Living With The Player

DYLAN EMERTON

THURSDAY.

“Two days. I lingered for two fucking days. Sleepless night. Condemning myself. Hurling. Veering around. Hell and back. I survived till this day all under the consolation of being able to have her close all weekend and she’s going with fucking Jimmy!? How does one un-alive another human being?”

I can’t disguise anything. My emotions are on full display and fuck, I do not give a shit.

“Jimmy. You’re going with him? Your parents know?”

I clench my jaw, wishing I were near enough to hear her heart rate. Is it scampering like mine?

“They said I could bring a plus one. It’ll be a good time for them to meet him.”

Like hell. I fastened my fists by my side, grimacing intensely. She better take back every word. Fucking Jimmy. Meet her parents? They’ve barely been dating for a two weeks?

“You think it’s a good idea to introduce your boyfriend?”

I don’t conceal the venom I have for the relationship or the boyfriend. He can go fuck himself.

“No Dylan, I don’t. They should meet him anyway.”

How’d she figured?

“Planning to get married soon?”

I narrow my gaze. She flinches and takes two steps backwards.

“What is your problem?”

Her voice is slightly raised, which gets our attention. Fuck, I’m screwing this up. Breathe Dylan. Breathe.

“I just thought of something, but it was fucking silly. I got upset and I’m taking it out on you. I’ll see you on Saturday, Camilla.”

Tucking my curled hands away, I strode to another corner of the space, all to move away from her. I can’t think straight at the moment. My head is about to fall off its position. How could she do this?

I know-how. I mean, why? Why fucking Jimmy?

****

“She invited her boyfriend? It’s no surprise. That’s what girls do. Invite their other half to meet their parents.”

“Call him her other half one more time.”

I rasped, shoving my head into her space. Claire recoiled, shaking her head softly.

“I don’t mean Camilla. You need to calm down before you do something regretful. Again.”

I sulked in annoyance. Calm down? I just had my entire world crumbled in under an hour.

I’ll calm down when hell is as cold as my fridge.

“I’m not going to the fucking wedding. It’s one thing seeing them once a day, but having to be around them. Not a chance. I’ll rather eat shit.”

I swore, kicking off my shoes.

“You’re foolish. You’re going to that wedding, Dylan. Don’t be a fool. Just because he’ll be there shouldn’t stop you. Besides, he won’t be on the same floor. Camilla’s parents aren’t expecting him. That benefits you. Breathe and think.”

Claire stood in front of me, rubbing her palms together. The rage builds up still.

“Fuck!”

I cried out, whacking a hole into my bedding.

“I need some air or a walk. Both. Maybe a drink in between. You can stay the night or shut the door on your way out.”

She flinches at my tone, but I’m off the bed and slipping on footwear.

“You’re just going to avoid problems every time they come up? This is exactly why Camilla isn’t yours. Exactly why she has a boyfriend whom she’s taking home in a few days from now. A boyfriend who isn’t you.”

I thwarted in my strides, nearly three feet from the door. I can leave and dismiss my cousin, who barely knows anything about me, but-

“What would you rather have me do?”

I whisper, lowering my head as I turn around.

“Fix it. Dylan. At least try to. Pack a bag. Make a plan. Fix things. First, it’s taking the boyfriend to see her parents, then it’s losing her for good. Dylan, you know what to say to Camilla, right?”

A shiver breezed past my body.

“I tried talking the last time.”NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

“Yes, but did you explain what happened? Did you tell the truth?”

“Claire…”

I cautioned with my eyes shut tight. This is something I won’t deal with.

“There’s something else, isn’t there? It just doesn’t add up. You fucking someone and running away from the truth. The only reason is you fear the truth. You’re terrified of the reason you felt you had to fuck someone else.”

“Claire!”

I thundered, shooting her a warning gaze. She doesn’t look deterred.

“What are you scared of, Dylan?”

She asks tenderly. Both of us grow silent. It’s past seven pm, so the surroundings are mute as well. I can hear my breathing. And hers. Equally laboured.

“You’re never going to get her back if you’re stuck somewhere else. If you try to do it, you’ll only end up making things worse.”

I huffed, followed by a scoff. Still, Claire looked straight at me, daring me to do something that proves her theory right.

“I have no clue what you’re talking about. Maybe you should forget this entire Dylan-Camilla thing. I’m sure you have your life to worry about. Don’t delude yourself into mine. Goodnight.”

I hear a muffled gasp from her end. My words sliced right through her heart. This is what I fear. Hurting the people I care about. That’s my toxic trait. My defence mechanism.

“I’m sorry Camilla. I’m sorry Claire.”

I sighed dejectedly and slipped through the door.

****

CAMILLA RENÉE

FRIDAY.

Today will be good. My flight is around five pm with Jimmy. I asked him yesterday, and it elated him to accompany me. His exact words were; Best weekend ever. I had plans with friends, but I’ll fucking cancel. Two days with you. Things just keep getting better. And some more.

I felt terrible for giving off the wrong impression. Jimmy believes I had his best interest at heart when I invited him to the wedding. I left out the crucial details of damage control with Dylan and let my boyfriend think I wanted him to meet my parents.

That aside, today will be good. I have my first presentation in two hours. I’m fully hydrated. Caffeine pumped. Miranda picked out a body-hugging jumpsuit-black, which oozes confidence and I’m standing outside, clutching my computer and assuring myself that today will. Be. Good.

Yet my cynical inner self chirps that if my subconscious needs a reminder, it just might mean today will turn out terrible.

****

“Nervous?”

Jimmy brushes his fingertips over my arm, drawing circles and lines as the next student comes up.

I bob my head in negation, since I’m certain I’ve got this.

“As you shouldn’t. You’ve got this. I’m sure everyone will fall in love with me as well when you’re done.”

As well? I chuckle nervously.

“By the way, the flight is by five? I’ll head over to your dorm before then? We’ll go to the airport together?”

I nodded in affirmation. This is happening. Sigh.

I reach across the table and link my fingers with Jimmy. He seems to appreciate the gesture but says nothing as we each wait for our turn.

****

Inner me is a pessimistic bitch. There’s nothing wrong with today. Our project was superb. Teachers’ words even. I’m getting an excellent grade for sure.

Now it’s time to pack a two-day kit and leave for the airport. I’m just waiting for Jimmy’s arrival.

“Do you ever feel you’re in a movie? This will make a good plotline. You. Boyfriend. Somehow ex-boyfriend, but never placed a label. All in one place for the weekend. Broadway goals.”

I hissed as loud as I could, flipping my best friend off.

“I’ll excuse that for the full saga when you return.”

Like clockwork, a knock came through. Must be Jimmy.

“You’re going to get laid, kissed the hell out of off, or both. I hope it’s both. Little wonder which guy it’ll be, though.”

“Miranda.”

I cautioned, mentally face-palming myself.

I unlocked the door before she had any more chances to scare the shit out of me.

“Ready?”

“Ready.”

I affirmed, blocking all despairing thoughts away.

****

Not only did I imagine Dylan ending up on the same flight with us, but I also kept checking the corners, waiting for him to pop up. I got nothing. Maybe he changed his mind and stayed back?

Because I brought Jimmy?

“My parents got us an entire floor. It’s about four rooms, so maybe you can get one on another floor or something.”

“Four?”

He chuckled, pulling the door for me.

“Yes. Four rooms. Two master bedrooms. Then a single bedroom for me and one for Dylan.”

I let it all out with ease, but then I realized.

Fucking Dylan. I didn’t tell Jimmy about fucking Dylan.

“Dylan is here as well?”

I squeezed my entire body hoping to disappear. Jimmy is behind me and his tone does not sound encouraging. We’re in the reception and I can’t find anyone.

“Yes. His parents invited him as well.”

“You knew all this time he was going to be here?”

Oh no. His tone. It’s screaming distrust. This was not intended. Why do I make absurd mistakes?

“Yes, but it slipped my mind. I didn’t purposely keep it away…”

“Camilla!”

My mother screeched, interrupting both of us. Not just her.

Several figures strolled behind her, including the Emertons. All of them. Including yours truly-Dylan.

Smack me now.

****

DYLAN EMERTON.

Mrs Renée strutted towards her daughter, engulfing her in a bear hug for about a minute, and then pulling away. I eyed her and the fucker behind her. Jimmy seems tense. It ticked his jaw. Is he scowling at me?

Lovely. What did I miss?

Mr Renée went forward, not before glaring at Jimmy. They exchanged a short greeting, but now everyone’s focus was on Jimmy. He had to step forward, standing beside Camilla.

“Mother. Father. This is my boyfriend. Jimmy.”

Pin-drop silence follows her introduction. My parents each share a look at me, then one for themselves and all three of us turn to her. She doesn’t seem the least fazed, her head kept high, shoulder touching Jimmy’s.

“Boyfriend?”

Our parents blurt in unison. Their tone says it all. Glad I’m not the only one that sees this for what it is-a fucking joke. A chuckle peels from my lips. Interesting. This weekend will fuck fascinating.

*****

I’d like to hear your thoughts on the book so far. The next few chapters are going to be lovely for some shippers. Take a lucky guess.