Exposed: An Anthology

by Brooke Cumberland

  “Moretti,” Mark was out of breath when he answered, shushing someone or something in the background.

  “Yo, Marko, it’s Caleb. What’s up man?” Caleb winked at Sophie. Maybe this wasn’t bad news.

  “Not much C. What’s up with you?” His hand covered his phone and his words were too muffled to make out.

  “Hey, I was just wondering what you were up to today.”

  “I’m working. Listen, I’ve got to run. Work is crazy. Can we catch up later this week?” Mark laughed and asked the driver if she knew how to drive a stick and to stop messing up his car. “I really have to call you back.”

  The phone went dead and Caleb’s eyes froze on Sophie. The blood drained out of her face. Her hands shook and more tears formed in her eyes. He stood and wrapped her into a hug. “I’m sorry Sophie. Go home. Take the day. Call him. Maybe he’s with a client. Maybe this is nothing. Please call him. I feel terrible.”

  Sophie hugged him hard. “Did it look like a client Caleb?”

  “No Sophie. It really didn’t. I’m so sorry.”

  ****

  “Have you ever driven a stick? You’re killing my car.” Mark laughed at Layla as they tried to make their way up the long driveway of a house his realtor had told him would be perfect. “Listen, I really have to call you back.” Mark ended the call and frowned at Layla. She just laughed as she stalled the car again. “You were better on the bike.”

  “Get over it pretty boy. You could buy a bunch of these. Why do you have this car anyway? An Audi? I would have expected to be picked up in a limo or something. Don’t get me wrong, this car is awesome and I would drive it in a second but. Sorry, I’m babbling again. I know you aren’t used to constant talking.”

  Mark smiled and thought of Sophie. “Soph is pretty quiet.” He sighed.

  “Oh gag. You’ve got it bad. When did you know you loved her? When do I get to see her? When are you asking her?”

  “Slow down Dr. Phil.” Mark laughed and waved at his realtor, Beth. “You can see her Friday at the rehearsal. I’m thinking of asking her at the wedding. May get Molly and Rich involved in the proposal. I thought maybe even during the reception since Molls has asked me to sing. We’ll talk about it tomorrow night when they come to dinner. They don’t know you are here or what’s happening but they’re going to help us come up with the perfect proposal. Something perfect to surprise Soph with you being here. Let’s go.”

  Mark looked over the gray stone exterior of the house situated at the top of Beachwood Canyon. He sighed at the three car garage. “This one is how much?”

  The realtor shifted her papers. “2.2 million but we can make an offer. It was built in 1991. 5,500 square feet of living space and the lot is about 15,700 square feet. Give it a chance Mark. This has a rooftop pool and a sauna. And you would be tucked away from city noise here. You can see the Hollywood sign from the roof.”

  “Million?” Layla cleared her throat.

  Mark patted her back. “Come on. You check the closets for me kid.”

  She smacked him and ran ahead into the house. She gasped. “Mark, get in here. You have to see this kitchen. It’s huge. And white.”

  Mark walked through the four bedroom, five bathroom house. The closet space was the size of an additional room and knowing he would be spoiling Sophie, he knew that would be a plus. The pool and Jacuzzi were separated by a wall in the pool and he liked the flow of the water back and forth. The view was breathtaking, the ocean on one side and the Hollywood sign on the other. It would be perfect for entertaining but something felt off. “The bedrooms are pretty small, Beth. I’m willing to pay more if we can get some more space. I want to have kids and I want to be able to see the pool without having them sneak up onto the roof. I’m sorry. This isn’t it.”

  Layla frowned. “You saw the master bath didn’t you? The huge tub? The huge mirror?”

  “Ok, on to the next. You want to see the short sale again? The six bedroom?”

  “Yes. I think Layla needs to see that one. The house just feels like Sophie. I want to see if you agree, Lay.”

  They followed Beth to the house on Deep Dell. He had narrowed his favorites to three and he wanted Layla to see them. It was a short drive to the Mediterranean house that he thought could be home. “I really want your opinion on this. It’s bigger than the last. It was built in 2005 so it doesn’t need as much work. In fact, I could move right into this one.”

  Layla wandered through each of the six bedrooms. All of them had an in suite bathroom. The four car garage made more sense to her since she had already seen two cars and a bike and that wasn’t including whatever Sophie was driving these days. The first floor was almost all stone. Was it marble? The large winding staircase made her gasp. She sat down on the floor of the theater room and shook her head. Everything was open and the view was gorgeous. The pool came off the living room and was surrounded by a large deck that overlooked LA. Tucked away on the third floor was one bedroom, with a private balcony and bathroom. She smiled.

  She joined Mark in the kitchen, where he was sitting on the counter looking over some mortgage forms. She nodded her head at the realtor. “How much is this? And can he afford it?”

  Beth smiled at her. “Yes he can. It’s a short sale. It’s been on the market for 100 days. They are asking 2.4 million. I think we can offer less but if this is the one, I don’t think we should wait.

  “Hey pretty boy.” Layla laughed as he bit his lip looking at his paperwork. “I think we can stop looking. She will love this.”

  Mark looked up and smiled. “Yeah?”

  “I do have one question.”

  “Yes?” Mark jumped off the counter and put his arm around her to lead her out.

  “Well, if I wanted to move here, start a life out here with Sophie, think I could occupy that room on the third floor until I got on my feet?”

  “I can’t think of anything Sophie would love more that having you here.” He hugged her close and looked at Beth. “Ok. Let’s make an offer.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Layla stood at the coffee pot willing the drips to come faster. The trip had provided little relaxation with Mark’s obsessive jam packed schedule. Tonight, they would have company for dinner. But today, she planned on making Mark take her shopping and then spending half the day basking in the late afternoon sun. A light rasp on the door drew her from her caffeine meditation. She checked the clock. 6:30 AM.

  Shuffling to the door in her pajama pants and fitted tank top, she looked out the peephole and smiled. Adonis number two was at the door.

  “Can I help you?” Layla smiled as she met his eyes.

  Caleb ran his eyes down the beautiful woman at the door. He didn’t even try to hide his appreciation of her scant clothing. He pushed past her into the living room and crossed his arms. “Where is Moretti?”

  “Well, come in.” Layla huffed and mimicked his stance. “Do you realize how early it is?”

  “Well, it’s too early for Mark to have company, that’s for sure. Did you spend the night? Where the hell is he?”

  Layla took a step forward and ran her finger down his tie and moaned. “Aren’t you a regular Prince Charming? Before you start demanding answers, I have a question of my own. Who the hell are you?” She licked her lips.

  Caleb almost swallowed his tongue. She was beautiful with her sleepy eyes and her bare face. Her dark hair was tied into a loose knot on the top of her head. She had a familiarity. He stuttered. “I’m Caleb. I’m looking for Mark. Do you or do you not know where he is?”

  With a big sigh, Layla walked toward the hallway and yelled. “Pretty Boy. Get up. You have company. Some really charming and not at all intrusive guy named Caleb.” She waited at the end of hall. “Good morning sunshine. Want some coffee?”

  Caleb heard Mark mumble before he walked into the living room. His hair was unruly and he wore nothing but a pair of jeans with the top button undone. Caleb fisted his hands and tried to calm his breathing. He couldn’t
believe his own eyes.

  “What’s up, C? Everything okay?” Mark’s face fell and he stopped in his tracks.

  Clearing his throat, Caleb took a step forward. “I came to ask you a question but it’s been answered so I’m done here.” Turning to leave, Mark grabbed his arm and Caleb tensed.

  “Caleb. Why are you here? Did something happen?” Mark’s voice grew louder and drew Layla from the kitchen. Caleb turned slowly, meeting Mark’s eyes. Anger and aggression flared. Was that hated? Mark’s thoughts stopped abruptly.

  Well.

  Shit.

  The punch was square in the jaw and right on target. Mark’s eyes filled with stars as he stumbled backward and onto his ass. His world went dark, then just as fast, blurred back into focus. He rubbed his jaw and stared at Caleb.

  “What the hell?” Layla ran into the living room to kneel by Mark. She shot Caleb the death stare. “You’re a dick. Get the hell out of here before I make you regret the fact you won’t hit a girl.”

  “With pleasure.” Caleb slammed the door shut and walked into the waiting elevator.

  Mark stood and headed to the kitchen for some ice. He was silent. After grabbing his ice pack, he spit a mouth full of blood into the sink and rinsed his mouth. The bruise was already starting and his head throbbed. He glanced at Layla who stood shocked in the doorway.

  “What the hell was that?” Her arms were crossed over her chest and her eyebrows drawn in a straight line. “I’m so sorry I let him in here. Who is he?”

  “That, Layla, is my best friend.” Mark spit another mouthful of blood into the kitchen sink.

  “Well, holy shit. If that’s your best friend, I can’t wait to run into your enemies.”

  “Welcome to LA.” Mark walked back into his bedroom and shut the door.

  ****

  Where was she? Mark had been texting Sophie all day with no response. She hadn’t called him back in two nights. His three voicemails had gone unanswered and now he was starting to worry. The incident this morning weighed heavily on his mind but he refused to contact him. He was finished with Caleb’s emotional warfare. Whatever was going on, Caleb was on his own while he figured it out.

  Today had been a wasted day. His head pounded. He had tried to take Layla shopping on Rodeo drive but after just three stores, he was forced to give up. He had bought her a silver charm bracelet and a purple gown to wear to the wedding. Buttering up the sister was priority number one. But today, it took the backburner to the war raging in his skull.

  The bruise on his face spread the entire right side of his jaw. What a beautiful souvenir from his best friend. The wedding was right around the corner and the pictures would be a reminder of this day forever. He sighed as he grabbed his towel and headed up to meet Layla at the rooftop pool. Molly and Rich would be here shortly for a last minute cookout before their lives spun out of control.

  Layla was swimming laps, her bikini leaving very little to the imagination. Mark smiled at the knowledge that he could look at a beautiful woman and feel nothing. He was completely in love and no one would ever turn his head like Sophie did. His heart swelled with pride at the thought of her being his wife. “Looking good LB.”

  She splashed him as he started the grill and he laughed. “Do you know your initials are MMMMM? Very appropriate.” Mark belly laughed as Layla faked her swoon.

  “Markie!” A sweet little squeal drew both their heads in the direction of the stairs. She stopped cold when she saw Layla in the pool. “Who are you?”

  Layla climbed out of the pool and smiled. Rich’s eyes followed her every move and there was no hiding the appreciation on his face. “Hi Molly. I’m Layla. Barringer. Sophie’s sister.”

  Molly’s jaw dropped and Mark laughed. “It’s OK Molls. You can say hi. She won’t bite.”

  “Oh my gosh. It’s so nice to meet you!” Molly pulled Layla in for a hug. “Sophie didn’t tell me you were here.”

  “Down boy.” Mark slapped his hand onto Rich’s back. “Stick that tongue back in your mouth. That’s my future sister in law you’re ogling.”

  Molly just shook her head. “I’m sorry you have to be surrounded by cavemen but welcome to my hell.”

  “I’m actually here to surprise my sister. But it has been nice to hang with Mr. Eye Candy for a couple days. It’s really nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you from Sophie and I was hoping I would get some time to get to know you. Thank you for everything you did when Shawn revealed his true colors. She needed you and you were there for her.”

  “She’s my best friend. Enough said. Now come on and tell me about the ring.” Molly took Layla’s hand and led her to the lounge chairs. “And the house. I can’t believe my brother bought a house in LA.”

  Mark continued to cook the steaks. The salad and vegetables were done and he sang along to the radio while he waited. Steve’s career was finally taking off as the new DJ of the hottest radio station in LA. He was so proud of all his friends. Well, everyone but Caleb. He shook his head and concentrated on the music.

  Rich broke into his thoughts. “So, you are seriously oblivious to perfection. How is this possible? Self proclaimed eternal bachelor Mark Moretti being tamed by a shy, timid blonde? I wouldn’t have believed it in a million years.” Mark turned to face him and Rich gasped. “What the hell happened to your face?”

  “I had a small run in…”

  “With a douchebag’s fist.” Layla finished his sentence and Mark cringed. “What? He was a douche. Acting like he owned the place, pushing by me in the doorway. Demanding I get you. Ridiculous.”

  The song on the radio came to an end and Steve’s voice rang out onto the airwaves. “This next song goes out to Sophie. Caleb says he knows you are a closet Bieber fan and this song says it all.”

  Justin Bieber’s ‘Fall’ came on the radio and Mark froze.

  ‘Well let me tell you a story, about a girl and a boy

  He fell in love with his best friend, when she’s around he feels nothing but joy…

  But did you know that I love you, or were you not aware?

  You’re the smile on my face and I ain’t going nowhere.’

  “What the hell is going on?” Mark dropped into a lounge chair next to Molly. His head fell into his hands and his shoulders slumped. Molly reached out and traced his jaw and he flinched. “What the hell is this?” He waved his hands toward the radio. He grabbed his phone and shot Sophie another text.

  “What is going on? I need you to talk to me. I love you. You said you wouldn’t run.’

  “I’ve been calling her all week. I’ve been sending texts. I haven’t gotten any response. I wanted to surprise her with her sister. I wanted to have our future started. I wanted to show her the house and ask her if she could see herself living with me. What am I missing?” Mark rubbed his eyes.

  Molly sighed. “I don’t know. Sophie wasn’t in today. Apparently, she and Caleb had a meeting yesterday. I really don’t know what was said but she was crying when she left and Caleb sat in his office in silence the rest of the day. I talked to her this morning but all I could get out of her was that she wasn’t feeling well and she needed a few days. Said she would see me at the rehearsal.”

  “Caleb as in the Caleb that hit you?” Layla sat up straighter. “That wasn’t Sophie’s boss Caleb was it?”

  “Caleb did that to you?” Molly’s eyes watered. “Why?”

  “I have no idea. He showed up here and woke me up this morning. Didn’t say much. Just punched me in the jaw and slammed the door. I’ve tried to reach Sophie all day. She won’t talk to me.” Mark glanced at Layla as her phone rang. Her face said it all. She stood up and walked to the stairs before answering. “Molls, I wanted to ask her to marry me at the wedding. That’s what this dinner was about. I know you wanted me to sing something else at the reception. But I wanted to sing Marry me by Train and ask her at your reception. I know that might have been stealing some of your thunder but I wanted to share the day with all you guys.” Mark r
ubbed his face and sighed. “What?”

  Molly just stared as a tear rolled down her cheek. Her eyes were wide and her jaw dropped open. “Seriously? The reception is perfect but why are you saying it like you aren’t going to ask her now?”

  “I want to more than anything but something’s happened. She won’t talk to me. Caleb shows up and punches me in the face, now this dedication to her on the radio. Is there something going on? Am I blind? Was this not mutual?”

  “Mark. Stop.” Rich put his hand on his forearm. “This is nuts. There has to be some logical explanation for this. Well, except for the punch in the face. That’s ludicrous. We’ll get to the bottom of this. Maybe she really is sick and the two incidents aren’t related.”

  “Dude, if she were sick, you would think she would want me around.” Mark stood up and headed to the top of the stairs to eavesdrop on Layla’s conversation.

  ****

  “Sophie, calm down. What’s going on?” Mark could only hear Layla’s side of the conversation but he felt better just knowing Sophie was OK. “Why would he dedicate a song to you? What does Mark have to say about this Soph?” Her eyes met Mark’s and she mouthed “she’s okay.”

  As Mark stepped away from the stairs he heard Layla gasp. “Don’t you dare go to the wedding with Caleb.” His shoulders slumped.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Mark stood in the foyer of the church. His hair was spiked and messy. The gray button down shirt he wore showed his broad chest and lean waist. His sleeves were rolled up showing his sculpted forearms and his freshly tattooed chest peeked out the top buttons. Layla smiled as she thought of them sitting in the tattoo studio for hours the day before as Mark tried to decide if he wanted to ink his pristine chest. He had decided on two simple stars while Layla tattooed the same on her foot. She sighed as Mark rung his hands together and then wiped them down the front of his pants. She didn’t know how this trip would end but she had enjoyed every minute of getting to know Mark.