Brief Encounters_The Encounters Series

by Scarlett Hopper

  I’m wearing my sleeveless black bodycon dress with black stilettos, an outfit I let Vivian handpick. She was uncharacteristically quiet while I got ready, but I assume she’s just anxious. Roger told me his driver, Sam, would be picking me up at seven p.m. to take me to a production of Hamlet showing in Boston. Little does the guy know, I’m not a fan of Shakespeare, not that he would care. I gave Brando an address a few streets down from mine; the last thing I need is him ever showing up at my actual address.

  As expected, at seven p.m. sharp a long black limousine pulls up, and out steps Roger in a tailor-made black suit. His salt-and-pepper hair is wafted back, and he has the self-satisfied look on his face from the first night I met him.

  “Eliza, how good to see you again. I was afraid I may have scared you off the first night.” As he leans in to kiss my hand, I get a big sniff of his musky cologne mixed with tobacco. I pull myself together and plaster a smile across my face.

  “You didn’t scare me,” I say with a seductive smile. “I just like to make sure the person I’m with knows I appreciate them, so I didn’t want to leave my date waiting.”

  He breaks into an even bigger grin at the mention of how I “appreciate” my date.

  “Well, we best get going. We don’t want to miss the opening act.” He takes my hand and leads me into the limo. Leather assaults my senses, something I would usually appreciate, but mixed with Roger’s cologne, the scent is rather unpleasant.

  “Champagne?” he asks, holding up a bottle of Dom Perignon Brut Vintage 1990, something my parents always used to drink. My dad felt that every day was a special occasion and that my mother deserved the finest of things. Claws of unease scratch at my stomach from the memory. I want to decline, but I know better.

  I accept the champagne with a smile and adjust myself to face him, the warm leather of the car comforting me.

  “You’re probably wondering why a man like me needs someone like you.” His statement catches me off guard, and I’m momentarily perplexed.

  Yes, I do wonder this, but all the men I’ve had as clients have had money, so it isn’t a question I bother to ask myself a lot.

  Sensing my hesitation to answer, he continues.

  “There is something about you, Eliza, something I can’t quite figure out, and it intrigues me. I can get women on my own, but since meeting you, I can’t seem to get you out of my head. I know it may seem ridiculous because I’m paying you, but I’m confident that over time, you will want to be here.”

  After that, he’s silent the rest of the way to the theater. I pretend to be admiring the city, but in reality, I’m not sure what has just happened.

  The next morning, I have one missed call and four texts from Jess Parker. Normally any girl would swoon over him, but he’s just giving me a headache. I know I should call the guy back about our English project, but I can’t seem to get out of bed.

  My first “date” with Roger wasn’t too bad, aside from his little speech at the beginning. After Hamlet, which killed most of the time, we got a late dinner at this Italian restaurant, Bellissima. I drank way too much, trying to avoid another “deep” conversation—well, from his end at least. It was unprofessional and something I’d usually have caution against, yet the memories of my past from that fucking bottle of champagne refused to leave my mind.

  Now I’m stuck dealing with a persistent hangover and a Jess Parker situation. Once I crawl out of bed and drag myself into the kitchen, I see Viv has left me a note.

  Gone to lunch with Will and then off to the gym.

  Call later, cookies in oven ;)

  xxx Viv

  Will, unfortunately, happens to be the best friend of my English partner, Jess Parker, and the object of Vivian’s affections. Just what I need, Viv getting her heart broken by some jackass from her Intro to Philosophy class.

  As I attempt to get the sleep out of my eye, I pour myself a glass of ice-cold milk and head to the oven. I don’t care what time it is; it’s never too early for milk with cookies.

  It’s only noon, plus it’s a Saturday, so I have the whole day to lounge around. I figure I’ll message Jess back in a little bit, make the boy sweat.

  As I sink into the couch, I surf the channels for a decent show, preferably a romantic drama. Most wouldn’t think it, but I am a sucker for The Notebook.

  I don’t know when I drift off, but three hours later I’m awakened by the repeated ringing of my doorbell. I pull myself off the couch and walk to the door, assuming Viv has forgotten her key, as per usual. I look through the keyhole and see Viv’s blonde hair and the backs of two people with her. It’s unlike Vivian to bring people over, so I’m automatically curious.

  The moment I open the door and see whom she’s brought home, my smile vanishes and is replaced with a scowl.

  Seriously, Viv? Jess Parker!

  “Hey, Ellie. You remember Will, right?” she says with uncertainty. She steps around me to get into the house, Will’s hand intertwined with her own. Their affection toward one another alerts me to the fact this isn’t just a fling to Vivian.

  “And I know you remember Jess. He says you scheduled time to work on your English project right now,” Viv says, attempting to sound more certain.

  “He said that, did he?” I eye Jess, who is now in my living room. I watch him as he begins walking around my apartment, looking over my possessions. He shouldn’t be here.

  “Well, now that you two are all good, we’re going to head to my room. Holler if you need me.” And with that, Jess and I are alone.

  “So, I see that me ignoring your messages is what you assume to be an invitation over to my place.”

  “I figured it was the only way for us to get in contact, considering you’ve been avoiding all my calls for reasons still unknown,” he says as he picks up the ceramic blue-and-green elephant my mother gave me for my fifth birthday. That, along with a small box, is one of the only things I took with me when I left. I inwardly flinch as he touches it, but I keep my face unreadable.

  “Okay, well, you’ve found me now, so you can go. I have things I need to do, and you’re keeping me from them,” I snap as I grab the elephant from him, not bothering to hide my annoyance.

  With a chuckle, he walks away, eyeing the slept-on couch and the TV that has The Notebook on pause.

  “I can see you have serious business to attend to. Do tell me, is your watching of Ryan Gosling’s films a regular occurrence?” Jess laughs.

  “What I do in my free time is none of your business. Now, what do you want?”

  Jesus, getting this kid out of here is harder than I imagined. Jess walks over to the couch and sits down as he begins rummaging through his bag. He pulls out a copy of Jane Eyre and flips through the pages.

  “So I was thinking we could redo the scene where Jane finds out about Bertha and rewrite it from a modern-day perspective,” Jess says while pulling out a notebook. “You know, maybe add a catfight or two. I’m sure we can draw from your experiences.” He laughs to himself, clearly amused with his shit jokes, while I roll my eyes, my skin prickling with irritation.

  Realizing he isn’t leaving, I sit on the other end of the couch and cover myself with my knit blanket. I may not care what Jess Parker thinks, but that doesn’t mean I want him seeing me after I’ve been sleeping for what feels like days.

  I suspect Jess notices me pulling the blanket over myself, because his next comment is far from welcome.

  “Don’t cover up on account of me.” He winks with a devious look. “I love homeless look.’

  Yep, there he is, the good old Jess Parker everyone is far too familiar with. I grit my teeth and throw a pillow at his head. He ducks and it hits the carpet next to him, sending my pile of records across the floor.

  Great.

  “Hey, I’m kidding,” he says, attempting to muffle a chuckle. “Well, sort of.”

  I roll my eyes, unable to look at the child sitting on the couch across from me. This is going to be a very long month.

&
nbsp; Two hours later, I have to say we’ve made substantial progress both in the project and as partners. Don’t get me wrong, I still think the guy is a jackass, but he’s toned down the inappropriate comments. Well, as much as Jess Parker can.

  As he starts packing up, I hear giggling come from Viv’s bedroom and can only guess what’s going on in there. Thankfully, before I get to, the door swings open.

  “Oh my god! We are just famished,” Viv says with a yawn.

  “I can only imagine why,” I mutter to myself, then hear a chuckle from behind me.

  Jess must have heard me, because I turn and see a grin on his face. Jeez, I feel like all that boy does is grin.

  “Are you guys hungry? Will and I were thinking of going down to Tony’s to grab a slice, you in?” Viv says as she looks in the mirror while fixing her hair. Will comes up behind her and whispers something in her ear, to which she responds with a giggle.

  “I’m in,” Jess say enthusiastically while giving me a wink. “This one here hasn’t even offered me a drink, and I just might die from hunger.” He pouts.

  Shit.

  I guess I didn’t even ask if he wanted anything. That’s pretty rude of me, but I was preoccupied with the fact that he came uninvited.

  Realizing I haven’t eaten since this morning, I give up on my objection and surprise myself when I say, “Yeah, I’m in.”

  “So how did you two meet?” Will asks as he digs into his meat lover’s pizza. Tony’s is pretty busy, and the four of us are crammed into a booth with me next to Jess and Viv next to Will.

  “Ellie’s best friend growing up is my cousin. When she moved to New York, she contacted me, and well, the rest is history.” Viv says this casually as she takes another bite of her cheese pizza. It isn’t a direct lie, but the boys will never be privy to the truth.

  “So you aren’t originally from New York, Els?” Jess says as he takes a slow sip from his drink.

  Els? I see I’ve got a new nickname.

  Before I can start on the lie about how I’m originally from Los Angeles, I lose Jess’s attention to the waitress in a very short skirt.

  “Anything else I can get for you, Jess?” she says as she leans down not so subtly to show off what’s in her top.

  Jess gives her a seductive wink. “I think I’m good for now. Thanks, though.”

  “All right, well, let me know if you need anything.” She leans closer to his ear and whispers, “I mean anything.”

  I don’t even bother attempting to hide my snort.

  You have to give the girl credit; she doesn’t beat around the bush. Just when I think we’re done with the conversation, Jess leans into her and says, “I just might take you up on your offer. What time are you off?”

  At this point I tune out. As much as I’m for having a good time, this one doesn’t involve me, so I turn my attention back to Viv and Will, who are chatting away about their philosophy class.

  “Sorry about that.” I turn to see Jess looking at me. “I usually don’t play the field in front of other girls, but I figured you wouldn’t mind, you know, considering.”

  “Considering what?”

  “You know, considering you hate my guts and all.”

  “Oh yeah, that. Well, you don’t need to worry, because I’m one hundred percent immune to your charms, Jess Parker,” I say as confidently as I can.

  “Uh-huh.” He nods before joining in on Viv and Will’s conversation.

  “So, Jess, how long have you and Will been playing hockey?” Vivian asks as we exit the restaurant, a cool breeze tossing my hair around.

  “Will and I have been on the team since freshman year, and we both played in high school,” he answers.

  “Jess and I both play defense, babe. You guys should come see one of our games sometime,” Will says as he slings his arm over her shoulder and pulls her close. “This weekend is an away game, but maybe one after that?”

  I’ve never been one to like any of Vivian’s boyfriends, but I have to say Will isn’t too bad.

  I must have been distracted by them, because my boot catches on the sidewalk and I feel myself slip backward. I let out a small yelp, only to discover a foreign pair of arms holding on to me. I catch my breath and look up to discover none other than Jess Parker has caught my fall.

  I think this is the first time I’ve ever been happy he’s here, considering the other option is cracking my skull open. I regain my composure and attempt to get back to a standing position.

  “Uh, thanks for catching me,” I say with an awkward smile.

  “Hey, I’m never opposed to having my arms around a hot girl,” he says with a smirk and walks past me.

  Bravado

  Last night with Jess Parker was interesting. I can’t say I like the kid, but I definitely don’t hate him as much as I thought I did.

  “So, that was fun last night,” Viv says as she walks out of her bedroom into the living room, her golden locks still looking perfect.

  “Yeah, it wasn’t too horrible I guess,” I say with a shrug. The last thing I’m going to do is tell Viv it was actually okay. If I do that, she’ll start planning my wedding with Jess Parker. I can see it now: a fluffy white dress with a lot of tulle.

  Oh god.

  “So, how did things go with Jess? I mean, have you fallen under his charms like the rest of the school?” Viv jokes as she brews a pot of coffee, the warm aroma permeating the previously bland air.

  When she is finished, I pour myself a cup and turn to look at her. “No, but I can see you have. Why don’t you ditch Will and go for Jess Parker instead?” I joke.

  “Will and I have something special, Eleanor. I could never ditch him for the college man-whore, no matter how cute he is.” Viv exhales as she begins making cookies for the fourth time this week. Viv bakes when she’s either extremely happy or extremely sad, and I’m glad to see it isn’t the latter.

  “What, so then I should date the man-whore?” I retort while throwing some bread at her. She narrowly avoids it, ducking at the last second.

  “At least you would be dating someone,” she calls as she rummages through our cabinets for the cookie ingredients.

  Before I can respond, my phone rings. It’s Roger. I put my hand up to Viv, signaling I need a second, and press the answer button.

  “Hello,” I say with little enthusiasm.

  “Hello, Eliza. How are you this fine morning?” I cringe at the sound of his voice.

  “I’m fine, thank you. And yourself?” I say, ensuring I don’t sound like a full-on bitch. I may not like this guy, but it’s my job to at least pretend.

  “I’m well, but I think your presence would make me feel a whole lot better.” He pauses before continuing. “I’m going to a charity event this evening and would love it if you accompanied me. I’ll send over an outfit to your apartment, and Marilyn, my hairdresser, will be by at three to do your hair and makeup.”

  “I’ll pick up the dress and I can meet your hairdresser at her salon,” I reply reluctantly, realizing that I don’t have a choice in the matter. He agrees, and we say our goodbyes.

  “Roger?” Vivian asks as she measures ingredients.

  “Yeah.” I huff and turn up my nose. “I have to go out with him tonight, to some stupid charity event.”

  Viv looks up from the baked goods and gives me an “I’m sorry” face.

  “That sucks, Ellie. I’m bummed we can’t go see that new romance movie with Channing Tatum now.” She playfully puts on a sad face.

  “That makes two of us,” I say with a giggle. “He always knows how to make me feel better.”

  “Amen, sister!” Viv says as she throws herself back into her recipe.

  As I retreat back to my bedroom, my phone vibrates. It’s a text from Jess.

  U up 2 work on our project tonight?

  —J

  I find myself wishing I could see Jess tonight, as it would be a reason for me to skip the charity event this evening. I shoot back a quick reply before I turn on th
e shower.

  Can’t, sorry, have work. Tomorrow?

  —E

  Almost instantly there’s a reply.

  I didn’t know you had a job. Tomorrow sounds good.

  —J

  I smile at his message and formulate my response.

  Oh, Jess Parker, there’s a lot you don’t know about me.

  —E

  Boy is that true, I think to myself as I hear my phone go off.

  Well, I intend to amend that situation.

  Dinner before we study, tomorrow?

  You know, strictly as friends.

  —J

  I push down the jolt of excitement I get from his words and reply with a quick sure. I don’t want Jess getting the wrong idea. We’re partners; that’s it. I’m not too proud to admit he isn’t as horrible as I thought he was, but that doesn’t make him a saint. But then again, neither am I.

  I arrive at Marilyn’s salon at three on the dot, and I’m stuck in a chair for three hours as she does my hair and makeup. Generally, I don’t mind getting dolled up, but today I’m just not in the mood to be here, especially for three hours.

  Smells of hairspray and singed hair fill my nostrils, fogging my brain. All the while, Viv squeals in my ear about how fabulous I look while saying how much chemistry Jess and I have together. If I weren’t stuck in this chair, I would walk out.

  “What time do you think you’ll be back tonight?” she asks while flipping through a bridal magazine. She’s a hopeless romantic, to say the least.

  “I honestly have no clue. It could be ten p.m. It could be two a.m. Why?” I respond as Marilyn tilts my head to look up.

  “I want to go to Viper tonight. I think Will is gonna be there. Also, I really don’t want to go alone.” Viper is our favorite club, which we’re regulars at.

  “Okay, how about this. If I’m done before eleven, I’ll text you and we can meet up at Viper, okay?”

  Viv’s face lights up almost instantly, and I can tell how much she likes Will. I want to do this for her. After all, she’s done so much for me.