by Amy L. Gale
I shake my head. “Sitting by Cynthia Thomas for three hours may kill me. I hope they serve mint juleps. Maybe she’ll loosen up.”
We pull into Mom and Dad’s driveway. I step out of the car and let the warm breeze engulf my body.
Sydney leaps up from the rocking chair on the porch. “Hi Brooke! Hi Sis! You’re finally here! Mom planned a girl’s night for us. We’ve got pizza, cookies, sangria and an array of chick flicks!”
I take a deep breath and stretch. “I could use a girl’s night in.”
Red and yellow tulips line the border of the sidewalk leading up to the white, cape-cod home. The aroma of fresh baked cookies pours from the open window. Yum, Mom’s famous chocolate chip. My whole body relaxes as I close my eyes and tilt my head back. Ah, there’s no place like home.
The strong aroma of nail polish fills the room. I slather on one last coat of Desert Rose Pink while glancing at Steel Magnolias on the TV. Slumber parties are great. Every woman needs some bonding time with the girls. Next on deck is The Notebook.
I walk into the kitchen to get more sangria only to discover my purse is ringing. I reach in and grab my cell phone. Van Sinclair appears in large letters on my screen. My face no doubt lights up the room.
“Hi.” I twirl my hair with my fingers.
“How’s Cherry Falls?”
“We’re watching chick flicks and painting our nails.”
“Damn! I’m missing out,” he says as he chuckles. “We’re on our way to Massachusetts. The show in New York rocked; the place was packed.”
“No shocker there, you guys are great.”
“Friday’s show in Connecticut sold out. You up for more beach time?”
My heart races and my stomach flutters. Another slumber party with Van! “Can’t wait for my feet to hit the sand.”
“I got a driver to pick you up. Connecticut’s too far to drive by yourself.”
Thank God. Five hours alone in a car gives me way too much time to think. “I’ll be ready.”
“I gotta go. Still checking the New England area for mud pits. Have fun.”
I shake my head. “Talk to you soon.”
I hang up the phone and fill my glass with more of the sweet, fruity cocktail. There’s no way to hide this smile plastered on my face. Yay! I get to see Van on Wednesday. No show until Friday means two whole days alone with him. Heat radiates from my head to my toes with the force of a super nova. My stomach twitches and my heart thrashes. Has world peace been declared? Even that couldn’t measure up to another beach adventure with Van. My purse starts ringing again. I quickly pick up my phone and say, “Hey, did you forget something?”
“Uh yeah, I definitely did.” My stomach clenches as I process the familiar tone.
“I guess I should screen my calls better,” I say, as a grim frown slaughters my smile. “What could you possibly want, Jesse?”
“I want to talk. I miss you, it’s time we work out our misunderstanding.”
He seriously has the worst timing ever. My mind is in turmoil and he has the nerve to call me the night before my sister’s shower expecting me to take him back? My fists clench and fire flushes my face. All the anguish built up inside bursts out.
“There is no misunderstanding you asshole! You cheated! We’re over, I’ve moved on. That’s it!”
“I’m sorry, I screwed up. I just want a chance to prove to you that I know I made a mistake. I don’t want to lose you,” he pleads.
“You’ve already lost me. I don’t want to give you a chance. I don’t want to talk to you. I don’t want you!”
I hang up the phone and take a deep breath, trying to compose myself. Would I have been strong enough to resist giving Jesse another chance if I hadn’t met Van? He doesn’t deserve another chance anyway; once a cheater, always a cheater in my book. Besides, Van ignites every aspect of my being, sending my body and soul into a flurry of pure euphoria. I breathe in deeply, closing my eyes and let out a soft sigh.
I walk back into the TV room with my sangria and sit down next to Brooke.
“You should have yelled ‘Fuck Off’ into the phone before you hung up. That would have been the cherry on top.” Brooke claps and then grips my hand, pulling me back onto the couch.
I grit my teeth, pressing my lips tight. “Sorry, I didn’t realize I was so loud.”
∞
Bright sunlight warms the air and birds chirp, creating a soft melody as we head to the Cherry Falls Country Club for Sydney’s wedding shower. She could grace the cover of a bridal magazine with her hair pulled up and soft curls falling around her face. Pink is her color, and the silver flowers spread throughout the material on her dress sparkle next to those silver heels. I run my hands over my powder blue dress, trying to tame the static cling that tends to accompany chiffon. Please don’t let my slip show.
As we enter the ballroom, the sweet scent of flowers fills the air. Mom has chosen a rose garden theme for the shower and the beautiful décor is overwhelming. The plethora of crystal vases hold dozens of multicolored roses and a four-tier cake, also engulfed in roses and complete with a lattice design wrapped around the side, sits in the center of the room. The chairs are draped in pink chiffon, and everyone receives a crystal rose broach as a favor.
Sydney begins to cry. “Oh Mom, thank you so much. It’s beyond perfect.” She hugs our mom.
“Nothing less than the best is good enough for my girls,” Mom replies as she rubs Sydney’s back.
∞
Sydney receives just about everything a soon-to-be bride could imagine, from bake ware to lingerie. She’ll be starting her life with Bryce in style. As maid of honor, I get the task of packing up all her gifts and bringing them to the house. Great!
Brooke and Dean are leaving for their vacation in Mexico in the morning, so we have to watch the clock. I take the last box into the house and gather my few belongings. We still have a little time before we need to head out, so we sit on the porch with Sydney and sip sweet tea while I relay the tale of Van Sinclair.
∞
I turn up the radio and belt out the lyrics to one of my favorite songs. Is it legal to have this much fun while driving? I’m laughing so hard my cheeks are hurting. Brooke remembers way too much from our college partying days. We conjure up the memories of our glory days on the long ride home. Hmm, to be carefree and relaxed again. This is just what I need after the stress of the last few days.
I try to help Brooke pack for her trip before heading to my room. We need to be at the airport at 5 a.m., so turning in early is a must. Just as I’m getting ready for bed, my phone starts ringing. I frantically run to grab it while trying to suppress the butterflies in my stomach. My palms sweat as I propel myself across my bed and reach for my phone on the nightstand. I glance at the screen; Jesse Woods appears in large letters. The butterflies are gone.
CHAPTER 6—LONELY
Emptiness fills the pit of my stomach on the ride home from dropping Brooke and Dean off at the airport. I cringe and drop my keys on the table, glancing around at the barren rooms of the apartment. I’m all alone. Everyone’s either graduated, left to start their new jobs, or has gone home for the summer. This thriving college town is now a ghost town.
I flip open my cell phone to check my call log. Great! Four missed calls from Jesse since last night. I huff and grind my teeth. Does he honestly think I’m going to talk to him? Not only did he betray me, but he ruined my plans for the future. Brooke and Dean were supposed to live next door. We were going to have Bar-B-Q’s, vacation together, and basically share in all aspects of each other’s lives. He single-handedly changed the whole way I envisioned my future.
I lie on the couch, staring at my phone on the coffee table. Please ring! I picture Van partying with the band, surrounded by girls who worship him like a God. We never talked about being exclusive, so he has no reason to turn down the advances of other women. My mouth becomes dry and a nauseous sensation develops. I can’t imagine Van with someone else.
&nb
sp; The intense attraction between the two of us is magical. It shouldn’t be possible for that to exist for him with anyone else. He’s a unique key that opens my lock to a dimension of pure pleasure and passionate bliss. A few tears start to fall down my cheeks as my phone starts ringing. I look at the screen; Van Sinclair appears in large letters. I wipe my eyes and clear my throat.
“Hello?”
“Hey. Hope you’re getting ready for the beach!” he says cheerfully.
“Actually, I’m just lying on the couch.” I hold onto my pillow, wishing it was Van.
“Are you sick?”
I sigh. “No. Brooke and Dean left for Mexico and no one else seems to be around.”
“I honestly don’t know what that’s like anymore. I’m a little jealous.”
I clear my throat again and try my best to hide my emotions. “Don’t be jealous, it’s no fun being lonely,” I say, as a few tears escape my eyes.
“Are you ok? Something seems wrong.”
I take a deep breath. How can I answer his question without revealing my insecurities?
I slowly exhale. “I’ll be fine. I’m just going to order a pizza and watch a movie in my sweats.” I sigh. “I’m sure you guys are hitting the town and partying. You don’t have a show tonight, right?”
“Um right, we don’t have a show tonight but I don’t party as much as you think. Been there, done that. It’s never worth the hangover.” His tone deepens. “We’re grabbing a bite to eat and hitting the road.” He exhales loudly.
I sniffle as a few more tears escape. “I’m sure all of your fans are waiting for you,” I say, as I think about the lucky girl that gets to be with him tonight.
“The only person waiting for me is Marcus. We’re going over a new song before we go to eat.”
My phone starts to click. I look at the screen and grimace. It’s Jesse calling yet again. God, when will he get the fact that we’re over through his thick skull? I take a deep breath and hold it in.
“Lexie, are you still there?”
“Sorry, I’m getting another call. My asshole ex has been pestering me all day.”
“Oh, has he now?” Van asks sternly.
“I mistakenly answered my phone thinking it was you while I was at my Mom’s house over the weekend. I thought all of the cursing I did would have given him the hint to leave me alone, but obviously it hasn’t.”
“Does he know you’re alone in the apartment?”
“Well Dean is his best friend, so he knows they’re gone away.”
“You won’t be home alone for long. Soon you’ll be with me on another sandy beach,” he says.
“Yep, I’ll be your next sandy beach special,” I say sarcastically.
Am I turning into a booty call, running around chasing a rocker, hooking up in hotel rooms? Not really what I envisioned myself doing at this point in my life.
“Did I do something?” he asks.
My chest gets tight and my stomach becomes upset. He really didn’t do anything to deserve me acting like such a bitch. I certainly can’t be mad at Van for things I concoct in my warped mind. At this rate, I’m quickly on my way to ruining a relationship that could potentially be great.
“No, you didn’t do anything wrong. I’m sorry. I think I’m just stressed and irritated about these phone calls from Jesse. We’re going to have lots of fun at the beach,” I say, trying to sound more upbeat.
“Ok, well I’ll keep my phone with me. I’m late to meet Marcus. Call me if you need anything. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Ok, talk to you later,” I reply.
I really am an idiot and I seriously doubt Van will be eager to call me again after the way I’ve just acted. I’ll have to call him later and apologize again. Why can’t things be different? If he didn’t have to travel so much we could spend more time together. I want someone who can be there for me when I need them, both physically and emotionally. Someone who can come over when I feel lonely, or could cuddle up and watch movies when I feel like vegging out. I guess this is just another one of those ‘want what we can’t have’ moments in life.
On a brighter note, in a few days I’ll be headed for another mind-blowing beach adventure with Van Sinclair. My heart races as I relive the memory of the passionate night we spent together. I can’t wait to see him, feel him, and breathe him in. Everything about him is so appealing and inviting. I’m in severe withdrawal.
I stretch and wander to the kitchen. Ah, Brooke left two bottles of wine in the fridge. Some vapor escapes the bottle as I uncork the chilled white zinfandel and pour myself a glass. I take a deep breath and head to the bathroom. Mmm, a relaxing bubble bath will clear my head. I pour some vanilla scented body wash into a stream of hot water and sip my wine. No harm in trying to enjoy this quiet time alone. I close my eyes and breathe deeply as the warm water caresses my body, dissolving my negative thoughts.
I dry off and put on my Devil’s Garden T-shirt. The scent the fibers hold ignites my body, causing my skin to tingle from the unique electricity flowing through me. I breathe deeply, inhaling the faint scent of Van. God, I miss him. Why can’t time speed up? These few days seem like an eternity.
Oh well, since I’m alone I may as well be comfortable. My gray sweat pants are perfect lounging attire. I pull my hair in a sloppy ponytail, plop myself on the couch, and check the TV guide for a movie. Yes! Sixteen Candles is playing! I reach for my phone and order a pizza. Ah, now I’m completely relaxed. A bubble bath and some wine can do wonders for the soul.
Just as a commercial starts, my doorbell rings. Pizza Palace’s delivery drivers have perfect timing. I open the door. My jaw drops and my eyes widen as I stare. Standing in front of me is Van Sinclair, holding a pizza.
“I ran into the pizza guy in your driveway. Nice shirt.”
I start laughing and crying at the same time and run to Van, practically jumping into his arms. He puts the pizza on the table and holds me close, gently wiping the tears from my eyes.
“Hope they’re happy tears,” he says.
I nod.
“You seemed so upset on the phone. I hopped on a puddle jumper and got here in just a few hours.”
I wrap my arms around his neck, pressing my forehead against his. Our lips meet softly and within seconds, our kisses turn into an intense frenzy of passion. My heart is racing. I jump up and wrap my legs around his waist. Self-control is overrated! My body aches for this man. I’ve never wanted anything more than I want Van Sinclair at this very moment.
He walks into the TV room and traps me against the wall. My breathing becomes rapid and my heart hammers as he slips his hands under my shirt and pulls it over my head. Electric shocks follow his fingers as they caress my breasts, sending the unique current through me. His soft lips place sexy kisses from my lips, to my neck, and finally to my breasts. My whole body is on fire! I’m breathing so heavy and loud. I can’t take it anymore. This is torture. I need him, and I need him immediately.
“Van. Please. Couch. Now,” I both demand and plead.
“Yes ma’am,” he obliges and starts walking toward the couch.
He lowers me down and lies on top of me, smoothly moving his hand underneath my sweat pants and underwear, sliding his finger inside of me. I moan with pleasure and grip his back as ecstasy builds inside. I rip his shirt over his head and slowly run my fingers along the waves of his chiseled chest and abs, stopping at his jeans. The button pops open. I gently caress him while releasing the tight fabric.
He groans as he pulls off my sweats and underwear in one smooth motion, grabs a package from his jeans, and tears it open. Sliding his hands along my thighs, he grips my hips and jerks my body toward him. I gasp in delight as he slams himself inside me, filling me completely. My heart is about to beat out of my chest and my body is electrified. Warm kisses descend from my lips to my neck.
Van breathes heavy almost panting. “Oh babe, I missed you,” he says in between breaths.
I’m in a trance, alternating in and out
of reality. The perfect rhythm of his body’s movements mimics a choreographed dance.
My whole body suddenly ignites with intense pleasure. I yell out and dig my fingers into his back as I find my release. Within minutes he finds his.
His eyes lock with mine as we lay silently, trying to catch our breath.
What a turn of events. “This is the most romantic surprise of my life.”
He sighs and brushes a stray hair behind my ear. “I hate being so far away. Especially when your ex is bothering you and you’re alone.”
I purse my lips. “It sounds like you’re a little jealous. Believe me, you don’t need to be.”
He runs his fingertips along my arm. “Yeah, I didn’t see that coming.”
Van doesn’t want anyone to have me except for him! I glow brighter than the millions of stars in the sky.
We get dressed, heat up the pizza, and cuddle on the couch just in time to catch the end of Sixteen Candles. My phone chimes.
“Is that him again?” Van asks.
I pick up the phone and place it back on the table. “I can just shut it off. I only had it on in case you called.”
Van snatches my phone and starts pressing buttons. His face grimaces as he presses send. Hmm, how will this play out? He sets my phone down and puts his arm around me again.
“What did you text him?”
“Oh, just a suggestion,” he says. “I’ll be right back, which way to the bathroom?”
“Down the hall to the left.”
I pick up my phone and read the text Van sent to Jesse.
Stop texting me, my boyfriend is getting pissed.
Oh my God! Van Sinclair just called himself my boyfriend. A swarm of butterflies take flight in my stomach and my whole body erupts into a plethora of tingles. The grin on my face spreads so wide it actually makes my cheeks hurt. This day cannot get any better. Just as Van comes back, my phone starts ringing. It’s Jesse.
“This guy is unbelievable,” Van says as he takes my phone. “Hello? No, she’s not talking to you. Dude, do yourself a favor and leave her alone.” He puts the phone down. “He hung up on me.” Van reclines on the couch. “He won’t bother you any more tonight, now that he knows I’m here.”