Ribbon of Fate: Love or lust?

by Carston Hendry

  "I miss you too, Spence!'' I say hugging him back and laughing.

  He pulls away from me to look me over and frowns, "What's wrong?" he knows me too well.

  "Nothing, I'm fine."

  "She had a dizzy spell earlier, but seems to be much better now." Janessa tells him.

  "EM..." I cut him off before he can freak out.

  "No really I am fine, Spence. It was just a freak thing, I missed breakfast and was spinning around and just got dizzy. That's all." I spit out, giving Janessa a 'why did you say that' look. She smiles and shrugs.

  Spences squint his eyes at me and looks me over. He towers over me looking down concerned. "Are you sure you're ok?"

  "Promise." I say holding up my pinky.

  He laughs and pushes my hand away. "So, why were you spinning around?" he looks at me curiously.

  I shrug and he looks at Janessa. "Jonas was trying to show off, Viennese Waltz if I'm not mistaken. You did a fantastic job following his lead, I was quite impressed until you, well you know." she says as she looks anywhere but at me.

  Spence raises his eyebrows at me, then turns to her "I’m Spencer, best friend and apparently out of the loop."

  She laughs and shakes his hand. "Janessa, and don't worry I can tell you everything I know, which may not be much.” she grins and claps her hand together. All I can think is this may have been a mistake.

  "Perfect, and I can fill in any gaps you may have." he takes her, linking arms and walks off to the back of the salon. I stand there feeling helpless. A small blond with big blue eyes comes to grab me and take me to one of the massage chairs.

  Spence looks at me when I sit next to Janessa. He is filling her foot bath as they whisper to each other. This should be interesting.

  I decide to just sit back and enjoy myself for a while and let them have their fun. With or without Janessa he would be grilling me for details, so I’m screwed either way. I set my chair to the most intense setting and dip my feet in the foot bath. The warm water is so soothing and relaxing. I take my headphones out of my purse and find my phone to set a playlist. I close my eyes and drift into the song.

  "I made a short term fix for a long term problem

  Can I learn to love these chains?

  I know I had a point, but now I forgot it

  I'm circling the drain

  No, I can't stop feeling like this everyday's the same

  With a one track mind I don't think I can change

  Trapped in memories stuck on replay, replay, replay

  Starts with a spark, then it's a wildfire....."

  Chapter 11

  Ember

  The first day of summer the entire city pretty much shuts down for the beach festivities. It's been this way for as long as I can remember. The rich side of the shore stay in their million dollar beach side mansions and throw extravagant parties. Last year Kade convinced me to go to his parents, it was awful. Champagne and finger food, someone playing the piano and so much talking. This year there is no way I am giving up the beach for that crap.

  “I don’t know why you are being so difficult, Em. This is a tradition. My family does this every year. It’s just one day.”

  “Well I don’t want to go, I’ll go to the end of summer shindig with you. I really don’t see why I need to go to both. Besides I already told Spence I would drive.” I say getting irritated with him.

  “So, tell him to call one of his other friends, give him your keys, I really don't care about him or how he gets to the beach. You are going to come with me.” he says, raising his voice.

  "Kade, I told you I'm not going with you. If you want to skip your parents and come with me that's fine, but I'm not wasting my day with a bunch of stuck up rich assholes.”

  "Those rich assholes are my parents." he spits out.

  "You know I didn't mean your dad, he's the only one I would actually want to see. But yeah the rest of them are assholes." sometimes he really gets on my nerves and I just can't help but let my true feelings out. It never seems to end well when I do.

  "Okay, fine. If that's how you really feel, then go get wasted on the beach and drown for all I care. You are such a selfish bitch sometimes, you know that? Selfish." he says as he storms out of my room and slams the apartment door.

  I look over and see Spence standing in the doorway of my room holding his coffee in both hands with a smirk on his face.

  I sigh, "What? I know you have something to say so just say it."

  "I'm really glad you are coming to the beach with me, I was afraid he would bully you into ditching me. That's all." he smiled his evil smile with a devilish look in his eyes and spun out of my room.

  That smile means he is planning something, only bad things to come. Trouble written all over his face. I better be prepared for anything to happen today. I remember one year we woke up on a yacht somewhere off coast with people I don't remember. Granted that was freshman year of college, but I learned my lesson.

  I have three of my favorite bikinis laid out on my bed, I can't decide how much I want to show off. I don't have much going for me in the breast department, but I have ass for days. I think something in the middle is safe, besides I haven't worn a thong bikini in years, also Kade has made me so self-conscious about my body. Today I think I will push all that aside and do what makes me happy for once.

  I slip into the white high cut bottoms that accentuate my hips and butt, the halter top is thin and would barely cover me if my breast were any bigger. A large octopus colored in pinks and purples covers my left thigh, part of my butt cheek and hip, the one and only tattoo I have and it stands out beautifully against the white and my naturally tan skin. This will be the first time this year that I get to show it off.

  Kade has always hated it, which used to bother me, but now gives me great amusement. It had just been finished a few weeks before we met, and it was about three months until he had me out of my clothes. The look on his face was awful, I remember thinking it was my body he was disgusted by, but it was the ink.

  As I stand admiring myself in the mirror the doorbell sounds. I hear Spence run past my room and the apartment door open and close. I wonder if Dan is riding with us, sometimes Sam likes to go early and get set up. Soon I hear the door open again. I grab my sunset colored maxi dress form the bed and put it on, finish packing my beach bag and put my hair in a ponytail.

  "Spence have you seen my white sandals anywhere?'' I yell from my room as I search my closet.

  He comes in rolling his eyes with my sandals dangling from his finger by the back strap. "You know if you put things away when you are supposed to you wouldn’t need me to find it for you."

  I smile and snatch them from his hand. "Why do you think I keep you around?" I spin to sit on the bed.

  He gives me an over dramatic gasp and puts his hand on his heart as if I have wounded him. "Well I thought it was for my charm and good looks." we both laugh.

  "Who was at the door?"

  "Oh, I forgot to tell you Janessa is coming with us." that sly evil smile was back.

  "Wonderful." I say excitedly with a smile then raise my eyebrow at him. "And what else?"

  "What? Why would there be anything else?" I cock my head to the side and give him the 'do I look stupid' look "Well Sam and some of the other queens are already there, we should go so we don’t have to walk ten miles. Chop Chop." he says and he snaps his fingers as he turns and walks back down the hall to the living room.

  I finish putting my sandals on and grab my bag and follow him. "Ok let’s go."

  I see that evil smile getting bigger and it worries me. We walk into the living room and I am greeted with a big hug from Janessa.

  "Hi." I say as she squeezes me. I see movement out of the corner of my eye, and I am sure I know who it is.

  She finally let’s go of me and flashes her perfect smile. "I am very excited to see what all the commotion is about, it feels like the whole city is out today."

  I glance in his direction and instantly reg
ret choosing this bikini. I smile and he steps toward me as Janessa moves from in front of me.

  "I hope you don't mind if I come along." he says as he steps even closer.

  My heart stops and I have to remind myself to breathe. I look into his eyes and somehow manage to speak. "I don't mind at all."

  His hand brushes my cheek. "You look as beautiful as ever."

  He must have seen the fear in my eyes because he dropped his hand and took a step back. It wasn't fear like I am afraid of him, but my feelings for him. They intensify every time I see him, and when he touches me it sends me into a panic. I am so afraid one day I will lose control and just let go of all my morals. Not that I really have many, but I do have a boyfriend.

  I take a deep breath and regain my composure before turning to the others. "Well are we ready?"

  Spence squints his eyes at me but lets it go.

  Sam already has a great spot for us just in front of 9th street. From the looks of it they have been here all morning setting up the perfect beach party layout. The queens always have a small show to start the day off right. Though I don't think I could handle their wardrobe in this heat.

  Spence heads straight to the dressing tent dragging Janessa with him, leaving me alone with Jonas. "Go find us a good spot, Emmey." he shouts over his shoulder.

  I nod. He is so good at this game he plays, always a step ahead of me. I got this, right? Just breath.

  I turn to look for a spot and see Jonas has already found a prime piece of real estate just between the makeshift stage and the beach. I watch as he sets down Janessa's bag and sets up two folding chairs. He then proceeds to take off his powder pink tank top, leaving him in his cute flamingo covered trunks.

  I really should look away, but I can't. I mean physically I can't pull my eyes from him. This is the first time I have seen him shirtless, Lord help me, he is exquisite. Even from thirty feet away I can see every toned muscle glistening in the sunlight. Ink covering his entire chest and arms, up his neck. Breath in. Breath out. How can someone be so perfect in every way?

  I take small steps, making sure to take my time getting to him. I need to get my shit together before I make it to him. He looks up at me with a smile, it makes me melt. Breath in. Breath out. I just need to see him as my client. That will make this easier, right?

  "This spot is great, you have a good eye." I smile and try to act normal.

  "Yes, I do" he winks as he looks me up and down. I can't help but blush which he seems to be quite satisfied by. He chuckles to himself as he bites his lower lip.

  For the love of all that is holy, he is torturing me. I set my things down trying to avert my eyes from his God like body. As I grab the beach blanket out of my bag my phone rings. It's Kade. I stand there looking at it for a moment deciding if I really want to deal with him right now. Before I have a chance to decide Spence snatches it out of my hand and answers.

  "Emmys phone. Sorry she's not able to take your call right now she is busy having fun. Please don't try back later." then he hangs up. I can't help but laugh in shock, he looks so serious. "I'm just going to turn this off if you don't mind." he powers my phone off and drops it into the bag.

  I'm not sure if he was expecting me to be upset or not because he grabbed something out of my bag and ran off without another word. I kept giggling as he ran off shaking his butt as much as possible, with his hands held up in the air at his sides.

  I turned back to Jonas, I never realized how tall he is, I mean I am 5'9" and he towers over me. He raises his eyes from his phone while keeping his head down and looks at me. I stop laughing as soon as his eyes meet mine. I felt a slight pain in my lower lip, not realizing I was biting it. Shit.

  As a smirk graces his face he drops his phone in one of the chairs and closes the distance between us. Now only inches away, I can smell his sweet scent and feel the heat radiating from his body.

  "Spencer said the show will start in about an hour, and you would keep me entertained until then." his eyes grow darker and entrance me.

  "Did he, now?" I say as I make a mental note to kick his ass later.

  "He did." He pauses for a moment, but when I say nothing he continues. "Why don't we go for a swim?" he nods his head in the direction of the ocean, never taking his eyes off mine.

  "Swim?" that would require me to take off my dress. I look down and watch it flutter across my feet in the wind.

  He tilts my head back up with one finger on my chin. "I can help if you like."

  The heat coming from my face snaps me from my thoughts and I quickly look away. "Why don't we save that for later. We can go for a walk...or umm...yeah... let's go for a walk." I say as I turn and head for the sidewalk between the beach and the street.

  This feeling is almost sickening, but not in a bad way...I don't think. It's as if my insides are being slowly tortured with a feather. A constant fluttering and deeper in my core it is like a fire is raging. I feel my heart pumping overtime, sending adrenaline coursing through my body. He is like a drug, better than any thrill ride.

  He grabs his shirt and follows me as I rush off to keep from throwing myself at him. Once I make it to the sidewalk I slow and he almost runs into me, I feel his hands on my hips and his body pressed against mine.

  "Sorry, I was trying to keep up with you.” he removes his hands and moves to my side.

  I look to see a goofy smile on his face, one I haven't seen before. It makes me smile and sends me into another fit of internal torment.

  "There is a gallery just up the street. Spencer and I went to college with the owner. Every summer she has a living art show that is a bit unconventional but entertaining. We can check it out if you like."

  "As long as I am with you, I really don't care where we go." his voice like silk, made my breath hitch, my stomach drop and my mouth go dry.

  I don't really know what to say. I mean I know what I want to say, but that is not a good idea. I take a deep breath, "I need a drink, want anything?" I say as I detour to a food truck parked on the street.

  He smiles and shakes his head at my avoidance. "Yes, it is a hot day, we should stay hydrated." He goes to the window, orders two bottles of water and pays before I have a chance to get my hand in the pocket of my dress.

  I can't help but watch him, the way he moves is mesmerizing to me. He walks back to me and hands me a bottle, grassing my hand as I take it sending sparks through my body. This is so much more than just attraction, so much more.

  We walk to the gallery in a comfortable silence, side by side barely an inch apart. Every so often his arm would brush against mine, making me want more contact.

  The gallery consists of two rooms, the first being the smaller of the two. The sign on the door reads: WARNING: This performance may potentially trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy.

  I give him a questioning look, he shrugs and opens the door. Once through the door there is a series of curtains to walk through before the room is revealed. Only black lights illuminate the space, the walls are covered with heavy black curtains and arrows glow on the floor. We follow them about ten steps in when a figure moves in front of us. It scares the crap out of me, I jump back grabbing Jonas by the arm holding tightly. He puts his other hand over mine, I release my grip a little but don't let go of him.

  Suddenly the walls look like they are moving, black figures coming out of the darkness. As they dance around I can see they are people, their backs solid black and the front is covered in glowing body paint in intricate designs. They dance around the room for a moment then one of them opens a spot in the curtains to reveal the door leading to the larger room.

  We walk through the door and my hand has made its way down his arm to his large soft hand while the other holds his forearm.

  This room is also lit with black light but strobes have been added giving it an eerie feeling. The people in here are completely covered in the glowing body paint, the way they move in the flashing lights is disturbing. Some electronic remix of a Mar
ilyn Manson song blares loud as they contort their bodies in unimaginable ways. Each of them are set up on black pedestal at different elevations that blend into the darkness as the lights flash off. As we walk through the exhibit it gets more intense, cages hang from the high ceiling holding contortionists, aerial acrobats twirling around in hoops suspended in midair and some wrapping black streams of cloth around themselves, twisting and flipping above our heads.

  I can't tell if my heart is racing because of Jonas or fear for the acrobat falling. Each time one seems to be plummeting to the ground I grip him tighter. They never hit the ground, they slow and hold themselves about ten feet in the air stretching their bodies to the limit before making their way back up to dangerous heights. He watches me as I gasp and hold my breath, he squeezes my hand reminding me to breathe.

  Finally, we make our way out through the back door off the gallery, into the alley between buildings. The sun is blinding as my eyes adjust after thirty minutes of the strobe lights. I still have my hand in his, I don't want to let go but I really should.

  I think he can see my struggle because he lifts my hand to his full beautiful lips then reluctantly releases it at my side. His eyes sad as he lets go, I feel the sadness in mine as well. I sigh and begin to walk back to the street.

  When we arrive back at the beach, the area around the stage is packed with the queen’s friends, family and fans. There is barely room to walk without stepping on someone towel or blanket.

  "Where the hell did you two go? I was freaking out Ember!" Spence is shouting as we walk toward him. Well now I know I'm in trouble, he never uses my given name. He has both of our phones in his hand and practically punches us when he shoves them into our chest. "You just run off without your phones, what if something would have happened and you..."

  "Spence, chill." I cut off his rant. "You're the one that turned my phone off in the first place." I remind him.