by Jude Ouvrard
Abbie takes a deep breath, grips my hand and leads me across to the couch. Settling on the plump cushions, she continues speaking. “Mom’s heart was broken, and she went downhill from that moment onwards. She suffered a depression and alcohol became a necessity to her day to day life. A couple of months after the divorce, she met Dwayne. He was good for her and he did seem to care for her. She started smiling again and stopped buying a bottle of Jack every two days. He was younger, but he definitely seemed able to deal with her craziness. She married him, and six months later, they decided to move to South Carolina. When they made the decision, I moved back to Portland to live with my dad. I didn't want to move to another strange city, and I missed my dad. I hadn't seen him a lot during the years we lived in Las Vegas and he was a good father.” She takes a deep breath, hesitating for a few seconds. ''And I missed Cameron. He was my best friend; we used to play together all the time as kids. By the time I moved back to Portland, we’d both grown up some, and we discovered our feelings for one another had grown and changed. When we saw each other again, I thought he was very attractive, and he was very attentive with me. He was always there for me.” She took a breath and shrugged nonchalantly, looking up into my eyes. “So that’s it, I guess. You know what happened next. My Dad passed away, I broke up with Cameron… moved to Seattle and then I got involved with Dean. I have no idea where my mom is nowadays.''
''Maybe you should try to find her,'' I suggest. It’s not my place to push Abbie, but if her mother is alive, I think, she should search for her. Not a single day goes by where I don’t think about my mother. I still miss her terribly.
Abbie seems uncertain. ''I don't know. I'm not so sure it’s a good idea. I don't think she needs me anymore. She has Dwayne, and last I heard, she’s happy. My cell phone number hasn’t changed. She could’ve called me any time she wanted to.” She combs her fingers through her hair, looking frustrated. “It was so different the last time I saw her, as if she’d moved on with her life and I wasn’t part of it. I don't know, Presley, maybe someday I’ll look her up again, but I’m not ready to do that now.''
''I’ll be there for you, if you ever decide to get in contact with her. I’ll help you, I promise.''
''Thank you.'' She presses a kiss my neck. ''So, while we’re learning more about one another – what's your story?''
''I was mostly raised by my dad. My mom, Frances, left when I was three years old. Joy-Anna was almost two at the time. I'm apparently a lot like my mom… she was an artist too. She played piano, but I hear she was a lot better than I am. The relationship between Dad and me wasn’t easy, to say the least... I think I reminded him too much of Mom. When Joshua started going to school, as far as Dad was concerned, he was the perfect son. Joshua settled into school life well, and got great reports from the teachers. When it was my turn to start school, I was either drawing all the time or I was thinking about the new piece I was trying to learn to play on the piano. I didn’t do well academically; I was too distracted by my passion for the arts. It made Dad crazy, he got frustrated with me and we fought a lot, until finally, he realized what I’d been telling him was true, and I couldn’t fit into the mold he’d made for me.” She is watching me, concentrated on my story. I like that she cares. “So, he finally agreed to send me to a school specializing in the arts, and I found somewhere I belonged. I was so freaking happy after struggling for so long with shit I didn’t want to do. My relationship with my Dad was lousy for a very long time, but a few years ago, Dad remarried. Lucia is a lovely woman; she has a heart of gold. She’s been instrumental in repairing the relationship between Dad and me. We're much closer to one another now, because of her.''
''I'm glad your father sent you to an art school. Nobody should waste talents like you have. Presley. You are an incredible human being.''
I could listen to Abbie praising me all day long. ''I'm so glad that I found you,'' I whisper as I kiss her, moving a strand of hair back from her face. She slowly brings her face towards mine. I mirror the movement and we kiss. Her lips are perfection against mine, her mouth molding to fit mine as if we were meant to be together. The kiss deepens, and then I pull away to stare into her eyes once more. ''You drive me fucking crazy, I hope you know that.'' A huge grin slides into place on my lips, and she answers with one of her own. ''You have the same effect on me,'' she admits.
We kiss again. I caress her back, her waist, and wrap my arms around her body. I lift her into my arms, and she wraps her legs around my waist. God, I love it when she does that. I love the sensation of her body pressed so tightly against mine. I want her, and I need her, now. The day seemed incredibly long without her, and I have to admit I missed her. Now, I want to make up for lost time.
''Presley! Abbie!'' Joy-Anna arrives. Abbie immediately releases her grip around my waist and slithers down to the floor, looking embarrassed.
''Christ, Joy-Anna!” I grumble. In a lower voice, I speak to Abbie. “Sorry about that, love.'' Abbie's obviously trying to catch her breath. Her cheeks are flushed and she looks as disappointed as I am.
I press a kiss to Abbie’s forehead before Joy-Anna appears. ''Am I interrupting something?'' Joy-Anna glances at us and notices Abbie’s discomfort. ''Oops, sorry. I guess I am.''
''What's up, Joy-Anna?'' I demand and I hear the rudeness in my tone. She knew Abbie was here, so why come in without knocking?
''Joshua wants to know if you're up for a night out.''
I sigh heavily. ''You could've have called. It’s not like it was an emergency.''
Joy-Anna shifts uncomfortably on the spot and murmurs a quick sorry.
I explain to Abbie. ''Joshua owns a club. Do you feel like going?''
''Hmm... Okay, yeah, sure.''
I turn back to my sister. ''We'll go. Now, please, buzz off and give us some privacy. We’ll see you later.'' Joy-Anna receives my not-so-subtle message and scuttles towards the door. Once I hear it close, Abbie and I pick up where we left off.
Abbie
Joy-Anna lends me a dress for the evening. I would have never worn something like this before I met Presley. It’s way too sexy for my usual tastes, but I think I like it. I’m discovering it feels good to be sexy. Joy-Anna came and collected me from Presley’s apartment when darkness fell and marched me back to her place, to prepare for the evening. I'm wearing my new shoes, and Alicia’s fixed my hair and makeup. The guys will apparently be meeting us at the club. I don't know if Presley will even recognize me dressed like this. The dress is incredibly short and my back is bare. The scrap of material doesn't cover much of my skin.
Once we arrive at the bar, I discover wearing a dress like this is a challenge. The girls keep telling me I'm hot, but I'm timid and uncomfortable with men watching me. Normally, I just blend in.
We’re standing at the bar having a drink when Joshua and Derek arrive. There’s no sign of Presley, and I immediately grow nervous. Where is he? Joy-Anna points him out behind me when she sees the anxiety in my expression. I turn around to face Presley and he's smirking at me. His eyes graze over me, from head to toe, and he is all smiles. It seems he might like the outfit.
''You're the sexiest woman in here tonight, and you're all mine. God, Abbie, I’m in love with you like I’ve never been before.'' I love the fact that he tells me he loves me so often now, and it feels so good each and every time. He offers me his hand. ''May I have this dance?''
I can’t resist him. ''Of course.'' He kisses my hands when I place them in his, and leads me onto the dance floor.
Presley is still smiling when he pulls me towards him. He settles his hands on my hips, and I notice there's something different about the way he’s looking at me, but I can’t figure out what it is. It seems as if his desire for me has exploded through the roof. I suddenly realize I'm not wearing a bra and wonder if that’s the reason. I'm so self-conscious, and aware of other men watching me with Presley. This is so different from my past life, but I find I'm actually enjoying being the seductress.
P
resley can dance, very well, and I'm surprised by the revelation. He presses up against me, and the sensation of his body touching me from hip to breast makes me shudder with desire. I place my hands on his abs, and it takes every ounce of willpower to restrain myself from sliding my hands up under his shirt.
The music is loud and the dance floor is packed. Alicia and Joshua are dancing beside us. I’ve never been into dancing before, but Presley and Alicia are making it fun. Presley turns me around in his arms, my back against his chest. He runs his hand over my stomach and down across my waist while we’re dancing. I wrap my arms around his shoulders and he starts kissing my neck in such a sensual way, I wonder if it may be too much for a public place. Then I realize I don't care. Our hips grind together, and his hands roam all over my body. This is so hot; he makes me all riled up.
All I want now, is to go home with Presley and spend the night with him. I finally break away from Presley to go back to the bar, where Joy-Anna is standing, an expression of disbelief on her face. I laugh, a little embarrassed by my behaviour.
Presley joins us and we have a couple of drinks while I cool down. I'm feeling a little dizzy, but I'm having so much fun, I don’t care. Joy-Anna and I throw back a couple of shooters – Jack Daniels, Goldschlager and tequila.
When I look around to Presley he’s checking his cell phone, and he looks irritated. He glances at me and offers me a fake smile. Then he scans the surrounding area, as if he’s looking for someone. His face turns bright red when he spots a blonde at the other side of the bar and he suddenly seems furious, which scares me a little. This isn’t the Presley that I’ve come to know. He doesn't explain who she is and I worry that he’s trying to hide something from me.
Joy-Anna grabs my arm, and drags me a couple of meters away, leaving Presley standing and staring at the blonde woman.
I protest. ''What the hell, Joy-Anna? What’s going on?''
''That blonde bitch is trouble, Bee. She’s always been trouble. Her name is Kelly. Whatever she does, or says, to you doesn't mean anything, okay?''
''Okay, but who the hell is she?'' I ask. I need to know, but I’m a little scared of finding out at the same time.
''Presley dated her for a while. He helped her with her portfolio, and as soon as she got her photos, she dumped him. Now, she’s got plenty of modelling jobs, and thinks she’s a big shot. I hope she's not here to see Presley. If we’re lucky, it’s only a coincidence that she’s turned up here.''
Somehow, I don’t think Kelly’s arrival is coincidental. She surely knows that this is Joshua’s bar and that he’s Presley’s brother. ''Okay...” I respond slowly. “We can’t let her get near Presley.” I shiver anxiously. “Did you see how mad he was? After seeing how sweet and kind-hearted of a person Presley is, it shocks me that he can get angry like this.'' I don’t like seeing Presley so upset, he’s normally laid back.
''He doesn't get angry very often, Bee,'' Joy confirms.
Despite the tense situation, I giggle. ''Bee? Since when do you call me Bee, anyway?''
Joy shrugs. ''It’s cute. Let’s go, Bee. We’ll have some more shooters and keep an eye on the situation.'' She forces a smile.'' Everything is going to be alright.''
We walk back to the bar, and discover that tattoo girl has made her approach while we were discussing the situation, and she is literally two inches away from Presley’s face, which pisses me off. Presley catches sight of me and I can tell he knows Joy-Anna has explained the situation. He moves away from Kelly and comes over to me, kissing my lips.
''I should have told you about Kelly before now,” Presley admits. “I didn't think I would ever see her again.''
''Don't worry, baby, it's okay. Joy-Anna told me about her,'' I reassure Presley, returning his kiss. ''We’re good.''
Kelly
Well, look who’s here. Presley and his brother are at the club tonight. This is going to be interesting. Presley is looking great. He seems as if he’s happy and by the smile lighting up his face, he’s in a good mood.
Joy-Anna is standing at the bar with Alicia and another chick, a real ‘little-miss-girl-next-door’. Who is she? The way she’s dressed, she looks like a high schooler wearing a hooker's outfit. I’ve never seen her before. Weird. The Williams’ don't normally hang out with other people.
I study her for a while. Maybe she’s family. She doesn't fit in with them though. Obviously, she doesn't have any ink – at least none that’s showing. His family all have big tattoos, which Presley did.
I can’t help but stare at Presley. He's standing behind her, checking her out. He’s got a huge shit-eating grin on his face. What the hell? Her? She’s his new girlfriend?
I watch as he takes her hand in his, and kisses it like a gentleman. I should have known he wouldn’t take long to find someone else, but her? I don't get it.
They’re dancing together. How come he never danced with me when we were together? He can move, and he’s so damn sexy. Suddenly, all I want is to kick that bitch out of the club. They’re making out on the dance floor like nobody's business. Watching them is making me angry, but I just can't stop myself. He used to be so private. The Presley I knew wouldn’t behave like this. I don't know what’s up with him. I need to talk to him and try and fix things between us. I decide to send him a text message.
Kelly: Nice moves, Presley. Are you warming up for me? -Kelly
He takes his phone from his pocket and when he finishes reading the text; his eyes are searching the place, looking for me. He looks utterly furious. When he locates me, I smile warmly, but he looks disgusted to see me here. I can see the vein on his forehead pumping up, he stares at me with such hatred. Joy-Anna notices what’s going on, and she disappears with the blonde-haired girl. It’s my cue.
I walk across to him only stopping when we’re mere inches apart. ''Hi, Presley. Are you having fun with your sweet little college girl?''
''Mind your own business, Kelly,'' he growls.
I try another tack. ''I miss you... a lot. I was hoping we could spend some time at my place...''
He raised his eyebrows, looking at me in disbelief. ''Are you insane? We’re through, Kelly. You know that.''
''According to the text messages you sent me, you’ve missed me, too.'' I move closer, I’m almost there. If I can get close enough, I know he won't be able to resist me.
''That was weeks ago, Kelly, weeks. I’m with someone else now, so back off.''
''You’re choosing her over me?'' I laugh loudly. ''Come on, Presley, you can’t possibly be serious. That girl’s nothing; she has nothing you like.”
''She’s everything, Kelly. EVERYTHING. Now, if you don't mind, I’m going to get back to her now. You have fun, get wasted, and chase after the first guy who could potentially give your career a boost. That’s what you’re good at.''
I scowl at him. ''Asshole.''
He steps past me and goes to get his girl. Shit. That didn't work out the way I planned it. On the bright side, I know we’re working together again two weeks from now. It gives me some time to come up with a better plan. I’ve decided I’m not done with him.
Joshua walks over and stands beside me, watching his brother walk away. ''I think it’s best that you leave the premises. Leave him alone, Kelly. You’ve done more than enough to hurt my brother. Forget about him. You don’t stand a chance with him now.''
''Shut up, Joshua, you don't even know me.''
''I know enough,” he responded coolly. “Now, get out of my club!''
Dammit. This is a total nightmare. Why would Joshua kick me out? I didn’t do anything wrong... yet. With my head lowered, I stumble towards the door and I’m seething inside. There is nothing more embarrassing than being thrown out of a club.
I know I screwed up with Presley. I was an arrogant bitch the last time we were together. I'm not afraid to admit that I used him to get where I am now. Career wise, I’m doing great. I have plenty of contracts lined up and financially, I've never been so well off. I know I did nothin
g to help Presley when we were together. I was selfish and I regret it. I want him back.
Once outside, I stand on the pavement and get lost in my memories. I remember when we were doing the shoot; we were all touchy-feely with one another. We kissed and fooled around the entire time. We fucked in the middle of the set. He was so hot for me; I remember it well.
I scowl again, thinking about Presley and that blonde girl. He never looked at me the way he was looking at her. I don’t get it. Despite our problems, we had so much fun together; we were wild and enjoying life to the fullest. I don’t understand why he wouldn’t want to give me a second chance. There is no way this woman is better than me.
I complete him in every way.
Presley
I need to ensure Abbie isn’t mad at me. I never dreamed Kelly would suggest getting back together. She’s completely lost it.
I feel bad and I regret not telling Abbie about Kelly, especially after she has been so open about her ex-boyfriend and her past. I’m an idiot. Abbie deserves the truth, and from now on, I will make sure I always tell her everything and don’t hold back anything.
''I'm sorry you had to find out about her like that. I never thought she’d come back. Kelly and I, we dated for five or six months. Things were going okay, until I helped her out with her modelling career. She was super nice when she needed to be, but as soon as she got what she wanted, she left. No goodbye, no nothing. It was over two months ago when she walked out on me.'' I sigh heavily. ''I don’t know what she’s after now, but I'll make sure she stays away from us. I swear.''
''It’s okay, Presley... just promise me you won't see her again. '' I can see from the expression on Abbie’s face that she doesn’t like Kelly, and she was uncomfortable meeting her like this. She has a right to be upset; I know I would be if the situation was reversed.
I rub my fingers across my forehead, not wanting to break this news to Abbie, but knowing she deserves to know the truth. ''There's something else I need to tell you about. I got a new contract today, to do some photography for Tattoo Magz, and Kelly’s one of the models. I have to work with her again, in two weeks.'' I hope Abbie understands that this is purely professional. I need the work, and I can't refuse a contract because of who the model is. It wouldn’t be professional, and it could ruin my career. I can’t take the risk.