Wonderwall

  “No plans yet, but you know Ollie. He’ll come up with something to do.”

  Chapter 24

  Olivia

  My first week of work goes by faster than I expected. It’s always hard to learn the ins and outs of a new job, but Lloyd and Mellie are super helpful. They really took me under their wings. I couldn’t have asked for better co-workers. Mellie has already invited me for dinner at her house the following week and today, Lloyd is taking me shopping on Oxford Street.

  He picks me up at the hotel and we ride the tube together. We haven’t talked about the Ryan incident since Monday, but I have a feeling it will come up eventually since Yoann invited me to go out with the crew later. I’m sure Ryan will be there, too.

  “So, are you going out with the gang tonight?” Lloyd asks five minutes into our ride.

  “Yes. Are you coming?”

  Lloyd scrunches his nose. “No. I’m going to hang out with my friends from uni tonight. I think I’ve made myself too available for Ryan, you know. I’m always out with the interns in the hopes that he’ll fancy a quick shag later. I’ve decided that if he wants me, he’ll have to make an effort now.”

  “How about finding another guy? One who is not ashamed to be seen with you in public?”

  Look who is talking. I haven’t managed to forget my first boyfriend, and here I am, doling out relationship advice.

  Lloyd shoulders slump forward. “I know. Don’t you think I haven’t tried? I’m in so deep, I don’t know which way is up and which is down anymore.”

  “Oh my God! That’s exactly what my best friend Saylor once said about me.”

  “Oh yeah? And what happened to that relationship? You didn’t mention a boyfriend.”

  I look at my shoes. “It didn’t work out. He broke my heart into smithereens. Five years later and I’m still not over him.”

  I can’t believe I admitted that to Lloyd. Maybe it was the fact he used the same words Saylor once had that made me feel like I could confide in him, at least partially. I have no intention to ever tell anyone at work that I used to know Sebastian Coleman from Boys Future, much less that we used to date.

  “Five years? Oh God! I don’t wanna be hung up on Ryan for that long.”

  “I’m sure you’ll be fine. My case is extreme. Before I ever dated my ex, he used to be my best friend. I’d known him my whole life. I guess that’s why it’s so hard to move on.”

  Lloyd narrows his eyes at me and I don’t like the spark in his eyes. He’s planning something. “I know the perfect guy for you, Liv!”

  I groan. “Oh, no. Don’t even think about setting me up with one of your friends.”

  “Oh, come on. It doesn’t have to be serious. You’re in London, loosen up and be adventurous. It’s okay to have a relationship only for the benefits.”

  “Been there, done that. It didn’t work. I think I’m gonna take my time abroad to rediscover myself, alone, without any man or drama.”

  Lloyd frowns and pouts. “You’re no fun.”

  ☂ ☂ ☂

  I get back from the shopping trip around four in the afternoon and it feels like I’ve run a marathon. We must have walked the entire length of Oxford Street twice. Lloyd is a freaking maniac when it comes to shopping. I collapse into bed and only get up hours later when I hear the sound of an incoming Skype call. I see Saylor’s picture flashing on the laptop screen and I scramble to click on the green button. I’ve been trying to get a hold of her the entire week, but our schedules have been completely opposite and our free times never coincided. I had spoken with all my roommates already, but there are things I can only say to Saylor.

  “Finally!” she says when my image appears on her side of the screen. “It feels like I haven’t seen you in years.”

  “Not quite. How is everything? Are the girls behaving in my absence?”

  “Emma and Mandy are fine, but Kennedy is acting weird. I think it has something to do with her blast from the past.”

  “Blast from past? What do you mean? An ex-boyfriend?”

  “No, more like an ex-friend turned enemy.”

  “Is she okay? She seemed fine when I talked to her two days ago.”

  Saylor shrugs. “She’ll be okay. You know how over the top drama majors can be. Who in the real world has enemies, anyway? Life is not a soap opera.”

  I hug the pillow on my lap. “My life feels like a soap opera sometimes.”

  Saylor tilts her head to the side. “What do you mean? What happened now?”

  I tell her about Lloyd and Ryan’s story, not leaving any detail out. Once I’m done, she laughs and says, “I can’t wait to meet Lloyd. I think we’ll get along perfectly. And this Ryan guy sounds like a first grade douchebag. Ugh, I want to punch him in the face already.”

  “Trust me, I feel the same way. And I’ll probably see him tonight. I don’t know how I should behave around him. No one knows what happened, and if I give him the cold shoulder people will think I’m a bitch.”

  “Act normal. You said in your email that a bunch of people are going out, right? You won’t need to hang out with him. Now, speaking of going out, what are you going to wear, girlfriend?”

  “I don’t know. I was thinking jeans and the new top that I bought today.”

  Saylor gives me a facepalm and shakes her head. “Come on, Liv. That’s too safe. You’re going clubbing in London. It’s time to flaunt your amazing legs. Wear your denim mini skirt.”

  “I didn’t bring any mini skirt.”

  The only denim mini skirt I’ve ever purchased was the one I used to make Sebastian jealous back when were teenagers. After what happened between us, I shoved that garment back in a drawer and never wore it again. I should have donated it to Goodwill a long time ago, but I couldn’t let go of it. It’s a part of my history, even if it doesn’t bring me any good memories anymore.

  “Are you sure? Check on the inside pocket of your backpack.”

  “Saylor, you didn’t.” I do as she says, and there it is, that tiny piece of material.

  “I sure did. You need to exorcise your demons. You haven’t been with anyone since Derek.”

  Guilt sneaks in. It happens every time someone mentions Derek. I really hate myself for what I did to him. Not only did I crush his heart, but I also managed to ruin his friendship with Owen. I drop my head into my hands and fight the tears that are threatening to fall. I’m not sure what’s upsetting me the most right now, thoughts of Derek or that stupid skirt.

  “Liv, what’s wrong?” Saylor asks.

  I shake my head and glance at the screen again, forcing a smile to my lips. It’s absolutely pitiful. “Nothing. I just had a weak moment for a second. I’m fine, now.”

  Saylor narrows her eyes at me. She knows I’m bullshitting her, so before she can call me on it, I continue in a cheerier tone. “You’re right. It’s only a skirt and I need to make some new memories with it.”

  “That’s my girl. Now, go get ready and don’t forget to send me a picture of the complete look. I need to approve it.”

  I roll my eyes. “Saylor, are you sure you want to be a rockstar? Maybe you should give styling for celebrities a shot.”

  Saylor makes a gagging sound. “God, no!”

  ☂ ☂ ☂

  Most of the crew going out tonight won’t get off work until later. It’s Saturday and many have shifts in the three restaurants Hollingsworth has. There are also some poor interns who got the shorter stick and must work at the reception desk or valet until past midnight. Only Renata, Yoann, Gavin—one of the guys I met at the pub last Sunday—are ready.

  We head to Soho and I’m surprised when the cab drops us in front of yet another hotel—Hotel Soho. Not a very original name, but the hotel itself is very unique. Boutique hotels are usually known for their peculiar and stylish decoration and a lot of them are on the smaller size.
This one isn’t an exception. All the furniture I see in the narrow lobby is lacquered black and the walls are covered with wallpaper in a rich, deep burgundy pattern. The carpet is dark purple, almost obsidian. The elevator that takes us to the bar on the rooftop is minuscule; it barely fits the four of us.

  “I’m going to suffocate,” Gavin says.

  The small metal box makes a horrendous sound as it lurches upward. “Oh, God. I hope it doesn’t break down.” Renata makes a worried face, clutching her purse in a vise hold.

  “You bloody wimps. The lift is fine. I’ll show you.” Yoann begins to jump up and down.

  “Stop!” We scream in unison and the crazy fool laughs.

  “Let’s take a picture to immortalize this moment, in case the cables snap and we plummet to our deaths.” Gavin takes his cell phone out and we all huddle even closer for a group selfie.

  The elevator finally stops, and when the door slides open, twinkling lights greet us. The small terrace is crowded and lounge music seeps through the hidden speakers. There are a few wrought iron tables spread through the space, but they’re all taken.

  Yoann said on the way here that this is one of the hottest spots in London, and it shows. Everyone is dressed like a million bucks, making my denim skirt feel out of place. I’m glad Saylor convinced me to wear my spiked strappy sandals tonight.

  We manage to carve a path to the edge of the covered area where the bar is, but we soon realize only one of us will be able to actually reach the counter to order drinks. It’s just too busy in here. Yoann turns to us.

  “All right. What’s your poison?”

  “Strawberry caipirinha, for sure,” Renata says and then glances my way. “Liv, you should try it. It’s delicious.”

  “I might if you tell me what it is.”

  “It’s a Brazilian cocktail. It’s a mix of cachaça, which is like the Brazilian equivalent to vodka, sugar, ice, and strawberry.”

  “That does sound good. I’ll have one, too.”

  Yoann ventures inside and we snag a high table that has just vacated. I look around and let the incredible atmosphere surrounding me permeate through my pores. A spark of euphoria unfurls in the pit of my stomach. Renata sways to the music to my right, and Gavin is blatantly checking out girls, regardless of whether they’re accompanied by a guy or not.

  We stay at the Soho Hotel for a couple of hours, and by the time we are ready to meet with the rest of the group, I can already feel the effect of the two caipirinhas I drank. Renata was right, they were delicious. Before we leave, Gavin receives a text from Ryan.

  “No bloody way!” he says.

  “What is it?” Yoann angles his body, trying to read the text on Gavin’s phone.

  Gavin glances at us with a bewildered expression on his face. “You’re not going to believe who was at the Ocean Grill tonight and Ryan got to wait on.”

  “Who?” we all ask in unison.

  “Fucking Onno.”

  “Wait, from The Titans?” I say.

  Gavin gives me a droll look. “Do you know any other famous Onno?”

  “That’s awesome.” I ignore his jab. Meeting Onno is pretty amazing. He’s the lead singer of one of the most iconic rock bands of all times. The guy is a legend.

  “And there’s more. Onno has invited Ryan and his friends to hang out with him at his brand new club Dijng.”

  “Are you serious?” Yoann’s eyes are bulging out.

  “Like a heart attack.”

  ☂ ☂ ☂

  We meet with Ryan outside the club. Our gazes lock briefly, but he breaks the connection first. I think he’s still embarrassed that I caught him with Lloyd. What he did last week was a douche move, and I’m still annoyed with him. But I shouldn’t judge him too harshly. You never know what kind of personal demons people are battling on a daily basis.

  There’s a huge line in front of Onno’s club that goes around the block. This place is definitely happening. The spark of euphoria from before has multiplied tenfold. Saylor will flip if I manage to meet Onno in person.

  “Where’s everyone else?” Yoann asks.

  “I got them in already. Come on, let’s go.”

  I follow him toward the main entrance. The bouncer nods to Ryan and let us through the corded area. He walks in like he owns the place, passing the cashier’s desk and going straight to the coat check counter.

  “We don’t have to pay?” I shout over the noise.

  He glances at me with an eyebrow raised, like he’s surprised I’m speaking to him. “We’re on the VIP list.”

  “That’s so cool,” Renata gushes as she gets up close and personal with Ryan, touching his arm.

  He stiffens at the proximity and clenches his jaw. He’s not even trying to pretend he’s into girls this time. Our maybe I’m noticing his reaction because I know his secret. As soon as our coats are checked, he turns his entire frame to me, giving Renata his back.

  “Come on, let’s get something to drink, I’m parched.” He grabs my hand and tugs me along without giving me a choice. I don’t have time to process what he’s up to.

  We reach what seems to be the main bar of the club and from where I stand, I can’t see the counter. There are too many people standing in front of it already, trying to get the attention of the busy bartenders. Ryan turns to me. “What are you drinking?”

  I pull my hand from his grasp and fold my arms in front of my chest. “What’s going on, Ryan?”

  He rakes his fingers through his hair as he glances down. “I just can’t deal with Renata tonight. I’m a mess.”

  I narrow my eyes at him. “Does it have anything to do with you and Lloyd?”

  His head snaps back up. If he tells me to shush I’m going to tell him to take a hike. But all he does is exhale loudly and slump his shoulders forward.

  “Liv, now that you know about me, can I be candid with you?”

  “Sure.”

  “I have no idea what I’m doing with Lloyd. I’ve always had girlfriends in the past. I was never attracted to guys before. But it all changed when I met him.”

  Hearing the conflict in Ryan’s voice makes the ill disposition I had toward him dissipate somewhat. “Ryan, I can’t begin to imagine what you’re going through. But you can’t keep treating Lloyd like a dirty secret. You have to get your shit together.”

  “I know, I know.”

  “Where the fuck is Onno?” Gavin shouts behind us.

  “To be honest, I don’t know,” Ryan says, the vulnerable, tortured look gone from his chiseled face.

  Gavin’s expression falls, but faster than lightning, the up-to-no-good smile is back. “Well, let’s get some bloody drinks then.”

  I see Renata and Yoann just behind Gavin. Ryan offers to buy the first round of drinks and I order water this time. The potent Brazilian cocktail is still muddling my brain. I make a motion to stand closer to Renata, but one look at her glacial expression and I change my mind. She’s glaring at me openly and I mentally curse Ryan for entangling me in his shenanigans further.

  When Ryan returns with our drinks, I sense Renata won’t go down without a fight. She squares her shoulders and prepares for the attack. I’m all for girl power and for fighting for what you want. But I also believe there’s a big difference between being fierce and being utterly pathetic. Throwing yourself at a guy who is clearly not interested in you is the latter.

  “Wanna dance?” Ryan asks out of the blue.

  He doesn’t give me a chance to reply, and drags me to the dance floor. It’s the second time in the span of a few minutes that I’ve been pulled against my will somewhere. And I’m pissed. I’m not an idiot. I know he’s using me as a shield against Renata’s advances. I stop abruptly and refuse to take another step further. Ryan turns around when he senses my resistance.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” I say.r />
  “Liv, please. Can you just play along this once? You have no idea how relentless that girl can be.”

  I open my mouth to reply, when a wiry guy with spiked blue hair taps Ryan on the shoulder. “Ryan, my man. You’ve made it.”

  Ryan smiles from ear to ear at the guy. “Hey, Beau. I sure did. Thank Onno for me, will ya?”

  “You can thank him yourself. He’s upstairs in the VIP lounge. I’m headed that way. Come.”

  Ryan glances at me with an eyebrow raised. I throw my hands up in the air. “Fine! Just this once and only because I want to meet Onno.”

  We follow Onno’s friend until he stops in front of a flight of stairs that have been corded off. He says something to the bouncer stationed there. The man nods and lets us through. We go up and with each step I sense the difference in the atmosphere. When we reach the landing, we’re greeted by a dark and much cooler room. The music playing in the background is not techno-crazy, and not near as loud as in the club downstairs. We’ve definitely crossed into a different world.

  Beau takes us to a big table where my eyes immediately zero in on the famous man. He’s like a king holding court. His long hair falls to his shoulders and his face is partially hidden by a thick beard. He has his trademark blue tinted glasses on, despite the darkness in the room. I’m not sure how he can see properly. Obviously, he can see just fine. He notices our arrival before we even make it to his table, and he gives Ryan a genuine smile. When Ryan introduces me to the rock legend, it feels like I’m stuck in a dream for it’s such a surreal moment. My heart is pounding as I say a shy hello to him. There are other people sitting at the table, but I barely register their faces. I’m thinking of ways to ask Onno for a picture without sounding like a complete moron.

  Then I feel a weird prickling sensation on the back of my neck, like someone is watching me. My eyes dart around the room and find nothing. I must be imagining things.

  We sit down, and Beau introduces us to the four other guys there. The first thing that I notice is their overelaborate hairdos and trendy clothes. Beau watches me closely as he says their names, as if he’s expecting a certain reaction from me. Two of the guys are identical twins, and the third is a ginger. It’s only when I look twice at the blond guy sitting closest to me that a spark of recognition fires up in my brain. But I can’t place him. The dimness of the lounge doesn’t help either.