Seduction First, Love Never

Chapter Three

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"So are you going to explain what that was all about. What did he mean by that? I thought you were a natural blonde?" Caelan grilled me with questions immediately after they saw Carter and Toryn leave the shop.

"I am a natural blonde." I sighed. "Listen, after your study group you, Fenia, and Dev can come over. You can let them know when you get the chance. I'll explain what I can then."

"There's clearly some deep seeded hatred on your part and I would love to know why. That is if you're okay with telling us."

I nodded. "Yeah, yeah. It's been years. It's not like it's some fresh, still bleeding wound." Even as I said the words I felt my pulse quicken at the statement I knew was a lie.

  Caelan looked unconvinced, like they knew better. They were practically a genius I wouldn't have expected any less.

  I gave them a small smile, trying to be reassuring. I knew it didn't work. It never did. I wasn't great at hiding my feelings.

"I'll see you later then. Love you, bye." I waved with the hand that wasn't grabbing my coffee and left the shop.

  The moment I stepped outside I let out a long breath. Today had gone to shit and all I wanted to do was go home. I owed it to myself, especially if I was going to explain to all of my friends what happened back then.

~~~~~~

I sat on my bed staring at the white walls of my room. I hated when I was like this. Every single shit part of my life came rushing back when there was silence. Today's shitty flashback starred Toryn.

They were laughing. They were all laughing. Even Sof. Tears were stinging my eyes. I wouldn't let them fall. I refused to.

"What did you just say?" I asked, trying not to let my voice shake.

  One side of Toryn's mouth lifted into a smug grin. This wasn't my boyfriend. It couldn't be. Toryn would never do this do me and certainly not in front of half the school.

"I said," He dragged out each syllable, mocking me. "It's pathetic the way you cling to me. We were partners for a project. Nothing else. Your little obsession is pathetic."

  Even now, three years later, the word pathetic rang in my mind like a taunting reminder of that humiliation. I hated him. Even when I had moved away four months later and never heard his name again, I hated him. I tried not to be petty when I saw him at that party but I couldn't help it. The moment I saw his face it all came rushing back and I wanted more than ever to punch him.

I flopped down onto my back and pulled out my phone.

Shit. Four missed calls from Mom. I let out a frustrated groan and slammed my phone onto the bed. The universe hated me this weekend. I cleared my throat and tried to convince myself I was happy to talk to her. After one final deep breath, I clicked the button to call her back. After no more than two rings Mom's fake high-pitched voice answered me.

"Valeria," She was annoyed, great. "I called you four times and didn't get an answer what could you possibly be doing?"

"Sorry, I was studying." I most certainly was not but she didn't need to know that.

"I would hope so. I'm paying your tuition I expect our money to be put to use." I rolled my eyes. She had plenty of money to spare.

"Yes, of course. Is there a reason you called?"

I could almost feel her glare from over the phone. "Lose the attitude, but yes I did call for a reason."

I braced myself. Mother calling never meant something good especially for a reason other than to keep tabs on me.

"I'm having a showing three weeks from today in Paris and I expect you to attend."

"I can't, Mom. I have school. I can't just take off and fly to another country."

"It's paris. There are plenty of higher-ups there involved in fashion, you could get connections." Damn it. She knew exactly what to dangle in my face to get me to do what she wanted. "Your professors know who I am. I'll talk to them and there won't be any issues."

I sighed. "How long will I be there?"

"A week."

I wanted to throw my phone across the room. A week of school. I was going to be so behind in all of my classes and I wouldn't see my friends for a week. Sure, going to Paris would be great but with no one there but my demanding Mother? This trip was going to be hell.

I was silent for a moment. Before I could change my mind I blurted out, "Can I get tickets for my friends?"

"If it'll make you show and on your best behavior I'll get you as many tickets as you want."

I smiled to myself. "I'll be there."

"You were going to be there either way. This is purely out of the kindness of my heart." Annddd there she goes.

"Mhm. Thanks, Mom."

"Get back to studying." Before I could say anything else she hung up.

  Perfect. Yet another thing to stress about. I couldn't stand the silence in the room anymore so I did what I always did. Distracted myself. Whether it was going to the gym, shopping, cooking or analyzing film to nitpick at all of the mistakes I was always doing something. There had been so many hobbies I've attempted to keep up with that I had lost count. Only a few stuck, most of all design. You could turn a blank piece of fabric and turn it into something beautiful. It never failed to amaze me.

Fresh air. I needed fresh air so that meant today's distraction would be shopping.

~~~~~

  An hour and two handfuls of shopping bags later, I was finally feeling better. Until my phone rang and I was reminded of one of the reoccurring issues in my life since I was sixteen. Toryn.

"Hey, Val. Caelan and I are standing outside of your apartment right now. Just thought I'd let you know." Dev said softly.

"Oh shit. I forgot about that. I'm on the way back right now. Give me five minutes."

My single hour of peace was coming to end. Now I would be forced to relive those humiliating memories. I let out a breath and forced somewhat of a smile onto my face. I was doing this. I was going to talk about it to someone for the first time.