by Lisa DeBells
“I’m sorry, Ar, but I don’t believe in it anymore. Sure I accept the notion, but it’s gone now. There will be nothing left of me but a shell of a woman if I keep believing and I can’t, I won’t let that happen.” I let the last sip of my drink trickle down my throat and caught the attention of the pissy waitress in her little hot pants and tight button-up shirt. “More Crystal, darling, for me and my friends.” I smiled sweetly to her as she glared at me and went to get our order.
“You’ve become bitter—”
“Bitter?” I cut her off. “This is not me bitter. This is me resigned to not falling for the next handsome face and promising words of another man. I’m am the fuck over it.” Hot waitress returned and sat the bottle of champagne in the ice-bucket. “Jesus, Ar, you’re messing with my buzz.” And I gulped half the flute, topping myself up again. I gave a sexy smirk to the security for good measure, and to prove my point to Ariel: that I’m not giving up men, just the falling-in-love part. Security licked his full lips and undressed me with his eyes.
“You.” She leaned in and pointed to my chest with her flute, breaking the eye contact between me and security, her eyebrows pulled together with concern. I wish everyone would stop worrying about me. “Are playing with fire. And stop mind fucking the employees, its freaking me out.” She said flustered.
“Yeah maybe I am.” I raised my chin a little in defiance and meeting her gaze full on. “But next time I won’t be the one that gets burnt.” Ariel tilted her head questioningly, while her eyes looked on in disbelief.
“Who are you and what have you done with responsible Eden?” She muttered.
“I’m fine.” I insist. I watch Ariel’s blue eyes scrutinise my face to make sure I’m not going to fall apart at any minute. When she visibly relaxes, a corrupt smile crosses her fine features and her eyes are alight with mischief.
“Okay, so you’re gonna operate under the bam-and-ban guise. That’s not your forte, Eden. To pull that shit off you have to be self-serving with an easy virtue.” She was waiting for me to deny her last statement. “But if you need any pointers, I’m your girl.” Her giggle appeased me, my new attitude had been endorsed and accepted.
“Honey, sometimes you just got to get off to get back on the horse . . . or stallion, if you know what I mean.” And my stupid confused comment had us both laughing, dispelling the crazy idea that I was now willing to test out maybe on that sexy stud of a bouncer.
“You are a freak, Eds. The shit you come out with when drunk. I hope I can remember this tomorrow.” She was still giggling and holding her stomach.
“Drink up bitch. We’re about to own the fuck out of that dancefloor.”
Chapter Four
A care-free euphoria ran through my body. Nothing mattered but the beat, and all sense of time slipped away. The day-to-day fundamentals of work, and the drama of lost relationships that caused an anxious ache in my stomach were currently being blasted into the stratosphere by a heavy bass line and the sexy voice of Usher, telling me the DJ had us falling in love.
I swung my hips from side to side as I ran my hands over my body alluringly, entranced and out of control by the beat. I was the center of attention by my current dance partner, and his sexy dance moves that had my brain pirouetting in the gutter. He was cute, in a boyish kind of way, and yes, probably just a little bit on the young side for me. I was happy to let his hands roam over my hips and sway them in time to his . . . until he tried to stick his tongue down my throat. Really? I pushed him back as his sweet puppy dog eyes questioned mine. Uh no dude, I’m just not that into you!
Another drink was in order, something that will burn the taste of his lips on mine. Any excuse to get away from Mr. Moves, I thought as I waved goodbye to him. He lifted his chin in salutation and turned around to search out the next girl he would wiggle his hips with.
I grabbed Ariel’s hand in mine, rolling my eyes at her in his direction. It took him all but three seconds—about as long as it would take me to shoot my next shot.
I was so unaffected by how quickly I was replaced that I figured I must be pretty drunk to not care, or just resigned to my new outlook on the opposite sex: self-gratification. Could I really go through with it? Sleep with someone, just as a one-night stand, knowing that I don’t want anything in return ? Was my emotional state capable of such blatant exploits?
The bar was packed three-deep, however we still managed to wrangle our way to the front. As luck would have it there were some vacant bar stools down one end that we made our way to.
“Ed’s, letsss cheerss to us, and fuckkk allll the bastards that ever hurrrt us.” Ariel was a goner, slurring her words. She flung her arm around me and we leaned our backs into the bar stools for a breather.
“Ari . . . you’re drunk,” I said, shaking my head but smiling in agreement as I held her upright around the waist.
“I know, and I lovvve it.” She giggled and swayed a little in her chair.
I asked the waiter for two half strength shots and some water, if we didn’t lighten up on the alcohol tomorrow morning would not be pretty.
“Salute.” We threw back the shot and I shuddered as it burnt a line down my throat. The water was ice-cold when he placed it in my hand, and I welcomed it. I guzzled half the bottle down and handed it to Ariel, not taking no for an answer when she shook her head.
“Trust me, Ar, you will thank me tomorrow morning.” I said as I placed the bottle in her hand. Now it was her turn to roll her eyes skyward. I just glared at her until she relented.
“Always the practical one. One more shot and I will drink the water,” she slurred on negotiating with me.
“Deal.” I signalled for more drinks, and loved my new blasé attitude. I reasoned that we would be fine with the alcohol as long as we consumed just as much water.
“Thatsss myyy girrrrl.” Ariel merrily downed the water. She was a little minx.
“Lets head back up to VIP.” I waited for a response from Ariel. When one didn’t come I dragged my eyes away from the blonde-haired cutie I was admiring. “Ariel.”
Shock registered in her eyes and caused her mouth to pop open at whatever she was looking at.
I followed her line of sight. “What the fuck is—”
And then I zeroed in on the suave form of Anthony-fucking-Moore, with his pristine white dress-shirt tucked into dark dress-jeans. He looked like something straight off the Dolce and Gabana runway; his blonde hair was combed artfully to one side, his broad smile showcasing his pristine laser whitened teeth.
The instant pang of nerves dropped my stomach to my knees. I didn’t need this shit right now. “Of all the nights, he had to turn up here,” I muttered to myself, although I knew Ariel heard me as she bobbed her head in consensus. I looked away from him and back to the smiling face of the blonde-hair surfer-type at the bar. This alleviated the dull pang I was feeling in my gut. He was making it easier to ignore Anthony’s presence.
I felt I little prod in my rib cage coming from my best friend. What now? I hope he’s not coming this way. I’m pretty sure I would run a mile if he did, even in these heels.
“You might want to see who he’s with.” I think the shock was quickly sobering her up.
I didn’t really care to see, but it was like watching a horror movie; I always held the pillow in front of my face at the scary bits, but managed to peek out from behind it anyway, wanting to see what would happen.
So I swivelled around on the barstool and took a sharp intake of breath when I saw the familiar face of Brandy, his secretary that I had busted him screwing in his office. And, as if Anthony could feel the stare of my eyes, he locked onto mine. That toothy grin of his stretching even wider told me he wanted to be friendly.
Well, he was delusional. Funnily enough, my anxiousness had gone. I reached a hand down and placed it over my belly and bowed my head. Maybe it was there and the music was blocking it out with the heavy bass that reverberated through the club. Several more seconds later, I lifted my head
in satisfaction; he’d lost that affect he had over me. But wait, something was missing. Holy shit; Ariel was making a bee-line for him.
She was always the one to champion my cause. God bless that girl. I had to teeter quickly to catch up to her petite frame; she was little, but fierce, and someone had invaded her territory. Like a mother lion looking out for her cub, I knew she would give him a good piece of her mind.
As much as I would love to see that, causing a scene would mean Anthony thought I still cared . . . which I didn’t. Thankfully, I reached Ariel and grabbed her lithe bicep, stopping her. When she spun around, I thought she may beat the crap out at me.
“He has no right to be here . . . let alone smiling at you,” her chest puffed out, like a freight train letting off steam.
“He’s an asshole. Not worth your breath, but thank you for wanting to rip him a new one all the same.”
“Oh, I will rip it alright.” I had to grab her other bicep in my hand and hold her back. Thank goodness Anthony couldn’t see our faces, as I was sure he had no idea I was currently trying to calm my best friend down from flogging the shit out of him—verbally, anyway.
I pursed my lips at her and shook my head, pleading with the unsaid words.
“Oh, fine.” She wiggled her shoulders, still in my grip, signalling to let her go. I waited a few more seconds before I did, confident that she’d calmed down enough.
“Thank you, but he doesn’t affect me anymore. I’m good; in fact, I’m great, and ready to hit the floor again.”
“You sure you’re good? I could get Sammy down here, and really cause some drama.” I believed her, too; Sammy would give him a tongue-lashing, and not the good kind.
“Oh my God, Ariel, stop the dramatics. I’m fine,” I said accentuating the fine and leaning down to her petite level. “I want to dance some more, and drink. Are you with me, girl?” I started the trail back to where we were dancing, smiling at the onlookers that I had caught the attention of.
“Like that is even a question.” She arched a sly eyebrow and nudged me with her shoulder. “Just know that you are way hotter than that skanky cow, and the way he was looking you up and down? Well, let’s just say he still wants Eden’s garden on goodies.”
Maybe Ariel was right, but it didn’t matter. Brandy could have the womanizer all to herself. Sloppy thirds was not my style.
Chapter Five
Eden
At three a.m. I felt like I had made a decent effort back into the nightlife scene. It had taken me two months of boring Saturday nights, copious tubs of ice cream, and so many rom-coms that I was starting to get sick of Jennifer Aniston’s voice, to bother with getting decked out and tearing it up on the dance floor with my beautiful friends.
I flopped my body into the leather-upholstered bucket seats, all the dancing and alcohol had me euphoric, I wanted to hug and kiss everyone out of pure alcohol fuelled joy. But that would be weird! So I take in the vibe of the place. It was all very lush upstairs, dark settings, black candles flickering, their shadowed glow casting warmly on bodies sitting at the low-lying tables. Gold gilt mirrors lined the walls along one side of the room, and in front of each mirror there was seating in the form of purple lounges that looked comfortable and inviting.
Above the tables, huge gold chandeliers hung from the ceiling with dim lighting. I was gazing around the room, perusing the different kinds of people in the room. A daring couple that was embraced in a kiss had caught my eye, it was by no means an innocent peck. I couldn’t see his hands, and I just knew they were at second or quite possibly third base. PDA was not something I was comfortable with. Yeesh, get a room.
A cold shiver ran down my spine as I realized why I was drawn to that particular couple when the familiar smile that Anthony was lavishing on Brandy made my stomach roil.
He was undoubtably the worst partner I’d ever had. Humiliation coupled with lies is what I got for four months of our time together.
I swallowed down the sick feeling. Anthony was a master manipulator, and I was so much better without him. I just kept telling myself Lucky I didn’t fall in love with him. I wondered, for a brief moment, how many women had.
“Earth to Eden.” Ariel broke my train of thought, I gazed up at her face and saw the sympathy in her eyes as she flicked her gaze in Anthony’s and Brandy’s direction. “You okay?” Was I okay?
“Stop worrying.” I hoped I looked convincing enough, and knew I did, Ariel’s eyes were glowing as she tilted her face upwards. Deep dimples, glinting dark eyes and a mass of spiked black hair looked down at me.
It was then that I noticed her fingers entwined in someone’s.
The face above her was a very handsome face indeed. Warm brown eyes smiled genuinely at me, and I could see hair that looked freshly buzz-cut. He loped his hand, the color of dark chocolate, around her waist and pulled her to him abruptly. I noticed the gasp of pleasure bubble out of my friend’s mouth, and gave them both an inquisitive look.
Surely this hadn’t just happened tonight? Christ, I must have spent way too much time at the bar and on the dance floor, and hadn’t noticed this little tryst that had unfolded under my usually nosey-nose.
It was impossible not to smile back at them, I cut my eyes to Ariel when her man wasn’t looking, giving her the what-aren’t-you-telling-me scrutiny stare. She actually winked at me the little hussy. I stood up too fast, and tried to balance myself with the arm of the chair I had just vacated. Ariel was too absorbed in her partner to notice my little fumble as I quickly righted myself. I wasn’t usually a heavy drinker, but obviously tonight I had a lot to celebrate.
I actually still felt like commemorating this night. Maybe I would order fucking Brandy a drink and my phone number, so she could call me when she needed a shoulder to cry on.
Ariel made our introductions to Mr. Dark and Mysterious. Yes, they had only just met tonight. Thank God, as this meant I wasn’t caught up in my own drama enough to not be invested in my best friend’s life.
“Ariel, I think this calls for more drinks. Whadaya say, my darling friend? You know your drunk when your words morph into one long slurring one, but I was also past caring. I had a car waiting to take me home, so I didn’t have to worry about that.
“One last drink, then you’re going home,” she said sternly, but with a smirk on her lips.
“Deal.” And Romone, the lucky man Ariel would no doubt take home to have her wicked way with, dislocated his arms from around her and went to get us one more beverage.
********
Sitting in the back of the chauffeur-driven hire car on my own, I admitted that yes, I was exceptionally drunk, having made thorough use of the open tab Gia had set up for us. An alcohol induced nostalgia had me wondering how I had made it this far in life. I had instigated great business choices and skill that launched me up into a higher tax bracket. My aptitude had afforded me to meet so many amazing people that had enriched my life; and, unfortunately, I had managed to meet and date every loser known to womankind.
I was a douche magnet! I rest my head on my hand, a dull thump registering.
Why was it that being so plastered brought out the nostalgic side in me? After the battering my ego and emotions had taken with Anthony, and the fact that he was my longest relationship, I was a firm believer that most men were superficial, and the ones that weren’t had been snapped up already.
I wanted to believe with my heart and soul that the perfect specimen of a man would sweep me off my feet, even now, after the roller coaster of relationships had left me a dizzy mess. You’re such a fool Eden ; it’s not gonna happen! My voice of reason screamed.
Ugh!
The city lights blurred past my window due to our speed, and yeah, okay, the fact that my head was a little fuzzy right now. Lights twinkled and flashed as we drove down main street. Ariel had decided to go for an early breakfast with Romone to the iHop down the road. It was polite for them to ask me, but all I wanted to do was get home, have a shower, snuggle in my bed, a
nd wake up not a minute before midday tomorrow. Well, technically today.
Something outside caught my eye as we slowed for a traffic light. Lit up above the roof of a building, in red neon letters, the word TATTOO flashed. All the lights were on, the forms of people moving about inside told me this place was still open for business.
“Pull up here,” I said hastily to the driver, not sure what I was about to do, not thinking at all. Compulsion made me want to go inside and, well, get a tattoo. Ariel had some script tattooed on her rib cage, it was meaningful to her and she wore it well. “I will be back in a minute if you will please wait.”
“Ma’am, my shift ended an hour ago,” he said irritably. “I need to get the vehicle back to the—” His words were muffled by me slamming the car door. Car schmar. Pfft. I would hail a taxi. I slicked on some lip-gloss and smoothed my hair down, swaying a little as I teetered on my heels the ten yards to the shop door.
I stood outside the window before entering. The cool air bit into my skin, making goosebumps rise on my arm and legs. I wasn’t sure if it was the early morning breath of a new day, or venturing into the unknown, but a feeling of unease coiled in my stomach. I had always had the impression that a tattoo parlor was for the likes of thugs and biker gang members. I’d thought it would be all dark and grimy interiors, tattooists with cigarettes hanging from dull lips, and thick, gray blurred tatts twisting up scrawny arms.
I was completely blown away by the brightness of the place. The walls were painted red with amazing canvassed art hanging from them. It gave off a really quirky feel. I peeked back to the road, and saw the very ostentatious Hummer waiting patiently at the curb. That was good. I need to get home at some stage.
I hastily pulled the door open, before I changed my mind and ran back to the car. As I entered, a little tinkling bell signaled that I had walked in. I was met with the curious eyes of several employees that looked up from tattooing various body parts. None of them seemed particularly interested in me until an extremely tall, very beautiful woman, in a 50s pin-up girl kind of way, stood up from behind the counter. Her dark hair was coifed in a big rolled fringe, and coiled neatly at her shoulder with an old-style red bandana tied in her hair. She really was perfection.