December 17 (Sunday Morning)

Billy stumbled to the door, yawning. “What do ya want?” He grumbled, opening it part of the way to find Liv standing in the hall. “It’s a bit early, lass. What’s goin’ on?”

“I am here to get Amy.” Liv smiled despite her pounding headache. Billy let her in. “I went to OBs’ room to find Erin and the strangest thing happened. OB told me that Erin wasn’t there, and just closed the door in my face. He looked like shit, everything alright?”

“Erin is here, lass. It’s a long story best told by the ladies themselves.” Billy stumbled toward the bedroom. “Erin is in that room, I will collect Amy.”

Liv slipped her sunglasses up above her head, knocking on Erins door. “You in here, hon?” The door came unlatched.

Erin looked up, slipping her shoes on. “Oh, Liv. How are you this morning?” She ran a hand through her tangled burgundy mane.

“Doing a bit better than you, you look like shit. We will fix that with a little shopping and some make up. Hopefully we will be able to stop for lunch, but the schedule is tight.” Liv leaned against the door.

“I’m not going. I was going to leave you a note and slip out of here. I cant go with Sean tonight. Not after what happened with Orlando.” Erin felt the tears threaten as she turned her eyes away from Liv.

“What happened, Erin?” Liv drew herself toward the bed, sitting on the edge as she set her hand on Erins shoulder.

Erin felt her chin begin to quiver, the tears streaming unchecked from the rim of her eyes. “Well, it went something like this…”

Liv listened to Erin, shaking her head softly. Her thoughts were filled with the angry, animated young Brit the prior evening, outside of the Roxy. Liv didn’t think Orlando would make the same jealousy induced mistakes again and once more, he proved her wrong.

“Listen to me, Erin. Forget about him. If Orlando wants to play these games, he isn’t worth your time. That is a hard thing for me to say. I love him like a brother, but you cant keep letting him do this to you. He is acting like a child, wanting everything he sees in the toy store but not committed enough to pick just one toy.” Liv handed Erin a tissue from her purse. “You cant just back out on Sean. He didn’t do anything to you to deserve that.”

“But how am I supposed to face Orlando and his fiancée? Sean doesn’t deserve me being there just out of spite either.” Erin sniffled. “Sean is so charming and sweet and I had a blast with him last night, but I would be going to this thing with rightful intentions, only to spend the night upset and angry when I watch Orlando on the arm of his woman.”

“Sean is a bit older than all of us. He knows how to treat people and he knows how to make you forget about Orlando. Sean can wrap you up in his blanket of British charm and you will find yourself thinking Orlando Who? Lets not forget he is a gorgeous guy who is brilliant as he is creative. Come on, you know I am right” Liv smiled with a wriggle of her brow, causing a chuckle from Erin. “Don’t go to spite Orlando, go in spite of Orlando.” Liv removed tendrils of hair from Erins face.

“And that was what I was telling you last night before you started snoring!” Amy smiled, leaning into the door. “Listen to my logic, here. Orlando equals nasty little bastard, Sean equals hot pants and a half. Then there is always Viggo, meow!” she laughed, glancing behind her to see the unpleased face of Billy looking at her. “But you see, the hottest one is Billy, holy twisted metal Batman, he is the cats meow.”

“Could ya bee a little less phony an’ say that when I’m not around?” Billy smiled. “Erin, I listened to the whole dilemma. You have no choice but to go. I know yer not aimin’ the jealousy angle, but trust me, lass, every time Orli sees ya on Beans arm, he is going to want nothing more than to blow his own cover. Could be a knock out if he does, with Jemma there. That is worth the price of admission!” Billy had that irrepressible smile. “I will place a quid Jemma knocks him out before he can bound out of there!”

Liv laughed. “See, even though OB said that nasty shit about his friends, you are both stuck with us now. We are your friends too! So, he will just have to deal.” Liv rose, extending her hand to Erin. “Come on girl, we need to shop. Manhattan awaits!”

Erin and Liv waited outside the door to the suite as Amy and Billy gave an impassioned good-bye kiss. “Time is ticking, Amy, lets go!” Liv tapped her foot on the carpet.

“Jesus, its not like you aren’t going to see him tonight. I have a credit card dying to be maxed out. Lets do this!” Erin laughed, her cheeks stinging from the soreness of her tears.

Orlando stepped out of his suite as Amy attempted to walk away from Billy, his lips still clinging to her. Erin saw him, turning her head away quickly. Liv, noting the serious change in Erin, watched Orlando pocket his key card, looking to the group and turning away.

“Not going to say good morning, OB?” Liv gave him that knowing smile.

“Morning.” He mumbled, looking to the ground in awkward silence. “I have to go, airport is going to be packed.”

“Its not like you to not have a moment to spare, for your friends.” Liv had a sarcastic lilt to her voice.

“Sorry, love. I have had a long night. I don’t want to be late, you know how Jemma gets.” He cleared his throat, heading toward the elevator.

Billy released Amy. “Buy something beautiful, tonight is goin’ to be the time of yer life an’ I’m not meanin’ the premiere either.” Billy smiled as Amy blushed, turning his eyes to Orlando. “An’ make sure Erin looks tops fer Sean tonight too.” Knowing Orlando heard him, Billy went back into the suite, closing the door loudly.

“Come on Ladies, the city awaits!” Liv handed her sunglasses to Erin with a sad smile, knowing Erin would not want Orlando to see her the way she was. “OB, hold that elevator.”

Orlando obeyed, lowering his eyes as all three ladies entered. “Good morning, Amy…Erin.” Oh god, this is killing me. Her eyes are swollen, I can see it beneath Livs sunglasses. I wish I could make it better. I wish it was me she chose, instead of Sean.

“Good morning, Orlando. Pleasure, as always.” Amy was oozing sarcasm, her voice cold and bitter.

Erin stood stone still and silent as the elevator descended 48 floors, leaning back against the smooth metal. Liv was chattering to Amy about the stores they were embarking for. I can feel his eyes on me. I can smell him. Don’t look at him. Don’t talk to him. Just pretend he isn’t there.

The elevator came to the lobby as Amy and Liv stepped off, Erin following behind them. With a sudden motion, she stopped, feeling Orlandos hand on her arm. Amy and Liv turned.

“Erin, do you have a minute, love?” Orlandos’ voice was soft and somber.

Erin recoiled from his touch, drawing her arm from his grasp, her back to him. “No, actually, I don’t. And don’t you ever call me that, again.” Her words were hissed as she stepped out of the elevator and into the comfort of Liv and Amy who escorted her to the awaiting limo.

Orlando stood on the street just outside the hotel, watching as the car slid off into the throng of traffic, his body trembling softly. “I’m sorry, love.” He whispered to the wind as his limo pulled around the front of the building.

Erin dialed her cellphone. “Where the hell are you? I called Samantha and she Had no clue where you or Amy where. She said if you were in Rockland, she had no idea about it. What is going on, Erin? ” The voice on the other end demanded.

“I’m in the city on my way to do some shopping. Look, John. I lied to you about last night. The other night when we went to the city, we met up with a bunch of people. Well, long story short, Amy and I have been invited to the premiere of the Fellowship of the Ring.” Erin sighed, her head thumping with last nights libations.

“You fucking lied to me and to Scott? What the hell? That’s not like you.” John hissed.

“No, it isn’t and I am sorry for that. I did not think you would understand.” Erin removed the sunglasses, returning them to Liv.

“So who is this Orlando Bloom on my caller ID? Where is the number that goes along with the name?” Scott yelled out in the background.

“Tell Scott that he is no one and don’t worry Look, I don’t want to fight with you John. I am going to the premiere tonight and I will be home after that.”

“This is bullshit, Erin. You need to get your ass home now, not later. Fuck the premiere, we have shit to deal with.” John was growing increasingly angry.

“No John, that is where you are wrong. There is nothing to deal with and you will stop telling me what to do, now. Is that in anyway, unclear?” Erin growled.

“What the fuck did you just say to me?” John growled.

“I will come home when I am good and ready, so fucking deal with it. You disappear for three days at a time and you don’t hear me bitching at you when you come home, do you? So, I am not going to ruin my day with this bullshit. If you don’t like it, pack your shit.” Erin hung up, turning her phone off.

“Damn girl, work it!” Amy laughed. “Its good to see the old ass kicking Erin back again. Haven’t seen her since College. Fuck them both.” Amy could not care less how pissed off Scott and John were. Both she and Erin would deal with them on their own terms, when they were ready.

Liv brought Amy and Erin to the Jessica Mcclintock boutique in midtown, followed by DKNY and Victoria Secret for the dainty necessities From there, it was off to Prada for shoes and accessories.

“You realize I will be paying this credit card off for the rest of my life.” Erin smiled. “But its worth it, even for one night.”

“Billy has no idea what he is in for.” Liv smiled. “And Sean is going to drop dead. Now, wasn’t that just what the doctor ordered to mend a broken heart?”

“Something like that.” Erin nodded.

“We didn’t get anything for hair or makeup!” Amy looked mortified. “Where can we tell the driver to go?”

“Hair and make up are coming to us, hon. They should be at the hotel, in my room at 4. Don’t you worry about a thing.” Liv winked, settling back into the seat. “Shopping makes me damn tired. The fashion thing is totally my sisters alley, not mine.”

“Its almost 4 now!” Amy was in a panic. “Will they wait?”

“For the amount of money I am paying them, they will jump up and down and bark like a dog if we ask them too. Now, don’t worry, I told you this is going to be a worry free day.”

“The night, on the other hand, is fraught with danger and anxiety.” Erin sighed, resting her head on the seat.

“Orli!” Jemma sauntered down from the escalator, her eyes catching Orlando at the very bottom, awaiting her. “That flight was atrocious. First class must mean something different to me than it does to the airline.” Jemma wrapped herself around her fiancée. “You look like hell, Orli. Having trouble sleeping in this god forsaken city?”

Orlando held her close to him, drawing away to kiss her, deeply. “Something like that, love. I am sorry to hear about the flight. The driver is at the baggage claim awaiting your luggage.” He slipped his hand into hers. I should be more excited than I am to see the woman I will be spending the rest of my life with. She looks beautiful, like a porcelain doll I don’t want to touch, for fear of breaking it. But, she is too beautiful, too perfect. Erin. My heart is breaking to hold her one more time, to kiss her, to plead for her forgiveness. Time has finally slipped through my fingers. Erin has slipped through my fingers.

Jemma stopped, watching Orlando, his eyes roaming rapidly through a field of thoughts. “You aren’t listening to a word I am saying, Orli. Where are you right now?” She slipped a hand on her slight hip.

“I am here, love. Right beside you, as always. I was distracted, feeling a bit under the weather. You have my full attention, now.” Orlando half smiled, placating her.

“Well, like I was saying, that snot of a mate of yours, Andre, sent me a dozen dead flowers a few days ago. Have you talked to him since you have been here? His humor is most distasteful.” Jemma hissed.

“Yeah, I spoke to Andre last night. He failed to mention the dead flowers, love. But you know his sense of humor.” Orlando tried to defend his friend beneath the studying gaze of his fiancée. Your lying to her again. Andre told you what he did. Andre told you a good number of things in the early hours of this morning, none of which were flattering. He was right when he said I was acting like a spoiled tot, he was right when he said I have lost more than I might realize.

“That doesn’t make it right, Orli. But that is your mate, so I don’t know why I am bothering to confess my disgust to you.” Jemma walked with Orlando toward the limo out front of JFK. “So, is Liv going to behave herself tonight? I really don’t want to attend another of these functions just to watch her stuff her face with liquor and hor d’ovres and paw at you, again.”

Orlando felt himself growing more and more detached. “Liv doesn’t do that and you know better than to talk about one of my mates that way. Just because you are shallow and self centered and so damn image conscious that you wont sneeze in public doesn’t mean everyone else is. Including my mates.” Orlando growled, his accent deepening. “Some would call it healthy to eat, drink and be merry when in the presence of friends and family. The rest of the world, be damned.”

“Orlando!” Jemma widened her eyes. “How dare you talk to me that way! What in the hell has come over you?”

“Truth. Truth in all things and all paths of life.” Orlando turned to her, opening the limo door as the driver returned with baggage.

“You have been talking to Viggo again, haven’t you? I swear, is that man an actor or an artist…or is he some advice columnist guru. Think for yourself for a change, Orlando. Not the mindless philosophical drivel of that old hippie.” Jemma slid into the limo.

“Don’t you dare, ever speak of Viggo, or Liv or any of my mates like that again, Jemma. I have had it with you and your down the nose look at my mates. You talk this way behind their backs but to their faces, you are a hypocrite.” Orlando slid into the limo as well.

Jemmas face was shocked. “I swear, Orlando, you have never spoken to me like this before. Your being so forceful, almost brutish!” Jemma closed the smoky glass partition in the back of the limo, turning to Orlando. “You can be quite sexy when you are acting so common.” With a smile, she unbuttoned his jeans, sliding her hand against the warm depths of his most private flesh. Orlando lowered his eyes as a soft moan escaped his lips at the intimate and familiar touch.

Music was blaring from Liv Tylers suite. Criss Angel System 2, a gift to Liv from Erin. Lij, staying next door, was pounding repeatedly on the wall, screaming something about a hang over through the music. Liv laughed, turning the music up until the windows vibrated with the bass inflection of the Rave/Goth/Tribal Techno driven beat. Amy was relaxing on the long sofa, her facial drying as the manicurist filled her tips. “This is the life!” She shouted over the music.

“Hell yes it is!” Liv sat down, allowing her pedicure to dry as the hairstylist began to work magic on her mane. “And its even better with both of you here to share it. You guys are the best, you know that right?”

A pounding out of rhythm, signified someone was at the door. “I’ll get it.” Erin mouthed, walking to the door dressed in a robe, her hair bound in large curlers, her face covered in an apricot and seaweed mask.

Lij burst in as Erin opened the door, wearing dark blue slacks and a lighter blue button down shirt with an untied dark blue tie around his neck. Instantly, he walked toward the sound system, lowering the music. “I have the most splitting headache you can imagine, please ladies, I beg you…keep it down!”

“Oh, your no fun!” Amy booed him, tossing an errant cotton ball from her pedicure at him. The implement failed horribly, falling instantly to the floor.

“I was enjoying that!” Viggo laughed, leaning against the door in a pair of slacks and T shirt.

“Holy shit, I didn’t even see you!” Erin put her hand to her heart, scarred at his sudden arrival.

“A ranger can avoid being seen if he wishes.” He winked. “Hey, Lij, want me to order you a nice greasy cheeseburger before the premiere?”

Lij instantly put his hand to his mouth, rushing for the bathroom as Viggo laughed.

“Hey, where did the music go, mate?” Sean Bean stepped in behind Viggo, placing a hand on his friends shoulder with a smile. “Which one of you is my date fer the night?”

Erin wished she could have become invisible as she held her robe closed to her throat, raising her free hand bashfully. “Right here, Sean.”

“All those hours of shopping and this is what ya come back with?” Sean teased. “Well, if yer deciding to go as an orc, you have achieved the look! OW!” He recoiled as a flip flop sailed across the room. Amy whistled, looking as innocent as a newborn.

“Isn’t it bad luck to see your date before the…um, date?” Erin tried to scowl but the mask prevented her from such an action.

“That would be true if this were a wedding, love. Had three of those, never did care much for superstition.” Sean winked, resting his hands in the pockets of his black slacks.

Erin shook her head. “Don’t you have to finish getting ready? You know the more you talk, the later we are going to be!”

“Alright, love. I surrender. I’ll be waiting for ya.” Sean smiled. “If ya went just as you are, you would still be the most beautiful woman in the room.” He turned and walked from the room without another word. Erin could feel herself blushing beneath the hydrating/exfoliating facial mask.

“Don’t even think about asking me to leave. I intend to stick around and see the finished product.” Viggo laughed.

Lij emerged from the bathroom, an errant stocking clinging to his back. His face was pale, his eyes red and rimmed with tears. “That was cruel, man. Really cruel.”

Liv removed the stocking from his back with a laugh.

“Don’t go in there, those things are everywhere and they attack. Next time you ladies hit Victoria Secret, let me know…I volunteer to sit through the torture of watching you all try this stuff on.” Lij wriggled his brow as Liv slapped his back.

“Don’t you have to get ready or something?” Liv grumbled, setting the hose in her lap.

“Men get ready without all this nonsense. A quick shave and a clean pair of clothes and we are ready to go. Maybe a bit of mouse if we have the desire.” Lij primped amidst the angry looks of the three women. “Yeah, alright then. I am going to try to figure out how to tie this damn tie of mine. Anyone seen Orli? He is good at this stuff.”

Lij picked up the phone, dialing Orlandos’ room, completely unaware of the glares falling over him. “Jemma, yeah its Lij, is Orlando available? Yeah, mate, I need some help with my tie. I’m in Livs room. Yeah. Thanks.” Lij hung up. “Love that Jemma, not so much.”

Erin shot Lij the coldest look as the stylist began unrolling her hair. Lij recoiled, slinking toward the door. “Ouch, that look could turn me to stone. I don’t think I want to know what that is all about.” Lij turned to Viggo who was shaking his head.

“This is the first time that my room has not been the designated area. Someone have a bell to ring, the next round of the clash of titans is about to begin.” Viggo tried to lighten the mood.

“Your not funny, Vig.” Liv pursed her lips.

“Maybe you should meet him in the hallway.” Amy growled, standing as she prepared for the hairstylist who was now complete with Liv.

“All of you need to get out so we can get ready. Go.” Liv pointed to the door. Lij lowered his head, his eyes catching site of a familiar pair of shoes. “Orli, thank god your here, the ladies were about to throw me to the lions. Can you help me with my tie.”

“Yeah, man.” Orlando stood with his hands buried in the pockets of his jeans, a black and white button down shirt tucked haphazardly into the depths. The glares he received from Amy and Liv were enough to stop him dead in his tracks. “Maybe we should do this in your room, mate? Hey Vig.” Orlando tilted his head up in a sign of greeting.

“How’s it going Orli? The airport packed?” Viggo looked from Orlando to Erin. “Come on, I will join you in Lijahs room. Ladies, we will see you shortly.” Viggo smiled, escorting the two men out of the room.

Liv, awaiting only her dress, walked toward the door. “I will be right back guys. Don’t get dolled up without me, alright?” With that, she headed out toward Lijahs room.

Viggo was sitting on the sofa as Liv entered. Lij and Orlando were standing in the middle of the room as he worked his magic on Lijahs’ tie. Liv reached into Orlandos pocket, withdrawing his cigarettes, placing one to her lips as she threw the pack on the table.

“Lighter is in the other pocket.” Orlando stated matter-of-factly, his eyes focused on his appointed task. Liv reached around into his other pocket, sparking the cigarette to life.

“Your all done? Are you going naked or are you going to start a bathrobe fashion craze?” Viggo smiled, puckering up for a taste of the cigarette. Liv obliged him, drawing herself to a seat beside him. “I would vote for naked.”

“Your so funny.” Liv cracked a smile. “Almost ready, I am waiting for Amy and Erin to get finished. It’s a woman thing. We get ready together.” Liv smiled, taking a pull. “So, how is Jemma? Does she know what a jerk you are yet?”

Orlando turned to Liv. “That isn’t entirely fair, love.”

“I don’t know, seems pretty accurate to me. So, who are you more pissed off at, Sean or Erin?” Liv felt Viggo place his hand on hers as he pleaded with his cool blue eyes to drop the subject.

“Both. Neither. Doesn’t really matter, does it? There you go, mate.” Orlando pat Lij on the chest. “Take a look.”

“Why do I get the feeling you guys are sending the youngest one out of the room so the adults can talk?” Lij nabbed a cigarette. “What’s going on?”

“I really cant get into it right now, Jemma is waiting for me.” Orlando lit his own cigarette.

“Well, Jemma can continue to wait.” Liv stated coldly. “Are you going to apologize to Erin?”

“Even if I tried, she wouldn’t talk to me.” He exhaled.

“Well, why not try and find out?” Liv leaned in, giving Viggo another drag of her cigarette.

“Dude, what did you do now? This is like a soap opera, already.” Lij took a peek at his tie through the glass china cabinet doors, adjusting it slightly.

“You at least owe her an apology, Orli. You said some pretty cold things to her.” Liv exhaled.

“And what if I wanted an apology? What about that? What if I want her to tell me that she is only going with Sean out of courtesy and that she really wants to be there, on my arm, tonight.” His tone was dark, dripping with a flash of anger.

“Well, maybe if you weren’t such a damn priss and told Jemma what was going on…admitted that you have feelings for her, you wouldn’t be in this situation, now would you, Orli? Erin would have been on your arm, tonight.” Liv rose lowering her irritated tone of voice. “Look, its your life, do whatever you want to do with it. You are the one that has to live with knowing that you made a mistake, something that every one of us can see and have been trying to tell you. She is going to slip through your fingers forever after tonight and you have no one to blame but yourself. You are chained to your own fate.” Liv handed off the remainder of her cigarette to Viggo, kissing him softly on the cheek. “I have to finish getting ready. I will see you in a bit. Looking good Lij.” She winked before exiting the room.

“Damn, her panties are in a twist. Oh, speaking of panties, you should see the stuff they bought today at Victoria Secret. Jesus!” Lij laughed.

Orlando looked to Viggo, suddenly feeling overwhelmed and alone. “I don’t know what to do, Vig.”

Viggo rose, crushing the cigarette. “Neither do I, Orli.”

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