And The Beat Goes On (3 page)

Chapter Five

♬

Jeremy Clearwater

“I can’t believe you’re teaching a class.” Titus took a drink of his scotch then returned the glass to the table. His elbows rested on the counter while we watched the soccer game. I had season tickets but I didn’t always feel like going. Manchester United had some crazy fans.

“I can’t either. I feel bad for my students.”

Titus laughed. “That makes two of us.” He crushed the peanuts on the counter then threw them into his mouth. He and I were roommates in college, and we both got business degrees. His father was the owner of a computer software company, and he was selected to take it over. We had a lot in common. I was very selective with the people I let into my inner circle. Only a few made the cut. Everyone else was just background noise.

Having a close group of friends always kept me grounded. They were the few people who really knew who I was. Everyone else saw the bogus façade I put up. But with my real friends, I didn’t have to hide anything. I may have an unstable family, but I’ve selected my family through my friends.

“How do you teach a class anyway?” he asked.

“The department gave me the learning objectives—bunch of bullshit. I’ve commandeered the syllabus and made it my own.”

Titus smiled. “Poor kids…”

“And we aren’t using textbooks. Business isn’t about smarts—at least not in books.”

He nodded. “This actually sounds like a fun class.”

I shrugged.

“Any ladies catch your eye?”

I immediately thought of Athena.  “There is one. And she’s…very distracting.”

“Go for it. Make her work for that A.” He laughed at his own joke.

“That’s inappropriate. She’s the student and I’m the teacher.”

Titus finished his glass then ordered another one. “Since when did you care about crossing lines? You do it on a daily basis.”

“If she’s in my class, I can’t get away from her. You know how women are. They think they can change me after we’re together, and when I send them packing they are in shock. Athena is probably no different. And I’ll be stuck with her.”

“Athena…
.I like that name.”

Fuck, I did too.

“Semester has to end sometime, right?”

“I suppose.”

“Then move in for the kill.”

That wasn’t a bad idea. “Are you seeing anybody?”

“Just porn—for now.”

I smiled. “You’re a good-
looking guy. It doesn’t have to be that way.”

“Unlike you, I can’t just sleep around. It’s always awkward the first time.”

“Then don’t make it awkward,” I said simply. “Take control.”

“I haven’t slept with over a hundred women. I don’t exactly have the same experience.”

“You could always get it,” I said simply. I spotted two brunettes across the bar. They both wore leggings with boots.

I liked boots.

“How about one of them?”

Titus glanced then turned back to me. “Alright.”

“Well, I’m going for it. Hopefully, you join me.”

Titus smiled. “Good luck.”

“Don’t need it.”

I approached their table with my hands in my pockets. As soon as they looked at me, I saw the approval in their eyes. Women associated a suit with money
. While that was rightly so, it didn’t mean anything. My intentions were not noble—whatsoever.

“How are you, ladies?”

The woman on the left smiled at me then fixed her hair. She was clearly smitten. When I looked at the other woman, she was just as interested.

It’s great to be good-looking.

I took a seat and engaged them in politics and other world events. They seemed impressed with my vast knowledge. Although, I could tell they didn’t understand half of what I spoke of.

Whatever. I did
n’t care about their brains.

I finally picked the one I wanted. I wasn’t in the mood for a threesome.
Too much work for the evening. I finally got her out of the bar and into my car.

“Hold on a moment,” I said to the driver over the intercom.

“Very well, sir.”

She was huddled close to me, her eyes shining bright.

“I want to take you back to my apartment, have sex with you, and then never call you. If you’re okay with that, let’s get going. If not, I’ll escort you back inside.” I admitted my relationships with women were superficial and cold, but I wasn’t a liar. I didn’t like courting women just to get in their pants then never call them again. It always hurt the girls, which I despised. I was always honest with my intentions.

I wasn’t a complete asshole.

“Wow. You’re blunt.”

I waited for her answer.

“But I like it.”

Of course you do.
I hit the intercom. “Back to the house.”

“Very well, sir.”

♫

She was good. Not the best I ever had, but not the worst.

I gave her what she needed then showered immediately afterwards. Like she wasn’t there, I went downstairs and responded to a few emails. Now that I got my kicks, I felt a little better.

I had a sickness. Most guys would just masturbate when they were between partners but I couldn’t do that. I needed it—the real thing. And I couldn’t have a long-term serious relationship. It wasn’t my thing.

She came downstairs after she dressed herself and touched up her makeup. “So, what do you do for a living?”

“I’m a stock broker.”
Potatoe, po-tat-toe.

“That sounds interesting.”

No, my money sounds interesting.
I picked up my phone and called my driver. “My guest is ready to head home.” I hung up without waiting for a response. I didn’t say her name because I couldn’t remember it.

She eyed my vaulted ceilings and granite counters. “You do very well for yourself, especially since you have a driver.”

Yes, I’m rich. Blah.
“I’m very grateful for what I have.” That was my automated message.

“Will I see you again?” She came behind me and rubbed my shoulders.

“I said I wouldn’t call.”

Her fingers moved into my muscles. “But you didn
’t say anything about seeing me again.”

“Then let me clarify. No, I don’t plan on seeing you again.” I shut my computer then stood up. “My driver should be here.”

She pouted her lips. “I’m so tired…”

Could she be any more desperate?
“My driver will make sure you get home safely.” I opened the front door and waited for her to walk out.

The car was pulled up to the curve and the back door was open. “He’s waiting.”

She grabbed her purse and sighed. “I had a great time.”

“Me too.”

She gave me a gentle kiss before she walked out. “I left my number on the table. You know, just in case you change your mind.”

I never have
and I never will. “Thank you.”

She got in the car then disappeared. I shut the door before the car took off. I just wanted to be alone. I was never good company after sex. I didn’t feel like talking, and I certainly didn’t feel like cuddling.
Yuck.

My phone rang and I sighed in annoyance. Why would anyone call me this late? When I grabbed it from the table I saw my sister’s name. I pushed my irritation away and took the call. “Pru.”

“Jer, I have the most amazing news.”

She
’s pregnant. I know she’s pregnant.

“I’m going on tour in England. And I’m having a show in London.”

Oh. I wasn’t expecting that.

“You have to come.”

“Of course I will.” I loved watching my sister play. She was very talented and amazing at what she did. But seeing her on tour was hard to process. She got so big so fast.

“You got front row tickets. You can bring a friend or date.”

Eh. I might bring Titus.
“Thanks.”

“I’m so excited.”

“I thought you weren’t allowed to leave the country?”

“I’m not, but Cash worked something out with my visa. Being famous has its perks.”

“Is he coming with you?”

“Yes, my
husband
is coming with me.”

I smiled. She used that word whenever she could. “Well, tell you
r
husband
I’m very excited about the show.”

“I will.”

“Is that all?”

She jumbled the phone around. “I forgot it’s late there. I really don’t like the time difference between us. We’re exactly opposite.”

It was annoying. “We’ll manage.”

“I’m so excited to see you.”

“How long are you here for?”

“I think a few days. We’ll have to hang out.”

“Of course we will.”

“Alright. I
gotta go. Love you.”

“I love you too.”

She hung up and the line went dead.

I tossed the phone on the table then sat down. I was excited to see Prudence. She and I always had a unique bond, even when we were kids. Besides Cash, I knew I was her favorite person in the entire world.
I wasn’t sure what I did to deserve the title but I was grateful that I had it. She was definitely one of my favorite people too.

Chapter Six

♬

Athena Riley

At the end of my art class, my professor wanted to speak to me.

“Ms. Riley, have you heard about the painting auction on campus?” Dr. Williams removed his laptop from the projector and stored it in his bag.

Auction? “No, I haven’t heard anything.”

He grabbed the flyer from his desk and handed it to me. “Students submit their work for the community to purchase. And they also get an evening with the artist so they can pick their brains about their inspiration and talent.”

That sounded pretty cool. “Anyone can enter?”

“Yes, but not everyone will get a buyer.”

That would be so humiliating if I entered my work and not a single person bid on it. Totally traumatizing.

Dr. Williams caught the look. “Don’t be scared. I think you should do it.”

“Really?”

“I’ve seen your work. It’s rather good.”

Was he yanking my chain?

He smiled. “How will you know unless you try, right? Maybe your painting will be the highlight of the night. Maybe it won’t. But aren’t you willing to find out?”

I hated pep talks like this. They always manipulated me—every time. “I’ll do it.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear it.”

I shouldered my bag then left the auditorium, thinking about the auction.

I’ve created a few paintings and done a few sketches. I even worked on a few comic books for extra money.  I considered going into graphic design but my father would have a fit if I went to an art academy. He’d probably disown me because he’d be so upset.

When I walked down the sidewalk, I tightened my coat around me. The fall weather was especially cold this year. And the wind didn’t help. I hurried down the path toward the end of the road.

“Athena!”

You’ve got to be kidding me. I knew exactly who it was.

“Wait.”

What do I do? Keep walking and act like I don’t hear him? That would be rude…
Reluctantly, I turned around. “Hey, Jasper. Sorry, I’m in a hurry.”

He walked beside me wearing a blazer and dark jeans. He looked handsome in
anything he wore. If he wore pinks shorts with exploding pigeons for the design, he’s still rock it. “Can I give you a ride? It’s much quicker than the tube.”

“I’m okay. But thank you.” I shouldered my bag and kept walking.

“Come on. It’s cold today. And you know the tube is going to be even colder.”

“Jasper, I appreciate it, but I’m fine.”
This guy wouldn’t give up, would he?

He grabbed my arm and stopped me in my tracks. “Athena, did I do something?” The hurt was in his eyes.

How dense was this guy? Of course he did something.
“Jasper, I’m just not interested in dating you.”

“Why?”

Why was that so preposterous?
Jasper was gorgeous but he didn’t need to be conceited about it. “I’m just not.” I took a step back.

“Wait,” he said firmly. “I’ve been trying to ask you out but you keep blocking me at every turn.”

“Because I don’t want to,” I said bluntly. “Why is that so hard to believe?”

Jasper didn’t have a response to that. He just stared at me. “You went out with me once. Why won’t you go out with me now?”

Did he seriously not know?
“Last time we went out, we had a great time. And I really liked you. But you didn’t return my phone calls, and you ignored me anytime I ran into you. Then you went out with someone else because I wouldn’t put out. I’m not the right girl for you.”

He ran his fingers through his hair, clearly nervous. “I…I assumed you didn’t like me.”

“Why?”

“Because you didn’t want to sleep with me.”

I rolled my eyes. “Just because I didn’t sleep with you didn’t mean I disliked you.”

“Well, it seemed that way.”

Jasper and I were practically from different planets. “You and I don’t go well together.”

“What does that mean?”

“I like to be in a relationship before I sleep with someone. I don’t like one-night stands. I’m not your girl.”

“Well, give me a chance and we’ll see where it goes.”

Was he being serious?
“I—I don’t think so.”

“Why not? Are you seeing anyone?” I immediately thought of my teacher, but I had no idea why. “No. But I’m perfectly happy being single.”

“Go on a date with me—a real one. And I won’t expect anything in return.”

You better not.

I remembered how much he hurt me when we dated. I was cast aside for someone better. That feeling would never go away. “I’m not the right girl for you. Find someone that’s more to your liking.”

“But you are the right girl for me,” Jasper said. “You’re beautiful, smart…funny.”

“You don’t even know me,” I snapped. Now I was getting suspicious. Why was he so interested in me? Perhaps I was being paranoid, but I wondered if he just wanted to add me to his collection then never talk to me again, like it was a challenge.

“Then let me get to know you.”

“Jasper, you can have any girl you want. Why are you suddenly so interested in me? We already went out once and you didn’t like me then. That isn’t going to change with another date.”

“But I’ve changed,” he said firmly.

I found that hard to believe. Our date was only a month ago. I doubt he changed that quickly. “I really need to go. I’ll see you around.”

He sighed in frustration but didn’t stop me.

I turned around to avoid his look and headed to the road. When I finally got into a cab, I let the air leave my lungs. Every guy I’d ever been with screwed it up then asked for forgiveness later. Why couldn’t I be with someone that got it right the first time? I had a feeling that would never happen.

♫

I took a shower to wash all the rainwater from my hair and skin. I hated the cold, but I loved it as soon as I stepped into a warm shower. I knew water was scarce and I shouldn’t waste it, but I loved standing under the hot water.

The whales would get over it.

After I dried my hair, I made myself a cup of coffee then sat on my couch. My blank canvas was on the table, and my paintings were stacked in the corner. I had to find something to submit for the auction. It would be nice to earn a few extra pounds. I might be able to buy new art supplies for it.

When a knock sounded on my door, I sighed in annoyance. I treasured my alone time and hated to be interrupted. And if it
was Jasper, I’d throw a fit.

But it was my brother. “Ken?” I asked when I opened the door.

“Hey,” he said sadly. His bag was over his shoulder and his hair was wet.

My brother and I weren’t very close, and we never have been. It seemed like he was trying to get away from me most of the time. I couldn’t imagine why he randomly showed up on my doorstep.

“Is everything okay…?”

“Can I come inside?” he asked.

“Oh.” I opened the door. “Sorry.”

He stood in my entryway then adjusted his damp hair. “Thanks.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Can I get you anything?”

He shrugged. “Have you eaten dinner?”

“I was about to.”

“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

This was really odd. My brother and I never saw each other outside the holidays. “Sure.”

We went into the kitchen and I shoveled the lasagna on two plates. Ken devoured it like he hadn’t eaten in a week. I noticed how baggy his clothes were. It seemed like he lost weight.

“So…what’s new?” I didn’t want to directly ask him why he was there. That would be rude.

“Nothing.”

He wasn’t giving me much to work with.

“How’s school?”

“It’s okay. I’m entering an art contest.”

“That’s cool,” he said. He sounded disinterested.

He finished his plate then drank his entire glass of water. I watched him closely. “Have you spoken to Dad?”

“Umm…not lately.”

Why are you here? He was acting like this interaction was completely normal. “Ken, do you need something?” I couldn’t think of a more polite way to put it.

“Well…I’ve had some money issues lately.”

That didn’t sound good.

“I was hoping I could borrow some.”

“What happened to your job at the software company?”

“Umm…it just didn’t work out.” He avoided my look and played with his fork. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Now I was putting everything together. Dad was the last person he’d ask for help. He probably hit up all his friends already and now I was the last one on the list. I didn’t have a lot of money of my own, but I was diligent in my savings. “How much do you need?”

He finally looked at me, surprise in his eyes. “A few hundred pounds.”

I sighed. “Okay.” I left the table and entered my bedroom. I kept a stash in a few random places. After I grabbed the cash, I returned to the table.

Something wasn’t right in the kitchen. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Something was out of place. Did Ken go through my stuf
f? But why would he? I said I’d give him money.

I handed the envelope over. “
Here.”

“Thank you.” He shoved it into his bag. “I’ll pay you back.”

You better.

“Well, thank you for dinner.” He was actually being polite. That was a first.

“Yeah.”

He stood up and shouldered his bag. “I’ll see you later, Athena.”

Now that he had what he wanted, he had no interest in sticking around. We were related but we had nothing in common. There was no relationship between us. We were practically strangers. You couldn’t force a bond with someone, but you didn’t have to take advantage of them either. And that’s exactly what my brother did. “Have a good night.” I walked him to the door and let him out.

He turned into the hallway and disappeared. He didn’t even hug me.

So much for that.