by F. L. Jacob
“Sabrina, you know you don’t have to beg, but I sure like when you do.”
I smile and glance out the window. “You do? What does it do to you?”
“Oh Sabrina,” the words are more of a plea, “you have no idea.”
Beth slugs me on the shoulder to get my attention. “Ouch!”
“Time’s up, Bre.”
“No.”
Sara responds, “Oh yes, plus we don’t want to hear phone sex between you and Caston.”
Hearing the girls, Caston starts laughing. “I’ll let you go, babe. If they give you the phone back, call me and we can do it right.”
“Fuck.” I let my head fall back onto the seat. “Damn it, Caston, now I’m horny.”
This sends the girls into a fit of laughter.
“Go, have fun, be safe, and I’ll take care of everything. Personally.”
A smile splits my face. “Thank you, honey. I love you.”
“Love you too, Bre, more than you will ever know.”
I hang up my phone and unwillingly hand it over to Sara.
“Okay, I’m all yours. Do whatever you want to me.” I hold my hands up in surrender with a huge smile on my face.
I may pretend that I’m upset about this impromptu trip, but I’m only trying to put up a tough exterior. I’m jumping up and down on the inside.
Beth pulls some cheesy bachelorette items from her purse and places them on me. I’m now decked out in a plastic tiara, sash, and light up ribbons pinned to my shirt.
Before they can do anything, else we pull up to the airport and Caston’s private jet is sitting on the tarmac waiting for us. I turn to them with eyes wide.
“Okay, spill it. You know I hate flying.”
We step out of the limo, and the stewardess greets us.
“Welcome, ladies. The flight looks like it will be a smooth one and the masseurs will be set up in the bedroom once we hit cruising altitude.”
“Eeeek!” Beth bounds up the steps, leaving Sara and I behind. “Come on slow pokes!”
Sara holds out her hand to me. I place my hand in hers, and we walk up the steps together.
They still haven’t told me where we are going. “Before I go any further, I want to know where we are going.”
“Don’t worry, Sabrina, it’s Caston approved,” Sara teases.
“Should we just tell her?” Beth asks as she sets her purse down.
“Yes!” I demand.
“Damn, Bre. When did you get so demanding?” Beth walks up to me and puts her hands on my shoulders.
I just glare at her.
“Okay, fine. We’re going to Caston’s house in Mexico.”
My mouth falls open.
Sara interrupts, “Riveria Maya, Mexico to be specific. It’s around Cancun. He has a villa on the beach. It’s fully staffed, so it’s kind of like our own personal resort.”
I blink a few times with my mouth still hanging open.
Laughing Sara and Beth, link arms with me. “Okay, I think we have officially shocked her. Let’s get this party started.” Once the pilot announces we can move about the cabin, they lead me back to the bedroom where three really muscular, tan men are setting up massage tables for us. I’m sure they weren’t Caston approved.
Sara gasps at the sight of the men. “Holy shit, this is going to be a weekend for the record books.”
I wave goodbye to Sabrina and the girls before turning to head back to my office. Laughing on my way up, I can only imagine what Sara and Beth have up their sleeves. Maybe it’s better that I don’t think about it.
After Bre’s brief phone call, I pour myself into work. Anything to keep my mind off of Sabrina. I know that I won’t hear from her for a few days because Sara’s taking her phone hostage. Back to back meetings, a few model scouting portfolios, and the work day is done. Clearing off my desk, I stand to the leave when I remember what Bre asked me to do.
I walk to the other side of the building and into her office. All the lights were on and she did, in fact, leave the computer on. Laughing to myself as I look over her desk of organized chaos, I pull up her email.
I’m dumbfounded when I see three emails from Broc today. Wondering how often she talks to Broc, I sort her emails by sender. I’m relieved to see these were the only ones. Wondering why he emailed her today, I open the first one up.
Sabrina—
I wanted you to know that I’m worried Mark is up to something. Please call me. Same number as always.
Broc
My heart starts racing. No, this can’t be happening. I click the next one.
Sabrina—
I know I just sent you an email, but I was worried that you are just ignoring me. Please call me.
Broc
I call Terrance, informing him that as soon as the plane is back from dropping off the girls, I want it refueled and ready to head back. Clicking open the next email, I paraphrase the emails to him, so he knows what’s going on.
Sabrina—
He’s been at Beth’s apartment. Please.
Broc
The phone rings three times. I’m chewing on my thumb and tapping my heel on the ground, willing him to answer his phone.
“Hello?” Broc answers with a question in his voice. I’m sure he didn’t recognize the phone number.
“Broc? This is Caston Black.”
“Ah, fuck man. I emailed Sabrina to talk to her. Why’d she have to get you involved?”
I bang my fist on Sabrina’s desk, sending a stack of paper sliding off the side. “Listen up, dipshit, Sabrina didn’t get me involved. I happened to check her email because she’s unavailable. Tell me what the fuck is going on.”
I can hear Broc take a deep breath, possibly deciding what he wants to say to me. Then he begins saying that he’s been trying to get Beth back. I wanted to laugh out loud when one of his ways to get her back was to spy and stalk her. I’m shaking when he tells me that a few weeks ago he saw Mark coming out of Beth’s apartment.
“You’ve sat on this information for weeks? Are you insane?” I seethe.
“I’ve been trying to decide what to do. I knew deep down she couldn’t be seeing him, but what he would be doing coming from her house has me baffled.”
Getting up, I’m trying my best to not punch a hole in the wall. “Look, Broc. We’re on the same side. I will make sure Beth stays safe too, but I need you to try to find out more from Mark. Can you do that for me?”
He stays silent for a long time. So long that I check to see if the phone hung up. “Broc, look, you’re either with me or against me, but with me we can make sure the women we love are safe. What’s it going to be?”
Taking a deep breath Broc whispers, “Fine what do you want me to do?”
I haven’t been this relaxed in months. The massage was just what I needed. I feel like a limp noodle now. We’re sitting in robes, getting pedicures. Who gets to be this lucky? I’m sipping on my wine and listening to the girls chatter about who they can set Beth up with.
“Look how relaxed she is. I told you this would be perfect,” Beth whispers.
“Thank you, I really am.” I raise my glass. “To us, my two girls.”
“To us,” they respond in unison.
The rest of the flight is uneventful, and I’m even more thankful for that because I hate flying. I’m definitely feeling the effects of the wine and the lack of food from the last few hours. Even though the girls were shoving food in my face I couldn’t bring myself to eat. Getting off the plane we’re hit with a blast of warm humid air. I love it. Waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs of the plane is a blacked out Suburban.
I smile when I see Jake at the door. He was one of our body guards in Vegas. “Jake, it’s good to see you,” I say when I approach him.
He’s surprised when I move to hug him. “You too, Miss Bennett. It’s always a pleasure.”
I back up. “Jake, do we have to go over this again? Sabrina or Bre.”
Sara has made it over to us. “
Okay, Bre, stop attacking the guard. Sorry, Jake she’s feeling no pain right now.”
“Not a problem at all. I suspect it was a good flight then?” He steps aside to let us into the vehicle.
“It was!” I say it a little too loud and giggle at my enthusiasm. “Hey, Jake, are you married?”
To see a full blush cross his face makes me double over laughing.
“Okay, Sabrina, let’s get you in the car.” Sara guides me in through the door.
Just as she’s about to get in I stick my head out of the door. “Hey, Jake.”
He turns around to give me his attention.
“That’s Beth over there. She needs to get—” Sara shoves my face back into the car.
“Don’t mind her, but that is Beth, and she’s single.” With a wink and a pat on his shoulder, she gets into the car behind me.
Beth and Jake are talking outside for quite some time. When she finally gets into the car, she’s flushed and full of smiles. I’m not sure if it’s from the heat or what they were talking about, but I’m definitely going to find out. I don’t want this weekend to be all about me.
“So, what do you think?” I nudge her knee.
Her face goes bright red. It’s him. “His accent is amazing. Made me tingly all over. What is it?” Beth is on the verge of doing the ‘oh my god’ girl squeal.
Sara is looking at the iPod for something to listen to when she turns around with a funny look. “I don’t know. It never crossed my mind to ask before,” she says completely serious.
We both look over at her and bust out laughing.
Just to embarrass Beth a little more, when Jake gets in the driver seat I lean over and blurt out, “So, Beth says you make her tingly. What’s that accent there, buddy? Guess I never noticed until she pointed it out.” I look back over my shoulder. “I’ve been a little in my own world lately.”
Beth wants to crawl under a rock, and Sara’s trying not to laugh, but failing miserably.
Jake laughs as he blushes. “I’m from Australia.”
“Oh Australian. Hear that Beth? I wonder how long he can stay down under. No, no wait, bet he can cook your shrimp on his Barbie.” I try to mimic his accent and fail terribly.
All three of us fall into a hysterical laughing fit. Jake’s even laughing. Sara grabs the remote for the music and starts a song that has us dancing in our seats. I’ve heard this song before, but never let it take a hold of me. Now I’m letting loose and going with the flow. “Party Rock” by LMFAO is blaring. Poor Jake is dealing with all of us moving around like crazy. I can’t even imagine what it looks like from the outside.
We finally pull up in front of the ‘Mexican Mansion’. I know Caston is extremely wealthy, but this, this is just unbelievable. We pull up along a winding cobblestone drive. Suddenly a large white house with a traditional grass roof appears. Multiple stories with balconies coming off each room. The balconies have deep brown, glossy wood rails. Every window and door in the house is open to let the perfect weather fill into the house. When the car stops Jake gets to the door quickly to let us out. I get out and feel as if I’m transported back in time to the night I pulled up in front of Caston’s house.
My mouth just hangs open as I try to take in the monstrosity in front of me. Sara and Beth file out behind me, laughing.
“Holy shit, Bre.” Beth stops next to me speechless, like I am.
Sara flies by us up a set of wooden steps. Beth and I do a spin in place, looking at our surroundings. I hear the Caribbean Sea, and I want nothing more than to sink my feet in the warm aqua blue water.
Sara appears in the doorway. “You slow pokes still out here? Come on!”
She turns back into the house, and I start walking up the steps. Beth stays behind. She’s taking advantage of the time alone to talk with Jake and that makes me happy. Once inside, I’m taken aback again with how comfortable it is in here. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I entered, but everything is exactly like Caston’s house, very inviting and so him. I can almost picture him sitting on the couch, reading with the sun shining in filling the space with a comfortable calm.
“So, let’s get into our suits and go out to the beach before the party tonight,” Sara says.
“Party?” I question, skeptically.
“Don’t worry, Bre. Everything will be fine.”
I shake my head. Sara and her parties. I should have known. “So, where’s my room?”
“Master bedroom is down this hall. You have a private wing all to yourself. I figured you would want Caston’s room.”
I smile and nod.
Sara turns to Beth. “And your room is—”
“I’ll show her to a room.” Jake interrupts.
Beth immediately stills when she hears him talk behind her. She looks at me and mouths, “Oh my God.”
“Very well,” Sara responds. “Meet back here in half an hour?”
“Sounds good to me,” I agree.
Beth looks over to Jake, then back at us. “I’ll try.”
Jake offers Beth his arm, and she takes it before he leads her off in the opposite direction.
Sara and I giggle as we watch them go.
“Sara, not too crazy tonight, right?”
She crosses her heart and says, “I swear.”
I just roll my eyes and head toward my room. Sara and parties are notorious for getting out of control. I’m instantly worried, but shake it off, hoping that for once she takes it easy.
After an afternoon in the sun and sand, all I want to do is head to my room and pass out. Unfortunately, Sara says it’s now time to party not to nap. After we eat a quick bite, I get ready in my room. I don my short black dress that wraps to one side, making my waist look smaller than it is. I scrunched my hair with product after my shower, so the natural curls are falling around my face. I pull them up off my neck and twist them into a messy bun on the top of my head before clasping my necklace from Caston around my neck. I’m not comfortable being at a party without him, but I know he said with this around my neck no one would mess with me. I hope that’s true.
Sliding on my black heels, I sit on the edge of the bed and tie up the leopard print ankle strap. I think about Caston for a moment, wondering what he’s doing. I sigh deeply as I hear a light knock on my door.
“Come in.”
Beth peaks her head in. She looks radiant. Her short pink dress is set off on the sun-kissed skin from this afternoon. Her hair is loose and looks perfect. She has black and white zebra stripped shoes with pink heels completing her outfit.
“Bre, are you ready? But before you head out here, I’m just warning you. There a lot of people here. I think Sara has invited the whole damn country.”
I shake my head and laugh. “Of course she did. As long as you and I stay together we’ll be fine.”
She reaches her hand out to me, and I grab it. Jake is outside the door.
“Hey, Jake.”
“Sabrina, I’m not to leave your side tonight. Orders, ma’am.”
Laughing I shake my head. “I won’t argue with you, Jake.”
He looks relieved that I’m not going to argue with him. Beth links arms with me, and we start down the hall. I look over to her and see her hand entwined with Jake’s. When we get toward the end of the hall the music is vibrating through me. The house has been cleared of all the furniture in a matter of a few hours and a dance floor and party lights have replaced them. I spot Sara with a few guys dancing suggestively to the music.
“Jake, where is our spot to ‘get away’, for lack of better words.”
He points to an area toward the back of the house close to where the DJ is set up. Sara has spotted us now and waves us out to her. Before we have a chance to make our way out there, she comes to us.
“Come on, bitches. Let’s get this party started.”
Beth, Sara, and I all dance to the thumping bass of “Boom Boom Pow” by Black Eyed Peas. I’m feeling free and alone with the girls, even though we are in a room ful
l of people. We’re so full of smiles and laughs. Sweat forms on our bodies as we let the beat flow through us. I can see Jake from our spot, watching us like a hawk. I also notice the glances that go between Beth and Jake when they think no one is looking. I love that he’s interested in Beth.
When the song ends, I lean over to them. “Let’s sit for a bit. I need a drink.” They nod their agreement.
Jake hands us each a bottle of water when we reach him. Sara takes a swig and sets it down. “Enough with the water, let’s get drunk.”
As if on cue “Shots” by LMFAO comes on. I just laugh. “Did you plan that?”
She holds up her hand in the Boy Scout salute. “I swear to God I didn’t, but apparently God wants us to have shots.”
“Let’s go!” Beth says, passing out the glasses. Sara reaches behind and grabs a bottle of Tequila.
Slamming it back, we all make a face, but Sara is immediately pouring again. It doesn’t take me long to feel like I’m floating. I’m a lightweight.
I start dancing again in our safe area and Sara joins me. Beth snuggles up to Jake on the couch. Sara grabs my hips moving them to the music. We sing the song at the top of our lungs. I place my hands around her neck loosely. There are butterflies in my stomach, remembering the first time we danced together. I know I need to stop myself before I lose control. Last time Caston spun me around right before anything happened.
“Stop thinking,” Sara whispers in my ear and a shiver runs down my spine.
I let my head fall back and close my eyes as we continue dancing. “Dance Again” by Pitbull is on. Sara pulls me a little closer and runs her hands down my back, her hands cup my ass. Her lips graze my neck, and her tongue licks up some of the sweat on my collarbone along my necklace. I slide my hands into her hair and pull her up to my mouth. As our lips meet, I get lost in her kiss. Remembering when we were together before, my insides clench. Just as I’m about to lose control and pull her to my room to continue this in private, Caston’s face flashes in my mind. I pull back, almost tumbling back onto my ass. What am I doing?
