Side Show: Lust & Chrome duet

by Gigi Birtie

  “Let’s go Sloane.” Mona grabs my elbow and guilds me out the front door to my car. She takes my keys and I round the back to get into the passenger side.

  Once we're both inside the car we head down the road a bit before I turn to Mona.

  “I can't believe this is happening Mona.”

  I feel the tears stinging my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall.

  Mona doesn't say a word, but her knuckles look stretched tight around my steering wheel and her jaw is clenched tight.

  It doesn't take us long to get to the sorority house. We see Dane's truck parked out front with a spot for us to park two spots down. We sit there for a minute with the engine turned off as we see people coming and going from the house. It looks like it will be easy to gain access since there may be a party going on.

  “Let’s get this over with.” Mona says, as she opens the car door.

  I get out as well, but my feet feel as if they're filled with lead. I don't want to go in there my instincts are screaming at me to turn around, but I bury my anguish and continue forward.

  Once we reach the front door we just let ourselves in since the music is so loud. Right away I see Maisely from the coffee shop. Her jaw drops when she realizes it's me.

  “Oh, shit Sloane. What are you doing here?”

  She's guarded, and Mona and I exchange a look knowing these sororities and their sisterhood comes first.

  “Hey, I'm here to see Moxie is she in her room?” I play it off as if we're friends. Maisely eyebrows shoot up in surprise

  “I didn't know you were friends, yeah her room is upstairs and to the right third door down, but she has company, so you might want to wait.” She wiggles her eyebrows at us.

  Mona grabs my arm.

  “We'll go now thanks girl.” Mona says, and we hurry up the stairs to Moxies room.

  There was no slowing down no rethinking this. Mona was on a mission and she wasn't happy. She slams open Moxies door and sure enough I see Moxie on top of Dane both completely naked. Moxie doesn't even flinch she keeps riding Dane, but he looks up to see Mona and I standing there.

  My mouth falls open and Mona looks to me to say something.

  All I can say before the tears stream down my face is.

  “I guess your idea of love is a lot different than mine.” I hang my head and turn around leaving the room. I hear Mona go off on them both, but I can't make out what she's saying as I'm already down the stairs and at the front door.

  I pull out my phone and text Reese.

  I just caught Dane fucking Moxie

  Turning off my phone completely, I slide it in my back pocket as I make my way to my car. It's unlocked and I go into the back seat to grab the crow bar that my dad put there one day, telling me I never know when I would need it for protection. I walk up to Dane's truck and start busting out his side windows each one shatters easier than the next, it's the windshield that's giving me problems, so I continue to beat on it until it's nothing but a bunch of shattered pieces like my heart. How poetic right? I seriously never saw this coming or took him as a man who got around or someone who just assumed I fucked him over, so he would instantly do the same before getting all the details.

  “Stop.” Mona yells.

  I look up and she's running towards me.

  “Get in the car we have to go.” She yells again.

  I look around bewildered but it's just her. Doing as I'm told I hop off the hood of the car and run to my opened passenger door to get in. Mona jumps in the driver seat, starts up my car and we're out of there faster than we arrived.

  “What did you do?” I ask Mona.

  She lets out a evil laugh. “I may have slapped that bitch off Dane's dick and stomped his balls.”

  I stare at her in disbelief and bend over as I start to laugh which quickly turn into tears.

  Only my best friend would have the guts to do that, and my respect for her only grows even further.

  “Thanks Mona for doing what I didn't have the courage to do.” I say through my laughter and tears.

  “Babe, you know I got your back all day every day. I can't believe that happened. He didn't come off as a douche bag, I just hate when I'm blindsided like that.” Mona states.

  “Yeah me too, I know this isn't over just yet, and we still have to talk, but Mona I am still thankful to him for taking care of Taze, so I can't hate him. I just can't be with him. I love myself too much to deal with cheating no matter the excuse.” I let out a sigh as all those words were never truer. Dane could have had me forever I was falling more and more in love with him, but maybe it was all too soon. He may have cheated and I'm sure he has a great excuse but it's nothing that can bring us back together.

  “I hear ya girl, now I wish I wasn't being such a cock blocker with that Asher guy.” She laughs out.

  I laugh with her and explain. “He was just being nice, he saved us from a night in jail or at least me. Not sure if they would arrest you and Riv for being passengers, but I'm back to being done with guys. I think I'll let Reese's rule of don't touch my sister go back in affect.”

  “Yeah, that's not the answer Sloane. You need to take a day or two to heal and continue with life. We have to choose our colleges over break and we also need to get some motorcycles!”

  I laugh at Mona's plan. She's very focused, I can tell, after seeing Asher's Knucklehead.

  “Will you help me?” I ask.

  “Fuck, yeah. I'll help you with both!”

  “No, no, no, I just meant helping me pick out a college.”

  She smirks at me and I know she's already up to something.

  “Yeah, I'll help you with that. So now that our plans have changed and I'm kinda over going up to Tahoe let's go down south instead!! SoCal is now on the radar!!” She screams.

  Mona is my best friend for many reasons, and this is one of them. I think she's right though, I need to get out of here and I don't want to deal with Dane right now. So, some beach life with the bright Southern California sun is what my heart needs to heal.

  After we got back to Mona's, Riv was there hanging out in her private living room. Mona filled him in on what happened as I went to my room and unpacked most of the clothes we threw in there from my house. I definitely don't need sweaters and long johns for this trip. I have a few summer-like outfits here, but I'll buy what I need down wherever we end up. There's no way I'm stopping by my house for that off chance I have to talk to Reese or my dad or if he even cares Dane. We decide to head out in the morning. It's been a long and exhausting day and sleep is needed more than ever.

  I lay down and just start at a photo I took that's framed on the wall. It's a picture of the night I first met Dane but it's of Mona and Tala dancing amongst the cars and the left-over smoke from a burnout. Their limbs are out stretched Mona's head is tilted to the side and serious while Tala’s is thrown back with her eyes to the sky. It's in black and white and it's one of my favorites. As I look beyond them I see Dane off to the side who looks like he's talking to some girl, judging by the looks of her it's Moxie. My heart sinks even further. I should have known better than to get so caught up. I sigh closing my eyes. I've done enough thinking for one day. Tomorrow will be a day of unknown adventures and with all of us driving down to SoCal this girl is going to need her rest.

  Chapter 19

  It's early in the morning, but I can't tell what time it is. I refuse to turn on my phone. I roll out of bed and make my way to my own private bathroom. Instead of loafing around I decided its time to shit, shower, and shave.

  It's time to put as much distance between, me and my problems here in the Bay Area.

  I've gotten myself all ready, grabbed my bag to go wait in the living room for Mona and Riv. To my surprise they were already there, both eating a bowl of cereal. I laugh at how perfectly in sync they are as they bring the spoon to their mouths. They both turn to look at me with surprise.

  “What something on my face?” I ask with a laugh.

  “I think we're both
surprised you're up and by the looks of you ready to bounce out of this bitch.” Riv says.

  “Well I'm ready to gain some serious distance today.” That couldn’t have been a truer statement. After last night I'll do anything to wipe those images of Dane from my memory.

  Following breakfast, I waited for Mona and Riv to get ready. We were finally loaded up with all our stuff and ready to get to the highway, or so I thought. However, it was looking like we were making a detour. Once we turned onto Tala’s street I knew exactly what we were doing now. I started to bounce up and down in the back seat

  “Tala is coming?” I squealed.

  “Yeah just her though Rylan had some family gatherings that he couldn't miss, and you know Tala is always down for a SoCal road trip, so now we're set for some good times ahead.” Mona beams me with a bright smile before adding; “Poor Riv here has to deal with three hot chicks for the week.” Mona laughs out.

  “Yeah like that's such a punishment, three chicks that are rad as fuck on top of being beautiful, just leave me here.” He smirks.

  Riv’s comment made me smile. I never really considered myself as beautiful but definitely someone who was relatable.

  Mona honks the horn on her truck and Tala instantly comes skipping out with her suitcase rolling behind her. Her smile is blinding, and I know this week is exactly what this broken heart needs. Good friends and good times are always healing.

  “Bitches!” Tala screams, as she opens the door and climbs in, throwing her bag in the back of the SUV.

  She reaches over and wraps me up in a big hug in her tiny arms.

  “I heard what happened Sloane. Dane is an idiot. We’ll get you over him quick, I promise.”

  Tala kisses my cheek the leans forward to greet Mona and Riv kissing their cheeks as well.

  “Hey love birds.” Tala greets them.

  “So, have we decided on where we're going yet, besides just somewhere down in SoCal?” I ask as we pull out of Tala’s driveway.

  “Yeah we're heading to my cousin’s friends beach house, down in San Clemente. He just dropped off the key’s, but he said Asher might be down there later.”

  My jaw drops, and I see Mona look in the rear-view mirror and Riv turns to look at Tala as well.

  “What? What did I say? Do you all not like San Clemente?”

  What are the odds? There's no way it could be the same Asher could it?

  “You said Asher are you talking about Asher Easton?” Riv asks.

  “Yeah, do you know him?”

  “He kinda saved our asses last night and he's on my football team.” Riv informs Tala.

  “Ooooohhhhh well don't worry he's rad and I really don't think he'll come, but he might. It's really one of his parent’s beach house, but I'm told whichever parent it is that they're in Japan for some Motorcycle show. I think you would like him Sloane, you both have so much in common.”

  “How do you know that Tala?” Mona asks.

  “I met him the same night you and Sloane dropped me off at Blake's bar. He stopped by Rylan’s house after we got back. He's unbelievable with his cars and motorcycles plus he's a sophomore in college and didn't you say he play football with you guys Riv?”

  “Yeah he does, he's pretty good too but for some reason Reese and Dane don't like him very much.”

  “Why do you think that Riv?” I ask.

  “It's just a vibe I get, but it might be some stupid rivalry shit. Asher is very serious about school and football. He doesn't party like they do and is always training or studying.” Riv says.

  Those are qualities I like in anyone, but I'm not looking to date when my last relationship just died yesterday. Plus, my biggest concern this week is choosing a college to attend and forgetting about that scene of Dane and Moxie last night.

  I grow quite as everyone continues to chat about our plans.

  I watch the scenery fly by as we barreled down highway 5, towards San Clemente. I had been there once before, when Reese and I were kids. We had to tag along with our father on one of his business trips. It's a cute beach town with some great shops and bars and restaurants.

  I close my eyes and end up falling asleep, not even halfway into our trip.

  The truck slows down, and the sun is setting by the time I wake up. Riv is now driving as Tala gives him directions to the house.

  “It's right down this street but let's stop for some food and beer, I'm not sure what's there.” Tala warns us.

  So, we stop at a small grocery store and stock up on supplies for a couple of days. We’re set for a barbeque and bonfire tonight.

  Tala said that the beach is at the back of the property, so we’ll be able to just go out the gate and be right there. It sounded perfect.

  As we exit the store a guy with dreadlocks and beach attire on approaches us and hands us a flyer

  “Hey, I'm having a party tonight right here on the beach, I've got kegs and a few bands playing tonight, you all have to come.”

  “Rad we may stop by.” Riv lets the guy know.

  “We need more fine honeys at this party or it's going to end up a sausage fest and no one likes those.” Reggae guy laughs with a shiver. “Bring good vibes no drama it's all about one love.” He adds before walking into the store.

  “I wonder what bands he’ll have there?” I muse aloud.

  “Are you feeling up for a party Sloane?” Mona asks.

  “Maybe, I guess we'll see once we're all settled.”

  Tala takes the flyer as we all head to the truck.

  “Hey this is only two doors down from where we're staying!” Tala exclaims.

  “Well that's convenient isn't it.” Riv laughs.

  “It's definitely easier to get there if we only have to walk to it.” Mona adds.

  Once we're all loaded back in the truck, it doesn't take long before we're at the beach house, though house is an understatement, this is a mansion on steroids. All of our jaws have dropped in surprise.

  “Are you sure this is it Tala?” I ask. “There's no way this could be it.” I add with disbelief.

  “Nope, this is the place. Asher's family is well off but came from very humble beginnings. I think if I remember right Asher's dad sold some computer program and really made out. So. they're not those crazy stuck up rich people that we go school with.” Tala jokes and we all start laughing.

  “Now I'm told we can stay in any rooms we want that are on the left side of the house. I think they all face the beach too.”

  “I personally don't care what room I get, it can have a view of a brick wall and I'll be good.” I say.

  We park and start to unload. The lights are all off and it appears no one is here, which I am grateful for. My emotions have been up and down all day and I would hate to have to make small talk though it’s a party. With loud music it just means dancing, and no thoughts of Dane.

  After we enter the house and turn on some lights the entry is a like resort lobby. All the finer touches of rich wooden furniture and crystal light fixtures along with a massive chandelier that complement each other in a way that you wouldn't expect. I like it. It almost feels homely and not so much high class.

  We make our way down the hall to the left as instructed and there are 10 doors to which I assume are all bedrooms. Mona and Riv say the master has to be at the end and they call dibs. Tala and I just laugh with neither of us minding that they want a big room. Sure, enough as they enter we hear a, “oh fuck yeah,” from Riv indicating that the got what they wanted.

  “Which one should I choose Tala? Pick a door for me.”

  “Here take this one and I'll take the one next door to you ok?”

  “That works for me.” I smile.

  We both walk into our rooms and mine is perfect. It has black and white photography framed on the walls with dark accents throughout. This is definitely a guy’s room with all the masculine touches. Which I enjoy. I set my bag on the king size bed and flop right next to it. The room smells of ocean air and eucalyptus. It was a ref
reshing scent that seemed to soothe and relax me.

  I look more at the pictures on the wall and one in particular grabs my attention.

  “Tala come here.” I yell as I stand up from the bed going closer to the photograph.

  The picture is one that I had hanging at The Java Pit. It was one of my favorites of The Bay Bridge at night in black and white. I was on the ferry going home after having dinner with Mona and Tala. They decided to stay in the city that time as I wanted to go home and get some rest.

  Tala comes in my room in a hurry.

  “What's the matter?” She asks with concern in her eyes.

  “Look Tala.” I point to my photo.

  “Oh shit.” She's seen this one before, so I don't need to tell her it's my work “They have another one of yours in my room too!” Tala informs me.

  “No way! That's crazy right?” I'm not sure if I should be concerned or not, but Tala reassures me quickly.

  “Asher's mom did all the decorating so it's really just a coincidence. Plus, wow she has some amazing taste in art right?” Tala gives me a wink and I laugh.

  I knew I sold a few photos, but I had no idea who bought them. She was probably just getting coffee one morning and decided to purchase a few photos of mine. I feel somewhat honored that they'll be hanging here in such a beautiful home.

  “I really need to stop by The Java Pit and find out which of my pieces sold.” I wonder aloud.

  “Yeah, I hear they all sold, I went in one time before school and they had nothing on the walls. I had asked the girl working that morning and she said someone had just bought them all. I thought you knew though.”

  “No, I had no idea on that they were all bought up. I had a few sell in the beginning, but never heard anything after that.”

  Mr. Cutter should have called me or emailed, something to let me know. Nothing I can't take care of when I got home though.

  Home. Time to think about something else. I feel a pain in my chest that wants to creep up to my eyes making them want to sting with tears.

  I shake my thoughts and my head and go to my bag for my bikini. We were planning on sitting in the hot tub up in Tahoe so lucky I had one packed.