Broken Enagement

by Gage Grayson

  “It’ll be there by the time you reach the main gate.”

  “Thank you.” I’ll have to mail my big tip for Miguel and the rest of the staff.

  I need to keep moving. If I stop, I might end up turning around and running back inside, back to Macy, to explain everything, to hold her, to tell her everything’s going to be okay.

  To do everything I can in the world to make her feel better.

  No, it’ll only make things worse.

  The vacation fling is over.

  Goodbye, farewell, amen.

  End of story.

  31

  Macy

  I watch Aaron walk away in disbelief at how relentlessly unpredictable everything is all of a sudden.

  Well, namely Aaron. It’s a familiar fucking feeling, actually, and one I should’ve know would be coming the moment I saw the way he looked at me at the bar.

  Sinking on a bench at the top of the stairs in the lobby, I watch his retreating back until he turns the corner.

  He’s so fucking dramatic about everything. Is it so hard to communicate a little bit?

  Watching someone run away at any hint of a disagreement—it’s like dating in college all again.

  None of these fucking men ever grow the fuck up. At school, they would invariably end up skulking back to me after a few days at most, trying to pretend nothing happened.

  The difference with Aaron is, I don’t think I’ll ever see him again.

  I’m surprised by the sinking sensation on my stomach.

  No, I do not fucking like it.

  Turning to the people around me, everyone seems so goddamn jovial and happy. There are a lot of couples, and nobody is here alone.

  You shouldn’t need other people, especially when there’s so much fucking drama involved.

  My stomach churns uncomfortably.

  Hearing a muffled rumble in the distance, another jet is coming in, and it jars me from my self-absorbed thoughts.

  I don’t even know how long I’ve been sitting here.

  Should I wait here a few more minutes, or do I even want to fucking be here when he comes back?

  If he comes back.

  Am I that easy to just walk away from?

  At least I’ve got the suite all to myself now.

  Fuck!

  That doesn’t make me feel any better. I thought it would.

  Tears are prickling at the back of my eyes, so I pull myself up and head for the elevators.

  I do manage to make it all the way to my room before allowing the tears to fall. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I pull my shoes off as the traitor tears sneak out.

  I must be tired. The past couple of days have been a whirlwind; a poorly maintained rollercoaster with faulty brakes. It’s more than just ups and downs—it’s more like fucking whiplash.

  From the moment I arrived, it’s been one drama after another. Meeting Aaron at the bar, having him show up at the room, negotiating our deal.

  I hesitate briefly before getting entirely naked. Which is dumb, I know.

  But old habits die hard, and I know Aaron still has a key.

  Thinking about Aaron, just makes my stupid tears start come down even faster.

  Trying to analyze why I’m even crying, I decide I just need a distraction. I think the best way to relax, will be to try out the jetted tub. Because it’s pretty much in the room and glassed in on the deck, I would have worn a bikini with Aaron here.

  Now, I can enjoy it while being fully nude. Grabbing a tissue, I blow my nose and walk over to it to see if I can figure out how to use the Star Trek control panel. After a bit of trial and error—and lots of swearing—I have it filling.

  Walking around the suite, I grab a towel and head back over to the tub.

  I wonder what Aaron expects me to do with his fucking stuff strewn everywhere. It really does blow me away, how he can just walk away from it all. Clothes, shoes, people...

  It must be so nice to just be able to say Fuck it and leave everything where it lies.

  Sinking into the tub, I lean back on the sloped side and enjoy the warm water. There are numerous aches and pains in my body, including a small twinge between my legs.

  Fuck.

  How can we have gone from having sex less than an hour ago, to, we’ll never see each other again. This is a good example of why long-term relationships are so unrealistic. It sure doesn’t help when one of the people has absolutely no idea how to communicate.

  Aaron.

  Goddamn it.

  He’s the one that acted like there was more to it. Otherwise, why would he give a shit whether he talked to me about work? Friends should be able to talk to each other about anything.

  It’s when things start to go beyond that everything, without fail, starts getting too fucking complicated. When you have to start hiding or omitting things for fear of hurting someone’s feelings, that’s when things get messy no matter what.

  I don’t fucking know—I just know that I thought we had a good thing going.

  I care about him.

  I can admit that.

  That doesn’t mean that I wanted commit and get all serious and shit. I just want to get along with him. I want to be able to communicate with him about his feelings and frustrations.

  Friends can do that.

  It isn’t fair the way he would make it so difficult.

  He was playful one second and then two minutes later—if you said the wrong thing—he wouldn’t even talk anymore.

  Who does that?

  Frustrated tears are rolling down my cheeks, and I splash them away with the warm water.

  “Stupid. Motherfucking. Tears.”

  I accentuate each word with a splash to the face.

  Now I’m feeling angrier at myself than him. This is so stupid!

  I’ll let myself get this stupid goddamn cry out and then have the whole bed to myself.

  Think of the positives.

  Tomorrow, I’ll wake up when I want. Relax and get a bite to eat. Then get right back to relaxing, or better yet working on ideas for my thesis, for the work that will ultimately secure my master’s degree.

  I guess I was hoping to find some inspiration on this vacation, and I probably found more than I had bargained for.

  I guess that inspiration finds you, sometimes.

  Locating the button, I turn on the air jets to relax in the drone of the tub. The vibration is a nice distraction.

  Turning my mind to our incredible time on that island last night, I smile through my tears.

  I loved his impromptu striptease. So self-confident. So fucking hot.

  Thinking about how his hard cock bounced as he dropped to his knees in front of me, has me relaxing more. Everything about his body makes me smile.

  And the man can kiss. When he took my lips and lowered me to the ground. I was melting into a puddle below him.

  I wanted to tear my bathing suit off right then and throw myself at him.

  I’ll always enjoy these memories. It doesn’t matter how it ended between us.

  I never expected anything different.

  Thinking back to when we negotiated over champagne, I told myself then that he’s a fucking prick who only wants to fuck me and then leave me.

  Check. Did that.

  But I fucked him too. And it was eye opening.

  That is one part of this whole experience that I do not regret in the fucking least.

  Now I know what all the hype is about.

  He may be Aaron Michaelson, but he still isn’t worth wasting any more of my time and energy. Or tears.

  I’m Macy Evans, and I have important things to focus on, besides that walking dick.

  I’ll objectify him just like I originally planned—or at least think about him in a way I can draw pleasant memories and inspiration from. Because right now, thinking about him in any other way is too painful.

  Pulling the drain and shutting off the jets, I grab my towel and head into the bathroom to clean up my face and remove m
y makeup for the night.

  My eyes are puffy and still stubbornly leaking.

  If I still look this shitty in the morning, I’ll get room service to send up some cucumbers. Or maybe I’ll book a salon appointment for a facial.

  I’ve still got some good resort time left, and I’m certainly not going to let the fact I’m now here alone keep me from them.

  Unfortunately, that thought isn’t especially comforting right now.

  It’s true, though, so…

  Nope. It isn’t doing the trick.

  Fuck, what is wrong with me?

  I dab under my eyes and blow my nose again.

  I only have spent a couple days with the guy. Why am I so upset?

  Giving up on my face, I stumble back into the bedroom to collapse on the bed.

  Ugly crying now.

  I haven’t bawled like this since time freaking immemorial.

  I give up. I give up on analyzing, understanding or trying to cope with it.

  I just cry.

  It’s all I can do.

  32

  Aaron

  I toss my bags in the back of the limo, not waiting for the driver to help me.

  “Fuck!” I cry out in aggravation.

  Why am I so fucking pissed right now?

  It’s not like me to get this agitated over a fucking fling. I left it how it should’ve been left—without any explanation and no strings attached. I should feel nothing but satisfied.

  But it’s Macy.

  Like the idiot she turns me into, I thought it would be an easy getaway.

  I should’ve assumed this type of goodbye was in the cards and prepared accordingly. It’s obvious to me, now, that leaving the resort—and going our separate ways—would be just as eventful as the day I met her.

  As I’ve learned quickly, nothing is simple with her. And arguably, that’s what made it all the more tempting and fun. But fuck, I was seconds away from running to the airport, leaving everything at the resort and making a quick exit.

  That’s how badly I need, and needed, to get away from her, from the whole damn thing.

  But I don’t do that shit. I’m better than that.

  If anything, this is yet another reason I don’t do this shit—this fucking relationship shit.

  She’s worse than my worst school teachers—nagging, asking irrelevant questions, and then fucking accusing me of something I didn’t do.

  Something that had no bearing on our relationship in the first place. Ugh…fling, not relationship.

  Christ.

  Sliding into the back of the limo, I run my hands through my hair, nearly pulling it out.

  Why does she always have to be so damn aggravating? And more importantly, how in the fuck does she have this power and the ability to get under my skin like this?

  Fuck it, it’s all over now, anyway.

  But this is not how I wanted it to end.

  Though I doubt she’ll admit it, she cares. She cares too much.

  And that’s the number one thing you’re not supposed to do with a fling, a vacation fling.

  We fuck—and fuck some more— then stop, never to see or hear from each other again. There are no feelings involved, so no one gets hurt.

  But she confirmed my worst suspicions.

  She accused me of lying to her. What the fuck?

  Yeah, I might not have told her about Anna. But I wasn’t lying to her, my past relationships were not pertinent to our relationship.

  Fuck—our fling.

  An irritating ache of guilt punches me in my gut, and I lean over, resting my elbows on my knees, rubbing my temples.

  Fuck, I feel like I’m going to throw up.

  No. I have nothing to feel guilty about, right?

  But then, why am I here? Contemplating if I did something wrong or to warrant that type of reaction.

  Despite my better judgement, I’m worried about her, and how I left her—confused, shocked, and hurt.

  “Ughhhh…”

  I’m fucking confused.

  When did she...no, when did I let this happen?

  How did I not see it coming? So that I could prepare for and against the feelings that were obviously brewing in her.

  I know though, I’m not technically lying my way out of this. I’m not fucking running away from problems.

  In all reality, I’m running straight into a shit storm. Willingly.

  “Airport, now,” I shout to the driver.

  Manners are the last thing on my mind—getting myself out of here and away from Macy is the first.

  I need to get away from her as quickly as possible. The more time I spend mulling over my guilt, contemplating what happened, the more likely I won’t leave.

  If I do stay, I’ll...no, we’ll both regret something.

  I shake my head, replaying everything I said to her.

  What did I do wrong?

  I clearly stated, in bold fucking letters, that I don’t believe in love. right?

  And I was under the impression that she doesn’t either.

  Her curt way of making fun of romantic comedies, and romance just in general, had me believing we were cut from the same cloth. But just like every other maddening woman, she fell for those Hollywood endings and tales of fairytale romance.

  Her reaction to Anna said everything, and it contradicted everything she said she believed in. I’ve seen these arguments before, where the boy loses the girl.

  Fuck, I made these arguments happen.

  But unlike Hollywood, this isn’t going to have a fucking happily ever after.

  It’s over now.

  I should’ve stopped this…whatever this fucking is long ago, before feelings got involved.

  Fuck.

  I search for my phone, losing my patience. I don’t find it in either of my back pockets.

  Ugh…where in the hell did I put it?

  I roll my eyes in exasperation, purely exhausted over everything. This bullshit isn’t making it any better.

  I stop looking for a second, throwing my head back on the seat.

  “Goddamn it!” I yell, not worried about the driving hearing me.

  I better not have fucking forgot it in the suite. I won’t do that shit again.

  On my second attempt, I find it…in my front pocket.

  Fucking. Idiot.

  This is my fault. I should know better, but I let myself get thrown for a serious loop.

  I dial the studio head’s number.

  He’s been waiting to hear from me, so why not get my shit together and focus on what I need to—my fucking job.

  I do have to let them know like right fucking now, as the email so politely spelled out.

  Holding my phone, waiting for him to answer, my heart starts to race, and my palms sweat.

  Anxiety spirals through me, rapidly, overwhelmingly.

  I don’t understand this sudden reaction…I have nothing to be nervous about. This is one of those movies that will elevate my career even higher.

  Okay, so maybe it’s a big deal and being nervous comes with making big decisions.

  But I’m fucking Aaron Michaelson, I don’t get nervous.

  I just do. And I do it confidently.

  But now, after today, I’ve realized that some doing can fuck me over.

  He answers on the first ring.

  “Michaelson—where the fuck have you been?” he yells at me, forcing me to move the phone away from my ear, avoiding the possibility of him blowing out my ear drum. “We need to know—are you in or are you out? Yes or no?”

  He is straight to the point as studio heads always are. There’s no beating around the bush with Gene, which I’ve always appreciated, but now, it’s freaking me the fuck out.

  I try to force the yes out of my mouth, but my anxiety intensifies, and my chest tightens.

  I gasp for air, finding it hard to breathe.

  What the fuck is happening?

  Sweat forms at my brow, and I feel bile creep up my throat.

&nb
sp; Shit, I’m going to throw up or pass out—or both.

  I clutch my stomach, and my body starts to shake.

  Ughhh…

  Trying to steady myself, I inhale and exhale, using my mediation skills.

  I’ve done yoga before—thanks to LA—and I think I can get myself down or up to a level of Zen or whatever the fuck it’s called.

  But this feels like a panic attack or an anxiety attack—I’m not sure. I’ve never had anything like that before.

  “Gene! What time is it there? Why are you answering your phone so fast? Are things that critical?”

  I’m mumbling, working through this sudden state of panic, trying to avoid answering.

  But Gene isn’t having it.

  “Cut the shit, Michaelson. What is it?”

  Fuck, here goes nothing.

  “Yes…it’s a yes,” I rush out, holding onto the little bit of dignity I have left at this moment.

  I’m thankful I didn’t end up doing this in person. If he would’ve seen me like I am now, I’d have nothing to stand on.

  “Good. We’ll set up a meeting for tomorrow morning. Is seven good for you?”

  Fuck, this is quick. But I don’t know why I am surprised…this shit happens all the time. Hollywood moves at a fucking rocket ship pace, and if you can’t handle it, then you’ll be quickly and easily dismissed.

  “I’ll be there.”

  “Good.”

  He hangs up even though the word has barely come out of his mouth. I lean back on the cushion, breathing erratically, and settle into what just happened.

  I know I made the right decision.

  I was going to say yes regardless of what happened with Macy.

  This project is my golden ticket.

  So why am I reacting like this?

  It’s unnerving. And I hate that this conversation alone is bringing out weird, new facets of me with on onslaught of feelings that I’m not familiar with.

  I don’t need this shit, especially right now.

  I have to admit it though, she fucking rocked me. And now, this whole thing is making me question everything. Things that I would’ve said yes to or have done without a second thought.

  I don’t like it, and I don’t fucking need it.

  Reaching the airport, I reassure myself that it’s done.

  Macy is gone, and my project is green-lighted.