by Pike, Leslie
“Tell me though, what did I miss?” she asks sincerely.
“You missed everything that could possibly happen,” Matt pipes up. “We almost died in a plane crash, we did the Conga with the kid from The Exorcist, and your friend here gave me blue balls.”
He gets a nod of agreement from Maggie for his accurate telling of the story.
“What? Well shit. That sounds like a blast,” Jenna says.
Parker chuckles at her idea of fun.
“No sign of Holly yet? Should we worry?” I wonder.
“Elliott texted. They’re gonna meet us at the beach,” says James.
Elizabeth leans around James and smiles at Parker. “Your brother tells me you’re a stuntman. Sounds exciting.”
“What?!” Before Parker can answer, Jenna responds with the enthusiasm of the crazy movie fan she is. “I’m so excited! Tell me everything!”
Parker thinks it’s funny. He goes right along with her.
“What would you like to know? Want to hear who’s a nightmare on set?”
This makes Jenna almost apoplectic.
“Yes! Who is it? Wait! Let me guess. Is it a guy?”
“No.”
“Okay, a woman then. Is she a blonde?”
“Sometimes.”
“It’s Caprice Avanti,” Matt blurts. “Sorry. He was taking too long. It’s that Italian mess. I’d call her a cunt, but she lacks the warmth.”
We’re all talking at once. Jenna’s trying to get the details while Matt’s defending his use of the c word. Parker signals for the tab.
“Who’s your favorite star you’ve ever worked with?” Jenna probes further.
I’m interested too. He doesn’t have to think long.
“Finn Kennedy. For sure.”
Three of us girls react without thinking about it. Finn is the sexiest bad boy in Hollywood. Jenna pretends she just fainted. Elizabeth raises her hands in the air, testifying. My body language is a little less obvious but anyone who knows me can read my expression. The man’s hot.
“He’s my absolute favorite!” Jenna screams.
Only Maggie stays cool. “He’s alright. I’ve seen better.”
This delights Matt, who takes it as a personal compliment to him.
“Next time I work with him, you could come to the set,” Parker says to Jenna.
To her that’s the golden ticket, the lottery win. Here we go.
“Oh my God!” She scrapes back her chair and sprints to our side of the table. Throwing her arms around him from the back, she lays a big kiss on his cheek.
“I love you! Do you mean it? I can come?”
Parker’s laughing along with the rest of us. “Yes. Here, give me your number.”
He takes out his cell and passes it to her. Hands are shaking as she enters the information.
“Hey, anybody else ready for the beach? Let’s go,” James says, getting up.
“I’m so fucking excited! I’m going to meet Finn Kennedy!”
Chapter 7
Parker
My thoughts don’t move much without bumping into her. But the visual has my attention now.
Seeing Natalie coming out of the ocean is eye candy. The white bikini against honey-colored skin, her dripping long blonde hair slicked back showcasing her face. She’s the whole package.
Jenna has said something to make her laugh and those dimples are on display.
Noticing my stare, she holds back a smile and dips her head in embarrassment. I don’t hate that one bit.
How am I going to keep this thing going? She said she’s not looking for boyfriend material. A good time. That’s been the goal.
Why is that? Was she hurt by some stupid man who didn’t see her worth? Possibly. I know lots of guys who’d fit the description. But I’m not one of them.
Walking up, she stands shielding the bright sun from my face. Even in silhouette she impresses.
“Want to take a walk?” she says. “Maybe a swim?”
“Hell yeah.”
I stand and brush the sand from my palms. Taking ahold of her hand, I’m testing the waters, hoping she hangs on. A look passes between us, but she doesn’t pull away.
As we head for the shoreline, I’m conscious of men watching. She doesn’t seem to be affected. Maybe it’s such a common occurrence it’s become invisible to her.
“Are you a beach guy?” she says.
“Oh yeah. I was raised in Santa Monica. My parents still live there. What about you? Looks like you’re comfortable in the ocean.”
She picks up a little shell and examines it. Then it gets discarded and she goes back to holding my hand as we walk.
“I grew up in Newport Beach. My father was a diving champion, so being around water was a given.”
“Siblings?”
“I’ve got two brothers, Jake and Michael, and a sister, Gigi. They all live in Southern California.”
“How did you end up in Santa Barbara?”
“College. Then marriage. That’s where my husband was from and where I built my real estate business.”
This would be a perfect time for a spit take. She surprised me with that one.
“Husband?”
“Well, ex-husband.”
It strikes me how little we know each other.
“How long were you married?”
“Five years.”
She’s smiling at my telling expression and I can’t blame her.
“Surprised?” she asks, already knowing the answer.
“Uh, no. Well, I guess a little. Don’t know why though,” I say.
“What about you? Ever married?”
“No. I’ve had a few long-term relationships. But I’m not really sure marriage is even for me.”
A weird thing is happening. We’re both smiling.
“What’re you smiling at?” I say, chuckling.
“I think it has something to do with the fact we know almost nothing about each other. We purposely skipped all the steps that usually come before you have sex. It’s very freeing, isn’t it?”
I’m about to mention I think we should plan on including all the steps. But she adds another thought.
“Sometimes the details ruin everything. What we’ve had the last few days couldn’t have been better,” she says happily.
Well, shit. I don’t want to disagree. She might take it the wrong way. So I keep my opinion to myself.
“Do you live in Los Angeles?” she says.
“San Juan Capistrano. I’m trying to save up a down payment on a house.”
“Southern California property is nearly unreachable for most people.”
“True.”
“When the time comes if you need any help navigating the market let me know. I can at least offer long-distance advice.”
“That would be great. Thanks.” I pause for a couple seconds before jumping in with the most important question. “What about boyfriends? You have one?”
“No boyfriend. I’m surprised you hadn’t already come to that conclusion,” she says chuckling.
“Not everyone behaves when they’re away from home. Boyfriend or not.”
“But I would. Speaking of, why didn’t you tell me you were on a bachelor party trip?”
“Because I respect my brother. It’s his fucked-up story to tell. Not mine.”
Looks like we’re both satisfied with the answers to our questions. It’s about character. Sounds like she’s got a good one. Hope she thinks I do too.
We walk in silence for a while, absorbing what we’ve learned. Letting it settle alongside the other pieces of the puzzle.
I angle toward the water, not letting go of her hand and we slowly walk into the sea. With an arm around her back we fall back into the gently rolling waves. The cool sensation washes over me as I pull Natalie on top of my floating body. She rests beautifully, our faces only inches away.
“Girlfriend?” She says just the one word over the woosh sound of ocean hitting sand.
“Nope. I�
�m dating. Nothing serious.”
The way she’s looking at me is full of meaning. Without words she’s asking if I’m telling the truth, and if the girl in question knows it’s “just dating”. And she’s doing it all with a raised eyebrow and tilted head.
“Hand to heart,” I say, paddling the water to keep us afloat.
Then the corners of her mouth softly lift.
Friends don’t smile like that. Think she’s feeling what I am. She rolls off and we swim side by side in silence.
Tonight’s it. We can’t even be alone like we want to. She wouldn’t do that to the bride who only has the one night with her friends.
So instead, dinner, the club, and what will follow for her and I will all be jammed into a handful of hours.
Fuck me.
* * *
Midnight.
Our time together is running low. Not sure how much longer we need to stay here. Holly and Elliott never even showed. Just a text saying they’d see us tomorrow. No one is mad at them. Maybe I should bring that up as proof we wouldn’t be complete dicks for cutting out.
It’s obvious to everyone we’re drunk. Not off the margaritas or the tequila shots. We’re drunk off each other. The woman makes me high. It sure feels like more than a good time.
The song playing is an old Usher ballad. Silky sensual sounds. Slipping an arm around her waist I bring her close. Our bodies moving as one, swaying to the music. Wish I could tell her how I feel. But I’m afraid of saying too much. If I ruin these last hours, I’d never forgive myself.
So I put the words away and rest my forehead against hers. And of all the places I could be, I’m content to slow dance with her.
Chapter 8
Natalie
We’ll be landing soon, and I’ll be driving back to Santa Barbara by tomorrow morning. Four hours alone to think about my life. It’s not time that returns me a different person. Only three days have passed. It’s the impact of meeting Parker.
For the first time since it happened, I’m glad I got passed up for the Dubai job. When I was being considered, I thought it was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. A month ago there was a chance I might be moving to the Middle East for a year. The opportunity to sell an entire high rise of multi million dollar condos would be the crown in my career.
I knew it was a long shot, but nevertheless I had been considered. Now it seems like the loss was my destiny. I never would have been able to take the Cancun trip. I wouldn’t have known this lovely feeling of being swept away. It hasn’t happened like this ever. Not even Alex did that to me so thoroughly.
While Jenna and Maggie talk, I think of other more exciting things. My mind lingers on last night. Sigh. What a lovely memory. He showed me another layer. There was a tenderness to his touch. Even when he had a fistful of my hair. The image makes me smile.
I hated our goodbye today. There was this huge disconnect between my thoughts and actions. It felt strained, and that was all me. Did I say everything? Did he? I’m questioning myself. Why I’ve been so intent on discouraging a real connection.
One thing is obvious. The past still holds too much power over me. Since Alex I’m a newfound realist. That’s the voice that keeps contradicting me, pointing out the reasons being swept away is a bad idea.
Sitting here with my friends has been the best chance at distraction. Jenna wanted to hear what she missed, all the details.
“I’m really happy you all found something to occupy your time while I was otherwise engaged,” Jenna chuckles. “Especially our friend Holly. She’s so worn out she’s sleeping in her seat!”
“Anything for you, babe,” Maggie says. Then turning to me, “What about Parker? Are you going to see each other again?”
“I don’t know. He wanted to but I’m not sure it would work.”
“Why? He’s an awesome guy.”
“After Alex I made a vow to figure myself out before jumping into another relationship.”
“Just tell me one thing, was the sex as good as I think it was?” Jenna winks repeatedly.
But I’m not about to tell them. Not about the upside down sixty-nine, or the wall sex atop his shoulders. Not the way he so stunningly ate my pussy, or the size of his beautiful cock. They don’t need to know.
“Hello? Natalie? Yoo-hoo?”
I snap out of my reverie to see the faces of my stunned and amused girlfriends.
“My God! Was it that good?” Jenna says. “I knew it. He’s a stuntman after all.”
“What does that mean? Think he lit himself on fire while he was doing her?” Maggie adds with a straight face.
“No! But he’s probably strong and agile.” Jenna glances at me for confirmation. A sly smile is my only answer.
“Maybe you should give that one a second look,” Maggie says. “Matt’s known him and James for years. Says he’s a good guy. And he’s never seen him act the fool. You know, like Matt does.”
Jenna and I laugh at our friend’s assessment of her new interest.
“I forgive him that because he’s actually a nice, smart, hung guy.”
“Ah, the holy trifecta,” Jenna says nodding.
“Let’s talk about you.” I turn to her. “Are you ready for the wedding?”
Her face lights with the mention.
“I still have thirty-three days to go. But yeah, we’re mostly ready. Jerry hasn’t completed his to-do list yet. He had like four things. Meanwhile I’ve done all the heavy lifting.”
“Men. They can be such pains in the ass,” Maggie says.
Jenna places her hand atop mine. “I didn’t want to tell you while we were in Cancun, but Alex RSVP’d. He’s coming.”
The only thing I feel is anger. Not sorrow or wishful thinking of things from the past. I’m pissed. Way to get my mind off Parker.
“I could not care less. Really.” I shrug my indifference.
“What a colossal dick,” Maggie says. “He knows you’re in the wedding. I hate his fucking stupid face.”
“I do too,” says Jenna. “But unfortunately he’s one of Jerry’s best friends.”
“Don’t worry about it, Jenna. I’m sure he’ll bring his girlfriend and they’ll be in their own little bubble.”
“Uh, that’s the other thing,” she says.
Suddenly my stomach twists. “What?”
“They broke up. He’s coming stag.”
“That didn’t take long.” Maggie smirks.
“I don’t care. Not about any of it. He’s not on my radar anymore. Now let’s quit talking about the asshole.”
Shit. Up to that last word I was selling my indifference. Now the wound is exposed. My own stupidity is what hurts the most. How foolish I still feel knowing I never picked up on his cheating.
* * *
Rollins Mansion is a gorgeous setting for Jenna’s wedding. The 1920’s era Tudor is elegant, this old-world room perfect for the ceremony. Rich polished wood walls, subdued lighting, the right backdrop for romance.
I refuse to make eye contact with any wedding guests on the off chance I spot Alex. Instead, I focus on the bride and groom. Jenna looks like a dream and Jerry hasn’t stopped smiling. They’re in love. Hope their story ends better than mine did.
The rotund officiant wraps it up. “And so, by the authority vested in me by the state of Iowa, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your beautiful bride.”
Jerry takes Jenna’s face in his hands and gives her a sweet meaningful kiss. When they turn, I hand her back the bouquet and smile my congratulations.
As they start the procession out toward the courtyard and gardens, it’s such a happy moment. There’s whistles and applause and joyful faces. The hundred and fifty strong crowd makes an impressive sound.
Don’t look! Eyes straight! If I see Alex it’s going to turn my mood.
But then a child starts crying and I automatically look up. Shit. He’s there on the right, in the end seat three rows back. I know that look. The crooked smile I used to fin
d irresistible, I don’t anymore.
Walking behind the newlyweds, I’m purposely looking at the people on the left. And once outside where the reception’s set up, the entire wedding party is surrounded by well-wishers. I get lost in the happy. Until Elizabeth comes behind me and grabs my arm in a vise grip.
“Did you see him?” she whispers excitedly.
Turning, I give her my what the fuck look. “Yeah, I saw him. What are you so excited about?”
She looks surprised. “Really? I thought you’d be happy.”
“Happy? That’s about the last thing I’d feel seeing my ex-husband.”
Her face brightens. “Not Alex! Parker is here!”
The sensation in my body is immediate. I’m tingling, either excited or having a stroke.
“He called Jenna to tell her he was going to be working on a Finn Kennedy film next month. She invited him to the wedding.”
“What? Oh my God!”
“He was sitting in the last row. Go find him!”
Then I feel a hand on my elbow. The familiar touch that’s lost its effect on me.
“Hello, Natalie,” Alex says softly.
I gently pull away and give him an emotionless stare. He doesn’t have the privilege of touching me anymore.
“Alex.”
Elizabeth lifts her chin and eyebrow in a quiet message not to mess with either of us. She’s got my back. He sees it and under his breath huffs a response. He never really connected with my friends. That should have been my first clue.
“How are you? Looking good. Always liked you in blue.”
His eyes travel my body. Creepy. How did it used to seem sexy? Everything has changed.
“I’d like to talk with you in private. Would that be okay?” he says sheepishly.
“I’m really not interested, Alex. I’ve moved on,” I say perfectly calm.
Then I touch his arm in a dismissive gesture. “But I wish you well.”
There’s only his shocked look as I turn and walk away. I think his jaw dropped with my words.
That feels good. My response was on point. Not too much. Not too little.
