by Melissa Jane
Farewelling them, Leo snaked his hand around my waist guiding me through the maze of the hospital.
“Jase believes Mimi will be released by the weekend.”
I looked up at his face. “For real? That’s awesome! She is looking so much better than last week.”
“Her ups and downs are stressful. Some days her body just refuses to move, her mind blank. Then the next day she’ll be laughing and teasing her dad like there isn’t even anything wrong with her. I believe it’s the meds. Anyway, Jase wants to have a homecoming for her, you in?”
“Of course. Do you mind if I bring Nicole? She’s always keen to get out of the house on weekends and loves kids.”
“Absolutely. She can bring Brett too if she likes.”
“Oh, I don’t think that’s necessary. I’m almost certain that short-lived relationship is over.” I couldn’t exactly tell him Nicole ended things over a pinky sized penis.
CHAPTER 17
“So…” Professor Lindsay began staring at me from her thick rimmed glasses. I remained standing while she sat behind her large desk that consumed almost the whole room. It was the first time I’d been in her office and I wasn’t impressed. It actually did highlight just how little she thought of my work. The walls were adorned with the most hideously oppressive abstract paintings I had ever seen. They carried the same traits which told me it must be a series from the same artist. “I am pleased you have finally made your decision.” She emphasized the word ‘finally’ and it took all the strength I possessed not to roll my eyes. She really was dramatic. “Your lack of eager response was proving to be embarrassing for the college.
Of course it was.
“Well, you have it now, so I guess we can move on to the next stage.” I was trying to usher her along, although she seemed set on making me suffer. I had a hot date I simply did not want to miss.
“You leave in under two months.” My heart hurt. “The college is taking care of your Visa that will last the entire two years. Ms. Marks is everything okay?” Her impatient tone broke my train of thought.
Two years of no Leo.
“Yes, fine, carry on.”
“You will finish with the end of semester exhibition. I understand you will have a heavy workload and the stress of moving overseas, but I certainly do not expect to see a drop in your grades. They must be maintained for the scholarship to commence. Are you hearing what I’m saying?”
“Yes, Professor.”
“Since you are currently top of the class, your series may or may not be bought by the college as per previous years.”
“Is that what these are?” I pointed to the hideous display on the wall. “Work from a previous student?”
“Of course not,” she appeared affronted. “They are mine.”
“They’re lovely,” I croaked, lamely attempting to hide my shock.
“Don’t bullshit me, Ms. Marks,” her brash response was unexpected, and this time I couldn’t hide my shock. “I’m sure you feel about my art style exactly how I feel about yours.”
She never ceased to amaze me.
“The French will love you. Have a good day Ms. Marks.” With that backhanded comment, she put her head down and continued reading her document as if I wasn’t there.
Whenever my interaction with her came to a close, I always felt the need for wine.
Taking my leave, I closed the door behind me and smiled at Marge, who seemed engrossed by a sculpture set on a display box in the center of the waiting room.
“What is it?” I asked, staring at it intently.
“I’ve been trying to figure it out,” Marge stated through squinty eyes.
We both tilted our heads side to side as if the image might miraculously make sense. “I think it’s a man.” Like everything else on this floor, it was abstract. The ceramic piece appeared languid in form, the man’s body accentuated until it was almost unrecognizable.
“Why does it have three legs?” Marge asked, touching the middle ceramic piece.
“I don’t think that’s a leg—”
“Oh hell!”
“Shit, Marge!” I whispered in urgency seeing her face pale, the brown piece of penis now between her guilty chubby fingers. “Just drop it. Come on.”
“Ms. Marks?”
“Oh shit!” My words barely formed as I closed my eyes, hearing my name from an unknown voice behind me. Marge froze, seemingly with the notion that if she didn’t move, she would go unnoticed, despite the abstract genitalia in her hand.
Turning on my heel, I did my best to block the now emasculated figure. “Yes?” I put on my best smile, feeling my cheeks flush.
Beside me, I heard Marge whisper like a ventriloquist, “It’s seven thousand dollars.”
The woman with severe facial features looked from me to the back of Marge with dubious curiosity. Subtly nudging her in the ribs, she straightened convinced she was still unseen.
“I need you to come and sign some papers regarding your Visa.”
Her voice didn’t match her face. I wondered if she had ever noticed that, or if it were something only others would hear and see.
“Sure,” I said, clearing my throat. “I’ll do it now. Let me just say goodbye to my friend.”
With a curt nod, she turned on her heel that I personally deemed too damn high for a college office. Waiting until she was back behind the front desk, I turned to Marge bearing a big, fake smile. I could feel the secretary’s eyes still assessing us.
“Give the penis to me,” I whispered and Marge blushed with embarrassment.
“I didn’t know it was a penis. I wouldn’t have touched it, had I of known.” She handed me the piece, quick to banish the feel from her hands.
“Marge, do you even listen to what you say?”
“Ms. Marks?” The secretary beckoned me.
“I’ll deal with it. Just go back to the studio.”
Like a chastised child, Marge made a quick step down the hall, as I held the seven thousand dollar penis in my hand. Walking to the counter, I saw my paperwork already spread out into sections.
“The first one to sign is your Visa documents. The second is your contract with Lafayette stating the hours expected of production. The third is another contract specifying that at no point unless there is a death or expectant death in the family, are you allowed to fly back home.”
My heart sank. I had already begun mapping out when I could see Leo. Stupidly, I’d assumed that like every college or school there would be holidays. Apparently not so.
“Is there a problem?”
“No,” my response sounded weak.
“Should you leave for any reasons outside of those specified your scholarship is immediately canceled.”
“Why so strict?”
“They’ve had students in the past fly home for break and not return. They are investing in you, so they want to ensure that there are no losses for them.”
Swallowing the doubt that was surfacing, I signed each form. I had once imagined the excitement at being selected and going through this process, but not anymore.
Now, I was plagued with the feeling I had just sold my soul.
***
“Babe?” Nicole’s voice was gentle and full of concern. “Is everything okay?”
I was lying face down on my bed, my tears soaking into my pillow.
“No!” My voice was muffled.
“Talk to me.”
“I’m an idiot.”
That caused Nicole to chuckle. “Sit up. Come on, tell me what happened.”
Propping myself up, I swiped at the rebellious tears. “I don’t know why I feel like this. I hardly know Leo and I’m this close to canceling the one thing I have been striving for, for as long as I can remember.”
“Your scholarship?”
Nodding, I saw Nicole’s face grow serious.
“Yes, it has been quick. But you two together is…it’s something else. You just click. Like you were made for each other.”
“You’re not helping.”
A small smile played on her lips. “I know, but you want the truth. The truth is, you and Leo are meant to be together. Just not yet.”
“We haven’t even said we love each other so why I am seriously considering changing my life for him?”
“For all the reasons I just said. That man worships you. I saw it the first dance class we took and no doubt you captured his attention while he was posing naked for you. Does he want you to go?”
This time, I shook my head. “He only wants me to go because it’s my dream.”
“He’s a good man.”
“Nicole!”
“I’m sorry,” she held her hands up in defense. “I can start calling him filthy names if it means you stick to your plan.”
“No need. I’ve already signed the contract for Lafayette.” With saying that, a fresh wave of tears fell down my cheeks.
“Oh, honey.” Nicole pulled me into her arms. “You’re a romantic at heart. Just enjoy the rest of your time with him and somehow, someway Leo will make things better.”
***
“That night, Leo and I dined at his restaurant. For a Thursday night, the room was bustling with people and the rich aromas of food had my stomach grumbling. A new chef was being trialed for a part-time position while Jase took time out with Mimi.
Spanish music played in the background and the candle light in the middle of the table created a soft, intimate glow.
“You look incredible,” Leo mused. He hadn’t taken his eyes off me since he picked me up from my house. I had Nicole to thank for covering up my puffy eyes and red cheeks. Leo was dressed in a dark blue long sleeved shirt that was rolled to his elbows and a pair of dark jeans. He looked every bit divine.
“Thank you,” I began, knowing I would have to divulge the information to him. “Leo, I signed the contract for France today.”
I was studying his face carefully and my heart broke when I saw the light disappear from his eyes. A tight knot formed in my throat and I was unable to talk.
“It’s okay, Josie. You don’t need to explain anything. This is what you have to do.”
Leo refreshed my glass of wine which I gratefully accepted. Taking a large sip, I relished in feeling it start to relax my muscles. I was already on my third glass and I hadn’t eaten a thing all day. I couldn’t. Ever since finishing with Professor Lindsay and sealing my fate, my stomach had been in constant knots.
“I have something I want to ask you,” he began in an attempt to change the subject.
“Go ahead,” I encouraged, welcoming the distraction.
“I have an annual beach party held at La Monde. It attracts people nationwide and every year I stage a show. I’ve given it some thought and although you have only just started, and with some practice, I would be honoured if you could do this year’s dance with me. The Bachata.”
“Are you freakin’ serious?” My eyes were wide as saucers and my hands gripped the sides of our square table.
Leo chuckled at my reaction and for the life of me, I couldn’t understand why I was so excited. I only knew the bare bones of the dance.
“I am fully serious,” he stated, the earlier light returning to his eyes.
“I need a lot of lessons.”
“You need some lessons, but you are a fast learner so I have no doubt you will be ready by then.”
“Oh my God! I don’t know what to say. Thank you. Are you sure? I mean I don’t want to stuff it up and be an embarrassment to you.”
“Josie Marks, you could never be an embarrassment. So are you in?”
“Yes!”
“It’s on the Saturday before you leave.”
Sucking in air, I was already preparing myself for an emotional weekend. My final exhibition is on the night before.
“Josie, you leave in under two months. I’ve already made a promise to myself to give you the best time before you go.”
It was only hard to say because social conventions dictated I wait. But I was seriously convinced that I already loved this man.
***
The food was amazing. In fact, I believe I died and went to heaven for at least twenty minutes. Leo too seemed pleased with the results from his new chef and as he made his way over to the table, I could see he was rather proud of himself.
“Chef, that was exquisite,” Leo began shaking his new employee’s hand.
“Thank you, Chef,” he responded before turning his attention to me. “And you Madame, did you enjoy your meal?”
“Ah, I practically licked my plate.”
Chef smiled with delight and took his leave. The last of the remaining diners were finalizing their checks when a new flood of people came waltzing through the door.
“What’s happening?”
“They’re here for a bit of an after party. Every second week we have a late night dance session. We can leave or stay, it’s your choice.”
“Are you kidding me? Of course I’ll stay.”
Rewarding me with a broad smile, he took my hand and guided me to the dance floor where Natasha had already started the music. The beats pounded out loud, the first song one I hadn’t heard before. Instead of coupling, people gravitated on the floor to dance solo.
“It’s reggaeton, no partners required,” Leo mouthed against my ear. “Unless, of course, people are keen to take someone home,” he continued, “It’s an informal dance, heavy on the seduction side.”
I turned to him, my hands hooking around his neck. “Well, I do have someone I’m considering taking home.”
“Is that so?”
“He’s this hot Spaniard, with biceps I just wanna eat.”
“I think I might know him.”
“Do you think he’s into me?”
“I happen to know for a fact that he wants to ravage you every time he sees your fine ass.”
A shiver of delight ran up my spine.
“Excuse me,” Ben the bartender appeared by our sides. “The Saurez brothers have arrived and are already heavily intoxicated. Should we evict them?”
Following their gaze, I noted a group of men standing at the bar, with one woman in the mix. Two of the guys, who appeared Hispanic, were loud and animated like their night of drinking had started early afternoon.
“Excuse me, Josie.”
I shook my head as if to say it was fine but at the same time, it made me nervous that Leo and Ben were so outnumbered. Before they arrived at the bar, the raucous group that could be heard over the music had begun to disperse. A small, soft hand took hold of my right and I turned to see Natasha looking as sexy as sin in a clingy dress that made all her luscious curves pop. Beside her, I felt every bit the dag. Even though I loved my own dress and it was flattering on my shape, it was hard to look past the beauty that was Natasha.
“Come dance, Josie.”
Without any further convincing, I followed her to the floor and joined a circle of people already dancing to the Spanish style hip-hop. Casting a glance over my shoulder, I spotted Leo still by the bar conversing with the two who had remained. I wasn’t sure where the others had dissipated to, but they knew they were targets. Ben stood behind Leo, his arms crossed with a dominant assertiveness. The men in question were arguing, clearly unhappy about having their night interrupted.
Too distracted by what was happening further away, I failed to register what was going on until it was too late. Arms wrapped tight around my torso pressing me against a man’s hard body. I wriggled and failed to break free from the stranger’s hold. In response, he held me tighter, his hips moving crudely to the music and forcing mine to follow suit. His breath on my cheek reeked of alcohol bringing me close to gagging. I caught sight of Natasha who wore a thunderous expression. It was not directed at me but at the perverted intruder latched on behind me.
Natasha had stopped dancing, her eyes still locked on her target. Catching me by surprise, she mouthed something in Spanish that was both heated and in my opinion, downright scary. The man responded w
ith a defiant laugh before dragging me away from the group. I squealed with the sudden jerking movement, my balance purely in the hands of the asshole who refused to relinquish me.
Gripping my hips, fingers digging painfully into my skin, the man spun me around until I was facing him.
“Get off me!” I ordered, my own face reflecting rage. He smirked, eyes hooded with a challenge. He was strong and when his arms wrapped tight around me again for a second time, hips rotating against mine in time to the music, I lost my patience. My palm connected to his cheek with a noise I could hear over the music. Instead of being deterred, he lunged at my neck as I attempted to squirm out of reach. Closing my eyes against the wet sensation of his lips touching my skin, I was thrust back, strong arms protecting me from falling. Ahead, the smug look was wiped clean off my aggressor’s face, as Leo’s fist connected sharply with his jaw. The man stumbled, using one hand on the floor to stop the momentum of falling. I couldn’t see Leo’s face, but judging by his response, he was beyond furious. Now steady, the man took a swing at Leo but missed. Instead mid-swing, he was greeted with another blow to the face. This time, he did fall, hard. Picking the man up by the collar, Leo dragged him out to the front door of the restaurant, disappearing from view for a few seconds. I was overcome with panic. If the others from the drunken group were out there, Leo would have a fight on his hands.
“It’s okay,” Ben the bartender reassured. He was the one who had pulled me away. “Leo knows that group very well. They’re regulars in the salsa scene and are vampires.”
“Vampires?”
“They smell fresh meat and they pounce. New girls, especially ones as beautiful as you, are easy targets for them. They won’t bother with those who have been dancing for a while.”
“Jesus!” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
“Don’t take it personally. Almost every woman in here knows to avoid them. They use their foreign charm to win hearts, albeit the hard and mostly ineffective way.”
I laughed at his assessment. He must witness a lot being behind the bar.