Bound Together

by Marie Coulson

  “You’re sure about this?” I nodded in a definitive and resounding yes.

  “Then, sure, ok, I’d love to.”

  It was settled. Taking my drink, I held it in the air. “To having something to look forward to at last.”

  Raising his glass he clinked it against mine. “I’ll drink to that.” Amy slid into the booth and beamed at me. Chuckling, I gave her quizzical look. “What’s gotten in to you?” Biting her lip, she squealed.

  “He’s asked me out again!”

  I shook my head at her, not comprehending what she was telling me. “Who did?”

  “James Felix! He wants to take me to this big social dinner dance on Thursday!”

  I couldn’t help but remember Jared’s warning in my ear but seeing the happiness on Amy’s face, I decided not to mention it. Besides, the Felix Amy knew and the Felix Jared knew, were two very different people. I smiled at her. “Congratulations.” Glancing at Ollie and Mel she turned her attention back to me. Oh dear.

  “There’s a catch. He has a friend in town and he needs a date for the dance. Please Layla, I know it’s a lot to ask right now but you’ve been to these things, you know the formality and I could really use the support. Please, please, please. You don’t have to like the guy just dance, smile and be your charming self. Please.” Did I say oh dear? I meant holy fuck.

  I gaped at her unable to truly believe what she was asking of me. My relationship wasn’t even decomposing yet and she wanted me to go on a date!? Surly she wasn’t serious. Gazing at me with hope in her eyes, Amy waited patiently for my response. I stared at Mel desperate for her to rescue me.

  “I think you should go. It’d be a welcome distraction. Get dolled up and go out on the town. You still have that cocktail dress you bought on your birthday, the white one, wear that. I’ll do your hair and I’m sure Amy can manage makeup. It’s been over a month now Layla. You need to try and move on sweetie.”

  I glared at her. Thanks, friend.

  Ollie was typically silent as he had learned it best not to get involved when it came to Amy wanting something. The best course of action was to hide quietly in a corner and pray she didn’t sucker you in. Turning my eyes to Amy, I exhaled exasperatedly. “Fine, fine. But, don’t expect me to be the life and soul of the party Amy. I’ll eat, drink, smile and make polite conversation. That’s it. No hugs, no kiss goodnight and no second date. Understood?” Nodding, she flung her arms around my neck and kissed me. “Thank you!”

  Getting to his feet, Ollie chugged the rest of his drink and gave us a quick smile. “Well, we’re up to play next. Hey, you ladies wanna join us? Could be fun, just like old times, huh Layla?” Slumping back in my seat I shook my head. “I don’t know Ollie. I don’t feel much like singing these days. Feel like someone stole my oxygen when he ripped my heart out past my lungs, through my mouth and stomped on it.”

  Amy winced. “Graphic Layla. Nice.”

  I shrugged at her, I couldn’t help that she was squeamish and besides, it’s exactly how I felt.

  “Well maybe it’s time you let some of that emotion out in a more productive way?” Mel was giving me her do as you are told look and I knew I wasn’t going to wriggle my way out of this one. Getting to my feet I brushed myself down and took a deep breath. “Ok, I’ve got a song for you. You want emotion. I’ve got bottomless pits of the stuff.” Striding past them I walked right up to the stage and waited for them to join me.

  Turning to Ollie and the boys I told them the song I needed them to play. Eric, the bass player, rolled his eyes at me. “Seriously?” I glared as Amy and Mel shouted abuse at him for asking questions in the first place. Raising his hands defensively, he backed away from them. “Alright, alright. Jeez. Woman scorned and all that.”

  Ollie laughed and glanced at Nick who simply shrugged and began to drum the intro to ‘I Hate Myself For Loving You’ by Joan Jett. The lyrics, beat and hard hitting notes expressed exactly how I felt. As I belted out every powerful, emotion fueled word, I could feel some of the tension in my body lifting and easing. Maybe people were wrong, laughter wasn’t the best medicine, music was. I glanced back at my friends. Amy and Mel harmonized as my backup singers and the band were as hot as always. Ollie grinned, his hand stroking up and down his instrument as the song hit the guitar rocking instrumental.

  I watched as he bit on his lip and blew the hair that had fallen in front of his face out of his eyes. I couldn’t stop gazing at him. His eyes sparkled in the spotlight and his dazzling smile was intoxicating as I found myself grinning goofily back at him. His black ripped shirt was hot, very hot and my mind suddenly began wandering to what was hidden beneath. I’d seen Ollie topless before and he was a serious piece of hunk with a perfectly chiseled package. My heart beat faster and I licked my lips as I continued to stare at him as he made love to the guitar. Well, he might as well have been, caressing its long neck, his fingertips strumming skillfully over the strings. I was so caught up in my daze that I almost missed my cue. What was that about?

  When the song finally ended I was exhausted. I’d poured every last drop of myself into every note and now I was spent. Ollie appeared beside me and kissed my cheek. “Awesome as usual superstar.” His breath in my ear sent a shiver up my spine. My hair stood on end and I felt my insides clench. Watching him walk away I shook my head, rubbing my eyes with my thumb and index finger. What the hell was wrong with me? My heart was broken into tiny pieces and yet my body was firing up the furnace and heating up my libido again. I rationalized that it was just a phase. I hadn’t had sex in over a month and I was just going through withdrawal. Yeah, that’s it. Sex with Jared was mind blowing and obsessively addictive so the come down was always going to be grueling. I was just hankering for my fix and my body had momentarily selected Ollie as a suitable dealer.

  Deciding that the following day I would definitely have to invest in a B.O.B to get me through my sexual rehab, I pushed the thoughts of Ollie’s rocking hot bod out of my mind. Standing beside me, Mel leaned into my ear. “Horny for the rock star huh?” I could feel her smiling against my cheek. Shrugging, I chuckled. “Just horny generally I think. It has been over a month remember?” Wrapping her arms around me she pecked my cheek affectionately. “It’s good to hear you laugh again. How do you feel now? I mean aside from lusting after your dorm mate.”

  I turned to face her and gave her a half smile. “I still love him Mel and I hate it. And if you asked me if I’d do it all over again, I would. It wasn’t perfect, but most of the time, I was happy. I miss him. Nights are worst. I turn over and reach out and he’s not there. I wake up and sometimes for a split second I forget and it’s all ok again. But then I remember and the same raw pain cuts through me and I have to face the day knowing it’s that little bit harder because he won’t be in it. I just wish I could forget and move on like everyone tells me to. I wish I could hate him, but I can’t because for all the god awful, cruel and twisted punishment, I can’t stop loving him.”

  Hugging me tightly, she stroked my hair as I buried my head into her shoulder. “Oh girlfriend, I know. If I could take it all away and make it better again, I would. But you’re going to be ok. You’re a strong and beautiful woman Layla Jennings. I should know. I learned everything I did through watching you. It’s going to get easier. I promise.” Lifting my head, I wiped a stray tear that had escaped my eye. Her words were typical of her glass half full personality. But I couldn’t share her optimism. I felt like someone had taken my glass and thrown its contents into my face. Would I ever stop being bitter? The heartache was bad enough but the wrathful and scornful bitterness was by far the worst part of the whole situation. Taking my hand, Mel led me back to our booth where Ollie had a drink waiting for me. Giving him a smile I mouthed a thank you and sighed as I listened to my friends talk, laugh and bicker about everything from the weather to the color of the sky. It was so normal, so every day and I felt extremely out of place. My world had come to a standstill. It had stopped turning and was now just hov
ering motionless in my universe. It had halted the moment I left Jared’s drive way and I hadn’t been able to get the damn thing to spin ever since. Maybe it never would again.

  I stared down at my drink and felt my heart descend to the bottom of my ribcage. Getting up from his seat Ollie slid in next to me, draped his arm around my shoulders and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “I got you. It’ll be ok. You’ll see.” Gazing at his beautiful, heart stopping smile, I felt a thud inside my chest. Pressing my palm to my heart I smiled. What do you know, the earth was finally moving again.

  Chapter 37

  Shall We Dance?

  Dressed in a sparkling white cocktail dress I stared at myself in the mirror. The ruffled bust line made the rounded curves of my cleavage prominent and the black satin bow around my middle gave me a particularly curvaceous hourglass shape. Mel had styled my hair into an elegant up do; pinned, lacquered and curled neatly on top of my head. Amy’s amazing makeup skills knew no bounds and had been able to completely eradicate any trace of the dark circles that had appeared around my eyes these past few weeks. Sighing, I couldn’t help but think of the last dance I had attended. Jared had bought me a beautiful gown and dinner itself was anything but boring. A tingle of remembered pleasure shot through me but lasted only a moment as it was soon replaced with a deep hurt and longing.

  Amy squealed as her cell buzzed, letting her know our dates were here. Exiting the dorm, I rolled my eyes as a black limousine pulled up to the curbside. Stepping out in all his finery, James Felix shot Amy a devastating smile. There was no denying he was handsome. With his slender but fit frame, blonde hair and boyish good looks, he was the regular boy next door. Exiting the other side I saw my date. Muscular in build, his dark hair was slicked back from his face, reminding me of superman in the way he wore it and allowing a perfect view of his chiseled good looks. Was it a law that all these high society men had to be so overwhelmingly good looking? Approaching us, grinning, the two men exchanged a look and Felix nodded. What was that about? Kissing Amy on the cheek politely, he showered her with compliments before turning his attention to me. “Ah, the equally beautiful Layla, this is my dear friend Sebastian.” Taking my hand, Sebastian placed a soft kiss on my knuckles. My mind played a dirty trick on me as an image of Jared doing the same thing on our first date flashed before my eyes. Shaking it from my head, I smiled and studied his face. Dimples appeared as he smiled and he had the most dazzling green eye’s I’d ever seen. “Layla, it’s an absolute pleasure to meet you. May I say, you look truly stunning.” I smiled and thanked him for his compliment as he took my hand and led me to the car, following Felix and Amy closely.

  The drive was painfully uncomfortable. Amy and Felix were fawning all over each other as Sebastian and I made small talk. It turned out that he had known Felix from college and while Felix went into restaurant ownership, he had decided to continue as a chef. He was very sweet, quite the gentleman and any girl would have been swooning and giggling in his company. But there was only one businessman that would ever get me giggling and Sebastian wasn’t him. I tried to push Jared from my thoughts but it was no good. There were reminders of him and our time together everywhere and as we pulled up outside the Hyatt Regency, I knew it wasn’t about to get any easier.

  Taking my hand, Sebastian assisted me from the car and linking my arm in his own, escorted me in. The ballroom was just as I remembered it, magnificent. Decorated in white and deep reds, the tables and chairs were draped with the finest dining arrangements as glistening crystal and silver gleamed on top. Walking across the room, we passed the table at which I had sat, dined, laughed and reached orgasmic euphoria. A slight smile spread across my lips as I remembered the experience but the smile didn’t last as it was soon followed by a sharp stab through my heart as I recalled the phone call that had followed. His call from her.

  Amy caught my eyes and shot me a concerned look. Shaking my head, I let her know that I was not alright. I was still grieving for my relationship, the love I couldn’t let go of and for Jared. Understanding, she gave me an apologetic smile. Finding our table, Sebastian pulled my chair out for me and gestured for me to sit. I tried to put on a brave face but I was hurting, deeply.

  Seeing the obvious discomfort on my face, he sat beside me and placed his hand over mine caringly. “Are you alright? I can’t help but notice you seem unhappy.” Letting out a long breath, I looked at him and shook my head. “I just got out of a serious relationship. This place has a lot of memories and I’m just finding it a little difficult. I’m sorry.” His eyes lit up and he laughed. I stared at him in shock. What exactly had I said that was funny? “Oh Layla, thank god. I just broke up with my girlfriend two months ago and this is the first date I’ve been on. James insisted I come this evening and that I needed a distraction. I hate to admit it but I came here under duress. I’m really not looking for another relationship. I was terrified you were going to end up severely disappointed this evening.”

  I breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh that’s wonderful news. I mean, it’s not wonderful you got your heart broken but I am glad were on the same page. I’m only here because Amy begged me.” Glancing across the table, we watched our friends canoodling and whispering to each other and laughed. “Well, since we’re here, there’s a free bar and music, we might as well enjoy ourselves.” Standing, he held out his hand for mine. “Want to dance and drink your troubles away with me Layla?” Nodding, I took his hand and got to my feet.

  “Misery loves company.”

  Standing at the bar, Sebastian told me all about his ex-girlfriend and how he’d discovered she was seeing someone else behind his back. “I never did find out who it was but to be honest what does it matter? She told me she would end it but I would never have been able to trust her again. I did get the feeling he was a nasty piece of work though. She’d come home sometimes with strange marks and bruises telling me she’d fallen or knocked against things. But if he was what she chose then she got whatever she deserved. What about you?”

  Swirling my drink in my glass I stared at him. “We could never be honest with each other. That was the bottom line. Then I found a woman at his house and he couldn’t give me an explanation. Game over. Cheaters and liars seem to be the running theme tonight.” The band began to play a beautiful waltz and placing his glass on the bar, Sebastian bowed playfully. “My lady, may I have this dance?” My heart stopped as the words left his lips. My lady. Breathing rapidly, I chastised myself for allowing that man to haunt my thoughts again. Taking his outstretched hand I smiled as he led me to the dance floor.

  Amy and Felix joined us as Sebastian twirled me about the floor. My heels clanked and clipped against the wood as he danced swiftly and elegantly to the music. We talked and he made jokes as we tried to forget our worries and enjoy the evening we had been forced into attending. The music ended and I took the opportunity to step out for some air. I was flushed and warm from all the dancing. Sebastian offered to escort me but Amy interrupted him, insisting that she too needed some air. After the way she and Felix had been carrying on it was no wonder she was hot and bothered. They were like horny teenagers. Walking through the lobby, Amy was grinning like a moron. “Things are going well between you two then?” She skipped a little as she spoke. “Oh Layla he’s wonderful. He’s such a gentleman and he’s so unbelievably charming. But he’s naughty and rude at the same time. I’m in love!” I smiled at her as we approached the exit. Pushing our way out of the hotel entrance doors I froze. Standing next to a sleek silver Mercedes was Daniel.

  He spotted me and hurried over to greet me. Smiling profusely he gave me a warm hug, taking me completely by surprise. “Miss Jennings, it’s so good to see you! How are you? Are you well?” I glanced at Amy as she excused herself and headed back inside, leaving me alone with Jared’s driver. “I’m well enough thank you.” I swallowed hard and nodded at the Mercedes. “Is he here Daniel?” He didn’t answer. Staring over my shoulder he nodded and walked away back to the car. A scent filled my
senses and my heart constricted tightly in my chest. Sweet cologne, vanilla and soap. My body betrayed me, heating my blood as my insides clenched. Traitor. Breathing hard, I kept my back to him, staring across the street. His breath warmed the skin on my neck and a shiver crept up my spine as my stomach churned and somersaulted inside me. “My car is undergoing repairs.” His fingertips grazed my bare shoulder and I had to remind myself to stay calm. My breathing was already becoming erratic simply from the proximity of his body to mine. “You look breathtaking Layla.”

  Turning to face him, I stared at him. His eyes were the piercing blue I found so hypnotic but there was no light in them. His face was slender and he seemed paler than I remembered but his black tuxedo made him look every part the elite playboy. “My god I’ve missed those eyes.” Reaching to my face he brushed a lock of hair from my eyes and as his hand grazed my cheek, I closed them savoring the memory of his touch against my skin. I felt as though I could breathe again, but it was short lived. My eyes flew open and I recoiled. “What are you doing here Jared? You’re not in the culinary business.”

  His hands at his side he looked at me, clearly wounded by my sudden frosty demeanor. “I own shares in a restaurant.” Snorting a laugh, I arched an eyebrow at him. “Have your fingers in a lot of pies don’t you.”

  Stepping towards me, he leaned to my ear. “I believe the delicious temptation I had my fingers in last time we were here, was yours?”

  I flushed and my insides clenched again, hard. Glaring at him I sniped, “Well you can rest assured that’s a delicacy you won’t be indulging in again.”

  Skirting around him I headed for the door. His hand caught my wrist and halted me. I stood broken and breathless, my eyes to the ground. “Please Layla. I miss you. I can’t stop thinking about you, about us, about everything we had. I’ve tried to leave you alone, telling myself it’s the right thing to do, to let you move on. But I can’t let you go. I can’t stop loving you.” Tears pooling in my eyes, I couldn’t look at him. “You had me Jared. I gave you all of me and I gave it willingly but from the first time we met you lied, hid and kept things from me. We didn’t have honesty and without it our foundations crumbled, taking us down with it. I have cried a river of tears over you and I can’t do it anymore. I don’t think I will ever stop loving you, no matter how heartbreakingly hard I try to. But it’s not enough. Let me go.” I meant it in every sense of the word. I glanced back over my shoulder as he released my wrist. He stood on the sidewalk staring at me as I turned away and walked as fast as my feet could carry me back to the ballroom.