The Last Thing

by Gaitan, Briana

  At the mention of food, she groaned and stuffed her head under her pillow. “Food? Gross. I hate you!” she cried out.

  I chuckled slightly. Only she could make complaining so attractive. “Okay, what can I get you then?”

  “Gummy worms. There’s a bag of gummy worms in the pantry.”

  “Gummy worms?” I cocked my head to the side. Didn’t she just call food gross?

  “If I’m gonna throw up. I need to at least make sure that what comes up tastes good.”

  I busted out laughing. Now that was a notion I’d never heard before.

  “Quinn, I swear. You really are something else. You lay here. I’ll get you your gummy worms, and when you’re feeling better we will go look at houses.”

  She opened her mouth as if she wanted to argue with me, but quickly closed it. That’s right. Choose your battles. Just let me in.

  I left her lying in the bed and walked downstairs to the kitchen to find her gummy worms. It felt odd going down there, especially after the drunken confrontation with Ginger last night. After all, it was her home. Barrett was a jerk. Everyone at the studio knew it. He screwed anything with legs, and expected Ginger to stay by his side. Why she put up with him was beyond me. Barrett was a buddy. We hung out at clubs, maybe got drinks after work, but that was all. We didn’t share feelings or swap stories. Once I was in the kitchen, I started scrounging around for the gummy worms knocking over boxes in the process.

  “Please…I have the worst hangover right now. Can you tone it down?”

  I turned around to see Ginger curled around a cup of coffee sitting on the barstool.

  I found the pile of gummy worm bags, grabbed one, and closed the cabinet door softly.

  “Sorry, Ginger. You really were trashed last night, huh?”

  She groaned and put her head to the countertop.

  “Do you mind?” I asked, nodding toward the coffee maker. She waved at me to help myself.

  “You know,” I started as I pulled a coffee cup off one of the hooks on the wall and poured myself a cup. “I really do care about Quinn. I won’t hurt her.”

  “I hope so because I’ve been nothing but supportive since I noticed that spark of interest in her eyes. I’ve never seen her so worked up over anyone. I didn’t mean what I said last night, by the way. I’m a stupid drunk. I don’t think you’re cheating on her…but Lena? Come on, we all know Lena. She is full of drama. Not to mention the fact that I haven’t been able to stomach telling Quinn that you and Chloe are on the cover of every tabloid.”

  I sat down beside her with my warm cup between my hands. “Don’t say anything, please. I’ll tell her all about this soon.”

  “Good.”

  Something shimmering from behind Ginger caught my eye.

  “What’s that?” I asked, referring to the huge canvas hanging on the wall. The abstract painting featured serene colors of blue and green that swirled together in random shapes.

  Ginger turned her head to look at the canvas.

  “Oh that? Quinn actually painted that. She gave it to me as a graduation gift. Beautiful isn’t it?”

  “Damn. I didn’t know she had such…talent.”

  Even though I stared at the painting for a few moments, I couldn’t tell exactly what it was. One second it looked like the bottom of the ocean, then I saw a night sky, and then it turned into the iris of an eye.

  “Are you kidding me?” Ginger said with a wave of her hand. “Quinn is an artist. Didn’t she tell you she did makeup for a living?”

  “Well makeup, yes, but this isn’t makeup. This is…something else.”

  “Makeup is an art, sweetie. She wanted to do stage makeup in New York. But then…” Ginger trailed off. She didn’t want to tell me about the accident.

  “It’s okay. Quinn, she, uh, she told me about the accident last night.”

  Ginger glanced up, her lips curled up in a smile. “I knew she’d let you in. Are you okay with it?”

  I scoffed. “Of course! I mean, we all have a past, right?”

  “Bash was unbelievably screwed up in the head. He had everyone wrapped around his finger though. Everyone believed he was perfect and destined for greatness, even Quinn. You have to understand, Quinn and him were best friends, even before they started dating. When he died, she lost a part of herself with him. She loves deeply.”

  “I gathered as much. I just don’t understand why she still carries so much guilt.”

  “She blames herself. Bash was always her responsibility. I never liked him. That jerk. When his funeral came, I skipped it. I wanted to be there for Quinn, but I couldn’t stomach returning to that town.”

  She wrinkled her nose and looked down at the table as if she were hiding something. I had a feeling there was more to the story. She had skipped it for good reason.

  “Quinn was the only one who could talk him down during his manic phases. Then life began to work against her. The divorce, the bullying…” Her voice drifted off.

  “What were they doing?”

  “I’m not sure this is my story to tell.”

  “Ginger, I want to help her. She’s carrying my child, please give me the highlight reel.”

  “They followed her around, heckled her. A few times they egged her house. It was pure torture for her. Then she cracked and drove her car off the same bridge. Luckily, someone drove by and pulled her out. Finally, her parents got her the help she needed….but she won’t ever be the same. She’s guarded, holds back, hates crowds, and hates the spotlight. Sometimes she drifts away. It’s like she isn’t there.”

  I sighed and ran my hands down my face. “Ah, hell.” This wasn’t good. So this was why she needed our relationship to stay low key. Our lifestyles would not mesh well.

  Ginger put an arm out to comfort me.

  “Give her time. Pretty soon, she’ll be like any normal twenty-one year old. I ran from that life when I was eighteen as well. Quinn will come around. You just need to give her a good reason to. ”

  I would give her every reason in the world.

  “She told me last night that I could be the one to save her. I think I can. I don’t know exactly how, but I can make her better. Until then I’ll do my best to make sure no one finds out about her.” I raised my coffee cup to her in a cheers salute then gave her a small wave.

  “Gotta get these gummy worms to Quinn before she gets pissed.”

  She wriggled her nose at me. “Gross. Quinn has some freaky habits.”

  “I don’t know, makes sense. If I was cursed with throwing up for months at a time, I would make it as pleasurable as possible.”

  “Go take care of your pregnant girlfriend…” she rolled her eyes at me.

  A smile tugged at my lips. Girlfriend. That was a phrase I’d never used before. As much as I wanted it, and as much as I’d prepared for it. I had to admit. It still scared me. I took a deep breath before moving. I ran up the stair two at a time and walked into the bedroom.

  “What’s wrong?” Quinn asked me.

  “Nothing, Ginger called you my girlfriend downstairs. I’ve never had one. It’s just weird, that’s all.”

  “You look like you’re about to be sick,” she snapped. Why was she being so snippy? Her nostrils flared up in anger.

  “No, I’ve been hit in the head by reality.”

  “If you don’t want to be with me then say it.”

  “What the hell, Quinn? I never said that. I only said it was weird, as in different feeling.”

  She slid off the bed and stomped over to me before snatching the gummy worms from my hand.

  “Then go feel ‘weird’ somewhere else. I’m too busy carrying our child.”

  She walked over to the bathroom and slammed the door behind her. Where did all that come from? Weren’t we just getting along?

  “You’re being a raving bitch!” I called through the door.

  My eyes moved to Ginger who appeared in the doorway. With her hands crossed in front of her mouth, she covered a snicker. “I ha
ve six younger brothers and sisters, so I know all about the mood swings. Welcome to my hell.”

  Quinn

  I sat on the edge of the tub with the bag of gummy worms in my hand. I turned on the shower so Chase couldn’t hear me crying. The steam began to fill up the room, fogging the mirror and my view. Everything closed in around me. Struggling to breath, I put my hands on the side of my head and exhaled slowly. After Chase had left the room, something had triggered a reaction inside of me. I was lying in my bed with another man. I was blissful, but completely undeserving of it. I’d not had a trigger like this in a long time.

  All of the emotional turmoil over the past few weeks had eaten away at my walls. I spent the past six months building them, stacking each brick carefully so that I wouldn’t drown in my own fears.

  Then Chase came barging into my life. He swept me off my feet with his imperfections and persistence. My safe haven was threatened, and Chase was the only one close enough to save me.

  When someone knocked on the door, I wiped the tears from my face

  “What?” I yelled over the sound of the water.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. Go away.”

  “I’m sorry I called you a bitch.”

  I chuckled even though he couldn’t hear me. His words hadn’t hurt me. When I didn’t answer, he continued speaking.

  “I’m worried, Quinn. You aren’t freaking out about last night are you? Because if you think our relationship is moving too fast, we don’t have to have sex again.”

  I stood and threw the door open. One day he’d open his eyes and figure out how much work I was. He’d find someone who was more capable of returning his feelings, someone who didn’t continuously screw things up. When the door opened, the steam rushed from the small room to reveal Chase leaning against the doorframe. He smirked at me and ran his right hand through his mess of dark hair.

  “You’ve been crying.” He sighed and pulled me into his arms.

  I buried my head into his chest and clutched on to him for dear life. I needed to savor each moment. Pretty soon, they would all be gone. He ran his hands down my back to soothe me.

  “Shhh...Dammit. I’m always making you cry. I wish I knew what you needed. Because if I could figure it out. I would spend the rest of my life trying to make you smile.”

  His words comforted me.

  “I’m sorry. I’m fine now. It was just a minor setback. Sometimes that happens.”

  “You’re not in this alone. We are in this together.”

  He picked me up in his arms and carried me back over to my bed. His strength was enough to pacify my fears. Tucking me in under my white comforter, he gave me a light kiss on the tip of my nose and settled in next to me.

  “I know our relationship is new, but I need to let you know that over the next month or so. I may not be around much,” he whispered.

  “How come?”

  “I just started filming a movie. Most of the filming is in New York, but then I have appearances for the season premiere of Timelines, which will include lots of traveling and promoting right afterwards. I’m sure Ginger will have to do the same. I would love for you to join me. You can come along, stay at the hotel, and we can spend time together. During shoots, I work up to eighteen hour days so if you don’t come we may not get to see much of each other.”

  I bit my lip and moved out of his grip. Traveling together, making our relationship public like that wasn’t a step I was ready to take.

  “People will see us together.”

  “We will throw a hat and sunglasses on you. No one will know who you are. I don’t want to be apart from you that long. Please?” He batted his eyelashes and stuck out his bottom lip, which only made me laugh. I came here to get better. My new surroundings could only do so much and the rest was up to me. Before today, I had been doing okay at keeping away the negative thoughts and controlling the anxiety. Even the dreams were rare. If I wasn’t careful, I would end up right back where I was. Pumped full of medication and unable to leave my room.

  “This is too much for me. We need to slow down. I’m not saying I don’t want to be with you, but I need some time to sort out my feelings. No more sex either. Can we possibly hang around the house today? Just relax and lay in bed?”

  I didn’t want to look at houses with him.

  His face crinkled up in a sexy smile, even though he must have been disappointed. “Sure, Quinn. Take all the time you need.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Chase

  After opening the passenger side door, I stepped back so Quinn could enjoy the stunning view of the boardwalk. Sounds of the crowd and music floated through the air. The two of us were going to spend the entire day getting to know each other.

  “I can’t believe you’ve never been to Venice Beach!” I exclaimed. She pulled a pair of dark sunglasses down over her eyes and shrugged.

  “I never cared to do the whole tourist thing. I was here for different reasons.”

  “Doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun in the process. “

  “And you’re sure no one will recognize you?”

  “Positive.” One finger went up to point at my dark colored sunglasses.

  I tugged at her hand to lead her to the boardwalk but her feet stayed planted firmly to the ground.

  “I don’t think I can do this,” she said in a panicked voice. She had issues with crowds, but that was the whole reason I suggested we spend the day at the beach. For her to get over her anxiety, I wanted her to experience all California had to offer.

  “Come on, you don’t need to feel ashamed if you’re having fun. This is my last day in town, and I want to spend it with you…here.”

  My hands cupped her chin gently before leaning in and placing a kiss on her lips.

  So soft. So sweet.

  “Trust me,” I told her. “You’ll have lots of fun. Forget about everything that worries you. This is one of my favorite places to surf in Cali.”

  She boldly took a few steps forward, each step bringing her closer to me.

  That’s it. Soon you’ll be okay. I can do this. I can help her get better.

  Within a few minutes, we were strolling among the crowd. The energy of the street performers leaked onto everyone who passed them. People clapped along with the drums and dancers. I snuck a peek at Quinn; sure enough, she had a smile on her face. I pulled her into a group of people, huddled around a man playing a keyboard. The song’s tempo was fast and upbeat and when it was over, I threw a few dollars into the tip jar.

  “Are you okay?” It worried me that her breathing was heavy, but she assured me with a smile.

  “This is breathtaking. I can’t believe people play right here on the beach.”

  “What part of the world are you from again?” I teased.

  “Tennessee. We didn’t even have a mall where I grew up, much less anything like this.”

  We walked away from the musician and admired a few jewelry vendors. I wanted to buy her something, but she wouldn’t accept it. She wouldn’t depend on me for anything. Her independence was a wonderful trait, but I wanted to take care of her. I only wished she’d let me. I pulled her towards a small corner building.

  “Let’s go in here.”

  She nodded as we ducked through the beaded curtain and into a dimly lit room. Candles flickered from all around, and it stunk of strawberry incense.

  “Hello?” I called out. A woman in gypsy attire entered from the back room. She waved her hands in the air, making dozens of gold bangles on her wrists jingle. Even under all that makeup, I could tell she wasn’t much older than me.

  “Who do we have here?”

  “I’m Chase, and this is Quinn. We’re hoping you could help us out.”

  Quinn squeezed my hand tightly in excitement.

  “Oh, yes. I’ve been expecting you. Right this way!” she said in an noticeably fake foreign accent. She motioned toward a small wooden table.

  Quinn leaned in close. “What are
we doing here?

  “It’s just for fun. Relax.”

  Barrett had told me about this gypsy and how he swore by her fortunes. I didn’t believe in this type of stuff, and I doubted Quinn did, but I wanted her to have some relaxing fun.

  The woman sat down in front of us and waved her hands over a deck of cards. “I am Madam Drina. Something brings you here? Yes, you wish to see your child’s future?”

  Quinn placed her hands over her small bump and shook her head.

  “How about a tarot card reading?” I asked.

  Quinn shrugged. “Sure.”

  Madame Drina’s red lips widened, and she picked up a deck of cards. She handed them to me to shuffle and cut. The cards felt old and worn in my hands. When I handed them back to her, she began to lay each one out on the table. She held out a card with a picture of an upside down man on it.

  “This is…The Hanged Man... in time you will have a decision to make, something to give up? Self-sacrifice? Not to worry. Not to worry. Everything will turn out okay.”

  That was pretty vague. Everyone had to make decisions.

  “What about me?” Quinn piped up. Madame Drina handed her the same cards to shuffle and laid them out again. She studied the card for a moment.

  “Oh, you have The Star. You’ll have a period of fortune and good luck. If you are considering any changes, go for it.”

  Quinn caught my eye and gave me a small smile.

  “What about love?” she asked.

  “Ah. Love….yes. I see your future with a… light-haired man. That’s all I see.”

  My smile disappeared, while Quinn began laughing.

  “Light-haired? Really?” I leaned forward and glared at Madame Drina.

  “I only see what I see. I do not control the future.”

  Quinn continued to laugh which made me even more mad.

  “Thank you, Madame Drina.” I stood up sharply and pulled out my wallet to pay her.

  “Follow me,” I whispered to Quinn as we walked out.

  “Again?” she exclaimed.

  She followed beside me past small venues and the skate park to a quieter part of the boardwalk. We left the crowd behind us and continued toward Barrett’s beachfront condo. Barrett never stayed there, but he’d given me a key in case I ever wanted to stop by after surfing.