Chapter 18
It was the day of the work party, and I hadn’t spoken to Steph since I walked out after our fight. I still wasn’t sure where she was staying, but she never contacted me, either. I had some realizations about our relationship, and we needed to have a discussion, but I would let future me deal with that.
Tonight, I wanted to forget all my problems, including her. I was already uneasy about my dream a couple of days ago, and I found it hard to focus on anything else. Since she didn’t greet me last night in my sleep, I began to wonder if my sheer exhaustion caused it, and nothing was as real as I had believed.
But for now, I would worry about the present, which included getting through this party. Ty was picking me up, and I only had an hour before he and David would arrive, so I needed to get ready. I worked from home yesterday and spent most of today doing paperwork and catching up on emails.
After getting out of the shower, I put on my makeup and went into my walk-in closet to pick out something to wear. It wasn’t a super dressy occasion, but sometimes couture brightened me up when I was down. Not wanting to be overdressed, though, I settled on a green Mac Duggal with a thigh-high slit and plunging neckline. The satin gown was gorgeous and sexy, which was something I needed to help me overcome this apprehension that was bubbling under the surface.
Once I was ready, I texted Ty. I was excited to meet David because I hadn’t seen Ty this into someone in a long time. I hoped they could make it work because Ty deserved happiness.
I sat on the couch and waited for them. While I was playing on my phone, there was a knock on the door.I answered it, and Ty was there in a black suit with a red-and-white polka-dotted tie. His normal messy curls were slicked back with gel, and he looked like a movie star.
“Holy shit, Batman. You’re looking good.” I nudged him with my elbow.
“Well, of course.” He spun around like Michael Jackson. “I could wear a potato sack and still look fine as hell. You, on the other hand, are dressed like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.” He laughed as he stared at the slit that would show my goodies to the world if I moved in the wrong direction.
“You’re a jackass. This dress is sultry. Don’t be jealous, but as soon as your boyfriend comes in, he might switch teams.”
“Ha! You’re delusional if you think for one second David would want you over all this,” he said, waving his hands in front of his body, and I rolled my eyes.
I needed this banter. It was easing my prior tension, and I no longer dreaded the night.
Just then, David walked in, and his mouth dropped. He stuck out his hand for me to shake, and when my fingers reached his, he brought them up to his lips for a kiss. “You must be Blake.Ty didn’t tell me how stunning you were.That dress is gorge, and that color with your eyes, my God, you’ll turn heads.”
I gave Ty an I-told-you-so smirk, but he ignored me.
“Did you hear that, Ty? I’m going to turn heads.” I slid my hand out of David’s. “It’s so nice to meet you. You could’ve walked right out of GQ. What on earth are you doing with Ty?” I winked, jokingly.
I had to admit, David was attractive with his surfer-boy appearance: blond hair, broad shoulders, and tan skin. He wore a three-button red blazer with white linen pants and black velvet Louboutin loafers. He had style, to say the least.Together, he and Ty were looking all sexy and matchy. If I didn’t love Ty so much, I’d hate him right now.
David blushed at my comment. “It’s so nice to meet you, too. Ty talks about you so much that it’s like I already know you.”
“Is that a good or bad thing?” I quirked a brow at Ty, and he shrugged.
“The two of you banter, but believe me when I say that man adores you.” David smiled at us both, but again, Ty appeared indifferent.
“David, you’re going to give her a bigger head than she already has.”
I smacked Ty’s arm. “I take offense to that. I don’t have a big head—just big hair.” I laughed, and the two of them joined in.
“You ready to blow this pop stand?” Ty offered his elbow, and I laced my arm through it. Even with my three-inch heels, he still towered over me.
Before we headed out, David took my other arm, making it a three-way chain. When we got to the car, he offered me the front seat next to Ty, but I was fine sitting in the back. And, like a gentleman, he opened my door for me.
“Thank you, David. You’re so sweet. Ty, I’d say he’s a keeper.”
“You’re not telling me anything I haven’t already said.” Ty immediately reached for David’s hand before putting the car in reverse.
As we made our way to the Plaza, Ty looked in the rearview mirror at me. “So, were you able to get rested from your bender? You said you’d call me sometime, but all I got were work texts. And since you didn’t come into work yesterday, I figured I’d corner you tonight.” He joked.
I wanted to talk to him, but I had been too busy playing catch-up.
“Oh my God. I completely forgot to tell you. Umm, should we discuss this later?”
“Girl, if you had more dreams, I need to hear about them now. David knows what’s going on. Sorry, but I have to talk to someone about your soap opera life.”
I guess it shouldn’t surprise me, considering Ty seemed to be in love with him. What would it hurt if he knew?
“Well, I guess we can’t unsay what you said, so I’ll jump right in.”
David turned around to look at me. “Blake, for what it’s worth, I wouldn’t tell a soul your secrets. I realize we just met, but I promise you, I’m sincere. Would it help if I told you a personal story?” He continued to make eye contact with me, and he had such an inviting smile I couldn’t do anything but melt. I saw why Ty was taken by him. He seemed like such a genuine person.
“If Ty trusts you, so do I. Besides, I can usually read people pretty well, and something in my gut is telling me you’re honest. You don’t need to give me ammunition to hold against you. Unless, of course, you want to share, then I’m all ears.”
“Well, if you’re up for a good story later, remind me to tell you about tortilla shells, hiking, and nature calling.” His face lit up with what appeared to be mischief.
“All right. I’ll hold you to that.” I chuckled. “So, I’ll bring you both up to speed about what happened. Ty, as you’re aware, I was hanging badly, and I needed ten days of sleep. When I got home, I took a shower and then crawled into bed?—”
“Okay, sister. We don’t have that long before we arrive, so why don’t you skip to the good stuff?” Ty interrupted me.
“All right. Sorry. Anyway, I fell asleep and immediately went back to that dance floor from before. This time, I was able to make out so many more details. I got to touch her again, and oh my God! She had a tattoo with something written in Italian, and I meant to look it up but forgot.” I immediately pulled my phone out of my clutch and typed into Google Translate, “Ti trovero.”
“Well, are you going to leave us hanging or what? What was the tattoo? What did it say? Did you see what she looked like?” Ty rapid-fired at me.
“Hold on a second, eager beaver. I was looking up the meaning of the words. So, about the tattoo, it was a puzzle piece surrounded by these vibrant watercolors and said, ‘ti trovero’ inside of it. My Italian is a little rusty, but I recognized the language immediately. I Googled what it means, and it’s, ‘I will find you.’ Do you think it has something to do with me?”
“Girl, I need more information. Then, we’ll dissect the significance. What else happened?”
“Okay. The tattoo had my attention, but I was breathless when I turned her around to face me. She was androgynous, with high cheekbones and just-out-of-bed hair that was probably styled that way but looked effortless. Not to mention her almost silver-colored eyes that were like pools I wanted to swim in. I don’t think this person could exist, but she was very lifelike in my dream. Now, here’s where it goes off the rails a bit.”
“You think this has ever been on the rails?” Ty asked disbelievingly.
“Whatever. This is where it gets squirrelly, okay? So, after I see her, I’m transported to a new place and time in my dream, and there’s someone else. She was completely different from the woman I’d seen previously, but when we came face-to-face, she had the same aura and the same eyes. Even though the body and features were different, it was her. And it happened one more time. Oh, not to mention that my body changed, too. I was redheaded and pale in one of the visions.” I laughed, but saying that out loud sounded like I was losing my mind.
Ty held up a hand, and David peered at me earnestly from the front seat.
“Wait a minute. So, you changed bodies, yet it was still you?” Ty said as an almost knowing look crossed David’s face.
“Blake, I’m not an expert by any means, but it sounds like this person you saw in your dream was you in a past life. That might be a little out there, but sometimes, when we get glimpses of things that seem real to us, and we don’t remember living it, it’s a memory from a previous life. This woman might have known you before, and now you’re fantasizing about her because you’re supposed to meet in this life.” David was so genuine in his assessment, but he also appeared a little in awe.
“Why would I just start dreaming of her?”
“Well, there are different possibilities, but the ones that make the most sense are either you crossed paths with her in this life, and it sparked your memories, or maybe something is wrong, and her soul is reaching out to you for help.”
“Okay, but if I met her in this life, I’m certain I would’ve remembered her. She’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous. There is no way I would’ve seen her and not noticed.”
“Then maybe her current soul needs help, and you’re somehow connected to her from another life.”
“Let’s pretend for a second that’s even a possibility. How will I track her down? When I dream about her, I don’t get a lot of answers. And, if she’s in trouble, I’d probably need to find her quickly, right?”
“We’re here, and we should continue this convo another time. But if you go to the hypnotherapist appointment on Monday, she might be able to help.” Ty chimed in for the first time in a while.
I wasn’t ready to stop talking, but I didn’t want any of this information to leave this car.
“Okay. Let’s go in and try to have a good time. At least this should be a drama-free night. No Steph. Hopefully, no time-lapses and no drinking. I’m going to enjoy a night off from everything.” I was ready to spend time with Ty and David and eat a good meal.
My life was more like a telenovela with all the unexplainable stuff going on, and I was ready for something more conventional.
We’d been sitting down for about thirty minutes when a server came to our table to take our orders. I got Island Duck with Mulberry Mustard and Honey-Glazed Carrots, while Ty and David ordered Butter-Basted Rib Eyes with Garlic-Roasted Mashed Potatoes.
The night was going well, and I was having fun. But that all changed when I turned my head toward the door and saw the last person I expected or wanted to see right now: Steph. And she wasn’t alone. Greg had his arm wrapped around her waist and the phoniest-looking smile plastered across his face.
“Holy shit. Did you—” Ty stopped midsentence, probably noticing where my eyeline was.
“Breathe,” I said out loud, hoping my lungs would heed my advice, but my chest tightened.
Had they been loved up since our fight? It wasn’t that I cared, but the entire scene seemed like a ploy. I wouldn’t give either of them the satisfaction of thinking they’d affected my night.
I turned my attention back to my table. “So, David. Let’s hear the tale of the tortilla shell.”
He laughed. It was sonorous and how I’d imagine Santa Claus would sound if he didn’t ho-ho-ho. “Well, I’m not sure if it’s appropriate at the dinner table. Why don’t you come and dance with me, and I’ll regale you with the story while I spin you across the floor?” He stood and held out one hand while tucking the other behind his back as if he were Prince Charming.
“That sounds wonderful. Ty, are you going to be okay left to your own devices?”
“Of course.” His eyes never strayed from Steph, and I worried he was plotting some form of revenge. “Now, you two have fun because I’m sorry, baby, I don’t dance.” He cocked an eyebrow David’s way, but there was a tenderness in his expression—something Ty didn’t show to anyone.
I grabbed David’s hand, and he slipped it into the crook of his elbow. He turned his head over his shoulder and blew Ty a kiss, then led me to the dance floor. There was an orchestra playing, and it was quite elegant. David was a phenomenal dancer and such a strong partner.
He leaned in close to my ear as we drifted to the rhythm of the music. “So, do you want to talk about the elephant in the room?”
“I guess it surprised me to see her and with him of all people.”
He held me tighter, and comfort coursed through me. “Ty has told me a lot about you and your history with both Steph and Greg. I have to say, it seems like those two deserve each other.” He spun me around, and I spotted Steph staring daggers at me.
I wasn’t sure what she had to be angry about, but if she was mad, I didn’t care.
“Everything’s so surreal. I mean, I was with Steph for a long time, and she was my first serious girlfriend. One would assume the breakup would’ve devastated me, but the truth is, I’m apathetic. It might be different when her stuff is gone, but right now, all I want to do is forget about her.”
“Does the girl you’re dreaming of have anything to do with your lack of emotion for Steph?”
That question caught me off guard because it hadn’t even crossed my mind. “Not that I’m aware. I mean, that woman may not even be real. Steph and I had real problems before. She basically told me she needed more than I gave her. Like I didn’t love her good enough. And maybe I didn’t. To be honest, I’m not sure I’m capable of truly loving someone.” I didn’t mean to get so deep, but that was something that was in the back of my mind and only perpetuated by Steph’s behavior.
“Maybe you should talk to her? Clear the air, so to speak?” The song was wrapping up, and I didn’t want to leave the contentment of his arms, but he was right. I did need to speak with her.
“David, thank you for listening to me. I can see why Ty is in love with you.”
He stiffened, and his expression seemed to transform from ease to shock. “Loves me?”
Oh, shit! Did I spill the beans? I needed to do damage control. “Of course he loves you. I didn’t mean in love with you.” I hoped that covered my colossal foot-in-the-mouth comment.
“Oh.” Now he looked… disappointed?
“Wait. Are you in love with him?”
“Please don’t tell him.” He put a finger up to his mouth, and I nodded my agreement. “It’s too soon to say anything. But when you brought it up, I got excited.”
“Oh, David. You’re a wonderful man and perfect for Ty. If, and that’s a big if, he isn’t in love with you right now, he will be soon. You don’t have anything to worry about, and I cross my heart I won’t say a word.”
“Blake, I’m so glad we finally met. You and I are going to be as thick as thieves.” He winked at me and then gave me a hug. “Thank you so much for the lovely dance. I do hope we can do it again before the night is over.” He took my hand and kissed it before walking back to the table where Ty sat playing on his phone.
I took a deep breath and headed toward Steph, who was still glaring at me while Greg held on to her like she was his captive.
“Hi, Steph. I was wondering if we could chat for a minute. Outside?”
Greg stopped talking to turn to me. “Blake. Good to see you. Did you bring anyone tonight?” He arrogantly scanned the room.
“Nope. I came with Ty and his boyfriend, David. I wasn’t planning on staying long anyway. Could I borrow your date for a second?” I gave him a tightlipped smile, all the while biting my tongue so I didn’t accidentally let any of my built-up rage out.
“I’ll be back in a sec, honey.” Steph leaned in and kissed Greg on the cheek.
I stared up at the ceiling, quietly exhaling, “Woosa.” Then I headed to the door, and Steph followed close behind. Once we were outside, I confronted her. “What are you trying to do, Steph?”
She appraised me, her eyes stopping on the deep V of my neckline. She had a lusty expression that I’d seen before, but I needed to keep this conversation strictly business.
I snapped my fingers. “Eyes up here.”
“Oh, come on, Blake. It’s obvious why you wore that dress. And it wasn’t so people would look at your eyes. I’m showing you I appreciate your effort.” She ran a finger over my exposed collarbone, causing my body to respond involuntarily.
I grabbed her hand and threw it off. “Seriously, Steph. What are you doing here?”
“I came to see you. Why else would I be here?”
“Oh, right. You’re here for me. ‘I’ll be back in a sec, honey,’” I said in a completely sardonic tone.
“Did that bother you?”
“Oh my God, Steph. This isn’t a game. You aren’t going to make me jealous by fucking Greg. Look, I wanted to tell you it’s time you moved out. I’ll stay at Ty’s tonight and tomorrow, and you can get your stuff out before Monday. Whatever you don’t take, I’m giving away. Deal?”
“You’re kicking me out? Baby, we had a fight. But we’re not over.”
Was she serious? There was no getting through this. She had to see we weren’t supposed to be together.
“Steph, it has been over for a while. You said it yourself. I didn’t give you what you needed, and you were fine getting it elsewhere. It turns out I’m fine with that, too. You can have all day tomorrow to get your things. You only really had clothes and toiletries anyway. Then you can text me when you’re done so we won’t have to run into each other again. I’m sorry it had to end this way, but I think you’ve let your true colors shine, and this is for the best. It was nice knowing you.”
“Blake, wait. How can you flush two years down the drain without a second thought? I loved you. I mean, I still love you. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”
“Steph, you don’t love me. If you did, you never would’ve showed up with Greg. You would’ve called or texted me to apologize after our fight. You wouldn’t have immediately jumped into the arms of the one person who has it out for me.”
I paused to keep myself from blowing up. The fire inside wanted to come out, but once I had it under control, I continued. “I’m sorry if you think this is salvageable, but I don’t. I hope you and Greg have a nice life together.” Without giving her a chance to respond, I went back inside to find Ty and David.
At least being with them might calm me down because my heart was in overdrive right now. I wasn’t sure if the conversation upset me or relieved me, but I believed something better would come my way if I only kept moving.