Perfume Therapy

by Kirsty McManus

  He doesn’t speak right away.

  “Is everything OK?” I ask hesitantly. I know he knows something, but I want him to say it first.

  He sighs aloud and then begins talking, like he’s both bored and incredibly disappointed.

  “What are you doing, Chloe?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Why did you defy me?”

  “In what way?” I’m going to make him spell it out. I’m not going to give him the satisfaction of having all the power. And I want him to admit that he’s still spying on me, which is obvious from his reaction. He must have hired a new guy. Either that, or Nick kept working for him after Rosie paid him off.

  “You know exactly what I mean!” he snaps. “For fuck’s sake, Chloe. You’re back in the apartment belonging to that…I don’t even know what to call him. He’s fucking lucky I’m not there, or I’d beat the living shit out of him for making you go back.”

  “Hey! I make my own decisions! Daniel had nothing to do with it, so leave him out of it. And I still don’t know why you think he’s a bad guy. He helped me out when the guy you hired to ‘keep me safe’ was nowhere to be seen. You should be thanking Daniel for saving my life. I could have been murdered in a back alley in Thailand if it wasn’t for him!”

  “Don’t be so melodramatic. Anyway, the real question is, why did you leave the hotel I organised for you? And why didn’t you collect the money I sent via the wire transfer?”

  “I didn’t think either was necessary. I had enough of my own money, and I got my new cards today anyway, so it’s fine. As for the hotel, it seemed like a waste. And it was so far away from everything.”

  “You mean from your precious Daniel?”

  “No, I mean from everything. Why are you so hung up on Daniel? He’s going away tomorrow, as you probably already know, seeing as you seem to know everything. I wonder why that is? You still don’t trust me, huh?”

  “Well, it seems I was right not to. The second that douchebag begs you to return, you’re jumping back into his bed.”

  “Oh, come on, Aaron. You know very well I’m not sleeping with him. And if your PI is doing his job properly, you also know that we’ve had next to no contact at all.”

  He sighs. “Chloe, this is getting ridiculous. My guy tells me you picked up your passport today, so why aren’t you making arrangements to go home? Anyone in their right mind would be heading to the airport as we speak and getting on the first available flight. Forget this nonsense ever happened.”

  I take a deep breath. “Aaron, I don’t want to go home. I’m helping a friend.”

  “Don’t start this shit again. You’re not helping that damn perfumer…”

  “I mean Rosie. Didn’t ‘your guy’ mention her?”

  “No. Probably because he didn’t think it was relevant.”

  “Well, it is. She’s a really cool chick and I’m helping her out. So I’ll be home when her project is finished.”

  The tension in my body is almost at breaking-point. I don’t how much more of this confrontation I can take.

  “You’re playing a dangerous game here, Chloe,” he warns in a low voice. “I know you feel like you have to prove your independence, but this is not the way to go about it. Pack your things and go to the damn airport now.”

  A weird sense of calm comes over me.

  “You know what, Aaron? Fuck you. I’ve made too many allowances for you lately. You’re controlling, paranoid and emotionally abusive. I don’t know why I’ve let you treat me badly for so long, but it ends now.”

  My brain hasn’t quite caught up to the words spewing out of mouth, but when it does, I know I don’t regret what I’m saying.

  “We’re over,” I say firmly. “Do not try and call me again, and definitely do not try to see me when you’re back in Australia.”

  I stab the hang-up key and notice I’m shaking.

  I didn’t think it was possible to feel this relieved by something I hadn’t even realised I was about to do.

  But I’m finally free.

  NINETEEN

  I feel strange about last night. Like I’ve done something I shouldn’t. It’s not that I regret it—I don’t—it just feels bizarre to be single after so long. And for everything to end so suddenly…I mean, I didn’t even give Aaron a chance to react. I just hung up. But I know if I had let him talk any more, he would have tried to convince me I was crazy and that I was in the wrong. And he’d probably have succeeded.

  I know I wasn’t wrong, but it’s hard. We’ve been together for three years. And yes, he was away a lot, but that actually made the time we had in person quite special. It also forced us to communicate effectively when we were together.

  I’m not exactly sure when things started turning bad, I think because I made a deliberate effort to not keep a tally of everything he said or did that upset me. I’d done that with previous boyfriends and it had never ended well. But if I really think about it, Aaron’s paranoia was evident as early as six months after we met.

  There were times we’d be hanging out with some of his army buddies when they were all in town at the same time, and he’d comment that the guys were flirting with me and that he didn’t like it. Back then, I thought it was sweet he was protective. Now I know better. And then there were the constant enquiries of “whatcha doing?” whenever I was texting someone on my phone, or the way he would never tell me when he was flying home so he could “surprise” me. Every time.

  I shake my head. I don’t have time to dwell on the past right now. I want to say goodbye to Daniel before he leaves for his workshop.

  The perfumery is buzzing when I arrive. Especially for so early. Rosie isn’t around, but I didn’t expect her to be yet. However, Kitty, Pen and Lek are all busy carrying boxes from the back room out to Daniel’s van.

  I join them.

  “Hi Daniel,” I say, handing him a box so he can stack it in the back.

  “Oh, hey. You’re in early.” He smiles warmly. Damn, the guy is seriously sexy. And now I can actually admit it.

  “Yeah, I thought I’d give you a hand before you left.”

  “Great. I appreciate it.”

  I head back inside to get another box. Daniel follows me.

  “Have you spoken to Rosie since yesterday?” he asks.

  “No. Why?”

  “She emailed me last night to say she had a connection back in the States who might be able to find some buyers for her new products.”

  “Really? That’s awesome! I’ll have to ask her about it later.”

  “Yes, do. And please apologise to her on my behalf, because I won’t be around to help her until next week.”

  “I’m sure she won’t mind.” And then I wonder if he’s trying to hint that I should change my plans so I can assist her until then. But when I study his expression, it seems perfectly innocent.

  In my head, I’m squealing out that I broke up with Aaron, but I know how inappropriate it would be to say it aloud. And possibly unwelcome. Sure, Daniel has been super nice to me, and I could interpret some of his words and actions in a particular way, but he could just be like that with everyone.

  “So, this might be the last time I see you,” he says. His tone is light, but I think I see a slight strain between his eyebrows.

  “Uh, yeah, I guess.” The thought makes me feel miserable, and even a bit sick.

  He steps towards me and gives me a hug. “You’ll be missed.”

  I slowly wrap my arms around his waist and rest my head against his chest. Holy mother of God, he feels good. I have to physically stop myself from sighing out loud.

  When he pulls away, his eyes look at mine searchingly.

  “Please stay in touch,” he says quietly.

  “I will.”

  I watch as he walks away, preparing to leave.

  And I swallow the lump in my throat.

  I will not cry.

  ***

  After Daniel leaves, I feel desolate, knowing I probably won’t see hi
m again. It somehow feels like I’ve had two break-ups in the span of fourteen hours, and I’m ashamed to admit I’m thinking about Daniel a lot more than Aaron.

  At least I haven’t had to deal with Kannika this morning. I’m surprised she wasn’t around, sucking up to Daniel and helping him load the van. I don’t even have Rosie to talk to, because she emailed me to say she was making some calls from her laptop at her apartment this morning and wouldn’t be in until later.

  Just before eleven, Kannika finally comes barrelling through the door. I try to ignore her, but of course, she makes a beeline right for me.

  “Your boyfriend’s gone,” she sneers.

  I look up at her, confused. “How did you know about that?”

  She stares at me, eyes wide. “So you’re admitting it?”

  “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “You admit that you’re screwing Daniel?”

  Now it’s my turn for my eyes to widen. “What? No! What are you talking about?”

  “What are you talking about?” she says, clearly annoyed by the conversation.

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but my boyfriend Aaron and I split up,” I say. I wish I didn’t feel the need to justify myself to this woman.

  Her expression changes to a knowing smile. “Ah. Because you want Daniel to be your boyfriend instead.”

  “No! Would you stop saying that? I don’t know why you think Daniel and I have something going on, but we don’t.”

  “You know he’s a player, don’t you?” she says, carefully studying my face for a reaction.

  “Who? Daniel?”

  “Yes, Daniel. Who did you think I meant? He hits on anyone with a pair of boobs.”

  I look at her, shocked. “That’s a horrible thing to say about your boss.”

  “It’s true. And do you know how he does it?”

  “Not really. But I assume you’re going to tell me anyway.”

  “He lures them into his lab and pushes himself up against them while he pretends to put something back on the shelf. Then he makes out with them. He even has sex with them in there sometimes.”

  My mouth drops open. What she’s saying can’t be true….can it? But if…how would she even know unless she’d been one of those people? I guess it’s possible some of the other women told her afterwards, although I find that hard to believe. But how else could she have so accurately described last night? Except we didn’t kiss. And he didn’t “lure” me there. I went of my own accord. Unless he was the one who left the canisters out, knowing I would put them away…

  Kannika smiles evilly. “Oh my God! He has tried to hit on you, hasn’t he? Did you fall for it?”

  I stand up and fix her with a stare. “Go to hell.”

  I then hurry out of the shop and retreat to my apartment.

  This is all a bit more than my heart can take.

  ***

  I stand inside the apartment with my back against the closed door, breathing hard. My mind is a whirl. Could Kannika be telling the truth? What if Daniel is what she says? It would explain why Gan can’t remember the last time he had a girlfriend— he’s been too busy playing the field. He seemed like such a great guy, though! But then maybe that’s his secret…come across all perfect just to get you into bed for one night and then ditch you.

  I shiver at the idea of a one-night-stand with Daniel. There’s a tiny part of me that might not even have minded the idea. After all, I am on holidays. Any encounter I have is obviously not going to be a long-term commitment.

  And then I feel ashamed. I’ve been broken up with Aaron for less than a day and already I’m planning casual hook-ups.

  But is that what I’m doing? Shouldn’t I be grieving or something?

  Agh! My brain! Why can’t I think properly? And why should any of this matter? It’s not like I’m going to see Daniel again.

  But I can’t let it go. I don’t want to feel like my memory of him is tainted.

  I know! I’ll google him. I don’t know why I think that will help, but maybe there’ll be something online that will help me make up my mind about him either way. I don’t want to put my faith in anything Kannika says, but there was something about the way she explained Daniel’s behaviour that made me feel like she wasn’t just making stuff up.

  I type in Daniel Richards perfume and click Enter.

  Well. It looks like Daniel is quite well-known in his world. There are dozens of articles about his perfume creations and his famous clients. Every story is positive and discusses his almost uncanny ability to design the exact fragrance each customer requests.

  So far, so good. I then do a quick image search and guiltily indulge in the many photos of the man I’d consider to be the most attractive perfumer in history.

  I click on one particularly delicious image, where he’s dressed in a fancy suit and tie. The photo belongs to an article for a respected men’s magazine with a headline that catches my attention.

  MORE TO CHARISMATIC PERFUMER DANIEL RICHARDS THAN MEETS THE EYE

  By Hayley Fredriksen

  Tucked away on the other side of the world, in a tiny shop in the back streets of Bangkok, is powerhouse “perfumer to the stars” Daniel Richards. I was lucky enough to meet the intensely private Daniel on his recent visit to New York, when he was in town to help Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Ellie Gayle launch her new fragrance, Winter Spice. Daniel is both a welcoming and daunting presence, towering over most people with his six-foot-five frame, but readily sharing his contagious smile and soothing energy.

  That’s exactly the Daniel I know. My doubts about him start to lessen.

  Daniel has been working as a perfumer ever since he landed a coveted position at one of Grasse’s famous perfumeries at the age of twenty-four. This followed the completion of a nine-month course in the region well-known as the epicentre of fragrance. As a student, Daniel was consistently top of his class, and his superiors often commented on his extraordinary ability to create a perfectly balanced fragrance to suit any project thrown his way.

  Daniel quickly rose through the ranks, and soon became one of the perfumery’s most respected senior staff. But after three years at the top, Daniel took some time out to travel. He fell in love with Thailand and decided to stay, setting up a modest shop and laboratory in an obscure street on the fringe of Bangkok’s bustling CBD.

  When prodded on the abruptness of his lifestyle change, the enigmatic Daniel merely smiles. “There’s more to life than work,” is all he will say.

  Is that really so weird? I guess it might be considered a little strange by some people to give up a high-flying career, but I also completely understand that monotony and stress eventually take their toll. I wonder if there’s more to the story than that. I skim through the rest of the article, but it mostly just talks about his other famous clients. And then I get to something interesting.

  It’s impossible not to acknowledge Daniel’s model good looks and impeccable style. When questioned on his love life, he plays it coy. “There’s no one special in my life right now.”

  But after doing a little digging, we uncovered several women who claim to have dated the celebrity perfumer in the past. All agreed Daniel was a gentlemen, but all remain tight-lipped on what caused the ultimate demise of their relationship.

  When pressed, Daniel is equally unhelpful. “I’m sorry, but my love life is not for public consumption.”

  So what does that mean? Is it hinting that Daniel is actually a player? Or is there something I’m missing? Why wouldn’t any of the women say what happened? Is that normal?

  This is all too hard.

  I decide to check my email to distract myself.

  Shit. I forgot to tell Keith I’d decided to stay, and he is not happy. There are multiple messages waiting for me, none of them positive.

  Message 1: Chloe – I thought you said you were coming home early. Where are you?

  Message 2: Chloe – I can’t find my glasses again and that temp is annoying the hell out of m
e. Why aren’t you here?

  Message 3: Chloe – This place is literally falling apart. I need you back ASAP!

  Message 4: Chloe – The temp quit and the Robert Chang account is a mess. I need you to fix it!

  I bury my face in my hands. God. Bethany quit? I’m not surprised, going by Keith’s over-the-top hysterics. I’m glad I didn’t write to him and ask if I could extend the trip. It did vaguely cross my mind after Daniel mentioned he wouldn’t be around to help Rosie, but that would have just caused a whole extra bunch of unnecessary drama.

  I type a message back, telling Keith that my situation changed and I’ll be in early on Monday to start getting everything under control. But I feel a sense of numbness at the idea of returning to my day job in Brisbane. I mean, I don’t mind Keith some of the time, but our relationship is pretty suffocating. And the work isn’t nearly as fun as what I do here, even when I’m just packaging up samples. I’d happily work for Daniel for a fraction of my HR salary.

  I’m just about to close down the laptop when a private message pops up on Messenger. It’s from Mia.

  Oh my God Chloe! I think I’m dying!

  My heart instantly starts racing.

  What happened??? I quickly type back.

  Mia: I am sooo sick. Everyone’s flown home and I’m here all alone. Help me!

  Me: Can you get back to Bangkok and leave with me on Friday?

  Mia: I changed my flight because I was going to go home with the gang, but now I’ve missed it. Shit. I think I’m going to…

  Me: Mia?

  I sit there anxiously watching the screen for the talking dots. Damn those talking dots! After a few minutes, she writes again.

  Mia: Sorry, just had to puke. I don’t know what to do. I’m scared. What if I drown in my own vomit?

  Me: Where are you?

  Mia: In Koh Pha Ngan. Can you come down?

  I hesitate. Is this just another one of Mia’s stunts? She can be unnecessarily dramatic at times…but I already feel myself sliding back into parent mode. It’s my job to be there for her. She doesn’t have anyone else.