Burning Up

by Marie Coulson

  Taking a seat, I browsed the menu. A tall and slim blonde strolled over. Her pink and white apron had a vintage style about it and her hair was pinned back into a neat bun. Holding a notepad and pen in her hand, she gave me a small smile.

  “What can I get you?”

  After a little humming and ahhing, I finally decided on a latte and a blueberry scone. She brought it over promptly, and as I sat in the corner of the room, I thought about everything that had happened over the past few days. I thought about Ollie, about Jared, and about how everything that was unfolding in my life, was entirely my fault. I suddenly lost my appetite and pushing my plate away, I held my head in my hands, and cried softly.

  Everything was a complete mess. How could I ever be with a man who couldn’t trust me? Wiping my eyes with a napkin, I glanced up and saw a familiar face leaving the bathroom. Arthur Kent was one of Jared’s business associates and after meeting him several times, I also knew he was a wonderful man, too. Not pompous, snooty or anything you’d expect a man of his age and social standing to be. Straightening out his suit jacket, he headed for the door. I was hopeful that he wouldn’t see me. Tear stained and hiding in a corner wasn’t a great look for the girlfriend of Mr. Garrett. I clearly wasn’t going to go un-noticed. Seeing me, he headed over with a large grin on his face. It soon dropped as he saw my clearly distressed state.

  “My dear, Layla. What on Earth is wrong? Are you all right? Do you need help?”

  The concern on his face was endearing. Shaking my head, I tried to force a smile, but it was of no use.

  “Oh, my dear. Now, come, come. What could possibly be so bad?”

  Sliding in to the seat beside me, he placed a gentle and comforting hand on mine.

  “It’s Jared.”

  “Ah, I see.”

  Taking a deep breath I tried to explain how I was feeling.

  “He’s wonderful. He’s attentive, sweet, and romantic and I know he loves me dearly, but he’s also just so …”

  Patting my hand, he cut me off. “Possessive, protective, and domineering.”

  I stared at him, wide-eyed with surprise and nodded slowly. He’d taken the words right out of my mouth.

  He sighed heavily, rubbed his hands over his face, and briefly looked around us to ensure we weren’t being listened to. He seemed a little awkward.

  “You see, in the business world, you have to be ruthless. If you want something, you take it before someone else beats you to the punch. We hunger for control and order, and unfortunately, this often spills over in to our personal life. What to you seems protective and overbearing, we see it as keeping and securing what is ours. Sadly, everything in life becomes a possession. We ruin relationships and in many cases, it’s why we choose not to have them at all.”

  I gave him a confused look. “We?”

  Staring down at the table, he nodded ruefully.

  “We. Several years ago when I was a little older than Garrett is now, I was engaged. Marie was everything to me. She was beautiful, intelligent, fun, and lit up my life like a lantern in the dark. But she was also a free spirit. She’d go out to parties, socialize, and meet with people. Some were men and I found it harder and harder to control my anger. I was jealous and afraid that I would lose her. I tried to control her. I made rules, demanded that she stop seeing people, and even had her followed to places. Of course, when she discovered this, she begged me to stop and to trust that she loved only me, but I couldn’t. I could only see her slipping away and out of my grasp. I held tighter and inevitably, it cost me everything. She left me with a broken heart, and I have regretted it ever since. I lost my first and only love because of my dominating nature, and I have never forgotten it because she was the only thing I could never gain control over.

  After her, I simply had a string of meaningless flings and encounters. I was too weak to fight who I was and to love her enough to let her be herself, and it cost me everything. I let her walk away from me when I should have listened to her and tried to change. I’ll regret it forever. But you, you two have a chance. Jared knows he is this way, he just need a push in the right direction. He’s thoughtless and callous at times, but I know he loves you. I’ve seen it. One can always recognize a man in love. He seems … complete somehow. He looked at you like you were the only person in the room. That, my dear, is worth fighting for.”

  Smiling slightly, I sniffed gently.

  “But what if he won’t try? What if he thinks I’m crazy?”

  He gave a deep and throaty chuckle. Raising my hand to his lips, he kissed the back of it sweetly.

  “You are certainly worth it, and if he truly loves you, which I think he does, he would fall on his knees for you. Give him a chance.”

  Laughing lightly myself, I gave him a grateful look.

  “Thank you. Really. I feel awful for keeping you. You must be rushed off of your feet. The place is really coming together, isn’t it?”

  Turning, I gazed at the construction site across the way.

  “Oh, they can manage without me. To be honest, I think they like me out of the way. It’s a beautiful building. Jared had it designed, and he really does have excellent taste, but of course, you know that. You’re one of his finest selections.”

  I blushed a deep shade of pink.

  “Would you like to see it?” he gestured at the site and grinned.

  Biting my lip, I nodded enthusiastically. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

  He smiled and stood quickly, offering me his hand. “Not at all. It would be my pleasure.”

  Leaving my money on the table beside my un-eaten scone, I took Arthur’s outstretched hand and followed him to the door.

  Maybe I’d been wrong; it wasn’t all caused by me. Maybe some of the blame was the world he lived in, the world he was thrust into at such a young age. But hadn’t he told me all of this at the beginning? He warned me that he was a ruthless businessman, and that he would not share me with anyone, and yet I tested him at every chance I got. Maybe I was the one with issues. It was an uncomfortable truth, but either way, this couldn’t go on any longer.

  Chapter 13

  Paris

  As I climbed out of the car, Amy and Mel gave me a gut-wrenching and slightly overdramatic, sad look.

  I rolled my eyes. “Guys, it’s not forever.”

  Amy gave a sniffle, and I could see the tears welling in her big, brown eyes. “Do you really have to go so soon? I thought you were staying until Sunday?”

  I bit my lip and wrung my hands mindlessly. “I know, but I have to go now. Jared and I have so much to talk about, and being here with you guys has made me realize just how much the two of us have to do if we really want to make it work. I have to know where we stand and if we have a future. I’d rather do it sooner than later when I’m even further away.”

  Mel nodded. “I can see that. I just hate the thought of you being there alone while you go through it all. I still say he’s trouble, and he has way too much control over you.”

  I gave her a warning look. Holding up her hands defensively, she continued.

  “But if it’s really what you want, who am I to stop you? Besides, when has Layla Jennings ever done what she’s told?”

  My mind immediately wandered to Jared. Doing as I’m told wasn’t one of my strong points and it infuriated him. I had to admit that I got a kick out of it though. It was slightly sick and definitely childish but I had always been the rebellious type. It was my one major fault.

  Pulling them both into a tight hug, I sighed heavily. Saying goodbye to my parents again had been difficult, but leaving my best friends was even harder. Amy and Mel were my friends, confidants, and guidance counselors all rolled into one. Releasing me, Mel dragged my case from the trunk and handed it to me. I quickly took out my ticket and checked my flight details. Due to my leaving earlier than planned, Jared’s private plane was still in New York, and if I was honest, I was looking forward to surprising him with my impromptu arrival. No doubt he’d be irritated
that I had traveled alone and without the proper protection, but I didn’t care.

  Amy and Mel walked with me into the airport, and as we said our goodbyes, my heart sank. Watching the two of them walk away, hand in hand, made me realize just how much I would be missing over the next few months. Their new home, their growing relationship, and the two of them would be graduating the following year, while I would only be a sophomore. Sitting in the departure lounge, I pressed my earphones close to my ears and hooked up my iPod. Setting it to shuffle, I smiled as Crazy by Aerosmith played loudly. Memories of the coffee shop and the couch came flooding back, and my blood heated instinctively as I thought about Jared and I, fumbling, grabbing, rocking, and grinding together all over it. I was so caught up in my erotic thoughts that I almost missed them calling my flight for boarding. Pulling my case behind me, I took my seat in the regular, economy class section, and as the flight attendant gave her routine safety speech, I turned up my music and stared out of the window.

  Music was my passion, and I missed the fun and excitement of being on stage with the band. Seeing them up there together was heartbreaking. I was one of them. We weren’t just a band; we’d been a group. And I’d ruined it. I’d wrecked everything in one stupid and emotionally damaging move. I’d spent weeks punishing myself and hating myself for hurting Ollie, and after seeing him at the apartment and then at the bar, I was more confused than ever. He was hurting, angry, and vicious, and yet the way he had looked at me, told me that there was more to it than I knew. There had to be. People don’t just fall out of love. Josh had broken my heart into tiny pieces when he’d cheated on me, and yet, I still loved him. It had taken me a long time before I could finally move on and date again. I’d lost my first love, and the moment I was ready for a new one, I jumped head first into the deep with Jared and Ollie. Was it any wonder that I’d ended up drowning in them both?

  The music on my iPod changed, and as I glanced down at the screen, I rolled my eyes. I was right, the universe was out to get me and teach me a lesson for playing with hearts, including my own. How Can You Mend A Broken Heart by the Bee Gee’s began to echo in my ears. Teaching my father how to use technology had clearly been a bad idea. My entire playlist was now littered with all of his favorite songs. Part of me was enjoying the small piece of him that I was now carrying around in my pocket, but as the music and beautifully emotional lyrics washed over me, I could only think of Ollie. Just like that, I was back to the plane I had boarded as I had cast him aside and chosen Jared. My body also remembered how it felt, and the ache I had felt back then, was once again settling in my chest. This time, it was … different. This time, I wasn’t his to lose.

  * * * *

  Walking through the airport, I smiled. Paris. I’d always dreamed of being there, but to actually be in the city of romance, was everything I could have hoped for. As I pulled my case behind me, the sounds of the people speaking and conversing with one another was something I could only describe as surreal. The accent and the beautiful language were intoxicating. I felt like I was in an amazing romantic movie. I stepped outside and gazed around at the buildings. It was nothing like New York. It seemed less … hustle and bustle and more relaxed. I could have seen myself living in a city like this for the rest of my life.

  A line of very stylish and elegant looking cars was parked outside the airport. If I hadn’t seen the ‘taxi’ sign on each of them, I would have assumed they were picking up high-class passengers. Walking over, pulling my case behind me, I waved at a small, plump, balding man who was leaning against one of the cars. He gave me a quick nod and gestured for me to come over. I prayed that he spoke English because the very basic French I had learned in high school was about to either get me to the hotel or get me lost.

  “Bonjour. Je voudrais aller á l’hôtel Hilton?” I attempted. Grinning, the driver nodded. “Trés bon! Your French is very good.”

  I blushed a little and returned his smile. “Thank you. I know enough to get by, but I couldn’t hold a conversation. Thank God you speak English!”

  He held out his hand for my case and opened the rear passenger door for me. Sliding in, I sighed with contentment. Jared would be so surprised to see me, and the spontaneity was worth the anger I would no doubt encounter when he learned I had travelled alone.

  As we drove through the scenic and truly beautiful streets of Paris, I could see exactly why people called it the city of romance. The history, grand structures, and stunning gardens were beautiful. It inspired writers, poets, and lovers all across the world, and my heart was filled with love simply being there. America didn’t have that history. Romantic movies were set here and Paris had been the setting of many a sweet proposal, marriage, and declaration of love. I couldn’t wait to take in the sights and sounds of it all with the man I loved.

  Pulling up outside the hotel, I bit my lip and smiled. The driver hauled my case from the trunk, and it was immediately taken by a formally dressed concierge. I tipped him generously. Well, at least I think I did. I wasn’t entirely sure of the dollar to euro exchange, but thirty seemed generous to me.

  The concierge had a wonderful French accent, but I could hear the twinge of an American accent filtering in. He’d clearly taken classes in English from an east coaster. I had to stifle a giggle.

  He showed me to the reception desk where a blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman with half-moon glasses sat, typing at her computer.

  “Bonjour.” She smiled sweetly.

  “Hello, Layla Jennings? I’m staying with Mr. Garrett.”

  She quickly typed and began scanning her monitor.

  “We weren’t expecting you for another two days. Does he know you’ve arrived?”

  I shook my head. “No, I’d like to surprise him. Could you just direct me to the room? It was a long flight, and I’m eager to get settled.”

  She smiled again and nodded. “Of course. Henry?” she called out to the bell-boy standing beside the elevator. Standing beside me, he took a key from the receptionist and smiled.

  “Miss Jennings is staying with Mr. Garrett. Please take her to the correct room.”

  He nodded but said nothing. Gesturing toward the elevator, he smiled at me.

  I followed behind, taking in the splendor of the hotel décor. It was much like the other Hiltons I had stayed in, but this one was in Paris!

  We stopped at the top floor. Figures that Jared would choose a room where he could survey the entire city. As the elevator doors opened, the bell-boy gestured down the hall. I assumed he didn’t speak English or he was mute because he made no attempt to converse with me at all. I walked along the long hallway, following him a step behind. As we approached the end, I tapped his shoulder and in English and French, asked for the key. He nodded and pointed at the door on the left hand side. I handed him a twenty and smiled, thanking him as I did so.

  Standing outside the door to our room, I took a deep breath. I could hear music coming from inside and I grinned. Billy Joel. A favorite of Jared’s and I had to admit, it was beginning to grow on me, too. Pressing my key into the door, it opened gently. I crept inside and placed my bag beside the door. I stood in a small corridor. The music echoed and I followed it through to a large and sophisticated lounge. I was just about to walk through to find the bedroom when three, young, tall, and giggling women strolled into the lounge and stared at me. Each was wearing lingerie and heels. I froze. Completely devastated, I couldn’t speak, think, or breathe. This couldn’t be happening. I was in the wrong room; I had to be.

  Walking over, one of the women, a brunette with large brown eyes, smiled and tapped my shoulder. “You should hurry up and get undressed. Mr. Garrett doesn’t like to be kept waiting. He’s had us here for an hour and still can’t seem to decide which one he prefers.”

  I gawked at her. I was about to snap something venomous back at her, but was interrupted. Calling from the bedroom, I heard Jared’s voice.

  “Ladies, can we get on with this? I have a meeting in two hours and still have
further requests. I don’t want to end today’s session until I’m totally satisfied. Yesterday’s was a total disaster. I’ll be having words with Philippe. I gave him specific instructions as to what I wanted.”

  The girls rolled their eyes and made their way back to the bedroom.

  My chest felt tight, my heart pounded in my ears, and rage filled my body. Storming to the door, I slammed it loudly behind me and bolted down the hallway to the elevator. Slamming my fist against the panel, I hit the button, and as the elevator descended, I pressed my back against the wall, held my hand, shakily, to my chest, and tried to calm my breathing. I was a moment away from completely losing it. Tears pooled in my eyes, and my anger was reaching boiling point. Clearly, the only one of us getting a surprise was me. As for spontaneity, I’d say three hookers, two days in a row, was certainly spontaneous! I felt sick.

  Exiting the elevator, I ran for the street, and as the cool air breezed over me, I was finally able to breathe again. I looked around as tears streamed down my face. I didn’t know where to go or what direction to go in, but I walked. I walked with no idea where I would end up, but anywhere would be better than here.

  Chapter 14

  Heartache In The City Of Romance

  I’d walked for over an hour before I’d finally calmed down enough to take note of exactly where I was. Eventually, I found a small café on the corner of a quiet and hidden street. I sat at a small, round, glass table outside and cradled the cup of coffee in front of me. My hands were shaking, my eyes were sore from crying, and I felt as though someone had reached inside my chest and tore out my heart. I kept replaying what I had seen in my mind, and I couldn’t make sense of it all. How could he do it? Why would he do it? He’d fought so hard to keep me and confessed his fear of losing me so profusely that I simply couldn’t believe that he would cheat. But I hadn’t imagined those three women. I could still picture the lacy, racy, and expensive lingerie. I could smell their perfume. My stomach churned with grief. It was a feeling that was familiar. Jared’s fidelity had come into question before, and after finding the truth, I’d forgiven his secrets, lies and general dis-honesty. I couldn’t think straight.