by Brittany Bly
Blaine nods, turning back to focus on the photograph in front of him once again “This is beautiful, Lila.”
“Thanks” I step around the counter and glance at the photograph that has gained his approval “I took that right out on the deck one morning. The sun was illuminating the water perfectly… I hadn’t been here long.”
“You love it here.”
It’s not a question, more of a statement, or merely an observation. He’s not wrong.
I look out the window. My house is nestled within Lake Union. It’s cozy being only a one-bedroom, but it’s just me, so I don’t need anything more. Its charming navy-blue exterior with accents of white trim lining the peaked roof reminds me of something from a fairy tale. The greenery surrounds along the rocks where the water meets the water. The impressive views of the lake and mountains from any window are what drew me to it. It allows me exclusive access to its beauty.
“This place suits you. I always knew you would flourish in a location like this,” Blaine says, staring at me, the same stare that always saw right into my soul.
I duck my head and avert my eyes from his steady gaze, “Eh, let’s eat…”
Blaine steps forward, “Here, I’ll take the plates, you find the show.”
“Okay, drinks are in the fridge.”
Nodding, he makes his way around the counter as I go the opposite direction. It doesn’t take me long to find it since I’ve been watching it lately, so it immediately pops up. I head back into the kitchen and help him carry the stuff to the coffee table. We each sit on either end of the couch, getting comfortable. I fold my legs under me, placing my plate on my bent legs. “Okay, let’s get started” taking a bite of my pizza I press play. “I hope they aren’t a disappointment like some other shows that are trying to reboot. The new episodes of Gilmore Girls were a complete letdown.”
“That’s no surprise. The original series was terrible” Blaine replies reaching for another slice.
I about jump off the couch “What! How could you say that? It was genius and clearly before its time.”
Blaine raises an eyebrow asking, “All they did was drink coffee and talk super-fast… how is that before its time?” He doesn’t break my stare as he takes another bite of pizza, waiting for my answer.
“Clearly, there’s no reasoning with you. Let’s just watch a show we can actually agree on” I point to the tv just as the theme song starts.
Chuckling, Blaine leans back into the couch as the opening credits play across the screen. I take several more bites finishing off the slice as my focus zeros in on David Duchovny. Some would say my fascination borderlines on obsession, but that can be entirely subjective. The years have been good to him.
The nervous energy crawls across my skin, but I attempt to focus on the tv. The fact that he’s so close is making it complicated. This is a foreign feeling… I haven’t felt this level of sexual tension and comfortability with someone in well… since him. We were comfortable with each other from the beginning. He just happened to be that rare person for me… we just clicked. The sexual tension was immediate too. I didn’t overthink everything, and there was no worrying about any awkwardness because it just wasn’t there. Not once. But it’s different now. At one point, we knew every inch of each other. Not just our bodies, that we definitely did, but our souls also. Even now, he’s the only man that can turn me into an insecure teenager, banishing the confident woman deep inside.
Shifting in my seat, I try and focus on the show, no matter how difficult. Peeking over, I glance at Blaine. He appears to be as comfortable as you can get, his drink dangling from his fingers with eyes locked on the screen ahead. Occasionally he takes a sip, but his eyes never leave the tv.
I have no idea how long I’ve been staring when he shifts his eyes in my direction.
Blaine raises his eyebrows in surprise, “Yes?”
I clear my throat and turn my eyes back to Mulder and Scully mumbling, “Nothing.” Blaine’s throaty chuckle causes goosebumps to form on my arms. I’m overthinking it and making this difficult. I have to get myself together.
I’m not sure when it happened, but soon, we have made it through six episodes finishing season ten. During that time, we’ve left our positions at the opposite ends of the couch. Both of us have moved to the middle. My head rests on his shoulder, sleep threatening to take me as my eyes droop, and yawns flow freely. His warmth soaks into me, which only intensifies my sleepiness.
“Do you want to start the next season?”
Blaine’s voice jolts me from whatever sleep had been seeping into me. My head snaps up and away from him. I sit there for a moment before glancing at him. He looks so relaxed with his arm slung along the back of the couch, creating the small hole where my head had been laying. It’s almost nine o’ clock; and after my night with Marissa, it feels like midnight. Rubbing my hands over my face, I say, “I want to be able to actually watch the show, so waiting is probably for the best.”
“Okay, boss lady” Blaine stands to grab his trash and begins to pick up mine.
“You really don’t have to do that. I’ll get it.”
“I didn’t come over to leave you with a mess, woman” he cuts his eyes at me, a sexy grin pulling at his lips.
“Then, by all means, knock yourself out,” I say leaning back into the couch waving a hand at him and closing my eyes in the process.
Sometime later, my eyes flutter open as something gently nudges me. My eyes lock on him, “I’m going to go.”
I must have dozed off… blinking several times, I sit forward running my hands through my hair and absent-mindedly checking my clothes “Okay, thanks for picking up. You really didn’t have to.”
“I helped make the mess,” Blaine says with a shrug.
Walking to the door appeared to be more challenging than usual. Apparently, at some point or another, my legs went to sleep. I stumble and try to take hold of the bookcase to balance myself. But as I reach for it, Blaine reaches for me, “Whoa, are you okay?”
“Yeah, my legs just quit working,” I say, rubbing my thighs.
“Hmm, I don’t feel comfortable leaving you in this condition. Maybe I should stay and help you to bed,” he says, wiggling his eyebrows.
Chucking, I stand upright “Look, it’s a miracle. I’m all better.”
“Killjoy,” he mumbles under his breath, walking toward the front door.
I follow, opening it as he turns, causing me to stop “When do I get to see you again?”
“You ask that question a lot,” I reply, putting my hands on my hips. He doesn’t respond, just holds my gaze… waiting. “Not for a while… I’ll be in Ireland next week…”
“Ireland, huh?” he steps forward placing a hand on the door jam beside my head “It doesn’t matter where you go, you won’t be able to hide from me,” he says, that sexy grin is back, as he leans forward.
I put my hands up between us lightly grazing his chest “Now, why on earth would you think I’m hiding from you, dear Blaine?”
“You’ve been hiding from me for five years,” he states, I can feel the vibration from his chest as he steps closer once more.
“Now see I knew you were confused… I wasn’t hiding… I was… moving on… with my life…” I stutter through the thought. I can feel the hard muscle of his chest beneath my fingers, and it creates a heat that’s spreading through my core.
“There’s no moving on from us… I’ll see you when you get back” Blaine says in a low voice. Reaching out, he trails a finger down my cheek; and with that, he leaves me – now wide awake, not an ounce of sleepiness in me.
Chapter Twenty
The fact that I get to travel for work is a significant plus and provides me with many different opportunities. I’ve been sent to London, Italy, and now Ireland. I plan to make the most out of my week there because I’ve always wanted to visit. Patiently waiting until I could, the stars must have aligned just for me. I make it to the air
port with plenty of time to spare. To pass the time, I begin researching and making lists of all the things and places that are a must for me to experience. The first two added are the Cliffs of Moher and Wicklow Mountains. I quickly add more as the minutes tick by on the screen ahead, letting us know when it’s time to board. A text flashes across my screen, interrupting my search.
Marissa: Have you boarded yet?
Lila: Not yet. 20 more minutes.
Marissa: I’m so jealous! You’ll be exploring Ireland while I’m stuck in the office.
Lila: You know I’ll be working too, right?
Marissa: Yeah, yeah.
Lila: You could always join me?
Marissa: Uh, I wish! But you should see my desk, it looks like the copier threw up on it.
Lila: Sucks for you, lol.
Marissa: Bitch.
Marissa: Bring me something back! Oh, and of course, be safe.
Lila: Of course, see you in a week.
I send good thoughts to whatever higher power that’s above, hoping that I’ll have a smooth flight. Ten hours is a long time no matter how you look at it – and turbulence can be a bitch. Announcements begin to call overhead, and I, along with the other people in the seating area, begin to form a line. Scanning my mobile ticket, I make my way onto the plane. I shove my carryon into the overhead compartment and take my seat by the window. As I watch the other passengers board the plane, finding and taking their seats, my phone lights up with a text. My breath hitches as I read it.
Blaine: Have an awesome trip. I’ll see you when you get back, Scully.
Smiling, I sit back in my seat. I pull my earbuds from my pocket and settle into my seat. I place my phone on airplane mode and flip to my recently created playlist of Ashes and let Blaine’s voice help me through the next ten hours.
×××
The flight wasn’t that bad, but I’d definitely flown on smoother flights. But I made it, and that’s what counts, right? I’m staying in Dublin at Clontarf Castle just outside the city. I’m not embarrassed in the least little bit about how excited I am that I get to stay in a fucking castle.
As a child, I’d been consumed with fairy tales, I always thought my parents were Snow White and Prince Charming and would one day come for me. Sadly, they never did, but I still kind of hold a piece of hope that it may always be true.
We pull up to the castle, and I’m a little disappointed that it’s dark. I don’t get that overwhelming first impression but the way it’s lit up, I do get to see some of it. In the dark, with the shadows looming over it, there’s an eerie quality to it.
After checking in, the bellhop takes my luggage to my suite – yes, suite! Depending on the job, I could be stuck in a shit hole with a shared bathroom, but every so often, I get a suite; and this time, I’m in a fucking castle!
Rushing around, I roam through the suite that’s the size of my houseboat. There’s a separate living area, a bedroom, and an enormous bathroom to explore. I start in the living room and look through the mini-fridge, standing, I catch sight of the massive four-poster bed. From where I am, I run leaping on to the bed that’s larger than any king-size I’ve ever seen. Up and down I bounce, giggling like a child before throwing myself back, my hair falling in my face. Laying here, I realize I’m not at all tired.
Jet lag is a bitch, especially when you have to be up early for work the next day. I decide my best option is to try and take a bath, thinking that may help me relax.
I turn the knobs getting the water flowing and sprinkle some bubble bath in, mixing it with the water. The tub is monstrous with its claw feet seeming to dig into the floor holding it in place. Stripping, I test a toe first and I about purr in the process. I sink into the steaming water, a moan escapes my lips; the water loosens my aching muscles one by one. Being stuck in a confined area for ten hours, no matter how much you stand and walk around, is torture on the muscles. It’s doing its job; and soon, my eyelids grow heavy the longer I stay submerged. I drag my dead self from the tub and shuffle my way to the bed, half-ass drying myself off as I go. I snuggle down into the most comfortable sheets I’ve ever slept on, not even bothering to put clothes on. It doesn’t take long for sleep to claim me. I sink further into my dreamland of princesses with strawberry red hair and princes with emerald green eyes.
Chapter Twenty-One
Immediately as the music from my alarm fills the room, I jump out of bed, giddy to get started exploring this beautiful country. But work comes first, and a fashion line must be shot. Apparently, the fashion line had come to the States, and their popularity increased over the last couple of years. The line is still available there, but the owners wanted to go back to Ireland. This is where their roots are, and this is their home. Who could blame them, but they took the chance in America, and it worked out for them because their line is now becoming well known. They want to do the shoot here at the castle, inside and around on the grounds. I can’t wait.
The cool breeze blows directly off the ocean as I wander the grounds. I want to find the perfect spots, so I can get the phenomenal shots my customer wants. It doesn’t take long. As you can imagine, there are plenty of places to get the shots that I know will captivate anyone looking at them. I head back in to warm myself before the actual job begins. I choose to take up residence in front of the huge roaring fireplace as I wait for my employer to show. Warm tea is delivered, and I get comfortable. Blowing the steam, I sip on my tea trying my best not to burn my tongue. It never fails that I singe my taste buds off within the first sip of anything hot, no matter how much I try and prepare for it. Because of that reason, I refuse to drink hot drinks but with the job demanding the shots be taken outside and with the weather as it was, I’m taking necessary measures.
Someone approaches my seat. Standing off to the side just as I’m about to bring my mug up to take another sip. Raising my eyes, I take in a young woman appearing to be my age. Her honey-colored hair spirals down and lays right past her shoulders. A milky white hand reaches out from under her colorful coat “Hello, Lila?” she says. Her accent gives each word a small something. It isn’t thick as some I’ve heard since being here, but you know her heritage.
“That’s me. Hi, it’s nice to meet you” I respond unwrapping my hands from the mug and reaching one out to shake her extended hand. “Alannah… did I say it correctly?”
Smirking, she shakes her head “But it was a nice try. Ah-lan-ah” she emphasizes each part of it for me. “I’m glad you could make it. The girls are getting ready upstairs, and then we should be able to get started.”
“Sounds good. I scouted the grounds just a little bit ago, so I got a few places in mind, along with anything you may want as well” I say crossing my arms over my chest against the chill assaulting my back. I soon find the source, an older gentleman is holding the door for his wife. How sweet it is to still love your significant other after all the years that have passed. How rare it is.
“Perfect,” Alannah smiles, “Finish your tea, and I’ll come back when they are ready.”
I turn my attention away from the couple, and that’s what I do. I sink back into the oversized chair and stare into the flames inside the hearth. This fireplace is one of many in this colossal room, each working together to heat the space. This one being my own personal heat source at this moment while I enjoy my first morning hours inside these stone walls and Ireland.
×××
The shoot was a blast. The models did beautifully, making my job more relaxed. They had fun with it. That makes all the difference in the world when it comes to catching a moment with my camera. We were outside for several hours with clothes ranging from pants with plaid tops to billowing dresses fit for a princess. Those were my favorite. The breeze assisted with blowing the skirts around the girls creating a whimsical feeling.
Alannah assured me there were still a few hours of daylight left if I wanted to go exploring. She even offered to show me around Dublin; of course, I took her up on
it. I want to see as much as I can while I’m here and who better to show me around than someone who grew up here. Traveling the fifteen or so minutes into the city and finding a place to park, we walk through the city center. All the vibrant colors coming together to create a unique and thriving area unlike any other. One of the things that I love the most is all the brightly painted house doors. That would be something to remember when I get home. I just have to speak to my landlord first but once I get the okay, hello bright yellow door.
The remaining sunlight slowly sinks behind the horizon causing the city to become a bundle of twinkling lights. Alannah explains random facts about the buildings we pass on our way to Ha’Penny Bridge. My hand brushes the rod iron railing as we take the steps to the center, watching the River Liffy flow right below us. I wrap both hands around the banister and lean over, looking down into the darkening water. A glimmer of something catches my eye. Bending down, there, at my foot, is a small lock latched along the bottom of the bridge. My fingers twist and rub along the smooth metal. There aren’t any indications of what it’s for.
“That’s a love lock,” Alannah says from above looking over my shoulder.
“What?” I ask, confused, never having heard of the term.
“Lovers that visit the bridge place locks along the railings to symbolize their undying love for each other. There used to be thousands of them but not too long ago, they were removed by the city. Though they aren’t supposed to do it anymore, as you can see, people still do.” Shrugging, Alannah smiles saying, “Young love and such.”
I graze my finger over the lock, Blaine slides into my mind. We had planned to visit Ireland together long ago; and knowing him, he would have made a point to make our mark on this bridge. I shake my head, throwing the thoughts back where they belong. Standing, I turn to Alannah, asking, “Where to now?”