“But he’s your best friend. I’m sure you listen to what he has to say.” I say as I shuffle in the seat so that I’m looking directly at him instead of straight ahead.
“Sure, maybe a bit in the past. There’s only so much of a hedonistic lifestyle one can take before you realize it only leaves you feeling empty and unhappy.”
“Instant gratification and pleasure are all you care about?” I’m confused.
“Drinking, drugs, sex, whatever…were all I cared about. Then you walked in my life or should I say tripped into my life and that’s when I woke up.” He smiles. I woke him up? I think it’s the other way around.
“You were always that out of control?”
“It started with drinking when I was young.”
“How young?” I ask.
“Ten.” He shrugs as if it isn’t a big deal. Shit!
“Did your parents know?”
“I got kicked out of school for drinking so yes they found out. I went to several different boarding schools because I kept getting expelled.” He sounds boastful.
“You think that’s something to be proud of?” I snap.
“No. You’re right it’s not something I mean to sound proud about. I just had a lot of fun in the process.”
“But that’s really messed up.” I mutter quietly.
He shrugs. “You’re probably right.” He puts the key in the car and starts the engine.
“We better go or you’re going to miss your class.”
I pull my seatbelt on and look outside lost in thought. I push the button to roll down my window. Closing my eyes, I enjoy the cool breeze on my face.
“You’re awfully quiet.” He says as we pull up to the front of campus.
“I’m just thinking.” I whisper.
He parks the car and before I climb out, he turns towards me. Taking a deep breath, he says, “Emilia, please don’t over think this. It’s in the past.”
I give him a slight smile and look down at my hands on my lap. “I just don’t see how you can leave that all behind. That’s all.” I say, quietly.
Logan takes one of my hands and softly presses his lips to it. “You. Woke. Me. Up.”
He says between soft kisses.
I look into his eyes, searching for the right words to say, but nothing comes out.
He continues, “Thank you for coming to lunch. We can talk more about this later if it’ll make you feel better. Are you free on Friday?”
I try to lighten the mood. “You think I should play hard to get?” I smile.
“I know where you live.” He breathes.
“So you’d come and find me?” I tease.
“Find you? Yes and then I’d have to kidnap you.” He smiles a wicked smile.
“Suppose I put up a fight?”
“I’d find a way to persuade you.” He leans forward; his hands softly clutch the sides of my face. His smoldering eyes gaze into mine, as his mouth claims me. My heart is pounding and that familiar and delicious pull is heating up inside me. He stops kissing me. Feeling breathless, I open my eyes.
“You can persuade me any time.” I whisper.
“Friday.” He takes a deep breath and smiles.
I lean over and softly kiss his cheek. “Thank you again for the necklace and for lunch.”
“You’re very welcome. Now hurry to class before I kidnap you here and now.” He smirks.
“Yes, sir.” I tease and I shut the door to his car. I think I hear him laugh as he drives away with the windows down.
13
“EMILIA, GET UP!” Bryn calls as she tugs on my arms to get me out of bed. This is a first. I’m always up before Bryn. She’s not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination. It’s not like I’m sleeping. I’m just staring up at the ceiling in exhaustion. I was up late, burning the midnight oil, working on my essay on “The Great Gatsby” which is due Friday.
“Let me be.” I say as I pull one of my down-filled pillows over my head.
“Come on. It’s time for a girl’s day out.” She smiles. “I booked us massages. My treat!”
“I can’t,” I moan. “I have classes.”
“We’re having fifty minute massages at eight o’clock. It takes fifteen minutes to get there. You’ll be back in plenty of time for class.”
“I have to run.”
“You can skip one day or just go this afternoon if you really have to. Are you really resisting going to get a massage with your best friend?”
I peek from under the pillow. “Maybe?”
“I will just have to kidnap you then.” She giggles as she yanks on my two hands. I reluctantly stumble out of bed.
“Okay, okay.” I giggle. What’s with all the kidnapping threats?
“We are going to have so much fun.” Bryn is clapping her hands with excitement.
“I will go, only on one condition.” I say seriously.
“What? Anything!” She says with a mixture of worry and excitement.
“You let me treat you to breakfast after our massages.” I smile.
“Deal! Now hurry we have to go.”
Bryn and I are in her Mini Cooper with the top down. It’s a gloriously sunny October day. The marine layer has already burned off and there’s nothing but blue sky as far as you can see.
“Where are we going for our massages?” I ask as she steers the car through the morning traffic.
“Bacara.” She smiles. “I’ve always wanted to go there before we graduate.”
I smile at her. “I still can’t believe we’re seniors. These past three years have flown by.”
“I know. We really have to enjoy this year. That’s why I thought it would be fun to get massages together.”
“It’s a first for me.” I smile.
Bryn quickly looks at me and then she turns her attention back to the road.
“Seriously?” She says.
“Yes. I’ve never had a massage.”
“Oh. Now I get why you were resisting this morning. Wait to you experience it! You’ll want one every day.” She beams.
“Thanks for forcing me out of bed.” I giggle.
Bryn laughs and then turns up the car stereo; it’s Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.” We are singing at the top of our lungs while we make our way along the coast. I can’t help but notice the people in the cars passing us by, admiring Bryn’s supermodel looks and our amazing singing.
We make our way up the winding road to Bacara Resort and Spa. It’s a stunning five star resort that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The low-storied, white stucco structures have red-tiled roofs that perch on the coast, making it look like a quaint Mediterranean village.
Bryn pulls the car up to the front where a hotel valet graciously whisks us out of her car and within minutes we make our way to The Spa, a massive Spanish style facility.
“Hi. We have massages at eight o’clock. The name is Cartwright.” She says to the attractive blonde at the Spa’s front desk and then smiles at me.
“Yes. Two Abyanghas.” She smiles showing off her perfect white teeth.
“Abyanghas? What is that?” I say. The foreign sounding name is making me a bit nervous.
The attractive receptionist explains, “It’s a classic therapy from India.”
“Oh, yes.” I say, not hiding my sarcasm.
Bryn puts her arm over my shoulders and leans over the desk closer to the receptionist.
“You’ll have to excuse her. It’s her first time. She’s a little nervous.”
I playfully hit Bryn. “Stop.”
The receptionist sympathetically looks at me.
“Don’t worry. You’ll love it. It’s an herbal-oil massage that calms the nervous system and balances the mind. It’s known for revitalizing the body, resulting in improved physical, mental and spiritual health.” She says and reassuringly smiles.
“Yes. Well, that’s exactly what I could use.” I smile.
After our massages, Bryn and I decide to eat lunch poolside. We quickly c
hange out of our white fluffy spa bathrobes and find a spot on the broad stone terrace by the pool with sweeping ocean views.
“Well, what did you think?” Bryn asks.
“It was definitely worth getting out of bed for. I feel like a new woman.”
“I’m glad you liked it.”
“Liked it, I loved it. Thank you.”
A tall, handsome blonde approaches our table. “Hi. My name is Ian. Can I get you ladies something to drink?” He says as he hands us a couple menus.
Bryn is staring up at the waiter and grinning from ear to ear. I glance up and I see why. He is totally Bryn’s type, California cool.
I look at Bryn and she’s still admiring the view. When I look at Ian, I get the sense that it’s a mutual adoration.
“I’ll have a glass of water.” I say.
“Water? Okay. Two waters, two mimosas.” She beams.
“I’ll be right back with your drinks and then I’ll take your order.”
“He’s hot.” Bryn whispers as she watches him walk off.
“He could be Josh’s older brother.” I say because they do look a lot alike.
“You think?” She says.
Ian is back at our table with our waters and mimosas. He takes them off the round tray he carries and places them on the table.
“Yes. I think you are right.” Bryn says to me as she watches him put the drinks on the table.
“You ready to order?” He smiles at Bryn.
“I’ll have the three egg scramble with wheat toast.” She smiles up at him.
“Excellent choice. And you?”
“A cup of wild berries and a vanilla bean yogurt. Thanks.”
“Would you like coffee or tea?” He asks, looking at Bryn.
“Emilia?” She says.
I shake my head.
Bryn looks back up at the waiter. “We’re good, Ian. Thanks.”
“Let me know if you change your mind.” He says before he strides off to the kitchen.
“You like Ian?” I tease.
“Just admiring the view. Nothing wrong with that.” She giggles.
Bryn holds up her mimosa to make a toast. “To our senior year and to your first massage.”
“Cheers.” I smile
“So. How’s Logan?”
“He’s fine.” I say.
“Fine? That doesn’t sound good. What happened?”
“Nothing happened.” I take a sip of mimosa.
“You aren’t fooling me – spill the beans.” She glares.
“He told me he was a hedonist.” I mumble.
“So. He was or is?” She giggles.
“Don’t laugh. I’m serious. I just figured out that I like him, really like him and now this has sort of thrown me. I don’t know what to make of it.”
“Oh, Emilia. What’s the big deal? Look at us. Here we are getting full body massages, eating breakfast at a five star resort, drinking mimosas. We’re hedonists too.” She laughs.
“Well, yes, but…” I start to say before she interrupts me.
“I could easily say I’m a hedonist. I definitely live for pleasure.” Bryn says as she watches our waiter.
Right on cue, Ian is back at our table with breakfast. He sets the tray down and places the berries and yogurt in front of me. Then he places Bryn’s eggs and toast in front of her.
“Be careful, it’s hot.” He says to her.
“I like it hot. Thanks.” Did she really just say that?
“Let me know if I can get you ladies anything else.”
“We certainly will.” Bryn smiles and then he turns to leave.
“Bryn, you are a tease.” I giggle.
“I told you I’m a hedonist. I like to indulge in sensual pleasures too. Does that make you feel any better about Logan?” She says reassuringly.
“You aren’t so caught up in just making yourself happy, not caring about anyone else.” I say as I take a bite of my yogurt.
“Right now I am.” She winks and takes another sip of her mimosa.
“Bryn, for years he did drugs, drank, had sex with who knows how many girls. He got kicked out of several boarding schools, all just for his own pleasure. So, your view of hedonism puts it all in a much better light than the reality of it all.”
“Well, when you put it like that…” She starts to say but I interrupt her.
“It’s an extremely selfish way to live. You never care about anyone else’s feelings but your own.” I frown.
“But it’s obvious he cares about you.”
“Maybe or maybe he’s just trying to make me his next conquest? Maybe it’s always been about him seeking pleasure?”
“That’s a lot of maybes.”
I shrug. “See my dilemma?”
“Look, the bottom line is you are worried about getting hurt and that’s totally normal. Just know this before you do something you might regret, you risk getting hurt in any relationship.”
“True, but…”
“No more buts. Do you like him?”
“Yes.” I say. “I like him a lot. That’s an entirely different problem. I like him a lot more than he likes me.”
Bryn rolls her eyes. “You know I love you Emilia and you are the smartest girl I’ve ever known but for being so smart you really don’t have a clue some times.”
“Oh?” I am confused.
“When are you going to get it in your head? Logan is crazy about you.”
Our waiter, Ian, is back at our table and Bryn is once again beaming up at him.
“You ladies need anything else?” He asks.
Bryn turns her attention from him to me. She suggestively smiles, “Emilia, do you need anything else?”
“No. I’m good. You?” Since she treated me to a massage I feel I owe it to her to go along with her obvious flirting.
“I don’t think we need anything else, Ian.” She says gazing up at him under her long lashes. His demeanor changes with Bryn’s overt wanton ways. They are in their own little world.
A moment later and realizing Bryn can probably play this game all day I decide I better take matters into my own hands or I will definitely miss class.
“Just the check, please.” I mutter.
I don’t know who looks more disappointed, Bryn or Ian. He takes a small leather folder out of his back pocket with the check in it and places it on the table.
“Hope you’ll come back soon.” He smiles invitingly at Bryn and then slowly strolls away from our table.
Bryn looks at me and playfully tosses her white cotton napkin at me.
“Emilia, I was just starting to really enjoy this day.”
I take out my wallet and slip some money into the folder. “I was wrong about something.” I say.
“What’s that?” Bryn asks.
“You are right. You are a hedonist.” I giggle.
THE REST OF THE DAY goes by fast. My two classes are done and I’m back at the house. There’s a note on the kitchen counter from Bryn. It says she went out with Josh and she will most likely be late so don’t wait up for her. I can’t help but roll my eyes at this because whether or not she wants me to wait up for her is a moot point. My sleeping habits are beyond my control.
I’ve never liked being in our house alone. It’s too quiet, it makes me nervous and I’m a jumpy person to begin with. I quickly change into my running attire. I’m anxious to run since my morning run was interrupted and because I want to escape the solitude of the house. I plug in my iPod and Ingrid Michaelson’s “The Way I Am” soothes my head as I run down the street and toward the coast.
If you were falling, then I would catch you.
If you need a light, I’d find a match.
Cause I love the way you say good morning.
And you take me the way I am.
If you are chilly, here take my sweater.
Your head is aching, I’ll make it better.
Cause I love the way you call me baby.
And you take me the way I am.
Cause I love you more than I could ever promise
And you take me the way I am
You take me the way I am.
You take me the way I am.
My hour run goes by fast. I don’t even hear the music that’s playing on my iPod. I’m lost in my thoughts as I run. I’m on autopilot, my legs in constant motion. The route is a familiar one so that I know the length and time it usually takes me. I could probably run it blindfolded and realize when I’m somehow, miraculously, back at our front door that I kind of just did.
I tried unsuccessfully to clear my mind. The overpowering thoughts of Logan and his old ways are too much for even my customary cathartic runs. I have so many questions but the one that I keep coming back to is – can he really give up that lifestyle? He’s lived it for so many years that I just don’t know if he can simply change over night.
My mind is running amok. I’m anxious to get started on my homework, hoping it will finally put a stop to my rampant thoughts. I hurriedly clamber into the shower, scrub off the oil from my morning massage and then wash my hair.
After blow-drying my hair, I tug on a pair of grey sweatpants and a white tank top, my usual bedtime attire. With my hair in a loose ponytail, I throw myself on my bed and power up my laptop. I have an email in my inbox.
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Tomorrow
Date: Thursday, October 18, 2012 9:35am
To: Emilia King
Emilia,
I hope you had a good week. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. I’ll plan on picking you up from work at 5:30.
Let me know if that works for you,
Logan
I hit “reply.”
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: How to Turn Down a Date
Date: Thursday, October 18, 2012 8:26pm
To: Logan Prescott
Logan,
What if I said no?
Emilia
I hit “send” and giggle at my little joke.
Running from Romeo Page 16