by Jude Ouvrard
“I had to come and see you. I might have to leave town this afternoon.”
“Wait, what?” I hoped I hadn’t heard him right the first time.
“There’s an athlete, Chad Peterson, I’ve been working with for a couple of weeks now, and he might be ready to sign with me. I have to go and meet him.”
“Where?”
“Dallas.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “I don’t want you to go. I know I’m being selfish, but I was going crazy here and we’ve only been separated since last night.”
He smiled. “I appreciate how much you missed me, because I sure missed you. Worst night ever, but this is important.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” I wanted to slap myself. His career was important, and I shouldn’t have asked him not to go. “I didn’t mean it, Cal. When are you going?”
“I could be leaving this afternoon, or tomorrow morning.”
“When will you know for sure?”
“Soon.” He put me down. Krystal was standing nearby and watching us in awe. “I’ll find out soon. I’m waiting for a call.”
“Okay.” I said, and my throat hurt. “How long will you be away?”
“A couple of days,” he said, not meeting my eyes. “I was invited to assist with his game tomorrow night and the following day, I’m going to the NFL game, got a few friends there.”
Obviously the trip was both business and fun. “Okay.” I was happy for him, but not for me. “Justin will give you a ride home after work, I made the arrangements with him.”
My brow furrowed and I was about to say something, but he cut me off. “Here's the key to the penthouse, you can stay there while I'm away,” he glanced across at my friend and offered her a warm smile. “You too, Krys.”
He caught her attention straightaway and Krys grinned in delight.
“Why the penthouse? We both have somewhere to stay,” I argued.
“I know, but I would rather have you at the penthouse while I'm away,” he said, lowering his gaze to his feet before bringing his eyes up to meet mine.
I narrowed my eyes at him, suspecting there was more to this desire than a concern regarding my safety. “I'm sorry, baby, but would you mind telling me why?”
“I need to make sure you're safe, while I'm out of town.
“Don't be so obtuse,” Krys announced. “He’s making sure Zach will be far away from your panties. Right, Calvin?” She glanced at Calvin for confirmation.
“Right.” He sighed. “I thought about asking you to come with me, but I doubted you would say yes. I need some peace of mind. That's all.”
I could tell he was embarrassed, but I could understand his concerns, too. He knew Zach wanted me and I was thankful he didn't know about my night spent with Zach after our first tryst. It would drive him into madness.
I put my hands on my hips. “I thought you trusted me, Cal.”
He ran a hand through his hair, looking exasperated. “I trust you and you know that, babe. It’s Zach that I don't trust.”
“So, two nights away?”
“Maybe three.”
I bit my cheek. “Okay, fine. Give me the codes and the keys.”
Krystal let go with a not so subtle “Woohoo!” before she ran into Calvin’s arms. Did Krys jump into Calvin's arms? She did and surprised the crap out of him. She let him go fast enough and looked across at me, with a huge grin plastered on his face. “It’ll be like a mini vacation!”
“But we still have to go to school and work. It’s not a vacation,” I protested.
“Well, Krys, Iris, the pleasure is all mine.” He was about to leave when he stopped. “Are you hungry?”
“I am.” I smiled. “Krys, I’ll call you later, okay?”
She laughed. “Are you ditching school?”
I nodded, with the happiest smile ever. “Come on, baby. Let’s go eat.”
“When I said hungry, I didn’t mean eating. I meant hungry for you.” His fingers entwined with mine and we walked towards his car.
Apart from when we went shopping, I had never walked hand-in-hand with him in public. A couple of people stared at us, and while I blushed a little, he didn’t seem to give a damn.
“Calvin Banks?” I rolled my eyes again. I knew this would happen.
We stopped and Calvin glanced across at the guy. “Yeah, that’s me.”
“Wow, I play football too! Just wanted to say that you were my all-time favorite player.”
“Thanks, man.” Calvin shook hands with the guy and he looked sincere. He didn’t seem to mind talking to random people.
“Do you ever come to the school to watch the game?”
“I do, sometimes.” Calvin smiled. “I’ll see you around.”
He left the guy speechless and we continued our walk to his car, as if nothing had ever happened. I thought the moment was special and fun, but Calvin didn’t comment. He must have been used to it.
“Are you hungry for food?” he asked, once we were in the car.
I slid a finger down his cheek towards his jaw. “Actually, I am. I’m starving. Do you mind grabbing something to eat?” I suggested.
“Not at all, babe.” He took my hand and feather kissed my palm. “I realized that I haven’t taken you out. Let’s call it a mid-afternoon impromptu date.”
I chuckled. “I’ll go anywhere with you.”
He turned the music up while we faced the traffic of New York. The voice of Sam Smith and the melody of his song were a pure pleasure. The joy of going on a quick date with my boyfriend was overwhelming. I had no idea where we were heading, and it didn’t matter. I had never skipped a class before and while I wasn’t proud to be starting now, I thought I had a good reason.
As I had done in Florida, I started singing at the top of my lungs. Giving it everything I had, I loved the amused grin of Calvin’s face. I made him laugh, I made him careless, and he looked young and carefree. I loved it. Him.
January in New York froze me to the bone, even with the winter coat Calvin had bought me for Christmas. The cold air found every gap to enter and cool down the inside of my coat. Knowing my low level of endurance, I went inside to warm up while he dealt with the valet.
I waited at the entrance of the restaurant feeling as if I should be wearing heels and a gown, this high class restaurant didn’t suit my casual outfit. It looked way too casual, and I wondered if they would even allow me inside.
Calvin walked across, wearing an aviator-style winter coat over his black pants and black wool sweater. His outfit reflected class, money and designer brands while mine came from a young adult store popular at the local mall. Shit! I could be mistaken as his rebellious younger sister. I wanted this date, but I felt out of place.
“Baby, I don’t think I’m dressed for this place.”
Calvin took my hand in his, squeezing my fingers. “You’re perfect. Don’t worry about a thing. I got this.”
No need to say anymore. I got this meant he was going to take care of the issue, if and when any issue presented itself.
Chapter SIXTEEN
A WHITE CANDLE PLACED IN the centre of our table gave a nice touch of romance. I sipped on the sweet wine Calvin had ordered and gazed at him as he studied the menu. The difference between the two of us hit me at that very moment, our lifestyles. When we were alone together, I never noticed but today, it was noticeable. We came from two different worlds and the knowledge scared me a little.
The menu had my mouth-watering, I couldn't decide what to pick. Meat, fresh pasta or a salad? “What are you ordering, baby?”
“I’m not sure, yet. You?” he said, his eyes leaving the menu to meet mine.
“You pick, I trust you.” I said putting the menu away.
“So, you want what I want?” he teased.
I laughed, too loud. “Don’t start now. You are already turning me into a bad girl.”
He laughed too. “Am I? How so?”
“You made me ditch classes, and you make me want to do crazy things.”
�
��Like what?” He placed the menu back on the table. He was all ears, listening to what I was about to say.
“If I had the guts, I would go under the table and give you the best blowjob of your life. Or I would love to go into the restroom so we can fix the issue I have going on down there.” I pointed discreetly towards my sex. “You’re like sweets to a diabetic, or vodka to an alcoholic. To me you are the breathtaking sex that I can’t live without. And I know you’re going away, which is killing me now. It might help too if you didn’t always look like a Gucci commercial. Fuck, you’re hot and you don’t even seem to realize it.”
“I know I make you hot,” he smirked.
“I am now. I really am.”
“Are you hungry, sweetness?”
Oh hell no, he didn’t just call me sweetness. Game on.
The second we walked into the dorm, his phone started ringing. I knew it could be the call we were both waiting for. Calvin kept his hand in mine, he gave my fingers a small squeeze and answered.
“Banks.” His voice strong and hard. “Tonight, what time?” He waited for the response. “Shit, okay. I’ll be there. Thanks Justin.”
He hung up and I knew he had to leave. I didn’t want him to, but I’d been expecting it.
“I’ll go to your room to say goodbye, but I’ve got to leave now.”
I nodded, hating every word. We walked in silence because there was nothing else to say. Goodbyes sucked, I preferred I’ll see you later.
When we got out of the elevator Zach passed by and grabbed me by the arm and pulled me roughly despite Calvin standing there and holding my hand. I had never felt so embarrassed. He wanted to take possession of me again, but I had changed my mind.
“Zach, let go of me,” I ordered. At the sound of my voice, his body tensed up and he let go. I turned around, trying to avoid him and go to my room.
“Is this what you really want?” he questioned, anger filling his voice.
“Leave me alone, Zach. This is not a good idea.”
“Don’t touch her, ever again. You understand that?” Calvin claimed me and warned Zach at the same time.
“You don’t know anything about her!” Furious, Zach spat to Calvin’s face.
I unlocked the door, pushed Calvin inside and went straight across to the bed. I sat with my legs crossed while Calvin stared at me in silence.
“I hate how this day turned out,” I muttered, rubbing my forehead with trembling fingers.
“I hate that guy,” Calvin said. “I found out he crashed the party on New Year’s Eve. He came looking for you.” I could hear bitterness in his voice. “Now, you have to explain what is or what was going on between the two of you, because I doubt it was a friendship thing.”
I knew I had to tell him the truth. I felt bad for Zach because we had both had feelings for one another. We were this close to being together, but then everything had changed. “There’s nothing going on. It changed because of you, Cal.”
“What?” Calvin looked very unhappy. “I need more than that, I deserve a fucking explanation.”
“That first night at The Whiskey Bar. It was supposed to be the beginning of Zach and me getting together, but it turned out to be the end of us – because of you. You changed everything for me. Zach and I had been friends ever since I moved here, we’d developed some kind of chemistry or attraction to each other after a while.”
“Did you sleep with him?” He asked the question I had been trying to avoid.
“Once.”
He was silent for nearly a minute, and when he spoke, his voice sounded strangled. “You love him?”
“No...” My voice came out strong and loud. “I thought I did, back then, but it wasn’t love. It wasn’t close to what I feel for you.”
“Fuck. You should have told me that before tonight!” He stared down at me, angry. “Pack your things now, I don’t want you to stay here any longer.” He sighed. “I’m done having you here, with him next door. You’re mine now. “
“Don’t be like that. Please. I agreed already and this is what I want, too. “I grabbed his hand and pulled him closer, but he resisted. I had to feel our connection again, so I stepped closer to him. “He wouldn’t do anything stupid to me.”
“Do you want to be with him, Iris?” he demanded. “It’s clear that we’re together. He knows it. Yet, he came to my bar to try and claim you. He insulted you when our pictures came out and now he tried to physically manhandle you. He wants to take you from me and he doesn’t care if I’m standing right beside you!” he shouted.
“You’re right and I’m sorry. I want nothing to do with him, trust me.” I waited for him to say something further, but he didn’t.”
“I don’t want to be an ass. I have every reason to hate the guy.” Calvin calmed down.
He had every right to be distrustful of Zach and to be honest; I didn’t know if I could trust him either. When he tried pulling me away from Calvin, I was sure it was meant to piss him off, but deep in my heart, I couldn’t be certain.
“You love me, right?” I had to hear him say the words, needed confirmation that we could be okay.
“I love you, more than I’ve ever loved anyone, Iris.” His eyes begged me to believe him and I did, I couldn’t miss the love he had for me.
In a hurry, I packed my clothes for the next few days, along with my books and my work duffle bag. “Okay, I’m all set.”
I texted Krys while Calvin drove us back to the penthouse to let her know she would need to meet me at work. Calvin refused to let go of my hand until we were inside his place.
“It’ll be weird to be here without you.” I admitted, holding him close. My hands warmed up against his skin beneath his sweater. I was going to miss this. Him.
“Trust me, I’d much rather stay here, but this is work and I can’t get out of it. You can call, text, send me naughty pictures – anything you want. Work is important, but you’re my priority.” He kissed my forehead. “I have to get my own stuff ready now.” Before stepping away, he cupped my face and we stared at one another. It took him long seconds before he said anything else. “You have no idea how precious you are to me, babe.”
“You are too, Calvin.” The truth, only the truth. In a matter of two short weeks, he had changed my life completely. I was dazzled by him.
He packed two of his suits, including the burgundy one I loved and a few casual clothes. We kissed, making out by the door until he absolutely had to leave. He reminded me that Justin had the responsibility of driving me wherever I needed to go or if I needed anything, I could ask Justin for help. It felt weird to have someone at my beck and call, but it could be helpful.
The apartment was way too quiet when Calvin left. I walked to the window of his bedroom and watched the snowflakes dancing in the cold winter wind. I saw Calvin getting into a cab and a tear rolled down my cheek. Watching him leave, I had to remind myself that this was a temporary situation.
“Fuck. Get a grip.” It’s only for a few days. I repeated the words in my mind, like a mantra. The night had been rough with the confrontation with Zach and Calvin and my emotions were twisted in knots.
My phone vibrated in my pocket and I saw I had a text.
I miss you, already.
My heart melted and I texted a response as fast as I could.
Come back to me. I love you.
He didn’t text back. I laid down on his bed, hugging his pillow and I noticed a frame with a picture of us sitting on his nightstand. How sweet. I stayed there, staring at the photo, until I had to get ready for work. Calvin’s cologne was imprinted in the sheets of the bed; it was the closest I could be to him for now.
I had never seen the gym so crowded. Danielle had warned me January always brought an influx of new people because they all made New Year’s resolutions to get fitter.
Maybe I should have made one too. I had seen some of the girls Calvin had been with in the past and in comparison, I looked like a sack of potatoes. They all had an athletic shape and
I had curves. Maybe I should try to work out a little more.
“Hey, girl, you okay?” Danielle asked, coming towards me with a pile of white towels.
“Do you think you could help me get into shape?” I questioned.
She stopped walking and glanced over at me. “Sure, I can help you with that. What kind of workout are you interested in?
“I have no idea. Something that will make me thinner.”
“I think you’ve got a nice shape, though,” Danielle protested.
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, right. This coming from the girl who has the perfect abs.”
“What is this all about?” She studied me with a questioning look in her eyes.
“You’ve known Calvin for years. Have you ever seen him go out with a girl like me?”
She grabbed my hand and took me into the counselling office, and closed the door behind us. “Cut out the crap. Calvin loves you, exactly the way you are.”
“You’ve seen the other girls—” I began, but she cut me off on the spot.
“Oh shut up, girl. Yes, I’ve seen them, all of my life,” Danielle said. “I dated him myself and I saw him with those other women and never—” She paused for a second. “I’ve never seen him happier than when he is with you. The way he looks at you and the expression on his face when he talks about you.” She chuckled. “I never had that effect on him, or any of those other girls.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Her confidence made me happy, but I still had my doubts.
“There’s nothing to say, and by the way, most of the woman he went to events with, were models from an agency. He hasn’t dated anyone in a very long time. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Before now, all he had was fake and you – you’re real.”
“You must think I’m an idiot.”
She sighed. “No. You care about him, and you want him to like you. Trust me, when I say he does like you – the way you are.”
I nodded and blushed. “Thank you.” She pulled me into a quick hug. I realized I didn’t feel awkward talking about it with her.
“I like you, girl,” Danielle said when she pulled away. “I can help you if you still want a plan. You could do some cardio and weights and still keep those curves Calvin loves.”