Love's Illusion
Page 14
“What kind of offer has he given you?”
“He wants fifty-percent of my game. In exchange, he’ll help me find the right people to push the game to market.”
“Fifty-percent?!” says Nash, somewhat shocked. “You better be sure about someone before you give them fifty-percent of what you created from scratch.”
“I know, but I don’t have many options. I don’t know anyone in the business. I’m just starting out. I doubt anyone’s going to take me seriously on my own.”
Nash points his finger at me. “You have to make people take you seriously. Otherwise, they just walk all over you.”
“I guess you have a point,” I say with a shrug.
“So, what’s it like working at a video game company?”
I smile. “I like it a lot. The only thing I hate is that I work with some guys that are always making the most sexist comments. They make me feel a little uncomfortable.”
“So complain to your supervisor.”
“I don’t want to rock the boat,” I admit to Nash. “I’m only an intern. And I really want to get the production assistant job they’re offering at the end of my contract.”
“I get that,” Nash says with a nod. “But if you feel uncomfortable in your work environment, that’s not cool.”
“Yeah. I just do my best to ignore them.”
“Well, if it gets too bad, let me know.” Then Nash smirks. “Punching someone out might be just what I need. Since I don’t play football anymore, I miss the adrenaline rush.” Nash then shakes his head as he ponders something. “It’s fuckin’ crazy how one moment can change your life forever,” he adds softly.
I realize he’s referring to the car accident that ruined his shoulder.
“Sometimes for the better,” I say, trying to sway his thoughts.
Nash looks at me, and I sense his anguish. “Yeah, right now it doesn’t feel that way.”
“Well, you can always fall back on being a chef,” I suggest with a smile.
Nash smirks. The he looks at me seriously.
“Flo, can I tell you something? Just between you and me.”
I’m surprised he wants to confide in me. “Of course,” I nod.
“I don’t think I ever really liked playing football,” he admits. “Sometimes, I wonder if I just played it to please my dad.” Nash rubs the back of his neck and looks down at the water, in deep thought. “He was a big deal back in the day,” he mutters.
“Yeah, I read that.”
As I stare at Nash, I sense the awkwardness he feels from revealing a deep hidden truth. “Well, maybe the car accident happened for a reason then,” I tell him. “Maybe it forced you to take a step back – to see if what you were pursuing your whole life was something you actually wanted. Or if you were just doing it to please your dad.”
“Maybe,” Nash says, still looking down at the water in the pool. He then looks up and stares at me again. “Maybe.”
We gaze at each other for a moment, and I feel something happening. But I’m not sure what. I’m clearly attracted to him, but the way he’s staring at me… it makes me wonder if…
The vulnerable expression on Nash’s face suddenly changes. “I see what you’re doing, Flo.”
“What?” I ask surprised.
“Engaging in conversation so you don’t have to work out,” Nash says sternly, pointing his finger at me.
“But you started the conversation by asking about my video game,” I protest.
Nash shakes his head. “Doesn’t matter. Back to work. Next exercise is called the cheek chiseler. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, hold the noodle at shoulder length. Then squat and submerge the noodle to your knees. Then as you get up to stand, rotate your hips to the right, then back to center. Do the squat again. Then do the same thing for your left side. This will work your gluts, abs, obliques, and legs. Give me twenty reps.”
“Geez.”
Begrudgingly, I do the exercises.
As I continue the repetitions, the sliding door behind us opens. Selena steps out.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I need your opinion. Juliette is in another one of her sessions, so I can’t bother her. Have you guys noticed all she does is laugh with this new guy?”
“Beats all the moaning and groaning with Roger,” says Nash.
“I guess. Anyway, how do I look?”
Selena twirls around. She’s wearing a cute short skirt and a cold shoulder white top.
“You must really like this guy if you’re wearing a skirt. All I’ve ever seen you in is jeans,” says Nash.
“I wear skirts,” protests Selena.
Nash looks at me and asks, “Have you seen her wear a skirt since you’ve been here?”
I shake my head.
Selena places her hands on her hips and shoots us both a dirty look. “Well, just because you haven’t seen me wear a skirt, doesn’t mean I haven’t. And wearing one doesn’t mean I’m in love with him, or anything like that.”
“Who said love?” asks Nash with a shrug. He looks at me and continues playfully, “Did I say love?”
I shake my head.
“He didn’t say love. You said love,” I reply as I turn to Selena.
Selena rolls her eyes. “Gosh. You two are so fuckin’ annoying. Just tell me if I look good, or if I should change?”
“You look beautiful,” I tell her with a smile.
“Thank you, Flo. What about you, Nash? Does this work?” Selena points to her outfit.
Nash teases. “If you want him to propose soon, I guess that outfit works.”
Selena is now very annoyed and frustrated. “I knew I shouldn’t have asked you. You guys are so annoying. We’re not getting married! This is only like our third date. And plus, he’s a Republican. There’s no way in hell I could marry a Republican.”
“What if your love is actually what the country needs to bridge the divide,” jokes Nash.
“You’re so annoying. We’re not in love. We’re just dating. There’s no bridging of any divide going on. We’re just going for a walk in Griffith Park and then grabbing a bite in Echo.”
“Ah, hipster-ville,” remarks Nash.
Selena shakes her head. “No, hipster-ville is Silver Lake. Echo Park still has some street cred, at least that’s what I read.” Selena turns to me and asks slightly nervous, “You sure I look okay, Flo?”
I nod affirmatively. “Yes. You look really beautiful. If he’s not in love with you already, he will definitely be by the end of your date.”
Selena points her finger at me. “Now, you’re getting just as annoying as Nash. I don’t want to be in love with him. I just think he’s cute. Forget it. I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Bye.”
Selena turns and walks back inside. Nash and I giggle.
“I think we properly annoyed her, don’t you?” Nash laughs.
I nod. “I think so.”
Nash and I share a smile and another long gaze. His expression then turns serious once again.
“Get back to work, Flo. Ten more reps,” he snaps. “I’m counting.”
“Fine,” I grumble.
Chapter 34
Although she got angry with Flo and Nash for teasing her, Selena had to face the truth: She was developing real feelings for Matt. He was unlike any man she had been with. And although they were different, it was undeniable there was chemistry between them. After an enjoyable walk through Griffith Park, Matt took Selena to Echo Park for a late lunch/early dinner of tacos. As they sit outside, enjoying their meal, a cool breeze blows through the air.
“These are some amazing tacos. I might need to get two more,” says Matt as he devours his third one.
“Me too,” agrees Selena before taking another bite.
As he wipes his mouth with a napkin, Matt stares at Selena. He can’t believe how smitten he is with her. “You look really beautiful.”
Selena, feeling slightly embarrassed, responds, “You said that three times already.”
“Is it bad that I’m reminding you?”
Selena smiles and shakes her head. She then confesses, “I can’t believe how girly I feel when I’m around you. I’m usually not like this. It feels weird.”
“Do you mean to say I make you feel like a woman. A natural woman?” Matt knows it sounds cheesy, but he couldn’t help himself.
Selena acknowledges the cheesy line. “You’re such a dork, but I like the Aretha Franklin reference.”
“I thought you might.”
Another cool breeze blows. Selena wishes she wasn’t wearing a cast, so she could rub her arms for warmth. “Do you mind if I run back to your car and get my jacket? It’s getting a little cold.”
“I can get it,” offers Matt as he’s about to stand up.
Selena motions him to sit down. “You’re still finishing your taco. Just give me your keys. I’ll be right back.”
Matt acquiesces and hands her his keys.
Selena gets up from the table and leaves the outside seating area. Matt watches as she walks away. As his eyes fixate on her swaying hips, Matt recognizes that Selena’s personality isn’t the only thing that turns him on. While he watches her walk down the sidewalk, Matt realizes he could fall in love with Selena. Although their relationship is still relatively new, his emotions can’t be denied.
Then out of the corner of his eye, Matt catches two shady looking men cross the street and follow Selena. He doesn’t like the look of them. He gets an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach and gets up from his chair.
As Selena walks down a quiet street toward Matt’s car, another brisk breeze blows, sending shivers down her arms.
I knew I should have taken my jacket with me, she mumbles to herself.
When she finally gets to Matt’s car, she presses the button on his keys to unlock the door. Suddenly, someone shoves her from behind. A hard, metal object presses into her side.
“You do anything stupid, bitch – like scream – and I’ll fuckin’ shoot you. Alex, get her bag.” The man’s voice is cold and evil. It shoots a shockwave of fear through Selena.
“Okay. Okay. Just take my money. Don’t hurt me, please,” she says quickly.
“We’ll take your money and your car, bitch,” replies another male voice, sounding just as sinister.
“Get the fuck away from her!” Selena hears Matt’s voice.
She turns and sees Matt standing a few feet off, in the distance. He’s holding a small pistol and pointing it at the two men.
“Easy, dude,” says one of the men.
“Did you hear me, asshole?” shouts Matt. “Get the fuck away from her!”
The two men step back, and Selena finally gets a good look at them. They’re Caucasian, wearing hoodies. What she thought was a gun pressed against her side is actually a short pipe. She glances back at the two men’s faces. They’re both razor thin with sunken, hollow eyes. They’re probably junkies, she suspects.
Selena notices that they’re the ones who look scared now. The guy holding the pipe drops it, and they run off.
Selena leans against Matt’s car and closes her eyes. She begins to shake with fear. Matt runs up to her and grabs her shoulders.
“Are you okay?”
“I can’t believe that just happened,” Selena cries, visibly upset.
“It’s over now.”
Matt takes her in his arms.
As Selena looks into Matt’s comforting gaze, she realizes something. She quickly shoves Matt away.
“You have a fuckin’ gun!” she shouts.
“Keep your voice down.”
Selena shoves her finger into Matt’s chest and seethes. “What the fuck are you doing with a gun?”
“After I got shot, I bought one. I have it on me today because I’m not familiar with this neighborhood. I have a permit.”
“Oh great. You have a permit. So that makes it okay.” Selena throws her free hand in the air. “Un.Fuckin.Believable. I want to go home.”
“What about the tacos?” asks Matt, somewhat confused.
“Fuck the tacos!” snaps Selena. “Take me home. Now.”
Not sure how to respond, Matt finally yields. “Fine.”
As Matt drives Selena home, she stares out the passenger window in silence.
“I knew I should never date a Republican,” she finally mutters.
“Me, carrying a gun, has nothing to do with me being a Republican,” says Matt. “I carry it for safety. And let me remind you: If I didn’t have a gun just now, there’s no telling what those guys might have done.”
Selena jerks her head in Matt’s direction. “They didn’t have a gun. They had a stupid pipe and acted like it was gun.”
“But it could have been a gun,” Matt counters.
“But it wasn’t. And you were about to shoot them.”
“I was only going to shoot them if they tried to hurt you.”
Selena is having a hard time comprehending the events of the last hour. “I can’t believe they tried to rob me. It was still light out. Who does that?”
“Someone who really wants your money,” says Matt. He turns his eyes away from the road and looks at her. “They probably saw you with your cast and thought you’d be an easy target.”
Selena laughs with scorn. “Little did they know my boyfriend is fuckin’ John Wayne. And he’s carrying a gun, ready to shoot anybody’s head off.”
“Did you just call me your boyfriend?” Matt asks, with a curious expression.
“That’s not the fuckin’ point, Matt!” Selena barks. “We’re in LA. This isn’t the south side of Chicago.”
“LA can be dangerous. Just like all cities.”
“So, we’re all supposed to carry guns, is that it?” asks Selena. “That’s going to make everyone feel a whole lot safer. Is that your point?”
Matt sighs. How things got to this point, he’s not quite sure. He turns his eyes away from the road and back toward Selena. “You know, most people would thank someone for stopping a robbery or mugging. They wouldn’t immediately start an argument about the second amendment.”
Selena doesn’t respond, and they fall into a long silence.
“Thank you,” she finally mutters.
“You’re welcome.”
There’s another long silence.
“I don’t think this is going to work between us.”
Matt can’t believe what he’s hearing.
“Seriously, because I have a gun?”
“Not just that,” says Selena with a sigh. “We’re just so different. You don’t drink. I do. I don’t believe in God. You do. And politically, we’re complete opposites. It might be interesting now. But I just don’t see myself long term with someone who doesn’t believe in the same things as me. I just don’t see how it can work.”
Matt is still in shock. “Damn. I never thought rescuing you would mean you’d break up with me.”
“This is my exit.” Selena points to the oncoming exit ramp.
A few moments later, Matt pulls his car up to Selena’s house.
“Can I at least call you?” he ventures, still in shock that they might be ending their relationship. Things were just starting to get good.
Selena looks at him. Although she was developing strong feelings for Matt, she just doesn’t see how it will work in the end.
“Why?” she asks. “What would there be to talk about that could change things? I like you, Matt, and maybe I could even fall in love with you. But I don’t believe a relationship can last in the long run when two people believe such different things. For example: if we had a family, you would probably want a gun in the house to protect your family.”
“I would,” Matt confirms with a nod.
“And I would see that same gun as a danger to our kids’ safety.”
“But people work through differences all the time,” Matt counters.
“But that’s just the tip of the iceberg with us,” Selena notes. “Just look at you and me. When we walk into a restaurant, people pr
obably wonder what we’re doing together. Me, with all my tattoos, and you, looking like you just walked out of a J. Crew catalogue.”
Matt looks at her and feels an ache in his chest. “So, that’s it? We’re finished before we even got a chance to see if we could work?”
Selena sighs and looks down. She knows if she looks into his eyes, she’ll start to cry. She doesn’t like this decision either. But she knows it’s the right move. “I think it’s best this way. Why put off the inevitable? We’re just too different.”
Selena steps out of the car. She looks at Matt.
“Just so you know, I think you’re an amazing guy.”
Matt stares at her. He feels numb. “Just not amazing enough for you to be with,” he mutters. “Bye, Selena.”
As Matt drives off, Selena lets out a heavy sigh.
Chapter 35
Holding ten-pound dumbbells, I bend my knees and do a squat, then straighten.
“Good. Give me one more,” Nash says, as he monitors my posture in the living room.
I finish my rep.
Then we both hear Juliette laughing from her bedroom.
I take a moment to sip some water and hear her laugh again.
“Right now, Juliette has the best job in the world. A guy is paying her to make her laugh,” comments Nash.
“I know, right.”
“Do you know anything about this guy?” Nash asks.
“Just that he’s older. But Juliette says he’s really good looking. Very successful but lonely.”
“You know what I think is crazy?” Nash says. “With all this social media stuff, everyone still seems really lonely.”
I nod in agreement. “It’s true. We’re all connected but still isolated, somehow.”
Nash and I stare at each other.
“What about your guy?” he asks.
“My guy?”
“The one you’re doing all this for? What’s his name again?”
“Beowulf.”
“Beowulf,” Nash jokingly repeats.
I quickly shake my head. “That’s his tag. His real name is Chad.”
“What’s Chad like?”
“You asked me this already,” I tell him. “Why do you care?”