Fall into my Heart (The Subzero Series, #1)

by Rebecca Elise

  The first thing I tried on was a pink dress with brown swirls on it. It looked great, but it wasn’t really right for tonight. I took off that dress and pulled on a black wrap dress. Most women look chic and sexy in those dresses right? Not me, I just looked ridiculous and frumpy. The tie part doesn’t look quite right and the dress hangs weird and wonky. It’s supposed to hang flat but it doesn’t. Part of the material is poofing out over the tie. It looks nothing like it does on the mannequin outside the dressing room.

  I decided then that a dress was not what I was looking for so I moved onto to skirts. I pulled on a really cute tan corduroy skirt but it just didn’t seem right. I grabbed a jean skirt and immediately loved the way it looked on me. It came to about mid-thigh, which I debated for a moment over whether or not it was too chilly out for this skirt. Then I figured I was going to be indoors not outdoors so sexy skirt it is!

  The first top I pulled on was a slightly fitted brown cable knit sweater. I loved the way it looked with the skirt and knew right away this was what I wanted. It was casual but cute and didn’t look like I was trying too hard. I kept telling myself that I was getting this outfit and only this outfit, but as soon as I left the dressing room, I found myself looking at pursues, shoes and belts. I didn’t even know why I was looking at belts; I haven’t worn a belt since I was eight. As a matter of fact, I hated belts with a fiery passion.

  I did find a great pair of brown knee high boots and a long scarf that was different shades of pinks and browns to complete my outfit. I felt that a new outfit wasn’t quite enough though and decided I needed to do something about my hair. I dropped my bags off at my condo and looked up nearby salons. I called one and the girl told me they had a cancellation and could fit me in at 1:30.

  At 1:40 I found myself at 55 North Salon sitting in Ginger’s chair. Ginger was really stylish, with this amazing cropped hairstyle that I couldn’t even dream of pulling off. She was really nice, but very upfront and to the point.

  “Okay so tell me what you were thinking and I’ll tell you if I think you can pull it off. Just know your hair is on the short side so I can’t give you a long flowing mane unless you want extensions.” She said.

  “I’m actually not really sure what I want.” I told Ginger an extremely short version of whole Jack story and how I was going to see his band tonight, but that he didn’t know.

  “Okay so we need hair that rocks. We can do that but I need you to trust me. Do you trust me?” She lifted up a pair of scissors and opened and closed them a few times.

  I gulped and nodded, but I was afraid of what I was going to look like. I was starting to think that maybe this part was a bad idea.

  “Do you mind if I put some color in?” Ginger asked.

  All the sudden I heard myself say “I don’t care what you do as long as it looks good.” Did I really just say that? I just gave a complete stranger total control over my hair! Ginger smiled dangerously and I could feel myself start to panic just a little bit as I envisioned myself with a bright blue Mohawk to match Tyler’s.

  An hour and a half later, I looked into the mirror and couldn’t believe my reflection. I absolutely loved it! Ginger put in some blonde hi-lights and red lo-lights, some razor cut layers with the ends flipped out.

  “Oh my god Ginger! This looks great! You are a genius!” I exclaimed.

  “Yes I know.” She said sounding somewhat bored.

  Don’t even ask me how much I spent on my hair. I won’t tell you. As a matter of fact I am in such shock over the amount I just spent getting my hair done that I just may take it to the grave. I will admit, though, that on my way home I couldn’t help but steal a glance at myself every time I passed a store window. I’m not normally a vain person, but my hair has never looked this good before. It’s always just been so.....so brown.

  I was starting to really look forward to tonight, although by the time I got home, the butterflies began to reappear in my stomach. I tried to eat something but my nonexistent appetite paired with my nerves made it hard to even nibble on a couple of crackers.

  I glanced at the clock and sighed. I still had about forty five minutes until I needed to start getting ready. Just as I was thinking of a good way to kill some time until then, I happened to glance down and notice how raggedy my nails looked. I went into the bathroom to grab some shimmery nude nail polish and a nail file.

  I popped a DVD into my DVD player and hopped up onto my bed. I began filing my nails into squared edges as nicely as I could. After I applied two coats of the nude polish on each nail, I sat back to let them air dry while I tried to relax as best as I could. I didn’t even know why I was so nervous. I haven’t been out on a first date with anyone in a few years, since I had my first date with Connor. This wasn’t a date though. It was a client asking his new publicist to check out his show or even a neighbor asking a neighbor. Okay so maybe it could be because I think he is hot stuff and maybe I am hoping he’ll think the same thing about me.

  At about 5:15, I could barely contain myself anymore, so I decided it was time to start getting ready. I went back into my bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth again, rising with mouthwash twice. Just in case I end up engaging in any close talking tonight, I wanted to make sure my breath was extra minty.

  I pulled out my makeup bag and applied my foundation and loose powder, making sure I wasn’t leaving any visible makeup lines. I stared at my eye shadow for a few minutes before deciding to go with a pale khaki as a base and a shimmery bronze in my lids. Instead of using blush, I brushed on a little bit of bronzer to give my skin a little bit of a glow. I always feel like I go overboard with blush. I certainly didn’t want to go out looking like I belong on a street corner or in a bad eighties movie, so I figured it was just best to stay away from the blush altogether. I added some taupe black eyeliner, a few swipes of black mascara and a little bit of shimmery nude lip gloss to finish my look.

  I gave myself a few sprays of my favorite perfume and starting slathering my arms in legs with the matching lotion. The smell of vanilla, orchids and jasmine filled the room. Now that the beauty side of things was complete, it was time to get dressed!

  I went in my bedroom and pulled out my new clothes, checking them over carefully to make sure I removed every tag and sticker. I stepped into the skirt and carefully put on my sweater, making sure I didn’t mess up my hair. I pulled on my boots, wrapped my scarf around my neck and went to check myself out in the mirror. Pleased with the reflection staring back at me, I grabbed my cell phone and my purse and headed off towards the subway.

  It took about half an hour to get to Weaver Street, where the bar was, by subway. As soon as I got off, I saw Jocalyn. She wouldn’t have been hard to find though, she was the only person in the station who looked like they were about to burst into tiny pieces.

  “Oh.....my.....god! I’m so, so , SO glad you called! I’m so excited; we are going to have so much fun!” Jocalyn said in one breath.

  I wonder if I could call ahead and have a drink waiting for me when we arrive?

  It was a pretty short walk from the station to Stoaked. We went straight up to the bar as soon as we walked in.

  “Well hello there gorgeous! What can I get for you?” The bartender said to Jocalyn.

  “Hey Dex! Vodka and cranberry juice please.” Jocalyn said grinning from ear to ear.

  “Sure thing and for your friend?”

  “Apple martini.” I said.

  “Coming right up.”

  The bartender grabbed two glasses and flipped them over in his hand before setting them down on the bar. Then he began grabbing different bottles, flipping them up in the air and behind his back as he poured our drinks. I wish I could learn to do something like that. I could picture myself flipping bottles of alcohol around as I made people drinks at my parent’s annual New Year’s Eve party, while everyone stood around watching me, clearly impressed with my skills. In reality, I’m afraid, I would end up with lots of broken bottles, wasted alcohol and a very tick
ed off father.

  The bartender slid our glasses across the bar and flashed a wink at Jocalyn. She started to giggle as we turned to walk away.

  “Okay, so what was that all about?” I asked her as we sat down at an empty table.

  “Oh it’s nothing really. That’s Dexter; we’ve gone out a couple of times. It’s no big deal.” She shook her head and waived her hand in the air.

  “Do you like him?” I asked her.

  “I don’t know. Maybe.” She said, her cheeks flushing light pink.

  I took a sip of my martini, studying her face over the rim of my glass. She started blushing like crazy.

  “You do! You so like him!” I exclaimed.

  “Okay I do! I totally like him! You might find this hard to believe, but I start talking nonstop when I am around him.” She said with a serious look.

  “Somehow I can see that.” I said with a laugh.

  We ordered another round of drinks just as the band took the stage.

  “Good evening everybody, we’re called Subzero.” Noah said as the crowd started cheering.

  The band started playing and people started dancing, or I guess technically they were jumping up and down. A couple of guys were really getting into the music by playing the air guitar and drumming the air with their invisible sticks.

  “Let’s go up closer.” Jocalyn said.

  Drinks in hand, we made our way closer to the stage weaving in between the sea of people that were thumping around to the beat of the music.

  I couldn’t stop staring at Jack. It was crazy the way he was able to make a gray t-shirt and khaki cords look hot. Khaki cords.....I was starting to wonder if he owned any jeans. I couldn’t help but notice the adorable way he kept biting his lower lip as he played. I wonder if I were to kiss him if he would bite my lower lip the same way. Whoa! Where in the heck did that come from? I couldn’t help it though. He was just so.....yummy. So yummy, in fact, that the image of him biting my lower lip slipped into my mind for a second time.

  I glanced over at Jocalyn who was bopping up and down as she sang along with the band. She was fun to watch. She was awkwardly uncoordinated in her dancing but she didn’t care. Actually, I thought as I scanned the dance floor, she kind of fits in. I’d say about eighty percent of the people here are banging into each other.....of course that could just be from the alcohol.

  I turned back towards the stage and ended up locking eyes with Jack. My heart began pounding in my chest as he stared at me with those gorgeous blue eyes. He flashed me a smile and all of the sudden I felt like I was a love-struck teenager again.

  I smiled back and just so I wouldn’t look completely out of place, I started bopping up and down with Jocalyn. I knew the chances of me falling on my butt were pretty good, but I honestly didn’t think it would surprise the few people here that knew me. Plus, I figured since he already saw me, it was best to let him see me having fun rather than me look like a complete bore standing off to the side.

  After playing a couple of songs, Noah announced that the band was going to take a short break. I caught Jack’s eye again and he motioned to the side of the stage with his head.

  “Oh he wants to talk to you. Hurry up, let’s go then!” Jocalyn said grabbing my arm.

  We were on our way over to the right side of the stage when I felt someone jab their finger hard into my shoulder.

  “What the hell.” I yelled out. Jocalyn turned around, her green eyes widening. Suddenly, I had a sinking feeling as to who was behind me. Cautiously, I turned around until I was face to face with the queen bee herself, Julissa Patton.

  “I thought you weren’t coming.” Julissa said sharply. She glanced at Jocalyn. “Oh look and you’re babysitting, how sweet.”

  Jocalyn leaned in then and whispered “Jack’s on his way over.”

  Julissa looked up over my shoulder and smiled. “I don’t know what you’re trying to pull but you will do exactly what I ask you to do, exactly when I ask you. Is that understood?”

  “Julissa, I really don’t think,” I started to say but she held up a finger to my mouth, which I took as a signal to stop talking.

  “Hey Chloe, I’m glad you came.” Jack shouted over the noise of the crowd as he stopped in front of me.

  Julissa looked at me. “Introduce.” She said.

  I stared at her like she was crazy and Jack stared at me with a slightly puzzled look on his face.

  “Now Chloe.....really where ARE your manners?” Julissa asked.

  I shook my head and couldn’t believe I was about ready to give in to this witch.

  “Um...Jack Riley this is Julissa Patton. Julissa Patton, Jack Riley.” I said. I tried to sound somewhat like I didn’t care about what I was doing, but judging by the look on Jocalyn’s face, I don’t think I quite pulled it off.

  “Uh.....Nice to meet you.” Jack said barely glancing at her.

  “Jack, how about you and I go get a drink and get to know one another.” Julissa purred.

  “Uh...sorry, but I have to be getting back to the stage.” He said

  “Maybe some other time then.” She said.

  “Uh yeah, maybe.” He said glancing at her again.

  Jack looked back to me and leaned in. “Wait for me after the show?”

  I nodded before he turned and walked away.

  Julissa looked at me and took a step closer so that our noses where practically touching. “You will make this happen. Is that clear?”

  I wanted to tell her off, but I wanted her to go away even more. I knew the only way that would happen is if I just told her what she wanted to hear.

  “Whatever you say Julissa.” I said sweetly.

  Jocalyn and I looked at each other and shook our heads as Julissa and her friends walked out. I glanced back at the stage and Jack was looking at me with a confused look on his face.

  I looked back at Jocalyn. “I think I’m ready for another drink” I said.

  By the time the bands set ended at 11:00, Jocalyn and I had each had two more drinks. We were sitting at the bar, still laughing about our run in with Julissa, when the guys from the band walked up. Jocalyn nearly fell off her chair as she jumped up to meet them.

  “Oh my god! Oh my god, Oh my god, Oh my god!” Jocalyn exclaimed. All four of them had amused looks on their faces. “I’m Jocalyn, you’re biggest fan. Wow! This is SO the best day of my life! I’m Chloe’s.....Chloe’s.”

  “My friend, she’s my friend.” I finished for her.

  Jocalyn looked over at me and smiled.

  “Well it’s nice to meet you Jocalyn. Sorry I can’t stay, but I have to get the instruments home before they disappear like last time. It’s nice to see you again Chloe.” Dean said.

  I smiled at him, “Yeah you too.”

  “He’s my ride, but nice to meet you.” Noah said.

  Dex walked over to us just as Noah and Dean turned to leave.

  “Hey Jocalyn, you need a ride home?” Dex asked.

  She looked at me. “Will you be okay?”

  “Yeah, I’ll see you Monday.” I said.

  As she was walking away, I heard her say to Dex “Oh my gosh! I have so much to tell you!” I almost felt bad for the guy. He’s never gonna get a chance to participate in any sort of a conversation with her tonight.

  “Alright dude, I’m out.” Tyler said to Jack. He looked at me and winked. “Goodnight my love.”

  “Goodnight.” I laughed as he turned to walk away.

  Jack and I stared at each other, our lips turning up in matching shy smiles. After a minute or two he broke the silence.

  “How are you getting home?” He asked.

  “I got here by subway but if I get there and it isn’t running anymore for the night I can call for a cab.” I said.

  He shook his head. “No you’re not. Not by yourself at this time of the night. I’ve got my truck. I’ll give you a ride.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Chloe we live in the same building. It’s not like I am going ou
t of my way or anything.”

  “Right.....Thanks.”

  Of course he was just being nice offering a ride just like any neighbor would do right? I felt kind of silly thinking that maybe there would be another reason as to why he wanted to give me a ride home. Then I remembered we were supposed to have a professional relationship. But don’t some celebrities end up marrying their publicists or managers? Not that I am a that I am trying to marry him or anything but.....okay so now my thoughts are rambling. I attempted to casually slide off of the barstool but all of the martinis I drank went straight to my head and I ended up doing some sort of full body spasm where my feet got tangled up and my arms flailed around. Not my most shining moment.

  “Whoa, are you alright there?” Jack asked without even attempting to hide the huge grin on his face as he took ahold of my arm to steady me.

  “Yeah I think I’m good.” I said as I tried my hardest to look anywhere but at him.

  “Alright, well let’s get you home shall we?”

  Jack placed his hand in the small of my back and led me out the door. The whole time we were walking to his truck, the only thing I could think about was how close his hand was to my butt and how it was a shame there was no way I could move that would cause said hand to end up on my butt.

  As Jack opened the passenger’s side door to his shiny black truck, I realized there was no way I was easily going to get in there and I started laughing.

  “What’s so funny?” He looked confused and probably thought I was crazy.

  “Um, yeah.....you wouldn’t happen to have a ladder would you?” I asked pointing to his truck.

  Jack started laughing as he realized what I meant.

  “You could always take a running start and jump in.” He joked.

  “No somehow I’d miss and end up under the truck.” I laughed.

  “You know although I don’t know you very well, I’d have to agree with you. Want some help?” He asked with a smile.

  “That would be great thanks.” I said.

  I grabbed the door handle with my right hand and the door frame with my left. I put my right foot on the floor of the truck as Jack put his hands on my waist and hoisted me up. I was suddenly extremely aware that I was in a very short skirt and was glad I wore cute underwear. You know, just in case I accidently flashed him. After I was settled in my seat, Jack climbed up into his side of the truck and we started home.