Chapter 12
Closure and Beginnings
Brenda
Warm arms wrap around my waist, slowly gliding up from my stomach, past my chest until they cup my neck.
I let out a soft moan, relishing in Dylan's touch. My blissful moment is taken to another level when he enters me from behind, causing me to gasp.
We make love at a slower pace, losing ourselves in each other. Our bodies movie in sync, and even though we spent most of last night exploring one another like it was our first time, I still crave more.
My blood is pumping hard, and every single part of me tingles in a mad delight as my body comes close to combustion beside him. I call his name repeatedly, loudly as he clenches a hand over my mouth.
"Shhh." His chuckles, it turns into a groan as I lick and softly bite his hand. His lips at my ear as he sucks on my lobe. My eyes close as he grabs my hip roughly, speeding up his thrusts. "Fuck baby." He whispers, his breath hot on my ear. "You feel so good."
His dirty talk sends a rush of pleasure down the center of my body and I moan quietly. My orgasm teetering on the ledge. His breathing and sexy sounds pick up and I know he's going to be quicker than usual. His hand that grips my hip moves behind my knee. He raises my leg spreading me and then his fingers are on my center. He rubs in quick firm circles as I moan loudly, the combination pushing me over the edge into pure bliss.
I wish the moment not to end until he releases a low groan and finishes with me just as I clench around him and shutter against his chest.
We catch our breaths, the thirst leaving me parched.
"Good morning." He whispers, kissing my shoulder.
"That is by far the best way to wake up in the morning." I say with a satisfied smile on my face. "Imagine waking up every day that way?" I add still dreamy and effected.
"Why imagine, baby?"
I kiss his arm with a grin on my face. "Can we stay here all day?"
"I want nothing more than to stay like this all day…"
"But?" I prompt him, purposely playing with him.
"But…the house is full of our friends, and your parents. They might have a problem with it, especially since we're all suppose to vacate this house today."
"Boo." Is all I say as he squeezes me from behind, kissing my neck.
"I don't know where you planned on staying but room 1128 is open for vacancy." He says softly in my ear.
I turn in his arms so we are facing each other, "That sounds wonderful." I smile at his happy grin and kiss him softly.
"So, I guess at some point soon, we need to leave this bed?"
"Hmmm…for the shower."
"You're going to break me, Mr. McKay."
"Is that a challenge?"
I laugh, then hop out of bed. He groans at my absence as I run the shower in his attached bathroom. The hot water cascades down my body, relieving the sore muscles from a strenuous night of sexual activities.
As the water falls upon my face, the door opens, the cool air entering. Dylan grabs the soap, running it down my body until he slides between my legs. I let out a gasp and turn around until his eyes are on me.
"You're insatiable."
"Only because you bring it out of me," he replies with a playful smirk. "Now, spread your legs Miss Walsh. I've got quite some appetite this morning." And in the next second he's on his knees, spreading my sensitive and sore center with his tongue.
I sit around the breakfast table surrounded by my extended Beverly Hills family, sitting as far away as possible from the Fleetwood's. Gia has taken her seat next to her father, maybe the bitch actually has a conscience. Considering she hasn't made eye contact with me at all this morning.
Thankfully no one is talking about last night and conversation flows as it normally would. I know people like Steve, Brandon, and Valerie want the deets. I could tell by the way they looked at Dylan and I this morning but so far no one has accosted us. I try not to let the knowing gleam in both Steve and Valerie's eyes make me blush, knowing they had to of heard us. I'm too on cloud nine to remotely care.
Dylan sits next to me. His hand on my thigh as he hardily eats his breakfast. We both need sustenance, we need to refuel. I notice my father curiously watching us as he drinks his coffee but his expression shows no more than curiosity not malice at least so far. Dylan's phone rings loudly. He wipes his mouth with his napkin and reaches into his pocket. He looks at me.
"I have to take this, work. Excuse me." He directs that part to the rest of the table, getting up and walking out of ear shot.
I take the opportunity to turn to Brandon who's beside me. "Where's Austin?" I say lowly.
"Dad put him up at the Surfrider Hotel."
"Thank you for giving him a ride."
Brandon nods, "It was best he left. Nothing good would have come from him staying."
"Was it that bad? I mean, in the car with him?"
"He was pissed, hurt, which was to be expected given the situation." My brother eyes me. He's trying really hard to not judge me, but I know my twin better than that. He totally is, rightfully so considering he doesn't know the whole story.
"Me and Austin…it's really complicated…" I begin.
"Fuck that asshole." Valerie speaks up across from us. I thought with the conversations around us, no one was paying attention but I was very wrong when I look around to see everyone looking at us.
"Language Valerie." My father shakes his head tilting it towards Maddie that is sitting next to my mom. "The guy reacted, yes somewhat badly but…he had every reason to react like that. He is a good man. Let's drop it."
"No Jim." Valerie gets up. "Austin is not who you think he is and I will not let Bren sit there and allow everyone to think she did something wrong."
"Val." I shake my head, "It's fine."
"Fuck that it is not fine, everyone should know the truth."
"Babe." Steve looks at Janet. There is a silent parental conversation that they have when Janet gets up from the table.
"On it." She says simply, "Come on Mads…lets go check out the beach before we have to say goodbye to this place." She takes her hand and leads her out the back patio.
Steve looks to Valerie, "Carry on Val." He smiles, sipping his mimosa.
Dylan comes in and looks around curiously. He sits beside me, "What the hell did I miss?"
"Brenda…" Valerie looks at me, silently asking for the okay.
I sigh, "Fine. Knock yourself out."
Valerie smiles, "Thank you. Brenda found out yesterday that Austin Evans is having an affair with some bitch from his study group named Maggie."
The table gasps and I kind of want to laugh. It's not funny but it's literally a scene from a movie.
Dylan takes my hand under the table.
"Is that true?" Brandon asks concerned as he looks to me. I nod.
"Yes it is true. Anna…sent Dylan actual pictures of them together because she couldn't get a hold of Bren."
"Holy shit." Steve says out loud. "Dude's busted."
"And. Right before Austin went completely ape shit over Brenda and Dylan, She saw him getting a blow job out back from Gia."
Mrs. Fleetwood gasps this time looking toward her daughter. Mr. Fleetwood angrily tosses his napkin on the table, "Are you kidding me Gia? At their engagement party…again?" That perks my ears up. He turns to my dad. "Jim…I'm so sorry." He apologizes looking embarrassed and red in the face. Hmm maybe Gia's behavior is a normal thing.
My dad shrugs not knowing exactly how to react, "I hope this won't get in the way of our business relationship?" Mr. Fleetwood asks hopeful.
"Of course." Jim nods.
"Get up Gia…we're going NOW, Thank you for a lovely weekend…Brenda?" I look at him, my eyes meet Gia's, she looks unaffected as her mouth turns up into a slight smirk, "I'm sorry for my daughter and her actions with your fiancé." I nod not really knowing what the hell to say. I mean what can you say? He grabs his daughters elbow and pulls her away from the dining room.
The table is completely silent. I look at Valerie who is smiling wide.
"So Jim…Austin is a cheater and an all around shit guy." She takes her seat looking towards David, "Pass me that friggin champagne."
David smiles widely picking up the bottle and passing it down the table.
"I knew it." Steve says shaking his head. We all look towards him, "I knew that guy was…what do they say in England Bren?"
"A bloody wanker." Dylan says out loud before sipping his coffee.
"YES! A bloody fucking wanker." The table chuckles as he lifts his mimosa, "Good riddance dirt bag."
I look around the table, Donna and Kelly give me a sincere sympathetic smile. David winks at me. Andrea smiles and raises her brows, looking from me to Dylan.
I feel Dylan's breath on my ear, "You okay?" I look at him, concern marring his eyes. I nod and give him a smile. He smiles back, his hand rubbing the small of my back. He leans in and kisses my temple.
"Dylan you got a minute?" Brandon's hand sets on my shoulder. He squeezes it. I look at him, a silent apology. He didn't really do anything but I know my brother, he was disappointed in me and it's his way of apologizing for the things I know he was thinking.
Dylan gets up from the table, "Yeah brother."
I watch the two leave the dining table. I look at my dad. His eyes concerned. I smile at him silently telling him I'm okay and nods a small smile at me.
Okay so everyone knows Austin is a douche. I look at Valerie, "Thank you." I tell her.
She smiles a beautiful smile at me, "I got you." She says back. She looks around the table, "So I'm notorious for opening my mouth…fine I admit it. Get over it."
The table laughs and begins conversation again. Janet returns with Maddie, and I see Steve fill her in quietly. The warmth I feel from this group is something that I've missed so much. Actually if I'm being honest with myself, I probably haven't felt it since high school. My thoughts then move towards Dylan. How are we going to make this work? Dylan owns a business, he can't leave here. I don't know all the details of that business but I know he is the founder and CEO to a rather huge echo friendly outdoor sporting goods company. Is it possible to split his time? Half the year in California, half in London? I highly doubt it. He travels often, but so do I or at least I'm hoping to get back into it. I love him more than anything but I just don't know how we're going to figure this out. And that fact scares the ever loving shit out of me.
Dylan
The last twelve hours or so have been even better than I could have ever possibly imagined. To have Brenda back in my life is all I every wanted, and to have her in my bed belonging to only me, is icing on a very delicious cake. However, with this newly found bliss, we are going to be forced with the reality of trying to make it all work. I know Brenda feels the pressure, too, unsure of how me having my business and life here in LA and hers in London will ever function as it should. One thing is certain, we both crave each other, and I'll be damned if I'm forced to sleep a night without her. But the reality of that is frankly not possible.
The call I received from my lead executive brought me back to the real world rather quickly.
"Listen McKay, are we doing this or not?"
"I'm not satisfied with what Lau is suggesting. I can bring him around Jeff. I need more time."
"Alright." He sighs, "Lau said Monday…that's tomorrow. I suggest you work your magic."
I hang up the call, stressed and pissed. Only to return to breakfast to a whole other situation. Valerie who we all know is notorious for opening her mouth, is telling the gang of Austin's infidelity. I'm actually happy about it, because the energy this morning is rather odd and I know everyone is silently judging the shit out of Bren and me. They are our friends so I know they all love us but I also know that Austin's big mouth, told everyone of our rendezvous during fucking dinner.
Brenda actually looks relieved, she is anything but loose or slutty and I have a feeling she felt a little of the sort when it came to her friends here. When Brandon asks if I have a moment. I agree because I know my best friend and he wants to apologize which is unnecessary. I follow him out back and it doesn't take long for him to start.
"Look Dylan…"
I run my hands through my hair, "Bran…you don't have to apologize to me."
"I do. I'm sorry for getting in your face and trying to keep you away from Bren…it's just." He sighs, "She is my sister. I owe her my loyalty and she was so upset. I reacted and I should have known you only have her best interests at heart. Relationships are complicated and it wasn't my business."
"Brenda is your business as she is mine. We only want to protect her. You had every right to do what you did. I had fucked up and I can't believe I'm about to say this but, Steve was right, she needed her space."
Brandon laughs then silence surrounds us. He sticks out his hand, "Brothers?"
I smile meeting my hand with his in a firm handshake. "Always." I tug on his hand and we embrace. We pat each other on the back firmly before separating.
"So…Austin is a dip shit?" Brandon smiles.
I nod, "I told you." I chuckle back.
Brandon sighs with a shake of his head, "And fucking Gia? Duuuude."
I laugh harder, "Oh come on, her advances were going to be reciprocated by someone eventually. She was like a dog in heat."
Brandon chuckles, "Touché. She must have invited me to her room at least 3 times."
"You too?" I roll my eyes, "She was sexy don't get me wrong. You're single." I shrug playfully wiggling my brows.
"Please…where is the fun in that? Besides…" he shrugs not so innocently, "I was a little busy."
I shake my head with a laugh, "So the Brandon and Kelly saga continues?"
Brandon moves towards me, his hand clasping my shoulder with a smile, "Brother…that epic tale never ended."
I laugh out loud, as we walk inside, "Tell me about it." I say referring to Bren. Brandon laughs as we retreat back into the house to finish breakfast.
Soon we gather in the foyer, after packing up, to say our goodbyes. Brenda has agreed to stay with me at the Bel-Age. I unfortunately work so I'm a little relieved Valerie has decided to get a room there too, extending her trip to spend more time with the Walsh's.
When we make it back to the hotel, Brenda gets situated and I unfortunately have to go to the office even on a Sunday. Tomorrow Lau expects a decision and no matter how much I want to christen my real bed, I have to handle shit. I kiss her goodbye rather inappropriately and promise I'll be home before dinner. She made plans to join Valerie down at the pool, and I guess the rest of the girls in the gang are meeting as well.
I don't know how the fuck I'm suppose to concentrate all day, given I left Brenda standing in the bathroom tying her hair up in a messy bun as she stood in that very sexy little red bikini. Damn it…it's going to be a long day.
Brenda
I'm not sure how I managed to concentrate all day, given my head is on cloud orgasm.
Every single time I move a limb, my entire body aches, a reminder of Dylan. Despite the aches and soreness between my legs, it also left me wanting more. I know it's crazy but it's true.
I've had a good time with the girls laying out by the pool. We drank daiquiris, laughed and talked about boys…well men I guess now. It was a lot of fun and it reminded me of old times. Things are still a little guarded with Kelly but we both are trying to connect a little, even if things might never be the same between us. There comes a time when being an adult means letting go of the past and growing up. I'm trying, I really am.
Occasionally, I find myself zoning out and thinking about Austin. I wonder if he is still in LA, knowing he's in a strange country because of me, thousands of miles away from home alone. I know I will eventually have to talk to him and return the ring. I have no intention of keeping it, even if our friendship is over, I don't want it to be honest. I check my phone. No messages appear, some small part of me hoped he'd text. The truth is we had fun together. We laughed until our stomachs hurt, binged watched movies until we fell asleep beside one another. He was my go to for many years. Our relationship was comfortable, and although the sex was enjoyable, it is nothing like with Dylan. I find myself thinking about him and Maggie. I wonder how long that has been going on? I wonder if he has with her what I have with Dylan? I bite the bullet and type out a text. Worst case scenario, he doesn't respond.
Me: Hey…you okay?
He replies almost instantly.
Austin: No…but yes.
Me: You still in LA?
Austin: Yes. I have a flight tonight, a red eye leaving at 9.
I take a deep breath. I have to do this. It's the right thing to do. Yes Austin was cheating but so did I. He was right when he said he had been there for me. He had been my rock for a long time. It wasn't his fault we weren't hopelessly in love with one another.
Me: Can we meet up? I'd like to talk if that's okay with you. I'm going to stay in LA for a bit, I'd hate to leave things like this.
Three dots move. Then stop and move again. I bite my lip waiting for his response.
Austin: Sure. There is a bar here in my hotel. Let's meet around 5:30 for a few jars, It'll give us an hour before I have to head to the airport. You know I'm not fond of flying.
I smile, knowing that fact well.
Me: See you then.
I set down my phone and sigh.
"Everything okay?" Kelly asks hesitantly from beside me in her lounge chair. Valerie, Donna and Andrea look towards me too.
I take a deep breath, "Yeah. I'm meeting Austin at 5:30. He's leaving tonight on a red eye back to London and I just…I feel we should talk."
Kelly nods agreeing, Valerie of course has her own opinion. "Brenda…fuck Austin."
I let out a tired laugh, "Valerie I can't ignore it. He's in the states because of me, he's alone, he doesn't know I know about his slut ways." The girls laugh lightly at my wording. "I have to return the ring. And I guess…a part of me wants him to know I know about Maggie…and Gia." I make a disgusted face and earn another round of giggles. "It's the right thing to do."
Valerie squeezes the water from her long brown hair. "If you say so. You are way nicer than me."
"Well duh!" Kelly jokes.
Valerie laughs out loud, those two have surprised me this weekend. They haven't been best friends or anything, they really barely talk but I'd like to think both girls are thinking the same about the past and being an adult. We're all trying.
"Dylan is not going to like it." Valerie adds as she lays beside me on her chair.
"Nope" Kelly and Doona say at he same time.
"No." Andrea laughs, "He is not." She agrees. I sigh out loud and lay my head back. No he isn't.
As though he knows we're talking about him. My phone dings beside me with a text from Dylan.
Dylan: Why is this day dragging ass? I miss you.
I smile
Me: Don't you have better things to do than miss me? You know…like become a brilliant billionaire businessman? Oh, thats right. Mission accomplished. No wonder you're bored…
Dylan: I can think of a very appropriate way to shut that smart mouth of yours. It involves something hard…
Me: How are you hard again? I call bullshit. You're a robot. It is not possible after last night…and this morning. I think you broke my vagina. There, I said it.
Dylan: Aw, sorry baby. I can lick it and make it better. Or…there is a back door entry you've only let me try when your pissed drunk.
Oh my GOD
Me: You're so greedy. No…NO lol I'm no more than tipsy…not drunk enough.
Dylan: LOL We'll see. I'll be gentle. *eggplant emoji*
Me: *Hand on the face emoji* When you coming home?
Dylan: Home. It's been awhile since you've said that to me. Soon, 5? You gonna have dinner with me?
Shit. Not the conversation to have over text message.
Me: I'll see you soon. Love you.
I leave it at that.
Dylan: Love you more babe.
I sigh, this fucking has to work because I can NOT be without this man again. Even his stupid anal sexts make me hot all over. I haven't felt this alive in four years.
No thanks to Dylan the rest of the afternoon drags from thereon. I say my goodbyes to the girls with promises of more girl time before I leave. I shower the sunscreen and chlorine from myself and get ready to meet Austin. I hear the front door of the suite open and close.
"Bren?" Dylan calls out.
"In here!" I yell back.
I continue to fix my hair. Brushing my fingers through the ends. I see Dylan's reflection in the mirror and I smile at him.
I turn to see him leaning against the bathroom door frame looking like sex on a stick in the dark blue suit he left in this morning. I rush him, throwing my arms around his neck before he kisses me deeply.
"How was your day?"
"Stressful." He sighs.
"You, stressed? I thought you just sat in your chair and played solitaire all day?" I joke.
He squeezes me tight, unable to wipe the delicious grin off his handsome face. I grab the labels of his suit jacket in my hands, admiring his attire.
"You look awfully handsome today. Is there someone you are trying to impress?"
"Yes." He deadpans, then allows his gaze to fall on my lips. "A seventy-three-year-old Cantonese man."
I shrug my shoulders and pout. "Guess I have some competition then?"
He chuckles and presses his lips to mine again. "You ready for dinner, I'm starving."
I purse my lips and back away from his embrace. "Actually I have plans but…they shouldn't take long."
"Yeah?" He reaches up loosening his tie, "With who?" He asks nonchalantly.
I swallow hard, "With Austin."
He freezes and looks at me, "What?"
I sigh, "I'm meeting Austin at the Surfrider….to talk and return the ring before his flight."
"Like hell you are." He raises his voice.
"Dylan…I have too."
"Then I'm coming with you." He calms.
I laugh at the absurdity. "You are not."
He growls, taking off his tie roughly. "Brenda." He says sternly, "You are back in London in a month. Have dinner with me. I'll pay to have that shit couriered over. Fuck that guy."
"You're being ridiculous. I'm going…I'll be gone an hour and we'll order room service." I move like a lion stalking his prey. Eyeing him hungrily. My arms wrapping around his neck tightly. "One hour…then I'm all yours. Back door and all." I whisper seductively against his lips.
"For fucks sake…that's not even fair." His arms circle around my waist.
"Take it or leave it handsome."
He growls again. His hands run down my butt cheeks as he squeezes firmly. "Fine. You can go, but one hour and this ass is mine."
I laugh pressing my lips to his. He opens his mouth greedily, pushing his sweet tongue against mine. We stand there and make out for several minutes and reluctantly I pull away. I grab my purse and slip into my shoes as I watch him undress. God he is perfection. He smirks knowing I'm checking him out. He turns on the shower and drops his black boxer briefs to the ground. He turns, his big hard dick pointing to the sky. I stare at it and practically moan biting my lip.
"Stop looking at me like that before I drag your ass in here and collect."
I smile and shake the horniness from my thoughts. "See you in an hour."
"Bren?" I turn, our eyes meeting intensely. "If I would have forbid you to go…would you have gone anyway?" His expression serious.
"Yes." I say truthfully.
A slow smile spreads across his gorgeous face, "There's my girl."
I giggle and leave the bathroom, grabbing Dylan's keys from the bedside table.
"I'm taking the Porsche." I yell out.
"Of course you fucking are." I hear him respond.
Fuck me…this life…I could get used to it.
Within twenty minutes I arrive in Malibu at the Surfrider. I valet the Porsche and walk quickly into the lobby. The bar is off to the right. I take a deep breath and head inside. It doesn't take me long to find him even at prime happy hour time. He has a dark colored beer in front of him. Knowing him probably a Guinness. He has his head hung and chin lowered to his chest, his shoulders sag. Fuck this is going to harder than I thought. It only takes a second, then his eyes lift to meet mine. Gone is the spark, the twinkly blue eyes which radiated happiness when they fell upon my own. I see the top of his nose and both eyes are bruised from Dylan's fist. I bite my lip with a quivering chin, sad too see him miserable and know I am the one who caused it, even though his ass helped. I walk toward the table and sit across from him.
"Hey." I greet, with a soft smile to try to ease the tension between us. "Thanks for meeting me."
"Hiya." He says softly.
The bar is quite packed at happy hour here but the waitress arrives quickly to take my order. I order a glass of Chardonnay. Knowing I have to drive but needing a bit of liquid courage.
"I'm sorry about the other night," I begin with, finding the courage to be honest hoping he shows me the same respect. "That is not me and it was wrong of me to betray you."
He shakes his head, averting his gaze toward his left while flattening his lips into a hard line. "So, what now, Brenda? You've admitted what I suspected. I thought I was going mad, but it turns out I was right."
I reach into the small pocket of my purse grabbing the ring. I set it on the table in front of us and slide the ring towards him.
"I Fuck Brenda…I don't want the bloody ring back, I wanted you."
I shake my head, I grab my phone. Before this meeting, I had Anna forward those pictures to me for this very occasion, I open the one of them kissing and hold it out for him to take. As he moves the phone closer to him, he lets out an audible intake of breath, "I know about Maggie."
Austin shoves the phone back at me and squeezes his eyes shut. "Brenda." He whispers with anguish.
"How long?" He stares at me. His chest rising and falling heavily. "How long have you been cheating on me?"
"Bloody hell." He leans his elbows on the table as my glass of wine appears in front of me. I take a much needed sip and wait for him to answer me. He growls, "Six months ago, we shagged. You were in Germany, on tour. I was pissed drunk after receiving shite marks on a test and she was there. One time Brenda."
I raise my eyebrows, he's lying. "Then…a month ago, it happened again after a fight about you auditioning for that play and…again when you came here." He leans forward a little, "I know I'm a git but I do love you Brenda."
I laugh out loud with a shake of my head. "You love me so much you decided to let Gia suck your dick?"
"Fuck." He whispers. "Look I can try to explain that this trip sucked. I clearly saw you were still in love with Dylan and you fucked him at our engagement party." I look down, "But…it doesn't matter because I betrayed you too. I'm sorry. And I know it means shite…but I really wanted to marry you."
"Your intentions to marry me weren't pure Austin. And I never should have accepted. I love you, I do. However, we are two friends, not two people that are hopelessly in love with each other. We were comfortable, but you can't mistake that for the real thing."
He takes the ring, his eyes shining tears. He sticks it in his bag silently.
"It wasn't you…so you know. I don't know why…we were good together. God I'm a sod." He confesses.
I smile softly, "I know why Aust…I wasn't the one. It'll be better with someone else, I promise you Austin. Some woman is going to completely own your heart, and you're going to wonder how you ever lived without her."
I reach into my purse to grab a twenty, laying it on the table. His hand covers mine stopping me "I got it."
I nod taking back the money. "Have a safe flight." I get up and swing my purse on my shoulder.
"When you coming home?" He tilts his head, "To London. Are you coming back?"
"Yeah…I'm gonna hang around LA for a few weeks or so. Spend time with my family…"
"And Dylan?"
I take a deep breathe, "Yeah…and Dylan."
He gets up and walks closer to me. I stand not really knowing what he's going to do. He embraces me, after a moment my arms wrap around him. "I'm sorry." He whispers.
"Me too." I pat his back before letting go.
"Will you ever be able to forgive me?"
"Someday." I look into his blue eyes, then my eyes look at his poor presumably broken nose. He got what he deserved.
"See you around." I smile sadly.
And with that I leave. There was nothing more to say. What was done was done and yeah I could have threw my wine at him or slapped him in the face but the truth was. It didn't matter. We both needed to move onto the next stage of our lives. I don't shed a tear, though I take a moment to grieve the loss of a friend more than anything. We shared fond memories. No one can take that away from us. I feel his eyes on me as I walk out of the bar. I don't look back.
The truth was, I had a handsome man that I was hopelessly in love with waiting for me, who completely owns my heart and I know I can't live without him.
Dylan
"I'm not satisfied with what is being produced. Your numbers are low and frankly, I've got better things to focus on than you trying to waste my time with a product that isn't performing."
I hear the door click close as I look up to see Brenda return back from her stupid meeting with Austin. I hold up my index finger and mouth 5 minutes.
She nods taking off her coat and setting down her purse. I'm barely listening to the asshole on the phone as I watch her kick her heels off and plop down on the sofa. She looks stunning and I wonder how the talk went.
"Should we be taking our business elsewhere?" I catch the dick say on the phone.
I raise my brow, amused by his threat. "Please, be my guest. Let's see what happens, shall we?"
Silence falls over the phone as I sit next to Brenda on the couch. She leans in and gently kisses my neck. I close my eyes and wait for Jay Thompson to stop talking. I know he won't challenge me. When it comes to business, I'm ruthless and will not be threatened by anyone. The Jamison Group needs me more than I need them. The only dark cloud hovering over me is the takeover with Lau. Perhaps, it's the back and forth negotiating and playing the waiting game, leaving me less patient and irritable with this other distributor.
I wrap my arm around Brenda bringing her against me. She lays her head own my chest as I listen to Jay back track and kiss my ass over the phone. I end the call without a goodbye, leaning my head back against the couch.
"Did I interrupt an important work call?" Brenda speaks softly looking up at me with her pretty blue eyes.
I shake my head, leaning in to kiss her. "How was your talk with Austin?"
She sighs, "It was to be expected I guess. It went okay."
"Just okay? Did you punch him for me?"
Brenda laughs, "No."
"I think you got him pretty good last night. I think you broke his nose."
I laugh, "Good….fucker."
Brenda smiles and shakes her head. "Can we eat now? I'm so hungry." She pleads.
I kiss her nose, "I already ordered, Two steaks, medium rare, baked potato with everything and a salad for us to share." I smile at her.
"Mmmm yum. Thank you."
My phone rings again.
"McKay?"
"Lau counter offer is 60 percent Patagonia, 40 percent Lander Walsh."
"Fucking christ. NO!" I yell before I hit the red button ending the call.
"You want to talk about it?" Brenda asks concerned.
"No I don't." I snap instantly regretting it when I see her flinch.
My phone rings again. God damn it.
I hit ignore when I hear Brenda sigh. "I know babe, I know." I sigh too.
"Is this what life it like with you now? Always working?"
"Brenda…this merger…is a big deal. They need their answer by tomorrow so my whole executive team is working around the clock right now. Going back and forth with negotiations. Yes…I'm always working but you are my priority. It's just down to the wire right now." I try to explain.
She gives me a soft smile, leaning in to kiss me gently. "Okay." She whispers against my lips. My hand finds the back of her head, pulling her lips back to me. I kiss her eagerly, tongues fighting for dominance. There is a knock on the door, probably our food. I back away with a groan, how can I be horny again? Getting up to open the door so they can set up dinner. We eat in silence, both of us starving and enjoying our food. I wipe my mouth.
"So tell me about this play."
Brenda's face lights up, "Well It's suppose to open in the fall, at the Victoria Palace theatre. Michael Blakemore is directing, he's brilliant Dylan. He also directed the 1999 Broadway production of it in New York. That production won the Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Actor in a Musical for Brian Stokes Mitchell, Marin Mazzie received a Tony nomination for Best Actress in a Musical, and Michael Berresse, Lee Wilkof and Michael Mulheren received Tony nominations for Best Featured Actor in a Musical."
I smile at her excitement, "It's a big deal." She finishes with a gorgeous grin.
"Wow…that's…amazing." I try to keep my voice neutral and not reflect the sadness it brings me she won't be here. That play could put her on the map.
"Should run for I don't know fall to summer…10 months? I'm nervous and excited." She says honestly.
"Have I told you how proud I am of you?" I stare into her eyes.
She keeps her smile fixed. "Hmmm…I don't think so."
"Well, I am. You've chosen a tough career, and not many people can weather the storm of the acting life. You shine up there Bren. I have no doubt you'll get the lead and maybe…just maybe you'll be dusting off your own Olivier Award as Best Actress."
She giggles, "Oh my god I would die."
"All your hard work will pay off Bren. I know it."
"I guess you would know." She reaches for my hand kissing it gently. "I mean, look at you. You're something else. I don't have to know about the business world to know how well your company is doing. And to think that started with you." She wraps her arms around me.
"Yes, it did. But your father had a lot to do with it." I resign.
"Oh speaking of my father, I promised him in Malibu, I'd have dinner with him and mom this weekend."
I tense in her embrace. "Why didn't you say something earlier?" It comes out frustrated. I did not do well hiding my anger.
"I didn't even think about it until now." She shrugs. Not missing the slight annoyance in her voice either.
I get up and pace once, "And you expected me to drop everything to come with you?"
She gets up angrily, crossing her arms, "Actually, I wasn't sure where we stood with that and assumed you wouldn't want to go. But since we're having this conversation, we might as well say what needs to be said."
"And what's that?"
"I want you to come with me, but I'm not the one angry at my father. The truth is Dylan, both of you need to come to some sort of truce if we are going to work. I've done my part. I've apologized but also stood my ground with what I want in my future. He knows exactly where I stand and that I love you. But it's not my job to repair your relationship with him. You need to do that because you want to do it and vice versa for him."
"It's not that easy Bren."
"I never said it was."
I rub my face in my hands, releasing a sigh. "Okay, I'll come with you but only on one condition."
She rolls her eyes, I bet she thinks it has a sexual favor attached.
"There is a Governor's Charity ball I am scheduled to attend on Friday night. I'd love it if you can be my date."
"A ball? As in, I will be your girlfriend in public? On the CEO and founder's arm of Patagonia?" She is a sexy smart ass.
I smirk and roll my eyes. "You are way more than a girlfriend." I admit.
"Hmm." She pretends to think. "I'll have to think about it."
My penetrating stare makes her smile widen, I lunge at her. Grabbing her waist and throwing her over my shoulder. She laughs a playful smile as she hangs upside down and I smack her round ass. I carry her to the bedroom, roughly plopping her on the mattress with a bounce. I climb on top of her, pinning her down on the bed.
"You really like to push my buttons. It's almost as if you like it when I'm mad."
She presses her lips into a hard line. "I have no idea what you're talking about? If you're mad, maybe you need to punish me. I don't know, collect on our deal."
I smile, "You mean the deal where I turn you over and fuck you up the ass since that would be the ultimate punishment."
A smirk plays on her lips. "You're bad for me."
I lean forward, sucking her bottom lip, "Some things never change…"
HAHA Brenda and Dylan are bad. Anyway. Good bye Austin you asshole. The gang knows he's a jerk. Brenda is learning what the new businessman Dylan is like and the talk of Jim comes up. Next up a flashback from (Jim's perspective or maybe Dylan's I haven't decided), of Dylan's last night in London and all that entailed. Well he leaves the next day. Dylan and Brenda have words over his work and his reluctance to take Lau's offer. The Ball and dinner with the Walsh's. Not sure the order but that is what is coming. And Jim surprises Dylan with the offer of a LIFETIME. Take that as you will. Hit review lovers! These two are sweet as can be but have a major hiccup on their living situation that will not just disappear.
