by Becca Siller
“I’m going to Skype with Riley later but I can hang out until then.” Miles grabs a sandwich from the serving line, then moves down.
“How is she doing?” I ask him.
“Riley? Good. She isn’t nearly as sick as before. She’s going dress shopping tomorrow. I’ve wanted to talk to you about that. I want you to be my best man.”
“Ah Miles, I’d be honored. Hell yes, man.” I clap him on the back.
“Wait, before you get all excited, Charlie is the maid of honor. So you will have to walk and sit with her. Is that going to be a problem?” Miles gives me a side-long glance.
“Come on, man, you’re my best friend. I wouldn’t miss this for anything.” I paste a bright smile on but inside I feel anxious to see her.
“Ok, good.” Miles smiles widely. “I’ll tell Riley you agreed when she comes for a visit,” he says, sounding unsettled.
“She’s coming to visit? Who is coming with her?”
“Not at all obvious, my friend,” Miles snickers.
“Come on, man, don’t bust my balls.” I shake my head. Miles knows I’m not over Charlie. The thought of seeing her makes my stomach churn and my heart race. Maybe I won’t have to wait for the wedding.
“I doubt Charlie is coming. Riley said she was going to try to convince her but she was pretty adamant earlier that she didn’t want to run into you. Sorry if that’s harsh, man, but it’s the truth,” Miles explains, looking sympathetic.
I heave a huge sigh. “I guess I understand. I doubt it would be good for either of us to see each other.”
“I think things are going well for her and Ian anyway, and you have Gillian. Let’s get back to the set. I want to get this shit done today. I hate the love scenes.” Miles’ face twists with disgust even though his on-camera lady is seriously hot.
The rest of the filming schedule goes well today. Miles fusses about it being so damn cold when he has to be naked and his co-star complains that he isn’t being convincing. Really she wants to make out for real instead of stage kissing. I can’t keep from laughing between takes – I love that he gets so flustered now that he’s engaged.
When the director calls it a wrap for the day I try desperately to avoid Gillian but she’s like a dog with a bone. “Wyatt, are you ready to go?” she asks, rubbing herself against me.
“I’m going to hang out with Miles tonight. You know, do guy stuff. I’ll see you tomorrow, ok, sweetie?” I give her a steamy kiss and smack her ass as I push her in the other direction.
“Damn, man,” Miles says with a frown. “Is she always like that?”
“Stage five clinger,” I say, letting my annoyance with her bleed into my tone as we amble out into the cold Scottish night.
When we get to Miles’ trailer he sees a text from Riley. “Riley sent me a video, and she said I need to watch it right away.” Miles walks over and picks up his laptop. He opens it, clicking around for a minute. “Ah, here we go,” he squints. “What the fuck? Wyatt, come here and watch this.”
He slides it onto the table. It’s a video of Riley, Skylar and Charlie. They’re doing some sort of show in their living room. They’re dancing and singing as a group. It’s pretty funny to watch Riley and Skylar dancing around like that. But I can’t take my eye off Charlie. She looks so amazing, the way she sways her hips and shakes that hot little body and her voice, God, the way that woman can sing kills me. Miles and I both watch it in silence, probably because we are both thinking lecherous thoughts about the women giving the show.
When the song ends there are cheers and whistles. Charlie walks over and a man’s arms wrap around her. Ian comes into the frame. I hold my breath and watch as he kisses her like I used to. I lose it. “Fucking McShane,” I curse as I storm from Miles’ trailer in search of Gillian. Clearly I’m not trying hard enough to get over her. I plan to keep myself buried in every woman I can until I can’t remember Charlie anymore. On my way to Gillian’s I run into Amber Calvo. I grin and crook my finger at her. I don’t have to say anything to her. She already knows exactly what I’m looking for. At least I know that I won’t have to work so damn hard tonight. Mindless sex should mask the pain in my heart, hopefully.
Riley
“That wasn’t a good idea on my part,” Miles sighs, his shoulders slumping with regret.
“What, baby?” I was hoping to see him jazzed after watching the video of me shaking my ass like it owes me money.
“Wyatt was here when I watched the video. When I saw what it was, I let him watch it with me. Fucking hot, by the way, baby. We are so going to discuss that further and you are going to do some of those dance moves for me naked after I finish telling you this but anyway, I digress. Were you aware of what happened at the end of that video?”
“No, I didn’t watch it, I just sent it,” I explain, looking at him confused.
“At the end there is a clear shot of Ian kissing Charlie, and from where I was sitting, it wasn’t an innocent little peck. Before you say anything, let me finish,” Miles knows me so well. “I know for one, Wyatt is fucking Gillian and now all of the other co-stars by the way he looked when he left here, and two, very important, if I were there, after that we would have barely made it to the bedroom. So I get it but what I don’t get is why they’re beating themselves up for wanting each other so badly when they aren’t doing anything to get back together. I just don’t get it!” Miles throws his hands up exasperated.
“Me either, baby. Charlie said even though she enjoys spending time with Ian, she feels guilty every time she has fun with him. If she knew what Wyatt was doing, this wouldn’t be a problem, but I can’t do that to her. I was hoping they would work it out when we came out there but not if he’s out slutting it up.” I roll my eyes and drop my head in my hands.
“Hey, forget about all of that. I don’t want you worrying about their problems right now. How about you show me the goods in a private show?” he asks with a wink. I smile wickedly and decide to play something a little slower for my man, still my girl Britney but a little dirtier. I sway and twist while stripping. Watching Miles follow my every movement with hungry eyes makes me pant but not from the exertion. After a moment he leans back and pulls his dick out, fisting it in plain view. The sight makes my mouth water and my clit pulse. He groans roughly as he strokes himself faster. I slide my hand down, delving into the folds circling my throbbing bud. Biting my lip, I listen intently as Miles directs me on how to touch myself. We bring ourselves to climax together. Panting and tired, I slouch in front of my laptop.
“As much as I love our little virtual porn sessions, I really need the real thing, baby. Next weekend isn’t going to get here soon enough.” Miles says wearily.
In the morning I drag my sore ass out of bed and go in search of coffee, when I remember that I can’t drink it anymore. Growling, I lay my head on the cold tile of the island. “Why did I make this appointment so Goddamned early,” I groan.
“Because you’re trying wedding dresses on today, is Mom coming?” Charlie asks as she sips her bottle of water. She looks amazing this early in the morning. I hate her for that.
“You look great,” I grouch at her.
She laughs. “Thanks, I think. Did you stay up too late sexting with Miles?”
“Yes, and my body is sore from all of the strenuous dancing,” I pick my head up when Charlie puts a bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit cut up in it. “You are too good to me.”
Charlie snorts and rolls her eyes but blows me a kiss as she walks back to the sink to put the dishes away. “That was really fun last night. I forgot how good we were when we performed together,” Charlie says.
“Yeah, we are pretty great. We should do a routine for the wedding,” My eyes light up and I can feel the surge of excitement rise in my chest.
“How do you propose we pull that off when we’re going to be wearing dresses and not slutty ones either?” She points her finger at me in warning.
“I’ll figure it out but we’re doing it.” Charlie s
ighs because she knows my mind is made up. “Are you going to take me in the new car?” I ask her with a wink.
“Definitely, it’s like a dream to drive.” She smiles wistfully. I think she’s thinking about a man but I can’t figure out which one. “You ready?” she asks. Her phone makes a beeping sound from the counter. She grabs it up and smiles. A message from Ian, I know, because Wyatt wouldn’t have texted her. I contemplate telling her what he did last night but can’t bear the thought of her breaking down again.
We’re rocking out in the car on the drive to the bridal boutique. It reminds me of old times, me and my bestie spending the day together. The spa was amazing. I had to hold Charlie’s hand during her wax but was rewarded with Dairy Queen for it. Charlie even let me eat it in the car, which was shocking.
“Well the GPS says this is the place, are you ready?” Charlie asks as I gape at the opulent building.
I swallow hard. “Maybe this wasn’t a good choice,” I whisper, starting to panic.
“No, I think this is the perfect choice. Come on, let’s go inside, if they don’t have what you want, we’ll leave.” Charlie squeezes my hand as we get out of the car. Mom is waiting by the entrance when we walk up. She hugs us both, starting to cry right away.
“Damn it, Mom, don’t you know I bawl at the slightest provocation?” I snap without any real heat. She waves her hand at me as we enter the boutique. I have to mentally keep my mouth closed or it may drag on the ground. This place is so amazing. It’s dripping with elegance and class. The hostess seats us, offering us Champagne, sparkling water for me. Mom and Charlie settle in while I’m escorted to the back. I’m anxious as I explain what type and style of dress I’m looking for. After a few minutes several women walk into my dressing room with at least half a dozen gowns. But I have eyes for only one.
Charlie
Dress shopping with Riley is bittersweet. I wish I could be as happy as I was before any of the bad stuff happened. I want everything to be perfect for Riley. She has the perfect family, perfect man and now she’ll have the perfect wedding. I’m positive Wyatt will be there, he’s Miles’ best friend after all. The thought of seeing Wyatt there makes my skin tingle with excited anticipation. I scold myself. I shouldn’t be excited by the mere thought of seeing him. Gina and I sit submerged in normal everyday conversation about anything and everything. The normality is comforting, and I love that I’m treated like the same old Charlie. Gina is the most excited grandma-to-be I’ve ever seen. Anytime she mentions the baby, her face lights up with pure joy.
“How are you doing, darling?” Gina asks when my smile falters.
“I’m doing really well. I still have nightmares but not as often as before,” I explain to her. I don’t have to tell her that the physical wounds are healing nicely. She can see that for herself.
She smiles sweetly. “Riley says you’re seeing a new fella?” she asks, raising an eyebrow at me.
“I’ve only seen him a few times. We’re just friends for now. I can’t give him anything else right now,” I tell her sadly.
“Not every relationship starts out with insane passion and sex,” Gina says with a wink. “Sometimes the slow burn can become just as passionate.”
“Did you and Dad have a slow burn kind of relationship?”
Gina laughs. “Not at all. That man still can’t keep his hands off me.”
“Mom, Jesus, I do not want those mental images.”
“So what is his name?” Gina asks still smiling.
“It’s Ian.” I can see her look of surprise but before she can say anything, the stylist announces Riley.
My mouth falls open and Gina gasps. Riley is a beautiful girl, she may be on the short side but she has the perfect body and hair. Her eyes have this sexy tilt to them and she always looks like she just walked off a red carpet but today, in that dress. I can’t speak, the dress is long and fitted down past her hips, almost like a slip but the back is open all the way to her lower back. There is a slight gathering that lifts her breasts just right for the perfect amount of cleavage. The gown is pretty plain until you get to the skirt, which is layered with different textured fabrics, lace, silk and organza. On the heavier silk parts, the most beautiful crystals flow everywhere, giving it a delicate shine.
“So, what do you think?” Riley is tapping her foot, looking at us with a slight smile.
I find my voice first. “Is that the first dress you tried on?” Riley nods. “How often do you find the dress on the first try?” I ask and Riley frowns.
“Why, you don’t like this one?” Riley sounds dejected.
“No, that’s not it at all. That is the one, Riley, I’ve never seen anything as beautiful before in my life,” I tell her as my eyes start to fill with tears.
“Oh, my baby,” Gina is fighting to hold back her tears but is quickly losing the battle. “You look perfect.” She covers her mouth with her shaking fingertips.
“Stop it you two!” Riley snaps. “Pregnant, remember, I’ll start bawling and won’t be able to stop.”
I laugh and stand to get a better look. “Riley you’re glowing,” I sound amazed.
“They said this style can be forgiving if I start showing slightly. But I don’t want to hide my pregnancy. I love that I’m having Miles’ baby. But it’s kind of pricey,” Riley chews on her bottom lip.
“How pricey?” Gina starts to frown slightly.
“It’s an eight thousand dollar dress,” the stylist says from behind Riley. Gina gapes at her, making a weird clucking sound as she works her mouth open and closed with astonishment.
“I’ll pay for it if it’s the one you really want,” I offer without thinking.
At that Riley lets out a slight sob. “You are the best sister I could ever ask for.” We all dissolve into a huge mound of tears. Gina and I work out a compromise because she insists on paying for some of the dress.
When my parents were alive my dad was very savvy with his investments and his money. They both had large life insurance policies, and in the event anything ever happened to them, they wanted me to be taken care of. Between the insurance money, the estate, and his investment portfolio I have enough money to last me two lifetimes. I’ve always used money sparingly and lived off of what I made working. I wanted to be independent and make something of myself. Other than my family, no one knows about my financial situation. I’ve never wanted anyone to be with me because I have money. If I learned anything recently, it’s that life needs to be lived.
We all go out for lunch, then head back home. Gina comes by the house to say goodbye to everyone, saying Bill was going to run out of underwear if she didn’t get home soon. It’s hard to see her leave. I feel closer to her than I did my own mother. Maybe because of the amount of time we spent together even before my parents’ accident. Regina and William Tate took care of me when everyone else was too busy. Even now that I’m an adult and can get by completely on my own, they still love to check up on me. The thought makes me think about my own Mom and Dad. I know they would be proud of me but would they still have to find time to be there for me? Regardless of all of that, seeing Gina and Riley makes me miss my mother so much it hurts.
Charlie
The next few days fly by in a blur. Between starting to run daily with Deputy, preparing for this weekend’s extravaganza and helping Riley with wedding plans, Friday is already here. Darius and Scott are nervous because Darius’s ex is coming to drop his daughter, Natalie, off tomorrow. I think they need a night to relax and enjoy themselves.
“Hey,” I shout, jumping out of my room, startling everyone.
Riley curses, “Christ, Charlie, I almost pissed my pants. Don’t scare me like that!”
I laugh, then plead for forgiveness, which isn’t given because I am still laughing. “Let’s have a scary movie night,” I offer eagerly.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, baby girl. You haven’t had a nightmare in a few nights. I don’t want to press your luck,” Scott warns.
“Oh come on, it’ll be fun. We can all bring our pillows and blankets out. Curl up in the dark with popcorn and beer…tea for Riley. Please…” I resort to begging.
“Fine,” Scott and Riley capitulate. Darius is always down for a horror movie, so I don’t have to ask him twice.
Skylar eyes me. “Olivia is coming over and I have plans for that girl that do not involve a room full of other people.”
“Come on, Sky, please. I’ll invite Ian. It’ll be fun. You can keep it in your pants for a few hours, can’t you?” I stick my lip out, batting my lashes at him.
“You know I can’t say no when you look at me like that.” He sighs and rubs his face with his palm. “Fine but you owe me one, Leelee.” I roll my eyes at the nickname that seems to be haunting me.
Later that evening Ian and Olivia show up with pizza. I laugh that Ian brought his own lemonade. “I’m glad you came, but I would have made you lemonade,” I tell him, giving him a swift kiss on his cheek.
Ian flashes his white teeth at me, looking shy as ever. “So what is the scary flick?” I don’t think I’ll ever get used to his accent.
“Silent House, have you seen it?” I sound perky and giggly but I don’t know why. Too much sugar I think. Riley and I raided the candy drawer earlier.
“I’m kind of a scaredy-cat. I don’t usually watch scary movies. I’ll probably not sleep tonight if I get too scared,” Ian admits without shame.
“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you,” I take Ian’s hand leading him into the living room. I run into my bedroom to grab the pillows and fluffy Tinkerbell blanket off my bed.
We all settle in and start watching the movie. The living room is dark and the surround sound is turned up high. Within twenty minutes Riley is passed out between Darius and Scott on one couch, Ian and I are on the other couch and Skylar and Olivia are on the floor doing everything but watching the movie. The sounds coming from them make me shift uncomfortably. I give Scott a disgusted look, but he shrugs and motions for Darius to carry Riley to her room. When he gets back, Darius grips Scott by the back of his neck and practically yanks him onto his lap. They start making out with abandon. I shake my head and turn to Ian. “Let’s go watch something else in my room. I’m not about to hang out in here while they all get it on.”