11. Eleven
Eleven
“ A re you ready?” Lucille asks for the tenth time. My answer is a resounding no. For over a week I have been working closely with Erin. Always the professional as my insides sear in pain. But I know I have to take my time. Making sure Erin is comfortable around me is essential.
We’ve shared some laughs and worked several packed evenings behind the bar together, which was an outstanding success. Insomnia is my flagship club, and it shows. It’s the hottest place in Los Angeles.
Lucille has been abnormally patient with me. I expected her to bulldoze her way into my affairs, but I have been proven wrong. She’s even fielded calls and visits from my mother and Marcus.
That is, until this evening. Sitting with a glass of wine on the balcony, I’m surprised by Lucille’s presence. She is supposed to be visiting her husband and son. Yet, she isn’t. She’s here, scowling at me .
“I’m not ready. It’s too soon.” Approaching Erin and asking her out formally is eating away at my conscience. She is still with Mack, and they seem to be doing well.
“Tough, times up,” Lucille growls. “I know you are in constant pain, Amelia; you don’t think I see your face twitch in agony?”
“I’m fine.” I’m not. As the days pass by, the pain in my abdomen is getting worse.
“No, you’re not. It’s time to make a move.”
“Not yet,” I hiss.
“Okay.” Turning, Lucille leaves me. I am completely perplexed. Lucille never agrees so easily. Idiot!
Slamming down my wine, I chase after Lucille. As I thought, she’s heading downstairs. Barging through the door, I see her approach Erin. “God damn it, Lucille,” I growl, marching over to them.
Slowing my pace, I try to calm my murderous feelings towards my sister. “So Erin,” I hear Lucille say. “Are you and Mack exclusive?”
“Oh, um—”
“You do not have to answer that, Erin. Please excuse my sister.”
“I’m only asking,” Lucille sighs.
“It’s okay, um, we’ve been seeing each other for a few weeks. But we haven’t had the conversation about exclusivity yet.”
“So, does that mean you would be interested in dating other people?”
Erin’s cheeks blush. She looks between me and Lucille. “Um, that’s really flattering Lucille, but—”
“Not me!” Lucille barks out, laughing.
“Oh?” Erin answers scrunching up her face .
I am begging Lucille to shut her fucking mouth, but it’s too late. “I meant Amelia.”
The air is ripped from my lungs. The murderous rage I successfully calmed only seconds ago is surging through every molecule of my body. Frozen in place, I stare blankly at Lucille. I cannot believe she did that.
Erin’s throat clearing startles me. I’ve yet to look at her, afraid of what I will see.
“Anyway, just thought I’d ask. See you later, sis.”
My eyes track the traitorous hag all the way out of the club. Running away would be wrong, but I’m seriously considering it. That is until I feel warmth spread from my hand. I close my eyes briefly to bask in Erin’s touch. Shifting my focus back to the room, I turn and finally meet her eyes.
“Why did Lucille ask that?” Erin’s eyes are as soft as her voice. I swallow several times before answering.
“Because I wanted to ask you out, but I didn’t know where things were with you and Mack, and I would never want to put you in an uncomfortable position.” As I’m answering Erin, I am plotting Lucille’s demise. “I’m truly sorry if Lucille has made you feel that way. I’ll talk to her.”
“It’s okay,” she answers quickly. My heart feels like it’s everywhere but where it should be. I can feel the pulse in my feet, neck, and wrists. Oh God, am I actually having a heart attack? I know I made an offhand comment to my mother, but I didn’t really think Erin could cause my heart to explode.
“I…”
“Do you… um, do you still want to ask me out? ”
The smooth version of myself is nowhere to be seen. I’m a mess. All I can do is move my head. Am I nodding? I hope so. A small smile graces Erin’s face. She dips her head to hide her smirk. A few seconds pass before she lifts herself up, looking me in the eye with a playful glint.
“You haven’t asked me anything yet.”
“Oh, um, right… Erin… will you… I mean, would you like to go on a date with me?”
“Okay.” One word is all it takes for me to feel like fireworks are whizzing around my chest.
“Are you free tomorrow?” My confidence is returning. Erin didn’t reject me. I didn’t realize how much the thought of that happening was weighing on me.
“I’m out with Mack tomorrow,” Erin begins. I ignore the stab in my gut. “I think it’s only fair that I let her know I’m planning on dating you.”
“Of course. Whatever you want.”
“What about Saturday? I have it off. My boss is good like that,” she smiles.
“Yes!” I blurt. I have zero game with Erin.
“That’s settled then. Should we meet here?”
“Yes, shall we say eight?” I’m already planning the perfect night.
“Great. Well, I should get the bar ready. We open soon.” We both linger a few more seconds.
“I’ll see you later,” I say eventually. I’d love nothing more than to stand there all night looking at Erin, but first I need to find Lucille.
Walking backwards, I give Erin my best smile before turning around and heading back up to the penthouse. Like the flip of a switch, I go from joyfully happy to searing mad .
Lucille is lounging on the sofa when I storm in. She looks as if she has no care in the world. I’m about to slap some into her. “What the fuck was that?” I scream. It’s not like me to lose all control, but with Lucille, it happens. “I asked you to let me do this my way, but oh no, you’re just like every fucker else who thinks they know better. This is my life, Lucille. Mine!” I roar. Lucille hasn’t batted an eye which makes me rage more.
“Did she say yes?” she simply asks, and all my righteous anger evaporates in a puff. God damn Lucille.
Saturday has taken a millennium to arrive. Lucille has spent the last several days gloating obnoxiously. I told her to pack her bags and go, but she refused. We spent an hour glaring at each other before I gave up and sulked in my room. How is she the younger sibling?
Time away from Erin is becoming more difficult. I didn’t realize until I hadn’t been close to her for forty-eight hours. Not only were the cramps excruciating, but I suffered nosebleeds, too. Lucille wanted to call Dr. Mendhi, but what’s the point? He’s only going to tell me what I already know. At least I’ve made progress with Erin, though. Yes, Lucille was the reason for that, but that doesn’t mean I can’t stay pissed at her for as long as possible.
Taking a few calming breaths, I head downstairs. Erin should be here in a few minutes. Maybe a shot of vodka will help settle my nerves. A shot of vodka won’t be enough. Not for the vision standing in front of me as I enter the bar. Erin looks divine. She is wearing a green summer dress that tapers in at the waist. Her hair is braided to one side. She looks like a goddamn goddess.
My nerves are shot. I can feel my hands shaking. It’s like my soul is excited and channeling that energy into my extremities. Calm down, just relax.
“Erin, you look superb.” I love giving a woman a compliment. Erin deserves all the compliments.
“Why, Ms. Loch, that’s very kind of you to say.”
I like the playful side of her. “Are you ready?” I ask.
“Lead the way.”
My palms are a little sweaty as I head towards the staircase. Unlike other dates I’ve taken out, I don’t plan to wine and dine Erin in a flashy restaurant. Not that she doesn’t deserve it. I just want us to be alone and relaxed. Cooking for Erin is intimate, and I hope she isn’t disappointed.
“Is this okay?” I ask when we step through my apartment door. There is a candlelit table on the balcony. The lights are dimmed, and the music is soft.
“It’s wonderful,” she responds.
“Do you like tagine?” Moroccan food is one of my favorite things to cook.
“I love it. It’s been ages since I’ve had the chance to eat any, though.”
“Would you like some wine? Or beer? I have everything.”
“Wine is great. I didn’t tell you how lovely you look tonight.” Erin is standing close to me, her eyes giving me an appreciative once over.
“Thank you.” I tried to go smart casual. Jeans and a strappy top. For once, I have my hair up in a low bun .
Erin’s phone interrupts the mutual appreciation. Leaving her to answer whoever is texting her, I check on the food. “Sorry about that. It was Mack confirming our plans for Tuesday.”
The stabbing pain in my gut is worse this time ‘round. I know I can’t rush things with Erin, and I have no right to ask her to stop seeing Mack, but my soul doesn’t understand that. So for now, I need to suck it up and deal.
“Going anywhere nice?” I ask. This is a weird conversation to be having on a first date, right?
“Amelia, I’m not here to talk about me and Mack.”
“Sorry, of course. Why don’t you sit at the table, and I’ll dish up.”
Everything seems so tense between us. Where is that easy vibe we had? Is it me? Am I giving off weird energy or something? Maybe I’m overthinking things. “Amelia?” I didn’t realize Erin was still standing near me. “You seem to be nervous.”
“I suppose I am a little.”
“Why? It’s just me. Would it make you feel better if I started yelling at you again?”
A short burst of laughter escapes my throat. “Maybe,” I jest.
“Come on. Let’s sit down with this delicious smelling meal you cooked for me and just talk. No pressure.”
Smiling warmly at Erin, I gently take her hand and kiss her knuckles in gratitude. With just a few words, she has relaxed me. “Sit, I’ll bring everything over.”
My lips are tingling from the touch of Erin’s skin. Her eyes are pools of blue and once again I am mesmerized by her. Turning to the kitchen, I smile when I hear her let out a ragged breath. She must be feeling this. Surely !
The rest of the evening goes by with an ease I’ve never felt before. Talking to Erin is as easy as breathing. She comments on the view; I comment again on how gorgeous she looks. We chat about previous jobs, college, girlfriends. Everything but the one thing I so desperately want to talk about. The fact she is sitting with a vampire.
I promised myself that I would tell Erin everything before making any kind of romantic move. So far, my plans are not going the way I expected. Now I have to admit, I’m terrified at the prospect of telling her. She’s going to think I’m insane if I start harping on about vampires and soulmates.
“You’ve disappeared on me again.” Erin’s hand has made its way over the table and it’s resting on my balled fist.
“Sorry, no, I’m here.” This whole zoning out thing needs to stop. I can’t keep getting in my head, not when she’s here.
“Are you sure? Do you need me to go?”
A pain sears through my chest. I grit my teeth, placing my free hand over Erin’s. Screwing my eyes shut, I stroke her hand gently, hoping the pain will pass soon. Suddenly, all contact is lost. I can’t even open my eyes to see if she’s leaving. Then I feel her by my side. She’s crouching down next to me. Her hands reach up and cup my face so very tenderly. Like the sun breaking through stormy skies, my mind clears, my body relaxes, and the pain fades.
If Erin decides I am not the one for her, falling into madness will be the least of my worries. I know now I cannot live without this woman.