Entangled (44 page)

“Okay, so…hold on,” Her eyes scan the card once more. “Okay, would you rather…have the nickname “Premature Jack” or “Little Peter”?” She looks to me for an answer. I think about it, on one hand, I’d hate to refer to my pecker as “little” but being known to ejaculate prematurely is not really ideal either. I squint my eyes in concentration. Well, it’s just for fun…

“Shit, I don’t like either of them. Can I pass?”

“Nope.” Damn, it was worth a try.

“Fine, I’ll go with “Little Peter”, even though I know the truth.

“Are you serious? That’s your answer?” She starts laughing and I wish…”Okay, sorry. I’m not laughing at you. These questions can really bruise an ego.”

“No kidding. At least I know the truth though. This is just for fun. And you know I have no problem with either…” I pick a card from the deck as she sticks her card in the back. I read through mine…holy shit, I’m not gonna be mean but these questions are hardcore. They’re even labeled, “embarrassing, food ingestion, random, pain” and such.  “Okay, ready?” She shakes her head. “Would you rather…be a millionaire and then hit rock bottom OR live your entire life with just enough money to get by?”

Something tells me I already know the answer to this one, but it was the best question in the bunch, since 3 of them were about death. Not the topic to get into at this time. “I’d say the second one, because I think I’d be miserable if I was a millionaire and lost it all. I’ve already had to live my entire life with just enough to get by and it’s been tolerable. So I don’t have the fanciest clothes or furniture or house. At least I’m healthy and somewhat mentally stable. Emotionally, I need some work but it is what it is.” My heart breaks for her and all the struggles she faced. “Okay, my turn.” She chooses a card and bursts out laughing. Oh hell.

“Would you rather…be the limousine driver for a movie star OR the bus driver for a rock band?”

That’s easy…”Bus driver all the way. I wanna rock out with a band. Though driving a limo around would be badass too.”

“Yeah, I think I’d choose the bus driver one too.”

The stewardess gets on and announces our departure. I glance at Maddy who’s gone still. I divert her attention back to me. “Hey, it’s my turn. Maddy, look at me.” I pull a card out and look through them. I got my question ready. Holy crap, who came up with this game? “Okay, I’m ready. Maddy, look at me. Pay attention…would you rather…For a full day, be stuck in a full elevator OR be locked inside your car on a deserted road?”

She ponders both scenarios. Personally, I’d go with the elevator one but that’s just me. “I’d say locked inside my car because at least I’d have my music to keep me occupied.  Not to mention, I don’t like elevators to begin with and being stuck in one with a bunch of strangers all day is hardly appealing to me.” She grips her arm rest, frantically. “We’re moving. Holy shit.” I take her right hand in mine, “Breathe, it’ll be fine. I’m here. Keep talking or sing to yourself.” She glances out the window as the plane slowly takes off down the runway. “Tell me something, talk…”

“I need Xanax.” She pinches her eyes shut, her palm is sweaty but I keep a firm grip on it.

“You’re doing great, baby. Tell me your first crush.”

“Andrew Harris, he was a good kisser but his teeth were crooked and yellow.” She smiles, “but he was really sweet and had the most amazing blue eyes I’d ever seen.” I watch as the plane takes off in the air, my stomach in my throat but I focus on keeping Maddy calm. I’ve always loved the rush I get from flying. “Babe?” Her eyes are still closed and her grip loosens.

“Yes?”

“Who’s your celebrity crush?”

“Gisele Bundchen or Kate Moss. I also like Cameron Diaz.”

“Why did Gisele and Leo split up?”

“Babe, look out the window.” She shakes her head. “Come on, it’s awesome. Look.” She shifts in her seat and leans forward.

“Wow, we’re really high. We’re like up in the clouds.” A small smile appears as she takes in the sight of us in the air. “Noah, this is incredible.” Her eyes gaze around in amazement. I bring her hand up to my mouth and kiss it, proudly. “I know I ‘m so lame acting like a kid. But this is a sight to see.”

“That doesn’t make you lame, I find your excitement endearing.” I wrap my arm around her shoulder and pull her in close. “You’re totally sexy right now.”

She leans into me, “There’s a bathroom you know.” And she wiggles her eyebrows making me laugh.

“We’re not in New York yet, baby. Sorry.”

“You suck.” She pouts her bottom lip. “Um, I might do that. And wouldn’t you like to know.” I retort, receiving a glare-pout. “Okay, let’s do one more question.” I shuffle through the cards.

“Hey it’s my turn.”

“Nope, you can go after me. I have a good one.” I look at her, smirking, “Would you rather…take off all your clothes, right now for twenty minutes, OR not take them off for two weeks?”

“Oh my god, that’s ridiculous. I’d say if we weren’t on a plane with a bunch of strangers, I’d take them off now. But…oh hell for two weeks they’d smell. Shit, Noah…you’re cruel.” I am cruel and I’m enjoying watching her squirm. “Okay, first one, fuck it.” I smile at the image of her taking her clothes off right here. “Get that smirk off your face. We’re not in New York, remember?”

“Why’d you have to ruin the picture I just painted?”

“Would you rather…wake up after sleeping walking to find yourself standing in the middle of a freeway OR on a window ledge forty stories up?” Sweet Jesus, they would both suck and possibly kill you.

“Uh, either one is suicide. But I’ll say the freeway. It doesn’t say busy freeway, so maybe you’d have a chance of getting the fuck out of there. But on a ledge that high up, one little slip and you’re fucked. I sure hope that doesn’t happen in real life. I know sleepwalking is a serious disease, though.”

“Yep, I’d be scared shitless. This is awesome.” She points outside.

“Are you thirsty? They should be bringing us drinks soon.”

“Coffee would be great. I feel myself slipping away, quickly.” I gaze down the aisle and see the drinks being passed out toward the front. I don’t know why I even bother asking if she’s thirsty. She’s the biggest coffee fiend I’ve ever met, besides her roommate. I suppose there are worse addictions though. “Noah?” Her eyes are closed and her voice is groggy.

“Yeah, babe?”

“Thank you for taking me to New York.” She lays her legs up on my knees. I give her my jacket to use as a pillow against the window.

“I’m glad I asked you to come.” I kiss the top of her head and hear her sigh. My intentions were uncertain at the time. I knew I liked her and I guess that’s why I acted on impulse. I felt she needed to have something good in her life, happy memories, even if we never started dating. I was happy to be her friend. Well that’s a lie, but I would’ve been, I would’ve made myself be, if just to see her smile. Sitting here now with her against me, it makes all the uncertainties worth it. I grab her hand resting in her lap and hold it up to my chest. When I look back at her, she’s sound asleep. “Sweet dreams, baby.” I lean back in my seat and the rest of the ride is a blur.

Chapter 49

Maddy

Flying is not as terrifying as I’d believed it to be. In fact, it’s pretty damn awesome. I got so worked up about nothing, I felt stupid for being such a baby. But if it wasn’t for Noah and his distractions, I wouldn’t have been able to make it through the way I did. He’s been helping me the entire time and I’m so grateful for it. I even enjoyed the trip. And then having very little sleep caught up to me and I passed out. I’d still be passed out if it wasn’t for the stewardess announcing our arrival at the airport.

“We’re in New York. Holy shit, I’m so ready to see everything.” I blurt out.

“Well good morning sunshine. How’d you sleep?” I glance around as the passengers watch out their windows, so I do too.

“Like a rock.” It’s cloudy out, but it doesn’t look like it’s snowed lately. I hope it does while we’re here. Not that I haven’t seen enough snow.

I watch as the plane attaches to the terminal. This airport is huge in comparison to the one we left. Then again, it’s New York where everything is bigger. “Is pizza here really as good as everyone says it is?”

“Yes, it is. I think so, anyway.” I notice Noah’s body language, stiff and trembling, like he’s nervous. I touch his arm to get his attention. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“I’m fine.” But I can tell he’s not. It dawns on me that he may be nervous about being home again. It’s been 6 months, so I guess the memories of his past might be a bit too much for him all at once. It could be the fact that he’s going to see his mother…or the biggest issue could be that he’ll more than likely run into his dad. As much as I don’t want to see him, chances are I won’t have a choice. But it’s something I can deal with. If he says anything to me, I’ll ignore him, no big deal. My main goal is to support Noah.

Without a word, I take his hand in mine and hold it in my lap. “It’s going to be fine. We’re gonna have the best trip ever.” I smile, wait for his smile in return and kiss the back of his hand. “You’re really something, you know that?” He whispers. I watch people around us stand up and start toward the front. “Time to go.”

“How do you feel?” He asks, acting more like himself now.

“I’m great, excited. Ready to take on the world.” We stand, grab our bags from the compartment and wait, hand in hand until the line moves.

“Sorry, I got a little apprehensive and yes, nervous. I’d be lying if I said I was completely calm, being back here. I thought I’d handle it a little better but so much history and memories come flooding back and I feel like I can’t breathe.”

“It’s okay; I understand how it must feel for you. And we’re only
human; we can’t always control our emotions, good or bad. Just focus on the good and we’ll get through it. Oh yeah, and Spencer will be so happy to see you.” We walk down the aisle, my heart pumps full of adrenaline. I’m excited to see both Spencer and the city. Noah cackles beside me, shaking his head. “There’s my Maddy I’ve been looking for since this morning.”

I nod in agreement. “I should’ve told you she wouldn’t be found until she set her foot off this plane.”

“You mean feet.” He corrects me.

I roll my eyes, “Whatever, grammar nazi. I talk in slang and vulgarity so find another bitch to correct who won’t have the urge to take your head off.” I almost feel like Andi. I say it louder than intended and receive glares from an older woman in front of us. “Keep on walking, lady.” Noah tries to conceal his laughter.

“Where did this Maddy come from? She’s kind of mean…I kind of like her.” I smile.

We find the baggage claim and Spencer, sitting by the window chatting with a blonde. It makes me think of Andi and what a shame it was they didn’t work out, or even try to after his visit. I still don’t know if they slept together that night. I quickly out my cell to let her know we made it. “There’s Spencer and some chick.” I point and Noah follows my gaze.

“Oh yeah, I guess we were not his priority.” He comments.

“I forgot I never had that coffee on the plane.”

Noah looks down at me, “Sorry, you fell asleep and so did I for a short time. But we do have coffee shops here so you’ll get plenty of coffee.”

“Oh man, now that Spencer is here, we won’t get to ride in a taxi like I always wanted to do.”

“We will.” He takes my bag, placing the strap over his shoulder and says, “There will be plenty of time for that. I plan on taking you out into the city at night by ourselves and we’ll get a taxi then.” He leans down to kiss me, and then I hear, “Fucking hell yes, my peeps made it in one piece. Welcome to New York, baby.” We break apart as Spencer strolls to our side.

“Hi Spencer. Nice to see you.” I smirk and then shift my gaze to where the blonde is still sitting, watching us.

“Oh her? I was just keeping her company for a little bit, how was your flight?”

“It was…interesting. But I survived, thanks to Noah.”

Noah speaks up, “It was great; she did really good for her first plane ride.” I roll my eyes. They shake hands and do their manly hug. Spencer swoops me up in the air and twirls me around. I giggle and squirm out of his grasp. “How are you Maddy? It’s great to see you two together, finally.” Noah and I exchange a look, feeling the same way. “Have you guys done it in the park yet?”

“You mean like Phoebe and Gary?” Noah asks, and Spencer shakes his head.

“Yeah, you’re totally Ross though. I wanna be Chandler and you’re Rachel.” He says to me, not aware that we were role playing to Friends. But secretly I’m flattered that he thinks I’m more Rachel than the other two.

“Yeah, she’s definitely Rachel.” Noah winks at me. I hear the conveyor belt start, watching people gather around it. The boys go on and on about their game and I say to them, “You two can be who you want to be, I’m going to be over there waiting for our luggage.”

I walk away and find an open space to slip through and wait as the suitcases fall to their deaths. My phone dings in my purse. I search through my shit to find it in a hurry thinking it’s Andi. When I pull it out and read it, I blush…

Noah: You’re better than Rachel. You’re better than all three put together. ;)

I smile and discreetly glance behind me at him, he’s looking away but I still, to myself, appreciate his sentiment. I look away, back to the conveyor, realizing our suitcases have probably passed me several times by now. Then I spot mine on the other side, and wait for it to come back around.