Entangled (A Tryst Novel) (16 page)

“Skye,” I laugh. “Stop. I want us to go. I want you to meet my mom. She’ll be thrilled that I’m bringing a girl. I just wanted to give you the option to back out. It’s not necessarily a vacation, but for now it’ll be our getaway.”

Her cheeks turn scarlet. “It’s all good enough.”

I take in a deep breath, checking that question off my list. I’m immensely relieved by her excitement. Skyler’s the one, whether she knows it or not, and I can’t wait to show her off to my mom.

“I have a second question.”

“Before you ask . . .” She leans in, pressing her swollen lips to mine, licking over my bottom lip, and then nibbling on it until she hears my reflexive growl before pulling away.

“What was that for?” I ask.

She gifts me with the smirk I most definitely taught her, and utters with almost too much finesse, “Because I can. Your question was?”

I pull in another mentally steadying breath. “Gio called me today.”

The blush that seems to permanently stain her face in my presence vanishes, and I watch her desperately try to keep her smile, but the corners of her mouth falter.

“Oh, yeah?” she asks.

“Are you okay? Have you talked to Gio at all?”

She leans down, placing a delicate kiss on my bare chest as she lets out a chuff. “No, not really. He shows up around the coffee shop from time to time. You know, anything involving him just makes me a bit nervous? He’s so . . . so . . .
Gio
, ya know?” She shakes her head, as if tossing the thought aside with a mildly sarcastic disdain. “What did he say on the phone?”

I watch her draw invisible circles on my chest with her fingertips, the sensation sending a distracting shiver down my spine.

“Oh, okay. Well, he called to invite us to his gallery opening.”

Skyler lifts her stare from my body, and rests her chin on my chest. “Gallery opening?”

“Yeah. Actually, now that I think about it, it’s kind of a big deal. Gio has spent the past five years traveling and doing contracted photo shoots. I can’t remember the last time he displayed any of his work in this way.”

“Huh,” Skyler chirps. “He invited us?”

I trail my fingers down Skyler’s bare spine, gathering her full attention, while I offer her my most charming grin.

“I know that smile,” she says. “What’d you do?”

“I already said we’d go. It’s important that we’re there.”

“You mean, it’s important
 
you’re
 
there, but I don’t mind being your date,” she says through a series of shameless giggles.

I give her a tight squeeze. “Hey now. It’s important we’re both there. It’s important to Gio, and it’s important to me.”

She nods, for once not in the mood to argue.

“Is everything else okay?” I ask, searching her eyes, getting the weird feeling that there’s something lurking there.

“Yes, of course,” she breathes out. “You’re here now, and that’s all that matters. Until tomorrow, and I miss you for another two weeks . . .” Her sentence trails off in a sigh.

She squirms in my arms, and I can’t tell if it’s because I’m leaving, or if it’s because of that missing puzzle piece I can’t figure out.

“I love you,” she squeaks.

I decide to let it go as I reply, “I love you, too.”

I’ll ask her about the other thing when I get back. We already have so much going on.

I remember Kathryn telling me that I’m full of shit, and hate the way anxiety ripples under my skin.

I kiss Skyler’s forehead, banishing the thought.

Blake

My jaw hurts from constantly being clenched so tight. For being my agent, and maybe even as my best friend, doesn’t Josh owe it to me to tell me what the hell is on my schedule?

After busting into my room earlier today and tossing a suit onto my hotel-room bed, Josh explained that we have to attend a party tonight; one with flashing cameras and red-carpet interviews. I know this is my life now, and that this is why I’m here, but this was supposed to be my first night off in the two weeks I’ve been here. I have one more day left in NYC before getting to head back home, but normality feels so far off. I had plans to video call Skyler, and had hopes she’d do it in just her underwear, for my sake.

The corners of my mouth lift as my eyes collide with my reflection in the mirror, but the corners fall just as quick at the realization that that
 
was
 
the plan. Now, I have to go make a social appearance.

My hands come up to fiddle with the yellow tie as I attempt to loop it into a Windsor knot, but every time, for the past four times, it’s come out uneven. I fucking hate ties and my compulsive need to do them right.

Knock-knock.

I pull the edge of the tie loose, grumbling as I leave it hanging around my neck while I approach the door.

Lately, I haven’t been the one choosing my fancier getups, and it becomes abundantly clear why as Kathryn appears in a pale yellow ensemble. The dress drops silkily to the floor with a Grecian toga effect as the top of the dress slings over one shoulder; the bodice hugs her voluptuous curves at her breasts and hips, but flows in whimsical lines to the floor. She’s stunning, no denying it, but I hate that my tie has to match her dress. What is this? Prom?

Her red lips widen when she gives my suit a once-over. Gray slacks, and a gray vest open against my crisp, white dress shirt.

“You clean up almost
 
too
 
nicely, Blake,” she says through a slithering smile.

I roll my eyes, and open the door wider to allow her inside. “Hi, Kat.”

When she walks into my hotel room, I notice her clutching a bottle of alcohol, and she places it on the bar before strolling to my window.

“Why is it that your room has a nicer view than mine?”

She doesn’t see the shrug, but I do it anyway as I absentmindedly saunter back into the bathroom to work on this tie.

“So, what’s this party we’re going to tonight?” I shout.

She’s still examining my view as she replies just as loud, “I don’t know the details, but it’s an
 
Entertainment Weekly
 
magazine party. It’s to celebrate big upcoming movie releases, or something like that. That includes us, Blake! Don’t forget we’re kind of a big deal.” Her gleeful tone bounces off the walls of the room.

I smirk, because Kathryn is hell-bent on being a
 
big deal
. Sometimes I wonder if she goes out in public just so she’s snapped by the paparazzi to stay relevant. Even after her very public breakup she made it a point to show up to every celebrity party she was invited to. She’s been in the business longer than me, and she feeds off the fame. I may have modeled my way to where I am now, but I was never one who sought out the limelight. I sought out girls, lots of them, but not the fame. I’m still coming to terms with it.

Now, Josh has a new invitation for me every day, and I just shake my head nearly every time. He doesn’t argue when he knows it’s because I’d rather be with his sister. However, there are some events I can’t ignore. Apparently, like this party, but also this awards show coming up. I’ve been trying to get the guts to ask Skyler to come, but it never feels like the right time. I can’t tell if I want to keep her to myself, safe and away from the chaos, or if I’m worried it’ll be too overwhelming for her in the first place.

A shudder rolls through my body, and I can’t help but think it’s because of my doubt.

Breaking my train of thought, Kathryn has reappeared behind me, placing her hand on my shoulder. I wish it were at least warm, but even through the fabric of my monkey suit, it feels cold and uncomfortable.

She tugs at my shoulder, forcing my body to turn and face her.

“Daydreaming again, lover boy?”

“Maybe,” I mumble as my eyes examine the perfection of her blond updo that’s braided into a bun on top of her head. She’s practically Hollywood royalty, and I have no idea why she wants my attention so damn much.

“What’s the girlfriend up to today, hmm?” she asks as she boldly grabs for the ends of my tie.

I don’t fight it, because I’m too distracted by the question. I miss Skye, and if it’s all over my face, so be it.

“I’m not sure. I haven’t talked to her in a couple days. It’s so hard to find time. She’s busy with school. I was hoping to call her tonight, but it seems we’ll be busy, too.”

Kathryn’s lips curl upward as she loops my tie into a knot. “You know, you’re allowed to have fun. We can actually try and have a good time tonight. You’re such a stiff lately. You were more carefree when we started filming. You tell me not to let the outside world affect me, but I worry about you, too. Loosen up!”

She tugs at the tie, tightening the perfect knot, but keeps her hands right below my chin.

“Blake, hellooo!” she says, trying to get my attention, “We’re actually going to a party, rather than doing a stupid interview. Can we just let loose for one goddamn night? You owe me drinks! You owe me a good time! You promised. This is supposed to be fun. You’re about to hit it big. Why can’t we finally celebrate?”

I clench my jaw, and it aches when I do it, sore from doing it all morning, but my shoulders vibrate with tension, eager for a release the idea gives. I want to submit to her words. I’m exhausted from the stress. Maybe she’s right. This is supposed to be fun. Just because my girlfriend is on the other side of the country doesn’t mean I have to hate my existence here.

There’s another knock, and then the sound of the door opening to my hotel room, and I immediately regret giving Josh a key to my room as he steps inside.

“Hey bro, I . . .”

He appears in the hallway, his eyes falling onto Kathryn’s hands still on my tie before colliding angrily with mine. She drops her hands and takes a step back.

“Hey, Josh,” she says sweetly, seemingly oblivious to the suspicion building in his eyes, but I know better. She thinks it’s funny. She thinks this is a game. For her, it’s fun.

I clear my throat and shake my head, admonishing him. “Don’t even start, dude.”

He raises a brow, and is on the verge of responding, but I speak before he does. “Have you talked to Skyler today?”

He seems to relax, his shoulders dropping slightly. “Yeah, actually. I called her to see how school was going, and if she’s heard back from any med schools yet.”

My stomach plummets. Why hadn’t I thought to ask? Also, how does Josh make time to call her and I can’t seem to find a free moment between the constant interviews and radio segments? I’m jealous and frustrated at once, causing my shoulders to nearly buckle with the heavy tension.

I nod, letting out a remorseful sigh. “How is she?”

“She really only wanted to ask how you were,” he says while rolling his eyes.

It’s a relief to hear, and the want to be near her triples. “Why didn’t she call me?”

He shrugs. “She knows you’re busy. She doesn’t want to seem like a needy girlfriend, so she takes her neediness out on her dear brother.”

I had almost forgotten Kathryn was here until I hear her own high-pitched chirp of a chuff from the kitchen.

I ignore it. “Has she heard back from schools then?”

“She told me she didn’t want to talk about it. She was sort of closed off. She’s in the middle of studying for her midterms, so she’s stressed. It’s her last semester and all. I know her apps depend a lot on her final grades.”

My chest constricts, pushing the air out of my lungs. “It’s her last semester?”

I hate the way Josh’s brows pucker together as he replies, “You didn’t know that?”

“I mean, I knew she was almost done with school, but I assumed people graduated in the spring.”

Josh, obviously annoyed at my ignorance, turns away to face the mirrored closet, adjusting his olive-green tie. “She’s a smart girl and is graduating a semester early. She was a little late on the med school apps. Her plan is to start next fall, I think.”

I feel like I’m going to puke. Why have I only ever talked about myself around her? Every time we’re together, there’s never enough time to delve into the details. I pull in a leveling breath.

“Hmm” is all I can manage.

Skyler is always so selfless. I’m angry at myself for not asking more, but why wouldn’t she tell me all about her collegiate goals and schedules? Her future is just as important as mine. It has me feeling guilty that I’ve been pushing her to do something like modeling. Josh doesn’t even know that yet.

Suddenly, alcohol sounds very appealing as my head spins.

“Med school? Who wants to be in school until they’re thirty-five?” Kathryn echoes ignorantly from the kitchen.

Josh laughs as he walks away without glancing back at me. He’s annoyed. He thinks Skyler deserves better, and I keep proving his point.
Fuck-dammit.

I want to punch a wall, or his face, but instead I grab for the sleeve of his blazer before he makes it to the kitchen.

He stares at my hand before bringing his all-too-familiar stark blue eyes to mine.

“Dude, don’t be like that. I’m in love with your sister. I’m just a bit overwhelmed.”

“You don’t have to prove anything to me, Blake.” I reflexively want to argue, but I choose the more practical route and I watch him continue, “I only want what’s best for her, so just get with the program. Obviously, if anyone understands that you have a lot going on, it’s going to be me. Just keep Skyler’s needs in perspective, that’s all I ask—oh, and don’t be an asshole.”

Instead of reacting to his name-calling, I’m too caught up in picturing Skye bent over her textbooks, nibbling on her bottom lip, twirling a midnight curl between her fingertips before lifting her eyes to shoot me that
 
I-want-you-right-now-but-just-give-me-a-second
 
look she mastered when I’d join her at the coffee shop, or in the library before all of . . .
this
.

Getting caught up in the thought, I nod my agreement. Josh gifts me with a confident smile as he continues. “I don’t want to give you a hard time about this constantly. I’m just going to trust you to do the right thing, personally and professionally, all right?” Before I can respond, because his question is obviously rhetorical, he looks at his watch as he says, “Vanessa should be here any minute.”

I follow him into the kitchen. Kathryn has helped herself to pouring three shots of tequila, but I’m too distracted by his words.

“Vanessa?” I question with a look of shock. “Holy shit, she came to NYC for you? Getting serious, then?”

Josh’s grin is fucking jealousy-inducing. What I would give for Skyler to come with me on these PR trips, but with school, there’s no way she could. I’d feel guilty for distracting her more than I already do.

Josh laughs, “I guess. She’s a trip. She actually
 
asked
 
if she could come. I didn’t think to ask her, but I can’t seem to say no to that girl. She flew in today and will be flying with us back home.”

“Are we drinking or what?” Kathryn interrupts. “I’m so sick of you boys moping around every time we have to go out. Can we please have some fun? I need fun, guys.
 
Real fun
. Blake and I finish filming soon, and we haven’t let loose, and we’re actually going to a party. Just this once? Pleeeasseeee,” she whines.

The knot in my shoulders pulses, begging me to relax, as if my body is telling me to stop beating myself up, and that things will eventually level out.

Josh’s crooked smile in approval is my green light, and I remember he’s my best friend as we both grab for the shots, downing them in unison as Kathryn squeals, “Hey! Wait for me!”

We chuckle as we slam the shot glasses back onto the counter, hissing out the tequila fumes. Josh taps the counter with two fingers to signal more. “Let’s have fun, just don’t make fools of yourselves, or it’s all of our asses.”

She refills our shot glasses as we all nod our agreement.

SKYLER

When I leave the stuffy college library, the fresh oxygen rejuvenates my frazzled nerves. I’ve been studying all day, and it’s been weighing heavy on me lately, just like the unopened med-school envelopes in my backpack. They feel like bricks.

School hasn’t been the same, and I find myself counting down the days until I have a semester off.

With Blake busy with filming, and Josh trailblazing forward to keep Blake’s career in line, it’s been a lonely semester so far. I submitted my graduation application this morning and ordered my gown, but when the counselor asked me where I was headed, I had no reply.

I want Blake and me to choose a school together. I want us to see what would work best. But the envelopes that have arrived are from my out-of-state backups. Nothing yet from UCLA, or even UCSD. I don’t need to be farther away from Blake. Life already doesn’t allow us any time together.

I know this is what I signed up for, but when you pile the lack of time on top of midterms and graduation, the weight itself can feel menacing and foreboding. I don’t know which way is up or down, or forward or backward, when it comes to my future.

The vision of my future always felt so crisp and in focus, right now it’s blurry and filled with a heavy fog.

I think of the mechanics of Gio’s camera as it snaps away when he’s working. The twist of the lens, focusing and refocusing, and I wish I had that much mechanical control on my life.

I pull out my cell phone. I don’t want to go to my empty house. There’s nothing there for me except more studying and silence. Tucker is too busy with his new boyfriend, and I can’t bear the thought of interrupting Blake.