Tequila Nights (13 page)

CHAPTER
24

Nicole’s eyebrows wiggled at me in what she thought was an effective method of subtle communication.

“What are you saying?” I mouthed like a professional ventriloquist. Jase and Leo remained engrossed in conversation unaware of our lame attempts. We were on a double date and everything so far had gone like a dream. It was obvious both Jase and Nicole doted on each other in such a short span of time and she seemed smitten in a way I had never witnessed.

“Excuse us,” Nicole announced, wiping her mouth with her napkin before placing it on the table. Both men moved to stand out of courtesy, but I was already being dragged between the maze of tables toward the ladies room too quickly to appreciate the gentlemanly gesture.

“Sooo?” she asked as the swinging door fell back into place.

“You two are perfect together.”

“Does it look like he’s into me? Like, you know,” a frown marred her perfectly made face, “he really enjoys my company?”

“I may be jumping to conclusions, but I’m almost certain Jase and you were made for each other.”

“Okay,” she heaved a sigh of relief. “I saw Mimi today and spent some time with her. She’s such a beautiful girl, isn’t she?”

“Mimi is incredible and it’s awesome to hear she has taken to you.”

“She’s an old soul you know.”

“Leo says exactly the same thing.” She’s more switched on than most adults.

“Holly is looking after her tonight.”

I froze at the mention of her name. “Leo helped her move yesterday.”

This time, her perfect brows creased together. “That was Leo?”

“What do you mean,
that was Leo
.” Her eyes widened slightly, a sign she was hiding something from me. “Nicole?”

“She said something when she arrived to look after Mimi. It didn’t mean anything to me then, but it does now.”

“Nicole, just please spill it.”

“I asked her how her day was, not knowing she’d spent it moving house, and she replied with
‘How can I complain when I had a gorgeous half-naked man waiting on me all day
.’”

“She said that?”

“Yes! At first I was happy for her. But now that I know it was Leo helping, I feel like I’ve been manipulated because she knew it would get back to you.”

I was in shock at her audacity. “I don’t have any words.”

“I have one. Skank!”

“No, this can’t be an issue. You and her have to get along if you are to be in Jase and Mimi’s future.”

“Ah hello, best friend! Are you in there? I may have to tolerate her, but my allegiance is with you.” Her expression softened. “What are you going to do?”

“Nothing.”

“Huh? She’s made it perfectly clear—”

“I can’t do or say anything because I already have…yesterday. If I bring it up again, I’ll look overboard jealous and I’m not going to let her win like that.

CHAPTER
25

I was letting her win.

Her words were festering away in my mind and I couldn’t find a cure. Sunday night I was lying in bed and it was still early hours, but finding the strength to do anything at all was near impossible.

Leo’s handsome face sprung to mind and a single tear slid down my temple. I could either hide away dwelling on how I was going to handle my emotions when the time came to say goodbye, or I could tackle the bull head on and enjoy the time I had left.

Deciding to be proactive, I changed into a simple dress and applied some lip gloss. I lived only twenty minutes away from the restaurant, but it felt like hours before I got there. Leo would be working, but I’d hoped he would be able to spare a minute. Perhaps I could help in some way, make myself of use.

As I walked through the door, I was greeted by a stunning Natasha, who wore an elegant red dress, makeup done to perfection. She truly was a knockout and the most modest woman I’d ever met.

“Josie.” She kissed me once on the each cheek, and I felt a genuine warmth for her. She’d always been kind and even better, supportive of my relationship with Leo. “How are you?”

“I’m great, thank you. And you?”

“Couldn’t be better, babe,” she smiled ear to ear, “he’s out back.”

Leaving her to welcome and seat arriving diners, I weaved through the tables and out to the kitchen. It was their prime time with a full restaurant, but the chefs seemed to have everything working like clockwork. The staff moved quickly and efficiently and it was easy to see why the business did so well. Leo was a strong leader and he held their respect.

Seeing that he was busy, I went to buy some time at the bar. Ben greeted me with a wink and a complimentary glass of wine. Taking a seat, I watched as he prepared drinks for table orders.

“How are you, babe?” he asked in typical Ben fashion. He was a flirt but a harmless one. He had Leo’s back, and that alone made me respect him all the more.

“I’m good. Busy tonight?”

“This place? Always busy. Word has it we make the best cocktails in town.”

“Is that so?” I took the bait with a giggle.

“Ladies flock here purely for that reason.”

Snorting my wine, he eyed me with mock surprise. “You’re here aren’t you?”

Right on cue, my good mood plummeted into the soggy depth of an algae-covered pond. Holly sauntered in, being led by Natasha to a table for two. She was with a girlfriend, both dressed to impress and both looking incredibly flawless. Following my gaze, Ben looked between me and my target.

“Who? Holly?” he asked almost in disbelief.

“Who?” I feigned indifference, knowing that getting catty was an incredibly unattractive feature.

“Don’t play coy with me young lady. You two got beef?”

“No.”

“Liar!”

He glanced again and this time he looked back at me like he was a kid caught with his finger in the cookie jar. “She certainly has a beef with you judging by the way she’s staring you down.”

Taking a sip of my wine, I threw a cautious glance over the rim. She was looking, eyes locked on mine as she spoke with her friend.

“She has her eye on Leo,” I finally conceded.

Ben looked confused. “That isn’t a surprise. Honey, she’s always had her eye on him. Ever since I’ve been working here, I have seen her trying to get to first base. But let me tell ya something,” throwing his towel on the service counter, he leaned forward on his elbows, “Leo’s no fool. He may be this town’s most eligible bachelor, but he certainly does not encourage attention. Not in this place. There are a lot of fake women with equally fake bits to match and that isn’t Leo. You don’t need to look hard in the mirror to see why he’s so taken with you.”

“He is?”

“You haven’t noticed?”

“Yes, I mean…he has given me no reason to doubt.”

“Then don’t.”

“She’s just so…persistent.” I heaved a heavy sigh.

“Let her be. It only makes herself look bad. You keep being the angel you are.”

Just as I was thinking how amazingly sweet Ben the bartender was, a man approached. He was darker in skin, the same size but wore thick-rimmed black glasses.

“Am I interrupting anything?” he asked, looking between us with a coy smile.

Before I could respond, Ben beat me to it.

“Always have time for your interruptions, babe.” I watched, intrigued at what was unfolding. The two men leaned over the counter and kissed on the lips, their love for each other more than apparent.

Turning back to me, Ben took in my bemused expression and winked.

“See, honey. Not everything is always what it seems.”

***

That night as Leo made love to me, I no longer doubted the bond we had between us. As his lips traveled down my cheek and ravaged my neck, I didn’t spare a thought for the woman I knew was planning her attack. When he moved inside of me taking my orgasm to the brink of no return, I blocked all thoughts of saying goodbye and drowned the fears of spending two years away from the man I loved.

All I had was him.

All I breathed was Leo Santiago.

The only woman I knew he had eyes for was me.

***

The next few weeks passed in spectacular fashion.

During the day, I was absorbed in my artwork, determined to finish my collection before the college exhibition. During my studio hours, I fielded the questionable comments and sarcastic remarks from Professor Lindsay like a professional footballer. I knew the School of Lafayette also worked by recommendation which meant that despite the show of hostility she had actually written a letter singing my praise.

My nights were spent with Leo either at the restaurant dining, in his class, private lessons for Bachata or my most favorite place…his bed.

The more time we spent together, the more we craved. I knew it had something to do with the fact that I was leaving and we were making the most of every second, but he worshiped me like I was his goddess. And me? I saw Leo as my alpha, my best friend, and lover.

I was smitten and so was he.

It was dangerous and we both knew it.

We were in for a world of hurt, yet we couldn’t stop the motion.

CHAPTER
26

“Drink woman and don’t stop until you get to the bottom,” Nicole instructed in the most authoritative voice she could muster.

“I can’t, I feel sick.”

“Josie Marks, don’t pretend like I don’t know you have a bottomless pit of a stomach when it comes to drinking. Swallow that wine.”

Half bent over the basin, I inhaled and exhaled deeply, my nerves waving and laughing at me from their safe spot. Tonight was exhibition night and two days away from saying goodbye to Leo. Everything felt out of my control like I was vulnerable to the elements.

“Babe, you have nothing to be worried about. So stop letting that seed of doubt creep its way into that pretty head of yours. Drink your wine and finish getting ready.

“Okay,” I whispered, feeling light-headed.

“That’s my girl.” Handing me my glass, she stood with her hands on her hips like a mother watching her child take its medicine. “Bottoms up!”

***

The night was in full swing but as I hid out of sight behind a partition, I swallowed the rest of my champagne willing the nerves to abandon their stations. Leo still hadn’t arrived and the crowds of art lovers, students, Professors and critics alike had already filled the gallery space, their banter lost in white noise.

“Josie,” Marge’s anxious voice interrupted my thoughts. “Everyone is looking for you. Why are you hiding?”

“I’m not,” I lied. “Just trying to catch my breath.”

“Well, catch it later. They want to see who the lucky student from the college is that got accepted into Lafayette.”

That thought alone churned my stomach and as I reached for Marge’s champagne glass, I heard Professor Lindsay’s voice boom my name.

“Josie Marks!” she looked at me in dismay. “Please remove yourself from the dark corner and socialise.” When I didn’t move, she continued, “Do you know who is here to see your work? Honestly, you seem to take all of these opportunities for granted.”

“I’m coming,” I reassured doing my best to ignore the knot in my gut.

Huffing, she turned on her heel and left.

“She seems extra stressed tonight,” Marge noted looking shaken by the whole thing.

“Let’s go,” I conceded, putting my arm through hers. Rounding the corner, I noticed the room was now full. People of sorts of shapes and sizes, dressed in both formal and artistic interpretations of clothing. The massive sixth floor which had been our studio home for the last three years had been transformed. With high ceilings and white walls, it was an ideal location. Temporary walls had been set up to house the student body of work. Mine had been hung center stage, and no doubt had every critical eye in the room assessing everything from subject matter, technique, and composition. There would be some who didn’t agree with me being selected, but I knew I had to develop a thick skin.

“Ms. Marks.” Professor Lindsay approached from behind, her hand wrapping around my bare arm, nails digging into my skin. Turning, I saw she was standing with a pompous looking man who seemed to be trying extra hard to be alternative, his thick-rimmed glasses looking to be for appearances only.

“This is Deidrick Peterson.” She watched me expectantly waiting for my reaction as if I should know who he was. Truth was, I didn’t. “Oh, for goodness sake. Every day I lose more hope for you,” she said dismissively with a frustrated grunt.

Choosing to ignore her insult I plastered on a fake smile for the man looking at me with narrowed eyes. “Good evening Mr. Peterson.”

“Josie,” he returned the greeting in a high voice. “Please call me Deidrick.”

“Deidrick was expressing interest in purchasing your entire collection, however, he does have one request.”

“Yes, I do,” he interrupted clearing his throat. “I would like to see the figures in a more euphoric state, embracing a more…happier stance.”

“I’m sorry Mr. Peterson…Deidrick. If you are interested in buying the collection, you will be taking them as is.”

He looked at me like I spat in his face. “I can’t imagine it would take you long to make the changes, being as talented as you are, but I can promise you the value of the work will only increase with a slight change of mood.”

“The value wouldn’t mean anything to me after the sale Mr. Peterson.”

“Deidrick,” he corrected, now annoyed. “I am willing to offer you more to meet those changes.”

“Changes?”

The familiar voice behind me sent a tingle of pleasure through my body and calmed the rage that was beginning to boil inside me. In front, Professor Lindsay’s face lit up like a Christmas tree before it morphed into something I assumed was her interpretation of a seductive pout.

“Both Deidrick here and Professor Lindsay have suggested I change the mood of the painting to something a little more…decorative.”

“Now, I didn’t say—” Peterson backpedaled.

“To me the emotion in their expressions tells me a story about angst and loss,” Leo began as if he had been versed in it. “That alone makes me more curious about the back story between the characters compared to if they just appeared content.”

Peterson rubbed his chin with chubby fingers as he considered what was being said. “I suppose you are right Mr…?”

“Santiago.”

“Well, thank you for your insight, Mr. Santiago. Rest assured Josie, I will still be placing a bid.”

“Thank you,” I barely managed even if I wasn’t particularly thrilled about my artwork hanging on
his
walls.

“So, Leo,” Professor Lindsay spoke for the first time since she saw him. She sounded breathy…needy. “What are you doing here? If you wanted to pose for us again, you only need ask.”

With a courteous smile, Leo politely explained, “My nude modeling days were short-lived, but thank you. I am actually here for Josie.”

Professor Lindsay couldn’t look more crestfallen if she tried. In a lame attempt to hide her disgust, she shot me a look of contempt before composing herself.

“Josie?” she asked, although she knew the answer.

“Yes, Josie is with me and I am here to support her.”

“But she’s leaving!”

Did every woman in the world have to always bring up the elephant in the room?

“Yes,” Leo chuckled, although he wasn’t finding the situation funny. “We are well aware that she is leaving and that’s something we are taking in our stride.”

“Right then.” She looked put out and she held me fully accountable for it. “Unfortunately Ms. Marks, the university’s budget has not accommodated for the acquisition of student work this year. So you will be relying solely on the generosity of our audience here tonight.”

That simply wasn’t true, but my care factor was nil. Her eyes presented a challenge as she subtly glared my way, and I made no effort to rise to meet it.

“That’s fine, Professor. I’m sure you can appreciate that I have more pressing issues I need to deal with before I leave. Like ensuring I spend as much time with my gorgeous boyfriend as I can possibly manage.”

Her face twisted with a sourness I had come to see in her personality throughout the years. And now was no different. When her eyes flicked to something behind me, a scowl took hold of her already angry features. Turning to follow her gaze, I saw one of the gallery helpers dressed in black working his way down the line of paintings and placing a red dot sticker under each one. Reaching back, I gripped Leo’s hand as my heart started to pound. The helper kept moving until he passed us. Every single one of my pieces now proudly wore the red sold sticker.

“What the hell just happened?” Deidrick Peterson asked, eyes wide in shock.

Professor Lindsay was rendered speechless.

“Purchasing has not yet opened,” he spat angrily. “Why wasn’t I told it had opened earlier?” It seemed that despite his adamancy of not being a hundred percent happy with the artworks, he was merely bluffing.

“I…I…,” my professor stuttered.

“If you don’t mind, Professor Lindsay, Mr. Peterson,” Leo interrupted. “I’m going to steal Josie away so we can celebrate her sale.”

With a hand placed on my lower back, Leo steered me toward a waitress carrying a tray of champagne. Collecting two, he handed me one.

“Can you believe someone just bought my entire collection?” I was in shock, unable to comprehend what had just happened and before the night was even half way through.

A broad smile spread across Leo’s face. “Yes, I can. Your work is insanely good, Josie. I’m not at all surprised.” Leaning forward his lips touched mine and I melted. The mix of his cologne and gentle yet possessive touch left me light headed. “I’m so proud of everything you’ve done,” he announced, pulling away and holding up his glass. “Congratulations my beautiful girl.”

“Thank you,” I said after taking a sip. “I still cannot believe it. I would love to know who bought it all so I can thank them.”

“I’m sure it’s all going to a good home.”

“I’m just so glad neither of the other two purchased—” My sentence was cut short, attention drifting to an interaction happening behind Leo.

“What is it?” he asked following my gaze.

“Could you just excuse me for a second?” Not waiting for an answer, my eyes remained transfixed on my target. In the corner of the room, Marge stood wiping the tears from her cheeks as Laney spoke with her.

Approaching slowly, I caught the last of what was being said.

“I honestly don’t know how you have made it this far into the course, Margery.”

She knew full well that wasn’t her name.

“Purely out of respect for the University, I feel like passing you would only breed a culture of sub-standard work.”

“Excuse me,” I interrupted, my stern voice earning me a hostile glare. “Marge, would you mind giving us a moment?” Unsure of what was happening, her eyes widened and I could see she was anxious about the whole thing. Nodding her head slightly, she headed for the main exit, unable to face the crowd.

“Is there a reason why you keep interrupting me when I talk, Ms. Marks?”

“Don’t ‘Ms. Marks’ me, Laney. We are the same age.”

“What do you want?” she said, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

“I want to know why you persist in targeting Marge. Is it because you get the response you want from her? The tears, the sense of successfully humiliating someone?”

“Her work isn’t up to University standards, it’s as simple as that.”

“That’s bullshit, Laney, and you know it. I, myself, have looked through her work, and yes, while it is no high distinction, it is certainly a credit. She meets the criteria for everything, and you have no right in failing her in her final year or even speaking to her the way you do.”

“Watch your mouth,
student
. You are certainly not qualified to make that call. I am.”

“Are you, really? Because I’m fairly sure you and I have completed the same degree, finishing on high distinctions, so I guess that makes us equal. Oh wait…” pausing for effect, I watched her eyes narrow as she waited for what was next. “I suppose you do have some advantage I would never want.”

We stood, eyes locked in a silent standoff. Slowly, realisation dawned.

“It was you wasn’t it?” Her lips barely moved as she whispered the words.

“Depends on what you’re suggesting.”

“The one skulking the halls after dark.”

“I was hardly skulking. But even if I were, that’s nothing compared to your breach of university policy. You see, you have no right in telling Marge she’s an embarrassment or promotes sub-standard work. What would people say when they find out about you?”

“You have no idea what you are doing, Ms. Marks.”

“Don’t get on your high horse with me, Laney. You don’t have a leg to stand on. And I’m almost certain, Professor Jolly won’t be too happy when he discovers all the humiliation and possible sacking could have been avoided if you just learned some manners and quit bullying fellow students.”

“No one will believe a word you say. Just because you have been selected for Lafayette doesn’t mean the Professors here actually give a damn about you.”

“They will when I show them the evidence.”

Laney scoffed, but her eyes saw fear. “You don’t have anything to hold against me.”

“Don’t call my bluff. I leave in a few days but before I do, I want to see Marge’s grade as the Credit that she deserves. Do you understand?”

“Are you threatening me?”

“No. Not at all. You dug this hole yourself. It’s up to you as to how you get out of it.”

Turning on my heel, I headed back to where Leo was waiting. He’d been watching the whole time and while my stomach was in knots over the situation, all I saw was a mischievous look shining from his gorgeous eyes.

“You are incredibly sexy when you’re fired up, Josie. I almost want to get into trouble just so I can see it again.”

Despite my body still shaking from the interaction with Laney, a laugh erupted.

“In fact,” he continued, this time scanning the room, “how about we get out of here and celebrate your sales in a way we do best.”