December 17 (Sunday, Early Morning)

“God damn, its cold out there. I didn’t feel it then, but I feel it now.” Erin laughed, rubbing her hands together. “Any sign of the gang? Amy and I have to get home.”

“I got Lijahs cell. Billy answered, so they are on their way back soon. You look chilled to the bone, love. Tell you what, go take a shower and I will order us up some soup, sound good?” Orlando threw his jacket on the chase lounger in the formal living room of the suite.

“I still can’t get over this place.” Erin glanced around, warming her hands. “How am I going to take a shower, I don’t have a change of clothes?”

“I will give you a spare set, just to warm up. Go ahead. I will toss in a few items. I have some relaxing sage pearls in there for just such an occasion.” Orlando smiled. “I promise not to peek.”

“Are you kidding, I out weigh you by like 30lbs, if not more.” She shook her head, looking him over appraisingly.

“Do you see me complaining?” Orlando smiled, charmingly.

Finally, Erin nodded, realizing it was probably the fastest way to prevent the chill from invading her bones. “Alright, you win. But I will hold you to your promise.”

Orlando smiled as Erin took her jacket off, leaving it on the sofa before heading into the bathroom. “Dear god, this is not a bathroom it’s a damn palace. A Jacuzzi? This is insane!” He heard her exclaim through the closed door, water blazing at full speed into the expansive tub. The scent of sage from one of Orlando’s bath beads making her drunken senses spin with delight.

Erin disrobed slowly, the steam filling her lungs with the most pleasant sensation. Dipping a toe into the water, she shivered. In an instant, she submerged her foot, followed by the other, swooshing around to get her skin used to the temperature. Drawing to a seat, she let the sage scented hot water lap over her flesh. Dipping her face into the exquisite depths, Erin cleared away the excessive make up. With a smile, Erin flipped the switch for the tub jets, leaning back with a soothing moan. I could learn to live like this.

Erin sank back, letting the hot water run the length of her body. Her hair floating all about her in the maelstrom of the whirlpool, she dripped bubbling scented water from her fingertips onto her exposed flesh.

After several moments, a knock came to the bathroom door. Orlando slipped into the doorjamb, his back to the Jacuzzi tub, steam whirling all about him. “I am half tempted to join you.” He smiled. Glancing into the foggy mirror he could make out the beads of bubbly water that dripped from an exposed arm.

“Don’t tempt me.” Erin laughed, splashing him with the hot spray. “Tell you what, you can rain-check me on it.”

“I have every intention, love.” Orlando smiled though his will was at odds with his word to not turn and take a peek of her exquisite flesh. “I left some clothes on the countertop for you. Soup is on the way, but take your time.”

“A herd of buffalo could not get me out of this tub, don’t you worry about that.” Erin smiled, leaning her head back against the elaborate marble tile surrounding the tub. Orlando stepped out, leaving her alone to wonder if this was truly, nothing but a dream.

After several moments, Erin rose from the tub, slipping the extremely soft towel about her form. Drying off slowly, she reached for the clothing he had left for her. A T shirt and a pair of cotton boxers. With a guilty smile, she brought the clothing to her nose, inhaling his incredible scent. He is driving me out of my mind. Come on, Erin. Stay sane.

Slipping on the clothes, Erin found they fit nicely against her form. Thank god for elastic. She chided, towel drying her hair. Not wanting to use something as personal as his brush, she finger combed through her excessively long, burgundy mane. Opening the door, her approach was heralded by a cloud of steam.

Orlando stopped, looking to Erin as she stepped from the bathroom. She looks amazing in my clothing. Something territorial and primal about it. “Feel better, love?”

“A world better. Those sage thingys’ of yours really take the edge off a potential hang over.” She smiled, walking into the formal dining room where dinner was served on intricate silver dining plates and bowls.

“I ordered a vegetable soup with a side of smoked Chinese celery, hope you don’t mind.” Orlando smiled.

“It looks absolutely mouth watering.” Erin smiled, seating herself at the elaborate table. Munching on a stalk of crispy smoked celery, she regarded Orlando softly. “This really has been the most amazing few days of my life. Thank you, Orlando.”

“I hope it wont be the only amazing days.” He said with the most charming crooked smile. Erin found herself drawn into his deep sable eyes, framed beneath long, thick lashes.

“I guess we see if lightning really does strike in the same place, twice.” Erin covered her mouth with the edge of her hand as she spoke, the crunching noise louder than her words. “So, when is your last day in New York?”

“The premiere is later tonight. I promised Jemma we would take in a spot of lunch on Monday before we depart. After that, I am off to home for a bit. The New Year puts me back in New Zealand for the Return of the King and a bit of touch up work on The Two Towers.” Orlando realized he had spoken of Jemma and found himself suddenly modest about his personal life.

“So, Jemma is a supermodel, I hear.” Erin felt the sting like an arrow through her heart.

“Yeah.” Orlando nodded, sipping at his soup.

“Was it her looks that attracted you?” Erin lifted the spoon to her lips, tasting the smooth broth.

“I would be lying if I said otherwise. Looks only go so far.” He cleared his throat, changing the subject. “What about John, what does he do for a living?” Orlando turned the tables back onto Erin.

“John is into music. But during the day he works for a tech support professional. Office job with not too much on the cash flow. Not too glamorous, I know.” Erin could not hide her disdain. His life is so much more exciting than my own.

“That’s nothing. I used to work as a clay trapper, loading the pigeons in for the shooters to hit. Talk about unglamorous.” Orlando smiled. I don’t want to know this, but I have to… “Do you have a picture of him?”

Erin nodded, setting her spoon down. She leaned into her jacket, opening up her wallet and offering the pictures within to Orlando. He accepted, taking a glance at the man Erin went home to each night. Long dark hair, steel blue eyes, quite handsome. Orlando noted. Inhaling deeply, Orlando flipped to the next picture. A prom table photo where Erin and her date sat in the middle. Several of friends and a few of children belonging to her close confidants. “You have lovely memories here.”

“I like to think so.” Erin accepted the wallet back, setting it in her jacket pocket. “Some pretty happy thoughts accompany those photos.” She could not keep from yawning.

“If you want to take a nap before everyone gets back?” Orlando asked.

“That would be pretty wonderful. I am feeling exhausted. I guess you could say, I didn’t get much sleep for the past two nights.” Erin set her napkin down on the table.

“Come with me, I will get you all set up.” Orlando set his own napkin down, rising from the table and leading Erin to the bedroom.

Erin stepped in. The room is pin straight, it looks like it has just been cleaned. Orlando had his clothing packed with the exception of a suit hanging on the closet door, most presumably for the premiere. The room itself was expansive and lavish, appointed with an almost Victorian elegance. The bed was dark wood with a high headboard, the mattress a considerable distance higher from the ground than average. The comforter was a rich, ornate crème color with burgundy plush pillows. “Take a nap, I will come and wake you when the lot of them return.”

Erin slipped in amidst the perfect bedchamber, drawing the covers back as she nestled against the feather down mattress. Orlando stepped into the room as she drew herself down. He leaned over and tucked her in. “I will see you in a bit.” He smiled, finding himself comfortable in such a menial task.

“Hmmm this is a cozy bed, I trust I will be out the moment that door is closed.” Erin smiled, snuggling herself into the covers as Orlando tucked them in around her. With a soft motion, he slipped his fingers within her mane of damp hair. “Rest well, love.” He smiled as he closed the door behind him.

“Orli? Lad, where are ya?” Billy knocked on the door as he opened it. “Ya forgot to lock the door, mate. You around?” Billy looked about in the expansive rooms. Seeing the bedroom door slightly ajar, Billy pressured it slightly, sending it open. “If this isn’t the most peaceful moment!” The irrepressible Scot smiled, his drunken whisper falling on the sheer quiet of the room. Orlando and Erin were snuggled up beneath the covers, his arm draped protectively over her still form. They make quite the couple, these two. I wonder what happened in here tonight.

“Orlando!” Billy yelled out with a laugh. The young Brit jolted his head upright, instantly, his sleep filled eyes attempting to focus as Erin slowly turned beneath Orlandos sheltering arm.

“Billy, what time is it?” Orlando mumbled. Erin rolled onto her back, her eyes opening to see Orlando laying beside her, his arm held tight about her waist.

“It’s six in the morning, lad. We got in a few hours ago but we were, um, busy. I take it you had a restful nap?” Billy giggled despite himself. Orlando forced his eyes to open, lingering a moment on the beautiful waking vision of Erin pinned beneath his arm.

“Four in the morning? Oh shit, mate. I have to get up, I have to get to the airport, shortly.” He looked down to Erin, who was slowly waking. I only wanted to lie down a moment. Would, that I had a few more hours to wake with my arm around her. This is torment.

Erin stirred, gazing into Orlandos eyes. “What happened? How long have I been asleep. Billy! Oh my god.” Erin bolted upright.

“About three hours, I think. I came to lay down for a spell and here this bugger wakes us. Are you wearing a smoking jacket, Billy?” Orlando sat up, rubbing his eyes.

“Aye, mate. That I am.” Billy wriggled his brows toward Orlando, who instantly knew what had transpired. “Well, any at any rate, Amy is fixin’ fer me to tell ya both that she will be accompanying me to the premiere tonight. On that note, I have to go lad, the lady awaits.” Billy closed the door, whistling on his way out of the suite.

Erin sat up, stretching her arms and immediately grasping her pounding head. “Did what I think, actually happen? Was Billy just here?”

“I think so, love. At any rate, looks like you will be going home alone, will you be alright?” Orlando smoothed a hand through his unruly mahogany tendrils.

“Well, Orlando, I think I neglected to mention something to you last night.” Erin sat back against the headboard. “Sean was setting something up with Liv for today…”

Orlando quirked a brow, a sinking feeling settling into his thoughts. “But tonight is the premiere. Liv is going to be busy?”

“Yes, she will be busy. But she will be shopping with me and now, apparently Amy.” Erin paused, a dry taste in her throat, her heart racing. “Sean invited me to accompany him tonight. I accepted.” She spoke softly, hoping he would not hear her.

“You are going to the premiere of the Fellowship of the Ring with Sean??” Orlando was in disbelief. “You are jesting, right?”

“Um, well, no I am not. I remember telling him I would go and he was going to ask Liv to take me shopping for something to wear. Your not mad are you?” Erin knew he was angry, she could feel it.

“No. No I am not angry, I’m outright pissed off.” Orlando scratched the back of his neck, his face flushing with anger. “How could you accept his offer like that? Like I mean nothing to you?!”

“Mean nothing to me? Where the hell does that come from? I thought we were friends, Orlando. Besides, Jemma is coming in to be with you for it, isn’t she?” Erin felt herself grow upset at the thought of the supermodel being on his arm.

“Of all bloody people, you had to accept Seans invitation? For Christs’ sake, Erin.” Orlando rose, wearing nothing more than his boxer shorts as he began to pace the room, his hand braced to his brow.

“I didn’t want to go, but when Sean invited me I thought, what the hell. Why are you so pissed off at that? Are you angry because I have overextended my welcome or because I am going with Sean? Hmm? You have no reason to be pissed off, Orlando. By the next time I see you, if I ever see you again, you will be a married man, remember? We are supposed to be friends, remember?” Erin found her tone becoming increasingly sarcastic. “Unless you meant that offer at friendship to hold so long as I did not invade your fellowship of mates, which you dragged me into, remember? I was perfectly happy to live a normal existence where nothing out of the ordinary happened to me. You just had to send that limo last night and have your final say, didn’t you? You have no right to be pissed off.” Erin rose, throwing the covers off of her. She stormed into the other room, gathering her belongings.

After a moment Orlando stepped out into the living room. Erin threw his clothing onto the couch, redressed in her own from the previous evening. “Don’t you have a relationship of your own, that doesn’t involve my friends?” Orlando hissed, realizing how it must have sounded. “Erin, look…” Orlando tried to explain as Erin continued her tirade.

“How dare you! How dare you preach piety to me? You spout sonnets one night and fire the next morning. Who the hell do you think you are? Well I have news for you, I am going to go with Sean tonight because I gave my word. Don’t think I won’t have to face bullshit with my boyfriend for it either, not that it matters to you. I still have to explain all of this him.” Erin waved her arms around, over exaggeratedly, indicating, everything. “I don’t owe you any fucking explanation. What I do, when I do it and who I do it with is none of your fucking business, mate.” Erin mocked, throwing her jacket over her arm, walking toward the door as Orlando moved into her line of sight.

“Erin, wait…”

“Don’t worry, Orlando. I won’t breath a word of this to your fiancée. I am not a rat like that. Just stay clear of me and I will do the same for you.” Erin grasped the door knob. “Oh, and by the way Orlando. Fuck you.”

Erin slammed the door behind her, leaving Orlando in a state of sleep weary disillusionment. “Have a good time tonight. See you on the red carpet.” Orlando sighed, shaking his head to clear his thoughts of the anger and jealousy.

Amy opened the door to the suite, the banging enough to wake an entire floor of the hotel. Erin fell into her arms, tears streaming down her cheeks. “How did you know this was the right room? Shhh, sweetie. What’s wrong? Come on inside and talk to me.” Amy closed the door, drawing Erin in with her.

Billy came rushing out of the bedroom. “Who is it?” Seeing Erin in tears, he instantly drew towards the duo, sighing. “What did he say, Erin?”

Amy sat Erin down on the couch in the formal living room of the suite. “What happened? Billy told me the two of you were all wrapped up in the covers…did you?” Erin shook her head, drying her tears with the tips of her fingers. “I didn’t know, I just didn’t care which room it was. We didn’t do anything last night, we just talked. But…” she sobbed. “When he found out I accepted Seans invitation last night, he got all pissed off. Its not like his fucking fiancée isn’t coming to be with him tonight in New York. Like that doesn’t hurt when I feel…Oh, fuck it. What does it matter?” Erin shook her head, her face contorted in pain and anguish.

“I have a mind to tell him a thing or two.” Billy growled. “What an arse!”

“Get her a cool drink of water, please, Billy?” Amy smiled sorrowfully. “Please?”

“Right.” Billy grumbled, heading to the bar within the suite.

“Who does he think he is to deny you the fun of going to the Premiere with Sean. The two of you are supposed to be friends.” Amy patted Erins back softly.

“I thought it wouldn’t matter, especially since he settled his own bullshit with Sean last night. I didn’t ask him to have a jealous fit. I didn’t even want to go, but Sean caught me in a moment that I would have said yes to just about anything. I was drunk and no, it isn’t an excuse. You know how I am when I say I will do something.” Erin sobbed, trying to catch her breath.

“Jealous prick, trying to have his cake and eat it to. Fuck him. You don’t need him or anyone else. You have me. That’s all you need.” Amy smoothed her friends dark hair, calmingly.

“I just want to go home. I am going to tell Sean that I can’t go and just go home, where I belong. This is bullshit, Amy.” Erin wiped her tears in vain as more poured down her eyes.

“Don’t you dare go home, Erin. Fuck him, you don’t need him. Since when do you answer to him, huh?” Amy slipped her hand into Erins. “Besides, Sean and I talked to Liv last night, after Billy asked me. Liv said she could not wait to take us shopping. Even Viggo seemed happy, until Lij puked on his dinner, but that is besides the point.”

“Elijah puked on Viggos dinner?” Erin felt a chuckle rise to the surface of her sobs.

“Most definitely. Nearly caused everyone to hurl. Good thing I have a cast iron stomach!” Amy laughed.

“Sounds like I missed a hell of a time.” Erin wiped her eyes as Billy offered her a glass of water. “Thank you Billy.”

Billy sat down beside Erin, drawing her head onto his shoulder as his arm encircled her. “It’s alright lass, let it out. Cry on me shoulder. Yer safe here.”

Erin felt her emotions bubble over as Billy encircled her with his arm. Why can’t Orlando be like this? Why can’t he understand? He says one thing but he means another! I can’t take this…

“..I can’t take this.” Erin repeated her thoughts, sobbing onto Billys shoulder.

“I know, lass. Yes, let it out. Crying is good fer the soul.” Billy rested his head on Erins’, his eyes glancing to a sympathetic and obviously hurt, Amy. “I wish the bastard would make up his mind, already.” He mumbled, smoothing Erins shoulder. “Listen to me, lass. I am going to lead ya to the second bedroom. Come an’ lay down, git some rest. Things will look brighter in the morning.”

Erin let Billy lead her to the bedroom, settling her in. Amy came bursting through the door, resting herself on the bed beside Erin. “I’m sorry, Billy. I can’t leave her in here alone, girl talk, yanno? I will come back in later, alright?”

Billy nodded his head. “Alright love. I will be waitin’ fer ya.”

Erin and Amy settled into the dark expanse of the room as Billy turned and walked out of the suite, his eyes steady and focused.

“It’s open.” Orlando shouted as he buttoned his shirt, the loud banging on his door like a herald in the darkness.

Billy stepped through the door, letting it swing as he made his way in the dim light toward Orlando. “What in the hell is wrong with you, boy?”

“Whoa, hold on, Billy.” Orlando put his hands up to slow the angry Scot. “Things got a little intense, but don’t concern yourself, mate.”

“Don’t concern myself? Erin is in my room, in tears because of you. I have half the mind to knock ya on yer arse. What in the hell did ya say to her, now?” Billy was fuming, his voice booming through the hall with the door left open.

“It’s none of your business, mate. Nor is it anyone else’s, for that matter.” Orlando grumbled, hearing a door open somewhere in the background.

“Damn sight it is my business. You made this my business an’ everyone else’s’ when ya got us all involved. Why can’t ya do this like a man, wash yer hands an’ be done, if that is what yer aimin’ fer!” Billy could care less who he woke. Turning with the sudden sound of the door to the suite closing.

“What in the hell is going on in here? You are going to wake the whole floor with this racket.” Viggo stepped in, closing his robe.

“Sorry if we woke you, mate. Billy and I are just having a spot of disagreement.” Orlando defended.

“Like hell we are. I could care less who we wake up. I have a hysterical woman in my room an’ its all the fault of this lad.” Billy growled. “Makin’ a woman cry is a disgustin’ sight an’ this lad has no right to be makin’ himself look innocent!”

“Alright, calm down Billy. Orli, what is going on?” Viggo yawned, looking careworn and tired from the nights events.

Orlando drew a long breath and began to explain to Viggo and Billy the course of the nights events.

“So, nothing happened tonight. Not even a kiss?” Amy asked, snuggling into the covers as Erin explained the nights events to her.

“Nothing. Even though I wanted it to.” Erin wiped her swollen eyes. “and then all of this. Did I do something wrong by accepting Seans invitation?”

“Hell no! You and Orlando are just friends, as are you and Sean. I think it was pretty damn cool that Sean liked you enough to invite you. Not like that priss-ass son of a bitch would have done that. It would have conflicted with his interests and lets not forget his fiancée. He has no right and every right to be jealous, Erin. If he is digging you so much, he had the choice of doing things differently.”

Erin snuggled into the covers, her head swimming. “What the hell do I look like, coming here to talk to Orlando and ending up on a friendly date with Sean? I look like a damn tramp. Lets not even mention what John is going to think of all of this when I come clean to him. Orlando Bloom has ruined my life and I sure as hell helped him to do it.”

“That is bullshit. Look at Scott and I. Its going to be pretty ugly, but you know what? Billy has treated me better in two days than that asshole has treated me in the past 6 months. I am not banking on what happened tonight with Billy and I. If it never goes anywhere, I will be hurt but so be it. Scott and I have been over and done with for a while now. Shit, you have been putting up with Johns unresponsive, late night comings and goings for a damn site longer than all that. He can pack his shit and go, too.” Amy was afire, growling her words. “Both you and I have to start living for ourselves and each other. Fuck all those who come into the mix.”

“Why do I feel responsible for Orlando getting mad?” Erin rolled onto her back, looking up at the dark ceiling. “And this gets all the rest of them involved, since Orlando cant seem to keep his mouth shut and his friends out of it.”

“Well that is his problem, Erin. Not yours. You didn’t involve the whole damn group of them, he did. He is the one who has to deal with them. God, I want to break a foot off in his ass so bad, I can taste it!” Amy hissed.

“I still don’t want to go to the premiere, Amy. I am going to hop on a bus in the morning and just forget about it. But I want lots of gossip, alright?” Erin sniffled, drawing her forearm over her eyes.

“You are going with me, damn it. Fuck what Orlando Bloom has to say. I don’t want to hear another word about it.” Amy grumbled, looking to Erin. The soft inhalation of breath told the blonde that Erin had given to the drama of it all and found bliss in the arms of sleep.

“Well, this was bound to happen.” Viggo sighed. “You can’t do this to someone and expect them to respond favorably. I told you before, what happens between Sean and Erin is not your concern, unless you have both interest and intent for her. Sean is not doing this to spite you, he likes the girl. Its obvious to all of us. Hell, he couldn’t stop talking about her at the diner tonight. If you are going to stick to your guns, you have to let it all go or else you have to come clean with Jemma. It all comes down to you.”

“Funny, Erin said that to me on the night I kissed her. Why does it still sound like a dare, even coming from you?” Orlando sighed, resting in the chase lounger within the formal living room.

“If that is the way you take it, then your life is daring you for something more than what you have been doing. You cant blow hot and cold with someone and then expect to forbid them from doing what they want. Erin is not your fiancée, she isn’t even your girlfriend. She is just a friend, Orlando. She can come and go as she pleases and it is your job to accept it.” Viggo rose. “I am done playing Dear Abby now. I have to get some sleep.”

“I have to go pick up Jemma at the airport. She will be at JFK in 2hrs.” Orlando yawned, fighting the tiredness threatening to consume him. “I am sorry I woke you, Viggo.”

“Blame it on the obnoxious Scot here.” Viggo smiled, tiredly. “I will see you both in the evening. Unless there is a fire, don’t bother me until then.”

“Right.” Orlando nodded as Viggo left the room. Turning his eyes to Billy. “I am really sorry to get you involved. It is really hurting me to know Erin is in tears about this. But what can I do?”

“You could go to her!” Billy exclaimed.

“No, Billy. I can’t. The bridge is burned. Even then, I don’t think I could look her in the eyes knowing she was going to that Premiere with Sean and not me.” Orlando sighed.

“She belongs with you, lad. That is the very thought ya have been fightin’ with since the day ya met her. But that is yer mistake an’ yer remorse when ya let her slip out of yer fingers. I’m goin’ ta bed. I will see ya tomorrow.” Billy grumbled and stepped through the door, leaving Orlando alone with his thoughts.

Return to Main Page