“Because since I told you about Jake, you have been avoiding me.”
“No I have…”
“Save it! You need to stop. I hate Caroline but I stand by you, I think she’s a bitch, but I remain your fri…”
“You hate Caroline?” He got up from the stool at the breakfast bar with a confused look.
“Yes, yes I do. Always have. She doesn’t like me…”
“That’s not true, Re…”
“Ugh, save it! Something about her is off! But I remain your friend. Why are you blanking me?”
“I’m sorry, Reese. I just… I don’t know. It makes me feel weird. I have to go to his classes almost every day and I could hardly see him as Mr. Cavanaugh anymore. It’s bugging me out.”
“I used to be able to tell you anything, now I hardly get a hello. It makes me cry, Heath.” His brows raised as his forehead creased; his usual apprehensive look. His anxious green eyes looked at me regretfully. He bent his head and sighed.
“Oh God, Pieces. I’ve been a jerk. I’m so sorry.” He paced up to me and pulled me into a tight embrace. “I’m so sorry.” He breathed. “I was so worried about Jake making you cry, I didn’t even realise I was doing it to you.” Tears began to stream down my face and he brushed them away with his thumbs. “Tell me anything, I’m here for you.”
“Thank you.” I smiled.
“I honestly may never approve, I don’t know why, but I will respect your decision. You ready for our bi-weekly chores?” He asked in faux-excitement.
“Ready than I’d ever be.” I grinned.
After I ate a bowl of cereal and washed up the dishes, I went up to my room and got my laundry basket. I made my way to our laundry room at the end of the hall and turned on the washing machine. I separated my clothes as it filled up with water, threw in the detergent and tossed in some clothes. I then grabbed the broom and swept the hallway. Heath was downstairs dusting and polishing the cupboards.
When I was done sweeping both upstairs and downstairs, I began to mop as Heath tidied his room. I washed the rest of Heath’s and my laundry, and when they were done in the dryer, Heath and I both began to fold our clothes together. “So, chores are done, what’s your plan for the rest of the day?” Heath asked as we continued folding our clothes.
“Nothing really, I was just planning to go by Jake. You?”
“I was supposed to go out with Caroline, but she is being her usual self…”
“A bitch?”
“Yeah, that. I could ditch, if you’re up for it, we can go out.” Yes! My best friend is back. “Yes, definitely.” I couldn’t have sounded more elated. Heath docking Caroline for me? Yes!
Our apartment was officially clean. We both got ready and went out to Kings Mall on the busy side of town, not too far from where Jake lived. Kings Mall was the most popular mall in Dillcaster, filled with high end clothing stores, shoe stores, a massive food court, one of the largest playgrounds and arcades, a cinema and much more. The grocery was right next to the mall as well. There was hardly anything you couldn’t find here.
We walked into the mall and there were people all around us, and over the loud chatter I could still here Midnight River by Vaults playing.
Teen boys in skinny jeans tighter than the pair I had on with huge headphones around their necks and skateboards in their hands were hanging around the fountain near the entrance. Teen girls in their miniskirts and converse also bombarded the scene, with linked arms going from store to store. Spreading their glossed lips, ear to ear, in pompous laughter. I never had that, girlfriends. Heath and my cousin Salimah is as close to a girlfriend I’d ever have. I linked my arm in his and he looked down at me. I flashed him a broad smile and he chuckled.
We strolled past the many display windows showing well-dressed mannequins and signs flashing sales and discounts. Mothers bustling behind their kids while the fathers paced idly in the background. We walked up to the escalator and got on. When we reached to the next floor I noticed Haagen-Dazs down the far end and I tugged on Heath. Unspoken words, yet he knew exactly what I wanted.
We sat outside on the balcony of Haagen-Dazs eating Berries and Cream ice-cream. “Mmm.” I hummed in satisfaction. Heath smiled.
“You know, they do have other flavours.”
“Yet, we choose this one every time.” I said impishly.
“It’s the best.”
“Truth.” I praised, sticking my spoon up in the air
I stared at him as he savoured every spoon of ice-cream. He was such a dweeb, but I loved him all the same. His honey brown hair, those emerald eyes and those lips. He looked at me and caught my gaze. His eyebrows furrowed. “What?” He asked in that swoon worthy Aussie accent.
“Nothing.” I flushed. “Just happy.”
“I am too, I actually really missed you. Thank you for talking some sense into me, I was kind of dreading spending the entire day with Caroline.”
“You do know it’s completely sad that you dread spending time with your girlfriend. If that doesn’t let you know she isn’t the one for you, I don’t know what will.”
He paused, his lips pursed and I could tell he was in a deep thought. Fighting himself against the truth. He knew his and Caroline’s relationship was toxic, yet he stayed. He licked his lips, “You’re right, Pieces, but it’s complicated.”
I didn’t bother to respond because no one understood the complication of a toxic relationship more than I did. I stayed with my emotionally abusive ex for years before I left his sorry ass in Trinidad. But I also knew that it wasn’t worth the drama either. It wasn’t love, it was him controlling me and making me feel worthless, much like Caroline was doing to Heath. I could have given him true love, but he only saw me as a friend. We both finished our ice-creams in silence.
“Hey, you wanna go to the arcade?” I asked him when we got up to leave.
“The arcade? Do you even have to ask? Yes!”
We entered the arcade, bought twenty game coins each and looked at each other with bright eyes like we were two ten year olds. Our eyes darted from one noisy flashing game to the other. Mentally deciding which game we wanted to play.
“Godfather’s Empire?” Heath raised a questionable brow.
“You’re on, let’s see who kills the most cops.” We both ran up to the game, armed ourselves with the light guns and waited for it to load.
After beating Heath in every game possible, we exited the mall. We were laughing our asses off at the window shoppers, making up hilarious possible conversations based on their actions. It felt like we were kids for a while. I’ve only known him for little over a year, but he and I were so in sync, I loved every moment of it.
“So, what now?” He asked. “Wanna catch a movie?” Just then, I begun to hear Tove Lo – Talking Body ringing off in my pants. Shit, it’s Jake calling my phone. I signalled Heath to hold on. I had told Jake earlier that I was going to do some work for another class – I don’t know why I lied but I did – and that he could come pick me up when I was done. When I answered, he asked me if I was ready and I told him that I wouldn’t be ready until the next hour. When I hung up, Heath looked disappointed.
“Sorry.” I mouthed.
“It’s alright. You have to see your man, I get it. I’ll go see Caroline. Need me to drop you off?”
“No, he’s picking me up.”
“Oh yeah, that’s right, the Aston Martin.” He bent his head. “Well, let’s go then.” He put his arm around my shoulders and we walked back to the car.
We took thirteen minutes to get home! And yes I counted! I barely had time to get ready before Jake showed up. I packed an overnight bag and finished up just before he arrived.
When I went downstairs, I saw Heath in a pair of plaid ¾ cargos and a white Tee sitting on the loveseat watching TV. “Hey, you not going to see Caroline?”
“Not in the mood.” He answered as he flicked through the channels. I heard Jake’s car pull up in front. “Have fun.” Heath said nonchalantly when he h
eard his car too.
“Thanks. Will you be okay?”
“Yeah Reese, I’m good.” He glanced back at me and he looked stunned. “Wow.”
“You like it?” I asked in reference to my lengthy sheer strapless dress. I bought this a year ago and was never given the opportunity to use it until now. My symbol of elegance; the jewel encrusted bustier fitted and moulded my breasts perfectly and a lace pattern ran over my stomach, complimenting my shapely body. Sheer purple fabric draped past my toes and a slit running straight up my right leg, exposing my matching open toe heels, gave it a bold touch. I had flat ironed my hair and had it pulled neatly behind my ears in a middle path.
“You look amazing.” He couldn’t take his eyes off of me. “I’ve never seen you look so… Wow! Enjoy Pieces.”
“Thank you.” I flashed a half smile and then left, closing the door behind me.
I walked out to the driveway and Jake was standing there in a black suit with a wine coloured double cuff shirt on the inside. That colour suited him and went well with my dress.
You could tell that the suits he wore at school were nothing compared to the ones he wore out. It was sharp-looking; cut to precision, bold across the shoulders, gentle lines around the waist, neatly pressed lapels and just the right length. He exuded perfection, even his black dress shoes were evidently well polished and his usually tussled hair was slicked back effortlessly. He looked amazing, flashing that winning smile at me, blue eyes sparkling as I approached him.
“Holy fuck!” He breathed.
“Hello to you, too.” I was glowing and I knew I looked amazing. Hell, I felt amazing.
“Reese, there are no words to describe how beautiful you look tonight. You’re… wow, you have me lost for words. That has never happened before. I’m usually really good with words.” My cheeks burned the way I was blushing.
“Me? What about you? That suit definitely does you justice. You look… Perfect.”
“Perfect?”
“Perfect for me.” I blushed, my dimples deepening. He pecked me on the cheek and then gestured me into his car.
Soon enough we were making our way down the road. Music quietly playing on his radio. “So, where exactly are we going? You still haven’t told me. All you said was to dress as best elegantly as I could.”
“Cave Ink Productions.”
“Los Angeles? How come you’re driving?”
“Well, I wanted to pick you up first and then go home. Sven’s there waiting to take us with the Escalade.”
“Oh. But what about Cave Ink, what’s going on there?”
“It’s our eighth anniversary. Awesome stuff.”
“What about paparazzi?”
“They don’t know who I am. My ties with Cave Ink have been confidential. As far as they are concerned, Anton Scarzgard owns the company, he doesn’t mind the fame. I’m just known as an amateur indie filmmaker.” He winked.
“You are weird.” He laughed.
We eventually reached Jake’s house and Sven was there waiting for us in the Escalade. He was about to get out to open the door for us, but Jake waved him off and then opened the door for me. We both got in and in a few short minutes, were on our way to Los Angeles.
Jake held onto my hand. I looked down at our intertwined fingers and then back up at his beautifully masculine face as he looked out the heavily tinted window. He must have felt my eyes on him because he turned to me and smiled, brushing his thumb gently on my cheek. “You’re in deep thought. Everything okay?” I enquired.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” He pulled our locked fingers to his mouth and kissed my hand. He then reached over to me, his palm gently caressing my face and kissed me for what seemed like hours. He slowly pulled away, only inches from my face, his ice blues locked firmly to my hazel-greens. I felt my heart beginning to beat against my chest, breathing seemed almost impossible at that moment. Every time I met his gaze, I felt this way, something about those eyes had that influence on me.
“You my dear, it’s only been a little over two weeks, but you definitely have a spell on me.”
“I could say the same for you.” And I realised that I wasn’t just saying that to make him feel good, I meant it. As much as I was in love with Heath, not once did he ever cross my mind when I was with Jake, yet Jake crossed my mind all the time, no matter where I am or who I’m with.
After an hour-long drive, we finally reached at Cave Ink Productions. They had a huge auditorium that they had transformed for the event.
We stepped out of the Escalade and there were camera lights flashing everywhere. A considerable amount of celebrities and equal amount of paparazzi hounding around outside. Like Jake said, no one paid much attention to us, they were preoccupied with the likes of Anton and other lucrative producers, actors and actresses gracing the red carpet.
We entered the auditorium and it was filled with people engrossed in loud chatter, almost as loud as the music. A few groups huddled together here and there taking photographs, while others were sipping on wine and nibbling on the appetizers that the waiters were passing around on trays. There was a huge stage to the far end with a Happy Eighth Anniversary Banner strung behind the podium and in the opposite side of the room were dining tables neatly set up with plates, champagne flutes and silverware for the dinner.
Jake placed his arm on the small of my back, leading me to where Anton was in light conversation with another producer whom I wasn’t familiar with. “Anton.” Jake smiled at him.
“Jake, glad you made it.” Anton sized me and gave Jake an approving look.
“Anton, this is Reese. Reese, Anton, the man I put in charge.” Anton laughed and I shook his hand.
“Nice to meet you.” I smiled.
“Oh nice accent. Where are you from?”
“Thank you, I’m from Trinidad.”
“Oh nice, I have to visit there soon. Well, hope you enjoy the party Ms. Reese.” He winked at me, nodded at Jake and was whisked away by Tatianna Olivere, one of the hottest actresses in the industry.
I whispered to Jake, “Why don’t you want this to be your life? Fame? Credit for your work? I just find it so odd that you wouldn’t want to be recognized.”
“It’s a lot more to it than me just not wanting to be known. It’s complicated.”
“Oh.”
“Come with me.” He looked down at me and led me out the back and up a flight of stairs, away from everyone.
We were on the roof of the auditorium, overlooking the picturesque greenery and setting sun. It felt like a dream. Pink and orange clouds layering the entirety of the evening sky.
Warm, golden sunshine pressed against my cheeks as the sun slowly disappeared. Cool breeze passed through my splayed fingers. Jake knew I loved this kind of thing, I told him how much I loved sunsets.
“What’s up, why are we out here?” I asked as I turned to face him.
“I totally forgot I had something for you.” I watched him quizzically. “Turn around.” And I followed.
He pulled back my hair and kissed the back of my head. “You smell so good.” He then dipped his hand in his pocket and before I knew it, I felt something cold pressed against my neck. What the hell! Is he serious?
It was the most magnificent diamond necklace I had ever laid my eyes on. Holy shit, it had over a hundred round cut diamonds all set on white gold. This costs no less than twelve thousand dollars!
I placed my hand on the necklace that he had just put around my neck and spun around, facing him, my mouth wide open. “Are you insane, Jake?”
“Do you not like?” He raised a questionable brow.
“Like? There is nothing to like! This is absolute love! This is amazing… and expensive. Really expensive. What the holy hell!” My eyes were wild, trying to understand all of this.
“I got it from a charity auction. I like to donate as often as I could and I thought it was beautiful, like you…”
I finally relaxed. “Thank you. Thank you so much.” I looked him in the eyes
. I saw the corners of his mouth raise and his eyes danced with happiness.
“I’m glad you like it. I was afraid you wouldn’t.”
“No, this is… I don’t even know what to say. It goes beautifully with my dress too. Thank you so much.” I breathed, fighting back tears. This was the sweetest gesture any man had ever made. I wrapped my arms around him, squeezing as hard as I could. I was so overcome with gratitude.
We returned downstairs to the anniversary party; drank wine, met some other people who knew Jake was the real man behind Cave Ink, laughed, and eventually had dinner. Food was amazing, dessert was even better and after a few more drinks and a dance or two Jake and I left for home.
We walked up to the huge double doors at the front of his house. He pulled out his keys and opened the door, entered the alarm code and locked the door behind me. “Welcome home, babe.” He licked his lips.
“Hmm… home?” He winked at me and was about to say something when his phone began to ring. “Hold on” He answered his phone. “Hello? Hello?” His smile faded away. “Hello? Who the fuck is this?” He sucked his teeth and hung up.
“What’s wrong?”
“Probably some lonely soul with minutes to waste. Just breathing on the phone. Stupid shit.” I laughed. “Well, it’s time to get you out of that.” He pointed to my dress. “Even though you look stunning, I would rather see you out of it.” I gulped hard at those words. Yes master, I shall heed to your command! This dude knew how to get my panties wet.
We went up to his bedroom and I raised my hair so he could take off the diamond necklace. When he did, he placed it back in its box and unzipped my dress. I stepped out of it and remained in my purple lace cheeky boyshorts and matching bra.
I kicked off my heels and lay spread eagled on his bed and eyed him as he undressed. First removing his jacket, then his shirt, unlinking his cuffs and unbuckling his belt. He untied his shoes and removed them and his socks. Packed away everything neatly in his walk-in closet, remaining only in his briefs.
In The Spur of Heath (The Spur Series Book 1) Page 8