by T L Gray
My stomach turned as the bile sat just on the back of my tongue. “You shouldn’t believe everything you read,” I replied sharply, handing the paper back to him.
“Well, a picture says a thousand words, Isadora,” he retorted sarcastically, adding extra emphasis on the name they had used in the paper.
“Don’t call me that,” I spatted before turning back around in my chair. If I hadn’t been so angry, I knew the tears would have come, but I was seeing red. I listened as the TA reminded us that our monologues were due on Friday, and that no make-ups would be given. I made it through the first thirty minutes of class, but then finally excused myself, telling the TA that I wasn’t feeling well and would see her on Friday. I hadn’t even looked at that monologue, but I didn’t care. I just wanted out of that room, out of the building and off of this horrible campus.
I got in my car and started driving, not really caring where I was going. Fifteen minutes later, I was on the highway heading towards Winsor. I didn’t care what the backlash would be. I just had to get out of there. My phone rang, and I saw Robbie’s name light up. I pressed “ignore” and accelerated. It didn’t seem to matter how fast or far I drove, the chains kept following me.
When I finally got to Jake’s apartment, I sighed in relief, knowing that at least one person I saw today wouldn’t hate me. I went to let myself in when I realized the key didn’t work. Crud! I forgot he moved. I grabbed my phone and called him. Voicemail. I texted him next telling him I was in town and needed directions to his apartment. A few minutes later, the text came, and I jumped with joy.
His apartment was actually a condo in the most upscale part of Asheville. I had to punch in a gate code just to enter the area and found his door just around the corner. The complex was notably high-class and obviously not your typical “campus” housing. I questioned how Jake could afford to live here, but pushed it out of my mind. It was none of my business anyway.
He opened the door on my first knock and pulled me in for a big hug. I just held on to him, the tears finally making their way to my eyes.
“Hey sweetie! What are you doing here?” he asked as he held me.
I willed the tears away and then put on my most cheery face before letting him go. “I felt like playing with my cousin tonight. You game?” I asked with a smile while I took him in. He looked totally different. He was wearing a fitted gray suit and tie that hung loose around his neck. His shirt was untucked and was still partially unbuttoned. I looked around him and saw why. She was putting on her shoes and was meticulously dressed in a fitted suit. Her hair was a polished blond and styled in a bob to her shoulders.
I raised my eyebrow at him and he just gave me a devilish smile before pulling me into the condo. The blond walked by him and kissed his cheek before grabbing her keys. He barely acknowledged her exit, and instead turned to ask me what I thought of the place.
“I’m not sure, Jake, I’m still trying to process you in a suit,” I admitted, not mentioning that I had never seen him treat a girl so disrespectfully before. This behavior was not what I had in mind when I told him to live a little.
He finished buttoning his shirt and straightened his tie. “I’m a working guy now, Issy. My new job is amazing.”
Jake went on to tell me how all of this happened so fast. He had been interning at this stock company for months when right after New Year’s, his boss came in and offered him a full time position with a signing bonus and commission. He took it immediately and readjusted his entire schedule to work around it. One the guys in his office told him about the three-bedroom condo he owned, and asked if Jake was interested in splitting the rent. Jake had originally turned him down because of Avery. He hadn’t wanted to give up the privacy his apartment gave them.
He continued to fill me in, taking a seat on the stiff black sofa in the living room. “So after you left last week, my first course of action was to call and take the space. That apartment held nothing but bad juju for me anyways,”
I watched him as he sat there, looking like an arrogant yuppie with his legs crossed and his arms stretched out across the back of the couch which held no cushions, and felt my stomach drop a little.
“Please tell me this version of you is for the people you work with, and my Jake will reappear sometime during the night.” My voice was sharper than I intended as I sat down opposite him on one of the black club chairs that looked like the back had been sliced off at the arm rests. Don’t get me wrong, I love modern décor, but this room was all black and white with no color or personality. Jake was a jock who loved the outdoors and comfy, leather couches. He’d always dressed nicely, but never cared what country his shoes came from before. This new Jake could probably quote me the type of leather he was wearing.
“Sorry Issy, this is the new me,” he confirmed standing. “I’m blissfully happy and completely over my poor lapse in judgment.”
I slanted my eyes at him. “You’re lying.”
Jake then turned things around on me. “Well, I was going to take you by the office, but I can’t take you anywhere looking like that, Issy. What got into you this morning?” he asked appraising my look.
“I don’t know, maybe a personality, or maybe I’m finally taking a stand that I am not Kaitlyn Summers, Daddy’s robot princess. What about you, Jake? Should we go back to your apartment and get your personality, because your eyes look about as colorful as this over-priced yuppie condo.”
Jake smiled and there was a hint of a sparkle that disappeared almost as quickly as it came. He pulled me into another hug and promised to go change. “I need you to tone down your look just a little, though. I’m taking you out tonight, and we’ll definitely be seeing people I work with.”
I let out a dramatic sigh and rolled my eyes. “I’d love to help you out, Jake, but I kind of came spontaneously. No bags, sorry.”
Jake smiled mischievously and wrapped his arm around me as he led me into his room. “Well, it turns out that you left a small wardrobe of clothes at my old place, and I was kind enough to have them cleaned and waiting here for you. They’ve actually been a great resource for me when the women get to clingy.”
“I seriously almost threw up in my mouth, Jake,” I said, my lip turning up in disgust. “I don’t want to hear anything about your late night escapades.”
Jake laughed a genuine, hardy laugh and squeezed me tighter. “I love you being here,” he admitted.
Jake’s bed was still in disarray from earlier and I gasped when I saw the black satin sheets that adorned his platform bed. He had officially met every stereotype of a man whore. The room was a carbon copy of the living room, and felt just as cold and empty.
“Was this place already furnished?” I asked in horror.
“Of course not. I picked all this out myself, what do you think?” he asked proudly as he tidied up the bed.
“I think you need some color in your life, Jake.”
“You’re all the color I need, Issy,” he replied with a sarcastic smile. I punched his arm and then started looking through his closet that was full of every type of suit possible. My clothes were all the way to the left and had dry cleaning bags over them. I pulled out one of my favorite dresses and went to the bathroom to change. Jake had a few of my shoes as well, which was good considering I only brought my combat boots. The dress was a dark sage green and had a corset type top with a billowy skirt hitting just below the knees. My accessories and hair dressed it down a little and kind of made me look like a walking contradiction. I liked the look and touched up my makeup with the stash in my purse.
Jake had changed by the time I got out of the bathroom, wearing just a different version of the same look he had earlier. His shirt was less formal, but still button up and his jacket was a sports coat versus a suit, but still more stiff than I’d ever seen him.
He glanced at me and smiled. “That’s more like it. Now I’m going to have to threaten all my coworkers to stay away from you.”
I shivered at the thought of one of
Jake’s yuppie coworkers hitting on me. I had no interest in men right now. I just wanted a nice evening out with Jake where I could get the thought of Robbie, Jason and most importantly Grant out of my head. “No need,” I confirmed. “I have sworn off men for an indefinite period of time.”
“Grant’s still getting under your skin, isn’t he?” he asked with a smirk.
“Shut up. I don’t want to talk about Grant or my father or my stupid life. Let’s just go get a drink and pretend it’s still last year, and you and I are happy and healthy, ok?”
Jake laughed. “Got news for you, Issy, we’ve never been happy or healthy. But, I have to admit, it does sound good to pretend we are for at least one night.”
“Good,” I said nodding as I threaded my arm through his. “Let’s go dazzle your new friends.”
Jake kissed my head and led me out to his new car, a black Mercedes sports car that looked brand new. I whistled as he opened the door for me, and Jake just grinned. I had never known him to be so into wealth and status before. It was kind of shocking. I wondered what he’d say if he knew I had a billionaire stalking me. I didn’t tell him, but noticed how my hands started to shake when I pictured Robbie in my head. I pushed it out and turned to Jake. “So where are we going?”
“There is this new Martini bar downtown. It’s the ‘hot’ spot for young career types. No dance floor, so you’ll probably hate it.”
“Who needs a dance floor when you have tables?” I asked sweetly, batting my eyes.
“Don’t you dare, Issy. I have to work with these people.” Jake looked genuinely concerned, and I laughed.
“Calm down. You and I both know I have been trained extensively for these types of people. You should see the show my dad has had me putting on lately. He’s even been providing the proper clothing. Can you believe?” I asked shaking my head, trying to hide how much it really did bother me.
“Can I believe that your dad is an obsessive, control freak who thinks he owns you? Yes, I can believe that. Just be careful, ok? You play the role too well, and your father just may get some ideas.”
“What do you mean by that?” I asked, feeling butterflies in my stomach.
“Nothing specific. I just have seen what some people do when it comes to money, Issy. It’s scary. Thinking about it now, it’s actually pretty incredible that you turned out as normal as you did.”
“Normal, huh? I don’t think I’ve ever been called that one before,” I replied with an arched eyebrow. I didn’t want to be normal.
Jake laughed and pinched my arm. “Not that kind of normal, Issy. More that you have heart…even if I’m the only one who sees it.”
“Sorry to disappoint you. My heart is dead, Jake. Has been for a long time.”
“Whatever you say,” Jake conceded as he pulled up to the valet waiting on our car.
The valet opened our doors and Jake took the ticket, not even bothering to thank them. Even his walk had changed as did his mannerisms the minute we walked in the door. There was no doubt that we turned heads and Jake seemed to relish in that fact. He put his arm around my waist and led me over to a table full of men wearing similar suits. The bar had high tables spaced throughout and modern black couches along the walls. They had replaced a few of the bulbs with colored lighting giving the entire space a blue hue. The bar was sleek and bare, with only glasses visible to the customers. The bartender wore a button up black shirt and slacks and had his hair perfectly styled. It made me think of Jason and his casual look and movement as he worked. I felt my stomach turn as I thought of his angry eyes when he looked at me this morning. If I was honest with myself, I really did deserve it. I never once considered his feelings in all of this. I had dismissed him as a heartless gigolo because he had that bad boy look, when truthfully he had been more of a gentleman and friend than polished and refined Robbie ever was.
Before we reached his table of friends, I looked up at Jake and excused myself to the bathroom. Once alone, I pulled out my phone and sent two texts. The first was to Jason.
Me: I’m sorry. Would rather make headlines with you than that pompous, overdressed jerk any day. Forgive me?
Jason: Nothing to forgive. You’ve been honest with me from the start. I was a jerk. I’m not used to this jealous thing, green eyes. You seem to bring out the worst in me.
I smiled sadly and texted back.
Me: I tend to do that. See ya Friday.
I switched over to Grant, feeling a little better. At least Jason didn’t hate me. I erased my text several times, not knowing what to say to him.
Me: I’m relieving you of your babysitting duties tonight. I’m with Jake and will be back tomorrow before my father gets home. I’ll send his contact info in a second.
After I texted the contact info, Grant sent a short reply.
Grant: Thanks for letting me know.
That was it. No pleasantries, no anger. My heart fluttered a little as I heard his words in my head. He wouldn’t wait forever…and why should he? I had given him nothing but frustration and pain. I glared at myself in the mirror and cursed. For a heart that was supposed to be dead, it sure was hurting a lot right now. I took out my flask and drank down the rest of the warm liquid. It didn’t make the pain go away, but at least it made it disappear from my face.
I made sure I was the picture of perfection one more time before I left and joined Jake and his friends. They all stood when I approached and stared in a way that made me feel as if I was walking up to them naked.
Jake walked over and put a protective arm around me before introducing me to his friends. I gave them all a charming smile and played my role perfectly. It seemed crazy to me that I came to see Jake just so I could escape this world, and ended up right back in it. How had he become this person?
The only one in the group that didn’t get on my nerves was Jake’s roommate, David, who at first seemed as average as his name. But as the night wore on, I found him more and more charming. His blue eyes would crinkle a little when he laughed and his relaxed, genuine demeanor was refreshing next to the other guys who either name dropped or priced dropped everything throughout our conversation. Even worse, they each cornered me at one point to ask for my number and touch me in some inappropriate way. I was sure by the end of the evening that they had some bet going on to see who could get me to go home with him first.
Jake was oblivious to all of it as he was targeting his own take home gal. David was the only one who seemed to notice how ridiculous his friends were acting and asked if I wanted a ride when he was saying his goodbyes. I jumped at the opportunity, realizing that Jake was more interested in picking up women then spending time with me.
I grabbed my purse and walked with David over to tell Jake I was leaving. He had his hand on some girl’s leg as he was leaning in to whisper in her ear. She looked a lot like the girl from earlier, but had brown hair this time, which she kept tossing over her shoulder. I felt my stomach turn. No wonder he couldn’t get over Avery; not one of the girls I had seen him with had a fraction of the beauty or class that Avery did.
Jake pulled back when I walked up, and the girl sent me a challenging stare as she looked me up and down. I almost rolled my eyes. First off, gross. Second, if I did want Jake, there would be no competition. Hands down, I would win. I completely dismissed her and turned to Jake. “I’m going to catch a ride with David, ok?”
“You’re leaving? Why? It’s still early.” He looked genuinely sad to see me go even though he had practically ignored me all night.
“I’ll just catch you back at your place.” I glanced her direction and leaned into Jake so she couldn’t hear me. “Don’t you dare bring that trash home with you,” I whispered.
Jake just smirked at me and kissed my cheek before saying goodbye. I shook my head and followed David out of the bar; his friends were staring in awe as we left.
“I think you won the bet,” I teased when he had started driving away. Like Jake, his car was very expensive, but much more practical and
a lot less flashy. It seemed to match his personality.
“You picked up on that, huh? Sorry, we can’t bring those guys anywhere.”
“It’s fine. Guys like that are easy to read and easy to avoid. I just can’t believe you and Jake choose to hang out with them,” I noted as I took off my shoes and sat with my legs crossed in the seat.
“We work with them. That’s the extent of it.” David paused for a second and then had a confused look on his face. “I have to say, you are not at all what I expected.”
“And why’s that?” I asked playfully. I didn’t think David was hitting on me, so it was easy to relax next to him.
“I don’t know. Just the way Jake described you. He said you were beautiful, which I must admit, he certainly didn’t exaggerate. But I guess I just pictured you acting younger.”
I started laughing and turned to face him. “David, you are an incredibly perceptive person. It feels like everyone I know has been trying to make me grow up these last few weeks. I guess they were more successful than I realized.”
He pushed my arm playfully and then smiled. “Ah, growing up isn’t so bad as long as you can still channel your inner kid every once and while. At least you get to make your own choices.”
I started laughing again and shook my head. “Oh, if only that were true.”
David didn’t understand, and I didn’t feel like telling him my dysfunctional history. We changed the subject to much lighter topics until we were finally at their new condo. David showed me how to work the TV and where to find all their movies. He then said good night and headed to his room.
“David,” I called before he shut the door. “It was really nice to meet you. I’m really glad that Jake has you for a roommate.” David just smiled and said goodnight. Jake needed someone stable right now, because it was far too obvious that he was going off the deep end.