by Lana Hartley
“Any chance you had of reinstating your membership is now ruined, and it’s all my fault,” he says regretfully.
“Yeah, no shit!” I seethe. “Why don’t you just shut the fuck up anyway,” I add. “I don’t even fucking care about the membership anymore. I need to find a way to fix this.”
Victor lets himself out, and I pace my living room floor, wondering if I should run after Molly. I’m fucking clueless. I don’t know what to do. And the crazy thing is that what I said to Victor is totally true. I don’t fucking care about the membership now.
All I care about is Molly.
And now I’ve lost her.
Molly
I watch the rain and try to stifle the tears that threaten to fall.
This can’t be happening.
This can’t be my life.
A slight drizzle begins to trickle outside of my car window as I sit sullenly in the back seat and watch the water droplets gently make their way down, just like the tears I’m holding inside.
Yeah, I know I’m being fucking melancholy; you don’t have to point that shit out to me.
I’m also fucking mad.
I’m directing most of this anger at myself more than at Owen. I should know better than to get involved with a guy like that. All guys are the same, but when they’re rich and successful? Magnify that cocky arrogance by like…a million.
I should have known.
We arrive at my office, and the driver puts the flashers on while he runs around the passenger side seat to let me out of the back seat. He opens the door for me and holds up an umbrella.
“Here you go, miss, watch out for that puddle, and please try not to slip.” He gives me a smile and his eyes flash with genuine concern.
If only I could get Owen to care about me like that. Real and genuine. Not some act because he has an ulterior motive. I’m regretful and pouty. Wallowing in self-pity. I should really fucking snap out of it right now.
“Ma’am?” I hear my driver call back to me.
I spin around. “Yeah?”
“Do you want me to pick you up again after business hours?” he asks.
“Yes,” I respond.
I know I’m staring at him blankly, like I’m a fucking space cadet. It’s almost as if I can’t focus on one person or one thing in particular, and I’m just grasping at straws to even put one foot in front of the other.
I shake out my umbrella and push it back down before heading inside the lobby. I hate wet days like this, but as I glance back outside the double doors leading to the street, I notice that the rain is starting to pick up.
I watch as people try to dart around it and run from being completely pelted and soaked.
At least I made it inside before the downpour hit.
See, there’s a silver lining in everything. I can be optimistic when I want to be.
I ride the elevator up to my floor, and when I step out, I force myself into the mindset that I’m going to go about my daily routine and everything will be business as usual.
I’ll try to fucking forget about that prick Owen Wolfe. No wonder his corporation has the name ‘Lone Wolfe.’ No respectable female would dare settle down with the likes of him. I’m a fucking idiot.
I sit down at my desk chair and turn on my computer while I sip the latte I picked up at the espresso station on the way in.
I sigh and stare at the screen as if I’m looking for answers that it obviously can’t give me because it’s a damn computer.
“Good morning!”
I glance up to see Katrina’s bright and bubbly face staring at me as if nothing is out of the ordinary.
Of course, to her everything is normal because I keep my romantic life private and she has no reason to suspect I’m sinking into a dark abyss of sadness.
I know I’m being melodramatic right now, but I have the right to be fucking pissed, okay?
“Hi, Katrina.” I give her a polite smile and prop my elbows up on top of the desk expectantly. “What do you have for me today?”
“Well…” she begins but I interrupt her.
“Let’s’ just start with this morning,” I joke.
I can’t handle the rundown for an entire day until all the coffee in my cup is running through my veins.
“Okay.” She nods enthusiastically and moves on her heel. “You have a meeting with potential investors in thirty minutes,” she begins, looking at her iPad.
Yes, that’s right―we’re high tech around here. Katrina has a smart device instead of a note pad and a pen.
“I’ll get ready for that.” I nod and take a deep breath.
Oh yeah, by the way, I’ll be nowhere fucking ready for that.
“You have a lunch date with one of the clients who does interviews for the talent,” Katrina mentions.
“Alright.” I rub my temples. “I think that’s enough for right now.” I look up at her and smile.
Katrina types something into the iPad then moves her head up again. “Do you need anything else from me right now?”
“I don’t think so.” I shrug and force a smile.
Katrina lets herself out.
“Oh, Katrina?” I call before she’s completely out of sight.
“Yes?” She turns around.
“Will you please close my office door behind you?”
“Sure thing,” she says and then leaves me in privacy to wallow in my own despair.
I take a glance around the room. I have a sad little fern plant in the corner by the window. It’s apparent that it hasn’t been watered in a long time.
Its leaves are droopy and dry, much like my spirit.
I’m back to my usual, boring self and her monotonous routine after all. So much for living on the edge. Look where it fucking got me.
Meanwhile my father is probably sitting in his mansion-slash-palace. I picture him sitting in his study with a brandy in his hand and the morning paper.
Yes, a brandy this early.
My brother Harry is probably playing golf in some rich county club, not even thinking about work, while I sit here and do all the hard shit, keeping this company afloat.
Nobody fucking cares, so why should I?
I regret taking the risk with Owen. It only backfired in my face. You know what they say, hindsight is twenty/twenty, right?
I’m just going to have to learn the hard way and take what I know and apply it to my life from now on.
I mean, am I really that stupid to fall for his manipulating qualities?
Wait a second, don’t answer that.
Then out of nowhere, an idea comes to me. I pick up my office phone and dial the Expose Club. A bored-sounding girl answers the phone.
“Hi, I need to speak to the club manager,” I state assertively.
“Hang on,” the girl drones, and I hear elevator music fill my eardrums as she transfers the call and places me on hold.
A few seconds later, I hear his voice come on the line. “Jay Fletcher.” His voice sounds impatient, like he might be in the middle of something.
“Hi, Jay, it’s Molly Quinn.”
Jay clears his throat. “Oh, hey, Molly, what’s up?”
I should probably mention here that Jay and I are on a first name basis with each other because we have to work hand in hand a great deal.
“I’m calling about Owen Wolfe,” I say.
“Oh, right.” Jay’s voice immediately cuts to an apologetic tone, which I ignore.
I’m going to keep this short and fucking sweet.
“It’s come to my attention that he is suspended from the club right now,” I begin.
“You’re correct,” Jay coughs.
I don’t elaborate on how I know this information, and Jay doesn’t press me.
“I need you to go ahead and lift that suspension,” I say firmly, knowing that Jay will want to keep my father happy, and he’ll be willing to comply for that reason alone.
“Okay, sure…” Jay says apprehensively. “Any particular reason why?”
“Nope,” I chime in a high voice. “Thanks for your help, Jay. Please notify Owen at once that he’s reinstated,” I say abruptly, and hang up before he can ask me any further questions about it.
I sigh and place my head in my hands. Well, at least one of us will be happy.
Owen
I look at my surroundings but can’t think of anything besides her.
She’s my dream girl and I’ve lost her.
Victor and I are in his award-winning man-cave basement, drinking a couple of cold beers at his mini bar when the doorbell rings from upstairs.
Victor’s wife and kids are at ballet practice, so Victor has to go upstairs to answer the door. I follow him, curious to see who’s there.
When Victor opens the door, Jay from the club stands there in his signature leather jacket and a pair of jeans.
“Hey, Jay, come on in.” Victor gestures Jay inside.
If he’s baffled by Expose’s manager ringing his doorbell, he doesn’t show it.
We walk back into the main living room.
“Please, take a seat,” Victor says, and both Jay and I do as he instructs.
Jay sits on the opposite couch across from Victor and me, and I gulp nervously and try to keep my breathing even. Jay isn’t in the business of making house calls, especially way out here in Connecticut, so to say I’m fucking pissed is the fucking understatement of the year.
The three of us sit there, staring at each other in silence for a few minutes, then Jay finally breaks the ice and speaks.
“Here you go, man.” He extends his hand to reveal my beloved Gold Card.
“What the fuck is this about?” I ask with confusion.
I don’t take the card at first, thinking this is some sort of fucking trap.
“This is for you. We’re officially reinstating you as of today,” Jay says and wiggles the card in his hand, beckoning me to take it.
I stare at him, then the card, then back at him.
“Are you going to fucking take the damn thing or what?” Jay chuckles.
I nod and grab the card. I look over at Victor, whose expression doesn’t reveal that he has any fucking clue what’s going on either.
“This isn’t a joke?” I raise an eyebrow and look to Jay for solid confirmation.
“Nope, dead serious,” Jay says and nods, leaning over on his elbows.
“Why?” I ask the pressing question.
Victor begins to bounce in his seat, interrupting Jay from answering. “This is fucking badass, man.”
He’s really hyped up, I can tell.
“What?” I laugh and look at him.
“You know,” he playfully slaps my upper arm. “This is like a true miracle. You’re getting your card back just in time for your date with Crystal!”
Victor high fives me, and I glance back at Jay, who’s just staring at us like he’s expecting something.
“So?” I ask expectantly.
“What?” Jay shrugs and looks between me and Victor.
“Why did you guys change your mind? Why are you giving me my card back?” I twirl the card between my thumb and index finger. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m super stoked to get it back.” I grin at him.
“I just want to know who to thank,” I chuckle.
Jay takes a deep breath and stands up.
“We got a call from ‘above.’” He even fucking uses air quotes.
He moves to the door. “Bye, fellas, I’ll let myself out.” Jay casts us a wave.
“Bye.” Victor waves back and grins at me.
“That’s all you are going to give me?” I shout back to Jay. “Come on, not even a little clue?”
Jay opens the door and leaves, closing it shut tight behind him.
“This is so awesome, dude!” Victor gives me a congratulatory slap on the back.
I absentmindedly place the card on the table, paying it no attention. I don’t even fucking care what it represents right now, and the fact that I have it back means jack shit to me at this point.
I stare at it blankly, not saying a word.
“Uh, Owen…?” I hear Victor calling my name. “You okay in there, buddy?”
He gives me a quizzical look.
“I’m fine.” I shrug. “Want to go back to drinking in your basement?”
Victor looks at me as if I’m losing my shit.
“Dude, are you even remotely excited?”
“For what?” I ask.
“Um, let’s see…to have your card back? You are officially back as a Gold Member, this is fucking epic!”
“I could care less, really.” I shrug dismissively.
“I thought the whole point was to score the rare date with Crystal?” Victor picks up the card and studies it. “It’s got your name on it; it’s really yours,” he says without looking up.
“Yeah…” I trail off.
“Owen, listen to me.”
I meet eyes with Victor, who’s wearing a serious expression.
“What?” I ask, feeling annoyed by his daunting gaze.
“Don’t make the same mistakes I made in life,” Victor confesses firmly. “You’ve been pining over Crystal for months.”
“I’m not making any mistakes,” I lie. I’ve made a huge fucking mistake by leading Molly on.
Victor shakes his head.
He doesn’t believe me, but he knows me better than anyone, so why should he?
“Men like you don’t settle down,” he affirms.
“I’m not trying to settle down,” I protest.
“You like Molly.” Victor finally makes his point and confronts me.
“Maybe.” I don’t pretend, I don’t deny it.
“So, I’m just telling you, it’s not a good idea. You’ll end up like me.”
I stare at Victor as if he’s a fucking idiot. “Victor, you have a great life, and I know you love your family,” I shoot back.
“Yes, I love them, but I would do anything to have a date with Crystal. You don’t know how lucky you have it right now, Owen. She’s almost untouchable, and totally out of the grasp of a married guy like me.”
“I’ve hurt Molly,” I say in a whisper.
“She’ll get over it.” Victor rolls his eyes.
“You think I should still keep my date with Crystal?” I ask, even though Victor is already selling his case pretty fucking hard right now.
“Absolutely,” he says, nodding with confirmation. “She’s fucking gold, brother, the pillar of manhood, the reason every guy at the Expose Club pays top dollar to have that membership.”
“I guess you’re right…” I trail off.
He may be convincing me, but I still have Molly’s gorgeous face in my mind as I picture her slender legs wrapped around my waist and digging into me.
“Damn right, I’m right,” Victor laughs. “Crystal is fucking hot as shit. An opportunity like this doesn’t present itself every day, Owen, my man.”
“All the other guys who haven’t had her yet will be jealous.” I grin. What? Don’t judge me, I can relish in that power for a few fucking seconds.
“Exactly.” Victor slaps my back. “She is the ultimate prize, the final destination, the fucking jackpot, man!”
Victor stands up and claps his hands together as if he’s getting pumped up for a marathon.
“Well, Molly hates me now anyway,” I say, and finally admitting that fact out loud makes me feel deflated.
“Look, Owen, I know you’re conflicted, but everything will work out. You can always apologize to Molly later.”
“That’s a good point,” I say, but I wonder if it’s a lost cause. I fucked up royally with Molly.
“So, are you going to redeem your prize?” Victor grins mischievously.
“Maybe we should switch roles,” I joke. Sometimes I think that maybe Victor is more adventurous than me and that he’s just trapped.
“Fuck you,” he laughs.
“I guess I’ll keep my date,” I say, still a little wary.
“They reinstated your membership. It’s a sign from the universe.” Victor nods proudly, as if he holds the key to all the answers.
“Okay, okay, don’t twist my arm. I’ll go see Crystal,” I laugh, teasing him.
“Excellent choice, my man,” Victor states.
I just wish my heart was all the fucking way in it for Crystal. Although I’m hoping maybe once I see her, everything will become crystal clear. Maybe I can get my head on straight, stop pining over a girl. Because that’s not me, not by a fucking long shot.
Still, as I leave Victor’s Molly’s is the only face I see.
Owen
I feel laden with heaviness and doubt as I walk into the Expose Club.
I’m not the man I used to be.
A few minutes ago, when all the comforting sounds and smells of the club hit me, for a brief moment, I felt like I was where I belonged. I straightened my shoulders and think, I’m king of this place, and I’m getting ready to show everyone who’s around to witness it as I earn my metaphorical crown…
But then it turned out to be…not that many.
The place is surprisingly dead, but then when I glance at my watch I realize that it’s still early afternoon.
My heart pounds in my chest as I approach the attendant who is in charge of pairing up the talent with the men on their schedule.
“Hello,” I say with an air of confidence as I walk up to the stand.
“Good afternoon.” The receptionist is a thin woman with long silky black hair. I don’t recognize her and wonder if she’s new to the club. Her name tag reads ‘Heather.’
I clear my throat. “I’m, um, here for my date with Crystal.”
“Crystal?” The woman asks for confirmation, and I nod my head adamantly.
“Yes, my name is Owen Wolfe. I should be on her booking calendar for this month.”
“Hmm, let me see.” Heather glances at a computer as her hair falls softly over the side of her face.
I begin to sweat, wondering if my name is no longer in the system because of my temporary ban. It’s only been a couple of hours since Jay lifted my suspension, so I have no fucking idea what to expect, but I remain hopeful and calm.
“Is everything alright?” I can’t take the uncertainty anymore, and I have to ask.
