Dirty Talk

by S. L. Scott

“I loved it just like this ring. It’s gorgeous.” She holds her hand up in the air and admires the ring on her finger. I spend the time admiring her instead.

  I wake up before her in the morning, grab something from my closet that makes me laugh, and work my way to the spare bedroom. After adding to the box, I pull out one of many from our life before that I’ve stored in here. Setting it down on the coffee table in the living room, I push the black fabric and peek inside at the rest of the contents.

  Before I have a chance to pull anything out, Jane comes down the stairs holding my phone. “Blaise keeps texting you.”

  “I’m sorry. Did it wake you?”

  “It’s okay. What are you doing up already?” She comes down the steps and sits next to me.

  I take the phone and set it down next to the box. “I wanted to show you some of our stuff. I kept most of it.”

  “You did?” she asks surprised. Reaching inside she pulls out a CD. “Foo Fighters.”

  We chuckle. “That was your copy.”

  “I can’t believe you kept it all these years.”

  “It’s a great album.”

  “It is. Do you have a CD player?”

  “I have it downloaded.” I pick up the remote and turn on the sound system.

  With a smile on her face, she digs in to find what else I’ve kept. Pulling out the black turtleneck, she laughs. “So I finally get my sweater back?”

  “Yeah, I’m not going to need it anytime soon,” I joke.

  It comes flying and hits me in the face. “Keep it. It looked good on you.”

  My phone buzzes so I check the texts from Blaise, wondering why he’s even awake at this hour much less texting me. When I open the text there’s a link. I press it and am taken to an article on a gossip page.

  Jessica Pyles Enters Rehab - Round Two.

  “Shit!”

  Jane sits back. “What is it?”

  I grab the remote and turn on the TV. It’s headline news on every major station—Jessica Pyles enters rehab.

  I’m dressed and out the door in fifteen minutes. I leave Jane with the box of memories and rush to talk to Jessica about the stunt she just pulled.

  Malibu Cliffs – Oceanside, is a retreat for the rich and famous under the guise of a rehabilitation center that will help them kick their substance addiction. I’ve never known anyone to come out of there and actually stop using his or her drug of choice though. But it’s great at giving celebs time out of the camera’s eye.

  Jessica’s games never cease to astonish me. I’m listed as a guest on her list at the facility. Of course I am. I’m let right in and directed to her room. I knock lightly to not disturb her neighbors though I’m curious who they might be.

  When she answers I almost don’t recognize her. Her face is clean of makeup and she’s dressed in sweat pants and a baggy T-shirt. She looks younger than her twenty-five years and prettier without that mask she wears. “I’ve been expecting you.”

  She opens the door wide, but I take a step back. “Want to go for a walk outside?”

  “Sure. I can use some fresh air.” She reaches for a hand mirror, but stops herself before picking it up. Instead she grabs her room key and slips the chain over her head, wearing it as a necklace.

  We walk side by side silently down the hall and through a living room. She leads me out a back door and past the pool, and then ten steps down to the beach. I say, “It’s a nice day to be at the beach.”

  “I like this place better than my own home. That room in there has my stuff. My eight-thousand square foot house was decorated by a professional for looks, not for me.”

  “Redecorate.”

  “You make it sound so easy.”

  “You’re in control of your life, Jessica.”

  “Am I? ’Cause I don’t think I’ve been in control of my life in years… or maybe not ever.” She bends and picks up a tiny seashell. When she stands up, she gives it to me. “This is hard for me, Luke. I know you won’t believe anything I say, and you have that right, but I still need to say it.”

  Her vulnerabilities are what make her a great actress. I want to put down my guard, but I’m not sure I should yet. “I’m here. Let’s talk.”

  “The night we met was one of the lowest of my life.” We start walking again. “But there you were. You were funny and charming. You treated me like you cared.” She doesn’t wait for a response she knows is not coming. “I was disillusioned. My therapist reminded me that just because I want something does not mean I will always get it. You may have been one of those things.” She peers over. “I got fired that day from a movie I fought to get for two years.”

  The anger I had for her starts to diffuse. It’s hard to hate someone who has struggled so much. She’s been used and abused by the Hollywood system and then is left alone to function as if it’s wine and roses and awards every day. “Why?”

  “I’ve had problems with pills. The night we met, I drank too much and I was on an anti-depressant. You made me feel something for the first time in a long time. I got attached. I hadn’t had anyone treat me like a human in a long time.”

  “How do they treat you?”

  “Like a cash cow or an ATM.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  She stops and smiles. “Stop being nice. I basically destroyed your life and you’re apologizing to me? Don’t do that. I owe you. I’m sorry for everything. I’m especially sorry about you and Jane. She was actually very nice.”

  “She is. Too nice when it comes to me.”

  “I know you’ve spent time with her. You made up I hope.”

  “We did.”

  She laughs and playfully nudges me. “I had no doubt you’d be able to talk your way back into her life.”

  “I should tell you that we have a long history together. I loved her before and I love her now.”

  Jessica looks surprised but smiles. “I should have picked up on that. You two had a connection I thought was unbreakable.”

  “You proved us wrong.”

  “I’m ashamed of my behavior. I felt desperate for someone to love me, and you were there, again, in my life, maybe in my path is a better word. I just thought if you could give me a chance, spend time with me, that we could reconnect and maybe be more than we were.”

  I’m about to speak, but she says, “Don’t say it. Please don’t say it. I know. I know our connection was only physical so I don’t need to dissect it.” She inhales deeply, then exhales with a sigh. “You were just so damn resistant all along, and then seeing how you treated Jane, how you looked at her… I don’t know. It fueled me somehow to make you as miserable as me.

  “Then we would be miserable together?”

  “Something like that. It was hateful, not just to you but to Jane, and to myself. I would have rather had a few weeks with someone than come back here to no one. It’s pathetic. I really am sorry.” She stops talking and starts walking again. “You know, I caught Ryan cheating on me. He was never interested in me. Not really. Not how I wanted. Pain makes people do desperate things.”

  “It wasn’t about you.”

  “When I found him having sex with a man, I kind of figured it wasn’t. We made a great couple for tabloids though. It was hard to face the reality of losing your boyfriend and your fame at the same time. What do you call someone used to protect someone’s sexuality?”

  “A beard.”

  A burst of laughter escapes her. “I was his beard.” She picks up another seashell but holds on to it this time. “How can I make amends, Luke?”

  This almost seems too easy, but sincerity is heard and that’s what makes this time different than before. “I need you to finish this movie.”

  “I can do that. I’m not a prisoner here. I just needed a timeout from my life, or more honesty, from the people in my life. So tell me where to be and I’ll be there.”

  “Really?”

  “Yep, and no strings attached. The movie is great. I’d like to see it through.”

  “T
hank you.” We turn around and start back. “I wasn’t wrong in casting you, Jessica. You portrayed Jude exactly how I saw her. Jane felt that, even after everything we put her through.”

  “Thanks for saying that. I need to apologize to her personally. Does she like edible arrangements?”

  I laugh. “She loves them, especially the ones with pineapple and chocolate.” The laughter ends when I see the pain she carries written in her eyes just beyond the joy of the moment. “You have a heart, Jessica, so don’t let managers and publicists, or the press define your character or write your ending. I know Hollywood sells our souls to the devil for a headline and a fee, but your life is more than one picture or sound bite.”

  “You’re right. It wasn’t just my life that was broken. It was my soul. I was sick of feeling used by everybody. I grasped on to something that wasn’t real, but for brief moments, I didn’t feel so alone.”

  “There are more movies in you and there are good people out there. Don’t lose hope and don’t give yourself away so easily. You deserve a good life. Make sure you allow yourself to have one.”

  “Thanks, Luke, and I really am sorry.” We turn back.

  This is the woman who won Hollywood over before she was ten. She can get back there, back to being healthy mentally, despite where she’s currently residing. “Thanks.” Walking up the steps, I say, “You deserve better than you think you do.”

  “You think?”

  “I know.” I stop her and hug her, surprising her again. Surprising myself. I would have never thought I would embrace her by choice, but here I am and it feels good to have things settled with her. Her arms hang at her sides for a few moments and then she hugs me back. I say, “This feels like the war between us might be over.”

  We step apart, but the comfort between us remains. “I genuinely hope so. I don’t want to waste anymore time being upset, unhappy, or angry. I need peace for a while.”

  “I hope you find it. I really do.”

  “I appreciate that. I have more amends to make, but I’m a work in progress, so one day at a time.”

  “You never were the patient type.”

  “It’s only been three days. Damn. Give a girl a chance.” She laughs. Her smile is genuine. Her eyes are clear. It’s good to see this side of her. “I’m working on that too.” Once we reach the door, I stay and she steps inside. “Email me when you need me.”

  “I will. Thanks again.”

  “And good luck with Jane.”

  Just the mention of her name makes me smile. “I think it will work out.”

  EPILOGUE

  ~Luke~

  IT ONLY SEEMED right to be back in Austin. The city has rolled out the red carpet and I watch as Jane walks ahead talking to the small press line, posing for photos, and beaming with pride.

  She deserves this. All of it.

  Early reviewers agree—the movie is a masterfully woven film with beautiful scenery and touching scenes. Jessica has become the darling of the indie film circuit and Ryan got offered the next superhero series. His fascination with Danny remains a secret, except to Danny, because yeah, I couldn’t not tease Danny about the phone incident. Danny laughed. Nothing really fazes him anymore when it comes to people who like to ogle him.

  With Ian, there was a forced greeting for the cameras when we arrived, but now he stands a few feet away from me. Sour grapes over Jane? Douche. He has four projects lined up. He should be happy. This film is getting great recognition and so is he. So I don’t know why he seems to be holding a grudge, but he’s keeping his distance. That’s fine. The film is done and we both can move on. Luckily for me, I get to move on with Jane. I pop my imaginary collar.

  Danny steps back from the carpet, and tucks his hands into his pockets. “You should be proud.”

  I don’t know if he’s referring to the movie or the woman at the center of attention, but I answer for the latter, “I am.” Turning, I shake his hand. Jane looks back at us, and smiles. We owe Danny a lot. I don’t know what he told Jane, but his words worked magic for both of us. I’m sure he told her something similar to what he told me—stop being an ass and fight for love—though I’m sure he didn’t call her an ass like he did me. The best part of my best friend is he never judges, at least not harshly. I laugh. He just calls it like he sees it. “Thanks for being here.”

  “I didn’t get invited to the wedding,” he ribs. “So I figured this was the next best thing.” He chuckles.

  “No one was invited, except that beautiful woman right there.”

  While watching Jane, he says, “Remember that time you came over all crazy crying about the woman who got away?”

  “I was not crying and did you fly out here just to tease me?”

  “Fine. You were whining, and teasing you is always fun, but no.”

  “Whatever. What’s your point?” I ask smiling.

  “Look at you guys now.” When I look at him, his smile is genuine, not joking at all on his face. He adds, “I had to come see how the story ends.”

  “You see us in LA all the time.”

  “Not you guys. I always knew you guys would make it.” Nodding toward the theater, he says, “The movie.”

  “Spoiler alert: the good guy wins.”

  “As he should, my friend. As he should.” He pats me on the back. “Are you going inside?”

  “In a minute.”

  “You’ve always managed to avoid the red carpet.” He says, “I don’t think that’s going to be possible anymore.”

  Jane waves me over, but before I go, I reply, “No, I don’t think it will be.” I join my wife, wrapping my arm around her waist. Leaning down, I kiss her on top of the head. “You’re stunning, Mrs. Anders.”

  “You’re charming, Mr. Lewis.”

  Watching the press call her name, vying for her attention, I say, “I believe it’s you who’s charming.”

  When we finally make it inside the theater, she pulls me off to the side. Embracing me wholeheartedly, she whispers, “We did it.”

  “We did. We make a good team.”

  “We make the best team.”

  “Speaking of, how do you feel about working on your next movie together?”

  “Are we speaking hypothetically or it’s a done deal already?”

  Smiling, I look around the room before returning my gaze to her. “It’s kind of a done deal already.”

  She returns a smile. “When do we start?”

  “Right after we find a place to live.”

  “Your friend Robert is a real asshole for cashing in on the house as collateral. The movie was only one week late.”

  Cupping her jaw gently, I tilt her face to mine. “I never cared about that house anyway. It was only a place to sleep until I found my home again.”

  “And have you found it?”

  “It wasn’t lost. My home was right here all along.” I kiss her, first with everyone else around us in mind. Then I kiss her how I want to, not caring one bit about an audience or public displays of affection offending anyone. “Now that I found you again, I’m never letting you go.”

  “Promise?”

  “Promise. Things are settling down with the movie so we can start looking for the house you always dreamed about.”

  “I’m rethinking things.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Now I’m leaning toward a gated property to keep the girls out. I’ve seen the Instagram comments on your posts. You’ve developed quite the fan base in the last year.”

  “Ha! Rest assured, my dear Janie, I only have eyes for you.”

  “Only eyes? A few other things come to mind that you have.”

  “You know the way to my heart.”

  “It’s not your heart I was referring to.”

  “How about skipping this premiere and heading back to the hotel early?”

  “Come on. Let’s go make our appearance so we can get back to fu… back to make love.”

  Jane still has trouble using the dirty words out of bed, but in
bed, she’s become quite the dirty talker.

  But she did learn from the master. I squeeze her ass, and tease, “I can’t wait to… make love to you.”

  My lips capture hers and I kiss the sweet taste of the words away, swallowing them and each breath she gives me.

  We met when we were kids. I fell in love with her when we were only sixteen. The woman in my arms is still that same girl, but so much more—she’s my guiding compass and the other half of my forever. The two years we spent apart have become just blips in the scheme of eternity. As much as I wish I could erase them, we needed them to get to this point, to live our great story.

  When we part, I open my eyes and look right into hers. A sweet smile, my favorite sight in the world appears, and she says, “Thank you for giving me A forever.”

  Following my heart paid off professionally and personally. This movie brought us back together physically and cemented us together forever emotionally. We made a hit movie and I got the girl. “Best move I ever made.”

  THE END.

  Keep reading for an excerpt from The Resistance by S. L. Scott.

  PROLOGUE

  I’M A FUCKING fool.

  I’m not even sure how I got into this mess, but I know I need to get myself out of it. I look down at the hand on my thigh inching up higher and my stomach rolls. Squeezing out from between the tight confines of the third row in this van, a girl on each side wanting a piece of me, I fall over the seat into the cargo area and move away from their astonished stares. They’re speaking German and I don’t know what the fuck they’re saying, but I’ve been in this type of situation enough to know how it will end, if I let it.

  Everything has changed… or sometime around my last birthday I changed.

  I didn’t invite these chicks. Dex did. He’ll fuck’em all before the night’s through and the bad part is, they’ll let him. Thinking they’re special, that they’ll be the one to tame him. They’ll let him do what he wants just to be close to him.

  Beyond this set up being predictable at this point, it’s really fucking old or I am, probably both. I ignore their taps on my shoulder and them calling my name. I ignore everything to do with them and focus on my phone.