Bound to You

Chapter 32: Maia

“Darcy, I’m going to get another drink. Can I get you anything?”

Darcy quickly snapped her compact mirror shut. Maia was staring at her expectantly, waiting for an answer. The music pumped loudly around them, making it nearly impossible to hear. The tiny space was packed with a hundred sweaty bodies, all moving in sync with the music.

“I’m fine. Under 21 remember?”

Maia nodded, frowning slightly. “Right, buzzkill. Oh well, looks like I’ll be drinking for the both of us then.” She said cheekily, disappearing in the direction of the bar.

Darcy checked to make sure she was out of sight before lifting up the mirror to examine herself once more. She delicately ran her finger over the spot Sean’s ring had collided with her cheekbone earlier in the week. It had left a sizeable bruise, as well as a small gash. She quickly dabbed concealer on the spot and checked her reflection one last time as Maia came sauntering back over to the table.

“You sure have been friendly with that mirror tonight, Darce. You do know Ross is out of town, right?” she teased.

Darcy smiled innocently at her. “I have a zit, it’s been bugging me all day.” She lied.

Maia studied her thoughtfully for a few seconds. “Well I don’t see anything.” She pushed a bottle of water in Darcy’s direction. “For the designated driver.” She gratefully took a sip as Maia downed a shot of tequila.

“You don’t think you should slow down a bit?” Darcy questioned, watching as she reached for another glass.

Maia waved her hand dismissively. “Nah. I’ve got the tolerance of an Irishman.”  She gulped down another shot of an unfamiliar pink liquid.

Darcy’s lip curled in disgust. “What is that?” she questioned.

Maia pursed her lips thoughtfully. “I dunno…tastes like cotton candy.” She smiled mischievously as she stacked the two empty shot glasses together. “So…what’s on your mind tonight, Darce? You look troubled.” She asked, giving her a knowing look.

Darcy paused. Truthfully, she could probably tell Maia exactly what was wrong. She was already well past the point of being tipsy; a few more mystery shots would guarantee that she wouldn’t remember their conversation the next day.

The dull ache in her cheek reminded her of the gravity of the situation. Sean was dangerous. There was no way she could risk anyone knowing, sober or not.

“Just…missing Ross.” She lied, again.

Maia nodded drunkenly, reaching for another oddly-colored glass of booze.

“Oh that Ross. He sure is something.” She slurred. “You know we used to date? Once upon a time.”

Darcy stifled a laugh. She was sure Maia wouldn’t be nearly as generous with the details of hers and Ross’s past history if she wasn’t under the influence of various cocktails. Might as well take advantage while she was speaking so freely…

“Really? I didn’t know that.” She said, gesturing for her to continue.

Maia nodded. “Yep. Didn’t last very long, don’t worry. I’m not going to move in on your man. It wasn’t really a relationship anyways. It was more…physical. If you know what I mean.” She wagged her eyebrows suggestively.

Darcy was shocked. Ross had given her a few details about his time with Maia, though he had failed to educate her on the depth of their relationship.

“You don’t say.” She said, casually pushing another shot across the table.

Maia grinned as she eagerly reached for the glass. “Oh yeah. I don’t know if you guys have gone there but when you do…mm.” She winked at Darcy as she downed the fluorescent colored liquor.

Darcy could feel herself turning red. She loved Ross to death, but the last thing she wanted to do was spend the evening talking about the adventures he’d had with Maia.

“So why did you guys break up?” she asked, attempting to turn the conversation in any other direction.

Maia shrugged. “I dunno really. He was only 16 then, I guess I kind of looked at him like a kid.” She frowned.

Darcy could always sense regret in the way Maia talked about Ross. Not just now, but every time they had talked about him in the past. Whether it was over the way she had treated him, or if she perhaps wished she could have a second chance to call him her own, she didn’t know.

“But it’s better for you, I suppose.” She continued. “That Ross and I broke up. You two are absolutely adorable.”

Darcy smiled at her sympathetically. A part of her wished that Ross and Maia could have a second chance. Maybe someday they would, long after the contract had ended.

“Better for you too though, right? You met Remy, Ramy…whatever his name is.”

Maia smiled wistfully. “Ramy. And…we actually broke up. Too much time apart, you know how it goes.”

Darcy nodded. “I definitely do.” She lifted her water bottle and extended it in Maia’s direction. “To finding the one.”

Maia grinned, picking up the final full shot glass and dramatically clinking it against Darcy’s bottle. “To finding a love as true as the one you have with Ross.”

Darcy half smiled. “Right…Ross.” She said quietly.