Writing

Move- Chapter 9

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

MOVE poster

Previously on Move– Read Chapter 8 HERE

Meet Marco

 

Aria walks into work and sits at her desk, Marco smirks and walks over.

“Good Morning,” he says handing her a cup of coffee.

Aria smiles, “Oh. Thank you.”

Marco watches her as she sits at her desk settling in for her day’s work.

Liam emerges from his office with a to go cup of coffee in his hand, he notices Aria sipping on one already and turns swiftly placing it back in his office, upon turning back around he catches Marco’s eyes on Aria.

He cocks his head slightly and coughs.

Marco’s head shoots up.

“Morning Boss,” he says finding his seat quickly.

“Morning,” Liam says rather short.

Aria suddenly stills upon hearing his voice. She feels uncomfortable, she’s never seen anyone be afraid of Liam let alone Liam be short with anyone. Not knowing whether to turn around and make eye contact with him or not. Has she done something to offend him?

“Aria, Good Morning,” he says his tone different. Happy. His eyes wanting and waiting to see the flicker of gold reflected in her chocolate brown eyes.

An internal sigh of relief, the tension falling, Aria turns in her seat with a smile.

“Good Morning, Mr. Whitmore,” she says.

Liam notices she’s wearing a fitted black dress. Although work appropriate, she’s showing the slightest bit on cleavage, which was just enough to drive Liam crazy.

“Is there anything specific you’d like me to work on today, or is it just the usual?”

He goes blank for a second as his eyes say glued to her.

Aria notices and looks away slightly nervous.

Liam snaps back to reality, “I’m sorry what was that?” he asks mentally kicking himself for losing his control around her.

“Is there anything specific you’d like me to work on today?”

“Um oh, yes I have a meeting today with one of the artists we spoke with yesterday. I’d love for you to come along, if that’s something your interested in?” he asks hopeful to be able to spend some time alone with her outside the office.

“I would love to, yes, thank you.”

“Great, I figured since you were the one who she spoke with mostly, having you there would be wildly beneficial.”

“Sounds perfect, what time should I be ready for?”

“We’ll take her to coffee, so let’s say around 3:30?”

“Ok great.”

“Ok,” Liam smiles, “why don’t you come into my office I’ll prep you for the meeting.”

“Oh right, yes, absolutely,” she says standing and walking into his office as she ponders the idea that, the last sentence he said could be taken so out of context if her friends were here to hear it. Molly would have a field day with it.

Aria closes the door behind her and takes a seat.

“Ok so, the first thing you need to know is that we want her to feel as comfortable as possible. So we want to get to know her, ask questions, but keep them light. Artists need to know that we care about what they’re doing.”

“I completely understand,” Aria says nodding.

“Of course you do, you are an artist yourself, after all,” he says with a grin.

“That grin should be illegal,” she says.

Liam’s eyes flicker as his gaze on Aria becomes stronger.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I can’t believe I said that out loud,” Aria says horrified as she turns a shade of red. “I just meant that…oh hell, you have a nice smile,” she says laughing.

“Flattery will get you everywhere, love,” he says laughing.

Aria covers her face, her heart beat quickens, her mind and body soaking in the sexual tension.

“Two weeks, right?” Liam says fidgeting with his tie, is eyes staring at her, not wavering.

“A day less, actually.” Aria says fidgeting in her seat, her legs tan and glistening.

Liam coughs, reaching for his glass of water.

“We should probably continue talking about the artist,” Aria says as she talks with her hands.

“Yes.”

“I printed a bunch of samples of her art, to have on hand. They are in a folder in the right side of your desk, in the top drawer.”

Liam smiles as he reaches for it.

“Wow she really has talent,” Liam says sifting through them.

“Doesn’t she?” Aria says happily. “Oh and she sent a link to a video of some of her pieces actually being created, she kind of walks us through the process, it’s incredible. Here let me just pull it up for you,” she says walking around his desk.

Aria leans over the computer as she clicks away, inches away from Liam, he takes the scent of her perfume in as he can’t help but get lost being so close to her.

“Ok so here,” she says playing the video.

The artist stands in the middle of an art studio, she throws paint at a blank canvas, as it splashes against the white back ground- A rainbow of colors.

“Wow,” Liam says mesmerized.

“Isn’t it amazing, it seems so random, but somehow it’s art, ya know?” Aria says leaning closely to the screen and unknowingly brushes against Liam.

Liam stills as his eyes glance at her, her blouse low, he can see her lacey black bra underneath.

He inhales sharply and straightens his posture, causing Aria to pull back and realize their close proximity.

“Oh what do I know, I don’t paint.” she says laughing and walking away toward her seat.

Liam catches her hand and pulls her back toward him swiftly, and she bumps into his toned figure. His gaze intense, his hands grip her waist as his lips crash onto hers. Aria loses all bets as she wraps her arms around his neck, propping herself up on the desk, as Liam helps her. His lips find her neck, as his hands grip her thighs while they slide up her dress.

Aria sits, starring in space.

“Aria? Did you hear me, love?”

“I’m sorry, what?” she says coming out of her scandalous daydream, her body overheated.

“I said we have to leave for the meeting in just a few, any other questions?”

“Oh, oh no, I’m good. I’m just gonna need a minute…(she says shifting in her seat) to ya know um…freshen up,” she says standing up and rushing out.

Liam smirks, looking after her.

“Less than two weeks,” he whispers to himself.

***

Aria rushes into the bathroom. Her chest heavy.

Trying to steady her breathing, Aria paces.

“Come on Aria, get your shit together,” she leans against the sink, and stares at her reflection.

“You can not be having feelings like this, he is your boss,” she says to herself her hands in her hair.

“Oh my god,” she says covering her face, breathing deeply.

Aria walks over to the napkin dispenser and grabbing one she taps it against her chest, her forehead and then makes her way into the nearest stall.

***

Aria and Liam stand in the elevator, in silence.

Fifty Shades of Grey…seriously why is that the only thought in my head right now, Aria thinks.

Liam’s cell phone rings.

Thank god, Aria thinks.

He reaches into his pocket and answers, “Hello?”

“Hello Mum.”

“Yes… I know you called earlier. Yes she did give me the message, I just haven’t gotten the chance to get back to you,” he says looking over at Aria, who winces and covers her face.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers.

Liam smirks and waves his hand dismissing her worry.

“Mum, I’m actually on my way to a very important meeting. I’ll call you later, honest.”

“Good bye Mum, talk soon,” he says hanging up.

Aria looks at him and scrunches her nose, Liam chuckles as his smile beams.

“Oh my god, I am so sorry! I forget to tell you, it was in between prepping and you had stepped out and then when you came back we started talking about some of the other emails we got and it just got lost in the mess of my brain. I’m so sorry, your mother must hate me,” Aria says rambling.

“Hey hey hey, (he says laughing and grabbing her hands) it’s okay, really it was an honest mistake. My mum calls so much it’d be impossible not to forget at least one. She’ll live, trust me.”

Aria stills, her hands tightening around his, he has this way of calming her.

Aria sighs, “Thank you,” she says smiling.

Liam smiles as he brings her hands to his lips, he places a kiss on one.

Aria’s entire body freezes, as just her eyes follow his moves.

Ok is he serious, this man is a total freakin’ prince, she thinks.

“Don’t mention it, love,” he says smiling.

The elevator ding signals they’ve reached the lobby floor and the doors open.

Liam lets her hands go, “Let’s go crush this meeting, shall we?” he says glancing over at her as he straightens his tie. He steps out of the elevator as Aria attempts to put one foot in front of the other and follow.

***

Aria and Liam walk along the streets of Manhattan, smoothies in hand.

“So that went well, right? I mean did I do okay in there?”

“It went very well, You did very well. The offer for us to curate her work and get it into a museum is on the table and we’ll see what she says.”

“Do you think it’s weird she didn’t accept it right away. I just feel like it’s such an amazing opportunity.”

“Well artists sometimes take some extra time to null over possibilities when it comes to making a big decision involving their careers and their craft. You should know a little thing or two about that, no?” he says playing coy as he sips his smoothie, looking away.

“Ugh, ok, touché,” she says laughing and hitting him in the arm.

Liam laughs, “how’s the routine coming along?”

“It’s coming…slowly…but it’s coming.” she says sighing.

“I’m sure you will get there, love,” he says smiling.

“I have to.”

Liam watches her as the moment stills. There is definitely more to that.

“So what about you…have you thought about handing over some of those pesky book keeping duties to someone else, so you can be more involved in the art process?”

“I haven’t found much time these days,” he says smiling faintly.

“Well you should make time. I saw your eyes in there when she was talking about how much her art means to her, you just lit up.”

“Maybe that was just because I was sitting next to you,” he says smirking playfully.

“Mr. Whitmore?” she says smirking.

“Hey technically we aren’t in the office, so…” he says smirking.

“And your changing the subject.”

“It’s always been a bit of a soft spot for me, talking about art.”

“Why?”

“Why do you dance?”

Aria gives him a look, he mirrors it.

“Ok. fine, I’ll go first. I dance because at one point it was all I had. Sometimes it still kind of feels that way. My parents died when I was 5 and I got put into the foster system. All my family lived in Puerto Rico and they weren’t able to come here. Let alone have the money to send for me and have another mouth to feed.  So I stayed in foster care and was adopted, pretty quickly by a really nice family. But they were pretty strapped for cash too, so life was hard all around. And I just remember my foster mom always playing Spanish music in the house, the same songs I remember hearing as a kid with my real parents and it just made me feel safe. Like a bit of me, was still me. Ya know? I would sit in my room and just dance, all the time. When I was sad. When I was happy. It just became my escape. And when I was old enough to support myself I joined the academy. My foster parents were older in age, and they passed a few years ago, about a few months after I started at the academy, actually.  So my two cousins came in from Puerto Rico. I never got to meet them until just a few years ago. But we would write each other, and they wanted to come to New York and I needed roommates so it kind of all worked out.”

“Wow.”

“Sorry you asked?”

“No not at all. In fact it makes me find you even more amazing than I already do.”

Aria smiles, and strokes his arm, “Your turn, why do you…like art?”

Liam and Aria continue to walk heading toward a nearby park.

“Ugh, what a loaded question. I just think there’s more to the world than what we see. The feelings we feel can be instantly understood by the lyric of a song, or the stroke of color in a painting.”

“Amen to that.” Aria says glancing over at him and smiling.

“I love that you get it, most people’s eyes glaze over whenever I try to explain it.”

“That’s because there’s more you need to say but you don’t wanna say it. And I won’t push you. But I don’t think the question is so much about what you have to say, as it is about why you won’t say it.”

“Ah your probably right about that one, love” he says laughing and looking away. “Your very wise you know that?” he says smirking at her.

“Yes of course,” she says shrugging and laughing.

“That laugh should be illegal,” he says smirking at her.

Aria glares at him, “You don’t make this easy,” she says laughing and rolling her eyes.

“You don’t either,” he says smiling at her as his eyes drift to her chest.

Aria notices.

“Liam.” she says laughing nervously as she moves away from him. Things getting to chummy with her boss.

“Thank you for all your hard work today, I think it’s safe to say that you definitely sold her,” Liam says returning to business.

“Oh no problem, glad I could help.”

“I’ll have to treat you to dinner sometime, ya know, as a thank you.”

“Oh…um…” she sits puzzled.

“What?” he says looking her over, trying to read her.

“No it just kinda sounded like you were asking me out,” she says laughing.

“Oh that’s crazy,” he says laughing.

“Oh I know right, I’m sorry,” she says laughing quickly.

“Crazy enough to be true though, love,” he says looking at her with his crystal blue eyes.

Aria stands frozen.

“And just in case there’s any confusion love, that was me flirting with you,” he says cocking his head and walking off, leaving a stunned Aria standing there.

Her phone rings;

“Hello? Hi. Oh! Oh of course. That sounds great. I would love to. Yes see you tonight. Thank you so much, bye.”

Aria smiles as she hangs up her phone.

“Hey!” Aria yells after him.

Liam turns.

Aria rushes over to him.

“I just got an offer to teach Zumba full time at the gym, so I’m really sorry, but I guess I’m gonna have to quit,” she says laughing.

Liam looks at her, his eyes wondering, trying to see if she’s thinking what he’s thinking.

“I’m not sorry,” he says as Aria smiles and grabs his face, his hands circling her waist, as their lips collide.

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Move- Chapter 8

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

MOVE poster

Previously on Move– Read Chapter 7 HERE

Mum

Aria hears a knock at her door.

“Come in,” she says sitting up.

Yolanda peeks her head in, “Hey, you ok?”

“Yea. Just internally freaking out a bit, I start work tomorrow and I just don’t know if I should act like the kiss never happened or get the awkwardness out of the way.”

“Hmm, I get what your saying…it’s kind of a tough spot,” Yolanda says coming in and sitting on the edge of Aria’s bed.

“And I know, I put myself in it. I know it was not my finest moment.”

“Maybe not,” Yolanda says laughing.

“What do you think I should do?”

“I think you just need to rip off the Band-Aid.  Acknowledge that the kiss happened and then just move on right past it. Maybe you’ll be able to establish a professional relationship. Acting like it didn’t happen…well I saw the kiss there’s no denying that you were both very invested,” she says laughing.

Aria smiles.

“You really are starting to catch feelings here aren’t you?” Yolanda asks trying to read her.

“I don’t know. I mean I barely know him. But when we kissed it was just…Oh it was really good.” Aria says her smile beaming.

“Best you ever had?”

“Oh definitely.” Aria says with a laugh.

Yolanda laughs along with her cousin as the room falls silent and Aria’s demeanor suddenly dulls.

“What is it?”

“As much as I would love to explore this new prospect, and I really really would love to kiss him again. I just can’t let myself get wrapped up in something that’s going to take my attention away from the showcase. I’ve already had to slack off a bit, because I’ve been needing to find work to pay for the academy.”

“You know that I can always help you…”

“Yoyo stop it, ok. I love you, but you have to stop taking care of everyone, you already have your sister to take care of you don’t need me mooching off of you anymore.”

“Hey, you are just as much my sister as Layla is. We’re all family, and I know that if roles were reversed you’d do the same for me.”

“Of course.”

“Ok so, the offer stands, if you ever need anything, you come to me. Deal?”

“Deal.”

Aria smiles and she hugs her cousin.

A knock is heard at the door again, as Layla pops her head in.

“There you guys are,” she says bouncing in and jumping on top of them, as they both laugh and groan.

“So are you ready for your first day of work with the sexy millionaire?”

Aria just covers her face as the girls laugh.

“Your gonna be just fine, just remember, rip off the Band-Aid.” Yolanda says.

***

Aria anxiously stands in the elevator as she watches the numbers increase. Her stomach twirling in knots.

Liam stands in his office as he prepares his work to do list. He glances at the clock, Aria’s first day starts in just a few short minutes.

His palms begin to sweat, his heart begins to beat faster as he hears the elevator ding and her heels click on the titled floor.

He stands, buttoning his jacket he walks to meet her at her desk.

“Aria, good morning,” he says unable to stifle the grin spreading across his face.

“Good morning, Mr. Whitmore,” she says smiling slightly, very reserved.

Liam notices, his eyes glance around the rest of the floor as other employees are hard at work tapping away at their computers, answering phone calls, and settling into the day’s busy routine.

“Aria why don’t you come into my office, there are some things we should discuss before we get started.”

“Ok,” she says weary as she walks past him, he smells her Lavender perfume.

“Have a seat, please,” he says as he closes the door behind him.

Aria notices and suddenly she is very aware of the fact that she and Liam are alone. She decides to jump into a normalized work related topic to cut the tension.

“So I did fill out all the forms you had requested. I know I faxed them to you, but I have hard copies as well in case you…” she says rummaging through her work bag.

“Aria…”

Aria stops and looks up at him, as he takes a seat across from her.

“Aria I-“

“Your gonna talk about the kiss, aren’t you?” Aria says biting her lower lip as she looks away nervously.

“We don’t have to…” he says backing off as his eyes glue it’s glare to her lips for a beat

“No, we should. We should talk about it, Rip the Band-Aid off,” Aria says with a laugh.

“Ok, good. Yea that’s what I was thinking too,” he says with a smile. 

“Ok well I just want you to know that, I’m not the kind of girl that will sleep her way up the job ladder.”

“Oh gosh, I didn’t think you were.”

“Ok good.” she says glad to hear that.

“And I’m not the kind of boss who pursues his employees.”

“I figured as much.”

“Ok good,” he says letting out a sigh of relief.

“I am sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.”

“No, Liam, please you didn’t. I kissed you too, it was a mutual thing.”

Liam smiles at the realization, but also at the fact that she used his first name.

“But- none of that changes the fact that we did kiss, and even though I really enjoyed it-” Aria says pausing as her eyes lock onto his.

“I really enjoyed it too,” Liam says glaring back.

“It shouldn’t have happened. I’m your employee and your my boss and I wouldn’t want that to compromise my job here or yours.”

“I understand and I completely agree, it shouldn’t have happened.”

“Ok so can we just act like it never did.”

“If that’s what you want.”

“Ok good, so we will just be our professional selves and I will get to work,” Aria says as she stands.

“Yes, let me show you how to work the phones,” he says walking her out.

***

Aria sits at her desk as she sifts through some emails, forwarding the important ones to Liam. Her phone rings.

“Hello Whitmore Ink, Aria speaking, how may I help you?”

“Where’s Anne?” a very stern, female voice responds.

“Anne is on vacation at the moment, I am filling in for her while she’s away. Can I ask who’s speaking?”

“This is Gertrude Whitmore, Liam’s mum, put me through at once.”

“Oh, um, yes of course, please hold.”

“I do not hold-” she begins to say as Aria flicks a switch.

Liam sits at his desk running his hands through his hair as he stares at his computer screen trying to scrunch sales numbers.

Aria’s voice gracefully comes through his phone. He smiles, loving the fact that she is there.

“Mr. Whitmore, I have your mother on line 1, she sounds rather urgent.”

Liam smirks, knowingly.

“Aria love my mother always sounds urgent, I’ll take it, thank you.”

Liam picks up his phone.

“Mum, how are you?”

“Who is this Aria? Why does she not know how to do her bloody job. How hard is it to press a few buttons.”

Gertrude sits in her regal home office as she admires her manicure while spewing insults.

“Mother, retract please, she’s new and she’s doing quite well.”

“Well please do remind her, I do not hold. Not ever.”

“Yes mum,” he says rolling his eyes.

***

Aria knocks on Liam’s door.

“Come in,” he says looking up as Aria walks in shutting the door behind her.

“I am so sorry about your Mom, I didn’t know who she was and then I didn’t know if you were busy, so I-“

“Aria, it’s ok,” he says laughing and standing up. “Really, she is a handful, just ask my sister.”

Aria smiles, standing there awkwardly.

“Ok, well I’m sorry again, I should get back to work,” she says starting to walk away.

“Aria,” (she turns toward him) “you’re doing great,” he says smiling.

“Thank you,” she says closing her eyes with a sigh, she smiles.

“Why don’t you take a break, go grab some lunch?”

“Oh I wasn’t sure what time-“

“Whenever you feel you need to,” he says with a smile.

“Oh ok, um well then in that case, I guess I will take my lunch break now,” she says smiling.

Liam nods with a smile.

“Can I get you anything?”

“No thank you love, I have quite a lot of work on my hands, I’ll be working through lunch.”

“Oh, ok well, I’ll see you.”

Liam smiles as Aria exits.

***

Aria comes back from her lunch break, placing her bag on her chair, she looks toward Liam’s office as she hears his voice through the door, its raised, he sounds upset, and agitated. A side she has yet to see on him.

She sits down and listens.

“Hey, your Aria right?”

Aria looks over to her right as a young man leans over from his cubicle.

“Yea, yes,” she says turning toward him.

“Cool, I’m Marco,” he says with a smirk and sparkle in his eye.

 Rising from his seat and extending his hand, Aria shakes it and smiles back.

Liam walks out of his office and notices, he watches as his jealousy spikes. 

“Nice to have you on board, let me know if you need anything.”

“Oh thank you,” she says smiling.

“Aria.”

Aria jumps slightly not knowing Liam was behind her.

“Yes,” she says turning.

“Do you have the emails you forwarded me today, it appears my computer crashed and IT is unavailable at the moment.”

“Oh of course,” she says bringing the sent list up, “here you go, they’re all there,” she says getting up and allowing him to sit.

“Thank you,” he says taking the seat.

***

Aria shuts her computer off and grabs her bag, she knocks on Liam’s door, before popping her head in.

“Heading out?” Liam says with a smile.

“Yea if that’s alright?” she says scrunching her nose.

Liam smiles looking down for a beat. How adorable, he thinks.

“Aria you put in your hours and then some, thank you for all your hard work today and for letting me take over your desk for part of the day.”

“Hey the show must go on, right?”

“That’s right,” he says smirking.

“Good night,” she says smiling.

“Good night,” he says looking after her, as she leaves his eyes falling upon her curves.

Aria turns back quickly as she catches his gaze, his eyes shoot up quickly. They both ignore it.

“Are you ok, you seem super stressed.”

Liam sighs, “I’ve been crunching numbers all day, trying to put together the spreadsheet for the sales we’ve received over the past month, and with the technological debacle, I am just now getting to follow up on the emails we sent out earlier to those artists.”

“It can’t wait til tomorrow?”

“Money never sleeps, after all that’s what this company is all about.”

“Ooo Liam Whitmore I think your sarcasm is showing,” she says with a smile.

Liam laughs.

Aria takes the chair across from him and slides it next to him.

“What are you doing?”

“I am going to help you.”

“Aria, love thank you, but you really don’t need to.”

“Don’t worry you don’t have to pay me,” she says laughing.

Liam laughs, “I’m not worried about that.”

“Well then what are you worried about?”

“I’m worried about being here alone with you,” he says avoiding her eyes.

Aria stills as she looks away.

“Oh.”

“I know that I said that we could just forget it happened but-“

“Liam we have to, ok, it’s not a good idea to mix business with pleasure.”

“You called me Liam.”

“Mr. Whitmore.” she says correcting herself.

Liam looks up at Aria, the air thick between them, their lips inches apart.

“Oh I forgot,” Aria says hopping up, Liam gets startled leaning back in his chair.

Aria walks over to Liam’s small refrigerator in the corner of his office and takes out a plastic take out container and a drink.

“Here,” she says placing it on his desk in front of him.

“What’s this?”

“I asked the barista what you usually get, and brought it back for you, just in case you didn’t get to eat, I completely forgot I put it in here for you, ya know technology debacle and all, ” she says laughing.

“You are a lifesaver, I’m starving, thank you,” he says smiling.

“Ok, scoot,” she says waving her hands, “you eat, I’ll get started on these e-mails,” she says taking his seat.

Liam looks at her in disbelief, he shakes his head, as his eyes stay on her, admiring her.

Two weeks, two weeks, and then you can go for it, he thinks as he turns his attention to the sandwich in front of him.

***

Aria walks into the studio, showing her student pass to the security guard he gives her the key.

She turns the lights on as her reflection stares at her through the wall of mirrors. She tosses her hair in a bun and walks over to the radio, cueing up a song.

ready-giphy[1]

Aria let’s her body feel the music, trying not to overthink her movements.

As the words cause sensuality in her body, Aria replays the glances Liam and she shared over the course of the day.

Aria stops, her heart fluttering at the thought.

“This is going to be the longest two weeks of my life,” she whispers to herself as she walks over to the radio switching the song.

Aria begins to arc some moves together.

***

Liam walks into his home as he throws his jacket, tie, and suitcase to the side, he walks into his bedroom, throwing on some sweats and a t-shirt.

He walks over to the corner of his living room, where the blank canvas stands. Walking to his closet he takes out some paint, and paint brushes and propping himself on a stool, he begins to paint, long strokes, small strokes, brightly colored lines.

tumblr_n2pgy3X4BC1sl9zbwo2_250[1]

Liam smiles to himself and Aria floats through his mind almost leading his hand.

 

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

*I do not take credit for any images, or gifs used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Move- Chapter 7

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

MOVE poster

Previously on Move– Read Chapter 6 HERE

meet sky

“Cheers, to our newly employed girl, Ari we know your gonna crush it, like you always do!” Yolanda says, holding up her wine glass as Aria smiles clinking glasses with the members of her girl squad- Yolanda, Layla, Allie, and Molly.

“It’s only temporary, but thank you,” Aria says with a smile.

“Hey, if Whitmore knows what’s good for him, he’ll never let you go,” Yolanda says proudly.

Allie and Molly exchange glances.

“I agree,” Molly says her response laced with knowing.

Aria gives Molly a look.

The girls sit on the floor of the apartment amongst pizza and junk food as Gilmore Girls plays in the background on Netflix.

“So I have to ask, how the hell are you going to concentrate on your job when your boss is so hot!” Layla says.

Allie and Molly exchange knowing smirks once again as Aria’s eyes widen.

“How do you know he’s hot?”

“Uh, hello, it’s called google,” Layla says with a sarcastic tone and face to match as she lets out a giggle.

All the girls look at Aria expectantly.

Aria sighs.

“Ok fine! Yes, Liam Whitmore is hot, and I’ll admit I am attracted to him. Very attracted. Ok there I said it.”

Yolanda smirks, as she looks on, taking a sip of her wine in silence.

“Oh dear god, thank you!” Molly yells. “Finally!”

“Seriously it’s about time,” Allie says smiling.

“But-” Aria says forcefully.

“No but, why but?” Molly says pouting.

“He is my boss, and I have to remain professional.”

“Only in the office,” Molly says jokingly.

All the girls laugh.

“You guys stop it, ok. I’m actually really regretting taking this position now.”

“What position?” Molly says her eyebrow raising.

Aria gives her a look.

Molly laughs, “What? I’m just messing with you.”

“Yea and your not helping,” Aria says squatting her with a nearby throw pillow.

“You already took the position, and if you ask me you should take all the positions he wants to put you in,” Allie says taking a bite of her slice of pizza.

Layla and Molly laugh as Aria gasps.

“Stop! Ok what is it that you can’t comprehend? He. is. my. boss.”

“And he. wants. you. Seriously how do you not see that?” Molly says sipping her wine.

Aria throws herself back into a stack of pillows, in defeat, rolling her eyes.

“I’m sorry how do you know he’s into her?” Layla asks confused.

“They met at an event we were catering, and he swooped in and defended her when Lucifer Lee tried to boss her around and since then they just continuously find themselves in the same place at the time- several times actually.”

“Wait a minute, like when?”

“Oh she didn’t mention that she ran into him on her little walk the other night…”

“Oh you mean when I was waiting up for you for hours?” Layla says giving Aria the eye.

“Mm hmm, he bought her ice cream, walked her home.”

Layla gasps.

“Oh don’t forget the part where, he told her that she has a hot body,” Allie says smiling brightly.

“What?” Layla says shrieking.

“He didn’t say it like that…” Aria says trying to normalize the comment that made her stomach flutter when Liam said it.

“How’d he say it?” Layla questions, obviously intrigued.

“He may have compared my body to art…in some way, I don’t really remember….”

The ladies all laugh and gasp in joy, “Yea you don’t remember, my ass!” Allie says smirking.

Layla slaps her cousin in the knee, “How could you not tell Yoyo and I about this guy?”

“Oh don’t feel bad, I didn’t know about him either,” Allie says with a huff.

“And I only knew because I just happened to be working with her that day, this one likes to keep secrets!”

“It’s not a secret it’s just not a big deal. I didn’t feel like I had to broadcast anything. Oh my gosh, now you guys have me all anxious and nervous, what if I can’t work with him…”

Aria looks at Yolanda as she sits there silently watching, taking it all in.

“Why are you so quiet?”

“I don’t have anything to say, You’re an adult, it’s your choice.”

“Are you mad?”

“No.”

“Yoyo, your the smart, older cousin, you’ve got your shit together, tell me what you think? Do you think taking this job was a mistake knowing I’m attracted to my boss?”

Everyone looks at Yolanda with pleading eyes.

“I think you might be reading too much into things right now. The job is temporary. You need the money, he has a job open. It’s as simple as that. You’ve only just met him. Can I see someone falling for you, a curvy, smart, fun, soulful Latina of course. Can I see you falling for a gorgeous, rich, successful man, absolutely. But you need to not let all that get in the way of doing your job. I’m not telling you that if you have feelings for him that you shouldn’t go for it, I just think there’s a time and a place. Give it the two weeks. Feel him out. If he starts to pursue you, then once the two weeks are up and you find other work you can go for it. But I would remain professional while you are still his employee. Guys with high rank like Liam, can get into a lot of trouble if they get caught messing around with an employee, and you could get a bad rep. We don’t want that. The job world is hard enough.”

Aria smiles, “Finally, some good advice.”

“Hey!” the others say as they all laugh and throw pillows at Aria, Aria laughs as she gives her cousin Yolanda a hug, “Thank you,” she whispers. “Anytime babe.”

Aria’s cell phone rings.

“Huh it’s the gym,” she says answering.

“Hello?…Oh, um….sure, Yea I’d love to, yea I can be there in like 15 minutes. No problem. See you soon. They asked me to cover tonight’s Zumba class, what do you guys say you feel like shaking your asses?”

“Hell yes!” Molly says as they all jump up and start to gather their stuff to leave.

***

Liam walks into his house, he flips on the light to reveal a gorgeously decorated room. Full of crimson, and burnt orange hues, wooden tones, and tons of art pieces dancing on the walls.

Dropping his suitcase on the end table, he walks into his kitchen and opens his refrigerator, grabbing some things out to make dinner.

Liam stops as a moment with Aria pops into his head.

“Why is it your last shot?”
“The academy is pretty expensive and so is Manhattan rent. And I’m not exactly in my prime…”
Liam’s brow furrows as he smirks, confused. Aria smiles and clarifies.
“As a dancer 28 is considered old to break into the industry.”
“Ah…well if your body isn’t considered a work of art, I don’t know what is,” Liam says and then mentally kicks himself when he realizes the words he thought were actually voiced out loud.
Aria freezes and looks up at him. Instant blush.
“I’m sorry, that was forward of me. I just meant you seem to work at your craft, often. It shows. I am sure you deserve this shot, along with many others.”
“Thank you,” Aria says licking her ice cream cone to stop it from dripping.
Liam looks at her, studying her movements, he spots a bit of ice cream on her lower lip and instinctively reaches over and wipes it off with his thumb, licking his thumb after.
Aria gets caught off guard, as does Liam.

I feel like I’ve known her for years, things feel so natural, Liam thinks, as he rolls up his sleeves and unties his tie removing it and tossing it to the side. His cell phone rings distracting him from his thoughts of Aria’s perfection. 

“Hello?”

“Hey Ev-, Good, just got home from work. What about you?”

“Oh that sounds fun, yea I can meet you after, yes, sounds good. Ok see you then. Bye.”

Liam puts his stuff back in the fridge and grabs his keys heading back out.

As he does we see an easel hosting a blank canvas in the corner of the living room.

*** 

Liam walks through the streets as people fuss about in the busy city life, he looks up at the sky as the colors swirl.

He gets a text-

Evelyn: Hey so sorry bugga–my class is just ending, I’ll be on my way in a jiff.

Liam smiles and texts back a reply: Patiently waiting, you owe me a mint chocolate chip though.

Evelyn: Fair enough.

Liam smiles as he sits on a nearby bench.

He scrolls through Aria’s Facebook as a video catches his eye.

Aria is tagged by her friend Molly.

Liam plays the video, Aria shouts out Zumba moves as she does them, her hips shaking and her body glistening, her passion for dance- evident. She is as sexy and as talented as he imagined her to be. And yes, he has imagined.

The video caption reads…

Impromptu Zumba class tonight? Yes, please. My girl Ari killing it as instructor, as usual. #ThatLatinButtTho #ItsJustNotFair 😉

Liam laughs out loud as he watches Aria his eyes sparkle, his heart beating rather fast.

***

Aria and Company start to leave the gym as they do they see one of Aria’s most enthusiastic customers.

“Hey again!” she says “Awesome class, like seriously, so damn good.”

“Thanks so much! I’m so glad your liking it!”

“Love it! But I was surprised to see you teaching tonight?”

“Oh yea, I was asked to cover for someone.”

“Well I think they should make you full time, I come 3 times a week and I have to say, you have everyone buzzing, your the best.”

The girls all smile.

Aria laughs, “Oh my god, really? That’s amazing, thanks so much, you just made my night!”

The girl laughs, “I’m Sky,” she says shaking her hand.

“Pleasure to meet you,” Aria says beaming.

The ladies chat as they walk out of the gym.

“So ladies, drinks on me?” Yolanda says.

“Well yes your the only one of us with a job right now so…” Layla says nudging her sister as the girls laugh.

“Sky…wanna join us, there’s a bar just around the corner?” Aria asks as they walk the streets passing the food trucks.”

“Oh I would love to, but I’m actually meeting my b-“

Liam rounds a corner as he begins connecting the dots.

“Oh there he is-Liam!” Sky says running over and hugging him tightly.

Aria notices and her heart freezes in her chest. Liam seems happy to see this mystery woman.

“Holy shit,” Molly says, as Allie nudges her.

“Sorry,” Molly whispers as she rubs Aria’s back.

“We should go,” Aria says wanting to get out of there as quickly as possible.

Aria goes to walk away.

“Aria,” she hears him call.

“Mr. Whitmore, is that you, wow what a small world,” she says trying to act aloof.

“Wait a minute, you two know each other?” Sky asks confused.

“I’m going to be filling in for his secretary while she’s away-starting Monday.”

“No way- Anne finally took a vacation! Good for her! That lady never rests. ”

Aria looks up at them, her jealousy creeping in.

“Aria, Evelyn is my baby sister.”

Aria’s head pops up.

“Wait who’s Evelyn?”

Sky raises her hand.

“That’d be me. Sky is my stage name, and I think it’s just cooler, so I kind of stick to it.”

“Stage name, what are you a stripper?” Molly says.

Aria and all the girls look at her in shock and dismay.

“Oh my god did I say that out loud? I’m so sorry.”

“Hey, it’s cool, just know, we prefer to be called exotic dancers,” Sky says.

“Oh, ok.” Aria says nonchalantly.

Liam lets out a laugh.

“She’s kidding.”

“Your faces were awesome though, thank you for that. But I am kidding, I’m in a band.”

Aria lets out a laugh.

“Oh my gosh, I was going to say Liam is the most polished and respectable guy I’ve ever met, how could his sister be a stripper?”

Although Aria did notice the rolled up sleeves, and the open collar.

Sky laughs, as she sees the flicker in Liam’s eyes as he watches Aria speak.

“So why don’t we all head to that bar that you guys were talking about, drinks on my big brother here, since he’s rich and everything.”

“Oh we couldn’t-” Aria begins to say.

“Sure, let’s do it,” Liam says not taking his eyes off of Aria’s.

Molly jumps in.

“Yes Let’s.” She says ushering Aria along toward the bar before she tries to rush off.

The girls all rush along.

Sky nudges Liam, he smirks as he followers the group.

***

“I have to say this is such a trip, I was just telling Liam how there’s this new Zumba instructor who rocks and little did we know you would be working with him!”

“Yea, I didn’t know you taught Zumba, that’s great,” Liam says with a smile.

“Yea I just started, it’s only once a week, but tonight I was covering for someone.”

“Super happy about that by the way” Sky says coming over with a tray and handing everyone a beer.

“Seriously though, you are fantastic, I swear. Liam, you should see her, she can really move.”

Aria coughs, feeling uncomfortable.

“I’m sure she can,” he says smirking as he takes a sip of his beer, his eyes finding Aria’s for a beat.

The ladies all take notice.

Liam’s phone rings.

“Excuse me ladies,” he says “Hi Mum,” he says walking away.

“Oh gosh, It’s mum, ugh.” she says taking a chug of her beer and rolling her eyes.

“You don’t get along with your mom?” Aria asks.

“Nope. She’s a bit…old fashioned. I love music. Always have. But musicians don’t make a steady living, so I was basically disowned. I came to New York on my own, and then Liam convinced mum to let him open up a Whitmore Ink here so he can help me find my way. He’s always been my life line.”

“That’s so sweet.”

“Yea. I just wish I could do the same for him. I know the job kills him, he’s not happy. But he’s too sweet to tell mum to shove it up her- HEY!” Sky says as Liam comes walking back over.

“Let me guess, my sister here is bashing our mum…”

Aria and the ladies look around trying to avoid his gaze.

“She’s not exactly the most nurturing, wouldn’t you say?” Sky says sipping her beer.

“No she’s not,” Liam says sipping his own beer.

“Oh hell, shots?” Molly says looking around.

“Yes please.” Aria says rather quickly.

***

Aria and Liam sit alone in a booth at the back of the bar, just talking and laughing. Liam sits next to Aria his arm draped over the back of the booth.

bar

Sky and the other ladies play a game of pool, across the room.

Sky looks over.

“Wow, they are getting rather chummy, aren’t they?” she says smiling.

“One can only hope,” Molly says.

“So you think Aria fancy’s Liam?”

“Fancy? Sure. Yea. I think she fancies him.” Allie says laughing.

“Good because I think he really fancies her. I have not seen bugga, smile like that in… years.”

“Bugga?” Layla and Yolanda ask.

“My nick name for him, when I was a little girl. I couldn’t say brother, so I’d say bugga, I don’t know don’t ask. It just kinda stuck.”

“That is the cutest thing!” Allie says.

***

“So your sister is really something.” Aria says laughing.

“Oh yea. She’s a bit of a pistol. But she’s always danced to the beat of her own drum, never let anyone stop her. Not anything. I’ve always admired her for that.”

“Well it seems like she adores you. She was telling us how you took Whitmore Ink to New York to keep an eye on her and help her out after-“

“After our mum disowned her?”

“She may have used that word.” Aria says scrunching her nose. Liam dies just a bit.  

“I’d like to say that it’s exaggerated but, sadly it’s not. Evelyn hasn’t spoken to or seen our mum is about 3 years.”

“Wow that’s so terrible. That must put you in such an awkward position.”

“Holidays are bizarre to say the least.” Liam says laughing.

“I’m sorry. You deserve better,” Aria says placing her hand over his.

Liam laces his fingers with hers.

Aria looks down at their hands and then up at Liam as their eyes lock.

They both lean into a kiss, as Liam cups her face.

Molly’s mouth drops as the other ladies notice and theirs follow suit.

“Yes!” Molly says throwing her hands up in the air.

“Well this is going to be interesting,” Yolanda says taking a sip of her beer.

Aria pulls away her eyes heavy.

“Wow.” she says unfiltered.

“Wow.” Liam says unable to come up with a different word at the moment.

“I should probably get going,” Aria says starting to get up.

“Yea me too,” He says not moving.

“Excuse me.”

first kiss

Liam is in a daze, so Aria sits back down as they sit side by side in silence.

Simultaneously they turn to each other leaning in once more, Liam cups her face and kisses her as she accepts willingly.

Allie grabs Molly’s arm as they both gasp.

“Get it girl,” Layla says smiling.

Sky smiles brightly.

“Well that went rather nicely.”

Aria’s hands lay on Liam’s chest, one rounding the nape of his neck.

She gets lost and so does Liam as his hand lays on her thigh.

As if a light bulb goes off in her mind, Aria pulls away.

“Good Night,” she says abruptly.

Liam breaks out of his gaze and stands moving to the side to let Aria through.

“Ladies,” she calls out waving them toward the door as she rushes out.

The girls all rush after her, as Sky saunters over to Liam.

“Well well…”

“That was stupid.” he says, covering his mouth, the stress starting to settle in.

“That was stupid.” Aria says as she speed walks in the direction of the loft.

“Was it though?” Molly says.

“Yes.”

“Was it though?” Sky asks Liam.

“Yes, because now I’ve made her uncomfortable. She technically is my employee.”

“Well if you ask me, your “employee” only felt uncomfortable because she probably feels something for you too.”

“Oh come on, you can’t say you didn’t feel anything,” Layla says.

“Of course I felt something. That’s why that was so stupid. He’s my boss.”

“What happened to letting the two weeks go by before the exchanging of saliva?” Yolanda asks in her motherly way.

“I don’t know I had every intention of doing that. I didn’t think I’d be seeing him tonight, let alone kissing him. Hence I look like a gym rat. I have no idea, what came over me, it was just like we were in this weird bubble, it was just the two of us and we just felt so close. I feel so comfortable around him. He’s easy to talk to and I just feel like things happened really out of the blue, but when they did happen it was like why haven’t we been doing this our whole lives. I don’t know it felt like such natural behavior to be kissing him.”

“Aw like it was meant to be.” Molly says grabbing her arm and hugging it.

“And now I have to act professional around him for two weeks? That’s going to be impossible, I’m so stupid!” Aria says covering her face.

“You really think she feels something?” Liam asks Sky.

“You are my big brother and I love you for so many reasons, but your naiveté is not one of them. Do you ever notice women falling all over you? I’ll give you a clue,  it happens often.”

“Yea maybe because they hear my name and dollar signs cross their minds.”

“So you think Aria is after your money?”

“No, god no. Are you kidding me, I had to fight that girl just to let me offer her a job. And even then she insisted I still interview her first.”

“She seems like a force to be reckoned with, love her! And dear old mum is gonna hate her. Which if you ask me is a HUGE bonus.”

“Why do you think she’ll hate her? Aria is lovely.”

“Are you kidding me? You really are blind when it comes to mum aren’t you? You and I know that Aria is amazing, yes. But mum has a one track mind. You bring that creative, ethnic beauty with a body to mum and she will have your head on a platter in a second. Not to mention the “different worlds” “wrong side of the tracks,” “gold digger” clichés she’d be sure to throw at you.

“She really is ancient in her way of thinking.”

“Welcome to the dark side, bugga, your gonna love it,” she says clinking her shot into one that sits in front of him, come on, go on, you need that.”

Liam shakes his head but knocks the shot back wincing.

Later that night Aria lays in bed.

She thinks of her kiss with Liam, her eyes close as she relives it.

Opening her eyes, Aria grabs her chest, “Shit, I’m in trouble,” she says covering her face as a smile slightly crosses her lips.

 

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

*I do not take credit for any  images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Move- Chapter 5

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

MOVE poster

Previously on Move– Read Chapter 4 HERE

 
Aria stands in a mirrored room, with high ceilings.

Surrounding her are women in athletic tank tops and leggings.

She walks to the front of the crowd.

“Hello ladies! Welcome. My name is Aria and this is my first class teaching Zumba, but I love to dance. I love to move. And Zumba above all else is about moving. So no matter what, even if you need to modify the moves, go at your own pace, and just keep moving!” she smiles as she presses play on her radio.

Allie and Molly stand front row and center as they follow along with Aria’s moves, the rest of the class trying to keep up. Aria instantly gets lost in the music as she effortlessly moves.

***

“Keep those legs up ladies! You’re doing great!” Aria yells midway through her class.
Her curvy, toned frame bouncing along to the beat, beads of sweat gathering on her forehead and neck.

***

“Thank you so much ladies! You were all on fire, I hope you had a good time!” she says smiling brightly.

The ladies all cheer and clap as they begin to collect their belongings- filing out.

A woman comes up to Aria as she grabs a sip of water, and wipes her face with a towel.

“Excuse me, Aria?”

“Hi,” She smiles at the young woman.

“I just wanted to say your class was amazing! I’ve never worked my ass off so hard and had so much fun at the same time.”

“Oh well thanks so much. I’m so glad to hear that!”

“Do you have a schedule of nights that you’ll be here?”

“Um, right now it’s just on Tuesdays, but I can definitely keep you posted,” Aria says smiling brightly.

“Ok awesome, I’ll see you next week!”

“Yes! Great! See you then!”

“Bye,” the woman says waving as Aria waves in return.

Allie and Molly walk over with smiles.

“Killer class, I feel my butt just getting more bootylicious by the second,” Molly says doing a little flirtatious jig. “Seriously that was better than any of the other classes we’ve ever taken here.”

Aria laughs.

“Truth,” Allie says pointing her finger at Aria.

“Thank you,” She says smiling at her support system.

“Did I not tell you, you’d be perfect for this?” Allie says smiling.

“Yes you did. I’m so happy that they asked me to teach, but it’s still only one night a week, my savings account isn’t going to last much longer. I have to find a second job with more hours, like now,” Aria says as she and her girls walk out of the gym and into Manhattan nightlife.

“So where are we going?” Molly says dancing her way down the street as people pass by with looks of confusion.

Allie and Aria laugh.

“I don’t know about you guys but I am a sweaty mess, all I wanna do is go home, shower, eat and crash.”

“Should we pick up tacos on the way?” Allie says.

“Tacos? What… aren’t you ladies worried about our figures,” Molly says faking seriousness.

The girls look at each other and erupt in laughter as they walk over the nearby taco truck.

“Yea, because I got this big Latin ass just from dancing,” Aria says sarcastically.

“You are blessed,” Molly says looking at her own slimmer bottom, causing the girls to laugh.

***

Aria walks into her dimly lit apartment ready to collapse.

Her cousin and roommate Layla stumbles out from her bedroom, “I smell tacos.”

Aria laughs and holds up the bag shaking it.

Layla rushes over.

“Did you get me one?”

“But of course,” Aria says sitting down at their kitchen island; Layla joining her.

“Where’s Yolanda?”

“She took a late shift at the hospital.”

“She’s been doing that a lot lately, huh?”

“Rent’s not cheap in Manhattan.”

“I know, she’s really been carrying us for the past few weeks.”

“You know Yoyo, she’s always gotta be taking care of someone.”

“No wonder she became a nurse,” Aria says laughing and taking a bite of her taco.

***

Aria places the rest of the food in the fridge with a post it note on the fridge door.

Yoyo,

Sorry we missed you. Tacos on me. Thanks for always taking care of us. Job hunting bright and early tomorrow morning.

Love you,
Ari  ❤

Aria stands in the middle of her kitchen, Layla kisses her cheek and starts to walk back toward her room.

“Hey Lay, I’m gonna just go take a walk.”

“It’s a little late, no?”

“I won’t be long.”

“You want me to go with you?”

“No go back to sleep, I just need to clear my head,” she says smiling.

“Ok well, I’m not going to be able to sleep til I know your back. Take your phone.”

“Ok,” Aria says laughing as she grabs her purse and heads out the door.

“Don’t be long- it’s late.” Layla yells after her.

***

Aria walks the darkened streets, her eyes glazing over her surroundings. People walking their dogs, couples sharing food truck meals, New York City really is the city that never sleeps, she thinks.

Aria decides to take a stroll through the park. She finds herself on a park bench just sitting there in silence staring up at the sky and the few stars that managed to break through the bright city lights.

Joggers squishing by her- one by one.

“Aria?”

Aria’s head springs forward, and an athletically dressed Liam comes into view.

“Mr. Whitmore, Hi. I was a little spaced out there, I’m sorry” she says laughing.

Is there an award for cutest laugh ever? He thinks.

“Aria, love, how many times are we going to need to run into each other, before you realize you can call me Liam?” he says laughing as he removes his headphones.

“Oh,” she says smiling.

“What brings you out so late?”

“Nothing really,” she says shrugging and looking away, the weight of the world on her mind.

“Really? Because you seemed like you were pretty lost in your thoughts there.”

“I suppose your right,” Aria says with a smile.

“Do you want to talk about it, I’ve been told I’m a pretty good listener.”

“Oh, that’s ok, I don’t want to disturb your…what are you doing here?” she says out of sorts and mentally kicking herself for looking like a total gym rat.

“I was going for a jog, I usually try to go every night, because it helps me to calm my brain down just enough to allow myself to sleep a wink,” he says smirking.

“Does it work?”

“Sometimes.” He smiles.

Aria nods and looks down at her hands, lost in thought.

Liam notices.

“Aria? How bought some ice cream?”

“It’s like midnight?” she says laughing.”

“Oh don’t worry the truck will still be there, it always is.”

“Really?”

“Mm hmm, come on,” he says cocking his head toward the direction of the ice cream truck.

“You’re serious?” she says looking up at him with a smile.

“Oh I don’t joke about ice cream, love.”

Aria gives him a side eye and then laughing she stands up and joins him.

“Ok, you sold me. Lead the way,” she says as he smiles brightly.

***

Liam grabs the ice cream cones from the ice cream truck lady and hands the chocolate one with rainbow sprinkles to Aria as he takes a lick of his vanilla with chocolate sprinkles.

“Thank you,” she smiles taking a lick of hers.

Liam gestures to the nearby table and chairs as Aria follows and sits down.

“So what’s on your mind?”

“Ugh,” Aria smiles looking away.

“I’m prying. I’m sorry.” Liam says kindly, not wanting to chase her off.

Aria locks eyes with him.

“No, you’re not. You’ve been nothing but a total sweetheart. I’m sorry I’m just…overwhelmed. I have this big showcase coming up at my dance academy and it’s kind of a huge deal for me. I have to choreograph an entire performance and it’s kind of my last big shot for dance companies to see my work.”

“Why is it your last shot?”

“The academy is pretty expensive and so is Manhattan rent. And I’m not exactly in my prime…”

Liam’s brow furrows as he smirks, confused. Aria smiles and clarifies.

“As a dancer 28 is considered old to break into the industry.”

“Ah…well if your body isn’t considered a work of art, I don’t know what is,” Liam says and then mentally kicks himself when he realizes the words he thought were actually voiced out loud.

Aria freezes and looks up at him. Instant blush.

“I’m sorry, that was forward of me. I just meant you seem to work at your craft, often. It shows. I am sure you deserve this shot, along with many others.”

“Thank you,” Aria says licking her ice cream cone to stop it from dripping.

Liam looks at her, studying her movements, he spots a bit of ice cream on her lower lip and instinctively reaches over and wipes it off with his thumb, licking his thumb after.
Aria gets caught off guard, as does Liam. Why does this suddenly feel like normal behavior for them?

Damn, he thinks. Damn, she thinks, a tingle running through her.

They lock eyes and then both shake it off.

“So do you have anything so far…for the showcase?”

“Just 5 different starts to 5 different routines. I just can’t nail anything down. I don’t know what these companies are looking for.”

“Maybe that’s the problem, you’re trying to do a routine based on what you think they want to see, instead of just doing your own thing.”

“You’re probably right, I just can’t seem to get out of my head.”

“Oh, don’t I know the feeling,” Liam says with a laugh as he tosses their garbage in the nearby trash.

Aria smiles her thanks.

“I can imagine. Your line of work probably gets pretty stressful for you.”

Liam nods, smiling.

“So what’s been keeping you up at night?” Aria says.

They lock eyes and suddenly the former sentence is laced with sexuality.

Liam looks down with a laugh.

You have no idea, love, he thinks.

Aria notices, “I meant with your job, you seem to be running your troubles away. And being that you were kind enough to buy me ice cream AND let me vent to you, the least I can do is lend you an ear,” she says laughing nervously as she thanks god for the smooth recovery.

“There are parts of my job that I just adore. I love art, I love finding new artists that we get to show to the world, I love this city, I love the energy. But then there’s a huge part that I just…hate. The crunching numbers, and dealing with stogy old businesses man who wouldn’t know art if it hit them between the eyes, or worse the young guys that just want to party their savings away at strip clubs and on expensive vacations. ”

“The corporate monster, rears its ugly head.”

“Art and money…sometimes they just-”

“Don’t mix? Yea, I completely understand.”

Liam nods.

“So have you ever thought about changing your job, I mean there has to be a way where you could be more involved in the artistic side of things? I mean if that’s truly where your heart lies.”

“It is and I’ve thought about it a lot, and I would love to. But the business is a family business, it’s been around for years, my father ran it, his father before him, and so on, and so forth. My father recently passed so I am next at the helm, and the only son, so the pressure is on me to deliver.”

“I’m so sorry, that sounds incredibly difficult.”

“Some days are easy,” he says smiling up at her.

Aria smiles back.

“I have to say it’s weird seeing you in something other than a suit!” she says laughing.

“I know, contrary to popular belief I do own other clothes,” he says laughing.

“Good, comfort suits you,” she says smiling up at him.

“Thank you, I guess I’m trying to take your advice, and- what is it that you said-loosen up,” he says laughing as she smiles locking eyes with him.

Aria’s phone begins to ring.

“Oh I’m sorry it’s my cousin, I should get this.”

“Sure.” He smiles.

“Hello, hi yes I know, I’m sorry, I know. Ok yes, I’ll be home soon, ok bye,” Aria says standing up, Liam following suit.

“Sorry I should get going, I live with my two cousins and well one of them is home waiting up for me, because she knew it was kinda late. I know that might sound silly or childish, but we kinda look out for each other, we’re all each other has, so…”

“I don’t think that’s childish or silly at all, love.”

Aria smiles.

“Thank you for a really- unexpected, but really nice night,” she says smiling up at him.

“It was my pleasure,” Liam says smirking.

“Good night,” she says shyly as she begins to walk away.

Liam feels an intense rush of heavy energy as she passes him, his chest tightening, as his eyes follow her body, he doesn’t want her to leave.

“Aria.”

Aria’s heart skips a beat at the sound of his voice as she turns, not waiting to leave.

“Can I walk you home? It’s late.”

“I would like that.” She says smiling.

Liam beams on the inside as they begin their walk.

***

Aria and Liam stand in front of Aria’s apartment building- she’s fidgeting. He notices.

“Thank you so much for tonight, Liam,” she says smiling up at him.

“You called me Liam,” he says smirking brightly.

“Oh my god, I did, I’m so sorry!” she says covering her face.

“Stop it, It’s ok, I told you to. That is my name, ya know,” he says laughing as he pulls her hands from her face and down to her side.

Their eyes lock as Aria’s butterflies grow and her skin crawls with electric energy.

Liam lets go, coughing away his nerves and distancing himself.

“Good night, Mr. Whitmore,” Aria says sexier and more flirtatious then she intended to.

Liam feels a flutter in his stomach as his eyes flicker, mirroring the same flirtation.

“You pierce my heart, love,” he says smirking holding his chest jokingly.

Aria laughs as she walks up her stoop stairs to her door.

“Call me if you need a job. I know the whole 2 week temp gig may not be that appealing, but we can always find you something more stable. It’s a big company, love.”

“I may just take you up on that,” Aria says shocking even herself.

“I look forward to it,” he says smirking.

“Good night, again.” She says unlocking her door.

“Good night.” He says walking off into the night wearing the biggest grin on his face and his heart.

Aria walks off the elevator to her loft apartment, as she walks in, she leans against her door and just stands there for a beat thinking, she closes her eyes and inhales deeply, followed by a deep exhale.

“Shit,” she says to herself.

Liam walks into his home, and tosses his workout bag to the side. In a complete daze he floats to his fridge to grab a Gatorade.

Taking a sip he sits on his couch, pondering his luck tonight.

I didn’t even have to plan that run in, maybe the universe is on my side, he thinks.

My god, she just gets more beautiful every time I see her. Even in sweats, she’s flawless. That body, my god.

The thoughts that followed were a bit scandalous for a man of Liam’s polish and “prestige” to entertain…or at least to admit to entertaining.

 

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-

Move- Chapter 4

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

MOVE poster

Previously on Move– Read Chapter 3 HERE

Aria sits in her favorite café sipping on an iced coffee. She’s on her laptop watching some dance routines for some future inspiration. Lost in her own world.

A few moments later she’s jolted by the push of a pair of hands on her shoulders.
She turns to see a smiling Molly and her best friend Allie.

Aria sighs, relieved as she removes her headphones.

“Did I scare ya?” Molly says plotting down across from her. Allie follows, as she grabs Aria’s coffee and takes a sip.

“Just a little,” Aria says in a sarcastic tone as she rolls her eyes.

“So what’s up?” Allie says.

“I’ll tell you what’s up…Aria has a hottie mc hot hot, rich stallion after her.”

Allie’s mouth drops, her eyes widen with excitement.

“What? You’ve been holding out on me? What the heck?” she says.

Aria looks at Molly with a scowl which now matched the scowl on Allie’s face.

Molly lets out a laugh as she raises an eyebrow at Aria.

“I do not have any guy after me, do not entertain her fantasies.”

“Oh hunny, trust me, this is not my fantasy, my fantasy would be if that British Boy Toy would be all hot and heavy about me, but that’s just not the case. And since you did meet him first, I guess it will just have to be,” She says sighing dramatically.

Allie and Aria exchange glances and then laughs.

“You are so crazy, Mol.” Aria laughs. “Anyway…I was just researching some new dance routines, and trying to get some ideas for the showcase…”

“Changing the subject are we?” Allie says.

“Mmm hmm, that she is.”

“Ok, can we just…stop?” Aria says getting a slight blush on her cheeks.

Molly and Allie look at each other for a beat; contemplating.

“So tell me about this guy,” Allie says turning to Molly.

Aria sighs, grabbing her iced coffee back from Allie.

“Ok, he is sexy. So sexy that it could be kind of intimidating but he’s got this sweet personality that makes it all ok.”

“How could you possibly say anything, you don’t know him.”

“Defensive, much? Molly says with a knowing smile.

“No I’m just saying neither of us know anything about him.”

“We know he wants you…bad.”

“Oooh and that is all we need to know,” Allie says excitedly. “Do we have a picture?”

“No,” Aria says. “Yes!” Molly says.

Aria looks at Molly completely thrown.

Allie excitedly grabs Molly’s phone.

“Oh my god! Aria! He’s gorgeous. Aw, you guys look so good together!”

“What! Let me see that!” She says reaching and grabbing the cell phone.

A picture of Liam and Aria in the bar, leaning against the pool table talking, their eyes locked.

“When did you even take this?” Aria says mortified.

“I have my ways.”

“I wish you wouldn’t do things like this!” Aria says getting frustrated.

“Aria, he’s really cute though, and honestly from this picture, it kinda looks like he’s into you.”

“Oh he is. Trust me, I was there. His eyes were all over her.”

“They were not!”

“He calls her love.”

“Aw, oh my god forget it, I’m dead.” Allie says fanning herself.

“He’s just British, that’s their thing, it’s how they talk,” Aria says matter of factly.

“Yea when they want to flirt with a pretty girl… he sure as hell wasn’t calling me love.”

“I don’t see the bad, here, girl,” Allie says giving Aria a puzzled look.

“Look that’s enough of this ok. I’m too busy worrying about planning my performance for the showcase to even entertain the idea that some guy may or may not be interested in dating me. And I still have to find a job to be able to pay for the rest of the dance program, or the showcase won’t even happen for me. And I need this you guys. This is my last shot. So excuse me, if I’m not falling over some guy right now. I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

“I hear you. I’m sorry.” Allie says.

“He did offer you a job.” Molly says.

Aria shoots her a death glare.

Allie gasps and folds her arms.

“What…I’m just stating facts. He found out she quit working for Lucifer Lee and offered her a temp gig until she could find something. All this stress could be avoided, if she would just call him. He gave you his card.”

“So many details held back! My god! Well you just have no excuses now. Call him,” Allie says.

“No. I can’t work for him.”

“And why not?”

“Because…”

Molly freezes, her jaw dropping.

“What?” Aria says, confused.

Liam walks in, his eyes fall on Aria the minute he steps through the doorway.
Molly unfreezes and coughs “He’s here.”

“What? Who?” Aria says.

“Your boy… he just walked in.”

“You’re kidding me? Can’t you just stop playing games for once?”

“I am not playing games with you-”

“Oh he’s walking over,” Allie says shifting in her seat from excitement.

“Aria, hello love,” he says locking eyes with her as he flashes her a smile.

Aria is momentarily in shock.

“Liam hi, how are you?” Molly says taking over the speaking role.

“I’m well thanks, and yourself?” he says his eyes circling the table of women and landing on Aria of course.

“We’re good. Just having a little, girl’s lunch. This is our friend Allie by the way.”

Allie extends her hand.

“Hi, nice to meet you.”

“Pleasure,” he says shaking her hand.

Aria snaps back to reality.

“So Mr. Whitmore, what brings you to this part of the city?”

“Liam, love, call me Liam,” he says smirking.

Allie and Molly exchange swooning glances.

“I actually don’t work too far from here. So I was just grabbing a quick bite.”

“You must be busy. What is it that you do again?” Molly asks gazing up at him.

Aria shoots her a glare.

“I’m an art buyer. My company finances some of the museums and we curate art for them.”

“Wow that’s amazing… it must get pretty hectic,” she says looking away from his gaze.

“It can definitely get crazy at the office, but I have to remind myself to step outside every now and then,” he chuckles.

Aria smiles, “I hear ya,” she says, nodding her head.

“Yea Aria here, is just always crammed up in the studio!” Molly says.

“Studio? Are you an artist? Painting? Sculpting? What’s your fancy?” he says smiling.

As if you didn’t already know, you schmuck, he thinks.

“Oh no, neither. I dance,” She says shyly.

“Well that sounds to me like an art form. I’m sure you’re very good at it,” he says his crystal blue eyes peeking into her heart like an x-ray.

“She is. And she’s very flexible,” Molly says.

Aria kicks her under the table.

“Ignore her, please.” Aria says smiling up at him.

Dear God, he thinks floating in her smile.

“Order up for Liam, Liam Whitmore,” the barista calls out.

“Excuse me ladies,” Liam says turning to head over to the counter, as he takes out his wallet he greets Lynn with a smile.

Aria turns to Molly sharply. “Are you insane saying something like that to him? He’s a total gentleman, he’s just being nice and cordial and you have to make it sexual? Why?

“Trust me under that suit and businessman exterior, I am sure he can make your toes curl. Why don’t you just do us all a favor and find out?” Molly says.

Liam smirks overhearing, as the heat rises up his neck to his cheeks.

Liam Whitmore are you blushing? he thinks.

“What is your problem? Are you trying to humiliate me?” Aria says covering her face in embarrassment.

“No. I’m trying to get you out of your own head. You’re far too stubborn. You don’t know how to trust a good thing when you see it, or feel it.”

“She’s right about that, ya know,” Allie chimes in.

“I don’t feel anything, so just stop. You’re being inappropriate.”

“What’s so inappropriate here…he’s an adult, you’re an adult, you’re both gorgeous, sexy human beings, he obviously likes you and you must like him too, otherwise why would you be getting so hot and bothered over this?”

Liam listens, his smile growing.

“He and I are obviously from different worlds. He’s clearly established in his career and I am years out of college and still just trying to figure my shit out and I cannot do that if I am falling for some guy that will never fall back. Dancing is my life. I want this so bad, and it has to be my priority. So please for the last time, just let this one go. I am begging you.”

Out of college. Thank you Jesus, Liam thinks, but is silently thrown by her need to distance herself from him.

Allie looks at Molly who looks at a very exhausted and stressed Aria.
Molly softens.

“Ok. Okay, I’m sorry. I will stop,” she says holding up her hands in surrender.

“You promise?” Aria says looking at her sternly.

“I promise,” Molly says nodding.

Aria sighs and finally relaxes back in her seat.

“You know I love you right, I’m just trying to help.”

“I know, but sometimes I just need you to just listen to me. It’s not the time for me to be getting involved with a guy. No matter how gorgeous or kind he may seem.”

Liam stands by the coffee station adding sugar and milk to his cup, as his brow furrows at the realization that Aria may find him attractive but isn’t interested. At least not right now.

He walks over to their table, “Well it was a pleasure ladies.”

“Pleasure running into you too,” Molly says smiling.

“Enjoy the rest of your lunch.”

“Thank you, try not to work too hard,” Aria says smiling up at him.

“You too, love.” He says smirking and walking away.

Challenge accepted, he thinks.

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Move- Chapter 3

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

MOVE poster

Previously on Move– Read Chapter 2 HERE

Liam sits at his desk, clicking about on his computer.

His screen reads… City Sky Caterers recent status update.

City Sky Caterers will be catering a business mixture tonight at Hilton Hotel @ 8PM

All Manhattan businesses invited!

Liam’s eyes sparkle as his lips curve into a smirk.

***

Meet Molly

Aria rushes into a fancy hotel, straightening her white button down and black pencil skirt. 

Mr. Lee watches her enter. He arrogantly checks his watch.

“Your lucky Lenz. This time,” he says coldly.

Aria stops and glances his way, as workers shuffle about setting up for yet another big Manhattan event.

“Is there something you’d like to say?”

Aria glares at him.

“Because it’d be a shame if you lost your job. How on earth will you pay for those dance classes you’ve been taking? Although I don’t suppose they’re working considering what a klutz you are… how could you possibly know how to dance?” he chuckles under his breath.

Aria’s glare intensifies.

“Nothing to say? No? That’s what I thought,” he says turning on his heel.

“You are such a dick,” Aria says loudly, her hands on her hips, chin held high, feet firm.

The whole room stills. Silence. All eyes on Aria then suddenly darting between her and Mr. Lee. Her friends all fearing what comes next.

“What did you say to me?” he says turning toward her, his hands clenching into fists, the vein on his temple becoming more prominent by the second.

“Did I stutter?” Aria asks with gleaming confidence.

A gasp escapes a co-worker named Molly’s lips involuntarily as she watches.

Mr. Lee’s eyes narrow, as he bares his teeth like a wolf, the war between he and Aria just beginning. How dare she undermine his power!

“You’re fi-“

“No YOU are done talking to me that way. You think your better than me? Why because you were once a preppy youth with a trust fund, a little rich boy on a power trip. And then what? You got too old to actually do anything with your life. Your shit stinks just like the rest of us. I dare you to try lasting even one second in my shoes, in any of our shoes. It’s not easy going after your dream. It takes everything you have. But you don’t have the balls you measly little excuse for a man. So you come in here everyday and try to feel better about yourself by ordering people around. Well no more.”

Aria unties her apron, dropping it at his feet.

“I quit,” she says walking out swiftly.

For the first time ever- Mr. Lee is stunned speechless.

A few of Aria’s co-worker friends drop their aprons too.

“Yea if she’s out, I’m out, she’s the only reason this job was borderline bearable,” Molly says heading for the exit.

“Me too,” Kevin says.

“Wait for me!” Blake calls following suit.

Waitresses, waiters, dish cleaners, cooks all filing out after Aria.

Aria steps outside the hotel and exhales the breath she’s been holding in since she started working for that horrible man. She hears footsteps coming up behind her.

She turns being greeted by her co-workers.

“That. Was. Awesome,” Molly says with a smile.

“You guys, what did you do?” Aria asks with concern.

“We quit,” Blake says.

Aria’s eyes go wide.

“I appreciate you all backing me up, but you didn’t have to lose your income too!”

“Oh please, Aria you are the only reason we all would come to work. You made it tolerable and now that your gone, there’s no reason to stay,” Molly says.

“Really?”

“Yea, we all love you. You leave, we leave,” Kevin says.

“Aw you guys!” she says hugging them.

“So now what do we do now that we’re all unemployed?” Blake says.

“Get drunk?” Aria says with a laugh and a shrug of her shoulders.

“Hell yes!” Kevin says, as they all laugh and turn to head in the direction of the nearest bar.

A black sleek car pulls up as a familiar face steps out, buttoning his suit jacket.

Aria locks eyes with Liam.

“Aria?” he says with a smile.

“Mr. Whitmore. Good evening,” she says her eyes avoiding his.

“Evening love. Are you working tonight’s event?”

Aria looks at her coworkers.

“Not anymore,” she says with a small smile.

“Oh?”

“We all kind of just quit,” she says still avoiding his eyes.

“Yea she called our boss a dick and then threw her apron at him,” Blake blurts out.

Liam’s eyes widen.

“It was slightly less aggressive than it sounds,” Aria says laughing.

That laugh, Liam thinks.

“Well I’ve met your boss, my bet is, (Liam leans in and whispers) he deserved it. Have a good night, love,” Liam says suavely as he walks past them toward the hotel entrance.

Molly’s eyes flow from his retreating figure and over to Aria.

“Oh my god,” she mouths.

Aria rolls her eyes.

“Mr. Whitmore!” Molly calls out.

“What are you doing?” Aria whispers to her, grabbing her hand.

“Shh,” Molly says squatting Aria away. “Half the staff quit, this event is going to suck, why don’t you just come join us for a drink instead, help us celebrate our freedom!”

“Um-” Liam ponders, wanting to say yes but unsure if it would be awkward for Aria.

“Molly. I’m sure Mr. Whitmore has better things to do.”

This is my shot, she needs to know I’m interested, he thinks.

“Well considering my plans just literally walked out the door, I guess I could go for a drink.”

Molly gives Aria a look of satisfaction.

“Right this way,” Molly says gesturing.

Liam smiles walking, as the guys introduce themselves to him, he shakes their hands, internally sizing each of them up. Are these two competition, he thinks.

Molly admires Liam’s build, getting lost for a beat.

Aria waves her hand in front of Molly’s line of vision. She snaps back.

“How do you know him?”

“He was at the last event…he helped me out with Lee.”

“He’s the business billionaire who came to your rescue. The one who actually got Lucifer Lee to apologize to you?”

“Yup. But let’s be clear about something– I didn’t need rescuing.”

Molly rolls her eyes.

“Oh my god he could rescue me all he wants. He is hot!”

“Really, You think so?” Aria says following Molly as they try and catch up to the guys.

“You don’t?” Molly says making a face of confusion.

Aria ponders as she walks.

***

 

The gang walks into the bar.

Molly pulls Liam’s hand toward the counter, Aria shakes her head. Shameless, she thinks.

Liam glances back at Aria who chats with Kevin and Blake.

“Are we drinking here, or what?” Molly screams.

Aria laughs as she walks over.

“I’ll have a beer,” Aria tells the bartender.

“Make that two,” Blake says walking over to join.

“Three,” Kevin yells from the corner where he plays an old fashioned arcade game.

“Three beers it is,” the bartender says.

“Mr. Whitmore?” Aria says turning toward him.

“Aria, I think you can call me Liam now, love,” he says laughing.

“Ok Liam. (she lets out a small laugh) What would you like?” she says smiling.

Liam’s heart beat quickens. That smile. Those lips, he thinks. His eyes flicker from her glossy plump lips back up to her brown sparking eyes. Molly notices.

“Uh, beer’s good,” Liam says trying to snap out of it.

“Make that 4 Bobby,” Aria says smiling at the Bartender.

“You got it,” Bobby says popping off another beer cap and handing her the bottles.

Aria hands out the beers, her hand grazing Liam’s as she hands him his.

Molly holds up her fruity Malibu By Breeze in hand, signaling a toast. A smirk dancing on her lips as she clearly has caught onto the fact that Liam has ulterior motives.

“Cheers, to unemployment. May god be with us all!” Aria says raising her beer.

“Long live the job hunt!” Blake shouts as their drinks clink.

“Excuse me, I need to borrow Aria for just a second, enjoy the testosterone.” Molly says dragging Aria to the side. Aria starts to sip her beer, waiting for Molly to say whatever crazy thing she feels she needs to say, right at this very moment.

“Well well well, I do believe Mr. Whitmore is rather soft on you, Ms. Lenz.”

“What?” Aria says nearly spitting out her sip of beer.

“He’s soft on you.”

“Soft? What are you from the 1940’s?”

“Fine…I think he wants to bang your brains out… happy?”

“Ew, really Mol, why so vulgar?”

“Welcome to 2017.”

Aria rolls her eyes.

“You’re out of your mind.”

“Aria. I’m serious the way he’s been eyeing you, he wants you.”

“No he doesn’t, stop it.”

“Fine, don’t believe me,” Molly says walking off, “You know I’m right!” she calls as she heads back to the bar.

Aria leans against the nearby pool table, sipping her beer in contemplation.

There’s no way, a guy like Liam Whitmore is interested in me. No. Way.

Liam notices her alone and walks over.

“Are you okay, love?”

“Yea,” she smiles.

“Are you worried?”

“Yea,” she smiles again locking eyes with him.

“Look, I know that this may not be the ideal job opportunity… but my secretary is going on vacation for two weeks, I could use a temp. Maybe it’ll buy you some time while you look for something else.”

“Oh my gosh, really? You would do that?”

“Sure,” he smiles excited to be able to make her even the slightest bit happy.

“Liam. I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“You didn’t-pretty sure I offered,” he smirks.

Aria looks up at him. The tension thick. The body language and proximity close.

Their hands touch as they both lean against the pool table. Aria notices and moves it away quickly.

“Just think about it. The offer will be there if you want it,” he says reaching into his suit pocket and handing her a business card.

“Thank you,” Aria says smiling and taking it.

Liam melts. There’s that award winning smile again, he thinks.

Aria looks at him again.

“Forgive me, but if you’re going to hangout with us, this tie has to go,” she says reaching up and untying it for him.

Liam’s eyes lock on hers.

“You’re gonna have to learn how to loosen up a little,” She says smiling and loosening his collar up. “There much better.”

Liam smirks, his heart beating out of his chest. He’s doing everything in his power not to grab her and just kiss her.

“Dually noted, love,” he whispers leaning in a little.

Aria feels her stomach tighten as butterflies flutter about.

Liam’s phone begins to ring interrupting their sexually charged moment.

He internally sighs and looks at the phone.

“I’m sorry love, I’ve got to take this, excuse me,” he says walking to the side.

Molly rushes over.

“Oh my god,” her eyes smiling “What did he say…did he ask you out?”

“No. He offered me a job.”

“A job? Ew. That’s no fun.”

Little did either of them know how wrong Molly would be.

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Summer Time Changes- Let’s Talk

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

summer-tag-copy[1]I think it’s safe to say, Summer is here and kicking. The 4th is tomorrow and that right there is the epitome of Summer to me. The weather is hot, school is out and life becomes this different existence. Everything is slightly more laid back- or at least it’s supposed to be.

For me, Summer is a bit of an anxiety stressor. My job changes a little bit and I get placed in a new environment, working with new people for the duration of the summer. So that feels like an uproot, and something new I have to get used to all over again. Last year it was actually a really pleasant change and so this year I’m hoping for the same. I’m pretty optimistic that it will be and that’s a good feeling. 🙂

I also don’t do well in the heat so that’s another reason why Summer brings upon anxiety for me. Along with having this extra time during this season, there’s a lot of pressure to make use of everyday and do fun exciting things, everyday. Raise your hand if you’ve compared yourself to anyone on social media lately? #Guilty. I’m sorry I don’t have that kind of money to just be jumping flights, here and there. I have a lot going on in my life that I need to be saving up for, so unfortunately vacationing isn’t in the stars for me. And that sucks, but it’s my reality and that’s ok. Everyone’s life is different.

I think I’m learning to balance my boundaries. Sometimes I know I can push through my anxiety and sometimes I know I have to pull back and give myself a beat. And knowing that has made an incredible difference in my life. This notion is certainly a work in progress, but it’s coming along slowly.

It’s ok, to take breaks. It’s ok, to push yourself a bit, you will learn what you can handle. It’s ok, to say no. It’s ok, to strive for change. And it’s ok, to be afraid of that change, and still go for it anyway. My whole life I thought that I couldn’t use the words risk taker to describe myself. I’m taking that back. Recently I died my hair blue. BLUE! (No not my whole head…they’ll be a post coming soon!) But I have freakin’ blue hair right now and I’m just doing things I’ve been wanting to do for myself.  Different things. I’m just going for it! Sometimes I feel guilty, like wait that’s too much money or I should be here or there or doing this or that. But then I think wait- why can’t if do this for me? It’s allowed! There’s nothing wrong with caring about yourself or the things your passionate about. 

I’ve also been thinking about huge life changes lately. Some will take a while to accomplish, but the building blocks can start now. The other day I was told; “you seem optimistic and seem to be accepting change.” This was an incredible thing for me to hear from another person who knows me and knows how my life is and the things I struggle with. Change is literally the reason why I realized I have anxiety. Anytime change is upon me, my anxiety can peek. It doesn’t always, but if I’m anxious it’s usually because of some change happening in my life.

I’m at a point in my life, where I can see things a tiny bit clearer and the things I want out of life. The things I want for myself. And sometimes that means being a little selfish and doing my own thing. I hate how some may take offense to that,  because it is not intention. But I think that now is the only time I have to be selfish. Other people do it, why can’t I? And that’s not a dig at anyone, it’s just an observation. Once I’m older, and have a family of my own things will be very different. And my husband and my children will be my priority. So now this is my time to sort myself out so that dream of having that life when I’m older can eventually come true. I don’t want to sit back 10 or 15 years from now and regret not going after the things I wanted. I don’t want to resent my family. So this is the time to get my  mind right and just do my thing.

I’m trying to tackle the things that scare me. Granted, I have my days when I falter and I let that fear hold me back, or I allow the laziness of summer overcome me. But I’m keeping high expectations for myself this summer. There are so many things I want to accomplish on a personal and professional level that I am making strides toward those goals already.

I’ve always wanted to write a pilot script for this tv show I’ve had running in my head for YEARS-since high school. The show is written in shifts and on random papers all over my house-some are on my computer- it’s all over the place. I’ve never written a concise first episode. There’s no organization and I am all about organizing this summer. My planner and inspiration notebook are my best friends! So that ish, is getting written THIS SUMMER. I’ve started to do my research, surprisingly I know a lot of the things I’ve found out which makes me feel kind of good. But there was also a ton I didn’t know- things I’m still learning, still researching. Oh you mean I have an excuse to watch television. Awesome! 😉 Your never going to stop learning, ever. Life is full of lessons.

So there’s that big change happening. Which is huge for me, because researching my craft has always been scary for me. I can’t exactly explain it. It was, I guess something I loved so much, that I was scared that if I researched it I would find out how little I know, or how far from my dream I actually am. But my mind set is different now and I realize that I can’t get there if I don’t try. I don’t know if I’ll ever make it to where I want to be. I don’t know if I will ever get my dream of creating my own tv show. But the show is not ever going to leave my heart or my brain. It could be months, and then a story will pop into my head for one of my characters and I will have to revisit that world. Or a line will pop into my head and I will go-“Oh my god that would be the perfect thing for Travis to say to Sara.” (Shhh Spoilers!) 😉

I’ve been thinking more seriously about my next move. About my career long term. I love where I work right now. I know I haven’t given exact details of my work, but that’s because I truly believe in respecting privacy and I want to remain professional. But basically I do work in a school setting teaching creative subjects like writing, and film. And I think it’s been an eye opening experience for me. You really can learn by teaching.

I have a lot of creative projects I am tinkering with this Summer too. I’m not going to reveal them, because I don’t want to jinx them, or put extra pressure on myself to finish them all. I will overwhelm myself with an over extensive to do list, I know this. So let’s just say that my main creative goal is to get my pilot script written and keep learning more and more about writing and working in television.

I would love to track that process on here for you guys to see, but to also be able to reflect back on it and see how I progressed. I hope you’ll come along on this journey with me.

Happy Summer!

XO

Michelle Leigh

Move- Chapter 2

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MOVE poster

Previously on Move– Read Chapter 1 HERE

Liam attempts to walk casually into a nearby quaint coffee shop.

She’s been here, he knows this. His eyes scan the room, searching for a glimmer of hope. Searching for her chocolate colored eyes.

Just because she’s been here before, doesn’t mean she’s a regular- nor does it mean she’ll be here today, one can only hope that coincidence is on my side, Liam, thinks.

Yes. You Facebook stalked Liam. You sunk low my friend, he thinks loudly as he gets in line to order something. Guess when you want something bad enough, you’ll do just about anything…

“Next,” the barista says as she smiles up at Liam.

“Hello, good afternoon,” he replies with a smile.

“Afternoon. What can I get you?”

“I will have (his eyes scan the menus posted on the walls behind her) the turkey club on rye, a bottle of water, and a regular small coffee.”

“You got it,” she says punching it into her register as she places the order slip on a conveyer line for the cook to read.

“That’ll be $15.72”

Liam reaches for his wallet.

 

*******

 

Walking away from the counter, Liam heads towards a table in the far corner to set himself up.

Strategic placing of course- from here I can see the span of the entire room, and there is a perfect view of the door, in case anyone rather interesting happens to come walking through, he thinks.

Liam begins eating his sandwich as he flips through his phone emails, replying to a few here and there.

Every now and again the door would open and his head would impulsively lift and look over.

No sign of his brunette beauty. Damn it, he thinks. This whole stalking thing is harder than I thought, he thinks, jokingly.

Liam checks his watch and starts to collect his garbage.

Lunch breaks always flew by for him.

Sadly, it’s back to the office, he thinks. I could wait here watching for her, forever.

Just then the door opens and in she walks. Her walk more of a stride, No a saunter. Her hips swaying from left to right. Her tight pink dress fitting her in the best possible way. Only some things someone who was intently watching could pick up on.

Liam freezes. His eyes glued.

Wow, she’s even sexier, the second time around, he thinks.

Aria steps up to the counter.

Liam cocks his head to the side, admiring a certain Latin enhanced part of her body. Internally and externally Liam blushes, knowing he’s usually a more discreet man.

“Hey Lynn,” she says with a smile at the barista.

“Aria sweetie, there you are! We were wondering if you switched coffee spots on us!”

“Are you kidding me! No one makes a better cup of coffee than you! It’s just work and school have just been crazy, I’ve literally been working, eating, dancing, sleeping. ”

Liam’s ears perk up to listen. Her voice like an electric jolt to his heart strings. Definitely striking some chords for sure. 

School? She can’t still be in college? He thinks. Can she? Liam scolds at himself, mentally.

His eyes look her over as he sits back down in his seat for a beat, pretending to answer more emails.

Liam’s gaze intensifies.

Aria walks to a table across from him and sits, she takes out a book and starts to read and she sips on her iced coffee, her muffin nearby for picking.

Liam’s heart begins to race, his palms starting to perspire.

He loosens his tie, as he leans back in his seat, his eyes not missing a beat. Admiring the fine art before him.

Watching her -she sweeps her hair to the left side, she props her chin up with her arm as she reads.

Her manicured fingers flip through the pages effortlessly as her brow furrows, then her lips curve into a smile as she continues reading.

Every movement more perfect then the last, he thinks.

Liam wants so badly to just walk over and talk to her.

But he knows how it would come off. Stalker.

So he waits, he watches, gathering evidence.

Next time it’ll be different, he thinks.

Until then, love, he thinks, as he gets up- exiting the coffee shop, his future feeling more colorful then usual.

 

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Hey readers! I realize this chapter took a while to get up and it is on the shorter side, and that’s mostly because I’m a little stuck when it comes to this story. I have so much in mind for the middle of the story but the beginning has been difficult to start. I’ve been avoiding and I don’t want to get in that rut. So I do apologize for the delay and I apologize if this is not my best chapter, but I think we’re just setting the stage, we’re just getting started here people. There’s been a lot going on in my life and also when it comes to Short Story posts, they take some time to write and get up and I’ve just been posting other things that take a little less time to “produce.” You may have also noticed my posting schedule has been kind of all over the place lately, again- I do apologize. I am going to really try and get back into a Monday/Thursday schedule this Summer. And I really would like to make some fun changes this Summer, let’s hope we can get some of them done! xo-Michelle Leigh

 

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-

 

 

Future

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The Future.

What marks them?

At what point in our lives does the future stop being a factor?

It’s ever changing.

Tomorrow is the future.

Until it becomes today.

Until it becomes yesterday.

But there’s always a new future put in place.

Constantly daunting.

Hovering.

Unknown.

What do you do when you worry?

When you fear?

When you don’t know what comes next?

Missing something.

You don’t have “it.”

Self doubt overcasts the sky above you.

Your sky clouded.

Raining insecurities.

Thundering negativity.

What would you tell your best friend?

Go for it.

Believe in yourself.

You got this.

What would you tell a child who doubts their abilities?

Keep trying.

You can do this.

You can do anything you set your mind to.

You can be anything you want to be.

Be yourself.

Tell yourself the same.

Take your own advice.

Don’t tear yourself down.

Don’t beat yourself up.

We’re often our biggest critics.

Be your own cheerleader.

Your future is what you choose for it to be.

You will fail.

Get back up.

Regroup.

Start again.

Your dreams are worth it.

You just need to start somewhere.

You may not know where that is right now.

I don’t either.

But you will.

Be your own future.

Inspire yourself.

Wake up.

Good Morning, Love.

Welcome to the Real World.

It can suck, but it can also be something really beautiful.

 

-<3-

 

 

Michelle Leigh Writes- Short Story Series Collection

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Hey guys, I know it’s been a while since I last posted consistently and on schedule. But I’ve been trying to think of something really cool to post and everything I think of just falls flat. But I recently had a cool idea. I’ve featured quite a few Short Story Series on this blog and I thought I’d do one big post including little summaries of each and the links to read them! In case you feel like diving into some dramatic love stories. So please, read at your leisure. 🙂

Mysterious Attraction (12 Chapters-3 parts each)

mysterious attraction postermovie poster new

Start the series from the beginning- HERE

Summary: Lexie is a power house, a femme fatale with a rather dangerous job description. She is soon forced to balance her need for control with her ever cryptic view on love and happiness. As an overly intense affair comes to light with a handsome yet kind man named Carter. Their attraction and pull strong. Lexie is forced to face some harsh realities about who she is and what she really wants her life to be. Her feelings are growing and it isn’t something she expected. Falling from lust to love with a married man was not part of her plan. What scares her even more…he’s falling back.

A Broken Heart For Christmas (6 Chapters)

broken heart for christmas

Lucy and dean 3

Start the series from the beginning- HERE

Summary: Dean Sanders broke Lucy Michaelson’s heart years ago back in their home town of Oakland Valley, Minnesota. And since then she’s moved on- moved to New York, started her dream career. And so has he, or so they both thought. Everyone knew their story, knew their love was lost. But little does everyone know…there was always more to their story, more than Lucy ever let on. Follow their journey through awkward run ins and past memories- both good and bad. 

Love Conflicted (12 Chapters)

Official full cast photo movie posterLove conflicted new poster

Start the series from the beginning- HERE

Summary: Maggie is the crisp, clean, girl next door. Always playing it safe, always doing the right thing, risk is not a word she would use in her everyday vocabulary. But when she falls in love with Ricky- a man in the mob, she realizes that life is not always black and white. As danger creeps in, emotions heighten in this thrilling, yet sweet love story.

On The Run (10 Chapters)

ontherunposterNew poster

Start the series from the beginning- HERE

Summary: When Sage Renly finds herself running for her life, a mysterious stranger shows up in just the nick of time- Charlie Steinfeld. He becomes her ally and confident against her better judgement. It seems like their connection is unexplainable-almost as if it’s out of their hands.  This is more than your typical two strangers finding each other by chance and falling in love, story. There are dark secrets hidden in the eyes of these characters, and as every mystery goes- there’s always more than what meets the eye.

*Welcome Home (9 Chapters)

Poster 1Cast poster

Start the series from the beginning- HERE

Summary: Melanie Evans was so close to having it all, and then tragedy struck. Something that years later she still can’t overcome. There is only one person in the world who can help, who can understand her-Oliver King, her college sweetheart. And yet he is miles away- both literally and figuratively. When Melanie returns to her hometown, old memories stir up old feelings. So many different feelings. Will she be able to get out of her own way to achieve the happiness she’s dreamed of all along? Or will she stay in isolation and despair unable to let go of her painful past.

********

Also I am attempting to dive into a new short story series….I’m still working on the title (I have a bunch of variations that I can’t decide on) but here’s a quick little sneak peek at the summary-

Liam Whitmore is a wealthy business executive who goes through the motions of working in his corporate world day after lousy day, making deals and kicking ass at it. However he often feels uninspired, and unable to do what he really loves. Until one day he meets a younger woman named Aria Lenz, struggling to become a dancer. Her simplistic yet driven nature strikes up a spark of inspiration in him, and he makes it his mission to get to know her. Little does he know, it’ll be the hardest “transaction” he’s ever had to make. They’re worlds apart- will he finally get through to her, or will his fire fizzle?

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*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits.*

*All short stories are of my own written content.*

-<3-