of your body and intertwines with another person’s string. That person is the one you are fated to meet. Fate will keep bringing you together because it is meant to be. Fated to be, connecting your heart to his. Are you following?”

  “No. Not at all.” I shake my head and look at him like he is nuts.

  “Don’t you see it Emmey? The red ribbon at the gala? There was not a single red ribbon in that place, so for you and Hottie McHotstuff to get tangled up in a red ribbon at the same time is not very likely. Fast forward a few months to now. Again, you and McHotstuff get tangled up together, and it just so happens to be another red one. I’m telling you it is a sign from the Gods that you need to get your head out of your ass and get that man.”

  “Where do you get this stuff? I mean really Spencer, you sound ridiculous.”

  “I am a first-generation American, sugar. I was raised by two Japanese parents in southern Georgia, I know all sorts of legends and folklore from both countries. But fine say what you want, but I am telling you this is your fate. You can’t say that it’s a bad one.” he sinkers and hopes up. “On that note, I’m exhausted and ready to hit the hay. You think about it Emmey. I’m telling you he is your fate.” he trials off as he is prancing down the hall to his room.

  It's silly to think about. Fate. I don’t know that it is something I really put much stock in. My parents raised me to be realistic, not believing in fairytales. But the idea is in my head now. Forever. Thanks a lot Spencer. I sit there on the living room floor lost in thought for what seems like hours.

  My phone rings, it is my mother. Kade probably called her to tattle on me. He is such a whiny baby sometimes. I ignore the call. I don’t want to kill my good mood with her crap, but she calls back again and again. Finally, l turn my phone off and go to my room. I place my new fluffy friend on my bed and head to the shower. After a long hot shower my mind is no clearer. I still can't stop thinking about Jonas. I get into my pj’s and climb under the covers. I grab my new fluffy bed mate and snuggle it till I fall asleep.

  Chapter 5

  Jonas

  “Well, Mr. Drakos I think you and your design team will be a great investment. I am willing to take a chance on you and your company. We have heard very good things from our European counterparts and think that Wellingtons adapted designs could definitely have a place in the American market.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Davis.” I say to one the business men meeting with me.

  “We will have to get this over to our legal team and have a contract drawn up. I assume your partners will want to look it over as well. We can have a copy sent to France for them.” one of the other men says.

  “Yes, that would be greatly appreciated. I will inform our legal team to be expecting it. I will email you their information.” I can't wait to call Nessa and Wells to tell them the good news.

  “Well if there is nothing else I think this meeting is finished. And thank you again for meeting us here. I know it
is a bit informal but they really do make the best cappuccino here.” the first man says with a genuine smile.

  “It's no problem really. I have to agree, it is quite good.” nothing like back home, but the best I have had here so far.

  With that we stand and exit the coffee shop. After shaking hands and binding them goodbye I make my way to the car park across the street. The burgundy Bently I just purchased looks even better in the bright sunlight. As I get in I feel eyes on me, it's not uncommon being a model, but not many Americans would pay me the same attention I get back in Europe. I brush it off and ignite the engine.

  I recently found a flat in Old Town Shoreline that was originally a factory or warehouse of some sort. The realtor said they gutted it and turned it into living space. The thing that was so appealing is that the ground floor is actually a museum. I have never really been a fan of history, but there's something about this city. I only arrived a month before the biggest event of the year and I already feel like I could call this my second home. Well my fourth home if you count Greece and Egypt.

  I met one of the men from the company that I just had a meeting with while at the Gala. I was unsure when I first heard of it, but the elite of this city were talking of nothing else. I decided to take a chance and the day before I shelled out the $10,000 thick price to get myself on the guest list. I must say it was money well spent. Not only did I meet many potential investors, I was also able to do a bit of networking and now have multiple meetings set up.

  For weeks now I seem to be reliving the memory of the moment I first laid eyes on her. Ember. I haven't dated in years and really haven't had any interest in women since we started this company. I used to have a new woman in my bed as often as I liked, but my sister put an end to that when she moved into my flat. I never liked waking up in strange places and I wasn't going to subject my sister to my whoring. Not that she didn't know. I think that is most of the reason she moved to France, to keep an eye on me and get me under control.

  I don't know why fate decided to put her in my path, the moment I saw her I knew I had to have her. She was struggling with the piece of ribbon that had managed to tie us together. Not close enough if you ask me, but without it I may have missed the chance to meet her. I managed to catch her before she fell to the ground as she tripped herself. Having her in my arms for only the briefest of moments was the best moment of my life.

  I felt like time slowed down as I felt her against me. Her sweet minty scent filled my nostrils and sent my manly urges into overdrive. I had to set her on her feet before she could feel my cock growing against her. I can't imagine she would have taken that well, but I had no control over it. I see beautiful half naked women nearly everyday in my line of work, and not one of them has ever affected me the way she did.

  I park in the parking garage next to my building and make my way inside and to the elevator for the residents. Once in my flat I drop my keys on the kitchen island and make myself a drink to celebrate a successful meeting.

  Everytime I close my eyes, I see golden brown eyes staring back at me. Haunting me. I have to find out who Ember is. I have to see her again. She left with some twat that night, but there was no ring on that dainty hand of hers. Either he is an idiot for not making her completely his or it's not serious. Either way, I plan on making her mine. I will find out who she is and take my time with her. I don't know how or why I know, but she is the last woman I will ever chase.

  My phone ringing takes me out of my desprat thoughts. It is a video call from Wells, my best friend, business partner and flatmate. I accept so I can tell him about he meeting

  “Hey.”

  “So, how did it go? Did they like my designs?” he asked immediately. Running his hand forward over his freshly waved hair.

  “Rude as ever I see.” I say playfully.

  He rolls his eyes at me and waits for me to answer his questions.

  “Fine. The meeting went great. Yes they liked your designs and they will be sending it over to legal to draw up a contract. I need you to get me Rauls details so I can have it sent right over to him before we look at it. No point in wasting our time if it's not going to work for us.”

  “Right on it, mate.”

  “Have you seen Nessa?” I ask him. If he can just tell her the news then I won't have to try to worry about the time difference between here and France.

  “Yeah, I see her often enough. She came today to get the latest designs. I'm assuming you want me to pass on the news?” he asked, knowing me all too well.

  “If you could. I know you stay up all hours of the night, but she tends to keep to a schedule.”

  “No problem. When are you coming back?”

  “Most likely not till after my cousin's wedding in early september. But who knows, maybe sooner, maybe later. At this point I just really want to get this off the ground.”

  “Yeah, we do too. Nessa still going to go to the states? You still need her to?” he asks with the slightest bit of sadness showing in his dark brown eyes.

  “Why are you going to miss her?” I tease

  “Look you left me alone in this big flat, she is my only company. Don't take that away from me.” he whines with his Welsh accent.

  “Oh, yes she is your only friend. Don't be so dramatic you big ninny.” I reply

  “Whatever.”

  “Go get some sleep, you look wretched.” I add.

  “Thanks wanker. Later.”

  “Later.” I laugh

  ∞∞∞

  I have been seeing flyers all over the city for days. They fill store windows and billboards everywhere I look for some sort of festival going on downtown, so I talk myself into checking it out. I do have a day until Nessa gets to town and being held up in my flat alone is beginning to drive me mad. It looks like the whole area is closed off to traffic, must be a big deal here.

  The people of this city really like to celebrate. They call this the Spring Fling festival, and apparently last for three days, maybe I should wait till Nessa is here. It could be a good time, provided I had someone to share it with.

  I am beginning to wonder why I talked myself into coming to this thing today in the first place. Everything becomes clear in my mind the second I see her. She is only a few meters away, watching children play as she walks through the field. Be still my heart.

  She is just as I remember her form that night. I watch her walk and keep a bit of distance, not wanting to frighten her. Her long legs are covered in dark skinny jeans that hug her thick thighs and perfect ass, a tight blue t-shirt extenuating her small waist and perky breast. God she is mouth watering. I want, no, I need her in my arms again.

  Her shiny chocolate brown hair blows behind her in the wind as she walks, and the smile on her lips never wavers. She is my own personal temptress, calling me to beg on my knees for her attention. I watch her from afar for a bit longer and realize I am being a creep.

  I convince myself to go speak to her. I of course have second thoughts as I near her, but before I can change direction I find myself tangled and soon I feel her perfect body pressed against mine. As we fall to the ground I wrap my arms around her and turn my body so she lands on top of me. I wish to spare her any pain that it may have caused.

  Then it hits me, that sweet minty scent and it is threatening to make my desires known. I have to quickly get her off of me before I make a fool of myself. What is it about this girl that immediately makes my cock rock hard. She must be a descendant of Aphrodite.

  Rolling to the side I manage to get her onto the ground and save my dignity. I can't help but watch her as she tells the woman and child that we are fine and there is nothing to worry about.

  Her eyes finally look into mine and I know that I will do anything to spend the day with her. Shit I would do anything to spend ten minutes with her. I know next to nothing about her, yet I find myself completely entranced by her. She has a presence about her, an aurora that exudes confidence. It really is sexy.

  “We really should stop
meeting like this.” I say as I watch her eyeing me. I wipe some loose grass off and step closer to her.

  “Is there another way to meet?” God that smile. I want nothing more than to keep that smile there for as long as I live.

  “Ember, right?” I try to play it cool.

  She nods. “Nice to see you again Jonas. Are you here alone?”

  Thank God she remembers me. “I am.”

  “How do you feel about fried cheese?”

  What an odd question. Maybe she really likes cheese? “Like mozzarella sticks?”

  “No, better. Much better.” she laughs and I swear to you, the angles are envious of that sound.

  “Sounds like I should try it. Lead the way.” I gesture for her to go ahead of me. I must say the view is spectacular. Her hips sway slightly with each step and I have to adjust myself because it is becoming uncomfortable. Thankfully the dark jeans don't show my bulge like sweat pants do. I do not want her to think I only want her body.

  When we get to the window of the food trunc she orders cheese on a stick, not sure about this but she seems genuinely excited for it. I order a few more things for us to try and we find a seat.