Intensity

by S. Briones Lim

  “Open your eyes!” Cash shouted happily from behind her.

  Ruthie pried one eyelid open, surprised to find that she hadn’t crashed onto the ground. Somehow managing to open both eyes, she let out a relieved laugh. “Wooo!” she squealed, holding both arms out from her sides. She ignored the air whipping across her face even as it caused her brown eyes to water.

  The sound of Cash’s laughter filled her ears. She looked over to the cable beside her and spotted him whizzing towards her. He allowed his body to dangle, laughing like a little kid. Ruthie smiled, loving the carefree look on Cash’s face. He was right. He definitely had fun in mind. The whole thing felt exhilarating and for the first time in a while, Ruthie felt free. It really didn’t get any better than this.

  The ride ended rather quickly. Ruthie slowed to a stop, her cheeks sore from grinning so much. It wouldn’t have surprised her if she found a few flies caked against her teeth, but it would have all been worth it.

  Cash was unbuckled from his harness first and watched as Ruthie was unclasped from hers. “So? What did you think?”

  “I think that it was awesome!” Ruthie laughed, stepping out of the harness. She thanked the attendant and wrapped her arms around Cash’s neck. “Thanks for that, by the way. I really needed it.”

  Cash ran his thumb over her lips. “It’s five o’clock somewhere, right? What do you think of enjoying some celebratory drinks?”

  Memories of bile and vomit filled her mind, but she quickly pushed them away. Swallowing, she nodded. “Sounds great.”

  Chapter 40

  The sunlight streamed into the tiny living room of the condo. Celine plopped down onto the brown couch and wanted nothing more than to be swallowed by its cushions. She was sick of everything. Exhausted! To make matters worse, she would be seeing Brian again in only a matter of hours.

  “Better nip it in the bud,” she mumbled to herself, placing a pillow over her face.

  But was it still a bud? Things have become so ridiculous she couldn’t even think straight. Guilt. Betrayal. Things were just so messed up.

  “Hey,” Noah’s voice called out from the front door. Celine lowered the pillow, peeking up from the upper corner. She watched Noah walk in gripping two giant bags, which were probably from his restaurant.

  “You know I have to fit into my wedding dress, right?” she mused, as he began unpacking plastic containers over the coffee table. Smiling, she sat up. “And you know we have something called a kitchen?”

  Noah grinned and pulled up the sleeves of his grey long-sleeved tee. He frowned slightly, busying himself with the containers. “Who said I was going to share?” he joked, giving her a wink.

  She playfully nudged him in the ribs and proceeded to help herself to a helping of calamari. “Fried stuff. Love it. Definitely better than that raw stuff you brought in before.”

  Noah laughed, stuffing his mouth full of some sort of chowder.

  Celine felt her smile falter. Clearing her throat she asked, “Babe?”

  “What?” he asked, placing another spoonful in his mouth.

  “You up to go to a party tonight?” she asked, taking a bite out of the calamari ring. The batter crumbled in her mouth, making her tongue feel unbearably dry. Or maybe it wasn’t the food, but her increasing nerves that caused it.

  “A party? Celine?” he asked incredulously. “Since when do you party?”

  “Since an old friend invited me and since I wanted to introduce you to him,” she answered with a nonchalantly shrug.

  “Him?” Noah asked teasingly. “Do I have something to be jealous of?” Though Noah was kidding around, the question hit a little close to home.

  Celine looked down and stuffed the remainder of her calamari in her mouth. “Of course not.” She looked up and smiled. “Of course not.”

  Chapter 41

  “Is this going to be some uptight function?” Noah asked, shifting around. He pulled at his form fitting sweater uncomfortably.

  “You look fine,” Celine assured him, squeezing his arm slightly. And that he did since she took it upon herself to pick out his outfit for the night. She always loved how this particular light grey sweater looked on him. It accentuated the muscles in his biceps and made the sweet guy look extremely rugged. He looked as if he could definitely kick some ass.

  “I feel underdressed compared to you,” he commented, eyeing her little black dress up and down. Though it was long sleeved, it hugged her tight and stopped mid-thigh.

  “This isn’t dressed up,” Celine responded, pulling her skirt down a bit. She knew it was. It was a lot more dressed up than she was used to, but like Noah had said, there could be a possibility that the guests at this party would be uptight. Adjusting her bodice, she gazed at the house. With a firm set of her mouth she said, “Let’s go.”

  Unlike the party in New York, there were no bouncers, security guards, or velvet rope leading to the entrance. The “quaint” complex was actually a very nice looking house in the middle of the Valley. The yellow two story house had ivy wrapped around the front, which accented the terracotta roof. In true SoCal fashion, a line of palm trees bordered the building.

  Celine entered the house first with Noah stepping in from behind. She couldn’t have gone more than three steps before she heard her name being called out. “Celine!”

  She turned and spotted Brian walking over to her. He had wine glasses in both hands and a huge grin on his face. He squeezed through his guests, nodding and saying greetings along the way. His smile immediately dropped when he spotted Noah standing behind Celine, his hands placed protectively on her shoulders.

  “Hey Brian!” Celine said cheerfully. A bit too cheerfully. “Love the place. It’s beautiful!” To make her point, she turned her head from left to right, a hysteric grin permanently etched on her face.

  As Brian made his way to them, Celine caught him eyeing Noah up and down. Though he did not say a word, Celine could tell he was a bit intimidated by her fiancé. It was hard not to be. Though the two were similar in height, Noah looked like a giant football player. Brian was in pretty great shape as well, but he didn’t necessarily look like he could break someone’s neck with just one grip of his hand.

  “Oh! Brian, this is my fiancé, Noah,” Celine said, without really looking him in the eye. She patted Noah’s chest. “Noah, this is my great friend, Brian.”

  Noah extended his hand. “Great to meet you, man. Thanks for taking care of Celine, by the way.”

  “Oh yeah, no worries. I’ve had drunken—”

  Celine shook her head, causing Brian to snap his mouth shut. Her eyes burned into him, warning him to keep quiet.

  Taking the hint, Brian obliged. “No problem at all. I’ve known Celine since high school and if she’s anything like I remember, you gotta watch out for her.”

  “What?” she mouthed incredulously. She shook her head and forced a smile. “Yeah, Noah was really happy you drove me home after the concert.”

  Brian’s eyebrows rose in understanding. He tightened his grip on the wine glasses and forced a tight lipped smile. “Well, it was the least I could do considering Ruthie was catching Cash Walker influenza.”

  Noah looked at him questioningly, stumbling forward when someone entered behind him.

  “Excuse me.”

  Celine shut her eyes. She could recognize that voice anywhere. Why was she so surprised Ruthie would be at the party? Of course she’d be! Why wouldn’t she? She was stupid to think Brian would only invite her.

  “Celine? Hey!” Ruthie exclaimed. She walked in with Cash on her arm and she couldn’t help but love the envious stares she received from the partygoers. They all wished Cash was on their arms, she thought wryly.

  Celine smiled and reached out to hug her friend, who looked shockingly tall in her four inch stilettos. “Hey, Love.”

  “You look great!” Ruthie purred in a voice Celine did not recognize. Her face was a bit flushed and Celine couldn’t help but wonder how many drinks Ruthie had alrea
dy downed that night.

  Great, not another repeat of New York. “Thanks, so do you,” Celine said as she gave her friend the once over and looked up questioningly. “Louboutins? Nice.”

  “Only the best for my girl,” Cash responded.

  He narrowed his eyes slightly at Celine, which she noticed right away. Feeling her bitchy side clawing its way out, she clicked her teeth and frowned up at him. She’d show “The Great Cash Walker” that she was no one he could mess with. She was about to open her mouth to give him a piece of her mind when Cash turned to Noah and extended his hand.

  “Cash Walker.”

  “Noah James.” Noah’s face was stern. Celine recognized his expression immediately and knew Cash better behave himself that night if he knew what was good for him.

  “Noah?” Cash repeated incredulously. The surprise on his face surrendered to a look of mischief. “You mean Celine’s fiancé?”

  “Yeah,” Noah answered with a frown.

  “Nice to meet you! I’ve heard great things. Great things!” Cash exclaimed with sarcasm. He eyed Brian and winked. “It’s really nice to meet him—right, Brian?”

  “Yeah, nice,” Brian replied, rolling his eyes.

  The party continued around them, yet all five remained in the foyer. Noticing the dubious stares shot in their direction, Celine shifted awkwardly, praying that she could go hide under a rock. Brian must have noticed the look of unease on her face because soon he gestured towards the inside of his house. “Come on, make yourselves at home.”

  “Who’s the wine for, Brian?” Cash asked wickedly. He glanced over at Celine and laughed at the reddening of her cheeks.

  Before Brian could answer, Ruthie pushed herself forward. “For me!”

  She grabbed both glasses out of Brian’s hands and made her way through the narrow hall. She glanced back at her friend and mouthed, “I got you,” before stumbling into the living room.

  Celine’s patience had long since disappeared. She spun around quickly and elbowed Cash in his chest.

  “Ow,” he grimaced, glaring down at her.

  “How much did you make her drink?” she hissed.

  “I didn’t make her drink anything!” Cash gritted his teeth. He towered over her and leaned forward menacingly. “Why don’t you stop babying your friend and pay attention to your own set of problems, Celine?”

  Both Noah and Brian stepped forward defensively. Remembering his place, Brian took a slight step back and allowed Noah to come to Celine’s aid.

  “What problems, Cash?” Noah snapped.

  Though Celine hated to see Noah get into a fight, she couldn’t help but smile at the thought of her fiancé beating Cash’s arrogant sneer into a pulp. He was built wider than Cash and could easily pummel the man. From the looks of it, Cash wasn’t oblivious to this fact and nodded his head apologetically.

  “Nothing,” he replied. He quietly followed Ruthie into the living room, leaving Celine alone with Brian and Noah.

  Still scowling at the arrogant bastard, Celine patted Noah’s chest in assurance. “Come on, let’s get some food.”

  Noah lost all trace of enthusiasm, but nodded his head. He took a step forward, leading the way protectively. Celine followed behind him and shot a look at Brian. “Watch Ruthie,” she mouthed.

  Brian nodded, but remained in the foyer watching the one that got away leave him again.

  Chapter 42

  “Is that how all celebrities are?” Noah asked, picking at some finger food. He grimaced at the tiny hors d’oeuvres and Celine couldn’t help but laugh as he mentally criticized each dish.

  “Like what?” Celine asked, picking at a bacon wrapped asparagus.

  “Assholes,” Noah spat out.

  Celine snickered. “I’m beginning to think they are.” She threw her hair back and caught some movement in her periphery. Glancing over, she noticed Brian watching her sadly. She looked away and placed the asparagus down, quickly losing her appetite.

  Noah continued to scrutinize each dish, muttering remarks here and there. Just as he was about to pick up some shrimp, he froze midway.

  “What’s wrong?” Celine asked, frowning up at him.

  Noah sighed, taking his phone out of his pocket. He glanced at the screen and cursed under his breath. “Um, it’s my work phone. Can I leave you here for a minute?”

  She nodded her head and sighed. “Yeah, I’m sure I’ll survive. Go on, take it.”

  Noah nodded and quickly answered his phone, leaving the room. “Hello?”

  Like a hawk, Brian swooped in. He moved faster than Celine could have imagined and immediately felt his presence at her shoulder.

  “Nice guy you have there. Not a lot of people will stand up to Cash.” Brian held up a beer bottle and gestured towards the window. The two watched as Noah paced back and forth, reprimanding someone over the phone.

  “About time someone did,” Celine snorted, crossing her arms in annoyance. Frowning slightly, she asked, “Do you think Ruthie will be okay? With Cash?” She eyeballed the two mingling across the room, but couldn’t get the bad feeling out of her stomach.

  “I mean, she’s been with him all day, so I guess she’s fine,” Brian answered, following her gaze. He shook his head at how ridiculous Ruthie looked. She really took to the Hollywood lifestyle quickly. It was obvious how much she was milking it.

  Celine froze. “What do you mean she’s been with him all day?”

  Brian looked down at her, frowning. “It’s my job to know their schedule. He flew in this morning. Like I said, one of their events was rescheduled. All the guys had to take a redeye to make it back to L.A. in time. Cash disappeared right after to meet up with Ruthie.”

  Twisting her tongue in her mouth, Celine crossed her arms angrily. Her face scrunched up, mimicking the expression a parent would give their child when catching them in the act of doing something wrong. Clearing her throat, Celine asked, “And what time did Ruthie and Cash meet up?”

  Sensing he had said something wrong, Brian attempted to dance around the topic. “Well, it looks like they’re hitting it off.” He motioned towards his living area where Cash and Ruthie hung onto each other as if their lives depended on it. “Maybe I was wrong about his intentions.”

  “What time, Brian?” Celine snapped. “What time did they meet up?”

  “Around one!” he answered, holding his palms up defensively. He leaned against the wall, almost knocking down a frame behind him. “Shit!” He reached out to steady the painting. “I still have to get used to this place.” Scrunching up his mouth, he took a moment to watch Celine fuming. “Did I say something wrong?”

  Noah walked up behind Celine and tugged at her arm. “Celine, I have to go. There was an emergency in the kitchen.” He shut his eyes and rubbed his forehead. “That’s what I get for taking Saturday night off,” Noah muttered.

  Still frowning, Celine glanced over at her best friend. She watched Ruthie giggling up a storm and couldn’t believe how much she had changed in just a few weeks. There was no way she was going to let Noah leave without her. Glancing up at Brian, she smiled weakly. “Thanks for inviting us, sorry we have to jet.”

  “No, you can stay if you want,” Noah replied. He extended his hand towards Brian. “Nice meeting you, man. Sorry I have to leave so quickly.”

  “Likewise.” Brian nodded kindly, shaking his hand in return. “Just happy you were able to come.”

  “No, I’ll leave with you,” Celine told Noah, feeling her insides squirm. She couldn’t stay at the party without Noah. There was no way she’d even want to. “You drove, remember?” she reminded him.

  “I can take you home,” Brian blurted out.

  Celine was about to protest when Ruthie’s perky voice called out over the low music. “You’re supposed to be living with me, remember? You can come home with me.”

  Celine was surprised Ruthie was even paying attention to her. Though she was still fuming at the fact that her Maid of Honor ditched her to hang out with a
prick, she figured some time alone in the car might be the best way to mend things between them. It would give them some time to air and vent everything out. Hunching her shoulders forward, Celine nodded. “Fine. I better stay and watch out for Ruthie, anyway.”

  Noah nodded knowingly. “Yeah, I don’t like that Cash guy.”

  Brian chuckled. “Welcome to the club, my man.”

  Celine looked up at him before turning towards her fiancé. “Good luck at work. I’ll probably be spending the night at Ruthie’s place, but I’ll swing by tomorrow.”

  Noah nodded, already turning for the door. “I figured as much.” He eyed Brian, “Take care of Celine tonight. Make sure that douchebag,” he pointed to Cash, “doesn’t go anywhere near her, okay? I don’t trust that asshat.”

  Brian grinned. “You have my word.”

  Celine nodded her head a bit awkwardly and walked Noah out, all the while wondering if she was making the best decision in staying behind.

  Chapter 43

  Brian and Celine remained fixed in the corner of the dining area. A blues like tune played softly on the surround sound speakers, causing the guests to speak a bit louder than usual. Glasses clinked as bottles of empty liquor began to fill up the kitchen counter. Celine was still babysitting the glass of wine Brian had poured for her twenty minutes earlier and twirled it around aimlessly.

  “You don’t have to stay with me, you know,” she said quietly, watching Ruthie laugh like a hyena. “This is your party. Go mingle! You’re supposed to act like a good host.”

  Brian carefully took the full wineglass out of Celine’s hand, careful not to spill a drop on his polished floor. “I am being a good host,” he told her. “I’m watching out for a guest of mine to make sure she’s taken care of and is having fun.”

  She couldn’t help but smile. “I’m fine, really,” she told him. Noticing a redhead eyeing Brian, she casually motioned towards her. “Why don’t you do your hosting duties with that woman over there? She’s been staring at you like you’re a pack of meat for the last half hour.”