December 19-21 (Tuesday through Thursday)

Amy fumbled with the front door lock, her sunglasses securely placed around her eyes to stave off her immense hangover. Erin grumbled, her face stinging with the heavy application of make up. Her attempts to hide the black eye and split lip had been successful but at a high cost of pain for rubbing the foundation and concealer into such a tender area.

Erin stumbled to her car and instantly lowered her glasses. “You have to be fucking kidding me.” She glanced to her Cavalier in horror. All four tires were slashed, the front windshield broken into pieces. “Jesus fucking Christ, already. Doesn’t the bullshit ever end?”

Amy stood beside her best friend at her loud, vulgar display. “What the hell?” She glanced on in horror. “Oh, I don’t believe this shit. Look at the damage? God damn. Why the hell didn’t we hear this?”

Erin was inspecting the damage more closely. “Probably because we were smashed. I am going to have to call a tow truck when we get home from work, I only have one spare and you cant jack this thing up with four flat tires or its going to ruin the rims. Damn it all.” Erin kicked one of the flat tires. “What else could go wrong, already?”

“Hey, don’t give up. That is just what John wants you to do. This is just surface damage. It could be worse, he could have cut the break lines or something. We should probably have that checked out when it goes to the garage.” Amy rested a hand on her friends shoulder. “Come on, we are going to be late for work. All this can wait till we get off at 4pm. I am going to stop and pick up some new locks on the way home, just to be sure.”

Erin shrugged and slid into Amys car. Nothing surprises me anymore. I give up, already. The only good thoughts I have are a distant memory..a memory of Liv, Lij, Viggo and Orlando. Orlando..I wonder what he is doing…at this very moment.

It took only a few moments to reach their place of employment in Monticello NY. Both Amy and Erin worked as Nurses in a facility supporting and promoting the independence, community inclusion and assistance of individuals with developmental/behavioral disabilities. The work was taxing, having to tend to the needs of 14 individuals who required a high level of medical care and emotional nurturing. Not to mention the necessity for both nurses to be on call on a 24/7 basis. But to both, the field was natural and rewarding. The jobs they performed helped to give a “life” to people, who 20 years ago, were hidden away and condemned by society.

Amy and Erin caught up at Lunch, stopping for half an hour to fill each other in on the days events. Though both worked in different “Residences”, they always made it practice to spend lunch time together.

“Amy, I am going to take a cab home tonight. I am going to have to work a double, till Midnight. My relief called out so I volunteered to stay. I will have tomorrow off, so no worry about getting me into the car in the morning. Alright?” Erin picked at her salad.

“That sucks, first day back from vacation and your already working a double. Damn.” Amy shook her head. “I will call a tow truck and get the car out of the driveway. I can come and get you tonight if you want, I will probably be up cleaning anyway.”

“God help a single day go by without you cleaning.” Erin laughed, biting down on a grape tomato.

“Exactly.” Amy laughed, munching down on a piece of the casserole she had made for dinner the previous night.

“Send Billy my love if you talk to him tonight and all. I gotta get back to work, I have some paperwork to catch up on for a medical appointment.” Erin gave Amy a kiss on the cheek before packing up her lunch and running.

“Damn girl needs to slow down before she gives herself a heart attack.” Amy shrugged and ate the remainder of her lunch in quiet, lost in her thoughts.

Orlando stumbled down the stairs, his hand before his eyes. He tried to shield as much of the sunlight as he could as he made his way to the kitchen. He was greeted by his Mum.

“Morning, darling. Late night?” His mum laughed, setting breakfast on the table. She remembered what it was to be young and lost in the moment. She recalled, albeit hazily, the excessive libations of youth. The older you became, the more you learned how much you could handle and still function the following day.

“Very late. I don’t remember what time I got in. I have to get ready for my first set of interviews and my photo shoot. They start at 10 o’clock. Bugger me, I feel like shit.” Orlando sat down at the kitchen table, hanging his head. “Where is Sam?” “Sam ran off to school. She is a bit peeved with you, or so I understand. I take it you were a bit obnoxious with her last night?” Sonia set a glass of juice before Orlando.

Despite his malady, Orlando smiled and took a sip of the juice. “Its been too long since I had some home cooking, mum. What is it? Did you slip anything unsavory into the mix this morning?”

“Its just an egg beater omelet with some peppers and scallions. Nothing carnivorous in the mix, I promise.” Sonia paused, pouring some coffee for the two. “Or at least, I think I promise.”

“I cant even look at food this morn. But thank you.” Orlando put some sugar into his coffee. “Soy milk, mum?”

Sonia went to the fridge, setting it down on the table. “Its not like drinking milk kills a cow, Orlando.” She laughed. “What goes on at those Greenpeace meetings? Brainwashing?"

“Not quite. But I will stick to the soy milk anyway.” Orlando helped himself, bringing the coffee to his lips. “Last night was a hellish night. I spoke with Jemma and sent her off in a storm. Don’t be surprised if she calls to bitch about me and all.”

Sonia laughed. “My son, the heartbreaker. You know, what ever happened to that nice Irish girl from Dublin, the one you sent a plane ticket too before you met Jemma? Have you spoken to her?”

“Not in some time. I don’t think I will, either. I already found someone I want to be with, I don’t care much for bringing up the past, mum.” Orlando rose, filtering through the kitchen cabinets for some Tylenol. Popping two, he washed it down with his coffee.

“I know, you told me about this girl Erin. I just want to see you happy, Orlando.” Sonia smiled, looking to her son, still disheveled from whatever sleep he had received. “Now, make your mum happy and eat some breakfast. I went to all that trouble of buying the ingredients for your new lifestyle. You know, people are still starving in Africa.”

“You don’t have to worry about money anymore, mum. I make more than enough to take care of this entire family. You won’t ever want for anything again. No more living on a budget, even for Colin. With my donations to some of the local charities, those people in Africa wont be starving for the next good while.” Orlando smiled, pushing his plate away and finishing his coffee. “I have to run and take a shower before the car gets here. Tonight I am going to see Andre in his play. But before then, I want to have dinner with you. Someplace nice. I will make a reservation while I am on the road, after I pick up a new cell phone.”

“What happened to your cellphone?” Sonia raised a brow.

“I dropped it, or threw it. Eitherway, its broken up on the front walkway. I will get that cleaned up before I head out.” Orlando turned, his hand braced along the wall. “Hey, mum? I love you.” With that, he ran up the steps and prepared.

The car came at 9:30am. A hectic morning and afternoon of interviews followed. Try his best to be charming and suave, he could not side step the personal questions that haunted him. His fans wanted desperately to know the most inane information, things he never thought would matter. He received a barrage of questions, which he answered with a light hearted smile.

“What is your favorite color?” Yellow

“What is your favorite movie?” Stand by me is among them.

“What is your favorite music?” Bob Dylan is what I am listening to, now.

“What kind of girls do you like?” Good girls, nice and down to earth.

“Is it true you are engaged?” I never kiss and tell. Makes me more mysterious that way.

“Do you have any tattoos?” One at the moment. Though a second is on the way. I have a sun.

“Is it true you have been asked to read for a part in the Bruckheimer film, Pirates of the Caribbean?” Yes, among a few other scripts.

“Who are your favorite inspirations as far as acting?” Johnny Depp, Edward Norton, Paul Newman. There are so many. I could also include every member of the Fellowship.

“Is it true that you and Liv Tyler had an affair on the set?” That is so far from the truth. She is a great friend and an amazing talent.

The endless barrage of questions came and went. Orlando spoke at length about playing Legolas in the Lord of the Rings. He spoke about his co stars and his daredevil experiences while in New Zealand. Most of his topics were surface based. The photo shoots took preparation, hair and make up, wardrobe, lighting. He gave the best view of his appeal, often tilting his head downward to cast a luminescent glow over his deep, sable eyes. The entire day was hectic and seemingly endless. Orlando signed numerous autographs from fans who had camped out, having somehow heard of the various interviews and photo shoots. Yet all he could think of, was Erin. The vision of her kept him focused, kept him wondering and distant.

On his way home, he asked the car to stop to pick up a new cell phone. He programmed it with the numbers he remembered and made a call to Billy briefly to get Amys’ number.

Before he hit home, Orlando dialed Amys number and got a generic answering machine message. “Hi, you have reached Amy and Erin. Leave a message.” Instantly, he felt a rumbling in his stomach. With shaking fingertips, he clicked the call off. Bloody hell, pull it together Orlando. Why am I so fearful of leaving Erin a message? Am I afraid because of what has happened..or because I am afraid she will blame that night, blame me for its occurrence. If she never left my side… Orlando dialed his mums favorite restaurant and made reservations for three, assuming his sister Samantha was in a forgiving way.

Orlando clicked the phone off without leaving a message and stepped out of the car. He gave appropriate “Thank you” to the driver and slipped back into the house, making ready for Dinner, followed by Andres performance in the evening.

Amy returned home a short time after 4pm. She brought new locks with her, and called a locksmith to make an appointment to install them. Two messages were flashing on the answering machine. She clicked them as she set her bills on the table.

“Amy, this is Sean Bean. I tried to call Erin at home but it came up disconnected. Right. So, I thought I would leave my number with you. If you see her, please let her know I am thinking about her. Thanks and all.”

Amy laughed, shaking her head as the next message played:

“Amy, lass. Its Billy. What are ya workin’ fer? Ya wont have to lift a finger once I get ya to move to Scotland an’ be with me. I promise to make an honest woman of ya, lass. I miss ya. Give me a call. Orlando was here last night an’ I had to tell him what went on. He was plannin’ on coming to NY but I think Viggo talked him out of it. Well, lass, call me and all. Thinkin’ of ya.”

Amy picked up the phone, dialing Billy.

“Hello?” Dom said, mid laughter.

“Hello, Dom? Its Amy, how are you hon?” Amy smiled.

“Amy, darling. Dump Billy, he is a good for nothing. You know you want to be with me. OWWW!!” Dom cried out as Billy took commando of the phone.

“Amy, love. How are ya, lass?” Billy was smiling, she could tell.

“Well, I got the days off for next month. So, get that ticket for Australia to me and lets get the ball moving.” Amy smiled, lighting up a cigarette. “So, Orlando was visiting with you both last night eh?”

Billy went into great detail about the previous evenings events. Amy listened and finally managed to get a word in, edgewise. “Well, Sean Bean called for Erin.” She paused. “Did Orlando really say he loves her?”

“Sure as the kilt coverin’ my parts, lass. What do ya think Erin will think of that?” Billy asked.

“I don’t know, Billy. Her car was demolished this morning. I called the tow truck to take it away, they should be here any minute. I didn’t tell her that you know..so you might want to caution Orlando to play it cool. I cant believe he said he loves her, this is awesome.” Amy was beside herself with excitement.

“Don’t you be spoiling that fer them both, lass. Ya just be focusin’ on me. Let them take the path they need to be takin’.” Billy laughed. The two went on talking for close to an hour, before Amy finally heard the tow truck operator knocking on the door. Letting Billy go reluctantly, she answered, giving directions as to what needed to be done with the car. Amy then set to cleaning, wondering what Erin would think when she came home.

Orlando took a quick smoke through the intermission of Andres play, “Giving till it Hurts.”. The production was fantastic and Andre was brilliant. Orlando found himself increasingly impressed with all the wonder that was his best friend.

The press was taking snaps of him while he paused a moment, his hands stuffed into his pockets. Word had apparently leaked out to the press that both he and Atti were close knit. The paparazzi was loving every photographic opportunity. Orlando was struggling with his new found fame. Though it was a wonderful sense of recognition, it was equally frustrating. The most inane situations were suddenly a media frenzy.

Crushing his cigarette and stuffing the butt into his pocket, Orlando walked back into the theatre. I cant stop thinking about her. I wonder if she is thinking of me. Orlando found himself in conjecture like a grade school boy, nervous and unsure.

Erin came through the door at half past midnight. Amy was sitting up and waiting for her, a cup of hot tea braced between her hands. “Hey your home. I had the car towed, they are going to look at it and give us a call with the estimate. How was work today?”

Erin removed her jacket, setting it on the hook before the door. “I will call them tomorrow, when I wake up. Work was…well, work. I am just glad the overnight nurse made it in. I really wasn’t feeling working a triple shift. Lovely first day back to work. Any of that tea left?”

“Its in the microwave. Just hit the one minute button to warm it. I thought you might want something to take the chill out. You have a message, I left it posted for you. Hey, you know, we are expecting another 6 inches of snow by morning. Should prove to be a white Christmas.” Amy watched as Erin made her way into the kitchen. Erin mumbled, “Bah, Humbug.”

“Sean called? Holy shit.” Erin laughed from within the confines of the kitchen. “He said he was going to, but damned if I believed him.”

“Yup. So, you going to call him back?” Amy rose, shuffling her feet on the linoleum in the kitchen. She took a seat at the table, watching Erins face.

“I left the message on the machine, from Sean. He left his number.” Amy smiled, unable to tell Erin the news Billy had informed her of. Amy readjusted her pony tail. She was dressed for bed, in her flannel snow flake matching pajamas.

Erin clicked the button and removed her tea from the microwave. She listened to the message and turned to sit with her best friend. “What the hell do I do now?”

“Call him. I mean as a friend and all. But that’s my take on it. Come on, woman. No matter what has happened to you. Don’t let John turn you into a Nervous-Nelly.”

“I don’t even think he will be up. Its almost 6am there.” Erin tried to defend as Amy gave her a chastising look.

“Your not thinking of pursuing Sean or anything are you? I mean, you said you fell for Orlando and all.”

“No, nothing like that. Sean is a good guy, he seemed to really care, in the time I spent with him. Screw it, I am going to bed.” She drained her cup quickly and set it in the dishwasher.

“Good girl.” Amy smiled as she sat at the table, watching her friend head off to bed with KittyKitty in tow.

“Man, that was fantastic. You blow me away.” Orlando smiled, his arm clasped about Andre, his free hand fingering his cue stick waiting for his turn at the billiards table. “Your talent is something special, mate. Seriously!”

“I take that humbly coming from Orlando Bloom, Prince of Lord of the Rings.” Andre laughed. The crowd gathered around them as they waited for their turn to shoot at the doubles match, sipping a few beers from the pitcher. Many of the actors in the play had questions and comments about the well received first film of the trilogy. They seemed somewhat in awe of the fact a newly renown actor was in their presence. Orlando obliged, signing autographs and answering questions for Andres mates, respectfully.

Orlando lined up his shot as Andre barked orders to go for a different ball and pocket. He ignored him, leaning down to line the cue to balance on his thumb. With a test pull, Orlando judged the force and distance and let the shot fly, sinking the ball as he called it. “I’ve got this mate.” Orlando laughed and stalked around the table to line up another opportunity, taking a drag from his long neglected cigarette.

The crowd had relaxed significantly, accepting Orlando as just another actor in the bar. He lined up his shot, exhaling the blue tinged smoke from his lips. Orlando sank into stance, focusing on the shine of the cue ball and let it fly. He hit a solid, banking it off the side and failing to sink it. He shrugged, taking his glass of cold beer from the side of the pool table and walked back to Andre. “Ready up, mate. Your next in.”

Andre leaned back, surveying the table as the opposite team found a ball and pocket to strategize over. “So, how are you doing from last night and all?”

“Sam is talking to me again. But with everything else? I don’t really know, man. I’ve been internalizing it all day. I want to call her, but every time I try, I hang it up before I can leave a message.” Orlando took another swig of his beer.

“I was all for making that reservation on the Concorde, mate. But Viggo has his points and all. I know you are fond of his word.” Andre sounded somewhat dejected.

Orlando clasped him on the shoulder. “You’re my best friend, man. I trust your words and your instincts. Its just that Viggo was there, saw it all first hand. And well, lets not forget that you have given up on the fair species.”

“I may have abandoned women for men, but that doesn’t change what I know is right and wrong in my heart. Just remember, OB, new friends are grand but old friends are best. The same can be said for instincts.” Andre smiled, patting him on the back before taking his stick in hand.

Orlando paused, looking into the warm comfort of Andres eyes. “Your right man. Completely right. I have to get over this fear I have and just call her. I leave for Australia in the morning so I will call her either before I go or after I land. What is the worst she could do?”

“Hang up. That is always the worst. But you have to try.” Andre smiled and nodded softly, looking for an opportunity on the billiards table.

Orlando choked back the gulp of beer in his mouth. Feeling it awkwardly drain into the wrong pipe. Oh, Christ. I hadn’t thought of that. What if she were to hang up on me?

Erin awoke with a loud banging on the front door. Rubbing her eyes, she jumped up to halt the intrusive, repetitive knocking. The locksmith had come to replace the front door latches. Erin let him in before heading back to her room to slip on a robe. KittyKitty was curled up at the foot of the bed, her green eyes slit with the annoyance that ruined her own nap.

Erin stretched heartily, still exhausted. She scratched her nails through her mussed burgundy tendrils, sauntering into the kitchen to feed the cat and make herself a strong pot of coffee. Mid measurement of pouring the ground Java into the automatic coffee pot, the phone rang.

“Hello?” Erin yawned, catching it on the second ring as she grasped her coffee mug and set it on the counter.

“Hello, love.” The accent was strong, familiarly British.

Erin felt her heart skip a beat. “Um, Hello? Orlando?”

There was a hearty laugh. “No, love. Its Sean. I dropped ya a call yesterday, was hoping you would call me back. But if yer waiting for Softie to ring ya, I can let ya go. Course I would feel a bit put off and all.”

“Sean! How are you? Im sorry, I just woke up and at this moment all accents sound the same. I am sorry I didn’t ring you back. I worked a double last night and didn’t get home till almost 1 in the morning.” Erin glanced out of the kitchen window. A fresh blanket of snow covered every nook and cranny for as far as the eye could see. Damn, now I have to shovel. At least John was good for something.

“Forgiven, love. Besides, Orlando is more than likely on a plane bound for Australia this afternoon. Premiere tonight. But anyway, sorry you had to toil so late and all. Must be a hazard in working in the medical field and all.” Sean was munching on something as he spoke.

Erin spent a good deal of time on the phone with him, nearly draining the entire 10 cup pot of coffee she had put on. They chatted it up about weather, events and news in both of their lives. Erin cleverly avoided telling Sean what had happened with John. It was all she could do to put it from her thoughts.

“So, you are coming to the UK in less than a month then? Would you like to get together. I could be your personal tour guide through downtown London?” Sean said, hopefully.

“Actually, I have been there several times so I do know some of my way around. Not to mention Sierras’ husband, James, is native. But I would like some company anyway. So, lets bank on it then, eh? I am coming into Heathrow on Friday, January 11nth.” Erin leaned back, draining the last of her coffee.

“I have it marked on my calendar, love. You will have your cell on you, over here? I need that number again, I lost it. That is why I called the house last night.” Sean had his pen in hand, jotting down Erins cell phone number. “Well, I will talk to you before then. Take care of yourself love. Your beautiful.”

“I will talk to you soon, Sean.” Erin smiled, her face flushed with his compliment. She hung up, her thoughts wistful. KittyKitty nudged at her leg and Erin scratched her just behind the neck, watching as the beautiful black and white cat hunched her body upward to receive more attention.

The locksmith had completed his job. Erin reached into her purse to pay him and reminded herself to call about her car. She headed back into her room to gather her things and drew a bubble bath. The hot, soapy water was cocoa butter scented, instantly relaxing her senses. Erin let her mind drift, her thoughts of Orlando. I completely forgot Orlando, Lij, Billy and Dom were going to the Premiere in Australia tonight. Orlando must look beautiful, but then again…he is beautiful. I wonder what he is doing right now, wonder what he is thinking.

Erin found herself slightly flushed as she remember his touch, his kiss…and the feel of his body wound intricately within her. Not the most romantic place to make love, in the back of a limo, but it was still hot…and felt so good. Erin felt a twinge come over her, halting her thoughts. Though she had not been awake for the violation John had done to her, the thought of sexual contact seemed fleeting and ungraspable. There was a sense of guilt and agony at the remembrance and any thoughts of similar nature. I have to combat this. I am a vital, young woman…I used to love sex so much. What John did to me was wrong and I cant punish myself or my sex drive for it.

Erin closed her eyes, afraid the damage might already be done, deep inside her soul. Soaking her hair in the rich scented water, she forced herself to forget that night. I have to move on with these feelings with Orlando. He is an up and coming celebrity, hundreds of women are probably throwing themselves all over him. Not to mention his fiancee. The more I think of him the more I am drowning in the way I feel for him. I cant do this to myself. Its not healthy. He isn’t mine and he never will be. Love is a many sucking thing. But then again, can it even be called love if it is a one sided affair?

Erin sunk her head below the water, drowning out all thought other than the feel of the hot soothing water over her face. Tried though she might, she could feel him..taste him. His memory burned immortal on the edge of her lips and in her heart.

Orlando slept most of the way to Australia. He barely remembered take off, even as loud as the Concorde traveled. He came in late, sharing drinks and rounds of billiards with Andre and his mates, much to his mums’ dismay. Both she and Sam had dropped him off at Heathrow and planned to pick him back up the following afternoon. A long way to travel for a brief stint such as a premiere. Yet, the fans of the books who had anticipated the arrival of the film deserved to see the Elven Prince of Mirkwood at the first showing. Not to mention the publicity, for as invasive as it was, it was an expected part of his career and he had to honor that for the chance of his future prospects.

Orlando woke as the Flight Attendant informed passengers to make preparations for landing. He looked around, a bit startled. It was then he realized that Dom and Billy were not on his flight. He had forgotten to ask them when they were departing London. Lij was coming in from home. More than likely, his plane came in from Iowa to Los Angeles, where he too would catch a Concorde.

The flight landed and Orlando grabbed his carry on. He didn’t need much, just what he was prepared to wear to the Premiere and a change of clothes for the following day. One of the first trips he had the opportunity to travel light. With this day and age, it was more difficult with baggage.

Orlando made his way down the walkway toward the front of the airport. A limo driver was holding a sign which simply read, “Bloom”. Several people in the airport recognized him instantly and stopped to ask for an autograph and take a few snaps of him. Though he was no stranger to Australia, having spent the better part of near 18 months on the continent, the buzz around he and the Fellowship was never ending.

After obliging several people in the airport, Orlando slid into the limo and departed for the hotel. He thought it a bit expensive to do it this way, considering he still had the house in Wellington and the Jeep he had come to love parked in the driveway. But it was easier to control the press forum from a hotel, no matter how he had originally objected. There was a certain freedom to having your own place and car to motor around as you desire. Orlando mused.

It took little time to reach the hotel. He checked in and received his key card, slipping up to his room. Another lavishly appointed compartments with every imaginable ammenity and luxury. They certainly spare no expense.

Orlando unpacked, hanging his clothes up for the evening premiere. He lit a cigarette and took in his surroundings. Seems lonely, a bit too quiet for me. Maybe I will take in a quick bungee, for the sake of it. Or maybe I will call Erin.

Orlando plucked his cell phone out of his pants pocket and hit the memory key. Billy had supplied him with Amys number, which he dutifully recorded into his memory the night prior. The phone rang and to his surprise, someone picked up.

“Hello?” Came a breathless voice.

“Hello, is Erin there?” Orlando felt his mouth go dry with anticipation.

“This is. Who is this?” Erin was out of breath.

“Its Orlando.” Erin was silent on the other end. “You alright, you sound a bit out of breath and all? Hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time, love.” Oh god, her voice is like silk. My heart is longing…It feels like an eternity, even if it has been only a few days. Please Erin, respond.

Erin paused, her heart racing in her ears at the sound of him. “Um, yeah, I’m here. Just racing out of the bathtub, can you hang on, I need to put something on. Don’t want to give the neighborhood a free show and all.”

“Yeah, no problem, love.” Orlando felt himself shaking.

Erin ran into the bedroom, trading her towel for her bathrobe. Her heart was skipping a beat, her hands shaking as she tied the robe, racing back to the phone. “Alright, I’m back. How are you, Orlando?” I love you.

“I just got into the hotel in Australia and taking a moment to decide whether or not to head out and do some bungee jumping while I wait for the premiere. What about you, how are you?” Orlando prolonged the question, his meaning much deeper than she might have realized. How badly did he hurt you, love? Tell me that you are alright and missing me with all your strength.

“I am alright, nothing much going on, really. Sean told me you would be in Australia today. I had forgotten you had the premiere tonight. I hope it goes well.” Erin paused. “How did you know to call me here?” Her tone was almost accusitory.

Orlando stiffened at hearing Seans name. He called her, just as he said he would. “Well, Billy told me you were both on the outs with your boyfriends and all…and that both of you had decided to share a flat together. Its alright for me to call you here, yes?” If Sean can call you, why cant I? Orlando found himself on the defensive.

“Oh, alright. Yeah, its good to hear from you. So, are you psyched about tonight? Just about every magazine Amy has brought home has your pictures plastered across it. The premiere in NY was big news, all around.” I cant stop looking at those pictures of you and wishing I could have had just one with you. Just one good memory out of all of this.

“Right. Publicity is hell sometimes.” Orlando laughed, laying back on his bed, his heart threatening to explode. “But it is all part of the game. Hope you haven’t drawn a bulls eye over my pictures and all, love.”

“Yeah…no. I thought about it, but only as part of a drinking game.” Erin bit her lip, softly. “Look, Orlando. I wanted to apologize about the other night, and everything. I was a little drunk and out of hand. I shouldn’t have left like that. I should have let discretion be the better part of valor…” Erin did not want to say what her words had set her up to state.

Orlando jumped in, his eyes closed tightly. That night. I wish I could redo that night. I would have kept you beside me, I would have made love to you the way I wanted to, not like a savage. “I shouldn’t have let you leave and all. I really wanted to spend more time with you. But please, don’t apologize about…” Orlando paused, hearing the loud knocking at his door. “Hang on a second, Erin. Forgive me, Love. Someone is rapping at my chamber door.”

“Alright.” Erin bit deeper into lip, listening as the familiar voice of Billy screamed in the background. He is going to have to go, his life is calling. Buck up, Erin. Don’t get all teary. Why do you get so damn emotional? Because I love him… Erin shook her head. Your starting to sound like Gollum, turning an entire conversation in your mind.

“Erin, I am sorry but I have to go. Dom and Billy are here with Lij. I have to get dressed and all. Do you have a pen, take down my new cell phone number, incase you want to call me or anything.” Orlando leaned into the phone. Say it to her! Say, I love you. Tell her what is in your heart…before Sean does. Before she is gone forever from you.

Erin took down his number. “Yeah, I will let you go. Have fun tonight and send my kind regards to Jemma. Take care of yourself, Orlando.”

Before Orlando could say another word, Erin hung up. He withdrew the phone from his ear, looking at the end time and signal, almost in disbelief. No one told her that Jemma and I broke it off. She thinks I am here with her. But then again, why wouldn’t she?

Orlando tossed the phone onto the sofa in the main chamber where Dom, Billy and Lij were chatting as though they did not see each other two days ago. Lij rose, grasping a dejected looking Orlando. “How are you, Orli? You look like hell.”

Orlando pat him on the shoulder as Billy studied him with steady eyes. “Ya look like ya been cut seven shades to shit, mate.”

“Thanks Billy.” Orlando slumped down into one side of the leather sofa in the main room. His hand brushing along the line of his brow.

Lij leaned against the wall. “So Billy and Dom tell me you have heard all the news. Viggo called me and asked me to take a look in after you. After the holiday he is going to take a peek in on Amy and Erin. Liv was talking about inviting them out to a New Years party. I don’t know how much up to partying she will be, man.”

“Tell me what you saw, Lij. I want to know every detail.” Orlando cast his dark brown eyes to Lij.

Lij spied the bar, rubbing his hands together. “Hey, what is that slang..um, elbow..you know the one for having a few drinks?”

Dom threw a pillow at Lij. “Bend an elbow, mate.”

“Right. Lets bend an elbow before the premiere. Drinks anyone?” Lij turned, looking to the mini bar. It was filled with small bottles of every imaginable liquor.

“Lij, man, I need to know what you saw. You were there, mate. Not me. Don’t fuck around.” Orlando was growing aggitated.

“Ya don’t need to be doin’ this to yerself, OB. There t’aint a damn thing ya can do about what happened. Sinkin’ into the story is only gonna get ya more upset. We don’t need a repeat of that, and all.” Billy leaned back on the couch, looking past Doms spine to see Orlando. “Throw me a scotch, will ya, mate?”

Lij tossed a small bottle of scotch to Billy and another to Dom. He took two bottles of rum and handed one to Orlando, who looked at him with a depth of impatience in his eyes. “Do you really want to know, Orli? I think Viggo told you everything.” Lij could tell by his look that Orlando wanted to hear what he had to say. “Right, don’t look at me that way, man. Well, there was blood on the floor of her apartment and the dress torn to shreds that she had been wearing that night at the premiere. She came out of the bedroom, all black and blue, with a split lip, carrying a katana blade. Erin told us what happened. We spent the whole day talking, trying to get her to file charges. But she wouldn’t. Although she found blood on her thighs and she knew John raped her, she was afraid if they did one of those exams, it would turn up different evidence. If you know what I mean.” Lij cleared his throat as Orlando sank further into the leather couch. He uncapped his bottle of rum and took a full swig, emptying the contents. “That was it, man. Really. We were all worried about her. On the ride home, Liv and Viggo were pretty tight about the whole situation. And Liv felt like she should have told Erin that you and Jemma had split up, but didn’t know how she would take it. Liv didn’t want to give her false hope. So, that is all I can say, man.”

“Thanks.” Orlando nodded his head, studying the light fixtures in the room. His tone was somber, heavy.

“Come on, mate. Lets not lose the festive spirits. The premiere is going to be a blast and the after party should prove to help us forget our troubles.” Dom tried to lighten the thick mood, failing miserably.

“I should have gone to New York as soon as I heard. I realize that. I failed her again.” Orlando seemed to be speaking to no one, yet every person in the room felt the weight of his conviction. “I should have listened to Andre. He was right. How is it that one person can fuck up so badly? What in the hell is wrong with me?”

Billy shook his head. “Viggo was just cautionin’ you to wait it out. He never gives unsavory advice and ya know that, mate.”

“I was wrong and I have to live with that. I have to live with running away from her at every turn in New York…I pulled Erin in with one hand and pushed her away with the other. You don’t know how that feels.” Orlando stood up, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his pants, continuing his soliloquy. “Billy, you saw what you wanted and you went for it. You didn’t care what the cost or the odds against it. Amy is a great girl, suited for you. I found someone I care about, someone I love and I have all but blown it.”

“The chances of what happened with Amy and I were a million shot, mate. Ya had more at stake. I don’t see that ya failed her, I see that yer being cautious with her heart.” Billy set his empty mini bottle on the elaborate coffee table before him.

Orlando turned to face Billy. “I am recalling something Ian said to me on the plane back home. A real man makes his own fate. I have to do something..I have to go where my feelings lead me..to wherever it may lead. It cant wait.” Orlando paused, lost in his epiphany. “Sean is making a play for her, he called Erin today, I am gathering. And no, that is not why the sudden sense of urgency. I cant bare to think that he might be there to comfort her when it is my place.”

Lij said what was on the minds of every person in the room. “Be sure you are going to do, whatever it is you are going to do, for the right reasons. Fuck Sean. I love him but don’t do this to prove you can get the girl.”

“Piss off.” Orlando growled.

“No, man, don’t take that the wrong way. I love you with all my heart, Orli. You know I would never say anything out of spite. I just don’t want you to act out of spite.” Lij defended as Orlando shot him a deadly look.

“Orli, listen to me, mate. Yer not yerself, ya haven’t been since ya met the girl. Maybe yer right on this one. Maybe ya need to see her again, but fast, to decide if this is what yer wantin’. To be sure this is what path ya need to travel. Be sure this is not a challenge or an obsession.”

“I’m sure, Billy. I am sure that this is what I have to do. And I think I know how to make it happen. It starts by my calling the shots. With Erin, confidence has eluded me. But no longer. Excuse me.” Orlando grasped his cell phone and went into the other room.

“He’s gone daft, you know.” Dom raised a brow, looking to his best mate.

“Aye, but it just might be what he needs to do.” Billy nodded, looking to Lij.

Lij scratched his head, his big blue eyes full of expression and concern. “Man I wish Viggo was here. He is much better at this stuff than I am.”

“He’s got more experience in his years, man.” Dom nodded as Orlando returned from the other room.

“Billy, Dom, Lij…what are you all doing for New Years?” Orlando had a devilish light in his eyes as a smile crept across his lips.

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