Entangled

by Annie Brewer

  “How do you feel?” He asks, acting more like himself now.

  “I’m great, excited. Ready to take on the world.” We stand, grab our bags from the compartment and wait, hand in hand until the line moves.

  “Sorry, I got a little apprehensive and yes, nervous. I’d be lying if I said I was completely calm, being back here. I thought I’d handle it a little better but so much history and memories come flooding back and I feel like I can’t breathe.”

  “It’s okay; I understand how it must feel for you. And we’re only human; we can’t always control our emotions, good or bad. Just focus on the good and we’ll get through it. Oh yeah, and Spencer will be so happy to see you.” We walk down the aisle, my heart pumps full of adrenaline. I’m excited to see both Spencer and the city. Noah cackles beside me, shaking his head. “There’s my Maddy I’ve been looking for since this morning.”

  I nod in agreement. “I should’ve told you she wouldn’t be found until she set her foot off this plane.”

  “You mean feet.” He corrects me.

  I roll my eyes, “Whatever, grammar nazi. I talk in slang and vulgarity so find another bitch to correct who won’t have the urge to take your head off.” I almost feel like Andi. I say it louder than intended and receive glares from an older woman in front of us. “Keep on walking, lady.” Noah tries to conceal his laughter.

  “Where did this Maddy come from? She’s kind of mean…I kind of like her.” I smile.

  We find the baggage claim and Spencer, sitting by the window chatting with a blonde. It makes me think of Andi and what a shame it was they didn’t work out, or even try to after his visit. I still don’t know if they slept together that night. I quickly out my cell to let her know we made it. “There’s Spencer and some chick.” I point and Noah follows my gaze.

  “Oh yeah, I guess we were not his priority.” He comments.

  “I forgot I never had that coffee on the plane.”

  Noah looks down at me, “Sorry, you fell asleep and so did I for a short time. But we do have coffee shops here so you’ll get plenty of coffee.”

  “Oh man, now that Spencer is here, we won’t get to ride in a taxi like I always wanted to do.”

  “We will.” He takes my bag, placing the strap over his shoulder and says, “There will be plenty of time for that. I plan on taking you out into the city at night by ourselves and we’ll get a taxi then.” He leans down to kiss me, and then I hear, “Fucking hell yes, my peeps made it in one piece. Welcome to New York, baby.” We break apart as Spencer strolls to our side.

  “Hi Spencer. Nice to see you.” I smirk and then shift my gaze to where the blonde is still sitting, watching us.

  “Oh her? I was just keeping her company for a little bit, how was your flight?”

  “It was…interesting. But I survived, thanks to Noah.”

  Noah speaks up, “It was great; she did really good for her first plane ride.” I roll my eyes. They shake hands and do their manly hug. Spencer swoops me up in the air and twirls me around. I giggle and squirm out of his grasp. “How are you Maddy? It’s great to see you two together, finally.” Noah and I exchange a look, feeling the same way. “Have you guys done it in the park yet?”

  “You mean like Phoebe and Gary?” Noah asks, and Spencer shakes his head.

  “Yeah, you’re totally Ross though. I wanna be Chandler and you’re Rachel.” He says to me, not aware that we were role playing to Friends. But secretly I’m flattered that he thinks I’m more Rachel than the other two.

  “Yeah, she’s definitely Rachel.” Noah winks at me. I hear the conveyor belt start, watching people gather around it. The boys go on and on about their game and I say to them, “You two can be who you want to be, I’m going to be over there waiting for our luggage.”

  I walk away and find an open space to slip through and wait as the suitcases fall to their deaths. My phone dings in my purse. I search through my shit to find it in a hurry thinking it’s Andi. When I pull it out and read it, I blush…

  Noah: You’re better than Rachel. You’re better than all three put together. ;)

  I smile and discreetly glance behind me at him, he’s looking away but I still, to myself, appreciate his sentiment. I look away, back to the conveyor, realizing our suitcases have probably passed me several times by now. Then I spot mine on the other side, and wait for it to come back around.

  “Change of plans,” I hear Spencer tell Noah behind me. “My parents are out of town so we’re staying at their house for the weekend since there’s two bed rooms.” I turn around excitedly, “You guys can stay in my old room and I’ll take theirs.”

  Noah wiggles his eyes brows at me and I flash him my seductive, sexy face. Spencer glances between us, shaking his head. “You guys fucking suck. I need to make plans for part of the time so I don’t have to hear anything.”

  “Dammit, my suitcase passed me again. You guys are distracting me; I need to get my shit.” Noah grabs it as it comes back around, and then we snatch his up as well. We set off to find Spencer’s car…and so my journey here begins.

  Chapter 50

  Maddy

  “I wish you were here. It’s so awesome. You’d love it.” I beam into the phone. Not that we’ve gone anywhere yet, except Spencer’s parent’s house.

  “Me too. Maybe one day I’ll get out there.” I hope so. Andi deserves time away from her life. “What have you done so far?”

  “We just got to Spencer’s parents’ house in Queens. I’m not sure what’s on the agenda for tonight, or this week. I’ll take tons of pictures.”

  “Sounds great By the way, I got sucked into watching Vampire Diaries on Netflix. Holy shit, I hate you!” I laugh, spitting out my soda through my nose.

  “Well damn, I wish I was there to drool over Ian with you. But yay, you’re finally on board.”

  “I’m not team Douchebag…totally Stefan fangirl here.” I scoff, unable to process her liking Stefan over Ian. He’s so not that cute. “I guess I’m as lame as you now. But hey, I gotta go, got some vamps to drool over. And I gotta admit, I’m totally crushing on Caroline. She’s awesome.”

  “Ha ha, yeah I like her too. She gets better. Okay, love you, enjoy and have a great night.”

  “I love you Maddy. Have fun this weekend. When you get back, we can drool over both of them together. Tell the boys I said hi.”

  “Sounds awesome. I miss you. Night. And I will.” I glance around Spencer’s old room which has a computer desk, bookshelf, pictures and a bunch of sports memorabilia.

  “Hey babe.” Noah walks in and plops onto the bed, then he throws himself backward. “Andi says hi.”

  He looks up at me, smiling. “Tell her I said hi. How is she?” He grabs me by my shirt to lie down with him and I don’t argue, curling up to his side and throw my leg over his. Our hands find each other, resting across his stomach.

  “What are we doing tonight?” I ask with a yawn slipping out.

  “Well,” his other hand grips my side closer, “Spencer went to the store to buy some food for dinner. We thought we’d stay in for the night. Tomorrow we’ll start our vacation and sightseeing. Is that okay? Or would you rather go out for dinner tonight?”

  I pull back to get a better look into his amazing eyes. A smile lifts at my mouth. “Sounds perfect to me.”

  He tilts his head for a minute, studying me, “Why were you looking at me like that?” I lean over him, holding myself up by my elbow.

  “I was admiring the color of your eyes.” His eye brows lift in curiosity, “And?”

  “And I love them. They’re a prettier green than Ian Somerhalder’s.” I lean down and kiss his mouth and then lift up, “So did you say Spencer is gone and we’re all alone?” He shakes his head smirking, “Damn, too bad I’m not in the mood.” I lie back down wrapping my arms around his stomach. “I just wanna lie down with you like this right now.” He holds me as our legs tangle together and our feet dangle over the edge of the bed. “I love you Noah.”

&nbs
p; He threads his fingers through my hair, nearly putting me to sleep. “I love you too. I’m glad you’re here with me.” I smile against his body, happy I’m here too. We fall asleep like that, content in each other’s arms.

  “Hey wake up! I’ve got booze and food.” Spencer’s voice rings in my ears. I stir, look over Noah’s shoulder and nudge him awake.

  “Mmm,” He mumbles into my hair.

  “Wake up babe, Spencer’s back.” His eyes open. We both sit up, rubbing our sleepy eyes.

  “Well, that was a nice nap.” He pushes my hair from my face and smiles adoringly. “Yes, it was. But I’m hungry.” Noah laughs, taking my hand and leading me out of the bedroom. “What’s for dinner?” I ask Spencer. He’s filling the fridge with beer.

  “I bought a lasagna and salad.” I look out the window at the neighborhood. The houses are so close together and very town-homey looking. I notice most of them have small yards and stairs leading to the walkway. I move away from the window when I feel the cold breeze hitting it and through the glass.

  “Sounds awesome.” I move to sit on the couch. The walls are brown, similar to the color we painted in Noah’s apartment, but slightly lighter. They have a bay window with neutral color throw pillows. “Do you guys have a basement?”

  “Not in this house, but yes, most houses do.” His parents obviously have money by the look of furniture and size of the house. “They sold their old house and moved here a few years ago, it’s more modern. I fucking hated that basement. It gave me the creeps as a kid.” I laugh but shiver, thinking about living in a house with a basement. Well, movies do make them appear creepy, especially the old movies.

  We spend the rest of the late day lounging around on the couch watching movies. “Hey, do you want me to set the oven for the lasagna or make the salad?” I move to get up but Noah reaches out, pulling me back down. “Nah, I got it girl. You’re on vacation, you don’t need to do shit here.”

  “Yes, no cooking here for you young lady. You’re on a break.” He leans closer and whispers in my ear, “Unless it’s brownies, and that’s only for me.” My face heats up with a blush. His hand moves up my back under my shirt, and I can feel his thumb brushing against my skin. I lean back and sink into his touch.

  “Okay, I won’t argue with that. Thanks Spencer.” I glance at Noah and catch his smirk and intense gaze. I quickly look away before Spencer gets a glimpse of how bad his friend affects me.

  “No problem. Hey, no hanky panky on the couch you two.” I move away slightly and hold my hands up in surrender but Noah’s touch is making it hard not to squirm or be turned on.

  “Parker…” Noah glances at Spencer and pulls his hand away. “Save it for the bedroom.” The fact that he just gave us permission to have sex in his bed makes me cackle loudly. What a good friend.

  “You heard that, right?” He asks me.

  “Yes I did. He’s a great friend.” I turn toward Spencer who’s preparing the salad in the kitchen. “You’re awesome.”

  “Yeah, yeah…I’m gonna pretend I didn’t say that. Thank god my parents’ room is on the other side of the house. Christ.” Noah and I both crack up, as he sets the salad onto their small diningroom table. He glances at us and shakes his head. I can only imagine how much fun it’d be with Andi here, picturing her and Spencer as a couple. He’d be so perfect for her. Get it out of your head; it’s not going to happen.

  “Shut up!” I quickly cover my mouth when I see both guys staring at me, which I meant to keep it to myself. “Sorry, that was not directed at either of you. I sometimes voice my thoughts out loud, though I’m usually alone when it happens.”

  “Are you okay?” Noah asks, concerned.

  “Yes, I’m fine, just having an internal battle with myself.” I smile at Spencer. “Can I have a beer?” He nods, walks to the fridge and grabs two. Once the beer is in my hands, Noah takes it from me and pops the top, handing it back with a smile. I give him a sheepish grin and mumble a “thanks”. As much as I love his chivalrous side, and I do, I’m beginning to feel smothered, but at the same time I don’t wanna discourage it. Most girls would love having everything done for them, I’m just used to my independence and space.

  Once the timer goes off, we all sit around the table and get our plates and glasses filled. Before I can reach for the dish of lasagna, Noah takes my plate and scoops out a piece for me. I try my best to hide the annoyance but it’s getting harder and harder to keep to myself. I grit my teeth to keep from lashing out at him. I appreciate the gesture, but I can’t keep allowing it.

  “Babe?”

  I lift my head and meet his eyes when I finally realize he’s talking to me. “Do you want some salad?” He gestures to my plate. I shake my head. “I can get it for you.”

  “I’ll get it. Can I have the bowl please?” He stops and stares at me as if I’m some foreign object. “What?”

  “It’s right here, I can get it for you.” I get up and reach for the bowl and sit back down, scoop some onto my plate and then stand up and put it back. Spencer glances between us, stunned.

  Finally after enough silence, Noah asks, “What’s wrong with you, babe?”

  I drop my fork with a loud clank. “What’s wrong with me? Noah, this is the 21st Century where everyone does everything for themselves. I feel like a child the way you’re always trying to do everything. I’m not disabled or crippled or blind.”

  “Whoa, slow down. Why are you getting so angry?”

  “Because it’s been going on for long enough. I just want you to treat me like a regular person capable of making my own decisions.” I take a deep breath, happy to get it off my chest, but feeling like shit for unleashing a bitch on him. “I appreciate you wanting to be helpful, I do. But I can take care of myself at times. I just feel stifled sometimes.”

  He clenches his jaw, pissed off. Spencer eats slowly, trying to decide if he should or shouldn’t interfere. Maybe I should have waited until we were alone. I didn’t want to fight, realizing this is our first altercation since the Halloween party. “Noah, please say something.”

  “I don’t know what you want me to say. I didn’t know I was stifling you. See this is the kind of shit couples communicate about. I assumed you liked this side of me. It’s better than me being cold and distant, right?” He doesn’t give me time to answer before he says, “You know what? It doesn’t matter. I guess I’ll just give you space, all the space you need.”

  “Noah I didn’t mean to start a fight, I only wanted you to see that I want to do things for myself too. I don’t want you being my slave.”

  He pushes his unfinished plate aside and stands up. “Excuse me, I’ve lost my appetite.” Both Spencer and I watch him leave the table and slam the door shut.

  “I didn’t mean to start anything. I just…” Spencer glances at the bedroom door and then looks at me, sadly.

  “Give him time to cool off. I think being back here has his nerves all screwed up. I totally understand your point, but he’s right, that is something you talk to him about when it happens. Don’t let it pile up, or you’ll burst.” Like I just did. “This whole relationship stuff is new to him. Have patience but be open and honest.” I smile at Spencer, knowing he’s right about everything. I should have told him weeks ago when he was constantly waiting on me, doing things for me. I guess this all new to me too. We both need to learn how to cope with partnership better. We finish our food in silence.

  Chapter 51

  Noah

  I know I should apologize. I acted like a dick. The thing is, I’m not mad at Maddy. I’m just under so much stress and overwhelmed with so many emotions and memories that keep running through my head. I need to plan to see my mother, and it’s a little nervewracking. Also, I know I’ll see my father and I’m dreading that situation, because it’s going to happen whether or not I want it to. I’m overcome with grief and guilt and I can feel it in my chest. I want Maddy to have an unforgettable New York experience and so far I’ve managed to smother her. I wante
d her to trust me enough to talk to me openly, when she has a problem, especially with me.

  I lie on my back, fidgeting. Part of me wants to go out there and apologize, take her in my arms and tell her how much I love her and need her and that my outburst had nothing to do with her but everything to do with my past and own insecurities. I just can’t get my body to move or cooperate. Why must I fuck everything up? I consider calling my aunt and ask her advice. Since I moved to Colorado, she’s been the one person I can rely on to tell me the truth even when I don’t like it.

  I roll over and punch the pillow furiously, covering up my loud screech. Then there’s a soft knock at the door, followed by “Noah?” I lift up and face Maddy. My mind is a clusterfuck of uncertainties. “Hey.” My voice is raspy and I sit up.

  “I can come back later.”

  “No, please come back in.” I scoot back toward the headboard as Maddy sits on the bed across from me, crossing her legs. I can tell she’s feeling guilty but it’s my fault. I overreacted. We both sit and stare at each other, uncertain what to do next. I finally take her hand, avoiding eye contact. “I’m sorry, Maddy. I shouldn’t have gotten so pissed. I should’ve listened to you and been more understanding. I’m just under a lot of stress and I took it out on you, which was wrong.”

  She takes my hand and kisses my palm, “I was also at fault. I should’ve told you sooner what was on my mind. I love that you enjoy doing things for me without me even asking. I’m not used to that kind of treatment I guess. But I can also do things for myself and for you once in a while. We’re supposed to be a team, equal partnership. So if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” I nod and move closer to her, lay my head in her lap, while she strokes my hair. I revel in the way her fingers brush my neck. My hands lightly graze her leg and I suddenly wish she didn’t have her jeans on. In fact, I wish all of her clothes were off her body. But I stay in this position, soaking up her touch. I love her so much and all I want to do is bare my heart and soul to her, right now. I lift my head and meet her gaze. I can tell she’s thinking the same thing. “Maddy,” I whisper.