by Amiee Louise
She clears her throat.
"What about Raleigh, I thought it was serious with you two?"
I smile to myself. "Is that jealousy I hear, Lavelle?"
She chuckles softly, “me, jealous? Course not!”
I laugh.
“No, course not, because that would mean admitting you care about me.”
I know I sound bitter, but I don’t mean to.
“Brody, don’t, we’ve been over this.”
The tone of her voice tired and defeated.
“Look, I need to see you, are you alone?”
She sighs audibly.
“Stefan’s away at a conference in Munich.”
As she says those words, I feel more than a little optimistic.
“Can I come over? We need to talk about what happened between us the last time we saw each other.”
There’s a slight pause and I think she’s hung up until I hear the words I was praying would leave her lips. “Yes, you can come over, we’ve got unfinished business.”
I find myself smiling like a loon. “Ok, I’ll be there soon.”
I hang up with hope of a reunion between me and Lorna.
***
I make my way over to Lorna’s in record time and I feel wide awake all of a sudden. I walk up the path and I tap softly on the door. I see the light flick on and her shadow appears in the doorway. She opens the door tentatively and my heart slams against my ribcage as I catch sight of her. Her hair is piled up on top of her head in a loose bun and her black silk dressing gown is pulled tightly around her. She doesn’t say anything, she just steps away from the door to allow me inside. She closes the door behind me and the silence that I’m met with is discernable.
“Are you not going to say anything?”
I break the silence which has become uncomfortable.
“What else is there to say that hasn’t already been said, Brody? I think I made myself clear the last time I saw you.”
She exhales quietly and I hear the bitter tone of her voice. It cuts me deeper than I care to admit, so I remain quiet and contemplative for a few moments before I continue.
“I’ve got plenty to say, Lorna and you’re going to fucking listen to me,” I say with a dark edge to my voice.
“Do you remember the night we met?” I ask, curious to know.
She nods slowly, as if she’s remembering every spoken word, every touch, every kiss.
“I remember everything about that first night, L. I remember how you came apart beneath me, I remember what you were wearing. I remember every little fucking detail!”
I feel my heart pounding in my chest. I can feel myself getting more and more agitated because she’s refusing to look at me. Her pained gaze is firmly fixed to the floor.
“I remember how you panted as I licked you to orgasm. I remember every kiss, every touch, every fucking word we exchanged! But what I don’t understand is why you think it’s ok to play fucking games with me! Tell me why! Or so help me God!”
My voice is a few decibels louder and I’m aware I’m scaring her, because she’s retreated into herself. She’s hugging herself and she’s sobbing softly. She’s never reacted like this before and I step closer to her. As I approach, she flinches violently and with every step forward I take, she takes a step back until her back collides with the wall.
“What’s he done this time?” I ask on a soft rasp, and she shakes her head.
“It’s n…nothing,” she replies meekly, and I tip her chin up to face me.
“Look me in the eye and fucking tell me it’s nothing,” I counter as a tear slides down her cheek. I catch it with my thumb and rest my forehead against hers. “I’ll ask again, what the fuck has he done to you this time?”
She squeezes her eyes shut, refusing to look at me.
“He’s ill, he’s not been himself,” she says defensively, and I laugh bitterly.
“Ill? He’s a fucking wife beating psychopath! He laid his hands on you, Lorna, when are you going to realise that’s not okay? He should be worshipping you every single night, not beating the shit out of you! How can you stand there and defend him? I want to be the one to worship you, I want it to be my name you scream! I want you for the rest of my life, Lorna! But you’ll always choose him and I’m tired, I can’t fucking do this anymore. I’m exhausted. Loving you is exhausting and I’m done. I’m so done.”
I swallow, desperate to maintain some sort of composure. I can’t let her see that she’s broken my heart. I take a few steps back, putting some distance between us.
“I wish I could go back in time so I’d met you first,” she confesses.
“I wished it was you I’d walked down the aisle with, I wished it was you who I fall asleep next to each night and woke up next to you each morning, I have so many regrets, but you’re not one of them.”
She sobs softly and hearing her admit those words out loud is sobering. But I strengthen my resolve and shake my head.
“That doesn’t change anything, I’m sorry, this has to be goodbye.”
I turn to leave and she grabs my arm, pulling me back to her.
“Why did you come here, Brody?”
I briefly squeeze my eyes shut, before I answer her.
“You know he’s going to be the one to end your life, don’t you? Please don’t let him snuff out that light in you, Lorna, please, promise me?”
She sobs and moves closer to me, pressing her forehead to mine, cupping my face in both of her hands.
“Brody, don’t,” she whispers.
“Promise me?” I plead. “Promise me you won’t let him hold that power over you? Promise me that one day you find that fucking strength that I know you’ve got inside of you and leave him. You leave him and you don’t look back, do you hear me?” It’s taking everything I have inside of me not to burst into tears, but I know deep down this is the right thing to do. I have to let go and I have to say goodbye. “Promise me, L,” I whisper, barely audible.
She sobs uncontrollably, until she manages to nod. My shoulders sag and I press my lips to hers one last time, as I turn and walk away.
Goodbye Lorna Lavelle, it’s been an adventure.
27
Raleigh
As I study myself long and hard in the mirror, I notice my eyes have their familiar sparkle back, my shoulders are relaxed and my posture straight. I'm standing tall and proud for the first time in forever, despite a trying few months, I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time and I’m in love with Brody Hart. I smile at my reflection, my smile is genuine and for the first time, it reaches my eyes. I apply some bright pink lip gloss and press my lips together.
"Are you ready, babe?" Liv asks with a hint of concern to her voice.
I nod and take a deep breath, as I straighten and smooth out my white Stella McCartney dress, with a bold turquoise leopard print neckline. The dress’ plunging neckline makes my boobs look amazing and emphasises my killer figure. I feel confident and ready to face the critics. After a whole day of preparing and pampering, the moment I step onto the red carpet is edging ever closer.
"Ready as I'll ever be, Livvy!" I say enthusiastically, and she claps excitedly.
Tonight, is the premiere of Rocked. After almost three months of gruelling filming and endless hours of reshoots, my first film working with Damien Valentine was complete. Tonight, we were going to be celebrating the release and I couldn’t wait to share our hard work with the world.
“Are you sure you’re ok, Rae?”
I nod, suddenly feeling sick. I take a deep breath, pressing my hand to my abdomen and I can’t stop my stomach from roiling. I rush to the bathroom and drop to my knees, emptying the contents of my stomach into the toilet bowl. Liv gets down on her haunches next to me and rubs my back.
“Fucking hell, what bought that on?” she asks softly as I put my hand to my mouth and shake my head.
“I’m just nervous that’s all, babe. Really fucking nervous. It’s been a while and I’m a little out of practice.�
��
Concern mars her face, as I manage to smile. I take a few sheets of toilet roll and wipe my mouth. I get to my feet, wash my hands, and check my reflection in the mirror once again. Liv straightens my dress and tucks my hair behind my ears. I smile, as I reapply my lip gloss.
“Will I do?”
I give her a twirl and Liv grins.
“I’d do you!”
We both laugh like a pair of naughty schoolgirls. I’m ready as I’ll ever be, you can do this, Storm.
***
Nick is my date for the premiere tonight to take away the spotlight from mine and Brody’s romance. Tonight, we are arriving separately to throw the press off the scent of our blossoming romance and for the main focus to be on the movie. I step out of the limo to blinding camera flashes. No matter how many times I do this, it always overwhelms me, I can’t help it. It sets my nerves on edge and makes me feel anxious. Nick moves closer, placing his hand at the small of my back, it instantly grounds me and calms me. My breathing returns to normal and we pose easily for the eager paparazzi.
“We’re going to be front page news tomorrow, Mr Slade,” I manage to whisper so only he can hear.
“I’d be disappointed if we weren’t, love.”
I hear the amusement in his voice, as he turns to me and winks. Fucking charming bastard. We make our way along the red carpet. Cliff is a safe distance away, wearing his perfectly tailored Men in Black suit, complete with matching sunglasses. We pose for pictures along the way, stopping to answer the reporters’ questions.
“Hi! Juliet Thomson from TMZ. Tonight, I’m joined on the red carpet by the stunning Raleigh Storm and Nick Slade for the premiere of the eagerly awaited release of ‘Rocked’. It’s been described as Damien Valentine’s love letter to rock music; do you think that’s accurate?”
I smile, as she thrusts the microphone in front of me.
“It’s definitely an accurate narrative. Damien’s an amazing director and I’ve wanted to work with him for so long. It’s important when you’re acting in a movie that you trust the direction it goes in, ya know? Damien’s so lovely, he made us all feel at ease. I loved the script when I first read it. It was witty, sharp, and dark in places, but we had so much fun filming and preparing for it! I think it’s definitely one of my favourite films I’ve worked on in my career so far!”
She laughs in an over-the-top fashion and I’m inwardly rolling my eyes.
“Wow! We can’t wait to see the movie! How did you prepare for the movie? Rumour has it you went on tour with Rancid Vengeance, how was that?”
Nick subtly brushes my arm, taking the lead in answering the question.
“It was great! I’ve known those rascals for quite a number of years! I consider them close friends! It’s always an adventure and a total experience that’s for sure! They’re so professional, they love what they do, and it was fun going along for the ride! They taught us a lot and we can’t praise them enough!”
Nick answers enthusiastically and I’m grateful for his intervention. Juliet nods and seems happy with our answers.
“Thank you so much! I’ve been joined by Raleigh Storm and Nick Slade here at the premiere of Rocked!”
We both nod curtly, and I let out the breath I didn’t realise I was holding.
“Breathe, love. Fuck me, I need a drink!”
We both laugh, as the cameras continue to flash wildly. We make our way, inside the Odeon Theatre, in the heart of London’s Leicester Square. Nick and I are posing for more pictures, that’s when I spot him, Brody Hart.
He is wearing a classic black and white pinstripe suit, with a white vest underneath. He teams it with a wide rimmed black fedora and mirrored aviator sunglasses. I'm quickly learning that his unique style is just another part of him I’m discovering. He poses for the paparazzi, as if it’s second nature to him. He’s chewing gum and casually standing with one hand tucked in his pocket. He's playing up to the cameras, engaging with the fans and acting the cool, playful, and rebellious rock star, that the press describes him as. It’s moments like these I treasure. He takes off his sunglasses and finds my eyes across the crowds of people, occasionally giving me a subtle wink, or a casual smirk. This is the Brody I have fallen hopelessly in love with.
I make my way towards him, and looks me up and down, checking me out.
“Wow! Fuck me, you look knockout, kitten,” he compliments, both of us aware that the spotlight is on us.
The press and paparazzi watching and scrutinising our every move.
“Let’s give them a picture!”
He smirks, playfully pulling me to him. I turn side on into him, deliberately pressing my breasts to him and I swear I hear him growl. I chuckle softly, as he wraps his arm around me, the flashes firing continuously, causing my head to throb. He buries his head in my neck.
“Fuck, you smell good, I’ve missed you so much,” he breathes.
“You literally saw me this morning!”
We both laugh easily, acutely aware of the attention we’re attracting.
“You do realise the press are eating your PDA up with a fucking spoon?” I whisper wryly, as he presses a kiss to my cheek.
“Fuck ‘em!” he says cheekily as he bows elaborately in front of me and whisks me off into the large auditorium.
He is magnetic and every morning waking up next to him, I find myself falling more in love with him. With every day that passes, he’s showing me more and more facets of himself and I’m enjoying every single moment.
***
After the preview screening of ‘Rocked’, we head to the after-show party at Neon Nights. It’s a who’s who of the celebrity world with music, TV, and film stars alike in attendance, it’s quite the gathering. I’m sipping my glass of champagne, my stomach still roiling from earlier. Liv and Jensen come over to where I am standing.
“Oh my God, Rae! That was amazing! I’m well jel’ of you getting to work with Nick Slade! Hottie alert!”
Jensen rolls his eyes at her theatrics and I laugh. He leans in to kiss me on the cheek.
“Hey Rae! Kudos on the film, it was really great!” he says in his deep Texan timbre.
Jensen Starr is my best friends fiancé, and he’s a genuine guy. Jensen is a billionaire world class, F1 racing driver. He drives for Starr Inc. which he owns and he’s one of the hottest and most talented drivers hailing from Austin, Texas. At thirty-four years old, he's one of the best drivers of our time, rivalling Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Kimi Raikkonen, with a string of pole positions and world lap records under his belt.
He is over six feet tall, he has green eyes, light brown hair styled into messy spikes and only he can rock a burgundy suit, with a white shirt, black braces, and a matching burgundy dickie bow. He and Liv complement each other and together they make a stunning couple.
“Sooo! I want all the gossip on you and the rock star!” Jensen laughs low and hoarsely.
“There’s nothing much to tell!” I say coyly, and he nods.
“Right, of course there isn’t!”
He says wryly in his rich All-American accent, I shift my gaze to the floor and Liv brushes my arm reassuringly.
“Don’t listen to him, babe, Jensen stop winding her up!”
She chastises him and he rewards her with a teasing pinch of her arse. I giggle at their familiar camaraderie and at that moment, we are joined by Brody. He casually slings his arm around me, and I melt into his side.
“Ah, the best friend?” Brody says with a smirk, and Liv cocks her perfectly plucked eyebrow.
“Ah, the boyfriend?” she laughs wryly.
“Nice to see you again, this is my fiancé Jensen.”
Brody nods and reaches out to shake his hand. Jensen takes it politely and I can see in their eyes that they are silently sizing each other up.
“Pleased to meet you, mate,” Brody says with that cheeky smile I have become accustomed to.
“Likewise,” Jensen says coolly, and I see Liv stiffen as her eyes wander
to the other side of the room.
I turn around to see what’s caught her attention and my eyes land on Carter. Oh fuck, fuck, fuck, please God, not here, not now. Brody turns to see what has me spooked and I feel every part of his body tense. He clenches his fists at his sides, and I grip his bicep in warning.
“Take me home, Brody,” I blurt out, but he laughs bitterly.
“Fuck that, kitten, this is your night and I for one am not going to let that piece of shit ruin it for you, I’ll escort him out myself if I have to, but he’s coming nowhere fucking near you, not on my fucking watch,” he grits out, and I can feel the tension in his entire body.