by Dani Lovell
I apply the last coat of mascara and look in the mirror. My eyes are dark and sultry, my tanned cheeks slightly rouged and my lips blood-red. I'm not kissing anybody, so I will make the most of lipstick tonight. I slip into my dress and put on my beautiful new shoes, before grabbing my clutch and margarita, and heading outside.
"Wow, Bea! You look fucking gorgeous!" Tilly shouts, almost choking on her drink.
"Thanks Til, I feel nice. Too bloody right, I can't believe I spent so much!"
"It's totally worth it, you look stunning, darling," Gemma says, sweetly as she kisses my cheek, "how are you feeling?"
"I'm ok thanks, Gem, don't be too nice to me, though, I might cry."
"Ok then, bitch, let's go."
I laugh, although I'm still crying inside, all I want is to cling onto Daniel's arm and stroll out with him right now.
"So where are we going, anyway?" I ask in the cab on the way.
"We thought we'd go to the 'W' Hotel in Hollywood. Jay knows someone having a 'do' in the club there tonight and we're on the guest list. I like the Living Room bar downstairs, so maybe we can go there first and see how it goes." Gemma replies.
"Sounds good to me."
We pull up outside the 'W' and clamber out of the car awkwardly in our short dresses, trying to remain elegant. Gemma and Jay walk ahead of us, towards the hotel, hand in hand. I watch them, looking at each other and laughing, wishing that Daniel and I could do that. How lucky they are, to have found each other, and be able to have each other.
"Hey! Snap out of it," Tilly scolds. "Here, hold my hand. I'll be your lover for this evening." She holds out her hand and gives me a sympathetic smile. I hold onto it, and she leans into me for a moment as we walk towards the entrance. "Love you," she says, quietly.
"Love you, too, Tilly. Don't be nice."
"Slag."
"Bitch," I respond, smiling.
"Whore."
"Thank you, love you."
We enter the Living Room bar and take the few steps down to the lower, main area. To the right of us is an amazing, huge white spiral staircase with red carpet and a clear, sheet surround. It's fabulous. We sit in one of the clusters of leather sofas, and Jay goes to the bar to get the drinks. I wish Daniel was near. I want him to see me looking hot, I want him to see my madly expensive dress - I know he'd love it, and my sexy Manolo's. Stop it, Beatrice. Stop torturing yourself.
I get that jab-in-the-ribs sensation again and feel a little sick. Gemma and Tilly are talking about the last time they ate in the restaurant here, but I can only look through them, pretending to be listening, I can't concentrate at all.
"Ladies!" Jay snaps me out of my daze, arriving back at the table with an ice bucket and four champagne flutes.
"I couldn't remember all of those cocktails, so I just got champagne. Ok?" He puts the ice bucket down on the table, the yellow label glowing through the ice. Just what the doctor ordered.
"That's even better than cocktails, Jay. Thank you," Tilly says.
"I thought you'd say that, you and your sister are like peas in a pod," he says, pouring the weightless bubbles into tall flutes.
"Happy Hollywood Friday!" Tilly toasts, and we all take a sip.
I sink my glassful quickly, and before I know it, it's topped up. It's wonderfully refreshing, and my second glass is gone, just as fast. "I'll go and get another one," I say, pointing to the down-turned bottle.
"Bea, just get the cheaper stuff, this is like, over two hundred, and that's one of the less expensive ones here," Tilly says.
"Ok, as long as you're all happy with that?"
Everyone nods in agreement and I stroll to the bar to order the champagne. When I return, I place the bucket on the table and Jay begins to pour.
"I am going to stand, I think, I feel much more comfortable standing, and I get to show off my dress," I tell the girls.
"Good idea, I keep worrying that I'm bending my sequins!" Tilly says as she joins me.
There is a great atmosphere in here, it's quite busy, but not so much that people are pressed up against each other, and although I can't stop thinking about Daniel, I am enjoying myself a little.
My third glass goes down swiftly, and I head to the loo feeling the tiniest bit lightheaded. I don't need the loo, but I want a moment alone to check my make-up and gather my thoughts. I lean forwards onto the vanity, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. I so want to cry but I will not ruin my make-up.
After a few moments, I stand straight, take my lipstick out and add another coat. I do look good, even if I say so myself. I pull all of my hair over one shoulder and puff it up a little before walking out, refreshed and confident. On the outside, anyway.
When I get back to Tilly, she has a small group of men surrounding her. No surprise there, she looks amazing, always does.
"Bea!" she calls as I walk towards her, "This is my friend, Beatrice." She hands me a glass of champagne. "These gentlemen kindly bought us another bottle of bubbly."
"Thank you very much," I say as I make eye contact with each of them, reluctantly.
Tilly introduces me to them, individually; how she remembered their names I've no idea. The last guy to shake my hand will not stop staring at me, he's really quite attractive, but he's not my type, at all. He's also, not Daniel. Tilly continues to talk to the other three while the remaining man continues to gawk. Marcus, I think his name is.
"You're very attractive, Beatrice." Oh god, here we go. Fuck off.
"Thank you, you look nice too."
"Thanks Hun. So, how long have you been in LA?" Ugh... hun? I hate that with a passion.
"Um, we've been here since Friday. A week."
"And you've enjoyed yourself?"
"Yes, it's been wonderful, thank you." All I can think is that I want Daniel. I want him here talking to me, not this prat. I want to feel Daniel's breath on my ear, not squirm every time I feel this man's warmth near my skin. There is nothing that wrong with this Marcus guy, but he called me hun... and he stares... and I think he thinks he's getting somewhere. He's not.
"So, are you staying locally?"
"I'm not entirely sure where it is, it's about fifteen minutes drive away." I know that I'm giving very blunt answers, but I just don't want to talk to him! Could he get the hint and go chat up someone who might be interested?
"You really are stunning, Beatrice," he says as his puts his hand on the small of my back. I feel nauseous.
"Thank you, could you excuse me for one moment, please?" I walk away to the loo again, and lean against a wall. I can't do this. I want Daniel chatting me up, I want Daniel's hand on my back. I want Daniel! I'm tipsy, feeling lost and in serious need of a little boost. Getting chatted up would normally do it for me, but now it only repulses me. I want to hear from him, I want to make contact... Can I? What harm can it do? I won't be seeing him, just sending him a little text. Just a text. That's ok isn't it?
I pull my phone out of my clutch and start to type.
~
21 Sep 22:56
I'm out, dressed up in a beautiful new dress and gorgeous, expensive shoes, but all I can think about is you. I wish you were here with me. I miss you so much already. I'm also really tipsy, which is why I'm texting you. I've been so strong, up until now. Whoops :-/ I want to touch you and kiss you and hear you and... other stuff, you. I miss you, Sexy Berkeley. Xxxxxxxxxx
~
I hit send. Fuck it, why not? And I suddenly realise, what if he doesn't reply? I'm going to feel like complete and utter shit, that's what. Oh dear, What have I done?
I open the toilet door and stroll back towards Tilly, she's still with those bloody men. I consider going to sit with Gemma and Jay, but they're cosy on the sofa, engrossed in an obviously private conversation. Great, Marcus it is.
As I arrive back, he turns and offers me a great big smile. It's a very nice smile, but does nothing for me, so he might as well give it a rest.
"Hey, beautiful." Oh god, please do shut up.
"Hello." I take a sip of my champagne and look around the room, in the hope that he'll stop talking to me. I catch Tilly's eye and she holds a finger up, politely, at the man she's talking to and leans in towards me.
"Everything ok?" she asks into my ear, the music louder now.
"Yes thanks, he's just... not, you know..." I pull a face and she knows exactly what I mean.
"Oh, no. I agree, but they're buying and they're quite nice guys so I'm just chatting. Not... like 'that'."
"Good, unfortunately, I don't think this guy gets that."
"Ok, we'll break away in a bit once we've finished the champas."
I nod and smile as she returns to her conversation. I wonder if Daniel has replied, and just as I'm about to think of something to say to Marcus, my clutch vibrates.
As I take my phone from my bag, I get a swarm of butterflies in my belly and pray that it's a message from him. I see his name and smile automatically as I stroll over to the bar to read it. I put my champagne down and focus on my phone.
~
Daniel 21 Sep 23:04
Oh baby, I want to touch you too. I can't tell you how much I want to 'other stuff' you. I'm miserable, I wish I could see you. Don't get too drunk baby, please be careful. Do you need a ride home? I can't drive because I've been drinking but I will get you a car. Let me know. Thinking about you day and night. I miss you, too. So much. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
~
I clutch my phone to my chest and smile. I'm so happy that he replied, and that he feels the same. He's worried about me too, god bless him. I quickly reply.
~
21 Sep 23:06
Thank you, but I'm ok, we're out with Gem and Jay, so we'll get a cab together, later. Thank you for caring. I wonder what these 'W' rooms are like. I'd like to book one for you and I to be dirty in... or should I say... 'make love'? Wanna have text sex? ;-) xxxxxxxxxx
~
Crikey, I must be drunk! But who cares, I can't meet up with him, why not have some text sex. I grab my glass and take a big gulp before returning to Tilly and 'the men'. I make small talk with dick-head, finding it hard to hide my joy at having been in contact with my California man. I hope Marcus doesn't think it's directed at him.
My phone vibrates again and I check it, a thrill running through me.
~
Daniel 21 Sep 23:12
Are you in Drai's????Fuck text sex, I wanna have SEX SEX! I miss your body. Xxxxxxxxxxx
~
~
21 Sep 23:13
Drai's? I don't think so, we're in a hotel lounge. I've had some dreary bloke chatting me up and all I can think of is you. Sex sex? Yes please. If you were here, I'd tear your clothes off and straddle you on one of these sofas. I want you so much. :-( I'm also very drunk and will be annoyed, tomorrow, that I gave in to a moment of temptation. This will hinder my progress! I want to have you, here. I want your arms around me. I want you to kiss me. Xxxxxxx.
~
I put my iPhone back in my clutch and look back at the group, smiling at my own, private thoughts. Marcus tops up my glass and starts to talk again. Ugh, fuck off!
"So, who are you texting, hun? You seem to have perked up,"
None of your fucking business, you nosey little shit. And stop fucking calling me hun! "Oh, I'm sure you don't know them. I am perfectly fine, thank you, perky as ever."
Vibration!!! I pull my phone out again. "Excuse me, please," I say to the nosey shit and turn to read my text.
~
Daniel 21 Sep 23:18
Tell the poor man to leave you alone, if you're in need while you're in LA, you're mine. He's got good taste, though. How much do you want me? I need to know. Tell me what you're wearing. I bet you look so hot, as always. I want to kiss you too, EVERYWHERE. Baby, baby, baby, baby xxxxx
~
~
21 Sep 23:20
I wish I was yours. I want you so much. I am wet just thinking of you. I'm telling you this because I'm drunk. I'll be really embarrassed tomorrow, but I don't care. I'm wearing a short, cream dress with beads and feathers to tickle you with. I have glittery high heels on, which I'd like to see locked behind your back. You like? Sexy, sexy Daniel. Xxx I feel so naughty xxx
~
Oh gosh, I do feel naughty, but so good. Maybe I do need to keep in contact with him, by text. Maybe that'll make it easier, but it does make me want him. So much. I head back to slimy Marcus and he starts his annoying talking again, the volume in here has risen yet again, so he has to practically shove his mouth in my ear. Bleugh.
As he leans in, he puts his hand on the small of my back and pulls me close to him. I want to push him away but, politely, I wait to let him finish whatever it is he wants to say.
"So, you know what I think? I think you should stop texting whatever guy you're texting and let me take you home. The things I wanna do to you little lady."
What...The fuck? Did he really just say that? I want to punch his revolting little head in, how dare he be so fucking presumptuous. Just as I'm about to pull away from him and give him a piece of my mind, he shouts, "Berkeley! Great to see you!"
Berkeley? Not my Berkeley? No, it can't be... can it? I spin to see my Daniel stood right there in front of me. Oh god, my gorgeous hero, I love... No, shh. You don't, Beatrice. He looks... Oh, angry, really angry.
"Get the fuck off of her, Marcus," he yells, his face red, his eyes full of fury.
Yes, get the fuck off me Marcus! Hang on, they know each other? I pull away from him and Daniel swiftly pulls me into his side, clinging on to my waist for dear life.
"Berkeley, calm down, do you know this beautiful lady? We were just getting well acquainted, weren't we hun?" he says, winking at me.
"Don't fucking go near her again, do you hear me you fucking son of a bitch?"
Oh my god, what the hell is going on? I look over to Tilly who is gawking at Daniel. We both exchange confused looks and then her expression completely changes as Luke appears.
"Gentlemen, I'm afraid you'll have to find other company. I'd like my lady back now, if you don't mind," he says with a smile to the other three chaps.
Marcus and Daniel still staring at each other, Daniel's free hand, in a fist at his side.
"Hey, Daniel, no need to get shirty. So this is who's texts have been making your cheeks flush, huh? You're fucking Daniel Berkeley, well I never," he directs at me. I'm going to hit him!
"Who the fuck do you think you're taking to, you little prick? You don't talk about her like that, do you understand? Know what's good for you, you arrogant little shit, and fuck off. Now."
Marcus smiles, disgustingly at Daniel and fury boils in my blood, I'm not sure whether it's the alcohol I've consumed or the anger at the way this man is talking to Daniel, but I snap. I hurl my hand, at the speed of lightening into his face, and it really fucking hurts! Ow!
Marcus immediately cups the side of his face with his hands and laughs. "Shit, she's got a mean fist, my friend. You got a good one there, Danny boy. Call me when you fuck up, I'll gladly fill your shoes." He laughs as he walks off. I'm shaking, I want to chase him and sink my stiletto heel into his head, the cocky, fucking bastard.
Daniel loosens his grip on my waist and turns to look at me, wary, "You ok?"
"Yes, I'm fine, I didn't realise that'd hurt as much as it did, I've never done that before."
"You shouldn't have, he's a worthless piece of shit. Let me see your hand."
I show him the palm of my hand and he lifts it to his lips and kisses it. Oh heavens above, Daniel is here. Here! "How... when? How long have you been here?"
"I only just came in here and saw the two of you. You looked... cosy."
"Oh god, Daniel, no. It was so not like that, I was just about to push him away and tell him to knob off, he's such an idiot! How do you know him?"
"Oh, from a long time ago, it's a long story, we don't get along."
"No shit. You seem... off-ish, are you annoyed with me?"
"I... I just
saw that prick with his arm around you and his face in your hair and thought you... you know."
"Please don't think that, Daniel, I have been trying to get away from him for ages. He had literally just pulled me against him when you arrived. Thank god you did, you saved me."
"Sorry, baby. I don't mean to be pissed at you, I know he's an asshole. You look... incredible, baby. Wow!" He stands back and looks me up and down.
"I am so happy to see you Daniel," I say as I look into his beautiful eyes, a warm feeling spreads over my skin.
"Hey! Bea, that was some slap! Way to go!" Luke high fives my good hand. "He's such an asshole, Danny, don't let him get to you."
"I won't, thanks bud. Hey, Tilly."
"Hi, Daniel! I'm very surprised to see you two here, you seem to be everywhere we go!"
"Actually, Bea was texting me and mentioned where she was, I live... well, I live here."
"Here?" I ask. In a hotel?
"Yes, in the residences, I own an apartment here."
"Oh! So that's how you got here so quickly! What a co-incidence, I was texting you from downstairs all the time!"
Daniel turns and notices Gemma and Jay on the sofa."Oh Gemma, I'm sorry, I didn't see you there, hi. You must be Jay? I'm Daniel."
Jay stands to shake Daniel's hand. "Hi, Daniel, good to meet you," Jay says before returning his attention to his wife.
"I think I could use a drink, champagne anyone?" Daniel says with a smile. He clutches my hand, taking me with him to the bar and leans against it, pulling me close to kiss my neck. "You look so beautiful, baby. I've missed you," he says, nuzzling his face into my hair. "And you smell so good."
Goosebumps spread like wildfire and my stomach flips. Feels so good..."So do you, Daniel, you always do. I slept on your side of the bed so that I could smell you last night. And the night before."
He pulls away suddenly and gapes at me. "Really?"
Oh god, I should stop drinking if I insist on talking. "Umm..." I frown and smile hesitantly, "yes?"
He smiles that stunning smile with the teeth and the lips and the eyes. Oh god, he's lush.
"I like that."
