Perfect Plans

by C. J. Wells

  “You’re a friend of Alex?” She purrs towards Ben once more. “Such a shame we’ve never met”.

  Whore.

  “You know Alex?” Ben sounds surprised.

  I want to be sick.

  “Yes, very well”, she glances towards me, smiling.

  I want to cut you. But I don’t want to go to jail… On second thought, I hope you get fingered by Wolverine.

  With a slight cock of my head, and a sarcastic sad face, I offer my thoughts on her suggestive reply, “Helena and Alex have lost touch as of late. Don’t take it personally, Helena. He’s been very busy. He’s quite taken with a new prospect. Bigger and better things will do that”.

  Her smile quivers slightly before she returns her gaze to Ben, touching his arm once more.

  Take that phone-a-slut.

  “It was a pleasure to meet you, Ben. I look forward to the next time”.

  “As do I”, he returns her flirty smile.

  “Do enjoy your evening, Abigail”, she slithers before exiting the building.

  “Such a shame I’ve never met her before”, Ben mutters, tracing her departure. “Alex must have been keeping her all to himself”.

  Ugh, you have no idea… I swallow back my impending vomit. “Well, I would imagine Alex only introduces worthwhile people to his friends”, I bite childishly as I follow him out the front doors.

  Luckily, Ben doesn’t push the issue - I’m not sure I would have the strength to continue down that road. I try to remove the sickening thoughts of her from my mind.

  I guess it just goes to credit what Alex told me; they obviously didn’t have a relationship - ugh, the definition issue drives me crazy. He didn’t even tell Ben about her, though. That’s shocking. Especially since their affair went on for some time. Clearly it meant nothing to him. It was just sex. A shiver runs through me as we continue towards the parking lot.

  I’m thankful for Ben’s continued silence as we reach his car.

  His fancy vehicle, though equally as ostentatious as Alex’s, doesn’t have the same feel. Perhaps it’s because I know that he didn’t earn it, coming from money and all.

  Stop being a snob. He can’t help that his family has money.

  The drive, unfortunately lengthened due to end-of-day traffic, is filled with silence. Uncomfortable silence. For me at least. Ben seems completely unfazed - his occasional staring glances towards me, testing my equilibrium.

  “Here we are, beautiful”. He begins exiting the car.

  “Thank you for taking me home, Ben”. I force a smile, meeting him on the curb.

  “It was my pleasure. Although, I admit I had ulterior motives…” he steps closer to me.

  I freakin’ knew it.

  “Join me at the pub. There’s a great little place right around the corner”.

  “Oh”.

  This guy’s full of surprises.

  “Ben, I don’t know”, I manage awkwardly, struggling to find the right words - my intuitive response of ‘HELL NO’ seeming unsuitable.

  “Oh, come on, beautiful. Join me for an after-work drink. No harm no foul”, he urges with a persuasive wink.

  I’m at a cross roads here. Maybe I’m continually reading him wrong. His offer seems harmless enough. If it were anyone else asking me for an after-work drink, with the exception of Whore-a-the-Explorer, I wouldn’t blink twice at the request. Not to mention it would pass more time before I have to endure my lonely flat in Alex’s absence.

  Pondering my notions, the latter of which trumps all doubt of the first, I decide to go for it. What the hell. “Sure Ben. One drink”, I accept, with a playful warning squint.

  I could use a drink, I guess, I reassure myself. And I can get to know Ben a little better.

  For Alex’s sake.

  ~

  “That’s a great pub. Thanks for taking me. It was actually… kinda fun”. If I’m being completely honest with myself, it truly was fun. He was a complete gentleman. Even making me laugh and forget how alone I feel without Alex. Clearly I’ve been reading him wrong.

  I turn to face him as we reach my flat.

  “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself”. He smiles. “You, Abigail, are kinda beautiful. I see why my best mate is so taken with you”.

  Not sure how to respond - or more, not wanting to respond - I fumble in my purse in search of my keys. Perhaps if I disregard such comments, he’ll get the hint that they make me uncomfortable. “Yes, well, thank you again. I’m glad you pointed out that pub. It’s so close by. Thanks. I’ll be sure to visit there again. It’s a great pub”. Ugh. Not only did my dodging fail miserably, I’m repeating myself like some blubbering parrot.

  Uncomfortable much? - my inner actress questions, drinking a martini.

  Standing upright, I turn to face him, keys in hand, preparing to say goodnight.

  “Would you mind if I come in for a bit?” he asks, shocking me silent.

  My mouth hanging open in surprise, I’m completely unable to form words.

  “It’s been such a shit day, Aby, and you’ve been wonderful company”, he smiles.

  He wants to come in? Wait… He called me Aby. It’s about time. I’ve asked him repeatedly since we were introduced, and reminded him at least a dozen times tonight. This could be a good step in the right direction. Maybe he’s not so bad after all. He was pleasantly fun during our drink at the pub - well my one drink; he had several. But he did say he had a bad day. He hasn’t really discussed why, so maybe he just needs an ear. That would certainly make sense. He looked so sincere when he asked to come in. He just wants some company. And let’s face it, I could use a little further distraction.

  “Sure. A short visit would be fine” I finally mange, turning to unlock the door.

  He follows me inside, closing the door behind us as I continue into the living room. Placing my bag on the coffee table, I motion for him to take a seat. “Can I get you something?”

  “I’d love a drink”.

  “I have beer. Is that okay?”

  With a smile, he nods.

  “Great, I’ll be right down with it”. I make my way up the stairs, calling down over my shoulder, “Make yourself comfortable, I’ll just be a few minutes. I have to get out of these damn heels”.

  Maybe I’ll quickly change while I’m up here, I decide, turning towards my bedroom. This skirt is almost as tiring as the shoes.

  Kicking off my pumps as I head towards the dresser, I unzip my skirt, sliding it down my hips hurriedly before opening the drawer to grab my Lulu Lemons. Stepping out of the form-fitting frock, I throw it in a pile on the floor and quickly don my comfy yoga pants. Not wanting to keep him waiting long, I swiftly pull my blouse over my head and toss it on the bed, replacing it with a white t-shirt. For one final measure, I grab my hair elastic, securing the stands into a quick ponytail.

  There, I can’t get any more casual and homely than this. I take in a brief glimpse of my reflection as I pass the mirror. One sight of me, and Ben will surely quit calling me ‘beautiful’.

  Making my way out of the bedroom for the stairs, I’m startled to find Ben standing in the kitchen at the fridge. Shit. When did he come up here? I silently note the fact that I didn’t bother to close my bedroom door during my quickie change.

  My cheeks instantly heat at the idea of his prying eyes.

  “I hope you don’t mind”, he begins at my startled halt. “I thought I would grab that beer while you were… getting more comfortable”.

  With a slight bewildered shake of my head, I turn to walk towards him in the kitchen, stopping at the island. “No, it’s fine. I just wasn’t expecting to see you… up here. Sorry”, I gesture back over my shoulder towards the bedroom somewhat nervously, “I was just getting changed”.

  “I see that”, he states matter-of-factly, closing the refrigerator door.

  Opening his beer, he takes a quick glance around the room. “This is a nice flat”, he takes a rather large chug from the bottle.

  “Yes, it is. I
was very lucky to find it - or should I say, I was very lucky for Alex to have found it for me”. I smile at the thought of him, despite my lingering uneasiness at finding Ben upstairs. Particularly now that he’s taken a few steps towards me and is standing uncomfortably close. I’m anxious in his proximity as I look down at the island, tracing some imaginary line along its edge.

  Why don’t I follow my own intuition? I castigate myself for being in this awkward position.

  Because he’s GOOD - my inner actress notes, refilling her martini.

  Oh he’s good, that’s for sure. Good at keeping me completely confused as to his motives. I can’t figure this guy out. And I’m wondering if I even want to… even for Alex. Maybe it’s time to say goodnight.

  Right on cue, as usual, he interrupts my inner turmoil, “Yes, I agree, ‘lucky’ is definitely the word to use”.

  He lifts my chin to his gaze, shocking me still at his intimate touch; unable to formulate a reply though I’m screaming inside.

  Don’t touch me! I yell in my head, not wanting to make a scene - though I couldn’t vocalize my thoughts if I tried, even as he bends down towards me.

  This isn’t happening.

  “Alex is very lucky. You really are beautiful, Aby”, he whispers, his tongue brushing my lobe with the words.

  What the fuck is he doing?

  Ok, I’ve had enough!

  With every ounce of composure I can muster, I brush his hand from my jaw, taking a dramatic step back.

  “Ben, I really don’t think that was appropriate”.

  “Appropriate?” He questions with a laugh, his eyebrows rising slightly, taking another large swallow of beer.

  “Yes, it was rather inappropriate, actually”, I retort breathlessly, my seething anger brewing.

  “Oh, ‘inappropriate’ you say?” His tone is laced with sarcasm.

  Firmly setting the bottle down on the island, he steps towards me again.

  I back up in his approach. Realizing I can go no further, I make a quick sidetrack around him, placing the island between us.

  “Do enlighten me with what line you feel I am crossing here, Abigail?”

  “Ben”, my voice feels shaky, “I think you should go. I really don’t think Alex would appreciate this”.

  This? I question myself. I don’t even know what this is! What the hell just happened here? He’s supposed to be Alex’s best friend, yet here he is clearly making a pass at me. Dammit… why didn’t I trust my instincts about him?

  Bracing his outstretched arms on the edge of the island opposite me, he leans forward with a sly smirk. “And what do you think this thing is, that you have with Alex? Do you honestly think it’s anything other than a quick fling?”

  On a quick intake of breath at his venomous words, I stare back at him.

  Why is he doing this? Is he purposely trying to hurt me?

  Is what he’s saying true?

  “You honestly think this means something? Fuck”, he shakes his head with a laugh, picking up his beer for another swig.

  My questioning thoughts are obviously written all over my face, and he clearly finds them amusing. I’m stunned, completely unable to process any words in reply.

  Maybe I just want to let him finish, hear what it is he’s actually implying.

  I really can’t fathom what I’m feeling. I just know I’m unable to speak. Or move.

  “Oh Abigail, you beautiful little nobody”.

  I flinch at his hurtful words and the instant reminder of Julia’s similar label.

  He sets his beer down once more. “Let me help you out, as you seem a little lost. What do you think Alex is doing right now, shacked up in his five-star hotel? Sleeping? Pining for his little nobody back in London? This is the real world, Abigail. Grow up”.

  “I‘m not nobody, Ben”, I snap; my anger at his hurtful words finally helping me find my voice. “I’m Alex’s girlfriend. And if you haven’t forgotten, you’re supposedly his best friend”.

  Amid another gulp, Ben, seemingly caught off guard, spits beer on a laugh. “His ‘girlfriend’? Wow, you’re beautiful and naïve. Oh, you’re a charming little thing aren’t you? It’s no wonder he’s fucked you silly”.

  Setting the bottle down, he makes his way around the island, causing my backward retreat once more. After what’s transpired, I don’t want this awful man anywhere near me. In fact, I want him out of my flat. Immediately.

  “Ben”, I firmly plead as he continues towards me, “I think you’ve had too much to drink and I want you to leave. Now”.

  “Oh, sweetheart, I haven’t had too much to drink. I’ve had a bad fucking day. And, to be quite frank, I’m rather pissed at that best mate of mine and the lucky fucking horseshoe up his ass. He owes me”.

  “I don’t care what Alex does or doesn’t owe you. I don’t owe you anything”.

  “Do you have any idea the sacrifices I’ve made for him? And what do I have to show for it? Nothing!” He shouts, making me flinch.

  Pausing slightly as though to quell his sudden fury, he continues, “So here I am, with his flavor of the month. No harm no foul, it’s simply my turn with the tasting”. His latter comment stirs a sly smirk across his lips, sending shivers down my spine.

  I suddenly hate this man. “Your turn?” I question, my voice laced with disgust.

  “Oh, sweet naïve, Abigail. You’re not the first. You won’t be the last”.

  “So you make it a habit of attempting to bed Alex’s girlfriends, do you?”

  He tutts at me like I’m a rueful child. “Alex doesn’t have ‘girlfriends’, sweetheart. He has fuck-friends. And I say share and share alike”.

  Share? Share what? Girlfriends? NOT HAPPENING!

  “He certainly has his hands full with you, doesn’t he? Maybe his luck is running out”. Picking up his bottle, he takes a final drink before laying it back down and heading for the stairs.

  My equilibrium returns at his retreating form as I start compartmentalizing his words.

  Oh my God! “Julia. It was you with Julia!” I yell after him, the statement rolling off my tongue in a rushed flurry; my unexpected realization not offered in question, but in statement of surprise.

  Reaching the stairs, he turns to look at me. He says nothing in reply as he offers a sly smirk.

  “That’s it? You’ve got nothing else to say, Ben? Cat got your tongue?” I spew at him and his devilish grin.

  “Be careful, Abigail. Who do you think he’ll believe? Me, or you?”

  I stand motionless, staring towards the stairs as he jaunts down the steps; the sudden slamming of the door behind him signaling his departure.

  CHAPTER

  TWENTY-TWO

  “Have you heard from Alex?” Stacey questions.

  Pushing my way through the throng of riders exiting the tube, I take an exasperated breath. “Yes, he texted this morning. Thank God… I’m not ready to talk to him just yet”.

  “I can’t say I blame you. I’m not sure telling your boyfriend that his best friend wanted to sample his punani is something you do over a text”.

  “Sample his what?” I question over the noisy traffic en route to my flat.

  “You know, punani - bearded clam; vertical smile; tuna taco; mucker…”

  “I’m not following”. What the hell is she talking about?

  “Jeez, Aby. Your snatch”.

  I falter slightly as the visual creeps through my system. “Gross, Stacey. I just threw up in my mouth a little”.

  “Oh come on, I Googled him. The man’s seriously hot. For a dick”.

  “You Googled him?”

  “I couldn’t help myself. I needed to see Bene-dick for myself. I swear some men are conceived through anal sex. There’s no way being that much of an asshole is natural. The fact that he’s hot makes it that much worse. What a waste. Anyway, what did Alex say in his text?”

  “Oh, he was just going to bed after a long and late night - he just wanted to let me know that he was thinking of m
e”.

  The site of his message was bittersweet. Of course, it was wonderful to hear from him, but it meant he’d expect a quick reply. A reply I didn’t know how to make. What was I going to say? ‘Hi my gorgeous, amazing, sexy boyfriend. I miss you. Oh, by the way, your best friend hit on me last night…in my flat, after I’d invited him in. I hope you don’t mind. Oh, and double by the way, he was the one who Julia cheated on you with. Go figure’.

  “You replied to him, right?”

  “Yeah, I resorted to the K.I.S.S. method (a.k.a. keep it simple stupid). I told him that I missed him, and left out the rest. Said I couldn’t wait to see him when he gets back tomorrow. Which was painful. The omissions have been burning in my head all day”.

  “I bet. You’ll have to tell him, though”.

  “I kno-ow. But how?”

  “You’ll figure it out, my little duck. You’ll know when the right time comes”.

  “Ugh. Can’t you just do it for me? The Julia part, at least?”

  “I wish. Life’s a bitch, babe. Oh, no wait, that’s Julia”.

  “Tell me about it. I just wish all of these fucked up people would just disappear”.

  “I know someone who knows someone who knows someone”, Stacey mutters dryly.

  “No”, I laugh. “I was thinking more along the lines of keeping Alex hidden from the world so I’d have him all to myself”.

  “Well, I believe that’s called kidnapping, love”.

  “Fuck, that sucks”, I giggle. “Hey, I’m at the house now, gotta go. I’ll speak to you soon?”

  “Call me whenever you need me, poppet. Love you”.

  “Love you too, bye”. Dropping my phone in my bag, I dig for my keys.

  “Hey, Aby”.

  I almost jump out of my skin at Andrew’s voice. Turning to face him, I feign a small smile, “You scared the crap out of me”.

  “Sorry about that. You okay?” His eyes are filled with concern.

  Taking a deep breath, I release it on an exaggerated sigh, leaning on the doorframe as I offer a pained, small grin.

  “That bad, huh?” he hits the nail on the head. “You wanna talk about it?”