Davien placed his hand to the back of my chair and I noticed I had taken over his spot .“I’m sorry.” I turned to jump off the chair. My stomach tied with strong knots as I fought my words. Not just my words, but I fought my resistance. I knew that the man could care less about simple ol' Avery, the girl he probably forgot who I even came here with. But my body wished I could just have one single innocent moment with him.
He placed his hand on my thigh, pushing me back against the seat. “Sit. Thanks for coming out.” He smiled and his eyes sparkled in the low lights above us. I lowered my myself back to my seat and one of his hands casually trailed to my shoulder and innocently stroked across. I tensed from his hand. I was sure it was involuntarily, his hand just happened to be resting on the high back bar stool where my back was rested. But I still felt those tingles travel through my body.
Every woman in the bar was attracted to the man like a magnet and I totally understood why. He wasn’t just obviously gorgeous but the way he talked, the slight raspy voice behind his lips, made my thighs grip together. He could speak short 3 word sentences and still catch your attention. His eyes spoke it all, then there was the smile, that devilish smile that made you want to slump in your seat. He was flirtatious just with the look from his eyes. Why did I even bother thinking about this man? My mind was being hijacked with someone else thoughts.
I was noticing all of the ladies returning their attention back to the lead singer. He left his spot and walked to the bar. Still staring, I watched the many women in the crowd fighting for Davien's touch. I hated the feeling that Davien was giving me, but I felt jealousy at the other women.
I listened to Scott talk with Justin and Vince. They were happy with each other. Natalia, well she was proud of her man and I could tell she was excited that he showed her off to all of the fans to notify he was taken. I was sure everyone in the building was jealous of Natalia, having a young hot man that wasn’t available. He was extremely nice to the entire audience and bar patrons, but it was completely innocent and Natalia adored that from him. Every so often a fan would come to the guys sides and ask for an autograph and Scott smiled and scribbled his name across, papers and posters, CD cases and numerous other 'things'. All while Natalia had her hand placed on his thigh. The fans respected her and she made it very clear that he was 'her property'. Vince and Justin were nothing like Davien, but they were extremely flirtatious. I wasn't sure if it was over friendliness to their fans of their way of finding tonight's choice of ass. All while keeping it clean, unlike the sex god across the room.
Davien had his waist pressed against the edge of the bar while a girl in an extremely short skirt sat on the very same bar in front of him with her legs spread wide open and in the air. He was using his teeth to grip on a sharpie marker and bent towards her and autographed who knows what. I sighed as I shook my head. Eww.
☼
Soon after The Pits were done the crowd started thinning out and I finished my beer. The guys were grabbing their things. “You coming over tonight Natalia?” I could hear Scott whispering in her ear.
She smiled back and shrugged her shoulders. “Gotta drop off Avery.” She directed her eyes towards me.
“You should come over for awhile, Avery.” Scott suggested. “Ah Davien doesn’t bite.” He nodded toward the flirtatious sex god and laughed. “Well sometimes.” I whipped my eyes back and forth as I realized what he was saying. I knew that Scott had a room mate from the band but I wasn’t expecting Mr. gorgeous to be the one. I told myself.. not Mr. Gorgeous, Mr. Slut.
Natalia went to Scott’s house every so often. Sometimes spending the night together on some occasions. She still had her own apartment through our college and they planned on continuing it that way to slowly grow their relationship. At least until school was through.
“Aww, thanks, Scott, but not tonight. It’s already late and I gotta study tomorrow.” He shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, not expecting the turn down from the invitation. I was sure that many fans would love to return home with these guys. Natalia pressed her lips to Scott and told him that she’d be over later. The guys all turned around and waved us off, each thanking us from coming out. Even the godly arrogant sex model turned from his personal group and offered a short wave.
Natalia talked about Scott and the band the whole way to my house. She constantly smiled and threw her head back each time she mentioned his name. “You are so coming with us again next weekend and you have to come back to the house afterwords. Like Scott said Davien doesn’t bite. And he’s hot as hell.” She glanced at me and smiled. “C'mon just admit it... he's hot as fuck huh?”
“You know I can’t and Natalia I am in a relationship” I whipped my eyes at her. “Anthony would kill me if he found out that Scott had a hot room mate. Davien sure isn't my type, he is definitely the sluttiest man I have ever seen. Anyways I’m not a groupie that wants to hang out with the band members.”
“Avery, you always think the worst. The guys don’t bring girls home. They’re not stupid. Last thing they want is a group of chicks stalking their house every night. It took almost 3 months before Scott invited me over. Really Davien isn't what you think. It's an act, that's how they get their fans. Just like kissing ass at work, yeah just like that.” She laughed, looking away from the road to roll her eyes at me. “And, Avery, I do know that Anthony is gone every other weekend. He’ll never even know.”
“You are such a bad influence you know. But sorry I don't buy the 'acting deal' that Mr. Davien is working. I find it gross.” I smiled back. Just imagining walking into the home of Scott and Davien's, wondering what these guys would even think of. If they didn’t want groupies at their home, I’m sure they didn’t want Scott’s girlfriend’s best friends tagging along either. The Pits weren't exactly famous, but they were obviously popular and well known in the area. What would Davien say when he saw the boring Avery walk into his bachelor pad. What an awkward night I was not wanting to have.
The bachelor pad that probably didn't even have a couch, everyone just sat on the edges of the pool table that covered the living room. Maybe a beer pong table was sitting next to it. Lines of people in the kitchen waiting for their turn to fill up their cups at the beer keg. Who knows what was going on in the next room. Davien's thick row on girls waiting for their turn with him? How many did he take in at a time? With a black light over his bed and neon bar signs on the walls.
☼
We had just pulled into my driveway to my home, just outside of Chicago. The living room light was still on, surprising me since Anthony usually went to sleep by this time. “You want me to walk you in?” I shook my head. “Yes, I’m walking you in. I’ll let him know that I’m sorry for keeping you out so late.”
I smiled hoping that she would cheer him up. I knew he was concerned to why I didn’t return his calls. I debated on the story I would tell Anthony. Possibly tell him I had no reception in the bar or maybe I just didn't hear the ring. When I stepped out of the car, I reached in my purse and pulled my keys out.
We lived in a two story, four bedroom upper middle class home. The place was much too big for just the two of us but Anthony wanted to purchase a home large enough for entertaining and possibly for growing our family in the future. The house was surrounded by homes claimed by people with high paying careers, not a student girlfriend. I always felt out of place. Most couples in their late forties, early fifties and here was young 22 year old Avery. I was probably known as the neighborhood chick that everyone gossiped about.
Taking a deep breath, I turned my key and glanced at Natalia as she smiled. As I stepped into our massive entryway, I saw Anthony sitting in the leather recliner just inside of the living room. He was wearing plaid pajama bottoms and a tight fitting plain white undershirt. His body was amazing, showing off the hours he spent in the gym daily.
I remembered the first day I met him. I thought he was the perfect man in the world. His skin glimmered from an light, perfect deep natural tan pigment. His ey
es were seductive and his voice spoke of extreme maturity. Nothing like the bad boy image I had just seen at the bar. If Anthony could have an opposite, Davien would be the match.
I watched him as I closed the door behind me. My heart beating rapidly as a teenager would feel after sneaking from the house and re-entering. I hoped for an understanding Anthony. I was the immature girlfriend, that he was building like a high paid project. His foot tapped at the floor with anticipation, but his attitude changed when he noticed that Natalia was with me. “Avery.” He stood when he saw my appearance. “Natalia it's great to see you.” I knew his words were false. He could care less to thank Natalia for anything. If anything he thought she was a nuisance in our life. He had no respect for her.
He reached his arm around her shoulder, thanking her. “Yeah it’s great to see you too, Anthony. Sorry for bringing her back so late. She had a great time listening to the band thought, right?” She questioned me.
“They are great.” I agreed as I thought about the four handsome men that I drooled over all night. Natalia and Anthony were so completely different. She was wild, adventurous and outgoing. Anthony was quiet and hard working. I didn’t know Anthony when he was my age but I never pictured him to be the one to hang out at the bar or to even be attracted to a woman like Natalia. And I was positive Natalia would never agree to date a man like Anthony. He was raised in a strong Italian family to do nothing but succeed. His goal was to own what ever property he wanted and he was doing a good job at fulfilling his dreams. He took care of me very well and even paid my tuition and bought me a car to drive me to school. He insisted that I didn’t work and only focus on my school work.
We met a year ago when I was doing temp work for his Dad’s company. I hated the job and was glad it was only temporary. He won my heart on our first date when he promised me the world. He always told me I was better than a girl working temp work. He said I deserved a high respected job with my knowledge. I always dreamed of living with him and he assured me that I would be able to graduate college without having to work in the mean time. I was far from being a gold digger, never expected anything, he just controlled my thoughts. In all honesty he controlled my life and I basically dealt with it. I knew that he was over protective because he wanted me to have a successful career like his own. I began understanding that I really did want a good successful career and he promised that he could lead me in that direction.
Natalia didn’t know of our entire relationship but she didn’t agree with it. She reminded me that I was living with a father figure instead of a boyfriend. A controlling father figure on top of it. In fact she hated him for pulling me far away from her. I knew deep down that he could never pull me away completely. Trying my hardest I reminded myself that wouldn't happen, or at least I hoped it never would. He wasn't really a father figure, he was a mature boyfriend that thought about my future.
Hoping that now Natalia having a strong relationship with Scott, she would understand my love life, but she didn't. Scott loved her for who she was and never expected to change her ways like Anthony had managed to control mine. I looked between the two of the closest people in my life when Natalia finally spoke up. “Well I better get going. I know you have studying tomorrow. Do you want me to help you out? I don’t mind.”
I looked at Anthony as he watched the clock and I knew he was sighing under his breath. “No, I’ll be okay. I think this one should be pretty easy. Thanks though and thanks for the fun girls night out.”
“Thank you Natalia for taking Avery out tonight, glad to hear you girls had a nice time.” Anthony thanked. She turned and left the house with a small wave and big smile. Turning from the door, waving back to her, I noticed Anthony glaring at me with deep thoughts. “One of these days, Avery,” his voice changed instantly as Natalia walked to her car. I stepped back only causing him to release an evil grin and a nasty chuckle “you’ll finally find a mature friend. She’s about as childish as they come. For heavens sake she is dating a fucking rock star. Is that what you want?” I shook my head.
He was talking about my best friend. The person that had stuck by my side through thick and thin. She was there when no one else was. When I was quiet, she spoke my words for me. “Natalia is a great person, Anthony, just give her a chance. Please, for me.” I watched her headlights glare through the living room as she reversed out of the driveway.
He laughed at me as if he couldn’t understand my words, as if I were a child. I tried to understand his world. I wanted a good life and he promised he knew how to achieve that. I knew that he really loved me but he wanted me to grow up. Truth was that I was only twenty-two. What did he expect from me? I was doing well in school, I treated him well and I played the ‘wife role’ perfectly. “I could care less whether you embarrass yourself,” and his words grew deeper and louder as he pointed his finger until it stopped at the tip of my nose “but, Avery, you Will Not embarrass me during your play time.” His finger pressed just enough to push my head slightly.
“Anthony, going out with my friend of many years is not called play time. We went for dinner and then to watch her boyfriend perform with his band.” I took a long deep breath as he shook his head while he bit his bottom lip. After watching my best friend have an innocent care free night. I wanted that and I needed to speak my mind even if it meant he would be upset from my words. “I suggest you loosen up. I’m a fucking grown woman.”
I watched his hand move in slow motion, his biceps bulging as he flexed his arm back then swung forward as his hand smacked across my face, causing me to lose my balance. He stood over me and laughed. “A grown woman, Avery? Ha, then act like it.” He walked away, leaving me to brush my knees off and crying as I helped myself towards the couch.
Crying pitifully I tried to weigh out my guilt and my innocence. I grabbed the throw blanket off the black leather couch. After many sobs I laid thinking of the good things with Anthony. He loved me, he adored me and would do anything he could. Even if he had to go far out of his way, just to please me. We had traveled the country over the last year as he did business trips, offering to take me with anytime. He loved showing me off and bragged to his friends about his smart and beautiful girlfriend. During business trips every so often he would introduce me as his fiancee. Although he had never gone out of his way to actually propose to me. I knew he wanted the best for me and obviously I wasn’t meeting his expectations.
☼
The next morning I woke to the smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen. Anthony tip toed into the living room where I laid. I kept my eyes closed as if I were still sleeping and he sat at my side. “Good morning, Avery.” He bent to kiss my cheek and whispered in my ear. My stomach knotted as he touched me.
I rubbed my eyes as the morning sun beamed through the large windows. “Good morning.” I mumbled.
“Made you some coffee, and I brought you a robe. It’s cold down here baby.” He wrapped his arm over my shoulder as I sat up slowly. His arm dropped to my back and rubbing over me softly. I took the coffee mug from his hand and blew the steam before sipping.
“Thanks.” Was all I could say. I wanted short answers to his sweet talk. Anthony was an ass at times but he tried to make up for it later on. He never apologized for anything he ever did to me and I never expected him to. He was intimidating and he would never lower his self to believe that he was wrong.
Anthony took me out for breakfast and we took a long ride through the country. He was very romantic at times as he held my hand during the car ride. I opened the mirror under my visor to look at my lip gloss and immediately noticed the light bruise along my jaw line where Anthony had marked me the night before. He had realized what I was looking at. “Makeup, Avery, that’s all you need.” He smiled and I dropped my eyes to my lap as I returned the visor to its spot. I laughed to myself at the thought that Anthony could care less whether he hurt me. It wasn't an apology, it was merely an excuse. He loved the way he had power in our relationship.
He was all I had tho
ugh. My Dad disappeared when I was a toddler and my Mom ran away with her truck driver boyfriend when I was a senior in high school. She reminded me that I was a legal adult and needed to take care of myself. I had high goals and promised myself that I would make something out of myself. I was excited to get the temp job as a receptionist at Anthony’s Dad’s business but caught off guard when I was let go in such a short time. It left me with no money to pay the rent at the apartment that my Mom had left behind. Natalia had moved to the suburbs of Chicago and Anthony lived in the same area. When I met him and started dating it was clear to agree to move in with him. I left everything behind and let the apartment go. He covered me in new clothes and paid my first year of tuition. I believed I had hit my first goal. I never wanted to count on someone to care for me but he insisted on making sure I went to a decent school and follow my dreams.
Chapter 2
The next week went by fast and Anthony was already packing for his business trip to Houston, promising to return by Monday. I needed the time alone, I was desperate for answers.
“I know you had a great time last Friday and I’m sure Anthony is already heading to the airport so when am I picking you up, Avery?” Natalia begged. “And I’m not buying your excuses this time!” She really wasn't begging, she was demanding this time.
She was right I did have a blast. It was nice to go out and act my age. I was tired of being stuck in the house. And The Pits were wonderful and they were playing at CJ’s again, the bar I went with Natalia the previous weekend. I knew I couldn’t turn her down. “Okay I give in.”
Repair Me Page 2