Call Me

by Gillian Jones

  “For fuck sakes, I knew those tits would feel incredible. Fuck, Fuck. Yes, fuck, I’m gonna fucking come so hard right now…”

  Chapter 32

  Ace

  Watching Dylan and Liz makes me nauseated, yet I’m happy for my friend.

  Mercer and I are sitting in our regular booth at Riffs, and I’m dying to rib Dylan. The guy’s been scarce for the last month and it’s because of the fine young waitress that is Liz, the same one both Mercer and I knew would be a good match for our little Dyl.

  “Okay, babe. Have a good shift, I’ll be here until your shift is done then I’ll drive you home.” Dylan kisses Liz on the nose, and Mercer and I both chime in a little “aww” at the same time.

  “Shut it, assholes,” Dylan says, and Liz laughs.

  “Sorry guys. How are you? It’s been longer than usual,” a smiling Liz asks.

  “We’re good, thanks. You?” I ask her back.

  She beams, “I’m excellent.” She glances at Dylan and he grins back at her. It’s fucking adorable. I never would have thought that Dylan would be this guy, but it looks good on him. Reiterating that I want this. With her—Ellie.

  “Okay, welllll, I better get back to work. Have fun, good to see you guys. I’ll see if I can pop by in a bit,” she says, waving bye after kissing Dylan one last time.

  “What a difference a month makes, eh, Dylan?” Mercer jabs as Dyl finally sits down.

  “Cheers.” We all raise our beer glasses.

  “To Dylan, finally taking the plunge,” I add.

  “Piss off, you both knew I’d ask her out sooner or later.”

  “Yeah, I’m still shocked she agreed, though. I mean, she could have had all this,” Mercer points, circling his face. “I’ve been told that I’m one hell of a tall drink of chocolate milk. Just as sweet, too.”

  “Fuck me. I’m surrounded by idiots,” I chuckle into my beer.

  “Whatever, man, I know I’m hot,” Mercer laughs, and I roll my eyes.

  “Speaking of love lives, how’re things with the forbidden student?” Dylan asks.

  “Ellie. Her name’s Ellie.”

  “Right, sorry. How are things with her?” Dylan probes.

  “Complicated. I’m all over the place where she’s concerned. I’m getting to my breaking point. I think it’s time I sit us down and speak honestly about how we’re both feeling. I know I’d like to take her out, spend some off-campus time together, get to know each other better, but we need to be careful about it. Maybe it’s better to wait until she graduates in April? It’s already December, I’m sure we could hold off, if we decide to give it a go. Besides, the documentary is taking up all my spare time right now, anyway,” I share, before taking a long pull of my beer.

  “Blah, blah. All right, you like each other. Who cares about waiting? Just be discreet. Touch behind closed doors,” Dyl quips.

  Who says shit like this?

  “I can’t believe they let you teach higher education,” Mercer says, shaking his head.

  “Whatever, I’m a philosopher. I see things differently,” Dylan retorts.

  “Understatement,” I cough.

  “Piss off. Now let’s cut to the chase,” Dylan says, leaning in. “How’re the phone sex line calls going? You’re a shit text-er. Leave your best friend hanging without any deets for weeks. I mean, who the fuck does that?”

  “Me, I guess, eh? Like I’ve got the time to text you back enough details to satisfy that enquiring mind of yours.”

  “True. But Liz is into a bit of role-play, so share, man,” he whispers, and Mercer cuffs him upside the head.

  “You’ll probably have to block his number. I can only imagine his texts,” Mercer says, then adds, “Our very own Barbara Walters.” He bursts out into a deep chuckle.

  “Whatever, man. I only care that things are going well. It’s a big deal, it’s TIFF!” says Dylan.

  “Right. It’s not that you want the smutty details for your own sex life, like you just said,” Mercer points out.

  “No, no, I do. But I want to make sure it’s going smoothly, too. I mean, if not, I know a few—”

  I cut Dyl off. “Nope. Thanks, but I’m good. Actually really good, now if you’ll shut up, I’ll tell you about it.”

  “It’s about bloody time,” Dylan says, handing out the round of beers the server just dropped off.

  I spend the next while telling them about the four places I’ve called, share a few of the experiences and how awkward it was the first few times, and how I opted to use the Voice Changer app I’d found in the App Store, a precaution to ensure I’d never have to worry about having my voice recognized. I know it’s pretty out there to think someone I know would be a phone sex operator, but since Chelsea was, I didn’t want to take a chance. You never really know, right?

  “Have you gotten off, though, is what I really want to hear. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you’re getting good stuff but come on, I need more than that.”

  “All right, only because you’ve been so patient and a good listener, I’ll share a few secrets with you.”

  “Thank fuck,” Mercer sighs, “otherwise, we’ll never hear the end of his whining.” This time, it’s Mercer who gets the cuff upside the head.

  “There’s this one chick. I’ve gotten off with her once.” I don’t bother telling them that she reminds me of Ellie, that she’s got a quick wit about her and the times we’ve just talked she seems like an intelligent girl, like Ellie. I’m dying to ask her her story, but I worry she’d freak out if I got too personal. I don’t bother telling them that I picture Ellie every time we role-play, either. Some things need to remain secret.

  “I knew it. I knew you’d get off while doing this movie. How could you not, it’s all sex, all the time,” Dylan says and I need to clarify this right now.

  “Calm your voice, Dyl. You can’t tell anyone that I got off. It’s not exactly my proudest moment. The last thing I want is for that to get blown up out of context. It was one time and I won’t let it happen again.”

  “Of course, man. We’d never say anything. You know that.”

  “It’s not like I expected to, but this one girl, she’s gotten under my skin. I called in one night, and we got to talking, she got down to it quick and the next thing I knew I was jerking off to her voice” (picturing Ellie) “and the crazy story she was telling me. Now almost every time I call, my dick ends up hard as fuck, but I ignore it, knowing I have a job to finish and my getting off isn’t a part of it. It’s crazy, though.” I also leave out that we’ve spent time just talking too, spending ten or fifteen minutes sharing random thoughts and questions about life and so on. That with her, I feel like I’ve developed a friendship, which is all kinds of fucked up I realize, but it’s true.

  “That’s awesome, man. Your job is the best. Maybe I should have gone into film,” Dylan jokes.

  “Question. Don’t you film and record all of your calls and interviews? So are you telling us that you’ve made your own brand of Ace Ryan porn?” Mercer asks before he and Dylan break out in laughter.

  “Yeah, I had been. But I’ve since deleted those particular ones and I’ve stopped recording when I feel the call will escalate, so sorry, guys, no Ryan originals for you.”

  “Thank God,” Dylan adds, lifting his beer. “Honestly, are they really that good, though?”

  “Yeah, some really are. It’s crazy how versatile and completely professional they are. I’ve thrown some crazy scenarios at a few of them and they take it all in stride, determined to see me to the end of my fantasies. It’s insane how they can slip in and out of different roles. I’ve been impressed. The biggest downside for me still is trying to convince Dee, that underage girl I told you about, to meet me so I can get her some help. I’m still trying to convince her. I was thinking of talking to Chelsea to see if she might be free to help me figure out a way to make it happen. I have another girl I’d really like to interview, too, but I’m not sure she’ll believe that I’m not just the reg
ular caller I convinced her I was over the last few months.”

  “I’ll update Chels and see what she says. Maybe she can talk to Dee, maybe if you call and have Chels talk to her it would help? And I’m sure I could probably get my buddy Diego to get her a job at his diner; the tips would be crazy seeing as it’s over in the finance district. It might help to entice her to talk, knowing she’d have a safer job lined up,” Mercer offers.

  “Hey. That might actually work. From what she’s told me, she isn’t making as much as the other places. But she’s in deep, so she can’t walk away unscathed. I guess the boss has been roughing a few of them up, a means to send a message.”

  “Fuck, Ace. We need to get her out of there,” Dylan huffs.

  “I know. I’m working on it. I’ve been in constant contact with Detectives Hernandez and Muller. They work in Vice and Drugs, here in the city. The more I spoke with Dee and her friend, I realized I needed to involve the police; it was getting too big for me to try and save them alone. Besides, I have all the recordings, which might really help down the line if it ends up going to court.”

  “Jesus. That’s impressive, Ace. Those girls are lucky you care enough to help.”

  “Yeah, in the long run, I hope. Maybe once the dust settles and they see they can have a better life. I have a feeling they’re going to be pissed for a long time once they process everything that sleazeball of a boss has done to them.”

  “You’re doing the right thing. I know it’s tough, but you’re a good guy, Ace. The girls will see that in the end,” says Dylan.

  “I agree,” says Mercer, before adding, “we’re here for you if you need our help in any way, eh? You know that?”

  “I do, and I appreciate that.”

  “Fuck. I really did pick the wrong job,” Dylan remarks. “You’re like a detective filmmaking-savant superhero for the sex trades. Your film is not only going to cause waves, bringing awareness about real issues, it might actually stop a few assholes from exploiting kids. I’m fucking impressed, man,” Dylan says, saluting his glass my way before taking a sip.

  “Thanks, guys.” I raise my glass. “Now, let’s hope all the pieces fall into place to make everything happen the way I’d like it to.”

  Chapter 33

  Ellie

  “I can’t believe you’re going on a date with Jax, and that you’re dragging me into this mess. I doubt Professor Ryan would condone you banging your thesis advisor,” I say cheekily, slipping a gold hoop into my earlobe in the small hallway mirror.

  How I wish Ace would condone banging me, though! This tension and back and forth between us has been killing me. Being with him in his office again last week nearly did me in. The need to kiss him, to feel him, to finally be with him, was extremely hard to ignore. Needless to say, I left his office a needy pile of wanton frustration.

  “I’m not going on a date with him. We are,” she says grinning, applying a coat of pink Devine lipgloss by Mac right beside me.

  “No, I’m your tagalong to make it look like it’s not a date when we both know it is.”

  “Whatever, chaperone.”

  “And you say I make googly eyes at Ace? Hello, pot, have you met my friend? We call her kettle.” I step back, the quick movement making my knee twinge, as I assess my appearance.

  “It’s still not a date. It’s a bunch of friends going to see the most anticipated movie of all time. You of all people should be happier than a pig in shit right now that I managed to swing these tickets.” She gives me a stern look.

  “Oh, trust me, I’m flipping out. I’m so excited I could die. But I’m not blind to your tactics, my friend.”

  “Hey, it’s not my fault Jax happened to be the one who invited us. And insisted that you come. But honestly, Els, it’s Star-fucking-Wars! You never turn that shit down.”

  “You’re right. I would have had to cut a bitch if you’d told him I didn’t want a ticket,” I laugh.

  “See? Not a date. We’re all friends,” she harrumphs.

  Rolling my eyes, I still call bullshit. I know damn well this is a date disguised as a group outing. Apparently Jax’s little sister, Jade, works at the Varsity and VIP Theatre over on Bloor Street. From what I understand, Jade won some employee contest they held last month; the prize, an exclusive pre-screening of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens for up to one hundred guests. So she was super sweet and gave Jax a bunch of tickets for the screening to invite whomever he wanted. Court happened to be top of his list, as she described how this “non-date” came about.

  “Do I look okay?” she asks, smoothing down her mid-length sweater dress, which is paired with a black cinched belt and knee-high boots, fitting her like a glove, accentuating her subtle curves.

  “You look stunning for our date. Can we go now, please?” I ask, putting on my black faux fur-lined hooded winter coat from Rudsak. Unlike Court, I opted for casual tonight, pairing a dark green v-neck sweater with my favourite pair of jeans and tan Ugg boots. I’m not trying to impress anyone; therefore, I’m comfy, although the sweater dips enough in the front that I’ll still look sufficiently sexy should we decide to go out somewhere afterward.

  *

  “You have got to be shitting me. Courtney Liza Pierce, tell me you didn’t know he’d be here,” I demand, squeezing Court’s arm as we make our way to where Jax is standing inside the expansive theatre lobby surrounded by a group of people. A group that includes Ace-flipping-Ryan!

  He hasn’t spotted me yet. He’s too busy laughing with two guys, one who looks likes Dr. Mercer Reynolds, but the hat is making it hard to be certain from this distance.

  “Can’t do that, bestie. Sorry. It was top secret. I knew you’d deny yourself this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity if you knew he’d be here.”

  “Easy, Drama. It’s a preview screening, not an invitation to write the screen adaptation for She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb. That would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I could have waited like the rest of the world to see this.” I try to steer her to the side so we can make our way to Jax unnoticed.

  “Yeah, that’s a lie. We both know this is right up at the top of your geek list, to see The Force Awakens before the masses. I know you, Els.”

  “Okay, okay, you’re right. It’s totally once-in-a-lifetime. But you should have told me he was going to be here.”

  “Boo-hoo. You’ll get over it. Besides, you two are close. We both know it. I’m hoping this will help push you two to even more closer-ness. That would be epic.”

  “He’s my professor, Court. It’s a conflict, as is whatever’s going on with you and Jax,” I remind her.

  “Well, sometimes you’ve gotta take a risk to see if it’s worth it. You’ll never know if you hide behind the whole ‘he’s my teacher’ crap. We’re adults, and on top of that we’re graduating in less than three months. Soon it won’t make a lick of difference.”

  “Huh. I hadn’t thought of it like that.”

  “That’s why you pay me the big bucks.” She winks at me. “Want to wait here, and I’ll shoot over to Jax and let him know we’re here, then we can grab our popcorn? That way you can avoid Ace for a few more minutes.”

  “Okay. I’ll meet you right here,” I agree, standing off to the side.

  “You’re such a chickenshit,” she mutters, walking off towards Jax.

  After what feels like forever, I decide I’m tired of waiting in the corner like a loser. Court’s obviously in a Jax trance and needs a reminder that I’m here. Moving through the crowd, my eyes find my targets. I’m too focused to realize I’m heading into the eye of a hurricane, one I was set on avoiding for as long as I could. I’m a constant voice of “excuse me’s” and “sorry’s”, and I’m almost to them when I smell it.

  Him. His now familiar scent that has created an imprint on my senses even when he isn’t around. I’ll know his smell for the rest of my life. The earthy smell that is purely his and his alone.

  A gentle grasp on my arm to steady me confirms I’ve wal
ked right into him. His hard chest acts as a cushion for my face, another clue, as I slam right into the storm that is Ace Ryan.

  “Shit, I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention,” I say, meeting his surprised eyes.

  “E, are you okay?” He slides his hand down to my wrist to take my hand, but quickly releases it, realizing what he’s done. I feel the loss, and think I hear him murmur something about soft skin. I want to ask him if he’d like to feel more, maybe, say, my whole body? But I bite my tongue instead. Who knows if I even heard him correctly? Clearly, Courtney is getting inside my head.

  “Yeah. I’m good. I’m so sorry. I was keeping an eye on Courtney, trying to make my way to her. It’s so busy in here, I was worried I’d lose her.”

  “No. It was my fault, Ellie. I was focused on something too.” I’m trying really hard to pretend he didn’t mean his focus was on me, because that wouldn’t be good. Right?

  Meeting his gaze, I see him smirking as a throat clears beside us and I step back. Ace puts his hands in his pockets. I nod to Mercer.

  “Hi, sorry, let’s try this again. Good evening, Doctor Ryan, Doctor Reynolds.” I try to regain some composure and offer them both what I hope is my least awkward smile. Oh God, do they realize their last names combined make…? I tilt my head, assessing them as they stand before me. They must know, but I can’t not ask. “Hey, do you guys kno—”