by M. H. Soars
The way the color drains from Allan’s face is almost comical. “What? Why would ask that?”
“I don’t know, mate. You change every time you mention Sticks. Listen, I don’t care if you do, and I have no problem if you two decide to hook up. As longs as the feeling is mutual, I’m cool with it.”
“Now I’m seriously offended. I would never force myself on any woman. I’m not a worthless bastard.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. But you didn’t answer my question. Do you like the bird or not?”
Allan’s cheeks turn a deep shade of red. He can’t hold my gaze. “No, Ollie. I do not like her in that manner.”
“Hey, mate. Poker? Not your game.”
SAYLOR
I wait until I’m certain Allan is around to finally venture out of my room, not trusting myself around Oliver alone. I couldn’t sleep last night, just kept reliving that unforgettable kiss over and over again. I wonder if our actual first kiss was that intense, that consuming. If it was, then I’m glad I got to experience it all over again. It turns out there’s a silver lining about my memory loss: I get to relive my firsts with Oliver all over again. Finally, I don’t feel completely broken that I can’t remember the last year.
Oliver and Allan are talking animatedly when I enter the living room. Oliver pauses briefly to look in my direction, and his lips break into a grin. “Good morning, sugar. Sleep well?”
“Marvelously.” I veer toward the kitchen so he can’t see the deep dark circles under my eyes. Not even makeup could hide it. I need caffeine stat.
“I’m glad to catch you. I want to discuss Wreck of the Day and our future plans,” Allan says.
“Sounds good. Let me get coffee first and we can talk.”
Five minutes later, I’m sitting across from Allan. Oliver has pulled his chair next to mine, but mercifully he left a little gap between us.
“You know the CW has included one of Wreck of the Day’s songs in their new series, right?”
“Yes, Tabatha filled me in. That’s amazing.”
“It really is. They’ve started filming the series and the writers had mentioned earlier that they would love it if the band could make a cameo appearance on the show.”
My stomach twists in knots because I know what Allan is going to say next.
“They need us ASAP, right?”
“Yes. We’re talking early next week.”
“So soon? I-I can’t play Rita yet.”
Oliver moves closer and places a hand on my arm. “Hey, sugar. Don’t worry. You don’t have to play live. They add the sound later.”
I drop my gaze to my left hand and manage to curl into a fist. “Still, I have to pretend I’m playing the guitar.”
“I’ve spoken to one of the producers. He’s aware of the situation and he guaranteed it won’t be a problem.”
I can’t keep postponing the band’s comeback. I’ve been too selfish lately, only caring about my problems.
“Okay,” I say.
“There’s another thing I’d like to run by you. I’ve found a potential new talent in San Diego, and I would like to invite them to play with the band.”
“Oh, that’s cool.”
My reply is a little less enthusiastic. Why am I being so petty? Renegades is a production company. Wreck of the Day wouldn’t remain their only talent forever. I should be happy they’ve found other people to work with.
No longer in the mood to talk business with Allan, I stand up. Music is calling to me. “I’m heading to the studio.”
I feel Oliver’s frown aimed in my direction, but I don’t acknowledge it. I also need to think what about my next move when it comes to him. Are we dating now? I snort in my head. The thought is ludicrous. How can someone date their husband?
As soon as I enter the studio, I receive a text message from Liv. Hey, I’m not sure if you know already, but Oliver’s birthday is coming up.
I pause in my tracks. “Crap,” I say out loud.
I don’t bother typing back, but call her right away. She answers on the first ring. “I’m such a cow.”
“Hello, good morning,” Liv replies.
“Sorry, good morning.”
“I take it you didn’t know about his birthday.”
“I did, but it totally slipped my mind.”
“But it’s on Valentine’s Day. How could you forget? Oh, that sounded so mean. I’m sorry.”
“No, be mean all you want. I deserve it. Time has gone so fast. I didn’t realize the day was approaching.”
Liv laughs. “It’s okay, Blue. Do you want to do something? Maybe we could all go out to dinner?”
I think about Oliver’s sweet surprise yesterday, and I want to repay him in kind. That’s what I propose to Liv, a surprise birthday party for Ollie. She’s completely on board, naturally. I also tell her about the swing.
“That’s so sweet,” she says.
“I know. There’s more.”
“Oh do tell.”
“I kissed him.”
Liv yells so loud I’m forced to pull the phone away from my ear.
“That’s awesome, Saylor. Ollie must be over the moon.”
“I don’t know. I kind of bailed afterward. One more reason for me to do something amazing for him. He’s taking so much shit from me.”
“Don’t worry, Blue. Oliver’s party will be epic.”
Sixteen
Saylor
Oliver and I haven’t kissed again only because I avoided being alone with him in the past week. There were lingering touches and caresses on both our ends, but things were busy enough that it didn’t seem like we had regressed in our relationship. At least I hope he doesn’t think that was the case. But every time I caught him staring at me, I saw written in his eyes the promise that he would have me soon enough. The thought excited and terrified me at the same time. Oliver is a hot enigma I won’t be able to fight much longer.
We filmed our cameo appearance last week. It took the entire day, mostly because there was a lot of waiting between shots. Tiring but also fun, and we got to meet the cast.
Today, I gave Oliver an excuse and headed to Liv’s place so we could plan his surprise birthday party. Liv had the brilliant idea to throw a themed party since his birthday falls on Valentine’s Day, so it’s going to be a “Love Shack”-styled party full of hearts, cupid, and glitter galore.
She’s driving me back home now, and I’m covered in the stuff. Oliver is going to notice, no doubt. He sees everything, and I don’t have an excuse to justify the amount of pink and red glitter all over my hair and clothes.
“Why does it have to be so clingy?” I rub my hands against my jeans.
“Beats me. I think I even have glitter in places the eye can’t see,” Liv replies.
“Well, if Bas shows up with glitter on his tongue, I’ll know why.” I laugh and Liv smacks my arm.
“Take your mind out of the gutter, will you?”
“I can’t. I feel like I’m on the verge of exploding. You have no idea how hard it is to live under the same roof as Oliver without getting any action. I’ve never masturbated so much in my life.”
“Why are you keeping him at arm’s length, Blue? Are you still denying that you’ve fallen in love with him?”
“What makes you say that?”
“Oh come on. I’m not blind. I see the gleam of excitement in your eyes every time you say his name.”
“The thing is, I’m afraid the feeling isn’t real, that it’s just the lust talking.”
“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You deserve to be happy.”
I look out the window, mulling over Liv’s words. Maybe I should stop fighting the current pushing in Oliver’s direction. I’m sure he would love it if I was his birthday present.
I shake my head. Having sex with him doesn’t seem enough. The surprise birthday party doesn’t seem enough. What can I give him that will show how much he means to me, eve
n if I can’t bring myself to say the words out loud yet?
Like a spark in the dark, the idea comes to me. The work-in-progress song I found a few weeks back. What if I finished it? Anxiety turns my stomach into knots; I don’t know if I’m ready to work on it. Even as I balk at the idea, it takes hold in my head. That’s it. If I can’t bring myself to finish that song, I have no business entertaining the idea of having sex with Oliver. It’s all or nothing.
Up ahead, a guy wearing a dog costume catches my attention. He’s carrying a sign advertising a dog shelter event nearby.
Hmm, cute dogs sound like a great distraction right now.
“Hey, Liv. Do you want to check that out?”
“Puppies? Heck yes.”
“Well, it’s a dog shelter event. I’m not sure if they have puppies there.”
“They’re all puppies to me.”
Liv turns onto the street the sign is pointing at. Farther down the road, several cars are parked on each side of the street. Colorful balloons and white tents make the event’s location hard to miss.
“How crazy would it be if we both brought dogs home?” Liv asks.
“Bananas crazy.”
Getting a dog never crossed my mind. I love them, but I’ve always felt they were too much work. But it breaks my heart seeing all those abandoned dogs and hearing their stories from the volunteers. It does make you want to take them all home.
Liv sees something that catches her attention and veers in that direction without a word to me. A woman on a mission.
I continue alone, stopping in front of the last cage on this trek. Inside, there’s a German shepherd, sitting on his hind legs. He reminds me of Xander. I read the name written on the sign: ‘Felix.’
“You were named after a cat?”
The dog makes a noise that sounds like a snort, as if he understood me. Then he lies on his belly, resting his muzzle on top of his paws. He turns slightly onto his side, allowing me to see the jagged white scar on the side of his head. Just like mine.
“Hi, there,” a volunteer greets me.
“Hi. What’s his story?”
“Oh, we’re not quite sure. He broke into someone’s yard and they brought him to the shelter. He was emaciated and covered in fleas. The folks who brought him in were kind enough to pay for the vet bills.”
“And that scar?”
“He already had it.”
“How long has he been in the shelter?”
“Six months. He’s very smart. Unfortunately, he’s not a social dog, and it’s hurting him finding a new home. If we don’t place him with a family soon, he’ll have to be put down.”
I stare at the guy, appalled. “You mean you’re going to kill him?”
“It’s awful, I know. Hopefully we can find him a home today.”
I turn to the dog, and then I crouch in front of his cage. “Can I take him out?”
“Uh, I’m not sure.”
I level the guy with a glare. “How do you expect him to be social when you keep him locked in a cage?”
“Hey, you look familiar.”
My cheeks turn hot and I avert my gaze. I’m not used to the whole fame thing yet. Liv finds me then, carrying a furry ball in her hands.
“What’s that?”
“Saylor, meet Fritz Coleman.”
“You adopted a dog?”
“I sure did. What do you think? Isn’t he the cutest?” The dog wags its tail and licks Liv’s face.
“That’s the ugliest dog I’ve ever seen.”
“Shut up.”
“I knew I recognized you from somewhere,” the volunteer interrupts. “You’re Saylor Blue from Wreck of the Day.”
“Yes, she is,” Liv is happy to rat me out. I give her my death stare, which she promptly ignores.
“Holy crap. I love your music. Can I take a selfie with you?” The guy already has his phone out.
Fine, if there’s no way out of this, I might as well get what I want in return.
“You can if you let Felix out.”
“Duh, of course.”
Oh my God, what a one-eighty in attitude! People are so silly when it comes to celebrities. The volunteer opens the cage, but the dog doesn’t move from its prone position. He truly isn’t a social dog.
Well I’m not having that. Getting onto my knees, I venture half in the cage.
“What is it, boy? Are you shy?”
Reaching out, I scratch the back of his ear. Felix closes his eyes, enjoying the caress.
“Wow, he never lets anyone near him. He must like you,” the volunteer says.
I’m not sure what it is about the dog that draws me to him, whether it’s his refusal to be a happy-go-lucky dog when he clearly has been through some serious shit, or the scar.
I get out of the cage and turn to the volunteer, still on my hands and knees. “What do I need to do to take him home with me today?”
“You want to adopt Felix?” The guy’s eyebrows shoot to the heavens.
“Yup.”
“I’m not sure. This is my first time helping out. I’m doing it to fulfil my fraternity’s charity work requirements. Let me get a supervisor.”
It turns out taking Felix home is super easy. Red tape is usually involved—a fact no one bothered to tell Liv. First and foremost, the shelter wants proof that a person can actually take care of a dog. But since I’m willing to use my fame to promote the event, the supervisor approves Felix’s and Fritz’s adoptions on the spot.
On the way home, we stop at a pet superstore and Liv and I go crazy. Her car is filled to the brim with pet toys and food. When we finally arrive at Renegades, we see Sebastian’s car parked in front of the house.
“Did you know Bas was coming over?” I ask.
“Nope, he didn’t say anything.”
“This is going to be epic.” I smile
“We couldn’t have planned it better.” She matches my devilish grin.
Seventeen
Oliver
I hear the front door open but don’t think much of it. My face is buried in the fridge, looking for the damn bangers I thought I still had. It’s not until I hear Bas curse loudly that I turn around. What the fuck! We’ve been invaded by a couple of fur balls.
“Surprise!” Liv yells from the top of the stairs.
“What the hell is that?” Sebastian points at a tiny dog going ballistic in my office.
“That’s Fritz Coleman, our newest dog,” Liv answers with a cheeky smile.
“What?” My mate’s reaction is comical. I would’ve laughed my ass off if it weren’t for the other, much larger dog in my house.
“What about that one?” I point at the German shepherd.
“Well, that’s ours.” Saylor moves closer to me, smiling from ear to ear.
“You got us a dog?”
My jaw drops. Of all the things she could’ve done, this is a total surprise, especially when we’re still unclear where we stand as a married couple.
“His name is Felix. Do you see the resemblance?” She points at the scar on the dog’s head and then everything becomes crystal clear to me.
I never thought I would own a dog one day. But seeing the happiness on Saylor’s face makes me fucking ecstatic that she got him. I walk out of the kitchen and stop in front of the dog. He stares at me, cocking his head as if he’s unsure if he likes me or not.
“Is he friendly?” I ask.
“He is to Liv and me.”
I raise my hand to pat his head, but the dog barks a warning. I pull back quickly. “I don’t think he likes me very much.”
Saylor scratches his head and the dog melts under her touch.
“It seems you’ve got some competition there, Ollie,” Bas says.
“Blimey. I can’t win.”
Saylor surprises me when she pulls me into a side hug, the most affection she’s shown me since the kiss. “No competition here.”
“Aw, look at you guys,” Liv says.
I turn to Saylor. “Really, su
gar?”
She glances up, looking into my eyes. Her gaze glints with mischief. “None. Felix wins.”
Her lips curl into a grin and I narrow my eyes at her. “Oh yeah? Can he do this?”
I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her closer to steal a kiss. As usual, I find myself lost in the taste of her. She doesn’t fight me and I wish we were completely alone. When the dog begins to bark like mad, I step away, not wanting to lose a limb.
“It seems you have a cock-blocker there, mate.” Bas laughs, earning a smack upside the head from Liv. “Ouch, what did I say?”
Saylor’s face is a serious shade of red as she crouches in front of the dog to calm him down. “It’s okay, boy. Oliver wasn’t attacking me.”
The dog barks twice and I shit you not, it looks like he’s smiling at Saylor.
Fuck, I truly think I have competition.
“I never realized you wanted a dog. I could’ve come with you to pick one,” I say.
“I wasn’t shopping for a dog.” Saylor stands up. “I saw a sign on the side of the road about the dog shelter event and something just prompted me to go check it out. I think I was meant to find Felix.”
I narrow my eyes at the dog. “You better be nice to me. Otherwise I’ll cock-block you.”
“Oh my God. Can you stop talking about cock-blocking?” Liv says, and her strange dog agrees by barking several times.
“Well, at least you’re a good-looking fella,” I say to Felix. “You could look like that chap over there. What is that, anyway? A cross between a mop and a Gremlin?”
Saylor snorts and Liv glares in our direction. “Fritz is not ugly!”
“Of course not, baby. He’s exotic,” Bas says with a straight face.
I stare at him like he’s lost his mind. When Liv walks outside, taking her ugly-ass dog with her, he adds, “What? I don’t want to be banished to the doghouse. I like having sex with wife.”
“Oh yeah? So, you’re not going to tell her you’ve decided to join Renegades?”
The levity leaves my friend’s face as he stares out the sliding doors. “Of course I’ll tell her.”