Hard Dive

by Megyn Ward

  “Are you serious?” He narrows his gaze on my face like I’m crazy. Like he’s disappointed in me. “It’s like you haven’t listened to a word I’ve said.”

  I throw my hands up. “Because you’re not making any sense.”

  “You aren’t happy here.” He shakes his head at me. “What makes you think you’d be happy in New York?”

  “I’ll be happy because I won’t have to worry about money anymore.”

  “And around and around we go.” He lets out a one note laugh. “How rich do you think Liesa is?”

  I don’t say anything.

  “How happy does she seem?”

  I still don’t answer.

  He takes a step toward the boat. “Don’t do this, Kylie. Have faith in yourself. Trust your mother. She didn’t want you to have anything to do with Jonas. There’s probably a good reason for that.”

  He plasters on a grin and jumps to the edge of the dock by the boat. He lets out a loud blast of the chorus to the Little Mermaid’s Under the Sea.

  He knows there’s no place I’d rather be than on that boat.

  Seven

  Zach

  The last week has been a nightmare. It started with that stroll on the beach, when Liesa dragged me out of the restaurant without dinner.

  We take a moment to kiss and paw at each other by the surf. Jeri makes us do it over and over so Bob can get just the right angles. I figure they’ll add swelling music and make it look like the most romantic setting in the history of the world.

  In reality, the camera lights blind us, I have a hunger headache, and Liesa lives up to her reputation as the bitchiest girl on television. Tom keeps yelling at looky-loos to clear the area. After a couple of hours of that bullshit, Tom, Jeri, and Bob, the cameraman, call it a successful shoot and leave us.

  Liesa stomps toward the road, phone in hand, calling a taxi.

  I follow. “What the hell is your problem?”

  She spins toward me, sand flying under her bare feet. “My problem? You’re supposed to be IN LOVE with me. You can’t live without me. And then you pull bullshit like you did tonight?”

  “What the fuck are you talking about?” I know exactly what she’s talking about.

  She pokes me in the chest with her fingernail. “You take one look at Kylie and act like a sniper put a bullet in your heart.”

  Shit. “She surprised me, that’s all. It’s no big deal.”

  She does a 180 and spits words into my face. “Oh, really? You don’t think Jeri zeroed in on that dynamic? Do you want to draw Kylie into this goddamned circus? Because if you don’t learn to keep a poker face, that’s exactly what’s going to happen.”

  Kylie can never be anywhere close to this shitshow.

  God, I’m hungry and now getting mad. “So now you’re so concerned about Kylie?”

  “Yes. Damnit.” Her voice rises. “I don’t want her involved in this fucked-up version of reality. It’s too late for us. You and I are neck-deep. We can’t have friends or lives because Bob is practically sticking his fucking camera up our asses every minute of the day. I don’t want that for her”

  I should probably talk her down, but I have half a bottle of Chablis in my empty stomach, not to mention the tequila I’d downed to sedate myself for the date. “I don’t want Kylie involved any more than you do.”

  Without warning, she explodes in tears. Suspicious, I look in the bushes for Bob, and even though I don’t see him, I wait for the spotlight. When he doesn’t appear, I think maybe the tears are real but I’ve had about all I can take of Liesa and her drama. “Now what’s the problem?”

  She shakes her head. “Nothing.”

  Oh, we’re going to play this game. “Look, I don’t know what I did or said, but I’m sorry, okay?” I admit that even to me, it sounds harsh and insincere.

  Through her runny nose and wet eyes, she shouts, “You asshole!”

  “I don’t need this shit.” I leave her on the beach. Probably not a safe thing, but the taxi will be here soon. I need to eat and get out of the whole situation for a little while.

  I assume this little episode will blow over and the next day, we’ll be back at the show, setting up our romance, working toward the big bedroom finale.

  But that’s not what happens.

  I haven’t heard from her in days.

  Yeah, I’d been a shit to leave her. But it isn’t that big of a deal. I didn’t think. Not enough that she should cut me off of communication for days. Maybe I should think of it as vacation and enjoy the break. I know it can’t last long.

  You’re an asshole. Liesa doesn’t deserve to be treated like this.

  You wouldn’t do this to Kylie.

  She’s not Kylie.

  The door to my room opens and I keep my eyes closed, hoping I’m still asleep and dreaming. No such luck.

  Alicia pounces on the bed, jostling me to a groggy wakefulness. I have to try twice before words push from my throat in a rusty croak. “Leave me alone.”

  Mom, Niles, and Alicia had flown in yesterday for a week of sun and sand. I’d enjoyed our condo to myself for the last couple of months and wasn’t overjoyed to have them back.

  She rolls off the bed and stands above me with her hands on her hips. “I’m your ally, bro.”

  Even though the heavy drapes cover my window and the room remains in shadow, I squint at her, hoping to alleviate the pounding of my typical hangover. “Why do I need an ally?”

  She grabs my wrist in an effort to get me to sit up. “Because Jonas called Niles and whatever he said pissed Niles off. I heard him tell Jonas he’d take care of it.”

  Take care of it? Does he mean me? Am I getting cut out of the show?

  Fuck.

  As much as I want that, I can’t let it happen. Jonas will make good on his promise to find Kylie and fuck up her life, just to spite me.

  I swing my legs to the side of the bed and sit up, giving myself a moment to fight the nausea. “Thanks,” I say to Alicia. “I owe you one.”

  “You owe me more than one.” She sidles toward the door. “Someday I’ll make you pay.”

  Once Alicia is out of the room, I stagger to the bathroom and stick my mouth under the tap. I need to hydrate and think of a way out of this crazy situation.

  I have to make amends with Liesa but my half-ass attempts haven’t worked. I’d called, sent her roses and candy. No response. They were probably tossed into the ocean. If I really cared, I’d have driven over there and pulled a Say Anything moment standing outside her gate with a boombox until she gave in.

  I’d have done all that and more for Kylie.

  But Liesa is like the term paper you know has to be written but you have all semester to get it done. You don’t want to think about it and let it ruin your whole semester so you put it off. And then, when you realize it’s due in two days, you wake in a panic and finish it.

  Jonas calling Niles is that realization. I hadn’t worked too hard on Liesa because I’m so focused on Kylie. All I can think of is Kylie. I can’t be with Liesa when Kylie’s face and body swim in my mind every minute. But I can’t be with Kylie because I need to hide her from Jonas.

  I drive to The Green Frog every night but can’t make myself go in. I sit in the darkness on the beach and watch her.

  Kylie.

  She looks worried and tired. I want to go to her. Hold her. Tell her it’ll be all right. But I can’t do that. I need to focus on Liesa and getting Jonas what he wants.

  It’s a terrible circle and the only relief I have is drinking. So that’s what I do. I drive to The Green Frog with a bottle of bourbon and work my way through it until Timothy, the bartender, drives Kylie home. Then I go back to the condo. If the sun still hasn’t come up, I pilfer drinks from Niles’s stash. I finally pass out and wake in the afternoon. That gives me enough time to send Liesa another peace offering, treat my hangover, and drive to The Green Frog.

  But my assignment is due now. No more procrastination. I step into the shower and
run hot water over my head. I shoot out of the condo before Niles has a chance to corner me.

  Eight

  Zach

  I check the clock on the dash of the Mercedes as I sit in the parking garage drumming my fingers on the steering wheel. I hadn’t called to make an appointment with Jonas. My idea is to accidently run into him in while he is on his way back from lunch. He’ll be in a hurry to return to his office and meet with whomever he is going to wheel and deal that day. He won’t have the time or attention to grill me too much. I’ll quickly explain how I have Liesa all hot and bothered and am giving her the hard-to-get routine to amp the drama.

  That ought to buy me a few days. Who knows, maybe she’s ready to call a truce. Probably not. I have some real damage control to do.

  I pace in the glass-walled lobby of JK Investments’ high rise in the middle of the financial district. Every time the door opens or the elevator from the underground parking garage dings, I plaster a smile on my face and ease my shoulders down from my ears. I’ve been hanging out long enough now, the tall, gorgeous receptionist watches me with suspicion.

  A few months ago, I’d have been hanging by her desk, telling her how beautiful she is and getting her to agree to meet me at a bar after work. Now, I’m too tangled with my feelings for Kylie and the job I have to do with Liesa. I couldn’t tell you what she looks like if you put a gun to my head.

  The elevator door slides open and Jonas steps out. He has to exit the garage elevator to catch the private elevator to take him to the top floor, his kingdom.

  I smooth down my shirt and shorts and saunter toward the elevator. I slow my pace, not wanting to get there too soon. Jonas punches the elevator button and stands with his head down, his briefcase held like a football he carried to the goal line.

  I make myself sound surprised. “Jonas! Just who I was on my way to see.”

  You fucking asshole.

  He jerks his head up and his face takes on an eager grin. “Well, if it isn’t our Romeo.”

  Cute. “Have you got a minute?”

  He glances at his watch and frowns. “Not really. But I need to talk to you.”

  Perfect. I’m a genius. “I just wanted to touch base. I haven’t had much to report lately but I didn’t want you to worry.”

  Can you tell how much I hate you?

  He looks concerned. “Frankly, I am worried. It seemed everything was on track and then...” He made a sound like air escaping a tire.

  I feel bad for throwing Liesa under the bus, but this time, she kind of deserves it. “Liesa blew up at me. I don’t even know why. Hormones maybe.”

  Jonas glances impatiently at his watch. “If she’s losing her shit, it better be when the camera is rolling.”

  “We can recreate it if you want. Then have a great make-up scene.”

  Fucking hell, what is happening to me.

  His elevator opens and he steps inside, holding the door open for me. “It’s going to take more than that to boost ratings. We’re tanking and it’s because you and Liesa don’t have chemistry.”

  You got that right.

  I enter the elevator and he lets the doors close. “We can make this work.”

  “I’m done waiting for you and Liesa to up your game.” He punches the only button. “I’ve got feelers out for that girl.”

  My heart nearly stops. “What girl?”

  “The shower girl.” He gives me a sly grin. “Your shower girl.”

  Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

  Think stupid. Think.

  Mentioning we had a deal won’t stop him. Quitting won’t either. It might even make matters worse. Knightly’s tasted blood and he’s not going to stop chewing until his hits bone. “Why bother?” I give him a haphazard shrug before slouching against the wall of the elevator car. “No one saw her. Just hire someone.”

  “We’ve got her.” Jonas grins. I can practically see the blood dripping off his chin. “Enough of her, anyway.”

  I grab his arm. “Leave her alone.”

  He brushes my hand away. “I warned you if ratings didn’t jump I’d find her.”

  I want to punch his smug face. “She won’t do it.”

  “Oh, you’d be surprised what people will do for money.” Jonas laughs. “Look at you.”

  Fucking asshole.

  Why is he an asshole?

  Because he’s right?

  “Money or no money, she won’t play your game.” The floor dings and I speak quickly before the door opens. “She’s too smart for reality TV.”

  The door slides open. “Take it from me—she’ll be happy to collect her check.” He glances into the office at the receptionist who matches the girl downstairs. “Do you really think she’s got more scruples than either you or Liesa?”

  Yeah. I do.

  Kylie is too good to be dragged down into the life Liesa and I were born to. “Give me a chance with Liesa. If I can get her to give it up to me, it’ll be great TV.”

  Jonas steps out. “I don’t know.”

  He holds the door open and seems to consider it. “If you’re going to make it work, you’ve got to fuck Liesa.” He seems satisfied with that scenario. “Yeah. Make it hot. You get to deflower the virgin on prime time.”

  Still grinning at me, he raises his voice to the Interchangeable Receptionist. “Call Jeri and have her set up a surprise meeting between Zach and Liesa for tonight.” He pulls the trigger of his finger gun at me. “Make it romantic. Don’t fuck this up.”

  He pulls his hand away and the doors close, taking me down.

  Nine

  Zach

  I wait in the kitchen with a bouquet of red roses snaking their sickening sweet stench up my nose. Liesa and her friend, Margot, drink white wine on the other side of the door. Margot invited Liesa over so they can bitch about their rotten boyfriends and commiserate about broken hearts. Or so Margot told Liesa.

  I’ve been hiding here for an hour, getting an earful of whining while watching them on a closed circuit monitor.

  Margot, one of the highest paid of Liesa’s friends, steers the conversation. “I know Brandon can be thoughtless, but I can’t help loving him. I think maybe I’ve made him suffer long enough.”

  Liesa sounds irritated. “Does that mean you’re going to forgive him?”

  A coy smile curls Margot’s words. “It’s been almost a week and I’m getting that itch, you know?”

  Now Liesa sounds amused. “You mean you’re horny?”

  Margot laughs. “Well, yeah. Don’t you ever just want it?”

  This conversation is lame. I glance at Jeri, whose attention is riveted to her iPad. She seemed as bored as I feel.

  Liesa answers Margot. “I miss him. We haven’t been together that long, but it feels like he’s such a big part of my life.”

  Margot sounds conspiratorial. “So, when are you going to do it?”

  “You mean sex?”

  Someone slaps the other, probably on the arm. “Of course I mean sex.”

  I guess the demographic for this story line must be tween girls. Talk about sappy.

  “Soon.” Liesa sighs. “I want it to be special for our first time. My first time.”

  “You’re sure he’s the one?” Margot is reeling her in. Does Liesa know I’m waiting? I’m always sketchy on who knows what and when. Jeri likes to keep as many secrets as possible to get honest reactions.

  “Absolutely.” Liesa’s voice has a dreamy quality.

  “I’ll grab us another bottle,” Margot says. “I’ll be right back.”

  Finally, I perk up.

  In a second the door swings in. Margot high-fives me like a tag team wrestler. She doesn’t slow on her way toward the door. “I’m outta here.” She swats Jeri on the butt as she passes.

  Jeri scowls at Margot, then points to me in a go motion, like we’re on a military operation.

  As if it were a life and death mission, I square my shoulders, lift my weapon (the roses) and brace for battle. The doors swing behind me and I enter
the living room. The sixth floor condo has a full ocean view from a bank of sliding doors onto the patio. Soft light from recessed bulbs highlights the moon over the sea.

  Liesa sips white wine on a sofa facing the windows.

  I steal into the room, stand close, and wait.

  “I hope you have a bottle of the same wine. This is great.” She swivels on the couch to talk to Margot and freezes when she sees me.

  I hold the roses by my chest and look over them. “Hi.”

  She flops back and stares out the window. “What are you doing here?”

  She’s pretty. Maybe the world would rank her above Kylie. But she doesn’t stir me the way Kylie does. She doesn’t make my cock swell and strain with the smallest smile. She doesn’t have that soft, citrus scent.

  She isn’t Kylie.

  I move into the room. “I begged Margot to help me. I had to see you. Not being with you is killing me.” The words coming out of my mouth make me want to puke.

  She sets her glass on the coffee table and pouts. “It didn’t seem like I was all that important to you the other night.”

  Bob slips around me. He doesn’t shine the spotlight on us. Jeri must want that intimate mood lighting. The ambience is ruined by Lurch’s stretching the boom mic above us.

  I slide the roses next to the glass and lower myself close to her. “I’m sorry if I ever made you feel that you’re not important to me.”

  She tilts her head slightly toward me. How she tunes out Bob and Lurch is nothing short of mastery.

  I reach for her hand, hating that it isn’t Kylie’s hand, that these words I want to say to Kylie I have to say to Liesa. “You’re the most important person in the world to me. I know I hurt you and I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I can’t stand you being mad at me.”

  She turns her blue eyes to me. They shimmer with tears. She earns every penny they pay her for this crap. “Oh, Zach. I missed you, too.”