Oceans Collide

by M. A. de Olmos

  I burst out laughing nearly slipping off the counter. Ocean gave me that warning look like telling me that I would be paying later for laughing at his expense. I crossed my feet at the ankles to keep my lady parts from going all haywire. Law interrupted my daydreaming.

  “Oh, I have to send you all my personal accounts, sites, ids, and passwords. I want you handling everything from the expenses of the studio down to my own personal banking.” I stopped eating and looked at him. He wasn’t kidding either. Law was calm, cool, and collected. How he trusted me with his finances, and what looks like his life for that matter, was crazy for me to understand. I mean, I am a pretty responsible person, and I knew enough about the business to be able to run one smoothly with his help, but he completely trusted me with his lively hood, and I could barely keep my own head above water. Ocean set down his plate and walked toward me settling his body between my legs, and I scooted up closer to the edge so my entire torso was touching his back. He grabbed the backs of my calves and started massaging them. I took a couple deep breaths before speaking.

  “Law… I, I don’t know what to say. You don’t have to trust me with everything. I’m sure you want to keep tabs on things yourself…”

  “Wrong, Sunshine. I want you to be my right hand lady. I trust you completely, and I know you’ll do great.” There was only one thing I could do to kill my guilt.

  I looked at Law and spoke, “Thank you Law, I won’t let you down. Now that I know that I’ll be in charge of the finances of the studio, you’re going to need to come with me to the bank Monday. I have an investment I’d like to deposit into the studios funding account.”

  Ocean stopped massaging, and I knew he’d made the connection. Law set down his burrito and looked at me blankly.

  “Sunshine, what are you talking about? I have more than enough to start out, and you should save what you have. You don’t need to invest anything.”

  “I know that I don’t need to, I want to, Law. I have two hundred thousand that I want to invest into the studio, and it’s going to happen whether you want it to or not.” He shook his head at me.

  “Nope, it’s not happening, Sunshine. I’m not going to let you giveaway your money for me. No!” His blue eyes were ice cold, and I knew I should back down but fuck that.

  “Fine! I’m sure Layla would give me the information I need for the deposit. That’s fine.” Law pushed off the counter walking toward Ocean and me.

  “Sunshine, it’s not happening; she doesn’t have access to that account, anyway.” I pushed at Ocean’s back to move, but he stood his ground.

  “Lawrence Hawthorne! I am depositing two hundred thousand in your account, and you can fuck off about it!” I felt the deep rumble of Ocean’s laugh against my body, and I pulled him in close with my knees. Law stared at me for several minutes before he broke eye contact as he looked down at his watch.

  “Ocean, we need to go pick up the moving trucks. I’ll be outside.” Before he left, he pushed Ocean out of the way and kissed me on the forehead. I smiled sweetly and batted my eyelashes at him, and he turned around laughing mumbling something about a Brazilian pain in his ass.

  Ocean turned to face me and kissed his spot on my neck. “We’ll be back in a few hours. Law’s going to get his things from his moms, and I’m going to get your things from the Sheraton.”

  “Then I’m coming with you.” I tried to scoot off the counter, but he pushed me back in place.

  “No, you need to relax, baby. Hang out here; we’ll be back soon, okay?” I looked around the kitchen and decided I would clean up while they were gone, and I really wanted to go play with my new gadgets in my office.

  “Okay, I’m staying, be careful.” He kissed me once more, removed his body from mine, and walked toward the front door.

  “Ocean.”

  “Yeah, baby.”

  “If you find any unopened envelopes in my things, don’t open it, but keep it safe. Please.”

  “You got it, baby.”

  As I heard the door close, I picked up my burrito and finished it before I set off on my chores.

  ***

  I was so going to love working from home. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I loved the studio, and eventually, the need to break a sweat would make me drag my ass out, but this office was AWESOME! Every electronic device was setup and connected via Wi-Fi. I had two desktops and one Mac, which was an upgrade from the one that I owned. Law installed my iPod dock so I could listen to my music, and the two iPads my dad sent were set up and ready for use. How he did this overnight was beyond me, but I was completely grateful for Law. He meant so much to me, and I was glad I won the pissing match today. There was no way I was going to allow him to turn away my contribution.

  Considering everything he’s done for me since the day we met, I was racking up a pretty fat bill. I willed myself away from the office, and I decided to put away the bags of clothes and shoes Ocean picked up today. Money was definitely no object to them, and they spent it wherever and however they pleased. Thinking about it, if I were them, I think I would, too. The way they earned that money was not by working a nine to five. They used their bodies as the powerful machines that they were to earn their fortune and unbeatable reputation.

  I emptied out the American Eagle bag of my clothes onto the bed and just stared at the articles of clothing. Ocean harassed me to pick up only the things I would never dare to buy on my own, and that included everything above the knees. I was now the proud owner of eight pairs of shorts and several sexy lingerie sets. Everything was really nice, and I would have had no problem wearing them, except the very important detail that my thighs were graphitized with cutting scars. Not something that I really wanted to advertise to the world, and especially not to my dad. Speaking of, I grabbed my phone from the dresser and called my dad. He’s been MIA lately, and it was bothering me.

  “Hi, kid,” he said picking up on the third ring.

  “Hey, dad. I got the package you sent me, thank you.”

  “Of course, sweetheart, have you decided what you’re going to do with the money left to you?”

  I considered telling my dad a lie, but thought better of it. My father, out of all people, didn’t deserve to be lied to. “Actually, I’m going to invest it in the studio,” I said a little unsure of myself.

  “Kid, that’s a great idea! How’s that coming along, anyway?”

  “We’re actually just now starting to put the plan together. Law already has a list of clients that he wants to get in right away, and he’s put me in charge of everything, Dad. When I say everything, I mean everything. I’m a little scared about it.” He was silent for a few seconds.

  “Livie Marie, do you believe you can do it?” I thought about it, and I knew I did, but thinking and acting were like oil and water. Easier said than done type of situation.

  “I know I can do it, Dad, it’s just… well, I don’t know. This is all so new to me, you know.”

  “I know, kid. Starting and maintaining a business is not a walk in the park even with my good looks, every now and then I run into some tough jams.” I was laughing so hard I started crying.

  “Dad, you are too corny, you know that?”

  “Anything to hear my baby laugh. You find a place to stay yet, or are you still at the Sheraton? I could extend your stay if you need me too until the studio takes off.”

  “No, dad, you certainly will not, and I’ve actually found some roommates to move in with.”

  “Oh, yeah, and who are these new roommates of yours? Anyone I know?” Uh oh his papa bear tone was taking over. Any minute now, he was going to start yelling at me in Portuguese.

  “You know, I don’t think you them, Dad.” I said all too quickly.

  “Terrible liar, kid, who are they?” I took a deep breath and sat down on the edge of the bed.

  “I moved in with Lawrence and Ocean Hawthorne this morning. It’s a new development three blocks away from the studio, and it’s a gated community… very safe, Dad.”
<
br />   “E quando era exatamente voce planeamento em me dizer isto? Voce conhece mesmo o Oceano e as coisas que foi em? (And when exactly were you planning on telling me this? Do you even know Ocean, and the things he’s been into?)

  “A papa acalma-me para baixo sabe que suficientemente bem e estao mudados. Alem de voce saiba que Lawrence nunca deixou qualquer coisa me acontecer. Papa seu ok eu sou aprovado.” (Dad calm down, I know him well enough, and he’s changed. Besides, you know Lawrence would never let anything happen to me. Dad, its okay, I am okay.)

  The line was silent for several minutes when I finally heard him clear his throat. “Livie, I trust in you and your judgment, but just be careful. I was planning a visit to Dunlap to visit the studio and help out as much as I can. It will probably be two weeks out or so. Is that okay with you, kid?”

  “Of course, Dad, you don’t need my permission to visit me. I love seeing you, and I love you, Dad. Don’t worry, I’m okay”

  “I know you are. You are a strong woman, kid. I have to go, but I’ll Skype you soon. Love you, kid.”

  “Love you, Clooney.”

  I let my body fall backwards onto the mattress and closed my eyes. I wanted to curl up into a ball and cry, but I still had the clothes to put away. I pushed myself up and got back to work.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Ocean

  I was expecting to see a lot more clothes and accessories in Liv’s suite, but she really was a simple woman. The majority of the clothes in her closet were jeans, sweats, print tees, and camis. I loved seeing her in gym gear because it showed off her killer body, but knowing that she dressed like that all the time just to hide from the world unsettled me. I tried to understand where she was coming from mainly because my scars were skin deep, and invisible to people, while she wore hears like body art. Only her body art classified her as crazy, and psychologically unstable, when really she was lost, alone, and needed help.

  As I packed up her bathroom, I came across the kit she kept for herself in the medicine cabinet. She customized her own first aid kit with alcohol wipes, rolls of gauze, surgical tape, and a set of brand new razors. My heart sank as I looked through her kit. I set the kit aside, packed the rest of her things, and as I walked out of the bathroom, I picked up the kit and tucked it under my arm. There was no way I was bringing her this, so I chucked it in the trash. Fuck that, Liv had me, and she was going to beat this.

  It only took me an hour and a half to pack and load her belongings into the moving truck that Law was waiting in downstairs. I found the letter she mentioned, and I wanted to tear it open and read it, but I knew if I did, she’d never forgive me for it. Instead, I told myself that when she finally decided she wanted to face whatever it was that was written in this letter, I would be there with her, and that was good enough for me.

  As I put the last box into the back of the moving truck, my phone went off. I pulled down on the trucks hutch door and locked it. Climbing into the passenger seat, Law was on the phone with Stella’s moving crew arranging for them to meet us at the condo. I closed my door and pulled out my phone. It was a text from Liv.

  Liv ~ you guys almost done?

  Me ~ yea y u miss me?

  Liv ~ nope jus need 2 kno when to kick out the pool boy 

  I took a minute to respond, because I knew she was playing, but it still kick started my adrenaline.

  Me ~ zena?

  Liv ~ yes tarzan

  Me ~ u kno u have 2 model in ur vicky secrets 2nite rite!!

  Liv ~ u kno I 4got 2 do sum stuff c u later

  I laughed to myself. She was so predictable.

  Me ~ that’s wat I thought c u soon VICTORIA

  Liv ~ yea ok tidalwave 

  I laughed again. That woman was incredible. I didn’t realize Law was staring at me with a goofy ass smile on his face that I wanted to smack. “No, homo man, what you looking at?”

  “Nothing, just never thought I’d see the day when the great Ocean Nathanial Hawthorne would be pussy whooped by a virgin.” I raised my eyebrow at him.

  “How did you know she was a virgin?”

  “Calm down, Fabio. Any woman that screams the way she does, and thinks you’re good in bed, has clearly never slept with a real man.”

  My fist came up and connected with his rib. “Smart ass! Let’s go. Victoria’s waiting for me, and besides, at least I have a woman to keep me warm at night.” Law pulled his phone out scrolled through some screens and handed me the phone. On the screen were two blond chicks with some nice tits naked with Law. He was fucking one from behind, and she was eating the other girl out. I couldn’t stop laughing, because I looked at the date stamp on the picture, and it was the same night I made love to Liv.

  “Nice to see you haven’t changed,” I said handing over his phone. Who took the picture?” His laughter came on full force and tears slid from the sides of his eyes. “They’re aunt!” Holy shit, the man was ruthless, and so was I once upon a time. I wasn’t a least bit jealous because Liv wasn’t just a fuck buddy to me. She was my everything, and when I was inside of her, it was like nothing I’d ever felt, and definitely nothing I’d give up.

  My phone went off again, but this time it was my dad. Shit, I haven’t talked to him since we got here. I answered the phone right away. “Hey dad.”

  “Hey, son, good to see you’re still alive, you disappeared on me.”

  “Yeah, I know. Sorry. I was dealing with Law and some other stuff.”

  “Layla told me about the new place. Mind if I stop by and check it out and catch up with you boys?” Aunt Layla must have told him about Liv, and I’m pretty sure he just wanted to meet the woman that did have me pussy whooped.

  “Yeah, no problem. We’re headed back now. You have the address?”

  “Yep. Layla gave it to me. How about I bring dinner? That sound good?”

  “That’s cool, Dad, thanks, see you later.”

  “By son.”

  “Unk’s coming over?”

  “You know it. He wants to meet Liv, but just didn’t say it in those exact words,” I said laughing to myself.

  Law started the truck and got onto the main road.

  “Hey you think Stella could arrange to have my stuff from Virginia moved here?”

  “Already done, cuz,” he said with a brilliant smile. I fist bumped him. Having Dexter around was certainly helpful.

  Livie

  I stepped out of my glass-encased stand up shower. I could have stayed in that shower forever because it had the fancy rainfall showerhead, and it felt amazing. I grabbed my towel and tiptoed over to the massive mirror. There was nothing normal or downscaled in this condo. I wrapped the towel around me tightly and wiped the fog off the mirror with my hand. I looked at my reflection for a while and really looked at myself. My hair hung around my face in loose curls, and it was now touching my elbows. I would definitely have to cut it soon, because when my hair got too long, it made me look even shorter. Being called a midget by thing one and thing two was bad enough.

  I felt the same on the inside, but the reflection on the outside was like looking at a stranger. Inside my mind, I felt like a wounded animal backed up into a corner not knowing how to get out or cope, while on the outside, I was a pretty girl, at least I thought. I looked confident, self-assured, and well groomed. Whatever Ocean saw in me, I hoped I could hold on to it, because there was no way I could see myself without having him around. He embedded himself deeply into my mind, body, and soul. I grabbed my toothbrush and brushed my teeth squeaky clean.

  I grabbed my favorite vanilla lotion and rubbed it all over my neck, chest, arms, and legs. I loosened up the towel so I could lotion the rest of my body. Stepping out of the shower, I made my way to the dresser where I’d stuffed all of my belongings that I had so far. As I opened the top drawer, I remembered that my jeans and leggings were on there way. Looking down into the drawer, my eight pairs of shorts were staring at me daring me to pull one out and put it on. I pulled a couple out and measured the len
gths of them. They were all pretty short except for two pair, which might do the job and cover up the worst of my scars. I’m pretty sure Law was aware of my habit, so I don’t think he would be surprised if he did see them. Knowing him, he would probably ignore them like they didn’t even exist, or if he was in one of his Dr. Phil moods, he would try to counsel me.

  I pulled out the longer pair of white shorts. I didn’t grab any underwear, because I threw them in the wash. I always had to wash my underwear when I brought them home from the store. It was something my mother ingrained into my head when I was younger. She was weird like that. I grabbed my bra I had on earlier, and then reached for one of my new shirts. It was an orangey pastel colored shirt with a huge cool looking bald eagle on the front. The back material was mesh like, and was see through. I grabbed some ankle socks from Oceans drawers and looked in the mirror. I looked nice, and the shorts weren’t terribly short, but the real test would be when my boys got home, and then the sound of the front door opening made reality turn its ugly head and look right back at me as I stood frozen looking at my reflection in the mirror.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Ocean

  Walking through the door, I could smell the fresh scent of pine and vanilla. The kitchen was wiped clean, and all the dishes were neatly put away. The smell of vanilla meant Liv was taking a shower or had just finished. Stella’s crew couldn’t make it today to move the boxes so my dad was going to help Law and me bring up the stuff, while Layla and Liv hung out. I thought about my sister for a brief moment wishing so badly that she could be here with me, but I let the memory fade as I pushed open the door to the bedroom Liv and I were going to share. “Hey, baby, my da…” I looked up, and Liv was facing the mirror with a blank look on her face.

  She was wearing the white shorts and t-shirt I picked out for her, and her hair was still loosely curled and damp. I looked at her face, and she was staring at her shorts in the mirror. Shit. Good thing Dad and Aunt Layla weren’t here yet. I closed the door behind me and walked toward her. When I got to her, I wrapped my arms around her middle and squeezed her tight while my lips found their favorite place to rest on the base of her neck. Her pulse was controlled, so that was a good sign… for now.