Tangled Hearts: Chapter One

Chapter One: September 291

My best friend, Arlene Granger, made a vocal disapproval as I stepped out from the dressing room. She uncrossed her long legs and with an impatient toss of her blond locks, she critically fingered the blue satin gown. I gave a little twirl, before I stood still to await her judgment.2

“Well?” I asked uncertainly. I turned toward the selection of shoes on the shelves. I picked up a two-inch heel before placing it back. Unfortunately, my budget could not meet the price tag label. My eyes ran through the column, but I did not see any that would meet my requirements. The saleswoman eyed me for a second before returning to her catalogue; obviously she decided I was not worth her polite services.3

“It’s a size too small.” She measured the increment in the air with her fingers, while I raised an eyebrow in disbelief. “You gained weight, didn’t you?” I swore I heard the saleswoman snicker. I glared at Arlene.4

“Only four pounds.” I grumbled as I returned to the dressing room. Undressing, I put on my well-worn pair of jeans and the white long-sleeved shirt I bought on sale. Replacing the gown onto the hanger, I handed the dress to the saleswoman. She took it from me before asking me if I desired another dress.5

“Do you have that in size 5?” My best friend laughed in disbelief, while the saleswoman pretended to miss my question. I sighed in irritation. It seemed that this was just another store that only carried “petite” sizes. Arlene may have been a size one, but she often forgot that I did not keep a strict exercise routine. Although I was certain that she was purposely preventing me from buying a dress for my anniversary dinner.6

Arlene beckoned me toward the door, but she turned to address the saleswoman before closing it. “I’ll come back for my design tonight. Be sure to give my secretary a call before it’s done. And remember the extra package I ordered.”7

“Of course Miss Granger. We appreciate your service. Please return...” The door closed, cutting off the rest of her sentence.8

“Maybe we should try another store.” Arlene took out her new iphone. “I’ll call my chauffeur. You know,” here, she turned to glare at me, “I still don’t understand why you’re putting this much effort into this charade. I thought you wanted a divorce. Seriously, I don’t understand you at all.” She paused in her lecture to give her driver directions. Before I could say anything to defend myself, she closed the phone and returned to her rant. “Rachel, you have to face the fact that even though your grandfather wanted this marriage, you don’t. I mean, this will be your second anniversary, and for heaven’s sake, you’re still a virgin!” She glowered at the pedestrians who had stopped to stare.
“Arlene!” I tried desperately not to blush at the curious glances strangers were giving me. Even without a mirror, I knew my cheeks were turning a rosy pink. I heard a few laughs despite Arlene’s freezing glares.9

She stopped walking. Her baby-blue eyes softened as she took in my humiliated state. “I don’t want you to fake happiness, Rachel.” Her perfectly manicured nails tapped against her chin, a sign that she was plotting something mischievous. Then she gave her dazzlingly white smile, and I already knew what to say.10

“Whatever you’re thinking about, it’s a no. I will not do it.” I quickened my steps. The last time she gave me that look, I ended up going on a blind date behind my husband’s back. I felt guilty for a week afterward. Although I was in a loveless marriage, I wanted to end things properly. I was still in the process of searching for a divorce lawyer, and until I signed the dotted lines, I would remain faithful to Alexis.11

“Rachel, hear me out! There’s no need for you to go to this anniversary dinner. Besides, I doubt you can find a dress anytime soon.” The look on her face proved my theory. “I doubt Alexis will even care if you just phone in sick or something. Oh! I’ll call him for you.” She quickly began punching in his number. I stopped my speed walk. Before I could finish chastising myself for giving her his number, she had already begun talking.12

“Alexis dear! How are you?” Her sugar coated greetings fooled neither my husband nor me. We both knew she hated Alexis. Being my best friend, she knew I resented the marriage. When my parents died, it was Arlene who helped me secure a financial income. But then my grandfather fell ill. I abandoned my pursuit of a doctorate degree to take care of him. My grandfather wanted me to be provided for; he refused to leave me alone. He made a last minute arrangement with his business partner’s son, and two weeks before my grandfather’s funeral, I was married.13

I had never seen my grandfather so happy. When he walked me down the aisle, his eyes glistened with tears of joy. I did not have the heart to walk out on him. With my parents’ constant travel, it was always my grandfather who supported and took care of me. Arlene could not understand the bond between my grandfather and me. Raised by a father who was rarely home, she was never able to form any family bonds. She only knew that I was unhappy with the marriage, so I did not blame her when she decided to give Alexis a box of condoms and me a packet of birth control for our honeymoon. Alexis avoided her ever since. I could count the number of times they talked to each other on one hand.14

“I’ll be borrowing Rachel for the evening. I’m afraid she’s feeling a bit sick, and you know how she loves the soup Granny makes. Why don’t you let her stay with me tonight?” Here she pretended to give a distressed cry, “I almost forgot! Tonight is your anniversary isn’t it? I hope you didn’t already make a reservation.”15

I frowned at that lie. She knew that Alexis had already made a reservation at Ewige Rosen, the popular German restaurant a week ago. My heart gave an unpleasant twinge as I recalled it was I who had prompted Alexis to make the reservation. Otherwise, he would have probably forgotten, like he did last year. I tried not to appear too disappointed when Arlene hung up in satisfaction. It was not as if I wanted to go to the dinner, but I wanted to give Alexis this last chance.16

Arlene noticed my look of distress and attempted to pacify me. “Rachel, we both know that you do not love Alexis. So tonight, I’m to going to take you to Tangled Hearts.” She flashed me two silver tickets that will grant us passage to the most prestigious night club in the city. She took out her iphone again and made a call to her secretary, while I stood there shaking my head.17

Five hours later, I tried not to feel too conscious of the stares I was gathering. It seemed that the extra package that Arlene had ordered was my anniversary present since “that bastard Alexis didn’t remember to give you one,” as she reasoned. I would be more appreciative of the present if it was not for the outrageous dress design. The satin green was an elaborate halter top with the back cut to my hips and a slit side that completely destroyed all image of innocence. The V-shaped curve in the front drew whistles of approval as I walked up the stairs in my three-inched heels, careful not to spill the glass of chardonnay I held in my hand.18

To my relief, an empty stool was within my sight, and I quickly sat down. I laid my glass of wine on the table, and the bartender, who was about to come over, returned to his conversation with another customer. I squinted in attempt to catch the person’s face sitting across from me. I impatiently brushed aside my ebony hair, but the dim light prevented me from seeing anything except a glimmer of brown tresses. I returned my gaze back to my wine glass. The music and the disco light resonating from the dance floor had drawn Arlene to the center stage. I quickly looked away after I caught a glimpse of her intimate dance with a tall blonde.19

It's nice to smile when I get your phone call at night
But I'd rather have you here with me, right next to me,
I miss the way you hold me tight.20

I stared at the full glass before me. My lips formed a bitter smile as I began to drum my fingers to the tone of “Going Crazy.” Thinking back now, I wondered why I did not protest more to Arlene’s idea. It would have been of little consequence to just call Alexis and clear up the confusion, but I did not. I contemplated this thought. In my heart, even though I did not enter my marriage out of love, I had hoped for a happily-ever-after. I thought I could grow to love him. I did not realize it would be this difficult to fake a smile everyday.21

That’s right baby, I’m going crazy, I need to be your lady.
I've been thinking lately, that you and me, yes, we could make it
Just ride with me, and roll with me, I'm in love with you baby.22

At the corner of my eyes, I watched as Arlene leaned in closer to the blonde. His hands had already begun to drop steadily lower, and they were now in close enough to kiss. I wondered to myself if I was jealous of Arlene’s independence. While she had her fair share of affairs, she had not yet found a man to tie herself down with. Her heart had not yet faced heartbreak. I turned away in disinterest, and my hand reached for my wine glass before I caught myself.23

“Are you not going to drink that?” The tone was playful, but a hint of weariness was behind it.24

Startled, I looked up to a pair of warm chocolate-colored eyes. My heart skipped a beat as I took in the appearance of the man I was looking at earlier. His smile dancing casually on his lips, he held out his slightly large hand for the drink. His black shirt clung tightly to what appeared to be a well-exercised torso and the long slacks he had on seemed to enhance his six feet height. I took in the pierced ear and the high ponytail before I handed him my drink wordlessly.25

“How’ve you been Victor?” I gestured him to the take the seat beside me.26

I'm callin', callin' out to you what am I gonna do? It’s true, I'm not frontin,
It's you and no other I can no longer go on without you, I'll just break down.27

“Took the words from my mouth.” He drowned the chardonnay in two quick swallows. “Why’d you get it, if you don’t want to drink it?” He waved the empty glass to emphasize his point. Blowing back a stray strand of hair, he leaned against the table. On the dance floor, the DJ began another song, and after a few scattered applauses, movements resumed.28

I looked away from his gaze, suddenly feeling uncomfortable in his presence. I refused to drink because my parents’ death was caused by a drunk driver, but I was not about to explain that to him. “I got it for a friend.” It was true; Arlene wanted the drink, but when I came back with the wine, she had already left me for the dance floor. Silence returned, and because I was uncomfortable with his continued staring, I assumed the conversation. “Why are you here?”29

“My friend needed a break from his work. Since he got the money and I got the idea, we decided to come here. But enough about me. I’m surprised that you’re here. Won’t my brother oppose the idea of you being in a bar? Especially without him?” He gave me wink and roamed his eyes down my attire. “Not that I’m complaining of course.”
I took a deep breath. My hands felt clammy and my mouth was dry. 30

“Victor.” I swallowed; the bartender brought me a glass of water. I sipped it slowly, trying to delay the inevitable. “I need a divorce lawyer.” I said it quickly, and then I cowardly turned my attention to the dancers. I unconsciously took notice of the blonde’s absence. Across the table, Victor was quiet, but then I heard glass shattering.31

“Are you crazy?” His voice was cold. Even without looking, I knew his eyes had hardened. “What will you do without his financial support? Do you think that your little shop and your meager earning will be enough to provide for you? What about your promise to your grandfather? Did that mean nothing to you?”32

“Don’t you dare!” I stood up. The glass of water was knocked over. Its broken pieces lay next to the shattered wineglass. I took a step back from the table. My hands were shaking. “Do you think I’m so incompetent that I won’t be able to take care of myself? Do you think I’m so shallow that the only reason I stayed with your brother for the last two years is because of his money?” I angrily wiped away my tears. “News flash Victor: I married your brother because of my promise to my grandfather and nothing else. I will not commit myself to this loveless marriage anymore.” I turned away from him. “I thought you’d understand, but I guess I’m wrong.”33

“Rachel!” His hand grabbed mine. Twirling me around, he crushed me against his chest. With one hand holding me against him, his other hand tilted my chin up. He ran his thumb down my cheek, tenderly brushing away my tears. His eyes were filled with an emotion that I knew was not reflected in mine. Nevertheless, when he leaned down to kiss me, I did not push him away.34

“Victor! Do you want to borrow the Lexus? I think I’ll…” The voice trailed off. I jumped back in shock. It was only because of Victor’s support that I did not fall. I turned around and stared with surprise at the man I saw dancing with Arlene earlier.
“Richard!” Victor was apparently as startled as I was, but he regained his composure quickly. Holding on to me, he led me toward his friend.35

“I haven’t introduced you to Rachel yet, have I?” He chuckled and turned to address me with a smile. 36

“This is Richard, the friend I told you about.” I looked at Richard with curiosity. He was slightly taller than Victor. His eyes were emerald green, a color that complimented his windswept blond hair. A sharp chin offset an aristocratic nose; his face had recently become a media sensation. He wore a white loose sleeved shirt and black slacks similar to Victor’s. A Rolex watch gleamed from his left hand, and I immediately deduced that he was left-handed. He carried his blazer in his right hand and a key ring hooked around his index finger.37

“Mr. Herman. It’s a pleasure to meet the CEO of NTC.” I extended my hand, and was slightly surprised when he stepped back to scrutinize me cautiously.38

“You’re not with Seattle Times, are you?” He turned to Victor for confirmation. Victor’s eyes darkened and he released his grip on me. I was strangely relieved. It seemed that Victor had finally come to his senses. Good. I despised complications, and having my husband’s brother kissing me was definitely a complication I could do without. Even if I loved him once, I was certain a future with him would be impossible.39

“No, she’s my,” Victor paused, as if uncertain how to address me, “She’s my childhood friend.” It was true. I had known Victor since elementary school, and I had always thought of him as a brother I never had. He stole my first kiss, but it was his brother I married. Life was full of ironies.40

“Really?” Richard raised an eyebrow, but made no further comment. “Well, do you need a ride home? Or should I leave you my car?”41

“What happened? I thought you were enjoying yourself.” Victor took the offered car key. He gave Richard a sly look. “Should I expect you here tomorrow night?”42

“Unlike you, I have a company to run.” He gave a smirk and without another glance in my direction, he turned to leave. “Bring the documents with you later.”43

Victor gave a rueful smile, a gesture that did not quite match his character. “He’s going to work himself to death,” he said it quietly, shaking his head.44

I opened my mouth, to say what I did not know, but I was interrupted by a quiet moan. It was Arlene, drunk and delirious. I took in her disheveled state and immediately took the half empty wineglass she held shakily in her hand. How her dress remained clean from any wine stains with her clumsy steps, I did not know.45

“Hey Rachel,” I always marveled at the fact that even drunk, Arlene’s speech remains surprisingly articulate, “call my driver will you?” She was staring at the bartender, who shot me a look of amusement. Arlene’s speech may be fine, but her vision needed to be checked.46

Taking Arlene’s arm, not so gently, I carefully began to lead her back down.47

“Rachel,” Victor reached for Arlene, “let me help you take her down. I don’t think you can support her if she falls.” Ever the gentleman, Victor held Arlene bridal style, and began to carefully step down the spiraling staircase. I was surprised by Arlene’s passiveness, but I realized when I followed behind them that she was already asleep, her face obscured by her disarranged hair.
A few heads turned our way, but I was relieved when no one tried to prevent us from leaving. I felt like I should be worried. A handsome man holding a drunken woman with another woman walking behind him should have raised a few protests, but no one interfered. It seemed that Tangled Hearts really does deserve its reputation for notoriety. An usher opened the door for us and left the smell of cigarettes behind us.48

“It’s raining again.” Lines of black and white limousines were parked in front of the now drenched red carpet that extended thirty feet into the driveway. I was certain Arlene’s chauffer was around here somewhere. I took out her phone and after scanning through her directory, I made a quick call. Shutting the phone, I tried to hide my distress at the state of my dress. Seattle’s humility had already begun to dampen the satin.49

“I don’t regret it.” Shifting Arlene’s sleeping form in his arms, Victor turned toward me. Under the florescent light, his eyes glowed warmly. Raindrops clung desperately to his bangs and his lips formed a rueful smile as he leaned against door. “If I wasn’t holding her right now, I’d finish what I started."50

I turned away quickly, but I was certain that he saw my blush anyways. Shaking my doubts away, I asked, “Why?” I tried to keep my voice even as I whispered, “I don’t understand. You dislike my idea of a divorce, but you want to kiss me. You’re being a hypocrite.” I blinked rapidly; I was determined not to cry. I looked at him. His eyes were closed, but I noticed his tensed form. He was no longer smiling, instead his face had smoothed into a blank mask.51

“I love you, but I can’t have you.” It was a confession I did not expect. He opened his eyes, and the intensity of his gaze left me speechless. “For your future. For your safety. For a promise. And for your happiness, I will give up my happiness for you.”
“What right do you have?” My voice was bitter, but I did not care. “Happiness? You think I’m happy?”52

The sound of wheels drew my attention. A limousine pulled to a stop, and Arlene’s chauffer walked out, carrying an umbrella. Victor carefully placed Arlene into the backseat and then opened the door for me. I quickly walked toward the car, but then I stood there uncertainly. It was pouring now, my dress was soaked and so was my hair. Yet, I did not want to leave yet. My conversation with Victor was not over, but I did not know what to say.53

“Green looks good on you.” Victor leaned toward me, and I held my breath. He laid a cold finger on the bridge of my nose, and leaned down, his mouth opening slightly. But just as I was about to close my eyes, he pulled back and walked away. I closed my eyes and ignored pounding beats of my heart. I gave myself a mental shake before I entered the car and closed the door. I watched Victor in the side mirror until the rain completely shrouded him.