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CHAPTER 19
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2022-04-24 20:09:51We finally walked into a classic ballroom of some nice hotel downtown. It's bigger than the Darcy's hotel but rather older in terms of its architecture. Judging from the cars in the parking lot, the Mayor must be very influential around here. After the authentication from the security team we take a seat at a round table for five. The venue is well decorated in cream and gold with plenty of white orchids and mixed colored roses in each table.
"Wow, seems like the town folks know how to do stuff, huh?" Sam comments."Well. They are not cavemen," I return.Settled down comfortably, my eyes immediately search for that subject of my interest. My gaze collides with Liam, and quite a faint smile appears at the corner of his mouth. Oh my! Feeling the rising heat, I quickly turn my gaze.What's happening to me?The waiter, immaculately dressed in black and white, passes by with a trRelated chapters
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 20
Sam and I take an opportunity to run for the ladies' room. She's retouching her makeup when I get out of the toilet stall and start washing my hands.She grins at me by the mirror at our front and says, "Spill it.""Spill what?" I ask, bemused."Oh please, Kira Jones," she frantically cries. "Tell me about Mr. Loaded.""What?" I chuckle at the name."I saw how you two flashed together like a match made in heaven," Sam says while applying her cherry lipstick, looking fresh already."We were just talking.""Oh, yeah? Talk about what?" She nudges me.I don't think she'll let it slide so easily, hence I decide to shut her up. "Nothing much, just the basics," I speak truthfully. "What about you? How is it going with Liam?"Sam tenses up, and maybe I shouldn't have asked this. It's obvi
Last Updated : 2022-04-24Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 21
I wake in a good mood this morning, knowing that we're about to hit a road trip to Billings, the largest city in Montana. The boys have an urgent business with some banker over there, and asked if we wanted to tag along with them. But of course, we both answered with a big yes, full of ecstasy. I've decided that since I'm here, I should explore everyplace I can afford.Isn't that the whole point of a vacation?"Just wake me up when we arrive," Sam tells me, her voice groggy and lazy. She's seated between Malik and me in the backseat."Sure, ma'am. Goodnight," I reply placidly."Do you enjoy this, Professor?" Malik asks teasingly upon seeing my smile."Yeah, don't you?" I reply, gazing at his big, bright eyes."Well, I love the company better." He shrugs, forging some sort of gallant that makes me chuckle. Jeez, he's mood! "And you, brother?" He faces
Last Updated : 2022-04-24Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 22
God knows how sexy he looks when he smiles. It's almost impossible not to get lost into those ocean-like eyes.Okay focus, Kira."What else should the guy do to make sure his guest is having a good time at his home then?" Liam retorts seriously, but I find it more of a mockery.Or . . . maybe not? He's probably being earnest."A guest? Is that all she amounts to you?" I raise my voice, feeling a bit annoyed, and yet he looks totally unaffected.He's still smiling, to be precise, and I can't say I'm complaining. Well, I think I've lost myself at this point. Indecisive, hot and cold, I can't even tell what I am anymore."I clearly told you before, Ms. Jones . . ." Liam moves even closer, startling me, taking me completely off guard. "I don't harbor any special feelings for your friend; not at all. She kindly toured me around Los Angeles, and I was indeed grateful.She
Last Updated : 2022-04-24Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 23
"Hurry up, Kiki!" Sam urges, impelling me to snap out of my state of panic."Just a sec," I utter while opening the door, my heart still thumping from the earlier incident and this sudden appearance of Samantha. "Um, hi," I breathe, forcing an innocent smile.Bitch! My subconscious mutters, rolling her eyes at me, and I know she's right. It's just too uncalled for."What's up? You look like you've seen a ghost." Sam slips in hurriedly. "It's boring drinking alone, so here." She now reveals a champagne bottle and beams."Drinking? Right now?" I ask and she nods. "Why?""Why? Stop being a spoilsport! And why not? Do you have classes tomorrow?" Sam mocks, and I hiss with my eyes, making her laugh."Well, let's drink." I take a deep sigh, accepting the offer.I probably need a drink."That's my girl." Sam smiles while
Last Updated : 2022-04-24Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 24
I'm sure she's surprised that I've muted all this time since our last session back in L.A, and it's so unlike me. Originally I would've called her immediately when I had that dream about Liam, but I shockingly didn't bother."Yes, doctor. I'm out of California right now, and I apologize that I couldn't properly say goodbye before leaving," I answer softly, parading around the room with my hand on the waist."No worries. I'm aware that you dropped by my office when I was away in a seminar. So, how are you? I know I should take your silence as a good sign, but I can't get too comfortable either. Is everything okay with you?""Well, it is okay." I raise stop moving, leaning against the window that's leading to the balcony. "I guess?" I add, unsure of my exact status of mind."You guess?""Um—“ I stutter. Damn, I don't know how to explain it. What if she, too, despite being a psychiatrist
Last Updated : 2022-04-24Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 25
The coffee has extra cream shot, exactly how I love my stuff. My heart jumps aflutter at the thought of Liam knowing my taste so well.Could it be that he's taken deliberate to learn of it through our short dining experiences? Dream on, Kira. It costs absolutely nothing to have a lovely dream. I laugh at myself inwardly.Liam’s laptop is on the countertop with the Skype window open on the screen. He was probably video chatting with someone before I arrived. I resume my attention back as he finally hands me the mug.’’Thank you.’’ I feel giddy as I slowly start sipping it. Hmm, it's exquisite. Mr.Intense does know how to please a lady.Or maybe you are just too infatuated, breathes my subconscious with the look of ’oh, we’ve lost you, girl’. I just smile, enjoying my coffee."Shouldn't you be resting by now?" Liam breaks the silence, taking the same stance as mine, facing one
Last Updated : 2022-04-25Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 26
Singing, Liam finally looks at me. "I thought you two became closer enough to tell each other such details, was I wrong?"Why does he sound like my husband accusing me of adultery?"Yes, and no, at least we haven't reached that part yet," I say. "Does it bother you?Dang it! I’m really searching for trouble."You should go back to your room, it's getting late," Liam tells me casually, ignoring my query.I hate when he does this."What? But I'm not finished with my coffee yet and—‘’"Then do it when you're done. Goodnight, Ms. Jones," he practically snaps at me before putting his mug in the sink. He grabs his laptop, and leaves without eyeing back.What the heck! I can't believe he's so childish. Or could it be that he's jealous of his best friend? An apprehension makes me frantic . . . delirious even, of the
Last Updated : 2022-04-25Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 27
It's almost three a.m. I slowly exit my room, coming across the silent hall with a dim light. Breathing softly, I head a few steps towards Liam's door that's just next to mine and opposite to Sam's, and here is my destination.It's now that I notice the magnitude of this favor I've been asked. I must face Mr. Intense so late in the midnight, and in my pajamas. I'm not sure of how I look, and I don't understand why I'm even concerned of it.Oh, really now? Apparently my subconscious seems amused by this, rolling her big brown eyes.I reach for Liam's door, tentatively, as though afraid to make a slight sound. Sighing, my courage pulled in, I knock about four times and stay still, waiting. I keep my little patience intact, but my tummy is already in a thousand knots.Just open the door, Mr. Darcy, and let's get it over with. I sigh again, unable to keep calm.A moment goes by until I hear th
Last Updated : 2022-04-25
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Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 73
Smiling faintly, I turn my back to hop into the taxi that's been waiting for ages. The driver is probably wondering why we're having a display of affection in the middle of the city, instead of wherever we came from.It's when Malik grabs my wrist suddenly, right before I grab the door handle.He steadfastly pulls me to his side, like he's forgotten something very important. I'm so startled as I land my hands on his chest, and find myself tightly against his body. He swallows nervously, his shiny eyes piercing into mine.I don't understand this attitude, until his lips land onto mine.I don't do a thing. I'm just too puzzled to react. He's kissing me, I know he is, but it's like I'm hypnotized with the shock or something. Everything ceases to exist, and I can't even feel my own heartbeat.What is this? What is Malik doing now? My two subs widen their eyes, utterly shocked.He suddenly frees me, and I look up at him
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 72
"What happened?" Malik eyes my suitcase with pure dismay."She knows," I sob, wiping my tears. "She's found out already."Malik says nothing. Slowly he pulls me into his arms and I easily dissolve in his embrace. My hiccups take the best of me like a child, my chin on his shoulder. I feellost and empty. I just cry . . . and he rubs my back gently, no word coming from his mouth. I still can’t believe the worst has happened."I'm sorry for this." I finally tug out and manage to smile while picking my bags, ready to face the aftermath; my scary unknown after ruining everything."It's okay," Malik tells me softly, smile forced and rueful. "You're still leaving?" He sounds indisposed."Yeah, I can't stay here anymore." I lift my eyes to meet his, a bittersweet laughter escaping my lips at this mess I'm in. "I don't want to be here, Malik. I don't have any right to be here." Tears fall down yet again, blurring my vision
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 71
"I can't believe this! So you're trying to excuse yourself by pretending that you had no choice?" Sam is gravely amused."No, I'm not making any excuses! The last thing I wanted in my life was hurting you, and you know that perfectly well.""No, I don't think I know." She shakes her head in denial. "And you've succeeded to hurt me, just so you know, Kira. And I'll never forgive you for this.""Sam," I breathe, "I'll understand if you decide to do so. But truly, I'm really sorry.""With that face of yours, everyone thinks you're a saint," Sam snarls with a fine deliberate to hurt me, which works perfectly. "The nice one." She twirls around me. "The good one . . . Always the loved one." Now she stops moving."Sam, that's not true." I wipe off the fallen drop."And of course I'm the bad one, right? So tell me, Kira, how did you seduce him?" she mockingly asks. "How were his kisses like?" she adds, and I swallow the anger t
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 70
"You're finally back," Sam utters casually, her eyes stone cold. Seeing my astonished face upon the sight of the diary, she lifts it up, smirking."Did you read my diary?" I manage to ask with much difficulty, as though a fishbone is stuck to my throat."Oh . . . tthis? I didn't mean to read it," she says coolly."What?" I scoff angrily. "That's my fucking diary!" My body trembles, fear and worries engulfing me wholly."I only wanted to return your charger, and by pure coincidence, your lovely diary dropped and flipped." She smiles, a very bitter smile, and I'm stuck to my feet. "Why, Kira? Why this?" she asks me in a soft voice while getting closer.I press my lips together to repress whatever that's about to burst in me. My worst nightmare is here. I'm not sure which one is scary, between my dreams at night or this foreign situation that I've brought upon myself.What should I say now? That I'm sorry? That I can expla
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 69
I return to where I parked the car. I can't say I've had my fill, but I've quite enjoyed this Ocean drive neighborhood. Well, eventually I realized where I am during my promenading. I even had a pleasure to relax and grab a big bite of cheeseburger so cheer myself.And I usually eat a lot when I'm stressed.I'm about to hop in the car when the incoming call on my cellphone stops me halfway. I slam the door sharply before rummaging inside my bag. I clutch my phone and a hard scowl appears on my face when I find it's a new number. I swipe the receiver hesitantly."Hello?" I croak."Where are you? We need to talk.” A male voice snaps quickly, causing a shiver throughout my skin.And I could recognize this voice even in my deep sleep.”Liam,” I breathe softly."It's good that you know my voice by heart," Liam remarks. "Where are you, Kira?" he practically snaps at me again."Liam, please, no
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 68
They tried talking to me, the girls, the boys, but none succeeded to open my mouth. The world had lost its colors in my eyes, but some brunette kid named Samantha didn't give up. She tried until I opened my mouth."It hurts," I utter, tears streaming down. "That's what I said." I lift my eyes at Sam. "Why are you reminding me?""Nothing," Sam says softly. "I just want to say that you're the person I love and trust the most in my life. I know you'd never hurt or betray me, because you're my bestfriend. I want to be that person to you too, Kira. I know I can be bitchy . . . but I never intend to hurt you. If I did, by any chance, please forgive me." She sits next to me, and my heart shatters.Guilt. Pain. Loss. I feel them all at once."No, you haven't done anything to apologize for," I breathe and I know I'm the one who should apologize to her.But I don't have the guts to."Did Jay do anything to offend y
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 67
"Are you deaf? I said let go of her.” Liam’s voice isn't harsh, but the threatening vibes it exudes is quite alarming."Easy there, bro." Jeremy releases me from his grip. "We're just talking,” he says and my eyes are on my wrist, faint finger marks accented on the skin."Don't call me bro, kid!" Liam snaps, his fists clenched as he glares at Jeremy with blazing eyes while pacing closer. "Are you okay, Kira?" He glances at me . . . at my wrist, too, and I nod like a little girl would.His jaw ticks. He pulls me to his side and I'm worried whether he has heard the rest of our conversation or not. I hope he hasn't. He then glares back at Jeremy, eyes dark."She told you to leave her alone, didn't she? Why were you forcing your hands on her?" He places himself between Jeremy and I, making me stay behind him. He’s tense.Jeremy roams around, like a tamed dog, holding his head and waist with either hand. I know he usually acts macho and a
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 66
Once again Malik restores back my sweetest smile. Only he can influence good even in bad times, and I'm so grateful for his being supportive: at least I've got someone to share this ordeal with. Jamal and Natasha join us shortly, and I believe I'm more relaxed with them than my previous companion."And my job here lads and ladies . . . is done!" Jamal announces cheerily, and from a distance I see the others enjoying the self-service."You're the best barbeque maker, I swear." I give compliment when due.I can't explain how tender and juicy this meat tastes inside my mouth."I know, right? My boo is the best." Natasha kisses him.Malik and I share a smile."I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Kira," Jamal says, his voice calm and reverent."Oh you got that right." I thumb up. "And I seriously need the recipe for this vegetable noodles," I tell Natasha and she promises to give it to me anytime.
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 65
Liam is now out of sight and I’m only thinking of him. I wonder what he is doing right now. Malik, Jamal, and Natasha are still around the grill, chatting over something humorous judging from their laughter.I have been oblivious of whatever Sam and her friends are hilariously discussing about, and only drop a comment when necessary. Sickly enough, Jeremy has been eyeing me and it’s uncomfortable."This house is so damn terrific," Veronica utters, her eyes batting around like butterflies. "Who's the owner?" she inquires while her boyfriend stares around snobbishly.Sam gives them a clear picture of the owner by pointing out at Malik's direction. She tells them more than asked when Veronica swears to have seen Malik before. Discretion is never in my friend’s dictionary."And are you the one riding his dick?" Jeremy asks Sam, and the two ladies laugh as though it was something beautiful to say . . . or hear.So disgusting.
