A Changed Life Page 6

  “After the formal, we all attended a party at the Beach Club. Jennifer was drinking and partying hard. Simon didn’t like it, and warned her several times to slow down. She didn’t care and strayed away from our group and joined Michael.”

  “He was there with his friends partying just as hard as Jennifer was. They began dancing and were putting on quite the floor show.”

  Now this is beginning to make sense to me. Simon hates Michael because he was involved with Jennifer.

  “How did Simon react when he saw Jennifer and Michael together?”

  “It wasn’t pretty, Nicolette. Simon was so angry and embarrassed by how she was acting. She was so wasted and she was all over Michael. What a scene she was making on that dance floor for everyone to see! Michael was licking her neck with his tongue, and his hands were all over her body. Simon pulled Michael off of Jennifer and then lunged at Michael, sending the both of them to the floor. Simon began punching Michael, and then Michael managed to get him off and hit Simon right in the face. Oh my God, it was a mess. By the time it was over, Michael and Simon were bloodied and banged up, and Jennifer was throwing up in the bathroom.”

  “I get it now. Why would Simon want to relive this?”

  “Nicolette, it’s still painful for him. He told you about Jennifer, but I think he blames himself for what happened to her.”

  “Bailey, Jennifer was the one that made the decision to drive drunk and get high on drugs. Simon, did the best he could for her. How is any of this his fault?”

  “It’s not, but if he would have brought her home himself and not put her in the cab, maybe she would still be alive.”

  “Was Jennifer cheating on Simon with Michael?”

  “Rumors were circulating around school that Jennifer was sleeping with Michael while she was with Simon. Simon never knew the real truth until after she died. Nicolette, even before Jennifer, Simon and Michael never got along with each other. Fighting over Jennifer wasn’t the first time they argued and came to blows. Simon and Michael never got along. Michael was a senior when Simon transferred to our school. Simon was a hit from the minute he stepped onto our campus, he became popular right away, and of course Michael wasn’t having that.”

  “What should I do, Bailey? Do I try to talk to Simon about this?”

  “It’s up to you, it’s Simon’s story to tell. You need to have patience and trust him to tell you when he’s ready too.”

  Ice cream cures everything. I helped myself to a heaping bowl of chocolate fudge brownie while I waited for mom and dad to get home. My cell phone was ringing, ugh! Hope it’s not Michael again. I look down at my phone and it’s Uncle Jack! I brighten right up.

  “Hey Uncle Jack, what’s up?”

  “Hello Nickel! I had a few minutes, and wanted to check in on my favorite niece.”

  “I’m your only niece, Uncle Jack.”

  “Well, that’s why you’re my favorite. So tell me what’s new in your life? How is your first week going at school?”

  “It’s only my second day, but I’m doing well. You will be happy to know that I have chilled out on my complaining about California. I’ve met some new friends and I have a…”

  “You have a what? Nicolette.”

  “Ok, twist my arm. I have a boyfriend, Uncle Jack. His name is Simon, and he is amazing.”

  “Well, he better be, because you deserve someone special. How are your parents doing?”

  Rolling my eyes, “All good. You know how they are once they begin writing new material. While talking to Uncle Jack, my phone beeps with a text message from, guess who? Michael. Hey Uncle Jack, I have to go.”

  “Is everything okay, Nicolette?”

  “It will be once I take care of something. It’s a long story; can I talk to you over the weekend?”

  “Sure no problem, say hi to mom and dad for me. Nickel, remember if you need me for anything, please call me day or night.”

  “I will Uncle Jack, and don’t worry, I’m fine. I’ll talk to you soon. Give Aunt Sara a hug from me, miss you both.”

  “Right back at you honey, we miss you too!”

  Checking my phone, I have one missed call and one text message from Michael. What do I do? I can’t avoid him forever. He is just going to keep calling me until I talk to him. I need some more ice cream to help me deal with Michael. I can simply text him back, but then if he is not happy with my answer he will probably just call me. I fill my second bowl and get comfortable in my favorite oversized chair. The house is so quiet right now with no one home. Sitting in the media room, I turn on the television and hit play on the DVD player. “P.S. I Love You” is in the machine, not the movie I need right now. I click it off and sit in silence while I finish eating my ice cream. My thoughts are loud enough thinking about Michael and how to deal with him. He wants my answer about going out. This is ridiculous at this point! I am driving myself crazy over someone I hardly know, this shouldn’t be this complicated. I’m going to pull the band aid off and just text him. Who cares if I piss him off? He will get over it. I take my dish into the kitchen and sit at the breakfast nook to text Michael.

  Me: Hey! Not going to be able to see you this weekend. I have plans with my boyfriend.

  I hit send and now I wait. My message was pretty blunt, but needed to be. My phone pings with his reply.

  Michael: Boyfriend? Since when?

  So much for being blunt. Now what do I do? I’m about to text him and he has beaten me to it by calling me. I take a breath and answer my phone.

  “So you’re available this morning when I asked you out, and now you have a boyfriend? Wow! You move fast, don’t you?”

  “Hello to you too, Michael.”

  “You didn’t answer my question, Nicolette.”

  “No, I didn’t Michael, and I really don’t see how this is any of your business. I am a female, we have been known to change our minds from time to time. Yes, I do have a boyfriend, and I never promised you anything.

  You caught me this morning when I wasn’t even really thinking about anything beyond the rest of my day. I never said yes to going out.”

  “That’s not how I understood it at all Nicolette. I think your boy Simon knew that I had a chance with you, so he swooped in and got to you first.”

  Counting silently to ten before answering him, “Seriously, Michael? That’s what you think? That Simon only asked me to be his girlfriend because you’re interested in me. I hate to break it you Michael, but you give Simon too much credit. He’s not thinking about you at all.”

  “Ouch Nicolette, that one hurt. You surprise me; you really know how to pull out your claws when you want to.”

  “Michael, whatever you are thinking or have thought about you and me, it’s in your head. Can we just be friends and put all of this behind us? Our parents work together. I really don’t want things to be awkward between us.”

  “Go out with me and they won’t be.”

  “Oh my god! You haven’t heard a word I have said! I have a boyfriend!” I’m ready to pull my hair out with this stupid conversation with Michael and it has gone on longer than I wanted it to be. “Listen I have to go.”

  “Nicolette, wait a minute. Ok you want to be friends? Then let me take you to a concert this weekend as friends.”

  “I can’t do that Michael, and you know why. Simon is my boyfriend and he won’t appreciate me going anywhere with you.” Silence, complete silence. “Um…hello?” Michael hung up on me. What a jerk! Now I can hope he will back off.

  “Nicolette, we’re home.” I hear my dad call out to me. Still seated at the breakfast nook, I haven’t moved since my phone call with Michael. I shake it off and go greet my dad. He walks into the kitchen and I give him a big hug. “Hey daddy, how are you?”

  “I’m good. Have you eaten yet?” Lying just a bit, “Nope, waited for you and mom.” I helped mom set the table as Dad opened some wine. We sat down in the dining room, and Mom had asked me about my day.

  I was a little nervous about
telling them about Simon, but excited at the same time. I opted not to mention Michael at all. As Mom began passing the dishes around, I blurted out. “So I have news. Simon asked me to be his girlfriend today, and I said yes.” Silence. Mom and Dad are looking back and forth at each other. Maybe this wasn’t a great time to bring this up. Mom takes a sip of her wine, as Dad stops eating and looks up at me.

  “Nicolette, don’t you think you may be rushing into things with this boy? He’s very nice, but you’ve only have known him a short time.”

  Letting out my breath, his reaction wasn’t so bad. “Dad, it’s not a short time, I’ve known him for a couple of months now, and I think that’s enough time to know if I like him or not.” Turning to my mother, “Simon is great Mom. I really do like him and he likes me too.”

  “I believe you honey, if you and Simon share the same feelings for one another, and he treats you with respect, than I’m fine with it.”

  “Nicolette, as long as Simon behaves himself, I don’t have a problem with it. If he steps out of line with you, Simon has ME to deal with. You’d better reiterate that to the boy.” If only my father knew, I’m the one that can’t keep her hands to herself; Simon has actually been amazing with me.

  “Daddy, you don’t have to worry about Simon. He has been perfect.”

  “That’s good to hear, I don’t want another incident like we had last year in Chicago.”

  “Daddy, I can’t believe you’re still bringing that up. Really? It was a one-time occurrence with a really stupid drunk boy who came over to the house. I was handling it just fine, I thought.”

  “You call him pinning you down on the couch, handling it?”

  “You were over reacting daddy.”

  “He had his hands all over you, Nicolette. I’m just thankful your mother and I came home when we did. You are too trusting...You have to be careful of teenage boys; I thought you learned your lesson.”

  “I did. Thanks for the reminder. I’ll be sure to let Simon know. Okay, Daddy?” Sarcastically pronouncing Daddy for added measure and rolling my eyes.

  I let out a sigh of relief when dinner was over. My parents are great, but daddy can be over the top, and with Simon he didn’t have to be. I cleared the table with my mind still on my phone call with Michael. “Hey mom, can I talk to you for a minute?” Giving my father the hint that I needed a private moment with mom, he walked out of the kitchen and said he would be in his office. He was not the right person to have this conversation with.

  “What’s on your mind, honey?”

  “I just wanted to tell you that Michael St. Clair asked me out today, and I told him no. He’s also the one that sent the flowers to me.”

  “How did he react when you told him you couldn’t go out with him?”

  “He hung up on me.”

  “Well for a college guy, that’s mature. I wouldn’t worry too much about it. You said from the beginning you didn’t like him that way, so it’s better that he knows that now. However, you do know that he has been invited along with his father to our party we are hosting here at the house next month. It would make your father and me happy for you to be civil with him.”

  “Mom, I wasn’t the one that hung up, he did. There is one more thing I think I should tell you.”

  “What’s that Nicolette?”

  “Michael and Simon have history between them, and not a good one. With Michael pursuing me now, Simon is not happy about it. He wants me to stay away from him.”

  “Do you know the reason why they don’t like each other?”

  “I do, but Simon hasn’t told me everything about it yet, I heard it from Bailey.”

  “Ok, listen. I trust your judgment when it comes to who you want to date. Michael will get over it. It’s not like you are going to see him often, so I wouldn’t worry about it.”

  “Thanks Mom. I’ll finish up in here and then I’m going up to bed.”

  “Come here baby. How did mom know I needed a hug too! Oh honey, I wish I could tell you that things will get easier, but it’s all part of growing up. You’ll be ok.”

  Talking with mom helped me relax, and she was right, Michael will eventually forget about me. The next few weeks went by quickly. I was spending a lot of time with Simon, and the rest of the gang. One night Simon invited me over to his house to meet his parents. He told me not to be nervous and they would love me. Simon picked me up on his motorcycle, and I was so hoping he would have brought his jeep. I wanted to look my best when I met his parents. He just laughed at my nervousness and once again telling me not to worry. I pulled my hair back in a ponytail, hoping it wouldn’t be too messy after wearing the helmet. Simon, holding my hand as he lead me into his home, only letting it go when I shook his father’s hand, and his mom pulling me into a hug. Welcoming me into their home, they insisted on me calling them by their first names, Ted and Marina.

  They accepted my parent’s invitation to our party and were looking forward to meeting them. Throughout dinner, Simon’s father told many stories about Simon and his brothers. Simon turned red in the face a few times with some embarrassing stories his father shared with me. I laughed so hard, my face hurt.

  Riding on the back of Simon’s bike allowed me the opportunity to wrap my arms around his muscled body and have his delicious scent all over me. Pulling into my driveway, Simon lifted me off his bike and walked me to my door. “I had a really good time tonight, your parents are great.” Simon kissed me goodnight, again causing my knees to go weak.

  “I better get inside before my dad comes out. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Three more kisses later and he finally pulled away. Walking up to my room in a foggy haze, I already missed him. I was in love with Simon Paulson. Falling into bed dreaming about him and us.

  I woke up early to the chaotic sounds down in the kitchen. Gracie had her hands filled with delivery people who were setting up for tonight’s party. Back in Chicago, my parents would host a huge party once a year at our house, but this one was different. Mom said it was their way of introducing themselves to California; they were so ready for tonight. Many music and movie people would be here tonight, along with some friends that my parents knew out here. I laughed to myself remembering how Alexis and Bailey were when they met John Mayer for the first time.

  “Come on Nicolette, we are going to be late for our appointment.” Mom called out. Another spa day, but this time I’m looking forward to it. The thought of what Simon will think when he sees me tonight all made up, makes me smile and gives me goose bumps. After leaving the spa we stopped by the tailor’s to pick up my amazing dress. I left my hair down in loose waves that cascaded over my shoulders. I couldn’t wait to see Simon’s reaction.

  Guests began to arrive, and I was patiently waiting for my friends. Jameson, Sam and the girls arrived together in one car. The girls looked hot and were hoping some available guys would be here. I didn’t want to burst their bubble, but I doubt that was happening tonight.

  Waiting on Simon, I sent him a text:

  Me: Where are you?

  Immediately getting a response,

  Simon: Sorry baby, running late, be there soon.

  We had a dance floor set up in the back yard, and Jameson pulled me out onto it. We were all dancing and having a great time when strong arms pulled me to the side. Yes! Finally, Simon was here. I turn around and step back with the sight of Michael holding me. His eyes were traveling up and down my body as if he was visualizing me naked. “What the hell? Get your hands off of me!”

  “What, Nicolette? Can’t a friend dance with another friend?”

  “Not like that and you know it. I have a boyfriend and one that won’t be too happy to see you have your hands on me.”

  “Relax, I see no boyfriend here, so let’s dance.” Sam comes up pulling me aside.

  “Hey Michael, she said no, so back off. We don’t want any trouble tonight.”

  “Of course not Sam, we wouldn’t want to upset Simon now, would we?”

  I instantly felt c
hills run down my arm, as I turned to see Simon walking toward us. Oh please, no fights tonight, and not here at my parent’s party.

  “Hey baby, sorry I’m late. Reaching for my hand, I am slowly pulled into Simon, as he never takes his eyes off of Michael. Simon was clearly sending Michael a warning to back off. Without turning back toward Michael, I allowed Simon to lead me away.

  “Before you say anything…” Simon’s kisses were silencing me, and I was relieved that he wasn’t angry, at least at me.

  With another kiss, Simon whispered, “Hi” in my ear, sending electric pulses down my neck.

  “Back there with Michael, I thought it was you, and then I turned around and I saw it was Michael.”

  “Hey now, I’m not upset. Nicolette, I’m not going to let him spoil our night. Oh really? This is new. Normally Simon would want to beat him down by now. Let me get a good look at you. I stepped back and did a twirl. Simon was smiling from cheek to cheek. “You look beautiful Nicolette.”

  “Thank you, Simon. You don’t look too bad either.” Simon grabs the edges of his jacket, opening and closing it as he twirls and strikes his best modelesque pose. I giggle at his silliness. I drink in his amazing abs pushing through his body clinging shirt he is wearing under his jacket. Running my tongue over my bottom lip, wishing I could touch him right now. He is unbelievably sexy and I just want to trail kisses up and down his perfectly defined abs. As if he could read my mind, Simon cups my face into his hands and kisses me senseless. I swirl my tongue around in his mouth not wanting to break our connection. We both let out a breath, and Simon takes my hand. He leads me back into the house, and I say hello to his parents who were now with mine. Watching Simon carefully, he looked like he was scanning the room, maybe for Michael?

  We joined our friends who were waiting for us to return. Alexis greeted me with a hug. “This is so cool Nicolette, I’m having such a good time. After the party, do you want to join us at this new club Jameson knows about?”