The Sleeping Serpent: A woman's struggle to break an obsessive bond with her yoga master

by Luna Saint Claire

  Determining the fate of each of the characters, Sofia felt like she was deciding her own fate at the same time.

  14

  Sofia’s office phone buzzed; Aaron, Going My Way’s showrunner, wanted to see her. She showed up in his doorway quickly, and Aaron asked her to sit down.

  Choosing his words carefully, he professed, “You’re a good writer, and you’re fortunate to be part of a terrific team.”

  Sofia uncrossed and recrossed her legs.

  Looking serious, Aaron cleared his throat. “The reason I called you in here…it’s obvious you have some personal problems. Boyfriend problems.”

  Mortified, Sofia nodded without looking up at him, suppressing the tears threatening to fall. If Aaron knew, she wondered if everyone else was gossiping about her, too.

  He went on, “I just want to clarify that, despite all those legendary tortured writer stories, they are really in the minority. If you want to earn a living writing, it’s not enough to be talented, you have to produce. Sofia, you’re talented at putting the right words into a character’s mouth. Where they’re going, what they’re doing, even down to what restaurant they frequent or where they shop—that’s what makes these characters believable and current. It’s those kinds of details that made this show a success.

  Sofia didn’t really know what to say, so just replied quietly, “I really love working on the show, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”

  “There’s something else…”

  She looked down again, anticipating the worst.

  “The studio is moving me to New York to work on the pilot for a new show called The Runway, about four top runway fashion models, their personal lives, and the fashion industry. It takes place in New York, Milan, and Paris. It’s no secret to everyone here how much you love fashion and, more importantly, how much you know about it. If the pilot is a success, I’d like you to come work with me. But in the meantime, you’ve got to focus on your work and forget about this boyfriend. He’s a distraction.”

  Sofia was stunned. She couldn’t possibly begin to imagine forgetting about Nico. But she knew being considered for The Runway was an enormous compliment and a huge opportunity. She finally looked Aaron directly in the eye. “Thank you, Aaron. I promise.”

  On the way back to her desk, she stopped in the bathroom and sat down in a stall. Putting her head in her hands, she wept quietly. Then, pulling herself together, she fixed her eye makeup and applied a fresh coat of red lipstick. Looking at herself in the mirror, she ran her fingers through her hair, thinking there was no need to say anything to anyone—yet. Maybe the pilot wouldn’t take off or he would change his mind. It was too early to create drama with Nico. In the meantime, she would work hard and not allow Nico to distract her and ruin her chances. It was time to go shopping for the perfect dress for the Writers Guild Awards dinner.

  On Friday, Sofia texted Luna asking if she could get dressed in the Wardrobe Department where there was more room and full-length mirrors. When Sofia arrived, garment bag over her arm, Luna squealed in delight, “Let me see the dress!”

  Sofia unzipped the garment bag, revealing an elegant Dolce & Gabbana ruched black lace dress. Luna gasped, “I love it, Sofia! If you weren’t such a brilliant writer, I’d recruit you as a costume designer!”

  “I wish Nico recognized my talents. To him, I’m good for nothing except paying for things.”

  Luna cringed. “He really needs straightening out, Sofia,” she urged, pouring herself a short glass of Maker’s Mark. “Do you want one?” she offered.

  “No, I’d better not. I’m not going to drink tonight.”

  Watching Sofia touch up her makeup and slip the dress on, she thought her elegant—pretty, blonde, and very sexy. Remembering Nico saying he wasn’t in love with the way Sofia smelled, it made her wonder about desire. After ushering Sofia off to the event with a good luck double-cheek kiss, she sat down at her desk and poured herself another glass of bourbon. Feeling the smooth oaky caramel heat glide down her throat, she pondered the notion of pheromones attracting people to each other. Were they enough to impel an enduring love?

  Being a well-attended industry-only event, Sofia couldn’t bring a date to the Awards. Not that Nico would have gone with her anyway, since it wasn’t about him. Scanning the room, Sofia recognized the most famous writers of screenplays, documentaries, dramas, comedies, and even video games. She felt like pinching herself. Before the ceremonies began, Aaron escorted her around the room, introducing her to several senior industry writers, who all praised her work on the show and seemed genuinely pleased to meet her. When Aaron remained by her side all evening, it struck Sofia he was being more than just a considerate boss. Now it seemed obvious from the way he placed his hand on the small of her back and looked at her admiringly that he was interested in more. When he turned, checking that she was still by his side, she felt pleased someone as accomplished as Aaron treated her that way. She wished Nico thought she was special and complimented her like Aaron did. She’d never looked at another guy since she had met Nico, but Aaron’s attentions flattered her. She wished she could fall for someone like him, someone who respected her.

  As the ceremony neared the award for Best New Series, she felt her stomach get jittery. When the emcee announced the winner as Going My Way, Aaron gently squeezed her hand and led her to the stage with the other writers. Sofia was glad she hadn’t been drinking when she realized that even without liquor everything seemed coated in gauze. At the end of the evening, Aaron asked her if she had plans, but she gracefully begged off, reminding him she had a long drive. Nico wasn’t there when she got home, so she texted him. He replied that he was at a dinner meeting and would be home soon. When he did arrive, she was in bed reading on her iPad. He didn’t ask her about the Awards, and of course he never saw her glamorous outfit. But she knew she was photographed more than once and hoped to see the shots in LA Social—maybe that would make Nico jealous.

  She tried to engage him. “You haven’t even asked how the Awards ceremony went.”

  Distracted by his iPhone, he mumbled, “The what?”

  Sofia huffed, “The Writers Guild Awards. You didn’t even ask if we won.” When he didn’t look up or respond, she added, “Going My Way won Best New Series!”

  He still didn’t look up and sniped, “So what? You and your idiot friends got an award for writing a stupid show.”

  Remembering Aaron’s advice about the possibilities for the new show, she rolled over and tried to sleep.

  Tyler was already griping about going to Nico’s party, but Luna insisted, “It’s his thirtieth Ty, and he already teased me, asking if we could stay up that late!” But later, as he left for campus to teach a class, he acquiesced, making Luna promise they wouldn’t stay out too late. She didn’t mention that they wouldn’t even be going to Greystone Manor until ten, and would most likely be the first ones there. She had been surprised when Nico said Erin was covering the bottle service for the evening, then, as if an addendum, told her to wear something sexy because the club would be filled with supermodels! Luna had thought to herself that at the very least she would look better than Erin.

  As she was heading out for a mani-pedi, Nico called her cell phone, announcing he was in the lobby. Hoping nothing was wrong, Luna invited him up, and when she opened the door was stunned to see he held a large box tied with an enormous ribbon. Seeing the look on Nico’s face, she exclaimed, “Oh my! What’s this?”

  Beaming like a little child, he announced, “See, I told you I had a Christmas gift for you. Now is the perfect time to give it to you!”

  Stunned and overjoyed, Luna laughed. “Um…it’s February, Nico!” Then, taking the box and double-cheek kissing him, she gushed, “Thank you so much, sweetie! How’d you get it here on the bike?”

  “Oh, I have Sofia’s car.”

  She gave him a sideways glance. “And where is Sofia?”

  He shrugged. “Home. I just told her I needed to run some errands.”


  Luna didn’t want to get into that discussion again with Nico. Nevertheless, he added, “Luna, how many times do I have to tell you, Sofia and I are just friends.”

  Not wanting to irritate him, she answered benignly, “I know. I just feel kind a sorry for her, that’s all.”

  He brushed off her comment. “Well, don’t. She’s well taken care of, I assure you!” Then he laughed brightly. “You’re just very old-fashioned in your thinking! Now, open your gift!”

  Luna untied the wide gold ribbon and took the lid off the box. Carefully, she unwrapped purple tissue paper and lifted out a sexy, stylish, little black dress by Alice + Olivia.

  Blown away, she remarked, “Nico, it’s fabulous!”

  “I hope you’ll wear it to my party tonight. You’ll be the most beautiful woman there.”

  Luna bantered, “I highly doubt that! You said there will be supermodels!”

  He laughed. “They’re young girls, Luna. You’re a beautiful woman.” He looked her up and down admiringly. “Will you put it on for me now?”

  Luna paused, not sure if she should, but Nico persisted. “Come on. I want to see you in it.”

  She sighed, “OK, Nico. Wait here.” Emerging from her bedroom a few minutes later, she twirled for Nico. The sheer lace bodice of the dress accentuated her breasts, and the short skirt was lightly gathered and layered with silk organza for fullness. She’d also slipped on a pair of pretty Nicholas Kirkwood lace mesh sling-back sandals. “This dress is very short, don’t you think?” she asked.

  Nico’s eyes glowed as he watched her walk toward him. “My God, bella. You look gorgeous!”

  She could feel his gaze combing her body. She adored his attentions, encouraging them, and he often flirted blatantly with her, ogling her breasts with overt admiration. “Don’t get me wrong, bella. I like your Indian hippie look. It’s your thing…” Lowering his gaze he smiled wickedly, then looking back up at her he purred, “But you have terrific legs, and you never show them off.”

  Their eyes locked. “You’re sweet, Nico. This dress is lovely. If you’re sure I look OK in it. I mean, at my age.”

  “Wear it, Luna. You look beautiful.”

  She leaned up to kiss him on the cheek. “OK, thank you. I will. I mean it, Nico. It’s a lovely dress.”

  She thought he blushed just a little, but then he quickly said, “I’ve got to run now, bella. But I’ll see you at the club at eleven. Just tell them to direct you to my table.”

  She walked him to the elevator, giving a final spin as the elevator door closed. Walking back to the apartment, she wondered how she would explain Nico giving her this expensive dress to Tyler. Of course, she knew Nico hadn’t paid for it! Erin must have given him some more Grey Dog client swag.

  Luna waited until late in the afternoon to call Nico and thank him for including her and Tyler at his birthday party. Still sounding groggy despite the hour, his voice husky from shouting above the music, he teased her, “You were the most beautiful woman in the room.”

  Delighted by the compliment, she chided, “Even though everyone probably thought we were your parents.”

  “Nonsense. You looked hot, Luna.”

  “Thank you again for the beautiful dress. I have your birthday present. I’ll drop it off tomorrow.”

  “Can you come now? I could use your help.”

  Luna wrapped his gift with handmade papyrus and tied a forest-green grosgrain ribbon into a perfect bow. Putting the package in the handbag Nico had given her, she headed over to Amaru, wearing faded jeans and a sheer, white, embroidered peasant blouse.

  She found Nico at his desk, engrossed and obviously frustrated. Without looking up, he brusquely asked, “Do you mind straightening up in the apartment for a little bit while I finish here?”

  “Sure,” she replied automatically. Though ruffled, she quickly dismissed his lack of civility, considering his preoccupation. Kissing the top of his head, she went into the apartment, and was stunned to see an astonishing mess. Assessing the situation, she surmised that Sofia purposely hadn’t cleaned so it would be more desirable for Nico to stay in Malibu.

  Discounting the fact she had a maid, Luna pulled on rubber gloves, filled a plastic bucket with soapy water, and began cleaning the greasy stove, thinking about the wonderful meals he had cooked for her. When Nico still hadn’t appeared, she rolled up her jeans and stepped barefoot into the bathtub, running the water to scrub the walls, thinking how Tyler would be furious if he saw her now. With her back to the door, she didn’t hear Nico walk into the room. Turning around, she was startled to see him standing there watching her, a wide grin on his face. With her hair clipped on top of her head, her jeans scrunched up to her knees, and wearing the bright yellow gloves, Luna’s face reddened and her mouth fell open. “Luna, bella. You look so sexy like that, I could fuck you right here in the bathroom!”

  Embarrassed as she was, she couldn’t contain the big smile on her face. Without warning, he walked up to her and squeezed her left tit really hard over the flimsy white fabric. She was speechless, and her nipples immediately hardened. Nico moaned softly, “What have we here?” He reached into the front of the loose-fitting blouse and lifted one breast out of her bra. Then he leaned over, took her nipple between his lips, and sucked it.

  Aghast, and feeling suddenly ridiculous standing there in rubber gloves with Comet in one hand and cleaning sponge in the other, she exclaimed, “Nico, my lord!! You’re crazy!” She splashed him with water from the tap and they both erupted into uproarious laughter.

  Darting out of the bathroom, she called, “Help me strip the bed, and we’ll put on clean sheets.” Tossing the dirty sheets into the hamper, she kept up the distraction. “Go get some clean ones from the closet.” Glancing at his bed, she tried to erase the image in her mind of him making love by making small talk. “Where do you do your laundry?”

  “Sofia takes it to her house,” he answered matter-of-factly. But he looked at her warmly—somewhat intimately—and she feared he’d read her mind.

  “Where did you do your laundry before you met Sofia?”

  He shrugged his shoulders and replied playfully, “Whatever girl I’m fucking at the time does the laundry.”

  Luna just shook her head. Though she knew he was trying to be funny, she also knew it was true.

  Remembering his gift, she chimed, “I almost forgot. I have your birthday present.” She got her handbag and without thinking sat down on the bed, handing him the beautifully wrapped package.

  “That’s the handbag I gave you. I have good taste, huh?”

  Luna gushed, “Yes, I get tons of compliments on it. It’s special…mostly because you gave it to me.”

  Nico’s eyes smoldered at her proclamation, and she saw in them something more he didn’t dare say, though she wished he would. Instead, he looked down at the gift. “You always wrap so nice.” He carefully untied the dark green ribbon and handed it to Luna, saying, as he always did, “Make sure you put it in my desk drawer.” Then he paid his usual compulsive attention to the wrapping paper. “I love this paper. What is it?” he asked as he slowly opened each corner, careful not to tear it.

  “It’s a handmade paper called papyrus.” Almost launching into a history of Egyptian papermaking, she paused as he finally unfolded the delicate paper and saw a web of fine sinew contained within a hoop, three feathers dangling. He wondered, wide-eyed, “What is it, Luna? It must be something Indian, like you!”

  She giggled. “Yes, it is, Nico. It’s a dreamcatcher.” He was lost in admiring it, so she explained, “A dreamcatcher is essentially a spider web made to catch any harm that might be in the air…um…like the way a spider’s web catches and holds whatever comes in contact with it. American Indians hang these above the bed to protect sleeping people. Good dreams pass through and slide down the feathers to the sleeper. But bad dreams are trapped in the web. They burn up in the light of day.”

  “It’s very beautiful, Luna.” The hoop was wrapped in black bu
ckskin, and the web was made from natural sinew. Elegant black and brown feathers, accented by silver, black glass, and teadyed bone beads, gracefully hung from the bottom of the web. At the center of the web a small amethyst stone represented the spider Iktomi. Nico asked, “What kind of feathers are these?”

  “Well, traditionally the feathers would be from the night seeing bird—the owl—but it’s not legal to use owl feathers anymore. These are pheasant.”

  “Is this a good spot to hang it?” Nico leaned over, his face a breath away from hers, and placed the loop of the dreamcatcher over the arm of a standing lamp next to the bed.

  Luna’s fire butterflies swarmed as he looked at her for approval. Sitting on the bed next to the lamp, she reached over and fingered the feathers overhanging his pillow, seeing that they swung freely with the slightest breeze. She uttered, “That’s perfect,” and smiled.

  “Luna…you’re so different. What you give to me has so much meaning.”

  Glancing at the clock on the wall, she said she needed to get going. Tyler would be waiting for her because they had dinner plans.

  Nico walked over to his desk and picked up a stack of papers in a binder clip. Scowling, he shook his head, “Can you please just take a minute and read this. It’s my scenes for the documentary. It’s very important and has to be right. You know more about me and my work than anyone. You’re the only one I trust.”

  Luna replied, “But, Nico, I’m not a writer. Sofia’s a great writer. I’m sure it’s perfect.”

  Nico shook his head. “She’s not smart enough. She may be able to write dialogue for those stupid girls on the show, but she has no idea about the spiritual nature of what I do!”

  She sighed, “Of course I’ll help you, Nico.”

  He brightened. “We have to recover this thing. I need to get it to Erin right away. Jacob has been waiting for me to finish this, and it’s very late, Luna. Jacob wants to shoot where I lived with the Q’ero, in Peru. Would you like to come?”