Turn Up The Heat

Chapter 22 -Riley

Something is off with Sam. As soon as she comes in she is fidgety. Why does this make me nervous?

"Sam what is wrong?" She is stressed I can tell. "Whatever it is just tell me?"

"There is no easy way to say it. So here it goes..." Right then we get interrupted with the door flying open. "What's up my lovely bitches?" Lendze walks in with Scott and Chase trailing behind. I would comment on how gorgeous she looks but I can't take my eyes off Sam. "Oh did we come at a bad time?"

"Actually Sam was just about to tell me something."

"Ry, I really don't think this is a good time." I cross my arms over my chest. "I think now is the perfect time." She takes a deep breath, "Blake's got a girlfriend!" She claps her hands over her mouth, and I feel like I'm going to be sick. He forgot all about me and has moved on

"What?! That's not..." Scott doesn't get to finish his sentence but I don't really pay attention to Chase slapping him in the shoulder. I am too busy staring at Sam.

Breathe, just breathe.

"Okay"

They all stare at me like I've grown a second head.

I will not cry...I will not cry.

"I'm h-happy for him, but we really need to get ready to go." I walk upstairs without saying another word.

Fuck him! Why should I even care? He left not me.

I know I'm being petty, because I'm not innocent in all this. But still it fucking hurts. This is the first time Sam has given me any information on Blake since he left, except that he enlisted. Although I'm proud he is serving our country, I still can't help but think I wasn't good enough for him. Maybe I'm not but still. I shake my head from these thoughts and start getting ready.

"Ry, sweetie." Lendze pops her head in,"Can I come in?" I shrug my shoulders. "Sure" She walks in and gives me a hug from behind,while I stare at myself in the mirror. God I'm pathetic.

"Stop it right now!" I look at Lendze confused. "What?!" She gives me the mother look, God I hate that look. "Don't what me. I know you Ry you are blaming everything on yourself." She walk over to my bed and flops down. "We all love Blake, but he's moved on and so should you."

"I am Lendz, I vowed to myself that I am getting over him starting now." She jumps and almost tackled me to the ground,. "Good now let's get going sexy bitch. Who knows you might get lucky tonight." She winks at me and I can't help but laugh. " I love you Lendz." She gives me the most heartfelt smile I have ever seen. "Come on Red let's go." Lendze links her arm with me and talks about how fun it's going to be at the masquerade.

"I mean we will have all this potential there. Oh and the best part is we won't be able to tell if the are hot or fu-ugly." As we walk down the stairs I almost trip because I'm laughing so hard. "Oh my God Lendz, you are too much." She gives me an exasperated look, "What? I'm just saying." I just shake my head and chuckle. Sam comes to is with a confused look on her face. "I'm fine Sam." I give her hug, I know she is worried I might fly off the handle again. But that hasn't happened in almost a year and half now. I know I can do this "Let's go."

We arrive at the club and I have to say that they went all out for Matteo's birthday. It does not look like the club I stepped into two years ago. A shiver goes down my spine because that was the day I started screwing up big time and eventually lost one of the best people in my life.

                  Blake

I shake my head to try to make him disappear from my mind. "This place looks awesome!" Lendze says as we walk over to where Matteo is. I see Sam looking around like she is searching fo someone. "You okay Sam?" She nearly shrieks and looks back at me. "Ya I'm good." I have this gut feeling she is lying but before I can say anything more Matteo comes over.

"There's our little Red riding hood." He picks me up and twirls me around and I laugh. "Put me down you big goof."  He puts me down and gives me a hug. " Happy birthday Matty." Max comes over with drinks for everyone. "Here is your lemon water Red." They know that I really don't drink much anymore. "Thanks Max."  Everyone picks up up their drinks as more people come in. I start getting nervous, I lean in and whisper to Max. "I thought this is a private party." Everyone says happy birthday and take a drink then Max looks at me. "It is Red. Relax I got your back." He gives me a hug and kisses my forehead.

"All right let's party!" Matty says and Lendze grabs my hand and leads me to the dance floor. "C'mon Ry let's have some fun. Who knows you might meet the man of your dreams." I roll my eyes but can't help but laugh. "Not happening Lendz." The music starts bumping and we are moving to the rhythm of the beat. We dance for awhile until I get thirsty. "I need a break Lendz." We head back over to where Max and Matteo look like they are in their only little world.

  I down my water and almost spit it out when Lendze speaks. "So boys have you ever thought about adding a woman into your little partay. I think it would be hot to be with a man while he is getting banged too." Even though they have masks on I see the cheeks heat up. "Lendz!" She shrugs her shoulders, "oh come on! No one has ever had that fantasy?" We start laughing but my attention gets pulled to Sam who looks like she is having a heated discussion with someone.

I turn my head back to their discussion when Matteo speaks. "Sorry hellcat but Max is all mine I don't share." I start giggling like their is no tomorrow.   "I want to dance again." Just then I feel a warm hand on my shoulder and turn around and see this masked stranger smile down at me. "I'll dance with you." Lendze practically pushes me into him and whispers "get it girl." I take the guys hand for some reason I start feeling light headed.

"You look gorgeous." I smile shyly, "thank you." We move to the music and I look for Sam again but can't find her. I frown and I feel fingers under my chin. "Everything okay wildfire." I gasp and look at the guy. "What did you just say?" I wish I could see his expression. "I said I love your hair it's red like fire."

God I'm losing it.

I keep hearing the whisper of the nickname I long to hear. "I need a drink. I rush off and run right out of the club. I can't be here I need to get away.

All I see is him.

All I hear is him.

"I hate you Blake Makenzie."

Even though the tears start falling. I know deep in my heart that no matter what, I can't get him out of my head or heart.