Bound Together

by Marie Coulson

  I glared at him. “How dare you! Jared is nothing like Nick! You’re such an asshole sometimes, you know that? And Amy’s supposed to be your friend Ollie! How can you say those things about her? Don’t you give a shit what happens to her? She’s fucking devastated and I can’t even get her to come out of the damn bathroom to talk to me about it! Now are you gonna stand there and insult her and me or are you going to be our friend and help me get her out!?” He stood inches away from me, his face so close to mine I could smell the rich and bitter scent of his skin. His lip ring glistening as he ran his tongue over his lips. “Fine, I’ll help.”

  I found myself feeling hot, flustered and surprisingly turned on. The fire in his eyes was arousing and part of me wanted to grab him tightly and kiss him, hard. I couldn’t understand what it was about fighting with a guy that got me so scorching hot! Jared had an uncanny ability to provoke it in me and now I was getting the same reaction around Ollie. It was not only wrong but dangerous too. Shaking the sinful thoughts about Ollie out of my mind I felt a pang of guilt for Jared. I’d just mentally cheated on him. This thing with Ollie was getting more complicated by the day and I wondered how long we could go on like this; pretending, acting like we were fine and that our friendship was the only relationship that existed and would ever exist between us. But it would have to wait because right now, Amy was more important.

  Walking straight up to the bathroom door, Ollie pounded on the wood “Amy, get your ass out here will you? This is stupid and no guy is worth locking yourself in a room with a toilet!”

  “Fuck you Ollie. You’re a guy just like him. You’re all the same.”

  “Don’t go tarring me with that brush! I’m nothing like him. I never cheat and I never lie. The woman I end up with would be my princess. I’d treat her like damn royalty and worship the ground she walks on. I’d tell her every day how much I love her and every night how much she means to me. So don’t you ever tell me I’m like all the rest Amy. I’m not!” Resting his forearm on the door, Ollie gazed at me. I knew what he was telling me without hearing the words. The woman he was referring to in his speech was me. His soulful chestnut brown eyes looked pained and he winced before turning his attention back to the door.

  My heart ached for him. I was hurting him and it was killing me. It was, of course, totally unintentional but I felt responsible none-the less. He’d made his feelings for me clear on more than one occasion. Jared was creeping back into my thoughts again and that same sting of guilt was now becoming a sharp pain in my chest. I was crazy about him but I also couldn’t ignore the chemistry and sexual tension that had been simmering between Ollie and me since I landed on my back in front of him. I prayed that these feelings would dissolve as I grew closer to Jared.

  Pushing Ollie aside, I begged Amy to come out. “Amy, come on sweetie. Come out. We’ll get some food, veg out, cry, scream and bitch about men all night. Besides, don’t you wanna help me open this box Jared just sent over?” The lock clicked beneath my fingers. Opening the door a crack, I could see her. Her face was smudged with the streaks of mascara caused by her tears, her lipstick was smeared across her chin and her eyes were red, puffy and wet. It was the worst I had ever seen her. Pushing the door gently, I pulled her into my arms and hugged her tightly like a small child when they’re hurt or upset. Her body shook with every sob that escaped her and I gave Ollie the nod to leave as I felt it best he not stick around once Amy had regained her ability to speak. He nodded back in agreement and I was honestly glad to see him go. I couldn’t bear the awkwardness any longer.

  Chapter 23

  Gifts, Glamor And Girl Talk

  Scanning the room I suddenly felt exhausted. The heap of empty food containers was beginning to turn into a trash pile. Ice-cream tubs dripped onto the hard wood floor and the Chinese takeout containers were starting to stink with their oily, spicy, aromatic scent. I’d eaten so much I felt as though I might explode. Amy however was still making her way through an enormous bar of Hershey’s chocolate. I didn’t even know they made a bar that size, but Amy had zeroed in on it the moment we had hit the candy aisle at the supermarket. “See this is what I love about chocolate. It’s rich, sweet, delicious and better than sex. And I don’t have to wax to enjoy it.” Her uncontrollable sobs had soon turned to anger and we were now in our third hour of bitching about men.

  “He’s a dick Layla. A true, honest to god, cock. Telling me I’m special, I’m the one. He was sweet, charming, you know he even took me to my favorite restaurant. He remembered I loved it after I told him at the bar that night. He asked me out the night we performed. Ollie warned me about him but I thought maybe he would be different if he met the right girl. Clearly that cheating, scheming, jackass will never change. Urgh I feel so dirty. I can’t believe I ever let him touch me let alone sleep with me.” Scrunching up the chocolate wrapper, she tossed it onto the pile and sighed. Hanging her head she began to cry softly. “I can’t believe he used me like that. There I was, in a gorgeous bed in a five star hotel room, lying in his arms, thinking how wonderful it all is and the whole time he’d been sneaking around sleeping with someone else. Her underwear was in his car. He tried to deny it of course, said it was from months ago before he even moved here to college but it’s all total bullshit. He never cared about me. He just wanted someone to screw. I hate him. I hate all men. Maybe I should try girls.”

  I stifled a laugh. Amy was the queen of dramatics. I came only a mere second to her and the massive soap operas she could create from situations in her life. But the hurt she was feeling right now was real and I could see the pain she was in. Scooting over, I flung my arms around her neck and hugged her close. Stroking her hair I tried to comfort her.

  “Amy, I know it hurts now, but don’t give up. Out there somewhere is a guy or girl that will treat you like the princess you are. My mom always says you have to kiss a few frogs before you find your handsome prince. Consider Nick as just another frog in your quest to find your prince. He’s out there, I know it, waiting to come rescue you and sweep you off your feet.”

  She lifted her head off my shoulder and wiped her eyes. Sniffing she gave me a smile, the first I’d seen since she stormed in and locked herself in the bathroom. “Nick’s not a frog. He’s an ugly, fat little toad and I hope he gets a fungal disease from one of his many little lily pad hopping harlots.”

  A loud chuckle escaped me. “That’s the spirit. Now come help me open this box; he sent a note too.”

  Grabbing an empty shopping bag I disposed of the evidence from our evening of gorging, bitching and tears. Amy sat on my bed and shook the box lightly. “Sounds fragile, what do you think it is?”

  “I have no freaking clue but if I know Jared, which I think I do, it’s probably expensive and way over the top. Well don’t just sit there! Open it up for me while I take this trash to the dumpster.”

  When I re-entered the room Amy was hopping up and down like an excited child. She squealed with delight. “Oh my goodness Layla! You have got to see all of this stuff!” Cautiously I approached the bed and as my eyes took in the box, my jaw dropped to the floor. Amy began taking everything out as I watched her, completely stunned. A brand new shiny laptop was first, followed by a Victoria Secret bag, a small velvet box and three envelopes. I stared at Amy, who was giggling at my expression.

  “Layla you are by far the luckiest girl I know. This guy is amazing. And he’s totally in love with you.”

  Her words snapped me out of my daze. Love? Did she say love? Surely it was too soon for the L word. But his generous gift was a sure sign that he was feeling something for me. Right?

  Amy sat and began setting up the laptop while I inspected the other items Jared had packed in his treasure box. The Victoria Secret bag contained a beautiful black lace bra and matching French panties. The delicate material was luxurious and felt as soft as silk. I checked the garments, briefly looking for a price tag, but he had of course removed them. The set certainly looked expensive.

  Turni
ng my attention to the small velvet box, I ran my fingers over the fabric. Slowly and carefully I opened it and gasped. Inside was a stunning diamond, tanzanite and emerald ring. The deep blue and glittering green shimmered in the light. The emeralds were lining one side of the white gold band while the tanzanite and diamonds were lining the other. In the center, two pieces of crystal had been swirled with the same colors. It was breathtaking. A tiny note was folded and taped to the inside of the lid of the box. Pulling it away, I unfolded it and read the words aloud, “Because it matches your bedazzling eyes. Because it was made for you. Because I want you to have this. Because I can give it to you.”

  I stood there staring at it. Taking it from my hand, Amy whistled as she plucked the ring from its box. Holding it into the light she was the one now gasping for air. “Oh. My. God. Layla. This ring is a Marcus Deboute ring! He’s like the biggest and most expensive jewelry designer in the world. He only ever makes unique pieces. This ring is the only one of its kind. Eighteen carat white gold and I would say at least three carats of diamonds. Wow. This had to be at least six thousand dollars Layla. You don’t spend money like that on a girl you’re just having fun with.”

  She had a point but I wasn’t sure I was ready to think about how deep our feelings ran. After all, we were still getting to know each other. He was wonderful and I was falling for him, there was no doubt about it. But I knew that this was something I had to handle delicately. If I professed my emotions to him too soon I could scare him away. And the idea of unrequited love with Jared was a devastating thought. I wanted to be his world, the way he was mine. Sighing, I slumped down onto the bed. A red envelope fell onto the floor and I remembered the other items in the box. The three envelopes each had a different day of the week on them including the current one marked Monday. Getting comfortable I tore it open and began to read.

  My Lovely Layla

  Today I told you I am going away on business. And believe me when I say that if there were some way to get out of it, I would not be leaving you. The gifts I have put in this box are to help you get through the next four days without me. So item one, the laptop. You’re a student now and no student should be without their very own computer. But this gift is also for other purposes. I have had Skype installed and I have set you up with your own personal email account so that you can keep in touch with me, wherever I am. Skype will allow us to speak via a video link while I’m away…amongst other things.

  The lingerie. You are the sexiest creature that walks this earth and this gift is for not only my enjoyment but yours too. Wear it when you want to feel sexy. Imagine my soft hands caressing your skin as the silky lace rubs against your delectable curves. Tantalizing.

  The ring. Before you over react and decide to never wear it or return it…you can’t. I had this ring designed especially for you. The colors are a reflection of the striking hues of your dazzling eyes. Eyes that have bewitched me. Eyes that speak to my very soul whenever I gaze into them. I wanted to give this to you. I can afford it and I will not accept it back. I want you to wear it. Every day.

  The envelopes. Open them on their respective days. Be open-minded and this is very important Layla, but DO AS THEY TELL YOU. I know how hard it is for you to take instructions but please trust me. It will be fine and you will have fun.

  Until the next envelope…Goodbye My Lady

  xxxxx

  Do as they tell you? A flurry of anticipation fluttered through me as I fought the urge to tear open the other envelopes. The idea of Jared giving me instructions from miles away was exhilarating and arousing. I glanced over at Amy who was hunched in front of my laptop clicking frantically. “How’s it going over there?”

  Whipping her head up, she grinned at me. “This is an awesome piece of equipment. It’s got everything Layla. All the latest software you could possibly need for college plus some games, shopping sites preloaded into your browser and…wow. You should see this.”

  Crawling across the bed I looked at the screen. Amy was on the site of Garrett’s Mall. Every store in the place had its own webpage. I was confused as to what had amazed Amy until I saw the tiny box in the corner of the screen that read: Layla Jennings. Credit limit: $5,000. “Is he nuts!? I never applied or asked for that! Bring up the details Amy.” Navigating her way around the site with incredible ease and speed she pulled up the page titled ‘Payment Details’. A note on the screen informed me that all invoices were to be sent to J. Garrett and any spending over the limit was to be charged to his personal account.

  Grabbing my phone I sent him a text. We really needed to discuss boundaries and his spending habit.

  I think we need to discuss this CREDIT LIMIT. CALL ME

  Sent: 18.04

  To: Jared

  Satisfied that he would see from my message exactly how I felt about his gesture I closed the laptop, much to Amy’s annoyance. She opened her mouth to protest but giving her a warning look I shook my head. My cell began to buzz in my hand and I swallowed hard when I saw his name on the screen. Holding my nerve I answered.

  “Jared, can you please explain why I have a five thousand dollar credit limit at your mall? One that I neither need nor asked for.”

  “It’s a gift. You can use it online or in the stores. I know how it can be when you’re at college, I was there remember? That money is for anything you want. Books, electronics, clothes, whatever you need I want to provide it for you. I enjoy spending money on you Layla. I’ve never been able to share my wealth with anyone till you came along. Don’t argue about it because I’m not changing it. Period.”

  His tone was clipped and distinctly heated but I wasn’t intimidated by Jared. I was angry and he was treating me like a child. Again.

  “Well I’m not using it. I don’t care how much money you have I am not going to be accused of only being in this relationship for what material possessions I can gain. That’s exactly what people will think. That’s Layla, Jared’s little gold digger.” I heard him snigger and it irked me. There was nothing funny about this situation. “You know what Jared? I don’t appreciate you laughing at me right now. I have never been so insulted. I feel like your cheap little whore. I’m packing all of this shit back up and sending it to your office. You can collect it when you get back. Goodbye.”

  Hanging up I saw Amy’s shocked reaction at my outburst. “What!?” Getting to her feet she walked towards the bathroom mumbling incoherently under her breath. I was sure I heard the words ungrateful and bitch but I decided I wasn’t willing to pursue another argument that evening. I couldn’t be bought and all these gifts were making me feel like a paid hooker. Sex for diamonds. When she emerged from the bathroom, Amy scowled at me before shaking her head and sighing exasperatedly. To hell with it, she had a bee in her bonnet and we were going to have to thrash it out. “Out with it Amy. You’re mad at me for what I said to Jared aren’t you?”

  She arched her eyebrow and rolled her eyes at me. “Layla, you really are so ungrateful. You question everything to death and you never just accept things at face value. He gave you that money to help you and to give you some financial cushioning whenever you might need it. But instead of saying thank you or showing your gratitude for his very generous nature, you snipe at him and make it seem like he’s buying you or something. You’re the only one who is cheapening the whole thing Layla. No one thinks you’re a whore and I’m pretty sure he’s never treated you like one. You need a serious attitude adjustment. Soon.”

  How could she side with him? A few dollars is a gift. Five thousand is over the top and no doubt came with expectations and conditions. I had every reason to be mad, at both of them. Grabbing my jacket I barked at her. “Fuck you too Amy. You’re supposed to be my friend.”

  Without giving her time to respond I stormed out of the room without so much as a glance at her. I needed some space and a walk to clear my head. Everything was so complicated with Jared, always so intense. It was everything or nothing and it was getting exhausting.

  I shuffle
d along the pavement, my head swarming with the events that had unfolded in my dorm room. The lavish gifts, the credit limit, fighting with Jared and Amy; it was all too much. Everything about Jared and I was too much and far too fast.

  The weather was still pleasant even as the sun was going down. The chill in the air was refreshing and lacked the usual bite one would expect for the season. The warm weather was winding down now and the cool autumn days would be creeping in all too soon. I continued to walk, silently thinking and pouring over Amy’s words to me. Was I really that ungrateful? Maybe I did need a slight attitude adjustment. Jared’s gifts were very generous and I was probably wrong in how I handled the situation but it didn’t change the how I felt about what he had done. I was uncomfortable with him spending on me and if he’d taken to time to speak to me about it, he would have known that. Jared’s lack of communication and general ignorance was beginning to irritate me. I glanced at my watch to discover that I had been walking for nearly an hour. Looking around I realized where my feet had taken me. I was standing outside Lorraine’s.

  Pushing the large glass door I walked in and the warm, familiar aroma of roasted beans and vanilla instantly soothed me. Kate was behind the counter eyeing the latest edition of “Coffee House”, a magazine keeping us all up to date on the latest flavors and concoctions to add to the menu. Lifting her head, she spotted me and grinned. Breezing around the counter she ran up to give me a hug. “Hey stranger! I haven’t seen you all week since they switched me to the evening shift. How are you?” She stood back and scrutinized my face as I shrugged. Her own expression turned from joy to concern. “Oh sweetie, what’s wrong? You and the boss been fighting again?”

  Letting out a long sigh, I nodded.

  Sensing my need for privacy, and no doubt itching to hear the juicy details, Kate took my hand and pulled me out the back to the office. “Now, what happened?” She handed me a box of tissues from the desk before sitting on the edge of it and watching me intently. “We had a fight. He keeps lavishing me with gifts, money and expensive trinkets. I can’t handle it all Kate. I’m not used to handouts. When I was growing up we lived modestly. Dad was working in a small garage and making little money and mom was only working a few shifts at the hospital to spend time at home with me. I didn’t have expensive clothes, high tech gadgets or even money to just go shopping. I liked my life the way it was. Uncomplicated. Simple. Then Jared comes bursting into my life with his millions, expensive jewelry, five thousand dollar credit limits and high tech laptops. It’s too much! I can’t understand why he feels the need to do it. Does he think that’s all I want from him? That his money and things he can buy me is what keeps me with him? It’s not. And I feel like a cheap whore if I even consider accepting them. And now I’ve fallen out with my roommate too. She told me I was ungrateful and that I need an attitude adjustment. I’m so confused. I feel completely out of my depth. What should I do Kate? Seriously, am I wrong in all this?”