007: Everybody Plays The Fool

With all the space in the world to spread out thanks to the first-class seating, Rick Raven still felt confined. Claustrophobic, even – that was strange in and of itself since he'd never really had an issue with enclosed spaces before. There was something in the air, some shift in the energy that was making him feel anxious and on edge. A week in paradise spent getting couples seaweed wrap massages and sweating out all the toxins in the sun had completely gone to shit the moment the plane had hit 30,000 feet. He looked down at the screen of his phone, switching over to Twitter and looking at the message from Kayla that he'd never replied to. He'd started, had tried and stopped half a dozen times and it wasn't because he didn't want to pay for the overseas long-distance charge – he didn't care about that at all. He'd made half a dozen calls while on the island to lock down the minute details for the renovation of the club in Los Angeles.

If you get a chance, maybe we could talk on the phone?

Sighing, he swiped to minimize the app and slipped the phone back into his pocket. His left leg bounced a few times and he didn't bother to check the motion like he would have if they were anywhere else. What was he going to say to Kayla when he got back? Sure, they'd been messaging back and forth all week, but that was far different in a little text box on some app than face-to-face interaction. He knew he should have told her that he was engaged, about the contract he had with LJ that had been signed and notarized – it was legally binding.

Picking up the drink that sat in front of him, he took a sip, feeling as though that watered-down booze was eroding something deep inside him. He glanced over at his fiancée who seemed to be engrossed in the novel she had in her hands.

"What a week," he said softly, taking another sip. The ice cubes in the glass rattled, hitting his teeth and bringing that burst of pain with the impact. He winced, putting it down. "I'm glad you suggested it, Lovely. Definitely needed to get away. Clear my head."

"Hmm, well it certainly was very telling." She didn't take her eyes off of her novel, instead she turned the page. "I'm sure your darling Kayla will be pleased to have you back." There was no warmth in her voice, instead it was disdain.

That tone cut right through him and he suddenly felt chilled, despite the perfectly regulated temperature. He had that little 'a-ha' moment as he looked away, realizing what he'd been picking up on. "Jealousy doesn't suit you."

"I suppose not." Another page was turned as her free hand then grabbed her champagne flute that was filled with a mimosa. "Playing second string to my fiancé's secretary doesn't suit me either, but alas, here we are." She didn't look up at him as she took a drink and set it down.

Rick snorted disdainfully, "funny. I seem to recall you suggesting I find myself an outlet." He chuckled bitterly, shaking his head. They'd spent five days on that Island and she'd seemed happy enough, welcoming his attention and affections. Now he was starting to see it as something else entirely. "Hmm, did I fail your test? Is that what this is?"

"There was no test, Raven. I gave you the idea for an outlet because I thought it was something that made sense. I just didn't expect you to fall in love with said outlet." Sighing, she marked her place in the book and set it down. "I know you've been messaging her all week."

"Fall in love?" He scoffed at the thought, denying it immediately even though it was true. "Really. That's what you're going with?" He turned and glared at her, annoyed with this turn of conversation.

"I'm just going with the truth, nothing more." She had turned her head so she could look out the window of the plane. "I saw how you looked at her and how you waited for her to join us upstairs. When she didn't show up, your mood was foul. You wanted her there more than you wanted me."

"I…" the scathing retort was on the tip of his tongue but he bit it back. She was right. He'd wanted Kayla in his bed more than he'd wanted his own betrothed. "That's not completely accurate. I wanted you to be part of it, Lovely." He reached out to touch her shoulder, not surprised when she shied away from even that contact.

"Me to be a part of it?" LJ turned her head, a finely shaped brow raised and her eyes narrowed in on him. "Well, aren't you a prince, Rick."

The dryness of that comment made him want to lash out but common sense kept him from making a scene. "It was just a diversion." Even as he said it, he knew it was a load of shit. "What do you want me to say?"

"There isn't much to say." LJ turned her head and looked back out of the window. "I'm in New York full time and you're in Vegas, with her." She was doing her damndest to stay collected.

Rick was turned fully in his seat now, leaning towards her as he snapped his reply in a rough whisper, "so what was the damned point of this holiday, hmm? Waste of time. Waste of resources. Like you said, I could have been back in Vegas all week… with her." He stressed it the same way she had, his tone going nasty.

She winced, but continued to admire the scenery. "I thought it would be good for us. It's been so long and I thought it would help us make some memories to hold onto while we continue to live apart. However, your time was spent checking your Twitter messages."

"That's bullshit and you know it. I spent two bloody days with you, the whole time, doing whatever foolish new age nonsense you wanted before I even…" he sighed, realizing the more he protested, the guiltier he appeared. A voice in the back of his head was telling him this was the best thing that had ever happened. LJ could go back to New York and he could enjoy his time with Kayla without feeling guilty. He couldn't stand the fact that it felt like she was breaking up with him, that she'd forced him into this situation only to turn on him. He shook his head, unable to bring himself to argue any further as he folded his arms across his chest, scowling like a petulant child.

"But is what I said untrue?" She asked, finally turning to look at him.

"If we're going to be as simplistic as possible?" Rick shrugged, "I suppose not. I spent time chatting to Kayla on Twitter. While you were having that pedicure… while you were sleeping… while you were in the shower. Did you want me to list the times or is that unnecessary since you already know everything? Yes, I was flirting. Yes, I was sincere when I told her I missed her." He felt defiant, as if she had any right to call him on the carpet for falling for her? What had she expected? 

LJ's temples started to throb as she brought her fingers up to rub them. She was replaying the last few months in her head as she sat there silently. "Do you still want to marry me?"

The question caught him by surprise and he sat there in silence for far too long, trying to think of the right thing to say. That hesitation spoke volumes though and when he finally cleared his throat and looked over, he found she was back to studying the view outside the window. "I thought I did."

"Okay." The single word came out softly as she picked up her champagne flute with a trembling hand and brought it to her lips. Tipping it back, she downed the rest and picked up her novel. "Shred the contracts you had me sign."

"All of it?" Rick closed his eyes, tilting his head back. He couldn't help but feel a little quiver of panic at the thought and he wasn't just thinking about his investments, or his money backing something her family was doing in New York. He was thinking about the prospect of ending up alone. Kayla had walked out on him and even though they were talking, that didn't mean it was a sure thing. He swallowed hard, struggling to find the words. "The partnership and everything?"

"No." There was a quiver in her voice as she tried like hell to focus on her book. "Just the marital stuff. My father is very ecstatic about the New York project. Someone should at least get what they signed for."

Those words, coupled with her strained tone hit him like a slap in the face, bringing a strangled sound from between his lips as he tried to rein in his reaction. He wanted to tell her that she was being overly dramatic, that loyalty and monogamy weren't the same thing. He wanted to deny the things he felt, pledge his undying devotion to her until the end of time. He couldn't bring himself to lie. He'd never been dishonest with her and he wasn't about to start now. Instead, his voice came out hollow, defeated. "If that's what you want."

"What I wanted was to be your wife, but you don't want that anymore." They still had a few hours on the plane together and she wasn't looking forward to them one bit. "It is what it is." Reaching into her purse, she pulled out a sleep mask and went to put it on. "I had planned on staying another night with you, but when we get to the airport, I'm changing my flight back to New York."

He opened his mouth to protest the fact that she'd twisted his words, realizing it was pointless. She was right. The thought of marrying, of spending the rest of his days with her, held little appeal and he knew it had everything to do with how he felt about Kayla. He hated himself for being so weak that he couldn't even try to make it work with this wonderful woman. She deserved better. 

Rick's voice came out softer as he nodded. "That's probably for the best." He leaned forward, clasping his hands together between his knees. He wanted to say he was sorry but the words didn't seem to hold enough weight given the level of betrayal. "I'll call my lawyer when we land. Have the documents rescinded... destroyed."

"Fine." She exhaled and slid the mask over her eyes, but not before a single tear could slide down her cheek. Her hand came up and wiped it away. She had nothing left to say, it had all been decided.

Rick sat there in silence, trying to keep himself from screaming in frustration. He'd never been rejected before, never had someone say no let alone decide they no longer wanted to be with him. Between his money and his good looks, that had never been an issue before. He couldn't bring himself to say anything else and the longer the silence stretched out, the darker his mood grew until he hoped that the plane crashed tragically rather than safely landing back in Las Vegas.