Broken (3 page)

Maggie – are you with Cameron?

Lexi (seriously?)-yes mom I am is there a problem?

Maggie-
omg they already plastered ya’lls photo is all over the place I just                                                                                                               got a hit when I checked it BAM ya’lls faces are everywhere “THE IT COUPLE”

Lexi
-(uhhh people are so extreme)-Maggie calm down we are just friends he escorted me tonight to a charity function that’s it!

Nothing texted back so I click the Google app and see the
pics and all the titles “mystery boy toy” “the future ex- Mr. Cruz” “Billionaire daughter of the belated Mrs. Abigail Cruz finally lands her man” the photos were great we were like salt and pepper beside one another a great contrast, he was the opposite of me in every way. Turning the phone so he could see it I noticed he had one hell of a grin on his face “What’s got you cheesy Cameron?”

And his response is
.. “YAHOO OMG SITE, They have us already divorced and we aren’t even dating! I’m FAMOUS” I can’t help but giggle at how excited he looks. It’s actually adorable and I find myself thinking, I could look at his face forever. He has the best dirty blonde hair I’ve ever seen, his eyes are like emeralds, and man there has always been something about a guy taller than me with toned legs and arms. He has to use his upper body strength at work.. HAS TO!  “ Well Cameron if  all goes well tonight & you enjoy me as much as I do you, I think you had better get used to  seeing yourself online because I will take you out a good bit” and now my smile is goofy and from ear to ear.. Aw he is blushing how cute is that. “Here we are, my haunted house on the hill” Cameron jerks around “HAUNTED” omg does he take everything so LITERAL. “Not really HAUNTED but you know it gets weird sometimes. I mean I am pretty much the only one here. Gus stays down in the boat house loft and Valeria stays in an apartment over the garage. I like my privacy but it does get lonely and yes even creepy” Now his expression seems lost and sad. “Lexi why do you stay to yourself? I mean your amazing and fun from what I can tell, its gotta be your choice right? Surely you have people who want to be around you all the time.”  Boy this is a tough one, one I would never answer usually but here goes “People tend to like my money more than me, or think I am bossy. They forget before I had Abigail’s Company dropped in my lap that I had dreams of my own and a brain to. I didn’t want her life I wanted my own. But that all came to a stop when (I trial off lost at the memory of my parents) she was no longer hear to sign those stupid contracts & be pretty in the spot light. Now my dreams are on hold, well actually on a rack in my closet to be honest. I wanted to be a designer Cameron. I wanted to make clothes for the stars and I wanted my designs to be the ones when someone walked out, they are head jerking and mouth dropping and everyone knew it was a Lexi Cruz Design. But life goes on, no more dreaming for me, just hardcore reality. My dreams were all lost and broken. So excuse me if I am BOSSY I just consider myself intelligent where others see me as Mommy’s little girl lost broken and blowing all their money.”  Sigh, “ and actually the company is doing better now than it has in the last 15 years, Georgina is blown away at how smooth things are running but I asked her to keep it hush it’s no one’s business how I run my business!”  Shit I just told Cameron my life story haha nice one Lexi now he for sure thinks you’ve lost your damn marbles! “Ok enough on the history lesson. Out of the car and in the house move it!” we walk out and Gus takes the limo around back to park it. I really should invest in a hot pink limo that would make headlines. About half way up the 10,000 steps to the front door Cameron takes off running and laughing… “ I feel like Rocky on these steps”  I can’t help but bust out “ YO ANDRIANN!” that gets a full on belly laugh from Cameron and before I know it he has ran back to me and has me up in his arms carrying me up the steps. He really is kind of sweet and strong to be honest. Maybe I should be nice to this one. It’s not my norm but neither is he. At the top of the steps he sets me down so I can punch in the code to open the door.  The house is pretty much the same as my mom left it minus the color change of course. Beautiful art lines the walls, vases full of great smelling flowers which Valeria tends to daily, and my house smells like waffles. Yes waffles I love the mommies cooking my favorite on Sunday morning smell.   And its then I let a small tear run down my cheek, I miss her so much, quickly wiping it away before Cameron can see it of course. “Well kitchens that way fix you something, I am going to change and I will be back down for a snack as well. Then the fun begins “I shoot up the stairs to my room to find that outfit to drive him wild. I find a stunning floor length silk V-neck gown in amazing lavender with a matching robe I slide it own and hang my LEXI CRUZ DESIGN back where it belongs. Now I want to cry. Every time I change out of my designs I feel lost. They always ask “Who are you wearing tonight Miss Cruz?” and from me it’s the same ole response.” Oh this old thing was just hanging in the closet” I don’t need reporters hounding me about fashion.  I stand hidden in the shadows off the back stair case watching Cameron as he digs around looking for food. It’s not hard really I have a heavy supply of junk food. He goes for the covered cake pan, I decide its time to make my presence known. He turns slowly to not drop the pan but when his eyes see my feet I watch him slowly work his eyes upwards. He almost falters and lets the pan go but catches it just in time. “ Gesh Lexi I thought the dress was amazing but now your almost  see through , wow your just beautiful in everything aren’t you” grabbing 2 forks and 2 glasses I  never even look at him, but I know his eyes haven’t left me I can feel them burning into me at the hips. I slowly swish across the floor towards the fridge and grab the milk making it a point to bend further than I need to.  “Cameron, do you like the cake? I actually made that myself it’s a family recipe.” He can’t say anything because his mouth is FULL of cake I burst out laughing “imma take that as a good sign! Eat up” once we have the cake eaten and our milk drank we realize we’ve been sitting at the breakfast bar for hours. It’s early morning and I really am not in the mood to tie him up. He is so sweet I actually feel ashamed for thinking about it. I mean yes I like them tied to the bed post or strapped into the free fall harness I had made special just for me so they can’t move, with gags in so they can’t speak, and blindfolds on so they can’t see. I like taking a whip or cane and punishing them but Cameron is so different. It’s then for the first time I think maybe something is wrong with how I treat men. I mean bondage is one thing but doing it and loving the pain on their faces, seems a little morbid. I need to call the doc soon. I drag him to the great room still laughing and we sit for a bit and chat it up about the night. I look at him and I have to send him on before the evil inside reaches out for him “Cameron it’s getting late and I know I said I wanted to tie you up tonight but we’ve talked so long I’m actually very tired, I think Gus should take you home now.” I grab the house phone and buzz him “Gus, Cameron is going to need a ride back to his hotel, it doesn’t matter let him decide, I am sure he will enjoy that. Ok thanks Gus, see you tomorrow” I look at Cameron and he seems lost “so you decided I wasn’t good enough to stay the night with you?” I was actually caught off guard. “ No  Cameron I would love for you to but for all the wrong reasons, so Gus will take you home and I will call you tomorrow and he is going to let you pick which car you want to go home in, garage is through the kitchen last door at the end of the hall. Good night” I kiss him on the cheek and go up the steps without ever looking back. I’m good at that I learned the hard way looking back makes you weak.  Cameron gets up I hear his feet click on the floor as he passes the steps I believe he paused but I can’t be sure I may have just hoped he did. In the garage Gus is waiting by the key grid when Cameron enters “Mr. Cameron sir which car would you like to go home in. Miss Cruz says its gentleman’s choice tonight” Cameron stares as if it’s Christmas. “OMG THESE ARE ALL HERS? Um I want to I pick the um omee ok ok I pick the black Ferrari please” Gus grins and grabs the keys, they squeal out I hear the car leave so I change into my real night clothes.  Capri’s and a tank hair knotted up in ball and toe socks
. The beautiful lavender just isn’t the right kind of comfy. I dock my ipod and turn it on low.  Sitting in the middle of my California king bed I let my he ad drop between my knees and let it out, this is the only time I don’t mind being alone, I can cry without worrying anyone will hear me. Frozen solid I can’t seem to move. Was that the door that just creaked open? Gesh I didn’t even lock up after Cam left. As I look up I see Cameron standing there looking very puzzled. “Lexi I forgot my wallet on the kitchen counter when I came back to get it I heard you crying what’s wrong? Are you hurt?”  Anger ran through me I felt like the tips of my fingers could shoot lightening. “Why Cameron? Why couldn’t you just text me to bring it tomorrow, seriously it was that important? Look at me oh dear God you’re seeing me like this. Old torn clothes tear stained face” I drop my hands back down the broken girl has taken over. No more control, seductive girl. I hear his feet fading down the hall. Well that’s that he saw me looking a hot mess and he is gone for good. I throw myself back and bury my head in the pillow why am I doomed to a life of loneliness. Just then the bed gives way. I turn and see Cameron sitting on the side of the bed removing his shoes.  Rubbing my eyes “what are you doing?” it comes out so weak and unlike me. “Lexi there is no way I can leave you like this. I told Gus I wasn’t leaving because you are upset and it’s not right for anyone to cry alone, I’m just going to sit here and hold you so you can cry it all out whatever it is and when you’re done you’ll see you’re not alone. And as far as your clothes go I think it’s the best I’ve seen you yet. You look normal and not intimidating, laid back, & I am betting this is you the real you!”

I just stared at him then rapid blinking starting not really sure what to do. Finally I gave up, smoothed my hair down, and wiped my nasty running nose, rolled over and turned my back to him. Curled up as tight as I could get into a fetal position, For the first time in a long time I felt I didn’t have a say so in what was happening, and for this once it didn’t bother me like I thought it would. I almost felt my heart start to mend itself back together.
  It only took a minute and I felt Cam lay down and wiggle close I stiffened and he stopped but in the end he wrapped his arm around me and we both slept like rocks. I was jarred awake from a nasty dream as always but as soon as I jerked Cams hand tightened around me we hadn’t moved an inch. He mumbled something that sounded like “its ok baby I’m right here go back to sleep” but his eyes weren’t open and he was still breathing heavy. I got excited for nothing he was dreaming most likely of some trash bag Ellie May Clampett wanna be back home in her short butt Wal-Mart shorts and shit kickers.. The thought made me frown and at that moment he opened his eyes. Ekkkk shit busted. “Hi baby sleep well?” my mouth fell open and my eyes bugged out of my head OMG HE WAS TALKIN TO ME. WHAT THE FREAK why am I so happy? “Hi Cameron (acting shy of course) actually I slept great (I lied). Then it hits me holy moly batman I must look like death warmed up  I jump up feet on the bed towering over him wild eyed like a scared doe and cut a back flip off the bed, as I ran full speed across the cold marble floors I hear his stunned “holy shit” and all I can do is “be right back” as I round the corner into my bathroom sliding thanks to my toes socks, good thing I grabbed the door jam or I would have face planted in front of GOD and everybody. I jerk my toothbrush out of the holder and drop my panties   I am about to pee myself. Back at the counter  scrubbing my teeth like I’m using a jack hammer Cam enters the bathroom I smile big and of course my dumb ass makes a mess with toothpaste as it drips out gosh this is embarrassing. But hey its not my fault, I have NEVER woke up with a guy in the house, I have always sent them on their way before bedtime.  “So Cam (OMG HE IS PEEING EEWW) I jerk back around, standing all stiff, not to see that yuck… now I forgot what I was saying grrr. “What Lexi?” I sigh about to say I had forgot and BAM my brain to mouth filter is lost” Whose Ellie May?” he lets out a laugh and says “whattt” all country sounding and drawn out. “OMG CAM I am so sorry I meant is there a girl back home? You know in Mississippi.” Someone shoot me now please.

“Um well (he takes forever to answer so it
cant be good)  No Lexi no one back home but Sadie.”  He must notice the pain on my face because he very quickly fixes his answer “Sadie is my dog she’s the sweetest miniature chocolate dachshund ever” I sag in relief.  Not sure why thou this can’t happen he is leaving in what 4-5 days tops. Oh now my heart is breaking I literally feel it ripping and jagged shards crash to the floor, I think the fact I even have a heart at this point is the biggest surprise.  I fake it of course and put on a smile. “So Cameron you wanna go back to your hotel or hang with me today?”  Making our way to the kitchen Valeria already has spread of food laid out for us. “Val this is Cam” she nods and says hello in her weak little don’t look at me voice. She acts like she has never seen a guy before shit. Well I guess she hasn’t in this house ha oh well too late now. Cameron looks as thou he is thinking super hard right now. Poor guy he likely thinks I’ve lost my damn marbles. After what seems like a life time of waiting he turns smiling “ Lexi I am not sure this works with me leaving soon but right now all I want to do is spend every second I have left here with you!”  YUP I’VE LOST MY DAMN MARBLES “Well Cameron let’s get done so we can start our day, I have oodles of things I want to show you, but first we have to get you clothed properly.”He looks so constricted right now like he is confused, pissed, excited it’s just a weird look seriously with the eye brow cocked and head held sideways. “I can’t let you  buy me clothes Lexi that’s just crazy” Guess I better not tell him that Brioni tuxedo cost about 10 grand he may have a heartastroke ha! He does make it look better that James Bond thou! Even if it is wrinkled from our early morning nap because it ended up being like 4 a.m. when we finally crashed. He pulls me out of deep thought asking crazy non sense “So what’s the plan? Ooo by the way you look beautiful this morning messy head” WTF my hair how could I forget NOOOOOO curls no matter how loose they are look awful pre managed HOLY SHIT BOBBAGAHDOUCHE I LOOK LIKE KRUSTY THE EFFIN CLOWN WAHHHHH. “Cameron it’s rude to talk about someone’s hair while at the breakfast bar, so shut your damn mouth and eat so we can go have fun.” Cameron looks hurt but it’s his own fault, I don’t have insecurities but he makes me feel different and I don’t like it, or do I? I scarf down 4 pancakes, 6 pieces of bacon, a cup of o.j., and then grab for a biscuit to dip up my butter smothered in golden eagle syrup. I glance up thru my lashes and Cameron could catch flies his mouth is open so damn wide. “WHAT IS IT NOW CAMERON DO I HAVE FOOD ON MY FACE GESH” ahh the flush of embarrassment rushes across his pretty tanned face. “NO I just can’t figure out where you’ve put all that food, (gulp) your bones and eat like a horse, don’t take me wrong you look great but where does it all go? Most girls wont even touch a bagel at this time of day” Well here we go again my pissy ass morning attitude kicking in high gear and the poor guy doesn’t even know its coming. “Well let me see I stay busy I.WORK.IT.OFF! I exercise 3 days a week with a personal trainer, I take a kick boxing class with a personal trainer, I take 2 yes 2 self defense classes, I am and have been an elite gymnast for about 12 years now, and I also take a beginners class in cross fit. SO! I would say I have a right to EAT.LIKE.A.HORSE!” dang this boy says stuff that just makes me spill everything in all the wrong ways….sigh…I should seriously be karate kid. Inhale exhale inhale exHELL “Cameron I need to say I am sorry I am such a bitch so early, I don’t talk much the first few hours I am awake and you being here has just thrown me off. Lets get ready to go out and have fun please, you only have a few days before you go and I’d like to enjoy them” tears fill my eyes and threaten to pour but I hold them back reigning in my inner CEO HBIC (head bitch in charge)  attitude.