Past? Other than them knowing each other since childhood and their families doing business together, what kind of past could they have?
“I don’t know what past Aurora told you about but there’s nothing to feel awkward about. Unless she tries to make a move on him again,” I say tersely.
“Um, Gabs, Dorian didn’t tell you? About them?” Jared almost seems amused as if he knows something that I don’t.
“Tell me what?” I ask annoyed.
“When they were younger, before Dorian got himself into trouble, I guess, they used to be together. Like really together. They were each other’s first love. She thought she could help him get on his feet after he came back. She admitted that she was a little hurt that he had just pretty much forgotten about what they had when he was gone, but people change I guess. He obviously has some commitment issues.”
The fuck?
Rage heats my face instantly, and I fight the urge to scream and accuse Jared of lying just to hurt me. But I know he would never do that. He is just reciting what Aurora told him. Could she be lying? Of course she could. But why? Why risk telling lies and looking like a fool to both Jared and Dorian? She surely wouldn’t go that far just to get under my skin. I can’t be that important to her. But Dorian said he would always tell me the truth. I asked him what was going on between he and Aurora and he told me nothing.
Of course. Nothing is going on right now so he didn’t lie. He did tell me that they have known each other a long time and that Aurora wanted more. He didn’t want the same. So he wasn’t completely dishonest, just not 100% forthcoming. Now I really want to see Dorian, and not to sate my sexual appetite.
“Look, Jared, not everything is always what it seems,” I try to say with a level voice, masking my seething anger. “Just be careful, ok.”
“You too, Gabs,” he replies, nodding. “You too.”
**********
The following days drag on, and I struggle to digest the news of Jared and Aurora’s newfound romance. His cheerfulness is sickening because I know that Aurora and her lies have created that illusion for him. He even started dressing differently, exchanging his t-shirts and athletic shoes for button-ups and oxfords. She’s trying to change him, and it’s only making me despise her even more. It’s like she wants to sink her teeth into him and make her place in his life as quickly as possible. Probably so I’ll eventually become obsolete.
“Don’t let it bother you, Gabs,” Morgan says as we’re shopping during my break at the mall. She insists we need new outfits for our trip. We leave tomorrow, and I can hardly wait, though I’m not thrilled about having to spend three days with Aurora.
“Don’t you think it’s kinda soon for Jared to be inviting her on trips? I mean, damn! They just met a week ago.” I pick up a blue dress that reminds me of the hue that Dorian wore before he left for Greece. The image of him in that beautiful color makes my heart skip a beat.
“Well, yeah,” Morgan begins thoughtfully. “But how long did you know Dorian before you spent the night with him?” Touché.
“I just don’t see how that relationship makes any sense whatsoever. Yes, they may be physically attracted to one another...” I say, feeling my stomach churn at the thought of them being intimate. “But what else could they really talk about?”
“Look, Gabs, I love you, girl. You know I do. But you have to let this go and focus on your own relationship. Who cares what the hell they’re doing. You’re happy with Dorian, right?”
“Yes,” I reply simply.
“Well then, worry about that,” Morgan says brusquely. My complaining has gotten to her and I don’t blame her for being snippy. All I’ve talked about is Jared and Aurora.
“You’re right,” I say somberly. “So, anything new going on with Miguel? Or was that DOA?”
“Girl, that boy has been blowing up my phone since I gave him a taste of this cookie!” she laughs. “The sex is good, great even. And we get along. I actually like him as a person. I don’t know though. He graduates next month and then he’s supposed to be getting some job at Lockheed Martin.”
“That’s a really good job, Morgan. What’s the problem?” Chris even had a hand in helping Miguel land the job after learning he was majoring in Aerospace Engineering.
“I don’t know. It has nothing to do with money or status. I just don’t want things to get weird, ya know? I’m keeping an open mind about it. Who knows what will happen on this trip. We may realize that we can’t stand to be around each other for more than a few hours.” Morgan shrugs but I can tell she really likes Miguel. This is the most thoughtful she’s ever been when referring to a guy. I like this more sensitive side of her.