Layla
The rest of my date with Alex was great. We talked about everything, and I couldn’t stop laughing at his stories. The night had gone by fast and before I knew it, Alex was walking me to my door. I loved his company and I felt like a totally different person when I was with him, but of course, I couldn’t stop comparing him to Ashton. From the way he talked, his gestures, to even how his body looked compared to Ashton’s. Ashton had this hold on my brain and it was starting to piss me off. I couldn’t go one second without thinking of his blue eyes or that smirk.
I had forced all of the thoughts about him to the back of my mind the whole night, but the moment Alex left they came rushing back like a tidal wave. As I lay in bed staring up at the ceiling, I couldn’t help but wonder if Ashton was thinking about me too, or about Natasha. Even just thinking her name made me bitter. She was everything I wasn’t. I knew Ashton should be with her, since they would make a great couple, but just thinking of them together made my blood boil. Yes, I was going insane. After everything that Ashton had put me through, I still liked him. It was pathetic, but I couldn’t stop. I was the addict and he was the drug.
Ungrateful. That was one word that kept flashing through my mind ever since Alex left. Here I was with a sweet, caring, hot guy who would be perfect for me, and who I already agreed to go on another date with. And just a few hours after I went on a dinner date, I am thinking of another guy. A guy who doesn’t want anything to do with me, who hurts me at almost every corner, who is my boss, and who is probably not good for me. But I have seen the side that no one else has—a loving, caring, and broken guy. I liked who I was with Alex, even though it kind of felt like he was treating me like I was fragile. But I also liked how I felt with Ashton; he made my skin tingle and my heart beat fast. Sure, we argued, but I liked that.
Wow, Layla. You have just dug a hole for yourself.
I spent the whole night tossing and turning thinking about both guys. I went to work feeling just as confused as I did last night. Work was uneventful and boring. I hadn’t seen Ashton at all, and I was glad. I didn’t know what I was feeling at the moment, and I knew seeing him would make it just as hard. I was distracted all day, and I couldn’t have been happier when five o’clock hit and I could go home. As I took a taxi home, I made the dangerous decision to bring Kacey into this. I needed her opinion, and I was tired of dealing with it on my own. She didn’t know about Alex, and I wasn’t looking forward to her reaction to such news being kept from her.
Fortunately, when I got home, Kacey wasn’t there yet so I had time to go over what I was going to say. It was sad that I was more scared of my friend than I was with basically anything else. I changed my clothes and was staring at the tv mindlessly, waiting for Kacey. About an hour after I got home, I heard the keys in the door and started bracing myself for my upcoming speech.
“Oh, good, you’re home. I have had the longest day of my life, I swear,” Kacey said upon seeing me on the couch and setting her things down. With her stuff thrown carelessly on the ground by the door, she jumped on the couch. I honestly didn’t know much about Kay’s job, but I knew she was under the director at Vogue. She did something with helping make clothes. Man, I really was a terrible best friend, I knew nothing about my best friend’s job, or even what was going on with her life. I’d been so caught up in mine that I hadn’t been around for Kacey.
“What happened?” I asked. From now on I needed to be a better friend to her.
“My boss didn’t like any of the designs me and the other designers made, so we have to redo all of it. All thirty-something designs for the winter line need to be re-designed in two weeks for the next issue,” Kacey said.
“Man, that’s…intense.”
“Tell me about it. I want to say sorry beforehand because I may not be home much in the next few weeks, or if I become grouchy,” she said, looking over at me.
“That’s okay.” There was a moment of silence, and I knew this was the time to talk to her. Taking a deep breath, I opened my mouth but instead a knocking sounded on the door before it flew open. In came Neena, slamming the door behind her and flopping on the other side of me on the couch.
“I hate guys!” She grunted and laid her head back. Both me and Kacey looked at each other before turning to her. I wasn’t as surprised as I first was when Neena barged into our place. She had been over here so many times in the last three weeks that neither Kacey or I were surprised by her visits.
“Why?” Kacey asked, leaning around me to see Neena.
“Liam is just so stupid! Ever since the night at the gala, we have been getting closer, but he hasn’t asked me out yet. It has been almost a week! I’ve given him plenty of hints.”
“Well maybe he just wants to take it slow,” I suggested.
“But I don’t want him to.” She practically whined.
“Just give him some time, Neena. He will ask you out. If he doesn’t, then he is an idiot. Layla and I will go over there if he doesn’t,” Kacey said, grinning at Neena.
“Thanks, guys.”
“No problem,” I said than chewed on my bottom lip. “I need your help now,” I finally blurted out. Now was as good time as ever. They both turned to me, waiting. “I…”
“You’re pregnant!” Kacey suddenly shouted.
“No!” I shouted, my eyes wide. “Where the hell did you get that?”
“You just seem very nervous, and well, that was the first thing that popped in my head,” she confessed, shrugging.
“Okay, well, I have two guys who I really like, but I don’t know what to do.” I told both of them about how I met Alex and dinner last night. Then I told them everything with Ashton. They both were silent, thinking over everything I told them.
“Wow. Who knew you would have two of the world’s most eligible bachelors begging for your attention?” Kacey joked.
“Only Alex is, though. Ashton couldn’t care less,” I added, playing with my fingers in my lap. “I don’t know what to do.”
“How hot is Alex Ryder?” Neena asked.
“Very. He’s got these gorgeous deep green eyes, a killer smile, and not to mention a nice body.” I sighed, thinking about him. “Plus, he is super sweet, funny, and caring, even for a millionaire. He doesn’t act like he has money.”
“Now what about Ashton?”
“He’s just as hot as Alex. With his bright blue eyes, soft brown hair, and when he sends me one of his rare smiles it makes him beyond gorgeous. He also has a nice body. Sometimes he doesn’t show it, but he can be sweet, caring, and protective.”
“I think I know what you have to do,” Neena said.
“What?”
“You need to go on a real date with Alex. Afterwards, see what you feel and if you don’t feel butterflies or anything close to what you feel when you’re with Ashton, then you know what you have to do.” She sent me a small smile and put her hand on my shoulder.
“I agree with her,” Kacey added.
“Thank you, guys.” I reached and put my arms around their shoulders. We sat in silence staring at the tv.
“What are we doing for dinner?” Kay asked, breaking the peaceful silence. Neena and I laughed but got up. We ended up ordering Chinese again and spent the night having fun.
***
The week flew by and it was finally Friday. I only briefly saw Ashton, but he mostly stayed clear of me. When he had lunch meetings or anything, I just texted reminding him instead of going to his office. We were both avoiding each other and I couldn’t help but feel sad. I missed seeing him, even if it was when we were arguing. I felt like I was missing something inside of me every time I passed his office and didn’t see him.
I was more than ready to go on a date with Alex so I could sort my feelings out. Yesterday, he called me asked me out for tonight and I quickly agreed. I needed to get my feelings sorted. I never thought something like this would happen to me, and now that it was I didn’t know what to do.
Closing down my computer, I gathered my stuff and left my office. It was a five past five o’clock, and Alex said he’d pick me up at my apartment at five-thirty. That gave me twenty-five minutes to get home and change into something more comfortable. I had no idea what Alex had planned, so once I got home I would text him.
Saying a quick goodbye to Judy and with one last glance at Ashton’s office, I left the building and headed toward home. Even though today was boring, I got paid and that helped brighten my mood. I was second-guessing looking for another job. This one paid a lot, more than what I had made in a year at the café. This paycheck was almost $4,000. Even if Ashton drove me nuts, I actually didn’t mind my job. I mean, who wouldn’t mind getting paid that much every two weeks? I may have almost peed my pants when I saw the number.
I got home in five minutes, so I quickly paid the taxi guy and booked it upstairs to get dressed. As Kacey had said on Monday, she wasn’t home like the rest of the week. The place had been quiet, and I didn’t realize how boring it was without someone here. Walking through the front door, I sent Alex a quick text asking what to wear as I stripped out of my work clothes. When my phone buzzed, I ran to it but ended up getting my legs twisted in a pile of clothes and fell on the floor. Groaning, I reached up and felt around for my cellphone. Feeling it, I grabbed it and read Alex’s reply.
To: Layla
From: Alex
Something warm.
Yeah, that helps a lot, I thought sarcastically. Placing my phone back on my bed, I untangled my legs and stood up. Going to closet, I scanned the contents wondering what would be good. Looking at the clock, I saw I only had fifteen minutes until he got here. I pulled on a pair of black skinny jeans, and a cute, thick red and blue plaid long-sleeved shirt. Since my hair was in waves today, it was starting to frizz, so I grabbed a gray beanie and pulled it on my head. Reaching into my closet, I pulled out my favorite pair of brown boots. Looking in the mirror, I saw I looked pretty good considering I had been at work all day. Putting on a new layer of lipstick, I grabbed my cellphone and bag before leaving the apartment.
Just as I left through the front doors, Alex’s Audi pulled up to the curb. Before he could get out, I opened the passenger door and slid in. He had the heater going and I was glad he did. The sun was about to go down, and it was starting to get chilly.
“Hey,” I breathed.
“Hi. You look great,” he said, shooting me a smile.
“Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself,” I added once I saw his outfit. He was in a pair of dark blue jeans, and a gray long-sleeved shirt. His blonde hair was brushed up into a coif. He looked so sexy in casual attire.
“So, do you want to eat first or do the activity I had planned?” he asked, pulling away from the curb slowly.
“Hmmm. What’s the activity?”
“Can’t say, it’s a surprise.” He shot me a big grin, clearly excited about whatever we were doing.
“Let’s do the activity first,” I suggested. I wasn’t that hungry right now anyways. I grabbed a late lunch today, so I would be good for another few hours.
As Alex drove through traffic, I looked out the window listening to the radio playing softly in the background. I was curious as to where he was taking us. All different kinds of things ran through my mind, and I bit back questioning him where we were going. About twenty minutes later, he pulled in front of the Rockefeller Center. I turned to him, confused and excited. He shot me a grin and slid out of the car. Swiftly, he came to my side and let me out. I moved to the sidewalk and stared around like a tourist. I was so busy gawking at all the tall buildings around us that I didn’t hear Alex talking to the valet or when the car left. A hand on my lower back brought be back to reality, and I looked up at an amused Alex.
“Ready to go? Or want to gawk some more?” he asked teasingly. I stuck my tongue out at him childishly, and let him lead me under this archway and down appeared to be a walkway.
“Where are you taking me?” I couldn’t help but question.
“You’ll see.” I frowned at him but glanced around at the pretty trees as we walked. Not even three minutes later, Alex came to a stop in front of me, almost making me crash into him. “Okay, close your eyes.”
“No, what if you’re trying to kill me!” This wouldn’t be the best place to do it, but I could see plenty of places to hide a body.
“Layla, I’m not going to kill you. Just please close your eyes.” With a look from Alex, I sighed and closed my eyes. “Okay, how many fingers am I holding up?”
“Eight?” I questioned. I must have guessed wrong because I felt his hand wrap around my cold one, and he started pulling me forward. As we walked a few feet, I could feel the air getting colder. I tucked my free hand in my back pocket, wanting to stay warm. A minute later I felt Alex’s warm breath on my cheek making me shiver.
“Open,” he said softly. I opened my eyes and gasped. In front of me was an ice skating rink, but not just any ice skating rink; it was the Rockefeller one. I should have known that. I had always wanted to come here but never have. I turned to Alex with a wide grin.
“We are ice skating?” I almost shrieked.
“That’s okay, right?” he questioned, looking nervous for a second. I took a step toward him and gave him a big hug.
“It’s perfect. I’ve always wanted to come here.” I pulled away, looking at the rink like a child does at Disneyland. There were only a few people on the ice, making me even happier. I didn’t know how to skate, and I didn’t want to fall in front of a bunch of people. I grabbed Alex’s hand and tugged him toward the booth to get skates. I heard him chuckle behind me but kept pulling him until we came to a stop at the booth.
“Hello. Two for ice skating?” the older man asked.
“Yes please,” I answered.
“Okay that will be fifty-five dollars,” he said. I almost winced at the price but before I could even say anything, Alex was handing the money over to the man.
“Keep the change,” he said.
“Thank you. What size shoe?”
“Seven,” I answered, and Alex answered, “Eleven.”
The man handed me a pair of white seven skates and Alex a black pair. Feeling giddy, I made my way to a bench to put my skates on. I was nervous but my excitement masked it. We were quiet as we sat side by side lacing up our skates. Alex stood up and held his hand out for me. I placed mine in his and stood up shakily. It was weird having to balance on a thin blade, and if you turned your foot wrong you would sprain your ankle. With the help of Alex’s hand keeping me steady, we made it to the entrance of the ice. I let go of his hand as he stepped onto the ice. I stood back, feeling slightly more nervous. I didn’t want to fall and make a fool out of myself in front of Alex.
“Are you ready?” I nodded at Alex, but kept my gaze on the smooth white ice. How was I supposed to skate on that with just a thin blade? “Have you never ice skated before?” he asked, standing in front of me. We were blocking the entrance, but I didn’t care.
“N-no, I haven’t,” I admitted, stuttering a little.
“It’s okay. It isn’t too hard. Just hold onto me and I’ll teach you.” With a reassuring smile, I nodded and gripped his hands. I lifted my legs and stepped onto the ice. My legs were wobbly, but I kept my legs straight and still as Alex slowly pulled me further onto the ice. My grip was hard around his hands, but he didn’t object. He skated backwards with a grace that made me jealous.
“See not too hard.” He kept leading me around for a few minutes while my feet and legs adjusted. “Think you’re okay to let go of me?” I nodded, feeling more comfortable. Slowly, like a dad does when letting go of a child’s bike when they’re learning to ride it, Alex withdrew his hands until I was left moving at a snail pace. He skated a little ahead of me, and I moved my legs trying to reach him. When I didn’t fall, I beamed over at him.
“Did you see that? I didn’t fall!” I exclaimed louder than I should have but I didn’t care. Feeling more confident now, I bent my legs slightly and moved my feet a tad bit fast than a snail pace. For some reason, as I skated slowly next to Alex, I thought of the movie Ice Princess. I could almost imagine myself being an ice skater and moving effortlessly across the ice. I was too distracted daydreaming so I didn’t watch my feet, and I ended up tripping over them and landed on the ice. My butt hit the cold ice and I made an “oomph” sound. Nice, Layla, nice.
Ahead of me, I saw Alex grinning and holding back a laugh. I didn’t know why, but I suddenly started to laugh. I sat on the cold ice laughing at myself until Alex reached me.
“You okay?” he asked, chuckling softly.
“Yeah, I’m good.” I giggled. Alex extended a hand out for me and I grabbed it, pulling myself up. He must not have seen me picking myself up because he pulled me up and I ended up smashed against his chest. Since he had done this before, he positioned perfectly where we would fall. I grinned up at him in thanks. I only vaguely noticed someone with a camera snapping pictures of us from afar.
I spent the next hour or so getting better, and soon I was skating pretty fast and even learned to do a small spin. I had only fallen three times, and I was proud of myself. Alex clearly had experience, but he skated alongside me telling me ways to put my feet and to hold out my arms for more balance. The sun had set a long time ago, and the moon appeared low in the sky. The lights that surrounded the rink were on and made the ice sparkle. Something about it felt magical.
I finally had to get off the ice when I noticed my fingers were turning blue and I couldn’t feel my face. I skated to the entrance and onto the carpet, where I almost fell. The carpet was a lot different than the ice, and it took me a minute to get adjusted. I wobbled over to the bench where our shoes were, and sat down. I didn’t realize how Jell-O-y my legs felt until I sat down. My legs felt stiff and I knew I would be really sore tomorrow.
After Alex and I got our skates off, we walked hand and hand back to the booth to return our skates.
“Did you have fun?” he asked as we walked back to the front to get the car.
“I had a blast. Thank you so much.”
“Good, I’m glad you had fun. Now let’s eat. I’m starving.” The moment I got in the car, I put my hands in front of the vents that were blowing hot air. The car was starting to warm up when Alex peeled away from the curb, and I felt my cold bones thawing.
Alex took me to a cute little Italian place that had amazing food. We spent almost two hours there just talking and laughing with each other. Just being around Alex was comfortable, relaxing, and great. The night had flown by and before I knew it, it was ten o’clock at night and he was pulling up to my building. I met Alex around the car, and he grabbed my hand. The walk up to my place, he was silent and rubbing his thumb across my knuckles, making goosebumps appear up and down my arms. I came to a stop outside my door and faced him.
“I had a great night. Thank you for everything,” I said sincerely up at him.
Everything about this night was perfect.
“You’re welcome. I had a great time as well. You’re amazing, Layla.” I watched as he leaned his head down, and my eyes closed on their own. His soft lips met mine and his hand reached up to cup my cheek. Our lips moved in sync, and I could taste a little bit of wine from his lips. My knees weakened, and my hands gripped his forearm holding me up. We finally parted, catching our breath. He leaned his forehead against mine, and I stared up into his green eyes.
“Have a good night. Don’t dream too hard about me.” He smiled at me. He pecked my lips one last time before pulling away. I watched as he walked away until I couldn’t see him anymore. I opened my door and leaned against it once it was shut.
With shaky legs, I walked to my room. Not feeling like taking a shower at the moment, I changed into my PJs, washed my face, and sat on my bed. I sat there thinking about tonight and about our kiss. I reached up and felt my semi-swollen lips; they didn’t tingle the way it did when I kissed Ashton. Flopping down on my back on my bed, I thought over everything. From Ashton to Alex, to how our both of our dates compared, then to my feelings about each person. I stared at the ceiling feeling a sudden calm feeling surround me. I had made my decision on who I wanted.