Love's Illusion

by Priya Grey

  “Yes,” I tell him. “If you really focus on it, I think you could be amazing. You might even be one of those chefs on TV. You’re handsome enough for the camera, that’s for sure.” I can’t believe I let that escape my lips. I quickly try to pivot to something else. “And plus, you’re really focused and disciplined. Look at what you’ve done for me. I’ve already lost twelve pounds. Imagine if you put all that energy into cooking. There’s no telling where you can go.”

  “You lost twelve pounds because of your hard work and focus,” Nash comments.

  “Yeah, but I couldn’t keep it up without your support. I really appreciate you helping me out, especially for free.”

  “No worries.”

  We share another long look.

  “Anyway, getting back to cooking,” says Nash.

  “Right,” I say with a curt nod.

  “I think I’m going to look into it.”

  “Doesn’t your dad own a restaurant in San Francisco?”

  A look of suspicion crosses Nash’s face.

  “How do you know about that?”

  I shrug and admit, “Google. I did some research. I wanted to learn more about the mysterious, loner, Nash Davis.”

  Nash nods. “Yeah. He has a restaurant up there. But I’d really like to see if I could do this on my own. Without my dad’s help.”

  “I get that,” I tell him. “But don’t let your pride get in the way of what you want. If you think somebody can help you, ask for their help.”

  We share another long look. Then Nash snaps out of it.

  “Alright, enough talk, let’s get back to work.”

  “You’re the one who started the conversation. Once again,” I point out.

  “What are trying to say, Flo?”

  “Admit it, you like talking to me,” I smirk.

  “You’re all right.”

  “Oh, I’m better than all right. I’m twelve pounds lighter,” I say with a smile. I raise my arms in the air and flex my biceps.

  Nash grins and shakes his head. “Congratulations. Now, let’s work toward the next eight pounds, so you can hit your goal. Next exercise will work your abs.”

  “Good. I need that.” I pat my stomach.

  Nash smirks again. Then he shows me the next exercise using his water noodle.

  “It’s called the synchronized slimmer. Float on your back with the noodle under your knees, and keep your arms extended out. Then do a crunch and bring your hands toward your knees. Then return to your starting position. Give me twenty reps.”

  I begin doing the exercise.

  “Good. Bring your knees a little higher,” instructs Nash. “That’s right. Good.”

  Chapter 39

  While Nash and Flo continue their exercises in the pool, Juliette is having another session with Mr. Starbuck. She installed the latest app from the webcam company onto her phone. Now, she can offer a more personal experience to her clients, something she very much enjoys with Mr. Starbuck.

  “Well, I’m glad you like LA,” Mr. Starbuck says with a smile. “It’s one of my favorite cities. I know it gets a bad rap because of the traffic, but otherwise, it offers a lot. I actually bought a house there recently.”

  “I love the house I’m in,” Juliette boasts. “I’m really lucky. It offers the most beautiful view of the city. And the house is just magnifique.”

  “Do you mind if I see what it looks like?” asks Mr. Starbuck. “Real estate is sort of a pastime of mine.”

  “Sure. I don’t think my roommates will mind.”

  She gets up from her bed and steps out of the room. She flips her phone so she can show Mr. Starbuck the house. She begins walking and giving him a tour.

  “This is the hallway leading to the first floor. Over here are all the bedrooms. Flo sleeps in a really big closet off the second bathroom. Now, I’m walking down the stairs to the first floor. And this is the living room. Don’t you just love these paintings? I’m not really a fan of abstract art. But these paintings contain so much emotion. Anyway, the kitchen is over there. But let me show you the backyard and pool, first.”

  Juliette walks through the living room, toward the sliding door. She slides the door open and sees Nash and Flo exercising in the pool.

  Chapter 40

  As I continue doing my water exercises, Juliette steps onto the patio.

  “These are my roommates, Flo and Nash. Sorry to interrupt,” she tells us. “I’m just showing, Mr. Starbuck, the amazing view from our backyard. And voilà…” Juliette scans the backyard with her phone. “Here’s the view. Isn’t it just amazing? I bet the view from your house isn’t as nice as this?”

  Juliette flips her phone, so she can look at Mr. Starbuck.

  “Mr. Starbuck, do you feel alright? You’re all red.”

  A worried expression suddenly appears on Juliette’s face.

  “Mr. Starbuck? Mr. Starbuck? Are you there? Shit, I think we lost the connection,” Juliette says concerned. Then she comforts herself by saying, “He’ll call back. He calls me every day now.”

  “Sounds like he’s obsessed,” says Nash.

  “Can you blame him?” replies Juliette with a wink.

  Nash shakes his head. Then he turns to me. I stopped working out when Juliette stepped outside.

  “I thought you wanted to lose eight more pounds? They’re not going to lose themselves. Get to work,” Nash barks.

  I start exercising again.

  “Nash, you’re such a brute,” says Juliette.

  Nash shrugs.

  At that moment, we hear the front door. Selena joins us in the backyard. Her cast is finally off, and she has a huge smile on her face.

  “I’m a free woman!” she proclaims, raising both arms.

  “Now you can DJ again,” says Juliette.

  Selena nods, happily.

  “The cast came off just in time,” she tells us. “I booked a gig at a club this weekend, right here in Hollywood.”

  Juliette gives Selena a hug. “Congratulations!”

  “You guys have to come,” she says looking at us all.

  “I’ll be there,” says Juliette.

  “Me too,” I tell her. “I love EDM.”

  “What about you, Nash?” asks Selena.

  “Sure. Just don’t force me to dance. I don’t dance.”

  “I’m so happy to get back out there,” Selena beams. “I really miss spinning for a live audience.”

  Then Selena’s phone starts ringing. She glances at it and ignores the call.

  “Matt again?” asks Juliette.

  Selena nods.

  “He just won’t accept that we’re over.” Selena sighs.

  “Maybe it’s not,” teases Juliette.

  “Whatever.” Selena then turns to me. “Flo, I’ve composed some music for your video game.”

  I stop my workout. “Really? That’s awesome!” I shout.

  Nash is now really annoyed. “Can’t you guys see that we’re in the middle of a workout here?”

  “That’s all you guys have been doing for the last two months,” complains Selena. “The girl needs a break, Nash. Flo looks awesome! Now, let’s check out the music I composed. We can lay my music track into the game and see if works.”

  Nash turns to me and notices my pleading look. He slowly realizes it’s three against one.

  “Fine,” he mutters. “We’re done working out for the day.”

  “Awesome,” I say with a smile.

  I get out of the pool and quickly wrap a towel around my waist.

  “Let me get my computer,” I tell Selena.

  After getting my laptop, and loading Selena’s music, I play the game. The music fits perfectly. It’s mysterious and adventurous at the same time.

  “It’s like this is the perfect music for the game,” I tell her.

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  “Like it! I love it! Thank you so much.”

  Nash motions for my laptop and begins playing the game.

  �
�The music really works,” he says in agreement. “Nice job, Selena.”

  “I really enjoyed working on it. It helped me stop thinking about Matt. Anyway, I’m glad you like it. If you want, I can design different theme music for the individual levels.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” I tell her. “I mean, I’d love it. But it’s not like I can pay you.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” she says with a shrug. “I’m enjoying working on this.”

  “I don’t know what to say. Thank you.” I can’t believe how fortunate I am to have the roommates I do.

  “I actually have something else I want to share with you,” says Selena. “But I think I’ll surprise you at my show this weekend. You’re definitely coming, right?”

  “Of course,” I nod happily. “Now, I have to come. I love surprises.”

  Selena looks at Nash. “And you’re coming too, right Nash?”

  Nash is focused on playing the game. He doesn’t look away from the computer as he responds, “Like I said, as long as you don’t force me to dance, I’ll be there.”

  “Great. I could really use the emotional support.”

  “Then maybe you should call Matt and invite him, too,” teases Juliette again.

  “Why would I do that, when I broke up with him?”

  “Because I think you’re making a mistake,” says Juliette “You’re acting with your head instead of your heart.”

  “Stop being so French,” Selena complains.

  Juliette shrugs. “It’s the only way I know how to be.”

  Chapter 41

  After their conversation in the pool, Nash realizes Flo is right. If he wants to pursue a career as a chef, he shouldn’t let his pride get in the way – he should ask his dad for help. Fortunately for Nash, his father contacts him first, wanting to meet for lunch. This time, they meet in Malibu, at a restaurant overlooking the ocean.

  “Can you believe it? They fly me back to LA, made me think I have the job, then last minute, give it to Dan Marino. Can you believe I lost the gig to Dan Marino? He doesn’t even have a Super Bowl ring.” Nash’s father takes another sip from his scotch, irritated.

  “Maybe he’s better on camera than you,” says Nash with a shrug.

  His father looks at him and concedes, “Hey, I admit I might need some polish. It’s amazing how much of an art form talking non-stop about the same thing, but not really providing much insight, actually is. They said I needed to work on my communication skills.”

  “I could see that,” teases Nash.

  Nash’s father looks at him slightly annoyed. “I just believe in getting to the point. Is that so wrong?”

  “Maybe you’ll get the next TV gig that comes up,” replies Nash, trying to offer some comfort.

  “I hope so,” his father mutters. “Because I’m bored out of my mind. I miss being around the game. Being a businessman just isn’t as exciting.”

  Sensing an opportunity, Nash leans forward, across the table. “Dad, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”

  “What? Joining one of my companies?”

  “No, being around the game.”

  His father leans back and rolls his eyes. “You got to be kidding me, Nash. You just blew off the tryout with Florida, and now you’re saying that was a mistake?”

  Nash shakes his head. “That’s not what I’m saying. Just hear me out.”

  His dad takes another sip of scotch. “Fine. I’m listening.”

  Nash takes a breath and begins. “I never played football because I loved it. I played it to make you happy.”

  The statement shocks his father. “That’s bullshit,” he responds. “You loved it. I saw your face after a game. When you won, you were on cloud nine. When you lost, you had the face of a hound dog.”

  Nash shakes his head. “That’s because I hate losing. But it doesn’t mean I loved football.” He pauses and looks at this dad. “I played it for you. I knew how much you loved football. Growing up, I acted like I loved it too, so you and I could be closer.”

  His father looks down, shocked. He shakes his head, then looks his son in the eyes. “Then, how come you’ve been in a funk for years since the accident?” he inquires.

  Nash shrugs. “Once you’ve convinced yourself that you love something – and then have it snatched away from you – it sort of messes with your head. The time I should have spent figuring out what I wanted to do with my life, I spent chasing your dream, not mine. And it’s only now that I’ve finally realized that.”

  There’s a long pause as his father stares at him. Nash feels uncomfortable but relieved at the same time. He’s finally admitted the truth to himself and his dad.

  “So, then what do you want to do?”

  Nash lowers his head. He takes a deep breath then meets his dad’s gaze. He’s about to mention cooking but – at the last minute – changes his mind. Instead, he mutters, “I don’t know.”

  His father stares at his glass of scotch and sighs. “You’ll figure it out with time. You’re a smart kid. You have a good head on your shoulders.”

  Nash is shocked to hear these words from his dad, considering he’s spent most of his life seeking his father’s approval. “You really believe that?” he asks. “Because for the last three years I’ve been killing myself – for getting in that car and throwing everything you wanted for me away.”

  His father sighs and leans forward. “Let me tell you something, son. When I got that call about your accident, and heard you were in the hospital, I nearly had a heart attack. The thought of losing you nearly destroyed me.”

  Nash feels a swell of emotion rise inside him. “Then how come you were so angry, when you showed up to the hospital.”

  His father shakes his head, annoyed. “Because I’m not good at this emotional stuff, son. I ain’t good at expressing myself. Just ask your mother or the people at Fox Sports.”

  Nash lets out a sigh of relief – a sigh he’s wanted to exhale for years. “I wish you had told me this earlier.”

  “Well, better late than never,” responds his father, somewhat sarcastic.

  Nash looks at him and concedes, “I guess you’re right.”

  After taking another sip of scotch, his father asks, “Have you ever thought about cooking?”

  Nash falls back in his chair. “You’ve got to be kidding me?” he responds with a smirk.

  “Why? You make a great burger, and that spaghetti and meatballs dish is darn good. Not to mention that casserole, or whatever it’s called, that you made that one Thanksgiving. Your mother always said you had a knack in the kitchen. Why are you laughing at me?”

  Nash can’t suppress his smile. “Nothing. It’s just that you’re the second person to mention that to me. I’ve actually been thinking about it myself. I was embarrassed to say anything.” Nash shakes his head. “I don’t know why.”

  His father leans forward again. “You know Todd Richards?”

  “Of course I know Todd Richards, Dad. He’s a hall of fame receiver.”

  “He’s a buddy of mine.”

  “Everyone’s your buddy,” Nash quips.

  “What can I say? I’m popular,” replies his father with a shrug. “Anyway, he wants to open a restaurant in Portland. He asked me for advice since my restaurant is doing so well. I’m coming in as an investor. We already have the location picked out and are bringing in a chef from some fancy restaurant in New York. His name is Anthony Jocino, or something like that. Anyway, if you want, I can give him a call and see if there’s a spot for you in his kitchen. Do you want me to give Anthony a call and schedule an interview?”

  Nash ponders the offer. “You don’t have any restaurant connections here in LA, do you?”

  His father smirks. “Don’t want to leave the sunshine? I don’t blame you.” Then he cocks an eyebrow. “Or is there a lady involved?”

  Nash shakes his head. “No. No lady. I just sort of like it here.”

  His father leans back and takes another sip of scotch. �
��I don’t know anything off hand. But I can make some calls, if you like. But in the meantime, you should meet with this chef in Portland. It might be a great place to start.”

  Nash nods. “Ok. I appreciate you looking into this for me, Dad.”

  His father stares at him and says with all seriousness, “You’re my son. I’d do anything for you. You hear me?”

  Nash looks at his father. He realizes how much he means it. “Yeah. I hear you.”

  “Good.”

  Chapter 42

  At work the next day, Josh enters the game testing room and motions to a guy sitting across from me.

  “Haruto, could I see you in my office, please?”

  Haruto, looking confused, gets up from his chair and follows Josh.

  As they disappear, Ajax mutters under his breath, “There goes number two.”

  “What are you talking about?” I inquire.

  Parker leans in my direction and whispers, “Josh is going to cut five interns from the team.”

  “I thought we were all guaranteed six month contracts?”

  “Nothing’s guaranteed, Flo,” replies Ajax. “I heard he’s going to take the five worst performers and cut them. Don’t worry. We should be fine.”

  “I hope so,” frets Parker. “If I get fired as a game testing intern, I’ll never hear the end of it from my dad. He already thinks I’m making a stupid career move. He wants me to go to med school.”

  “Parker, stop worrying,” replies Ajax. “You’re not going to get cut.”

  After a few minutes, Haruto returns to the room. He’s visibly upset as he packs his things.

  “Is he crying? That’s just pathetic,” whispers Ajax.

  “It’s not pathetic,” I whisper back. “This job really mattered to him.”

  “It’s just an internship,” Ajax responds.

  “Yeah, but for some people that’s the only thing they can get,” I tell him.

  “Flo, could I see you in my office?”

  I look up. Josh is standing in the doorway, glaring straight at me.