Waiting for Romeo (21 page)

“Well, we still have about another three hours before I need to go to work…”

“Didn’t you say we already made up for a lot of lost time?” He whispers as he gently kisses my neck.

“Don’t you know it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind?” I smile, brazenly.

“I certainly won’t argue with that.” He says as he slides on top of me, his soft, warm lips on mine.

IT”S AFTER SIX WHEN Sam and Rosemary drop me off at the house. Logan dropped me off at work this morning and before he would leave he made me swear I’d either get a ride home with them or call him for a ride. I went with the decision to get a ride with the Suttons because I have far too much work to get caught up on and if Logan drives me home, it won’t get done.

Bryn and Josh are in the living room when I walk in the front door. They’re on the couch with her legs propped over his, eating a bowl of popcorn while watching “Wedding Crashers” with a few textbooks scattered about them. They both look at me when I toss my keys on the nearby table and switch the alarm back on.

“Hey, you.” Bryn smiles while Josh nods in my direction and then quickly turns his attention back to the movie.

“Hi. I see you’re hard at work.” I tease.

“Just taking a little break.” Bryn says, eyeing me speculatively. “You look different…you change your hair?”

“Nope. I have a ton of work to do. I’ll see you later…enjoy the movie.” I say as I start to make my way up the stairs. In my head I make a quick wish Bryn doesn’t start fishing for information here, in front of Josh.

I’m just reaching the top stair when I hear Bryn tell Josh that she’ll be right back. I flop on my bed and wait for the imminent interrogation. Two seconds later, Bryn hurries into my room and sits besides me.

“Hi.” She says, in a soft, knowing tone.

“Hi.” I smile back at her with a silent affirmation.

She grabs both my hands and squeezes them softly. “I knew it! I could tell the second you walked in the door. You have that I’ve just spent the night making the beast with two backs look.”

My eyes widen. “I’m impressed, Bryn. You’re quoting
Othello
.”

Her eyes scrunch back at mine. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about, but seriously spill the beans, girlfriend. How was it? Are you okay?”

“I’m good, really good.” I hold her gaze.

“Yeah? He was gentle? Did you come?”

I feel my face redden. “Sheesh, Bryn. You’re blunt.”

“Oh, come on. You’re my best friend. How was it? Seriously. I need some details…not just it was really good. How good? Guys are sometimes a bit selfish when it comes to sex.”

“It was…” I search for the right words while Bryn stares at me, her eyes widen in anticipation. “You know how most girls say their first time was awful. It’s all wham bam thank you ma’am? He gets his gratification and it’s over in about two seconds?” I say with my most serious face.

Bryn’s face drops, looking crestfallen.

“Well, it wasn’t like that at all.” I grin.

She let’s out a breath. “Thank God. I hope it was special…you deserve special…was he gentle?”

“Yes…all four times.” I smile, shyly.

“Get the fuck out! Shit, he must really know what he’s doing.” She thinks for a second. “In one night?” She starts laughing. “Come on, Emilia, are you for real?”

I start laughing with her. “I’m not joking. You forget…we had most of the day and night. Remember? I went over to his place after my morning run.”

“Still…that’s impressive, Em…makes sense though…you have that sex walk going on…a bit sore, are you?”

“A bit.” I feel my face flush again.

“But you’re okay? It wasn’t…you know…” She trails off, but I know what she’s trying to ask.

“You’re wondering if it dredged up any bad memories?”

She nods, empathetically.

“No. I always worried about that, but no. I’m sure it’s because he makes me feel so safe…even before we broke-up…that’s one thing I always felt with him…strangely safe and comfortable with him. I just had trouble trusting him. I know it probably doesn’t make much sense…how can you feel safe with someone when you can’t trust him? It’s weird but that’s how I felt.”

“Well, I know you wouldn’t have had sex with him if you weren’t sure you could trust him. And, I see how he proved this to you by making some serious changes to get you back. But, that said, I’m still going to keep a close eye on him.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less, Bryn.” I smile.

Bryn grins at me. “Your first time and four orgasms…that’s got to be some sort of fucking record!”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

AFTER BRYN FINISHES HER CROSS-EXAMINATION, I pull on my most comfortable sweats and finally turn my attention to my work at hand. I power up my laptop in the same split-second my cell rings.

“Hi.” Logan says, his voice all raspy.

“Hi. You sound like you just woke up.” I smile at the thought.

“I did. For some reason, I’m thoroughly exhausted. I couldn’t keep my eyes open so I took a nap.”

“I think I know the reason.” I say, my thoughts drifting to our night together and I feel my heart quicken. I clear my throat in an effort to pull myself together. “I’m a bit tired myself.”

“I’m sure you are, you’re okay? I just wanted to make sure you got home safely.”

“I’m good. The Suttons dropped me off a little while ago…per your orders.” I can’t resist teasing him.

“I know you think I’m being overprotective or I’m misconstruing things or both, but just humor me a little and let me keep you safe. I know what I saw…and call it a sixth sense or whatever, but I feel like something isn’t right. If something were to happen to you and I didn’t sit here and nag you about being careful and getting rides with the Suttons; I’d never forgive myself. Understand?”

“Logan, you know I’ll be careful. I always am…you should understand that, right?”

“Sure. Of course, but just be a little more aware of things…not that you aren’t but maybe just a little more.”

“I will try and be a bit more on-guard. How’s that?” I say, diplomatically.

“Fair enough.” He pauses a second and then continues. “I called to make sure you were safe, but I also wanted to make sure you’re okay. I’ve been thinking about you all day.”

“I’m good. I’ve been a bit distracted myself. I feel like it was all just a dream…yesterday and last night. It’s like I want to pinch myself to make sure it all really happened. Is that odd?”

“Not at all and I’m glad you feel that way…about it being like a dream. I know it was special for me. I told you and…I hope you know how much I mean it. You’re my angel.”

“You know you have this adorable habit of exaggerating things?”

“Emilia, you saved me…what more can I say? You don’t believe me, but it’s true. Just look at Sebastian and you should realize it’s not an exaggeration.”

“Oh, that reminds me. The Suttons said the police have a suspect. The person, who they think broke into Spyder, just broke into another store…a small boutique a few doors down.”

“Is that all they said?” He asks.

“Um. Let me think.” I say, trying to revive my sleep-deprived brain. “They didn’t seem to have many details. Rosemary happened to call Detective Fernandez to tell her they found a cigarette stub in the bathroom sink. She didn’t know if they could use it to identify the person so she called the police.”

“Did she call the police today?”

“No. I think she called a few days ago. She says she found the stub and picked it up with some plastic gloves and put it in a bag. But when she called the detective, she wasn’t in and she left a message. Then she heard from her yesterday, telling her about the other robbery.”

“Anything stolen from the other store?”

“I don’t know…I don’t think so…actually I don’t think the police said whether or not anything was taken.”

“So, did they arrest someone?”

“It didn’t sound like it…sounded like they were just questioning someone. I’m sure we’ll hear something in the next day or two. You know the funny thing about it all?”

“What’s that?” He asks, surprised. I’m sure wondering how there could be any humor in it.

“Sam doesn’t give a shit. He’s so laid-back about it. I think he feels bad he’s the one who never turns the alarm on, but that’s about it.”

“As long as no one messes with his boards.”

“Exactly.” I laugh. “I better get going.”

“Before you go, I had one other reason why I was calling you.”

“Oh?”

“Well, next week is Valentine’s and I don’t know how you feel about it. I personally always thought it was a Hallmark holiday, but now that I actually have a girlfriend I think it might be kind of fun.”

“Are you asking me to be your Valentine, Logan?” I say with my most sugary sweet tone. “I’ll be yours if you’ll be mine.”

He laughs. “I’ll be your valentine and whatever else you want me to be. I’m yours…heart, body and soul.”

I sigh. “I think our Shakespeare class is rubbing off on you.”

“Hm. Shakespeare? I beg to differ…I think it’s you that’s rubbing off on me.”

“I like rubbing off of you…rubbing on you.” I say, suggestively.

He laughs. “I like where this conversation is going…is this the part where I should ask you what you’re wearing?”

“Wearing?” I whisper, breathlessly. “I’m naked…lying here on my bed.” I say in my most sex kitten voice.

“In that case, I’ll be right over.”

“Oh, no. Sorry.”

“But…” Logan starts to say and I interrupt him.

“As much as I’d love for you to come over…I need to get my work done and you and I both know if you come over that will definitely not happen.”

“I’m just fooling with you. Don’t worry…I’ll leave you alone…at least for now.”

“So, I’ll see you in class?” I ask.

“Yes, but one more thing.”

I laugh. “Thank God…we’re graduating soon. I have this feeling I’m going to have a tough time getting my work done. What’s your one more thing and then I really, really have to go.”

“When you’re out…can you please not walk alone? And, when you go for a run, no iPod?”

“I told you I’ll be more on-guard…isn’t that enough?” I ask.

“For me?”

I pause a beat. I know he’s not being controlling; he’s sincerely worried. “How about a compromise? I won’t walk alone…except on campus and when I run…iPod on, but I won’t blast it…like I usually do.”

It’s quiet for a minute.

“Is that cool?” I ask.

I hear him exhale. “Okay. But if you feel like something isn’t right, even if you have just a slight inkling, you’ll call me, right?”

“Yes. Of course…please stop worrying. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow. Hope you get some rest.”

“Ha. I think it’ll be another sleepless night.” I say, wistfully. “Just wish it was with you.”

“So. Do. I.” He says each word emphatically.

WHEN I ARRIVE AT THE TRAILER for Studio One on Monday morning, I’m surprised to see Logan waiting outside, leaning against a nearby tree. As I approach him, I smile and remember his sweet, yet slightly misguided worries. I’m sure he’s here just making sure I’m safe.

“Hi, this is a nice surprise, but as much as I would love to have you as my personal bodyguard, I think…” I trail off because I soon realize that something is wrong when I notice Logan’s somber expression.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” I ask, anxiously, searching his eyes for a clue.

“I wanted to catch you before the taping. Do you have time to talk?” His fingers slide between mine.

“Sure. I’m early…I have about a half an hour.” I look at him, speculatively.

With my hand in his, I follow him to a spot a bit further from the classroom and the hustle and bustle of students on the walkway. Letting my backpack slip off my shoulder, we sit down on a wooden bench near a crooked tree. I stare at him as I push an annoying strand of hair, sweeping across my face, behind my ear.

A cool breeze rustles through the leaves above us and I yank my sleeves of my sweater over my hands for warmth.

“You’re cold. Here put on my jacket.” He says as he shuffles out of his hoodie and drapes it over my shoulders.

I take in a deep breath of his familiar scent from the soft, worn jacket. “Thank you. What’s going on?” I can hear the tinge of anxiety in my voice. I know he’s upset about something.

I watch him softly touch my hand on my lap with his finger, while I wait for him to speak. We sit close with our sides touching. His scent and his close proximity bring images of our weekend together. I push them out of my head. Clearly, now is not the time for those thoughts.

“Logan?” I whisper.

“It’s Sebastian.” His voice is low. “He almost overdosed. I wanted to tell you before you heard about it from someone else.”

He rubs a couple fingers across his forehead and pinches his brow like he’s in pain or deep in thought or maybe both. His eyes close for a brief minute.

“He’s going to be okay?” I ask. I know despite their recent falling out, they were friends for years and he’d never wish him ill.

“He’s in ICU right now. The doctor said if he had gotten to the hospital an hour later he’d be dead. His organs were shutting down…his liver, kidneys…” He says and shakes his head in disbelief. His gaze shifts from my eyes to something in the distance as if he’s deep in thought.

“Oh my God. That’s awful…Thank God he got to the hospital.” I look at Logan and it takes me two seconds to figure out what he’s thinking about.

“This isn’t your fault.”

He looks at me, his brows creased. “No?” Then his eyes leave mine again.

I sweep my fingers along the side of his face, feeling his soft stubble. “No. It’s not.” I brush my fingers under his chin to turn his face to mine.

“You know what addiction is like…you told me yourself how you were so narcissistic you only cared about drinking and drugs…hedonistic lifestyle…whatever you want to call it…no one can help you until you decide to help yourself. You were a friend to him for years and I feel bad about what’s happened to him, but honestly I’m sitting here feeling a bit of relief. Don’t you see?”

“See?” He says, bewildered and I know he doesn’t get what I’m saying.

“It could just as easily be you in the hospital.” I say, tears filling my eyes. “That night on your birthday…I wasn’t
jus
t upset about you being with her.” I take a deep breath.

“Emilia…please.” His hand caresses my cheek.

I take a deep breath. “No. Let me finish. You let her touch you and that was like a knife in my heart, but I’d never seen you like that…your eyes, your hair. I saw all the drugs all over…I thought I lost you at that moment. You told me you started drinking when you were ten. When I saw you were using again, I thought you were just going to spiral out of control…and I lost the guy I had fallen in love with in every way.”

“You see why I say you are my angel? I met you and everything shifted…you gave my life purpose. Then I made the biggest mistake of my life and I thought I lost the best thing to ever come into my life. I’d be lying to you if I told you I wasn’t completely miserable without you. I felt like a fell into a dark hole and there was no way I could ever get out of it. I knew I had to get you back and I thank God every day you gave me another chance.”

“Don’t you see that’s exactly why you can’t blame yourself for what’s happened to Sebastian? You knew you had a problem, but I’m sure he didn’t think he had a problem. Am I right?”

“Yes. But I wish I could have helped him, instead of kicking him out on the street…out of my life.”

“He left you no choice. You said that and it’s true. I understand why you feel bad, but this isn’t your fault. Addiction is a disease. It’s hard to be a friend to someone abusing, especially when you abuse yourself.”

He smiles for the first time since we started talking and I feel a huge sense of relief sweep over me.

“You’re smiling.” I say and I can’t help smiling back.

“You always amaze me, Emilia.” His lost look has thankfully disappeared. I sigh. I just want to melt in his arms and if there weren’t so many students milling about I would throw myself on top of him right this second.

“Oh?” I breathe.

“I didn’t realize you were such an expert on addiction.” He leans forward and gently tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.

I laugh. “I don’t know about that, but when you first told me about your hedonistic lifestyle and drinking and doing drugs at such a young age I researched it a little bit.”

“
The Great Gatsby
paper on hedonism? I remember.” He pauses a quick second. “Do you still worry about that? About me ending up like Jay Gatsby?” He says, softly touching the back of my hand with his fingers again.

“No.” I say, quickly. I wonder if my knee jerk reaction isn’t just to put him at ease or if I really do have no doubts.

“Really? I understand if you worry about it…don’t feel like you need to tell me what you think I want to hear. I’d rather you tell me the truth.”

I shrug. “Well, maybe a little bit. Honestly, I haven’t given it too much thought…do you think I should worry about it?”

“Should? I don’t
want
you to worry about it. I know I’ve been so focused on getting you back I don’t think about any of that either. I told you everything changed for me when I met you. I don’t know how else to explain it.”

“It helps not having those temptations…that’s why you did the right thing when you moved out of your place with Sebastian.” I stare into his eyes.

“I did that for you. Emilia, I knew you wouldn’t take me back unless I made some serious changes. I wanted to show you I was committed to you and I was willing to do anything to get you back.”

I smile. “Yes.
Anything
.”

“That was an exceptional day, but not as exceptional as this past weekend.” He whispers, his blue eyes, smoldering.

“I wish we were back at your place in Montecito right now.” I breathe.

“So do I.” He brushes the tip of his nose on mine. “You have to go to class?”

I laugh. “Yes.” I pause a minute, thinking about everything Logan had just told me.

“What? What is it?” He asks, looking into my eyes.

“Oh. I was just wondering…did you go to the hospital? Did you see Sebastian?”

“No. I just found out it happened. Besides, I doubt he wants to see me. His parents are on their way…actually they’re probably here by now. I’m sure once he’s allowed to leave the hospital…they’ll want to get him into rehab.”

“You think he’ll go?”

“I don’t think he’ll have much of a choice. I just hope it’ll help and then he’ll be able to get his life back together.” I expect him to blame himself again, but he doesn’t. I think I may have gotten him to understand. I hope.

“How did you find out about it?” I ask and I feel my stomach twist into a knot because I fear I know the answer.