The One Thing

by Briana Gaitan

  She leans into me and tries her best to calm my nerves. “And you’re sure it’s over?”

  “I can’t put myself out there again. Now everything is left in fate’s hands.”

  She shakes her head at me and motions to the waiting area up front. “The owner said to wait up there, and he’ll be back in a moment.”

  I push the stroller into the small waiting room. It’s classy with sleek chairs and expensive paintings on the wall. I slump down in a seat and blow out a frustrated breath of air. I hate being kept waiting. A magazine on the table catches my eye. Of course, Barrett and his new girlfriend are on the cover. I wrinkle my nose at her before picking it up. I scan through the pages for the article. When I find it, my blood begins to boil. Who are these people and what right do they have to talk about my personal life like this?

  Barrett Montgomery and Ginger Teague’s reunion may never happen, much to the disappointment of many fans.

  The Timelines star is very much in love with his present girlfriend and judging by all the public displays of affection, the couple is going strong.

  After Barrett’s dramatic split from Ginger earlier this year, Montgomery found romance with an on-stage costar actress named Hattie Love. According to a report in HollywoodScandal, Montgomery thinks Love is the one, and believes his relationship with Ginger was nothing compared to this.

  "His relationship with Ginger was a way to pass the time and keep up appearances for the show. It was no coincidence that they split right as he left Timelines," a source told the website.

  The source explains, "Barrett hated having Ginger on his back every time he left the house. He felt suffocated and driven to cheat. She was psychotic and drunk throughout most of their relationship. ”

  While Montgomery has seriously moved on with his life, Ginger is rumored to be dating Montgomery’s friend, and another co-star, Tucker Jones.

  According to a report, Teague was getting serious with Jones. They have been spotted out together while filming their new movie in Australia. The report also states that they are trying to keep things quiet, but both stars continue to deny any truth to the rumors.

  Teague and Jones characters in the hit show Timelines which airs Sunday nights at 8/7 central.

  Caspian

  I open the front door to my apartment, careful not to make any noise, before closing it behind me. I haven’t been back here since right after the tour ended in March, but after spending a few weeks kicking back with friends in Atlanta, I’m ready to get back to real life. I’ve been putting off this move for a few weeks now. I didn’t want to face Booker, so it was easier to stay away. I’m just going to stop in and pack up a few things before going on my way.

  “Cas, man.” Booker jumps off the couch as I set my things down. He looks terrible, his thick beard isn’t groomed, and there are bags under his eyes. “I didn’t think you’d be home until tonight.”

  “I got an earlier flight. Is she here?” I look down the hallway. Now that all is said and done, I don’t really mind that Booker and Aly have been dating, it just makes me uncomfortable.

  “No, Aly is at her parents’ place. Listen, do you really have to move out? Just because the band isn’t together anymore and things have changed with Aly, doesn’t mean you aren’t still my best friend.”

  “I know. I just need to grow up. Get my own place, do my own thing. I’m gonna move back into my parent’s place for a few weeks before I decide where I want to live.”

  “Leo says you’re gonna release your own music?”

  “I’m playing around with a few things. I’ve also been offered a few gigs as a touring member.”

  “That’s great man. I’m glad it’s working out. Seeing anyone special?”

  I laugh. No, not since I gave up the most important girl to me for nothing. “No.”

  Booker runs his hands over the top of his short hair. “I don’t know what to say. I know I handled things in the wrong way. I never wanted this to happen. But she was so sad, and I was there. It just happened.”

  I hold my hands out in front of me. “Spare me the details. No need to make amends, we’re good. What’s done is done.”

  “Are we really? Because I remember practically talking you out of being with Ginger. It was wrong of me.”

  “It’s in the past. Don’t mention it.” My jaw tightens. I don’t want to talk about her. Especially not to him, not after all the nasty names he called her. I’ve done my best not to think about her over the past few months. I don’t read the papers; I turn away when I see her on the covers of the magazines.

  “Stop playing it safe. Take a risk. You wanted to be with her.”

  “Well I’m not so sure she wants to be with me anymore. I had my chance. I blew it, not you. It was my decision not to be with her. I’m moving on.” I say the words so carelessly in hopes that I will believe them.

  “Cas, man. Look at me.”

  I move around the couch and sit down across from him. Things will never be the same; not like they used to.

  Booker drops his head in his hands and groans. “I was afraid of the band breaking up; somewhere in my mind I was scared Aly would quit. Deep inside, I guess I always loved her, but I couldn’t admit my feelings because of my loyalty to you. I didn’t want anything to change so I guilted you into never taking that leap from friendship to lover with Ginger, and I’m sorry. I really am.”

  “I’m sorry too.” Sorry that I didn’t listen to my heart. “I’m just gonna pack up some stuff, and I’ll be out of your hair.”

  I stand up and walk to my room. It’s bare, but all I need is a handful of clothes. There’s a picture frame on the nightstand of me and Aly in New York two years ago. I throw the frame in the trash and pull out my spare suitcase. When I’m packed up, I shut the bedroom door behind me and walk back into the living room. This is it. Booker and I are no longer living together, no longer making music together. I set my key on the coffee table. Who knows where we’ll go from here. Maybe we’ll keep in touch. Maybe we’ll drift apart as this chapter of our life ends.

  “See you later, Booker.”

  Booker leans forward with his elbows on his knees and looks at me with regret in his eyes. “Don’t let her get away.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Ginger. Don’t let her get away.”

  I give a short laugh, one that’s full of spite and pain. “She’s already gone. She’s been gone for a long time.”

  I pick up my bags and walk out the door. I lost her. I had her, but I let her go.

  August 31st 7:44 P.M

  Ginger,

  Just checking in to see how you’re doing. I just moved back into my parents’ place for a while. They don’t mind because I’m never there, but I feel like a teenager again. They own a ranch in New Mexico. It’s peaceful, a nice place to relax. I’m going to Atlanta with Leo for a few weeks while we play some shows. We have a little acoustic set we’re doing to bring in some money. Hope the wedding plans are going good.

  Cas

  September 5th 8:44 P.M

  Cas,

  I’m done shooting, and am taking a break for a while. Are you and Leo going to start a new band or are you just messing around? I do have something to tell you. It’s the reason for my absence recently. I wasn’t sure how or if I should even tell you. I’m seeing someone. Nothing serious, but he treats me good. I think I could be happy with him. You should too, find something to make you happy that is. Sleep well, and we’ll speak soon.

  Ginger

  Ginger

  September 10th 9:21 P.M

  Ginger,

  I’m glad you’ve found someone new. I hope that he treats you the way you deserve to be treated and not like Barrett. You should never settle, ever. I’m traveling with a friend to Canada for a few weeks. He needs a guitar player for a small tour, and I agreed to help. I saw you on TV the other day. I normally don’t watch a lot of TV or movies, but you looked good. Really good, and that makes me happy. Cheers, old fri
end.

  Cas.

  I scan through the email to see if I can detect his feelings, but it’s hard to decipher. He sounds happy for me, and I suppose I am or could be happy, but maybe I’m just getting on with my life. He told me not to settle, but I am.

  “What are you doing?” Tucker rolls over in the hotel bed, I close my laptop to hide the email. It’s not as if I’m doing anything wrong, but still, my emails are private.

  “Checking my emails, and I could go for some coffee right now.” I give him a flirty grin.

  He pulls his jeans up over his hips and climbs out of bed. I may have exaggerated my relationship with Tucker to Caspian. I thought maybe saying it would help me get over Caspian, but it didn’t help. Tucker and I have been sleeping together for several weeks. There were all those late nights on location, and we spent 24/7 together while filming. We’re not exclusive or anything. He made it clear up front that he’s not into relationships, but I’m not looking for a boyfriend. It’s mutually beneficial to us both. I try and feel for Tucker what I feel for Caspian, but nothing comes close. The want, the need, the safety and understanding isn’t there. At first, I struggled with this whole sleeping around with Tucker thing, but I want to feel something, anything except hurt, and Tucker makes me feel wanted again. I sit up in bed as Tucker brings me a cup of fresh coffee. We’re in Chicago today, making a few appearances on some talk shows for the season premiere of Timelines. Our movie doesn’t come out until next year, but I have a feeling we’re gonna be answering a ton of questions about that as well. I take the mug in my hands.

  “Thanks.”

  “We have a few hours to kill before we venture out into the world.” He bends down to kiss my neck. Everything with Tucker is purely physical. There’s no emotional connection whatsoever.

  “I have to Skype with Quinn in a bit about the bachelorette party, and I can’t blow her off.” I set my mug down and giggle as Tucker’s hands move under the sheet and over my bare curves. He gives a long sigh before standing back up.

  “Sure thing. I gotta catch up on some sleep anyway.” He pulls on his shirt and gives me a peck on the cheek. After he leaves, I pull up my email to reply.

  September 11th 8:45 A.M

  Dear Cas,

  Always the nomadic traveler. Canada, huh? I’ve always wanted to go there. I guess I need to find the time. I’m happy. I really am. I’m doing better, getting jobs, not partying as much, and living life I suppose. It sounds like you are really getting around, huh? Traveling the world, writing new songs, I’m so glad things are working out for you. You never needed Aly, they needed you.

  Ginger.

  Ginger

  October 30th

  The bartender raises a hand to let me know he’ll be with me in just a moment. I give him a nod and rock back and forth on my heels as I wait. Quinn and a few other girls wave from the VIP table in the corner. All Moms, mostly married. I’m the odd one out of the bunch. Not that I mind. It’s Quinn’s day, not mine.

  “What can I get you?” The bartender steps in front of me. I flash him a blinding smile. He’s cute, but not my type. Not that I know what my type really is anymore.

  “I need four JD and cokes and one mineral water.”

  He gives me a curt nod before grabbing a few glasses. “I saw you come in with that bachelorette party.”

  I adjust the maid of honor sash. “Yeah, my cousin is getting married in a few weeks. We flew in from LA for a little party.”

  “Welcome to New York, babe. So you’re single?”

  His green eyes wander down to my low-cut black dress. I don’t date bartenders, especially ones that live three thousand miles away from my hometown.

  “Yup, newly single, but not looking at the moment. Thank you.”

  Leaning forward against the wood of the bar, he brings his lips close to my ear. “That’s too bad. The show is about to start. You better hurry and sit down. I’ll have one of the girls bring your drinks right over.”

  I throw a twenty in the tip jar and tuck my hair behind my ears. “Thanks.”

  I make my way back over to the group of girls and sit down. I can’t remember any of the girls’ names. We’ve never met, but Quinn knows most of them from some Mommy and Me class or something.

  “That bartender was cute,” one of the girls, who I think is named Callie, yells at me.

  “I suppose.” I shrug. He’s sort of cute. That is, if you like dreamy eyes and bulging muscles.

  “So who is this band that’s playing tonight?” Callie asks Quinn.

  Quinn’s eyes dart to the stage. “Not sure, but they’re supposed to be good.”

  The waitress brings over our drinks and passes them around. I grab the water. It’s a little disappointing that all the other girls are drinking and I’m stuck with bland water, but it is what it is. Quinn tried to make the party alcohol free, but I insisted that she have a little fun. I don’t want to spoil it for everyone.

  “What do you mean, you don’t know? You begged and pleaded to have the party in New York, and you wanted to go specifically to this club. I wanted to go to Las Vegas and hit up the blackjack tables.”

  “Well. It’s supposed to be a popular place. I read it in a magazine or something,” Quinn shot back.

  “Yeah, right.” I take a sip of the water. “What in the hell do you have up your sleeve, Quinn Bardot? Is this one of those male stripper clubs or something?” I open my clutch and start searching for some more cash. “I don’t have any dollar bills on me. Only a twenty, he’d have to really work for that.” I could go for some Tatum Channing like views tonight. I squeal and get ready to wave my money in the air.

  Before she can answer, the lights dim, and the entire place begins cheering as a bunch of guys take the stage. They aren’t dressed in police outfits or scandalous firefighter suspenders.

  “Who is this?” I crane my neck to get a good look at the guys on the stage.

  That’s when I see him. He’s dressed in his usual casual attire. His hair is shorter up top and darker with just a hint of his normal blond on the ends. He isn’t wearing his usual glasses, but besides all that, he looks the same. He doesn’t take the front mic, but instead moves to the back and grabs a bass.

  “Cas,” I whisper to myself. I turn to Quinn. She has a meek smile on her completely guilty face. The other girls all have the same expression.

  “Quinn, what are you doing?” I look back up at the stage, just seeing his face makes me uncomfortable. I rub my legs together to ease the urge to jump him right on the stage.

  “I just thought that since you’re no longer fooling around with what’s his face, you were fair game again. Maybe if you saw Caspian again, it would change things.”

  “For the millionth time, we will never be together.” Just because I’m single, doesn’t mean Caspian wants me.

  “That was almost seven months ago. Don’t even act like you weren’t crushed when he turned you down. Maybe things have changed.”

  The other girls snicker.

  “Were you all in on this?” I accuse.

  They nod.

  “Quinn came up with the plan and told us the story. It’s horribly romantic,” Callie tells me.

  “It’s not romantic. It’s tragic.” I look back to the stage with a smile. The band beings to play. I don’t think I’ll ever heal from what he said to me, but I’ve missed talking to him, and the way he made me laugh. He brought out the best parts in me. The simple, joyful girl I once was. The girl before fame turned me into a heartless and emotionally unstable bitch.

  The band plays for an hour and a half before they finish. I keep my eyes on Caspian the entire time. He ignores the fans while getting lost in his chords. The lead singer, who is shirtless, and is covered in tattoos and gross sweat, begins speaking. I have one more song to play tonight. Something new written by my friend, Caspian.” He turns to point to Cas, who waves and causes a cheer to flow through the room. “I overheard him playing this a few nights ago, and begged him to let m
e cover it. It took a few days and a lot of groveling, but he’s agreed to it. It’s called Ginger.”

  My hands press to my heart as a familiar array of chords blast from the speakers. This is it. This is the song Caspian wrote for me when we first met. He finally finished it.

  An arm wraps around me. I don’t even have to look to know it’s Quinn.

  “Did you know?” I ask.

  She shakes her head. “I had no idea, but this is what I’d like to call fate.”

  The lead singer begins crooning out the lyrics to my song. It doesn’t feel the same from another man, but I can still feel the passion and emotion in the words

  Dear Ginger

  Life is calling you a fool

  Learn to embrace the new......And

  Free your soul

  Free everything you own

  Walk forward and take control.....With me

  Be my soul - Be my world too

  I always will....Stay

  We are gold - You are my muse

  I never will....Leave you

  Dear Ginger

  Try not to be confused

  Talk to me tell the truth......And

  I've been there

  And washed away my sins

  Be with me start again.....And

  Be my soul - Be my world too

  I always will....Stay

  We are gold - You are my muse

  I never will....Leave you

  Dear Ginger

  Try not to be confused

  Talk to me tell the truth......And

  Remember

  Try not to be consumed

  Take my hand take control......With Me

  Be my soul - Be my world too

  I always will....Stay

  We are gold - You are my muse

  I never will....Leave you

  The song ends with an uproar of cheering from the crowd, and the band begins putting up their instruments.

  “Go talk to him.” Quinn elbows me and nods toward the stage. “Me and the girls are gonna hang out a bit.”