Chasing us, p.16
Chasing Us, page 16
“Admission is five dollars each,” the man said with a smile.
Handing him the money, Brandon and I followed as the man led us to a back room where glass cages lined the walls. I could hear the rattles of the snakes as we entered the grotesque area.
Glancing around the room, I almost vomited as I took in the overwhelming stench of snake and the smell of something rotting. Next to me, a large snake was coiled up in a ball with its face against the glass. Striking the glass, the snake hissed at me and lunged again as if it was trying to break through the glass barrio protecting me. Letting out a scream, I jumped at the sight.
Ignoring me, our guide continued on with the insane tour. Walking to a cage near the doorway, the man opened a latch and turned to face us.
“Would you all like to hold on? Be careful, though, they bite,” he said with a strange humor laced in his voice.
Grabbing Brandon’s hand, I squeezed tightly and began backing away, pulling him with me. “Get me out of here now,” I said.
Looking down at me, Brandon smiled before thanking the man and leading us back to the car. Even though he stayed calm on the outside, he walked swiftly to the car as I ran and jumped inside. Even out of the building, I swear I could still hear those rattles taunting me.
Once Brandon sat in the driver’s seat, I reached over and smacked his arm. “You are insane!” I yelled as he began to drive out of the parking lot.
Rubbing his arm, Brandon laughed. “Oh come on, it wasn’t that bad,” he said.
“Shut up. It was terrible and you were afraid too.” I stated.
“Nah,” Brandon argued back.
“That crazy old man was probably going to kill us then feed us to his snakes,” I cringed as I spoke, trying to erase the sights from my mind.
Laughing, Brandon just smiled and reached for my hand. Holding me, he didn’t say anything else as we continued our drive. We still had a few hours before we would make it into L.A. and after our little sightseeing adventure from hell, I was ready to get out of the car and take a long, warm bath.
I had dozed off at some point during the long drive, but when I woke, I really felt like I was still dreaming. A beautiful baby blue sky welcomed me out of my dream state as my eyes slowly opened. Tall palm trees lined the road as we drove.
“Did you have a good nap?” Brandon asked as he quickly glanced in my direction.
“Yes,” I said, my voice still groggy. “Where are we?”
“We just entered Los Angeles. Our hotel is about three minutes away.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep,” I said, rubbing my eyes and watching the breathtaking views outside the car windows.
“Don’t worry about it,” Brandon waved his hands, dismissing my apology. “I’m glad you got some rest. Tonight, you will need all of your energy for what I have planned,” he stated as a smirk grew on his face.
Biting my lip, my body grew warm as I thought about all of the naughty things I hoped Brandon had prepared for me. Even though we had been exploring more adventurous ideas in the bedroom, I still felt like we could continue to spice it up. I had never trusted anyone with my body the way I did Brandon. I allowed him to take control of me, to place me in positions where I felt restrained but aroused all at the same time. I wasn’t sure if it was the love or lust that drove my desire to allow him to push the boundaries sexually, but either way, I was enjoying this new and powerful part of myself.
Turning into a large parking lot, I took in the massive and elaborate hotel that stood before us. This was way out of our price range and I was grateful that the record label believed in Brandon enough to put us up in such nice accommodations.
“Wow, this place looks nice,” Brandon said as he gazed up at the large building.
Agreeing, I got out of the car and helped Brandon grab our luggage and his guitar case. We walked into the luxurious hotel and were greeted by a very nice staff. Once we received our room keys, Brandon and I hurried to the room so that Brandon could get ready. The record company was sending a car to pick up Brandon and take him directly to their studio. I was not allowed to join him, so I was stuck spending the afternoon lying out by the massive Olympic-sized pool. Bummer.
Our hotel room was the size of my apartment with Kylie. Putting her on FaceTime, I showed her around the elaborate room, which looked like something from a movie. When we first entered the hotel suite, we walked right into a massive living room area complete with a leather couch, large flat screen television mounted on the wall, and a kitchen area with stainless steel appliances. Floor to ceiling walls lined the back part of the suite and overlooked the busy Los Angeles skyline.
Upon walking further into the area, we found a door which led to the large and upscale bedroom. A king size four poster bed sat in front of another floor to ceiling wall and beautiful navy blue curtains hung on each side of the window which looked more like the showpiece of the room. Another large television was placed on the wall directly in front of the bed.
The bathroom was complete with a glass shower that could hold at least ten people, a stand-alone bathtub that I could use as my own personal pool, a separate vanity area with double sinks and everything in the massive space was decorated with a white marble finish that made the room look sleek and modern.
After gawking at my new home for the next few days, I began to unpack and I thankfully found my bikini. I made sure to place a good amount of sunscreen on myself while Brandon showered and dressed.
Checking myself in the mirror, I heard Brandon’s phone buzzing on the nightstand. Curiosity got the best of me and I picked up his phone, checking over my shoulder. I could still hear the water running, so I knew I was safe.
Looking at the screen, I saw the same blonde girl as I did the day when we left for our road trip. Without thinking, I accepted the call.
“Brandon?” A woman’s breathy voice called.
Sighing, I decided I should at least answer. “No, this isn’t Brandon. This is Leigh his girlfriend.”
To my utter surprise and horror, the woman laughed. Loudly. “Sure,” she replied through her own laughter.
I could feel my blood boiling as her laughter attacked me through the phone. “What is so funny?” I hissed.
Finally containing her laughter, the woman spoke. “Just tell Brandon Bridget called,” she said in a seductive voice that made me want to reach through the phone and smack her.
“Sorry, I won’t do that,” I replied in my bitchiest tone.
“Look, I don’t know who you think you are, but you are not special to him. Brandon likes to have fun; nothing serious,” she offered.
“He’s different now,” I argued. “We are in love.”
“No, Brandon doesn’t fall in love. He is only looking for a good time in that moment. Whatever he has told you was just to get laid.”
I quickly hung up the phone and dropped it back on the nightstand. I stood frozen, unable to move. When he stepped out of the bathroom, he was followed by a large amount of white steam and I swear he resembled an angel.
Noticing my pained expression, Brandon stopped in his tracks. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his eyes arching in confusion.
“Bridget called,” I said in a flat voice.
Running a hand over his face, Brandon was clearly upset. “Damn, I’m sorry. What did she say?”
“She told me you don’t fall in love, that you only like a good time. That you are just using me to get laid,” I shouted as the words rushed out of me.
Swiftly reaching me, Brandon grabbed me and pulled me into the safety of his arms. “Don’t listen to her. Bridget is upset because I have always told her that I wasn’t looking to get serious with her.”
Breathing heavy, I fought back my tears. “That’s the problem. You have never been serious with any girl.”
“Until you,” he said, forcing me to look up at him. “Don’t you ever wonder why I refused to get serious or make promises to any of those girls?” he asked.
Pushing myself deeper into his embrace, I needed for him to be honest with me. To make me forget what Bridget had said
Reaching for my hand, Brandon placed it inside his. “What are you afraid of?” he asked. “You know you can tell me anything,” he urged.
Sighing, I knew I had to confess my fears to Brandon. As much as I wished I could hide my emotions under an invisible shield, it just wasn’t possible. Our connection was too strong and he could read me like a book.
“I’m afraid, that once we get home, you will see me for the girl I really am and you will get tired of me...Just like Jamie and Bridget both said.”
Interrupting me, Brandon shook his head. “We have been over this, Leigh. I want you. I don’t want anyone else. Nothing is going to change,” he started to talk again, but this time I cut him off.
“Please, just let me finish. I need to get all of this out. I know I have said some of this before, but you always stop me and tell me everything is going to be ok. Maybe it all will be ok, but I still need to get this off of my chest.”
Settling back in, Brandon shook his head and closed his mouth. Smiling, I was happy he had listened so I could explain myself. “While we have been on this journey, I felt free and like I was evolving and changing into someone who was confident and took risks. If nothing comes from all of this, then I will go back to being the old Leigh and you might want someone who is more fun and spontaneous. I mean, it took you years to finally gain the courage to talk to me. What happens when you realize I am not the girl you fantasized about?”
I spit the words out fast like venom and I anxiously awaited Brandon’s reaction.
“Is that what you really think?” he asked, his eyes wide and his face contorted into a confused expression.
I nodded my head yes, unable to say anything else.
Pulling me to him, Brandon wrapped his strong arms around me and hugged me tight. “Baby, why would you ever think that,” he began, placing a kiss on my head. “I am so madly in love with you, the thought of leaving you makes me feel like my heart is being ripped out of my chest. Yes, I fantasized about you in my dreams, but you are so much better than the fantasy. I fell in love with Leigh, the girl who is quiet, stubborn, determined, beautiful, sexy as hell, and full of love. I love every part of you, not just the girl you became while we were on our trip, but the girl you are and will always be. If nothing ever comes from this trip, I am ok with that because I got you. This will always be the best decision I ever made and I will never regret a moment we spent together.” Extending me from his grasp, Brandon forced me to look up at him, but I had to wipe away the tears that were now flowing down my cheeks. “Leigh, you have changed me. I know that I want you and a family. I never imagined myself having kids or the consistency of a family, but being with you makes me want those things. I want to be somebody one day that you can be proud of. Regardless of what dreams we gain, you and I will always be together.”
Thinking this over a minute, I realized if I was ever going to be happy I had to put my faith and trust in Brandon and myself.
“I guess I never thought about it,” I replied as I sniffed.
“I have waited for you. I told you, I have wanted you since the first time I saw you. I always knew I would get my chance and I didn’t want to be tied down to any relationship when that time came that you would be available. I was an asshole to lead on other girls, I know that. I guess I just needed something to numb the pain of seeing you with Jamie,” he said as he continued to hold me tight.
“Really?” I asked, forcing myself to believe his words. Even though the thought of him with other women made me sick, I had to see the logic of his words.
“Yes. I’m a different man with you. I am alive and able to be happy because of you,” he said a smile appearing on his face.
Sucking in a breath, I knew I had to contain myself. Somehow, Brandon always knew how to ease my worry and make me feel loved and secure. I had pushed that worry away and now it came crashing down on me with a vengeance.
“I love you,” I whispered as I brushed my lips against his. I forced the image of Bridget out of my mind and heart.
Holding me, Brandon let out a deep breath. “Good. Baby, please believe me. It’s just you and me now.”
“You and me,” I repeated as I gave him a kiss.
My body ached for him, but now wasn’t the time to allow lust to overtake love. The world seemed to flip as we forgot about the tension only moments ago. Jumping Brandon right now would result in him missing the car and ruining his chances of recording a demo. I had to stop looking his way and think about un-sexy things.
I walked away from Brandon as I checked my bag one last time. When he had initially come out of the bathroom, he had been so focused on my saddened face he hadn’t noticed what I was wearing, or lack thereof.
Stalking over to me, Brandon was ruining my attempts at not thinking about him. “Damn baby, I can’t leave this room with you looking like that,” he said, as his eyes landed on my breasts, which were barely covered by the small red bikini top.
Pushing him away from me, I wagged my finger in his face. “Nope, none of that. We both know once we get started, we won’t stop. You have a car picking you up in less than five minutes. You need to leave and go down to the lobby. I will spend the rest of the afternoon by the pool.”
Grabbing a towel in the bathroom, I walked with Brandon to the hotel room door. “I will have my cell phone with me, so you can text or call anytime,” I said.
“Good, I will be expecting pictures,” Brandon demanded as his eyes roamed over my body.
“Fine,” I said, rolling my eyes and trying to suppress a smile.
“We have to go now,” Brandon began, exhaling a large puff of air. “If we don’t leave now, I’m afraid I am going to tie you to that bed and never let you go,” he said, his voice low and rough.
I could feel my body growing warm as thoughts of what he could do to me raced through my mind. I had to fight my own urges to not jump him and take him up on that offer. “You need to stop,” I said, trying to sound strong even though he knew when it came to him, I was weak.
Closing the room door, Brandon looked like his puppy had just died. “Fine, but when I get back, I want you still in that bikini,” he demanded. “You look so good right now; I could just eat you up.”
Laughing, I watched as he got in the elevator and pushed the button for the lobby. I walked inside the elevator across from his and pushed the button that would take me up to the rooftop pool. Waving, I wished him luck and prayed that everything went well.
***
I had been lounging by the massive pool for over an hour and had probably checked my phone a dozen times. Still no word from Brandon.
I heard a bing and my heart danced as I hoped it was a text from Brandon. However, my heart stopped its happy dance once I saw Kylie’s name appear.
Kylie: Hey girl, you enjoying yourself?
Me: Yep, I’m lying by the pool while Brandon is recording a demo.
Kylie: Bitch, you suck!
Me: Love you too!
Kylie: I want to hear about everything tomorrow, promise me you will call.
Me: I promise
Just as I was about to tuck my phone away, a tall, thin girl appeared next to me. Her bronze skin seemed to glow on her long legs and thin arms. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a tight bun and her black sunglasses covered most of her face.
“Hi, is anyone sitting here?” she asked as she pointed to the empty lounge chair beside me.
“No, I don’t think so,” I said as I smiled back.
“Thanks,” she replied. “My name is Laura.”
“Hi, I’m Leigh,” I replied.
“What brings you to L.A.?” she asked, being a little too intrusive but in a polite way. She had a sort of southern or country accent that I couldn’t place.
“Well, my boyfriend and I decided to go on a road trip. We started in Nashville and a record executive offered him to come out here and record a demo for them.” The word vomit just came out. I wasn’t sure why I had told this complete stranger so much about myself, but I hoped I wouldn’t regret it.
“Wow, that is great. So I am assuming you are not from Nashville?” she asked, this time taking off her sunglasses and revealing a set of baby blue eyes. This girl was stunning.
“Yes, we are from Shady Oaks, Kentucky.” Man, what is wrong with me. She could be some crazy stalker chick and I am just sitting here giving her my life story.
“Oh, I see. So you just followed him here to help him achieve his dream?” she asked, her voice full of pep and judgment.
“Not exactly. I am a writer, well I am trying to be a writer. We both came on this trip to follow our dreams and I submitted my manuscript to a few publishers in Nashville,” I said, trying to defend myself. I felt like she was suddenly judging me and I didn’t like the feeling.
“Oh, well where else have you submitted your manuscripts?” she asked, and I could feel her eyes watching me closely. I felt like telling her to go to hell, but that wasn’t how I was raised. Plus, I was pretty sure she could kick my ass, so I needed to be polite.
Sitting up higher, I made sure to expel confidence even though I was starting to question myself. “For now, I have only submitted to those two publishers. We have been kind of busy with Brandon’s gigs.”
Hearing the words come out of my mouth was like an assault on myself. What was happening?
Sighing, Laura sat up too. “I am not trying to be nosy or be rude. You just remind me of myself,” she admitted; though I couldn’t find one resemblance we shared.
“How so?” I asked, clearly confused by the direction of our conversation.
“Well, I first came to L.A. with my boyfriend three years ago. We were from Wisconsin and we both wanted to come here. He was a musician and I wanted to be an actress. At first, everything was wonderful. I got a few gigs on some sitcoms, but nothing more than being an extra. He had a few great clubs that paid him a lot of money to perform, until he made it big with a large record label. Once his dreams came true, we didn’t have time for me to pursue mine. He became absorbed by the rock star lifestyle. Girls. Booze. Drugs. It all was way more glamorous than his little girlfriend from Wisconsin,” she stopped for a moment and I could see she was holding back her emotions. “Anyway, he dumped me and now I am stuck waiting tables.”
