As the wheels of the plane touch down on the tarmac, the pilot announces our arrival to Los Angles. The butterflies in my stomach that have been lying dormant over the winter break flutters at the realization that I’m back in the same city as the man who possesses my soul. Until now, numbness occupied the place where my heart resides. I was in shock at the way things transpired back when I was lying there in the hospital bed. Grayson let Vanessa deter him from checking to see how I was doing after my accident. His termination of our arrangement hurt me, but his refusal to see me in the end was annihilation to my already fragile existence. I don’t know what to do with these feelings that have resurfaced. Okay in fairness they never left, just suppressed.
My hands clutch the arm rests of my seat as I brace myself for the sudden halt of the plane to a complete stop. I hate flying. Jordan looks over and pats my hand in understanding. She knows just how much I detest flying and small spaces. Combine the two elements together and I am a total nut case. The window seat did very little to offset my anxiety. We only flew because we left Jordan’s car back at the condo after my accident. I was too busted up to sit through a twenty-two hour drive home. Once the seat belt sign turns off, Jordan gets up quickly to grab our backpacks from the overhead storage. She then backs up to let me out, forcing the people behind her to wait until I ease into the isle in this God-awful boot.
It’s a black medical boot with velcro straps that go with everything— not. It’s a pain-in-my-ass contraption that makes my foot sweat, but it’s a necessary evil for my healing ankle fracture. My orthopedic doctor anticipates that I will need to wear this fashionable piece of foot accessory for another three weeks. Well at least I was able to say adiós to the cast and crutches. It feels great to be able to get around independently now. My mom babied me the entire time I was home. Believe it or not, Liam was my only saving grace from the looney bin. Jordan’s family whisked her off for most of the break for some sort of family retreat, but Liam visited me religiously. He would lose his shit if he knew about my stalker and the possible real cause of my accident. I did get in touch with the police officer though, to let him know the truth. He said he would look into it, but didn’t have much to go on since my lie caused the investigation to be ruled an accident.
My mother placated me by letting Liam come over, but her own failed marriage has left her bitter. I reassured her that there was nothing left between us, but friendship. This eased her concerns some, but she continued to eye him with disdain. Liam was ignorant to her disapproval of his presence. His mother, on the other hand, was happy that we were working on our friendship. I suspect that she is holding on to the idea that our friendship will blossom into what we had. That ship has more than sailed.
After we obtain the rest of our luggage and walk towards the front entrance of the airport, Jordan informs me that Bailey is picking us up. I pause in fear of what’s on the other side of those automatic doors.
“Shiv, I promise it’s just Bailey. I made her promise to come alone. She thought the request was odd, but she told me the others won’t be back until Sunday.”
“It’s not the girls I’m worried about.” I gnaw at my bottom lip.
“No Vanessa either. And of course Grayson would have no reason to be riding with her.”
When we walk out, Bailey is standing next to her Range Rover. She spots us immediately and runs up to give me a hug.
“Oh my god. I’ve missed you guys so much.” She gives me a soft squeeze before looking me in the eye. “How are you feeling?”
“Good. I’m glad to be back. I can’t wait to knock this semester out so we can finally graduate.” Yeah, I lay the lie on thick. Truth is, I’m nervous about the potential of running into Grayson. I am taking another marketing class this semester with a different professor, but the possibility of a run in is still there since it will be in the same building. I strategically chose the days opposite of his teaching schedule just to lessen the odds. “I agree with that. I can’t wait to graduate and start the next chapter of my life,” Bailey says dreamily. “You know, meet my future husband, have two point five kids, and buy the house with the white picket fence.”
She had me going for a second until I realize she is full of shit. She lives in a high-rise loft for God’s sake. I shove her and laugh at her sarcasm. She turns and hugs Jordan in equal measure. She then lifts her trunk so that we can load our luggage, only she slaps my hand away when I try to lift my mine. These people and their babying are going to drive me crazy. Yes, my ribs still give me trouble at times and I’m in this damn boot, but I am not incapable of doing things for myself. This is my mother’s behavior all over again. I don’t make a scene, though. I know she’s just trying to be helpful. I will just have to make sure the girls don’t go overboard. I hate feeling helpless.
I slide into the back seat and put my Beats earbuds in my ears. Jarell Perry’s “Win” croons through the earbuds and my mind once again falls on Grayson. I can already tell it’s going to be harder to push him to the back of my thoughts now that I’m back in Los Angeles. Jordan taps my leg in an effort to get my attention. I pull one bud out so that I can hear what she is saying.
“We were going to stop for a bite to eat before going home and I wanted to see if you had a place in mind.”
“It doesn’t really matter. Whatever you two decide, I’ll be good with.”
Now that she mentions it, I am kind of hungry. The snack on the plane did very little to curb my appetite.
“Well, I did have a craving for Chinese food,” Jordan offers.
“Craving, huh? You have something you’re not telling me?” Bailey catches on immediately and hysterically slaps the steering wheel. Realization crosses Jordan’s face and she pinches my knee. “Ow, I can’t believe you pinched me,” I joke.
“I am not pregnant you goof ball. That would be an immaculate conception seeing as though I haven’t seen Trevor since before the break. That and I’m a firm believer in the saying—no glove, no love,” she chuckles.
I don’t let on that Grayson and I’ve had unprotected sex when we were exclusive. “Chinese sounds good. I love their hot and sour soup.”
“Chinese it is then,” Bailey confirms.
“Only you Shiv. No one else goes to a Chinese restaurant for the soup,” Jordan teases.
We fill up on General TSO’s chicken and soup until we are completely stuffed. If I don’t watch it, my stomach is going to be as big as my ass. When we get home, Bailey decides she is going to come up to our condo and hang out for a while. I excuse myself for some relaxation time in the tub. Back at my mother’s house, I had to take showers because of the cast. My orthopedic doctor was thoughtful enough to transition me to a boot when he found out I was coming back to school for the spring semester.
As the tub fill with water, I pour in some of my handmade lavender-infused jojoba oil. The flowery scent wafts in the air and relaxes me before I even get into the steaming hot bath. I rid myself of my clothes and save my boot for last. It feels good to let my foot breathe. I’m careful not to bear any weight on my right leg as I ease into the silky water. I lean back in the tub and I can’t stop my thoughts from drifting to Grayson. This scene that I have set up for myself is similar to my last romantic night with him followed by awesome sex. My hand slips beneath the surface the water on its own accord. I gently stroke my clit as his face appears behind my closed eyes. I image his strong arms and washboard abs and my legs begin to tremble as I stroke faster. In my fantasy, it is Grayson who is bringing me to the brink of an orgasm. I hear his voice whisper ‘that’s it baby,’ and I explode in ecstasy. I bite my bottom lip to muffle my whimpers. Shameful, I know. I am supposed to be moving on from him. I blame it on being back here and all the damn memories we created.
Now that my skin is pruny like and I’ve rubbed one out, I get out of the tub and dry off completely before strapping my boot back on. I reluctantly put on a pair of sleep shorts and tank top, wishing I could just sleep naked and save myself the trouble putting on clothes. Jordan would get a kick out of that idea since she is the minimalist, clothing wise.
I’m not in bed long before Jordan is entering my room with two glasses of white wine. She sits on the edge of my bed and hands me one. “Did Bailey leave?”
“Yeah. She’s having a get-together Sunday once Angie and Meghan get into town.”
I give her my don’t-even-ask look and she laughs. “Don’t worry. I already lied and told her you had plans with Liam.”
“That may not be a bad idea. I can call him tomorrow to see if he wants to do something.”
“You’re playing with fire, Shiv. He knows you well and is using time to work his way back into your heart,” she huffs. “I have my eyes on him.”
“You and my mother are insane. By the same logic, I know him too. He will not be sneaking past my defenses. We. Are. Just. Friends,” I emphasize as I gulp the last of my wine.
“Okay. Whatever. Anyway, I have plans for us tomorrow morning so get some sleep.” She takes my empty wine glass from me and literally skips out of the room. I know she is up to something, but right now I am too tired to care. I see that it is just shortly after one in the morning. I set the alarm on my phone for 8:00 a.m. before using the remote to turn out the light. Right now, this little invention is the best thing ever since sliced bread. I turn on my side, snuggle under the covers, and let sleep take me under.
The early morning light filters through my curtains and I feel the weight of Jordan’s body holding my covers taunt against me. “Get up Shiv and get dressed. You’re burning daylight.”
My alarm has yet to go off so that tells me that it’s not even eight yet. Jordan yanks the covers the rest of the way down as an incentive for me to get up. I feel like giving her a hard time so I groan my displeasure and pull the covers back over my head.
“Ah come on Shiv, don’t be like that. Get up already. We’re on a schedule.”
I try to hold back my snickering, but it is useless. She pulls the covers back once again in this tug o’ war we have going on and shows me her pout.
“Okay. Okay. Go on and get out already so I can get dressed.”
“I don’t know what you’ve got to hide. You know I’ve already seen your luscious goods. Just be glad that I’m straight, darling,” she kids as she gets up to leave my room. “I’m giving you twenty minutes and then I’m coming back,” she warns.
I know that she is not bluffing either. I pull my phone from under the pillow and grimace at the time. It’s six freaking forty-five. I really do groan this time. Jordan has lost her mind. What the hell is it possibly to do at this time of morning? This had better be good. I throw on a maxi dress and pair it with a blue jean jacket and ballet flats.
I told you the boot went with everything, as long as you don’t attempt to wear jeans, leggings or anything else fitting. Right now it is nicely obscured underneath my dress. Of course Jordan looks like she just stepped off the pages of Vogue in her skinny jeans, off the shoulder sweater, heels, and the accessories to match. I’m neither surprised nor jealous. I’m not trying to keep up with my fashionista best friend. We are out the door by eight o’clock. The alarm on my phone goes off and I roll my eyes at the irony. Jordan just smiles because she knows that I would just be getting up right now.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going now?” I ask stifling a yawn.
“Nope. It’ll ruin the surprise.” God I hate surprises. She cranks up the radio when she hears Lana Del Rey’s Burning Desire come on. I’m not a fool. She’s trying to suppress any more questioning about where we’re going. I fold my arms and look out the window. She continues her antics by singing loudly and off key. She tugs on my jacket and ask me to join in on the chorus and I do because I can’t stay frustrated with her when she is being dorky. We pull up to The Landing luxury hotel and a valet attendant is at my door immediately escorting me out. Jordan comes around to join me.
I look at the elegance of the hotel and then back at her in disapproval. She is obviously dressed for the likes of this place, where as I look like I missed my turn for the local Motel 6. “What the hell Jordan? A little warning would’ve been nice. I’m not dressed for this place,” I admonish.
“Nonsense. There’s no dress code for what I have planned. You’ll see.” She grabs me by the hand so that I will follow her. When the hotel’s spa comes into view, I snatch my hand away. There’s no way I can afford this and she is smoking crack if she thinks I’m letting her pay. I turn to leave, but she grabs me once again. “See this is why I wanted our spa day to be a surprise. I knew you’d react this way,” she whines.
“Sorry, surprise or not, you’ve wasted your time.” I feel a fight coming on and I hate fighting with her. She knows my stance on her spending money on me. I nearly choked on her utterance of spa day. Not a spa treatment as in singular, but a spa day as in getting a bunch of shit done and spending a lot of money.
“Just hear me out,” she pleas. My dad just became a silent partner with this hotel chain. One of the perks is that his family and specified guest gets to enjoy the amenities at no cost. He told me to share this with some of my friends once I got back to Los Angeles. I only wanted to share it with my best friend. I want this to be our thing. Whenever we want.” She looks genuinely sad. I love her to pieces. I can’t deny her after she puts it that way. I hug her to convey my acceptance of such a wonderful gift. She squeals in delight and we are escorted to the locker room where we undress and put on robes.
We are given fruit-infused water while we wait for our personal masseuses to come get us for our massages. We spend the day indulging in caviar facials and massages, as well as manicures, pedicures, and hair treatments. We had a break in between for a healthy lunch, but now I am starving. Healthy stuff never sticks to you. I need something fattening ASAP. We make dinner plans to eat at the hotel’s steakhouse. I’m too hungry to care about the other appropriately dressed patrons. I would die of starvation if I had to wait until we got home and then for Jordan to cook something. Who knew all day pampering worked up an appetite. The masseuse did say something about releasing toxins and yada… yada…yada. My body must’ve expended its entire energy source releasing said toxins.
Jordan and I enjoy a nice steak dinner and several glasses of wine. Well, I do anyway. All is right in the world again. My stomach has reached capacity and I have a nice buzz. Jordan only had one glass, stating she needs to be able to drive. She tells me to enjoy and I oblige.
“I’m glad we had this time to catch up, Shiv. I know our time together was cut short over this Christmas break since I ended up vacationing with my parents.” She grabs my hand across the table and squeezes.
“No. I totally understood. I can admit, this was actually fun. Thank you.”
“This will be our thing when we feel the need for a little pampering. Now let me order a bottle of wine like the one you’ve been guzzling and we can go,” she smiles. I can’t help but laugh. She orders a bottle of wine to enjoy once we get home and we leave. Once we get home, I take my clothes off and leave them in a pile next to my bed. As soon as my head hits my pillow, I am off to dreamland.