Flipped: Back Again (L.T. Sequel to Flipped)

Chapter 10: Bargain

<ELIZA'S POV>

Louis showing up on my doorstep wasn't a surprise. For one, I have cameras all around this place and two, I simply knew he would. My little call to Eleanor must've stirred things up at home and now I presume he's here to reprimand me.

I perch atop my desk and wait as Louis takes a seat in the only chair in the room, my own. He looks awfully unfit to sit in such an expensive piece of furniture. To be honest, he looks like a scraggly homeless man; but I have always loved this ragged look.

"Comfy?" I smirk as I see him relax into the plush chair. "Now Louis, what brings you to my humble gallery this fine morning, hmm?"

"You should already know that. With the little stunt you pulled yest'rday." He doesn't sound upset, but not pleased either as he runs a hand down his face.

"So you didn't just miss me?" I pout. "I must say, I'm a little disappointed by that, Louis."

"You'll be fine." He dismisses it. When did he get so heartless? I like this new attitude. "I actually came 'ere 'cause I'm in need of some assistance. Your assistance." He clarifies.

This peeks my interest. I carefully slide off the desk, trapping him in the chair as my arms provide a sort of barrier. "What kind of assistance?" I coo seductively. "Have you finally come to your senses and realized the pup can't satisfy you?"

"No. And she's not a dog." He defends, easing me off of him. Louis hardly touched me and I'm already burning on the inside. "I actually need you to clear this up."

I scoff, moving back to the desk. He honestly thinks he can just leave me naked one day and expect me to help him the next, oh dear he is terribly mistaken. I'm not one to grant favors when done wrong, especially when it concerns my competition. "Can't help you there."

"Eliza." Louis looks at me expectantly. "Eleanor's really been on my arse about this lately and I need her to quit the shit already."

"Dump the bitch, simple." I snicker.
"She can drown in paranoia and speculation for all I care. It's not like I lied to 'er."

"But it's not your place to say anythin'." He counters. "You're not doin' it 'cause you care. It was just a way to get back at me."

"If that's how it's supposed to go then you must not give a shit about her either." I say matter-of-factly. "You've left her totally in the dark about everythin'. She's so clueless, I actually pity her." I laugh dryly. "Maybe instead of getting me to lie, you should be more honest." I say, tapping him on the nose. He catches my hand, throwing it to the side.

"You're the last person to lecture me about telling the truth." He spits. "You seem to have a new identity every time I see you. That is pitiful, 'Miss Annette'." He adds mockingly. I give him a deadly glare, silently cursing him. He had a point but I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of knowing it.

"So in order to clean up your little mess," Louis leans forward in the chair, in all seriousness. "I want you to play like you don't know me."

"I'm not a bloody actress Louis. What am I supposedly not to know?" This is ridiculous and I can't help but laugh at the silly idea.

"Yesterday, the art show, everything. It should be like we're totally strangers." He says simply.

"Basically forget everything about us. That's your wish?" I quiz, . He ponders the question, and with some hesitation he eventually nods.

I slide myself off the desk, lingering to the other side. Forget everything, I repeat to myself. Louis wants me to just toss aside all that's happened between us. It's not like sweeping trash under the rug. Didn't it mean anything to him? Yesterday was a reawakening for me; I haven't felt that alive in years. Louis brought a thrill into my life that I had been missing and I don't plan on letting that go so easily. We found each other again for a reason. Fate willed us to meet in this gallery, to cross paths at Remmys, it's all apart of a greater plan. We're meant- whether he wants to admit it or not. After his confession yesterday and our little affair, I'm positive his feelings for me are still alive. Unfortunately for me, Louis has a conscience and is guiltily tied to someone else. Unlike him, I live according to my own needs. That is the only way I know how to survive. And in order to continue, I need Louis; or else I don't know how much longer I can keep up this charade. I'm already beginning to lose my mind because my every thought revolves around him.