I Treasure Your Heart

by C. M. King

  “Oh he’ll remind you at every opportunity. He once walked in on me and a guy in the toilets. We were banging away and little did I know pervert there was enjoying the floor show,” Corinne admitted as Micha and I cringed.

  “Eww, he is such a dick. He really lives to just embarrass us.” Micha scowled.

  “Well, he has enough material on me now to get him through the next three months.” I sighed, just dreading all the piss takes that were about to follow. It didn’t take much to embarrass me, and now he had enough ammunition to last him a lifetime.

  “Well, apart from the explosive sex, did you have a good time?” Corinne asked.

  “Yeah, I didn’t want to let him go. I miss him so much, this whole distance apart is an absolute killer and we’ve only just started.” I thought back to me crying on the platform as I watched Joel head towards his train. He had held me and soothed me, but in the end, he had to let go and leave me there in a flood of tears. I calmed down after twenty minutes of slowly sipping on a coffee. I guess it would never get easier. It was just something that I’d have to get used to.

  “It’s hard at first, but then you’ll adapt and learn to get by through FaceTiming and texting, as long as you don’t lose that connection, it will be enough to get you through the days and it’s not forever, right? Think of all the amazing sex you’ll have once you’re reunited.” Micha winked in an effort to cheer me up.

  She did have a point.

  “Oh did I see a hint of a smile there?” Corinne teased.

  I had to admit the thought of being alone with Joel and nothing between us was enough to bring more than a smile to my face despite my present mood.

  “You’ve got me there.”

  “Ahh girl I would be smiling too if I had my own Joel.” Corinne sighed and I couldn’t help but feel lucky that I had him too. He would soon be home now and that thought made my heart heavy.

  “I think we need to arrange a girly night to cheer Izzy up. I’m talking popcorn, ice cream and Ryan Gosling. What do you say after the performance we veg and just unwind.”

  It was a perfect idea. I’d be too wired to sleep anyway, so hanging out with the girls sounded good.

  “I’m in. What do you want me to bring?”

  Micha bit her lip in contemplation. “Some ice cream, chocolate and whatever snacks you can lay your hands on. We can go all out and then pound it off during rehearsals. We can allow for a binge session every now and then.”

  “I think it’s a given that we have a huge blow out,” Corinne added with a smile.

  “Say my room at eleven?” I’m furthest away from Josh so we don’t have to listen to his sex antics while we drool over Ryan.” Micha grinned.

  “Eww, I do not have to hear that guy banging any more, like really can he not settle down instead of dipping his dick in every vagina going.” Corinne scowled.

  Micha’s eyes slowly perused Corinne’s face. “Are you maybe a little jealous perhaps? You always seem to have an issue with him in particular despite the other guys banging away just the same.”

  “No,” Corinne snapped, blushing.

  Ahhh she did.

  “I think you were too quick to protest there,” Micha added, stirring the pot.

  Corinne pulled a face. “Do you honestly think I could even like someone that acts that way?”

  “Honey, your face is telling me different. How long have you liked him and how come I’ve never noticed before? Normally I’m quite intuitive like that.” Micha sighed looking annoyed at herself.

  “I don’t know what you mean, I don’t—”

  “Please, just admit it,” Micha urged as Corinne frowned.

  “Fine, I like him. Are you happy?” Corinne barked.

  “Not really when it’s making you miserable. How long have you liked him?”

  She bit her lip looking hesitant to answer. “For a while, we hung out a few times secretly, and he well, he showed me a side of him that was different. I guess it all changed from there.”

  “Does he even know that you like him?” Micha asked.

  Her eyes dropped down. “What do you think?”

  “He might act differently if he did,” I added softly, hoping not to enrage her anger any more.

  “I don’t know it’s as if something flipped a switch like he knew we were getting too close and he changed. He started shagging around and almost parading it in my face. I never thought he could do something like that. I thought we had something, sure, it was early days, but there was a spark there. Something that told me he had feelings too.”

  Micha grabbed her hand. “He probably does like you but you know how some guys are they run scared from any form of commitment.”

  “I know in the early days with me and Joel, he was scared to commit. He had so many issues and it was hard to love someone who you know has feelings for you, but they are scared to admit it. There were times I thought about just walking away but love doesn’t let you. Your heart won’t let you. Because you know they could be the one and you hold onto that hope, and if you’re lucky like me, it all works out in the end.”

  “I hope so.” She sighed but the look in her eyes told me she was far from believing her own words.

  “God, Izzy, you are nearly making me cry, girl. I think I need to ring my boyfriend.” Micha headed off leaving us alone. Corinne smiled, masking her despair. I knew there was good in Josh, that he had the capability to be a good boyfriend, but was he ready to commit?

  “It will work its way out eventually. Sometimes guys just need that extra shove. If you really like him then tell him, put it out there. If he rejects you, then it’s his loss. You move on because you deserve better and you will find it.”

  “Izzy, I don’t think I can. He does little things that I know are directed at me. It’s almost like he’s trying to hurt me, to tell me that he doesn’t want me that way. He flaunts all his skanks in front of me. I just try to harden myself to it. He’s never going to change, I know that, so I need to move on. It’s just hard when you have to see each other every day.”

  “Then we’ll help you move on. We’ll have lots of girly time together, and we’ll help you find a guy who’s going to treat you like you should be treated,” I soothed. I would do anything I could to help her get through the pain I had gone through already.

  “Thanks, Izzy, it’s nice to finally get it out into the open. I’ve been bottling it up and lately it just seemed like everything was about to come to ahead.”

  “Tonight will be our night to forget about guys that suck and concentrate on Ryan.” He was always a good distraction.

  “We all can depend on Ryan to make us smile,” she added.

  “That’s for certain.” My phone sprung to life, Elijah’s name quickly flashed up. I was debating to answer in case it involved anything of the wedding kind, but then I felt guilty for ignoring him.

  “Hey, you’d better get that. I’ll leave you to it.” Corinne stood up and smiled, before walking off.

  “Hey Elijah.”

  “Hey Iz, I just thought I’d give you a ring and—”

  “Oh Izzy, remember to bring The Notebook, there’s no evening if we don’t have him to perv over.”

  I covered the mouthpiece. “Will do.”

  “Sorry, that was just Corinne—”

  “Are you seriously planning to watch The Notebook without me?” Elijah shrieked. Almost causing me to lose all hearing in my right ear.

  “Well . . . errr yeah,” I finally admitted, waiting for the onslaught.

  “What happened to our pact?” he all but yelled.

  “Well, it’s just the girls wanted to—”

  “Oh so you blow our agreement away when it suits you.” He snorted, his voice filled with rage.

  “But—”

  “Don’t try to justify yourself, Izzy, it’s fine.” But I knew it was far from fine.

  “Elijah, please, it’s hard enough being away from you all. I have to have something that makes me happy. The girls neede
d a girly night, and it is the perfect film to watch.”

  He sighed. “It is and I’m sorry. It’s only because I miss you and our Ryan and Channing nights. Sam doesn’t like chick flicks, he just doesn’t get them.” There was a touch of annoyance to his voice. Poor Sam. They were totally different in that aspect.

  “I miss you too. I wish you were here to meet my new friends. You would love them.”

  “I’ll be coming to see you soon, but with work and everything, it’s finding the time to get off as we’re short staffed. I would kill to be there tonight with you all.”

  I smiled as I knew he meant every word. “You could be, we could FaceTime and watch the DVD together. The only problem is we’ll be watching after the show so it won’t be till eleven thirty. Is that too late for work?”

  “Nope, I’m doing the afternoon session tomorrow. Sam is always out like a light. I could curl up on the sofa and chat to you all.”

  “Perfect then.” I grinned.

  “Ooooh, I might go out and buy a onesie for the occasion,” he chirped, excitement laced in his voice.

  “There’s no need—”

  “Seriously, Iz, I’ve been looking at it for a while, but Sam said I had to cut back on my spending but it is to die for. If I’m meeting your friends at a slumber party then I’m wearing a onesie.”

  “Won’t Sam get mad?” I asked, frowning. I didn’t want to be the cause of any arguments.

  “Oh I’m sure I can win him ’round in other ways. You know how persuasive I am. He can’t stay mad at me for long. Anyway I have to go and buy it. Ooh I could maybe stop at Royale’s too and buy some accessories, maybe a scarf?”

  “Elijah—”

  “I gotta go, Iz. I’m so excited about tonight. Will talk to you later, sweetie, bye.”

  He hung up before I even had chance to persuade him he didn’t need to get dressed up. Heck, I’d be wearing my old pyjama bottoms and a T-shirt, but it was his typical style to go all out. I knew it had a lot to do with his mood and his need to impress. I should maybe warn Corinne and Micha about his overzealous personality, but I was sure they would love him and be more than ready for a visit in person. I missed him like crazy, but as his normal topic of conversation was always wedding related, I was glad for the distance in that way. I looked at my watch I had to be at the theatre shortly I needed to finish up and get going. I was hoping my second night was going to run more smoothly.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  I poured the large bag of popcorn into the bowl, handing it over to an overly eager Micha who was happy to hold it as she began to devour the contents. We’d chosen her room as it was the furthest away from Josh’s. Of course he had been his usual arrogant self, making it more than obvious that his plans for the night were to shag another faceless girl. Corinne’s face dropped at the sound of his taunting voice and my heart broke for her. It took me back to the time when Joel and Mike constantly goaded about their long list of one-night stands. The memory alone made me shudder, and I quickly put that thought out of my mind. How I managed to maintain my cool back then I don’t know, but Joel and I were in more than an amazing place. I just needed to help Corinne find hers.

  “Right, we have three tubs of Ben & Jerry’s, huge bowl of popcorn, extra-large bag of Doritos and of course our wine. Are we missing anything?” Corinne mused.

  “Well, actually, guys—”

  “What? Did you invite someone?” They both looked slightly annoyed at the thought of an unwanted visitor, but I knew as soon as Elijah popped up on my iPad screen all would be forgiven.

  “He’s not here in person but he soon will be.” They looked at me mystified as I picked up the iPad within seconds a booming voice came through.

  “Hey Iz, I’ve been waiting a while, all excited for Ryan Gosling night. Well, introduce me to your new friends. I cannot wait to meet these ladies.”

  They both grinned and I sighed with relief as I pointed the iPad in their direction so he could have a better look.

  “Oooh sexy ladies, if I wasn’t gay, I’d be asking for your numbers. Introduce me, Iz, you know I don’t stand on ceremony.”

  I rolled my eyes as they all laughed. I knew he would instantly have them charmed. It was always the case.

  “This is—”

  “I’m Elijah, Izzy’s bestest friend ever. We’re soul mates, and we have to do all things Ryan Gosling related together. We made a pact that Izzy almost broke, but as I can’t be there this is the next best way to join you ladies. Now have you got any questions for me? But just remember I’m gay and happily taken.”

  They both laughed, well Corinne snorted much to our amusement.

  “Well damn, why are all the good guys gay?” Corinne sighed.

  “All the hot guys with a fabulous taste for fashion usually are. Check out my onesie, I can’t even do casual without bringing a little moi into it.” He ran the iPad down the length of his body, showing off his black designer outfit. It was fitted within an inch of his life showing every single muscle, and the zip was halfway down his chest revealing his naked torso. He had certainly been maintaining that physique, I’m sure Corinne and Micha would agree. Eventually he returned the iPad to his smiling face. “Now ladies, no more drooling, it isn’t attractive.” He winked.

  “Okay, enough of hogging the limelight it’s nearly eleven thirty, we need to get this film rolling,” I said, cutting in on the conversation.

  “Fine—” Elijah pouted. I guessed he was more than enjoying being the entertainment.

  “What do you have snack wise?” I asked curiously.

  “Your favourite cupcakes.” He grinned as I scowled.

  “No way,” I huffed in annoyance.

  “Yep.”

  “Did you do this on purpose?” I pouted, already missing the sweet strawberry goodness. God, I wanted one so bad.

  “I’m just reminding you how many good things are waiting for you when you return home, me being the top one.”

  “Did I tell you he is shameless?” I said, looking at both Corinne and Micha. They both grinned in reply. I could tell whose side they had taken already.

  “Oh I love him, I want a gay BFF.” Micha sighed.

  “Me too. Elijah, you need to get yourself to one of our shows, we have to meet you in person,” Corinne chirped enthusiastically.

  “Oh I’m coming to the Manchester one next month. I’ve already arranged my outfit and will be bringing Izzy her cupcakes to keep that smile on her face. We have to go out and party. I am so up for kicking my heels off and hitting that dance floor.”

  “Oh lead the way and we will follow,” Micha added. Her eyes full of excitement at the prospect.

  “Cannot wait, it will be fabulous, but I think we’ve got to dial it back and relax and just enjoy the amazingness of Ryan Gosling.” Elijah gave me a wink indicating he was ready for the film to begin.

  “True, Corinne hand me the Doritos, I am ready for this.” Micha flopped down on the bed as we all arranged ourselves in various positions ready to begin the film. I turned and faced Elijah so he had a good view and sighed as the titles rolled on the film that would never fail to steal my heart.

  * * *

  “Does he always cry this hard?” Corinne asked, looking slightly amused though she swiped away a little tear before it escaped down her cheek.

  “Yep.” I blew my nose and dabbed my eyes. It was always the case with us no matter how many times we watched it. The ending always had the same effect of totally destroying us.

  “Man, that film is a killer at the end, but sheesh, I wish Noah would build me a house and of course live with me so we could have some hot sex.”

  “Ewww, Micha, and you’re taken too,” Corinne complained.

  She scowled. “I’m allowed to look at the goods. I just can’t touch, but maybe for Ryan I would make the exception.”

  “That’s what I always tell Izzy,” Elijah piped up. “I’m allowed to admire other hot ripped guys. It’s only human nature to be attracted to othe
r people, it’s when you cross the line that it becomes an issue.”

  Micha held up her drink. “I toast to that. We are still human after all.”

  “Well, I don’t look anywhere,” I huffed, annoyed just at the thought.

  “That’s because you have Joel, the walking Adonis.” Corinne snorted.

  “Oh tell me about it, the dreams I’ve had about that hot guy.”

  “Elijah,” I barked.

  “Oh quit bitching, Izzy, I wasn’t going to go into details unless you want me too.” He winked.

  Corinne’s eyes widened in response. “I wouldn’t mind hearing—”

  “Nope, both of you shush,” I said, glaring.

  “Elijah, we can swap numbers and compare,” Corinne said, pulling out her mobile.

  “Seriously?”

  “Oh hush, Izzy.” He winked as I rolled my eyes they were both shameless.

  Micha piped up, “So when will you be coming to the show. We are there for a week, if you come on the Friday or Saturday we could hit the town and really make a night of it.”

  “Saturday the twenty-sixth Sam and I will be arriving. We have our tickets and hotel booked. Sam is driving us up so I might begin the party a little early.”

  “Sounds good.” I yawned. It was way past my bed time now.

  “Am I boring you, Izzy?”

  “No, but performing takes it out of you, I am wrecked.” I was more than ready to hit the hay.

  “Oh I wish I was on stage with you guys. I really need my big break too, I was born for the stage, I just need someone to recognise that.” He sighed almost despairingly making me sad.

  “They will, your talent will shine through,” I soothed. I could almost guarantee that one day he’d get his big break too.

  “We could have a word with Tony, the director. He’s working on some other projects after this and will be auditioning once this run is over. We will gladly put your name forward,” Micha offered.

  “O-m-g, really?” Elijah shrieked. “Shit, I may have just woken up Sam, and he won’t be happy. I might have to go and do some damage control, ladies. If you know what I mean.”