by Tasha Fawkes
"Why can't Chad just tell me himself?"
It wasn't that I didn't trust Martin, but he seemed kind of off. I worried that maybe Chad had said something to him. Was he planning a special evening because he wanted to send me home? That would be crazy, right? Chad would tell me if he wanted me to leave. Wouldn't he?
"It's all part of the surprise," Martin answered. He passed me a piece of hotel stationery, on which was scribbled an address.
"Meet him there at five p.m."
I stared at the address. It was in the city, and I wondered if it was some fancy restaurant. My heart gave an excited thump, and I pushed past my brief earlier misgivings. Everything was fine. I didn't know why I had such a nasty knot in my gut, but I needed to get over it, or I was going to spoil our night.
"Thank you, Martin."
His lips curved into a tight smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. What was his problem today? I must've just been picking up on the fact that Martin was in a bad mood for whatever reason, and that was making me nervous. Maybe he and Chad had fought. I couldn't wait to see Chad later to find out. I didn't like Martin like this. He made me nervous.
"No problem. I hope you guys have a fun evening." He turned without another beat and disappeared down the hall. I went back into my room and placed the paper down on the bedside table. I still had a couple of hours before I needed to start getting ready, which meant I had plenty of time to go down to the beach. In other words, I was getting the best of both worlds, and this looked like it was going to be a perfect day.
I stared excitedly out the window as the cab lurched through town, wondering at every set of stop lights if my destination was just around the corner. We passed luxury hotels and elegant restaurants but didn't stop at any, and when we started meandering through the more industrial looking part of town, I began to wonder if maybe the driver had read the address wrong.
Just as I was about to ask, he pulled over. "Here you go, miss."
I looked out the window and cringed. The area was rundown, a little grimy, even. There were no tourists in sight, which was my first red flag. Why would Chad want to meet me here?
"Are you sure this is the address?" I asked. I shoved the paper toward him, and he took it, reading it over again.
Finally, the cab driver nodded and passed the paper back. "Yep. This is it. Are you sure you wrote it down properly?"
"My friend wrote it down," I explained. "This must be it. I'm sorry for bothering you."
I paid him, and the older man gave me a warm smile. He must've seen the worry on my face. "Want me to stay here for a couple minutes, sweetheart? I don't mind."
His concern touched me, but I trusted Chad. He wouldn't have me come here if it wasn't safe.
"No, I'm okay," I said. "Thank you though."
"Alright, hon. Have a good evening."
I hoped I would.
I stepped out of the cab and wrapped my arms around myself nervously as I craned my neck, looking for Chad. A person further down the street gave me a funny look, probably because of the way I was dressed. Not having known that our date would be held in a dumpster, I'd worn my favorite navy dress. It was tight in the bodice and flared at the hips, giving me an alluring silhouette that I knew Chad would love. I'd paired it with a pair of strappy heels. Thank god I danced in heels for a living. It made me feel a lot better knowing that I could comfortably run somewhere if I needed to.
I watched the cab's taillights fade into the distance and wondered if maybe I should have asked him to stay. Someone rattled a garbage can somewhere nearby, and I practically jumped out of my skin. I needed to get it together.
Two big men in branded t-shirts and jeans, chains clinking as they walked, rounded the corner and started heading straight toward me. They were talking in low tones, but I couldn't hear what they said. I wasn't sure if they were talking about me or not, but an icy shiver tracked down my spine.
I moved to the side before they got to me, leaving them plenty of room on the sidewalk to pass. I didn't expect them to stop in front of me.
"You Brin?" the taller one asked. He was bald with dark skin, whereas the other one was so blonde his hair was almost white.
Was it too late to pretend I wasn't Brin? They obviously knew to expect me. Why would Chad send the two scariest guys in Hawaii to pick me up for our date?
I nodded uncertainly.
"Come with us," said the blond. "Chad's waiting for you."
The other snickered, and the oily taste of fear rose in my throat. I debated whether or not to refuse. Something didn't feel right. It wasn't just the intimidating welcome party, either. This place, Martin's manner earlier, Chad's absence.
Was this a test? I just couldn't puzzle out why he would want to test me. So then what? Maybe it was a party. Yeah, that was it. Chad had planned me a surprise party, and one of these warehouses was filled with balloons and streamers and friendly faces, and I was going to feel like a complete idiot as soon as I saw Chad's grinning face. We'd laugh about this experience, but I would ask him never to do it again.
"Okay," I finally squeaked out. "Lead the way."
The guys flanked me and started walking. I hunched my shoulders and tried to ignore the overpowering scent of cologne threatening to choke me.
We walked down the block and stopped in front of a dilapidated warehouse. I wasn't sure whether to feel relieved that my guess of a party looked more likely than ever, or utterly terrified because this was unquestionably the site of at least one murder.
"Is this the place?" I asked uncertainly.
The blond nodded. "Yeah. He's just in there. He's really excited."
I tensed my jaw. It was time to be brave, just like I'd been for the zip lining, for the cliff diving, for the ATVing. This was another adventure, and I just needed to grit my teeth and go through with it.
The bald one opened the door. It shrieked horribly, like the metal itself was warning me to get out of there. I swallowed my fear, put one foot in front of the other, and stepped into the darkened warehouse.
My two guides followed me, and I heard a shriek as they closed the doors behind them. I peered out into the darkness. Where were all the people? Where was Chad?
I turned to question my companions, but before I could my eye caught something at the side of the room. There was a small bed made on the ground. It looked far from inviting, and I decided if this was Chad's idea of romance then he and I were going to have to have a chat before he ever tried to romance me again.
Even as I thought this, I knew Chad wasn't here. I knew he wasn't going to be here, either. Something was horribly wrong, and I couldn't figure out what.
I looked between Baldie and Blondie. "What's going on?"
Blondie smirked and stretched out his hand. "Give me your phone."
"No." I clutched my purse, panic swelling in my chest. "Where the fuck is Chad?"
"He's not here. We ain't gonna hurt you. We ain't even gonna touch you. But we're on orders to get your phone from you and make sure you don't miss your flight in the morning. If you don't let us fulfill our orders, we're going to have to make you."
"My flight?" My head was spinning as I tried to comprehend what the hell was going on. "Am I being sent home? But—but I don't have any of my stuff. I didn't even get to say goodbye. What's going on?"
Baldie sighed like I was the most troublesome part of his day. "Your bags are on their way, princess. Now give us your fucking phone, or we're going to have a problem."
The idea of relinquishing my only means of communication to these apes was terrifying but only slightly less terrifying than the thought of what he might mean by "trouble". I didn't want to find out. With a shaky hand, I pulled my phone my from my clutch and handed it over, trying not to let my skin touch ay part of Baldie's while I did.
"Good girl," he said, shoving it in his back pocket. "You'll get it back at the airport tomorrow. For now, you'd better get comfortable." He gestured toward the makeshift bed. My stomach turned.
"A
re you guys going to leave me here?"
I couldn't tell whether the idea of being left alone in this place was creepier than the idea of them hanging out with me all night or not. At least if they didn't stay, I could try to find a way out. I quietly hoped for that to be the case.
Blondie chuckled. "Like fuck we are. Not at the rate we're getting paid. You're getting the VIP service, princess. We'll be here together all night long." He winked, and my stomach turned.
I obediently walked over to the bed. I wanted to rage rather than follow another one of their horrid commands, but the bed seemed like a better idea. At least there I could get under the covers and pretend none of this was happening. At least there I could retreat and hope that when tomorrow came, they would take me to the airport as they said.
I got into bed and I hoped.
Sixteen
Chad
I spent the whole day with Lori, cruising out on crystalline waters and drinking wine older than I was. She always knew how to live in style.
Despite the luxury, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. Things felt different than they had when we were together. They weren't as smooth.
It was obvious to me what the problem was—Lori wasn't Brin.
Sure, she was just as beautiful as Brin. And, to an outsider, we got along just as well. As a billionaire's daughter, she had been trained in all the fine arts of conversation, having had to entertain her family's connections since she first wobbled into a pair of designer shoes. She could talk politics, world events, entertainment, all while looking as polished as one of the opal pendants she favored. We kept up a conversation the whole day, but the entire experience felt flat.
I always thought that Lori and I's ability to converse for hours was the hallmark of a good relationship. The juxtaposition of Brin and Lori was not kind to my former lover. I quickly realized that our conversations lacked any real emotional depth. I didn't feel any warmer toward her after talking, and I didn't get the feeling she did either. We were just two instruments of conversation.
Brin was ultimately much quieter, but she made more impact with her words. She meant the things she said. She meant the questions she asked. She was genuine and funny and made me want to lean in to catch her every word. I barely knew the girl, and I already found it easier talking to her than I did to Lori, my girlfriend of two years. What did that mean?
I was looking forward to getting back to the hotel and seeing Brin. Lori expected a decision from me soon. At this point, I felt like telling her to sod off so I could be with Brin, but I knew it would be a mistake to make my choice too hastily. Brin wasn't my real girlfriend. None of this was real. The connection we had felt sincere, but I couldn't know that for sure this early on in the game. In many ways, Lori and I were perfect for each other, and she'd certainly be the path of least resistance, but did that mean she was the right choice?
I had to talk to Brin tonight. I had to figure out exactly what we meant to each other. What I meant to her. Only then would I be able to give Lori her answer.
Lori drove with me back to the hotel, claiming that she'd told her driver to pick her up there. I would give her credit at least for trying. She was putting effort into getting us back together, which suggested I had to mean something to her, right? Lori wasn't big into emotional displays, so I noted her persistence.
We reached the hotel's grand marble breezeway, and a valet opened the Jeep's door for me. I jumped out, walking around to open the door for Lori. She hated getting her own door and would complain if I didn't do the 'gentlemanly' thing.
"I had a wonderful day," she chirped, gliding out of the car.
"Me too," I replied. "Is your driver already here? I can wait with you."
She waved airily. "Oh, he's on his way. In the meantime, I'd love to see your room."
Lori stared at me lustily, lashes fanning her cheeks and her lips parted ever so slightly. One look from her like this used to have me panting. She looked hot, but something was still missing for me.
"I'm afraid that's not possible," I told her.
"Why not?"
"Brin's probably up there. I don't think it would be fair to burst in and have my ex-girlfriend sniffing around."
I didn't tell her that I also just didn't fancy spending any more time with her today. I was officially over it.
Lori rolled her eyes. "Boo. You're no fun."
"I had a nice day, Lori," I said, making my dismissive intent clear. "I'll talk to you tomorrow." I leaned in to kiss her cheek, then gave her one last smile and headed for the elevator. As it lifted me, my spirits lifted too. I was heading back to Brin, back to the girl who made me smile just by being her adorable self. The girl who injected my veins with fire every time she looked at me. The decision I had to make weighed heavily on my conscience, but at least I could be free of it for a few hours more.
The elevator doors slid open, and I started down the hall. I unlocked the door and stepped through, but didn't notice the door not closing behind me because I was too distracted by the scene inside the room.
Brin wasn't there. Not only was she not there, but it looked like all her stuff was gone too. The bed was perfectly made, and her side was free of clutter. No suitcase. No clothes. I strode forward, unable to believe what I saw.
"Where is she?" Lori asked from behind me.
I turned just as she let the door close, smiling innocently.
"Did you follow me up here?" I asked.
She shrugged. "I wanted to see my competition for myself. Can you blame me?"
"Yes." I frowned. "I told you that it wouldn't be fair to Brin. How did you even get up here?"
"I took the stairs," she replied. "These long legs can do more than just catwalks, you know."
I shook my head and continued further into the room. Lori was the least of my problems. Could it be that Brin had just put all her stuff somewhere else? The bathroom was empty. Her toothbrush was missing from the holder. The living room was empty too, except for the few items strewn about that were mine.
She was gone. Brin was really gone.
Lori followed me into the living room. "The way you're freaking out makes me think that perhaps your little bird has flown the nest?"
I ignored her and whipped out my phone, dialing Brin's number. It went straight to voicemail. I cursed and tried Martin. Maybe he knew what the hell was going on.
Martin answered straightaway. "Hey man, I'm going to come down to your room real quick. Be there in a minute."
I didn't like that. It meant that Martin did know something, something I wasn't going to like.
"See you soon."
I hung up, and Lori came to my side, picking my hand up in hers. I let her, my mind too busy whirring for answers to think of anything else. Why would Brin leave? The only thing I could think of was that she'd found out about Lori being here. Had she seen us together? Fresh guilt crashed over me, and my head started to spin.
Martin's knock on the door brought me back to the present. I charged over and yanked the door open.
"Hey," Martin said with a soft smile. "Can I come in?"
I nodded, and he entered. He straightened when he saw Lori.
"Lori," he said. "What are you doing here?"
Her grin was utterly feline. "Wouldn't you like to know."
"Martin, where's Brin?" I asked.
Martin ran a hand through his hair and winced. "Uh, she packed up this afternoon after you left. I tried to get her to stay but she just told me to tell you that she's sorry, but coming on this trip was a huge mistake. I tried to ask her why but she wouldn't tell me. I'm sorry, man."
I sighed and sank down on the bed, defeated. Lori slid down next to me and rubbed a hand on my back. Why was she choosing now to be supportive? This was my new girlfriend, after all. Part of me suspected her of some wrongdoing, but what could she do? If Brin thought the trip was a mistake, she thought the trip was a mistake. And maybe it was.
Unless Martin was lying, of course, but why
would he? I trusted him with my life. We'd been in this together since the beginning, and he wouldn't put me over like that. Much as I didn't want to believe that Brin would leave me so easily, that was the only possibility that made any sense.
"Do you want some time alone?" Lori asked in a surprising display of sympathy.
I almost told her I did, but something stopped me. I couldn't sit here and be upset about Brin all day. I couldn't spend the rest of this trip moping about how my fake girlfriend had left me. I had to get my shit together and do the work I came here to do. In a way, it was a good thing Brin had left. It didn't feel like a good thing, and in fact, it felt a little like having my heart ripped from my chest via my splintered rib cage, but at least she'd solved my dilemma for me. If nothing else, she'd shown me that us being together wouldn't work. If she could leave that coldly without even saying goodbye, I must not have meant as much to her as she meant to me. I still couldn't believe she'd do that, but I was going to have to figure out a way to believe it pretty damn soon.
"Don't go," I said, forcing a smile. "Let's go down to the bar and have a couple drinks. I feel like I could use one."
Lori's lips turned up at the corners. "That sounds great."
"Martin, you in?" I asked, directing my gaze at my best friend.
Both of them seemed surprised that I'd included Martin in this equation. Lori probably thought that after our drink we'd be coming up and making up for lost time in the sheets, but I wasn't feeling it. Not yet, anyway.
It meant something to me that she'd come all the way out to Hawaii to win me back, and that she admitted that leaving me in the first place was a mistake. I owed it to her to try to make things work now that there was nothing else in the way of us doing so. Besides, I needed to cap my devastation over Brin's departure and get this trip back on track. I could and would make great videos without Brin. Lori was here. I still had Martin and Russell.
"Yeah, I'll come for a bevie or two," said Martin gamely. "Just let me grab my wallet."