Chapter Six
He leaves my room with his phone in hand while I jump out of bed and into the shower. I'm going to his place. This is a stupid move but it may help me to make a better choice for my fate.
There are quite a few things I need to get straight in my head. I can say nothing and go back to Justin and we get married, I can call off the wedding and break up with him and enjoy the single life or I can leave Justin for Travis. Ending my relationship with Justin means moving out, packing my things and leaving. I have nowhere to go. Perhaps one of my friends could offer a roof over my head while I turn my life around. My chances to stay with Justin are thin. Right now, I don't miss him.
Right after stepping out of the shower, I hear my phone ringing. I run to it and answer.
"Hello." I say.
"You can be damn sure that I'm going to tell her, don't bet on it. She deserves better."
I hear Chanel arguing with Justin. She said she would keep an eye on him because she didn't trust him. Chanel was right after all.
"Why don't you mind your own goddamn business? Are you jealous?" Justin spats.
"Hello?" I repeat.
"Jealous of what? A cheating fiancé? Uh uh, no thank you."
"Jesus Christ Chanel, I'm on the line." I can't believe this is happening.
"Willow, you won't believe it. Your stupid fiancé can't keep his dick in his pants. Minutes ago, I caught him making out with blonde Barbie in the lobby. I bet he fucked her in your bed all day and night." Chanel is mad, her voice is trembling with hatred. Each of her words are dripping with disgust.
"Are you sure?" How can I ask her that? She wouldn't call me to lie and she sure as hell wouldn't be mad like this if it wasn't the truth.
"Look, Justin isn't a doctor so unless he was checking if she still had her tonsils, I'm not sure what else it would be. I slapped him across the face myself. That isn't right. You guys are getting married." Only Chanel can add humor in a situation like this. "Are you sure you want to get married to this douchebag?"
"Not anymore." I hate that I'm saying these words now but I can't marry someone who isn't honest or respecting me. This is a one time deal.
"Is she on the phone with you?" Justin asks. Hearing his voice gives me chills. I can't believe that he's next to her.
"Who do you think I'm talking to?" Chanel sounds so arrogant.
"Give me your phone." I wait a few seconds. "Willie, baby?"
"Fuck you, Justin. Pack your things, I want you gone before I get back home." I groan on the phone. "This can't be real." My heart breaks. "So, you cheated on me all this time with her and you kept lying and lying. I'm such an idiot."
"Willie, please."
It's over. That's my first reaction.
"No, Justin. It wasn't the first time and it won't be the last. You are going to contact every guest attending our wedding and you're going to tell them what a scumbag you are. That includes my parents." To that, I hang up.
How long has he been cheating on me? This is my second reaction. Was she the only mistress or did he have more than one? I feel like I'm about to get sick.
Chanel had been right all along.
For unknown reasons, he kept me as his girlfriend or fiancé but had side chicks all this time.
If I see anything that belongs to him when I get home, I will burn it. Or throw it out the window for a more dramatic effect. Being in that apartment doesn't tempt me one bit. Too many memories and broken promises. Ugh! I can't think about this now. It's just too much.
Right now my hatred for him is bigger than the pain of being used and lied to.
My wedding gown, the venue, all of this is over, no longer needed. I can't wait to hear from my parents after they find out. A catastrophe of epic proportions is coming my way.
To that thought, tears appear into my eyes and it's impossible to control myself.
I don't want to cry for him but it's a big chunk of my adult life. So much hope going out the window. It's hard, harsh but I should take that as a good ending to what my whole life could have been. I take my luggage and bring everything with me. It's much easier to bring everything rather than picking up outfits when I have no clue what's going to happen now. Anyway, it's a small carry-on luggage. It shouldn't be an issue.
I dry my tears, suck it up and put on my sunglasses before leaving my room. I'll wait downstairs. Fresh air is what I need. Being out in the public will force me to keep it together.
While I'm sitting outside, I text Travis to let him know.
Looking at the blue sky, I try to find the positive in the situation I am in. This means the possibility of being with Travis without cheating anymore is on. Travis is a better man than Justin, so far.
I cheated too, what does it make me? I don't know.
"I'm young and free, I might as well jump into it and try to enjoy myself," I whisper to myself.
My ring though. It's still on my finger. Taking it off is going to be the hardest thing. Justin had it designed for me. This is the ring I wanted. Between my thumb and index, I play with my ring but can't remove it just yet. This is just too much change in one day. I need to digest it first and maybe say something to Travis too.
Chanel. She is my best friend and she tried to tell me so many times that I was worth more than that. I didn't listen until today. One month away from getting married. The fact that she called me today with Justin right by her side being caught cheating is the proof I needed.
I take my phone and send her a text message.
Thank you for today. I'm sorry I didn't believe you before.
I don't expect her to answer right away. To be honest, I'm pretty sure she is still giving Justin a hard time. She isn't a fan.
Instead, my phone rings.
"Hello?" I pick up the call surprised.
"He's packing. He'll be out of here before you are back. That way you will be able to start fresh." So, she is still giving him a hard time.
"Chan, aren't you supposed to be at work?"
"Well, there's an emergency. I got to take care of an asshole around here so I'll be late." She laughs.
"You don't have to do that. I'll take care of it when I'm back."
She sighs. "No way, I've waited a year for that moment. He needs to get the hell out."
Travis is coming my way. "Keep me posted, okay? I have to get going."
"You can count on that. Don't let him ruin your day."
Chuckling, I shake my head. "I won't."
"Hey, sweetheart. Everything okay?"
"Now, yes."
He frowns. "Now, yes? Am I the reason you are now okay?"
I smile because he is being cute. "Maybe."
He smiles too. "I like that. Let's get going. First caffeine stop and then the highway. We have a long way to go. It'll take a few hours." Travis claps his hand together making me jump in my seat.
Travis gets me a huge coffee in a Las Vegas Starbucks traveling mug. It's cute.
"It's all about making memories." He says giving it to me.
"Oh yeah? So I'll think about you every time I drink my coffee."
"That's the goal." Of course, I should have known that.
We hit the road with soft rock playing on the radio. I'm relaxing, letting my mind and soul digest my day thus far. Unlike yesterday or the day before, I'm quiet and I keep to myself. My mind is preoccupied with my new reality.
The view is great. Although it doesn't beat the Grand Canyon.
Travis covers my thigh with his hand as if he feels that deep down there's something off with me. I'm trying not to cry but I have tears once in a while. Hiding behind my sunglasses is the smartest thing I can do. For now.
"Are you hungry?"
I shrug. "Not really but if you are we can stop somewhere. Is there a restaurant around here?" I haven't seen much of anything. No restaurant or gas station.
"The next one I see, we'll stop. I'm starving." He says rubbing his stomach.
I yawn and lean my head against the headrest. Not falling asleep is my goal but I know I'll be failing in a matter of time. Everything about Las Vegas is tiring. Hanging out with Travis is. I smile at the thought alone.
"Why are you smiling? What are you thinking about?"
I don't want to say why I'm smiling because he's the reason. "Nothing."
He elbows me in a playful kind of way. "I'm not buying it."
"It's nothing. I was thinking about how exhausted I am and how much of that is your fault."
The car slows down, Travis has his head turned to me. "One more reason to go to my place and relax. Away from the craziness that is Las Vegas."
I chuckle. "I don't think Los Angeles is what you can call relaxing. The country would be relaxing or a private island. Not New York, Las Vegas or Los Angeles. These cities are for crazy workaholic people like us."
"Have you always lived there?" His curiosity is charming. The fact that he wants to get to know me is flattering.
I shake my head. "No. I'm from a small city up north in Vermont. I was raised on a ranch. Horses, chicken and all of that."
He seems surprised about my past. "What are you doing in New York? Why?"
I ask myself that question often. "I don't know. Job opportunities and Justin." Bringing up Justin sucks but it's the truth.
Big cities bring action. Wow! Los Angeles is worse than NYC when it comes to traffic.
Travis yawns. "Maybe we should have flown in instead." I say feeling bad for him.
"I agree but there's nothing like a road trip even if the girl you are with was asleep for more than half the ride."
My cheeks flush. "I'm sorry. The title of the worst passenger goes to me without a single doubt."
"I wouldn't change the trip for all the gold in the world." Travis is getting too serious now.
"Are you the type of guy who likes watching people sleep?"
"No," he laughs. "I'm not a creep but I like having you with me."
To that, I blush and twist my ring around my finger.
While my eyes are looking in every direction, Travis is driving the car and caressing my thigh. "How do you like Los Angeles?"
"It's alright. I can't wait to see more than the highway."
"Soon."
At the next exit, we get off the Highway 1 to smaller streets, in a residential area. It's a very pretty neighborhood. Rich would describe it best. New York has many rich areas but it has nothing to do with this. Big houses, nice cars, everything is perfect. I think we're in Malibu now. The ocean pops into view once in a while. I mean, when I'm looking in that direction.
Making a turn into a driveway, I take it that we've arrived at his place. His house isn't the biggest one but still much bigger than my apartment in New York. The area is beautiful and so is his house. This trip has been a crazy thing to do but I'm enjoying myself. I get out of the rental car before he opens the door to me.
"Why didn't you wait for me to open the door?" Travis sounds annoyed.
"Too impatient," I say looking around. "You have a nice house."
"Thank you." He says enlacing his arms around me. "Are you okay?"
I smile. "I am." That was the truth. Plain and simple. Getting on my toes, I kiss his lips, surprising him. He takes the opportunity to kiss me back and so on. We're making out in his parking lot like two teenagers full of hormones.
"Maybe we should go inside." He suggests.
"Absolutely."
The excitement of going inside is beyond me. Once he unlocks the door and enters his security alarm code, my eyes go to the view of the beach. This is breathtaking.
"Holy shit! This is..."
"I know, right? It was my parents' house and I forbade them to sell it. They are now in Beverly Hills. I've always loved that house."
"I don't know how much money you make but damn, this is the type of houses we see in movies." It takes my breath away. I would stay home all the time if I had a place like this. There's nothing more inspiring or calming than watching the ocean and the waves.
"There are much bigger ones, don't worry. To me, this house means memories. Letting it go wasn't an option."
"I understand. I wouldn't let it go either but for many different reasons." I walk to the window closest to the beach. There's a back porch giving access to the sand while being private too. I mean people walking on the beach wouldn't have any clue of anything that may be happening on the porch.
"Which ones?"
"This." I point at the wave breaking on the shore and the seagulls flying by. "The house too, it looks cozy." I shake my head. "Sorry for my reaction. It took me by surprise. I didn't expect this. Well, I had no expectations, to be honest. It hadn't crossed my mind that you lived by the beach or on the beach. It's pretty cool."
"You like it."
"I guess you could say that." Like doesn't cover it, I love this place.
Who wouldn't? It's a nicely renovated home. The furniture looks new and clean but the best advantage to this property is the location. Come on! It's a dream home to most people in general.
"Are you hungry or tired?"
"I don't think I'm either. Not tired or hungry because I'm too excited to be here. I want to run on the beach, jump in the ocean or take a walk, anything. Sleeping or eating sound like a waste of time. We only have little time over here."
He nods. "Okay, that's fine. What do you want to do first?"
"I do have a bikini."
"I have two surfboards."
I wave my hand. "No, no. This is going to have me killed or hurt."
Travis seems to think otherwise. "When I was eighteen, I became an instructor. At twenty I was running my own surfing school. Trust me, you are in good hands."
I'm impressed.
"Why did you, I mean, how did you start working for Linscott Holding?" How did he go from a surfing school to Linscott?
"Well, my whole life was designed around it. One day I will be the president." He shrugs.
"How was it designed?"
"It's my family's business. My grandfather and great-uncle built it. Of course, now they are retired but my destiny is to one day own it too."
That explains a few things. "Woah, okay. I had no idea."
"Yeah, I'm not the type of person to scream it at the top of my lungs." He seems shy. "I've worked for it, got my degree and started at the bottom."
"It's something to be proud of."
"I am."
I smile because I don't know what else to say. He opened up and shared something personal to me. It would be the perfect time to say something too. Like Justin.
Not now.
"So, get changed, you are about to become a surfer." He smacks my behind in a playful way.
"You are out of your mind." My reaction is spontaneous.
"No, come on." He grabs my luggage and starts climbing the stairs to the second floor. "I take it we're going to share a bed... or not if you don't want to." I can see the hope in his eyes.
"At this point, I think it's a little too late to go back. Sharing." I feel the heat spreading over my cheeks.
"Good." He pushes a door open and again, I'm flabbergasted by the view. "This is my bedroom. There is a bathroom over here if you need. I'll be downstairs." He places my luggage on an ottoman at the foot of his bed.
"Won't you need to get changed?"
"I have everything I need in the garage."
I nod. "Okay, of course."
He kisses my lips before giving me privacy to change. "Meet me downstairs."
This isn't a bikini good enough for surfing, it's good enough for sun tanning or relaxing on a long chair. It doesn't support anything. I will be a mess exposing parts of me I would much rather not show the public. After digging for a couple of minutes into my luggage, I find it and put it on. It's a good thing I had my waxing taken care of before leaving.
Looking in the mirror, I know I'm good to go but it's the first time I look at myself as a single woman. I don't have that big man next to me. I'm no longer in his shadow. It's over. This time I take off my ring. It takes a few minutes to convince myself that it is what I want. Losing it in the ocean would suck. I'm attached to it, yes but the meaning of it is pointless now. It's just a ring, the symbol of broken promises. Rubbing my naked finger, my vision blurs but I quickly shake the sadness off. Not now. I leave the ring on Travis' dresser and fix my bikini before meeting him.
I walk down the stairs and find the sliding door opened with Travis on the back balcony preparing the boards. Wearing only board shorts, I love the sight of him. His fit body is giving me small butterflies in my belly. Oh geez... I should control myself a lot more around him.
"There you are. I thought you had changed your mind." He places the board against the railing of the balcony.
Did I take that much time? I know I had a little moment up there but I tried to be quick. "I'm here." My voice can't hide how nervous I am. This isn't good.
"Have you ever been on any type of board before? Skateboard, longboard or snowboard?"
"Travis, I'm from the North. There are nice ski resorts in the Adirondacks."
"Maybe I should visit sometimes. So you know how to ride a snowboard?"
Of course, I lived for it as a teenager. "I do."
"It will be a piece of cake then."
I am not so sure but he hands me a board, grabbed his and we head to the water.
"It might be a little cold though. There isn't much sun out today."
To that, I look up the sky and nice grey clouds cover part of the sky. I hadn't noticed them until now. "It's okay." I can deal with the cold better than the heat.
"You should wear... that color more often. It suits you well."
What? Taking a second to make sense of what he said, I look at my bikini. It's black. "Travis, it's black. I wear black all the time."
He chuckles. "It was a poor attempt to say you look hot as fuck."
I start laughing. "Okay, okay..." I keep laughing and almost drop the board in the sand.
"Hey Trav, it has been a while. Where have you been, man?" A man walks up to Travis.
"Hey. I was out of town for business. Willow, this is Brad. Brad, this is Willow, my woman."
Claiming me, is he? I so want to laugh at his statement but I won't. Embarrassing Travis wouldn't be nice after all he has done today.
"First lesson?" Brad asks me.
"Yup, I'm about to get wiped out."
Wrapping his free arm around my waist, he kisses my temple. "You'll be fine, I'll be by your side the whole time."
"Well, I'll see you guys later." Brad runs in the water and in a swift move his front slides on his board and starts paddling away from the shore.
"Is that what I should be doing?" It looks so easy but I know it won't be.
"Slow down, we'll take baby steps for now."
Knee deep in the water, Travis turns around and looks at me.
"Ready?"
"Yeah."
"Lay flat on the board."
I look around us. The surfers are much further. "Aren't we going deeper? There's no wave here."
"Sweetheart, you have to learn the basics first."
In my head, I'm already going for the big waves and handling it well. It is scary but with my background in snowboarding, I feel a little bit better.
"Ok, lay flat on the board and keep your toes on the rail." He repeats.
I do and crap, the water is cold.
Travis lays down on his board too. "It's way too cold. Are you sure you want to do this?" He asks.
"Too late. Come on, I want to at least try once."
"Okay, Okay."
He starts paddling into deeper water but still nowhere near the bigger waves.
"You got the paddling part down. Now can you stand up?"
Travis takes off, pushes his chest away from the board and in a swift move stands up. "You need to keep your knees and feet wide apart, and body facing either the left or right depending on the side you are the most comfortable."
That easy, huh? He jumps back into the water and comes to my side. "Ready?"
Okay, I have to do this. One try because the water is cold and I want to go back inside and change into dry clothes.
"I'll get you in deeper water so you get the feeling of the wave. Stay on the board and try to stand when I tell you to."
Travis may not say what he's doing but I know he's putting me at the right angle and when the wave will come, I bet he's going to tell me to stand.
Turning my head to look behind, I see him doing the exact same thing, looking back. He has water up to his neck, Travis must be freezing.
"Okay, get ready." He orders. I do. With strength, he pushes me forward. "Stand, stand."
I lift myself off with my forearms and bring my legs beneath me and pushes myself off the board. "I'm up, I'm up." As with snowboarding, I find my center and attempt to turn. That is a step too quick, I fall off my surfboard and dive into the cold water. Arms reach for me quicker than I can get my head out of the water.
"I did it, I did it," I say as soon as I can breathe.
"See? I told you-you would get it. You're good."
The board floats to the shore while I find myself in Travis' arms. "You impress me."
I roll my eyes. "Oh, come on. Don't make a big deal out of this."
"Your lips are turning blue. The water's too cold." As if I weigh nothing, Travis walks out of the water with me in his arms.
"Here." My legs are released and touching the sand again.
"That was fun," I say pushing my hair off my face. My heart is beating so fast from the thrill, I want to try surfing again.
Still holding me close to him, his lips find mine in a rush. One of his hands presses against my back and slides a little beneath my bikini bottom. His adventurous hand grabs my ass cheek with force.
"Flirty, aren't you?"
"I'm sorry if I'm... I can't take my hands off you right now. You are so damn good and sexy. I know we're in a fucked up situation but you should know that I have it for you, girl, hard." Letting my ass cheek go, Travis takes a step away from me. "You are a special woman, Willow, and the more time I spend with you, the more I'm surprised and liking every little part of you I discover."
"Trav..."
"I know. Don't feel obligated to say something back. It wasn't the point."
He opens up to me about his growing feelings and I'm hiding the fact that I no longer am with Justin. It doesn't feel right and I know I'll have to say something today or tomorrow at the latest. After Las Vegas, when I return home, I have no idea what's going to happen between us.
"You're a good man, Travis and I feel good with you. Always."
Unable to hide his joy, a subtle smile appears on his face. "Should we head back in? You look cold."
"I'm freezing. I thought it was warmer around here."
YOU ARE READING
Cheaters (completed)
RomanceWillow believes in true love so much that it blinds her. Set to marry in a month, her suspicions about her soon to be husband, Justin, are driving her wild with anxiety and self doubts. Leaving on a business trip with fears that her man falls in th...