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itssweeter-than-fiction · 3 years

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Take Me Away

Chapter Four: Let the Games Begin

Light streamed through the blinds in my room as I opened my eyes. My vision blurred, eye boogers wedged into the corners of eyes. I could barely lift my head from the pillow before a loud groan escaped my lips. My body pulled me back down to the bed, sinking into the soft confines of the mattress. My head felt heavy, like concrete had been placed inside it, causing an insurmountable pain to pound and ricochet off my skull. No matter what I was missing today in Kimmy’s tour plans, even if they were amazing, I was not getting out of bed.

Which made me think: How did I get to bed last night?

Last night’s memories were far from lucid. The last thing I remembered was dancing with Aaron.

I froze in bed, my hand reaching up to my neck to feel for the chain on my neck.

It wasn’t there.

The realization that the necklace was no longer with me was sobering enough. I flung the duvet and sheets off me, fleeing the bed as I raced to the bathroom. My stomach fluttered, nausea threatening me again, but I forced it down. I turned on the sink, soaking my face into cold water to wake my skin up, groaning in defeat at the stupidity I’d had last night.

Aaron had called for a truce because he planned to get the necklace from me, and he knew he had to get me drunk. The conniving asshole!

I turned off the sink, drying my hands on a towel and trudged back into my room, all the while thinking about how I could possibly get the necklace back. I had been way over my head last night. I’d been struck when I was my most vulnerable.

Light bulb.

That’s what I had to do with Aaron. I had to get him to be vulnerable and then I could catch him off guard. Getting the necklace back from there wouldn’t take long.

I got dressed, choosing a comfortable tank top and pair of jean shorts. It was as I was sliding into my gladiator sandals that about thought occurred in my mind; more so it was a realization.

I had no clue what Aaron’s vulnerability was. Nothing came to mind. As hard as I tried to recall the events from last night, I couldn’t come up with a single idea. I didn’t know what made him happy, or comfortable around me. But I did know what made him mad. Me. Could making him angry be a way in?

It was my only option, so I had to take it. And besides, the anger fuming in me was about ready to burst. If I had the chance, I would lay hands on him; potentially murderous hands.

I tried not to groan as I made my way out of my room and into the sunlight of the hotel grounds. People were already milling about, walking to and from the beach or downtown shops. The sun was still making its way into the sky, climbing and climbing. I pulled my shades over my eyes, forcing the sunhat further on my head to block the shining rays. After my plan of attack, I would be indulging in a heaping breakfast . . . mimosas added.

The bar I’d been with Aaron at last night had changed drastically. The mood and ambiance switched to a pastel of colors that complimented the finest foods any breakfast buffet could ask for. Wafts of fresh pastries and fruits hung in the air, and my stomach began grumbling as I picked up my pace.

He wasn’t at the bar, nor anywhere in the dining area. Feeling slighted, I grabbed a plate, moseying down the line and picking up foods to take. A full open mimosa bar stood at the end, and I helped myself to two before going to find a small table towards the back. I’d heaped my plate for of carbs, adding fruits as well. But when it came to hangovers, carbs were what I craved.

As I ate, the events of last night rolled through my mind. I’d been thrilled, enthusiastic about coming to Italy. But the minute Aaron had come into the picture, it seemed to become sour. Also, the realization that he was in fact an asshole and not like I’d fantasized him to be, was a let down. But I had to have seen it coming. Most of the time, people who were successful in the film and stage industry reflected their status in a way that showed true colors. Sometimes they were as wholesome as they appeared to be, other times, their vanity and ugliness reared its beast-like head. I had figured out with Aaron he was the latter.

I was just about to give up any hope of seeing him, and with the sun beating dow on my neck, the idea of getting in the ocean water sounded relieving. I swallowed the last of my mimosa, throwing the linen napkin on top of my empty plate; mere remnants of croissant just specks of crumbs, orange peels sucked dry of their fruit. My belly was full, hangover slowly leaving.

Standing up, I grabbed my purse. It was then that my eyes traveled across the room to the wide open doors of the main lobby. In the midst of all the people was Aaron, casually leaning against the front desk counter, talking to a woman and man. They all looked to be guests of the boozy wedding they would be in attendance for. And loe and behold, dangling from Aaron’s neck this time was the necklace. He wasn’t wearing a full suit, just a simple t-shirt, and cargo pants, but he made it look so good unlike others. I pushed my chair in to the table I’d been sitting at and marched past all the others, making my way towards Aaron with the intent of revenge.

I couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but the fake laughter they all expelled was enough to make me cringe. Rich people talk; it never was authentic. He must have seen me out of the corner of his eye because right after his body grew rigid and his jaw muscles tightened. His two friends seemed to notice because next thing, I approached him full on and with dignified grace.

“You’re up!” Aaron said, his exclamation laced with notes of anxiety. He reached out an arm, pulling me in close, a smile just hanging off his lips. “How’re you feeling?”

He was putting on a show again. Like he did for Sydney and Lynn. Who knew if these two would fall for it as well.

“Much better,” I said forcing a smile through gritted teeth. I slinked out of his embrace. “But unfortunately this morning, when I woke up something very near and dear to me was missing . . .”

Aaron’s eyes grew wide. Man he really was good at this. “Oh no,” he said, “what was it?”

“Well you know how I was telling you about my grandmother’s family heirloom necklace she gifted me? It wasn’t around my neck this morning . . . and I don’t recall doing anything out of the ordinary to make it fall off! Besides, you were the last person to be with me.”

The couple beside Aaron had lines creasing their forehead. The lady then gaped before turning to Aaron.

“Aaron! That necklace! I didn’t see it on you yesterday! Could that be . . .”

“Mary,” I said gleaming. “My name is Mary . . . and would you believe it! That is my necklace!”

Aaron’s hand reached up for the necklace; his fist wrapping around it. The couple watched him like I did, expecting him to return it without a second thought.

“I’m sorry, Mary, but this isn’t your necklace. I purchased this the other day at a shop down the way. You must be confused.”

“No, no,” I replied, “that’s my necklace. It has the small pearl just above the coin. See? My grandmother added that to the heirloom after my grandfather died. The pearl had been on her ring before it.”

Aaron shook his head. “I’m sorry Mary. This isn’t yours.”

The audacity.

I had to think fast. This facade was cutting it.

It was easy to make the tears come. Mom always said I had a knack for crying easily. So when they began leaking out of my eyes and coursing down my cheeks, the couple close to Aaron gasped in shock.

“I can’t believe this,” I began to sob, forcing my shoulders to heave up and down. “After yesterday and everything we did together. After that wonderful night we had, you’re doing this to me? You’re just going to take advantage of a young woman who you inebriated and brought to her room drunk, with who knows what intended; then to extend it and take the one thing she cherishes most! How dare you?”

Ugly cry, Mary. Ugly cry.

The woman and man glared at Aaron, disbelief on their faces. I continued to sob, my cries growing louder as more attention came our way.

Aaron was clearly uncomfortable. He knew I had him in the palm of my hand. All I had to do was close my fist and he’d be done for. Through blurred eyes, I watched as he undid the clasp on the necklace before handing it over to me; opening my hands and gently placing the necklace in my palm.

“There! There you go. Happy now?”

“B-but w-why did you s-steal it?” I quivered.

Aaron rolled his eyes, the couple gasped again. The woman uttering below her breath. “What a dick.”

“Can I talk to you for a second, Mary?” Aaron asked me. “Alone?”

He took me by the elbow leading me away but I let my cries echo louder. He froze, shoulders hunching up. I pulled away from his hold on me. Aaron attempted to lean close towards me.

“Watch yourself Mary, this ploy won’t work for you much longer.”

My hand came out faster than I could play ninja, and it made a resounding slapping sound. Everyone in the hotel lobby froze. I had to hold in my own shock.

A concierge came racing up to Aaron and I. The worried look on her face unapologetic.

“Is everything okay here?” She asked concerned.

“He took advantage of me!” I sobbed working the tears again. “And he stole my grandmother’s necklace!”

She turned to Aaron, her accent thick as she spoke.

“Is that true sir?”

“I uh . . . I think we’re done here,” Aaron finally spoke. He ran a hand through his hair, face flushed red. I’d done my work. His words before the slap were still a threat to me though. I had to be more cautious than ever.

“I-I’m sorry,” he mumbled. “Enjoy the rest of your vacation.” He stepped away, bowing out before disappearing to the elevator. The concierge was beside me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders after he was gone.

“My goodness, are you alright?”

I had to keep the water works going. My lip quivered. “I thought he really liked me,” I said. “He wasn’t there this morning in my room, and my grandmother’s necklace . . .”

I looked to the couple Aaron had been talking to. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”

The woman stepped forward. “Don’t apologize! We’re so sorry you were treated badly! We didn’t think Aaron would be like that. He has no excuse for what he did.”

I nodded my head, looking down at the necklace in my hand. The swelling in my chest had to be morphed into a panic attack rather than excitement. The way I was playing my cards, everyone would be on my side if Aaron tried to come my way again.

“I just hope I can make the most of this vacation after all of this,” I said quietly. The concierge squeezed me in reassurance. I smiled softly at her, wiping away my tears.

“We’ll make sure of it,” she replied. The couple nodded their heads. “If you have any more issues with him, just let us know. We will take care of it.”

“Thank you,” I said to all of them. “I appreciate you all. So much.”

“Come with me,” the concierge said. “Let me gift you with a spa day, on us here at the hotel. For this transgression you had to deal with, it is our pleasure.”

“Are you serious?” I asked surprised. The concierge nodded, a smile breaking out across her face.

“Yes,” she answered. “Please. Let us repay you with a relaxing day in return for all you’ve had to go through.”

“I can’t say no to a spa day,” I mumbled, drying my eyes. The couple chuckled, waving goodbye and wishing me a better vacation before leaving for their tour bus. The wedding party was going on a winery tour. Ironically, they would be joining Kimmy’s tour too. The one I should have been on . . .

But Broadway Bitch my ass. I was the new Tony winner in town. Better yet, this proved I could be an Oscar contender. I began following the concierge towards the spa area of the hotel, waving goodbye to the couple. I clasped the necklace around my neck, holding it tightly. Before walking through the spa doors, I caught a glimpse of a familiar head of hair.

Aaron.

My grasp on the necklace grew tighter.

If he wanted to play hard, I was going to play harder.

Let the games begin.

__________

Taglist:

#aaron tveit #aaron tveit imagine #aaron tveit au #aaron tveit fanfiction #aaron tveit fanfic #holly's writing #holly mae #holly's masterlist #hollybio #adam driver

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itssweeter-than-fiction · 3 years

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WE’RE BACK

GUYS. WE’RE BACK! Well, Holly is, but still. That’s something! TAKE ME AWAY will be updated weekly or every other week, depending on how she feels because being a teacher is no easy task!

In other news: TAKE ME AWAY is the only piece of writing that will be updated on this blog for the time being. Please be patient with us as life throws curve balls we sometimes cannot step back from.

If you want to be added to the TAKE ME AWAY Taglist, shoot us a message or reply to the TAKE ME AWAY chapter posts:)

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itssweeter-than-fiction · 3 years

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Take Me Away

Chapter Three: Poison the Wine

The restaurant was crowded, people were milling about in groups anywhere from two to ten as I slowly made my way through the sitting area towards the bar. After the brief yet disappointing interaction with Aaron on the beach, I’d made a vow to myself to drink away the memory and re-focus on what was important: my vacation, and figuring out what the hell the necklace that hung around my neck was.

I’d attempted to do some research up in my room but the wifi wasn’t the best, and a guilt formed in the pit of my belly that sitting in my room on my laptop was not the way I should be spending my time. The information I’d come up with on the necklace was little to none.

Everything I typed into the search engine led me to jewelry sites, not anything that would be beneficial in my search, unless I wanted to buy some new jewelry.

Okay, I bought a cute bracelet but then I forced myself away. My credit card was getting close to the max.

The bar was situated closely to the outdoor seating and pool. Meandering around a few more tables, I noticed a small opening at the bar where an empty seat was. I quickened my pace, nabbing the seat just as another was passing by.

“Buonasera,” I said smiling to the waiter who came over. From the minimal amount of Italian I knew, it was safe to say I could order my drink without uttering a word of English.

“Buonasera signorina,” the waiter responded happily. “Cosa posso portarti da bere?”

I glanced down at the wine list briefly, eventually landing on a wine that seemed good. Besides it was from Tuscany.

“Antinori Tignanello, per favore.” I smiled back at the waiter, fiddling with the chain on my neck.

The waiter nodded, confirming the order before walking away. Meanwhile, I looked around the bar, trying to find any familiar faces from the tour bus. Sydney and Lynn were nowhere to be seen and had probably turned in early for the night. There were some others, I noticed from the tour, but I’d only seen them in passing. Part of me wondered if one of them was like me — alone on the trip — and needed a companion. If so, I was happy to apply.

The waiter returned with my wine, and I ordered a plate of bruschetta. I swiveled in the bar chair, looking out to the ocean view. The sun was glittering, setting lower in the sky. The rays that were left, warmed my skin to the touch. Maybe it was the wine. I was a light weight after all.

It was as my bruschetta was delivered and I ordered another glass of wine that I saw him enter the room. He too had cleaned up, changing his clothes to more formal wear with dress pants and a polo. I couldn’t deny he looked good. He looked hot. He must have showered because his hair still looked damp, and there was a light sheen on his skin. His hands were stuffed into his dress pant pockets and he surveyed the room carefully. It wasn’t until our eyes met, that he meandered around tables and groups of people to meet me just as a bar stool seat opened up.

“Well, if it isn’t my biggest fan,” Aaron surmised as he sat in the chair. I rolled my eyes turning away from him. Noting my wine and food, he hailed down the waiter and ordered a drink. I planned on ignoring him completely.

“Come on now, you can’t be that choked up about me being what you call a “broadway bitch”. You said so yourself, reality bites.”

I held my wine glass up, inspecting it. “I’m sorry, did you hear something? It’s almost as if the ghost of broadway’s bitch choir is haunting me.”

This time Aaron rolled his eyes. I took a sip of wine. His drink arrived. A small glass only partially filled. One small ice cube floated atop it. I wrinkled my nose in disgust.

“You can’t be drinking that in Italy,” I said dropping the ignorance act.

“It’s not illegal is it?” Aaron took a sip and I almost gagged.

“Wine is the drink of choice in this country. Not some hardcore liquor that will ruin your evening with the mistakes you make by drinking it.”

Aaron chuckled. “You know, I really am starting to like you. You’ve got a wit and killer comebacks. Thinking on your feet is strategy.”

“Why thank you for such a genuine compliment.” I looked out into the crowds, trying to find a way to escape. I wasn’t going to let him ruin my evening.

“So what brings your here?” Aaron changed the subject. I did a double take, noting how he’d turned his body in the stool towards me. With his head gently leaning to the side, I took another sip of wine.

“Surprise vacation from my parents,” I finally said. “I’m the first in the family to finish higher education. They believe it was a well-earned trip.”

Aaron looked impressed. But before he could ask another question, I bet him to it.

“Why’re you here?”

“A wedding. Old friend from home is getting married. The whole family was invited but I was the only one to make the trip.”

“Cause you got the dough?” I snickered.

Aaron stared at me flatly. “No,” he said slowly. “Because my family had other things going on.”

“Well cheers to them. I’m sure vacationing with you would be a nightmare. You at least brought a date did you?”

Aaron didn’t answer, and I knew I had hit a sore spot.

“Girlfriend dump you?”

“Why are you here alone? Wouldn’t you parents have come with you as well?”

“Unlike you and I’d assume your family, mine doesn’t make a comfortable enough wage to travel to expensive countries. This trip was out of the goodness of their hearts. If they could afford it, of course they’d be here with me. But I get to enjoy the company of a tour bus instead. Which isn’t bad if I really think about it . . .”

My words faltered. I’d noticed I’m been babbling and the look on Aaron’s face only proved I sounded like an idiot. I clamped my mouth shut, forcing another sip of wine to trickle down my throat. The magic of alcohol was beginning.

“So I got another question for ya,” I said as I turned in my chair to look at him. He seemed curious as to what I’d ask but then his eyes trained on my neck, noting the necklace. His face went white and I noticed his hand on the bar turn into a clenched fist.

“Oh!” I said feigning surprise. “You like it? I thought it looks rather ravishing on me.” I swept my short bobbed hair to the side, knowing it did nothing — my hair barely passed my chin.

Aaron turned to the bar again, taking a swig of his drink as he grumbled incoherently underneath his breath. The image of us both on the beach fumbling through the sand entered my mind, followed by the act with Sydney and his wife. No matter how much I disliked him after finding out he was a jerk, I felt the sinking stomach in my belly, urging me to be nice.

“So, back to my question. I think you’d look extremely pitiful and pathetic alone at such a fancy and expensive wedding, wearing a Givenchy suit because you know,” I waved my hands in the air, “you’re successful and all. And knowing guys like you, you feel insecure when you don’t have a hot chick on your arm. So I guess what I’m asking is do you need a date?”

For a brief moment, Aaron’s face softened. He looked me over, almost thinking about the question, wondering if I was serious. And then it hit me. I was being serious. Being Aaron’s date to a wedding in Tuscany? What else could I fantasize about? I wanted to smile at him, reach my hand out and gain a truce. But the minute I was about to, it all came crumbling down with his next words.

“You? My date? After you took what I was looking for on the beach? I don’t think so. You’d ruin the evening.”

Ouch. Inner me cringed. I took a sip of wine, shrugging my shoulders. Play it off, Mary! Play it off!

“Too bad. I think you could use a little fun.”

Aaron chuckled. He seemed amused with my flirting. Was it even flirting?

“Sunshine, you’re just a little too young for me.” He pushed himself off the bar and took his drink, walking towards the awning that gave view to the resort. The water on the ocean, a mere fifty feet away glimmered from the setting sun. I walked over to Aaron, meeting him and leaned against a pillar.

“For your information, I’m twenty-six years old. Almost twenty-seven really. I’m a woman. And don’t call me sunshine.”

Aaron looked at me out of the corner of his eye, his chin jutting out just the slightest as he took a sip from his glass. It was pure bourbon. But how could he drink it straight? Thinking of that smooth liquid sloshing around in my mouth before trickling down my throat already made me want to gag.

“I’ve got a good handful of years on ya.”

“No shit. You don’t look a day over thirty.”

Aaron nodded his head, raised his glass to me. “I’ll toast to that.”

We took a few sips of our drinks, watching the sun set lower and lower in the sky. A cool breeze had made it’s way towards us, causing the awning and small tables with umbrella stands to sway. Folks coming from the pool laughed and spoke avidly as their wet footprints left marks on the floor. The aftertaste of the wine remained on my tongue. I was getting to the bottom of my drink.

“Where are you from?”

His question caught me off guard. I had been the one asking questions. I drained the rest of my wine out the glass. Aaron stretched out a hand, offering to take it. I handed it over, mumbling a thanks.

“California.”

“Yeah? What part?”

“Bay Area.”

Aaron nodded his head.

“What about you?” I asked.

“New York. Not far from the city.”

“Opposite coasts. I imagine you think East Coast is superior?”

“Nothing else like it,” Aaron surmised. He grinned at me and settled my drink on a passing waiter’s platter. “Another glass for the lady here . . . Grazzi.” The waiter nodded and made his way back to the bar. Aaron walked a few more steps outside, urging me to follow. He settled down on a chair, near a small fire pit. I sat in the one opposite of his.

“But doesn’t the saying “West Coast is the best coast” have a nicer ring to it?”

Aaron chuckled. “Yes, but it doesn’t make up for all the luscious and rich history we have. Even the tourism. It’s unbelievable.”

“Agree to disagree. Ever heard of Disneyland? San Francisco? Hollywood? Napa Valley? We have it all. We take up more than half the coast which is the size of approximately five or six states on your side combined.”

“Don’t brag.”

“Humble bragging, I am.”

Aaron rolled his eyes. My Yoda impression did not amuse him.

The waiter brought back my drink and I thanked him before sliding over five euros as a tip. I took my drink into my hands, nursing it like a child. Aaron had almost finished his bourbon. By this time my tongue felt too thick to continue speaking Italian.

“I’ll take the check now, grazzi.”

The waiter nodded getting ready to leave but Aaron held up his hand, catching us off guard.

“It’s all on me,” he said casually with a smile to the waiter. “The wine, the bruschetta. All of it. Another bourbon would be great.”

The waiter smiled, nodding his head. “Of course,” he murmured, his accent thick. “I’ll be right back with that.”

I tried not to gawk at Aaron so I forced myself to take a long sip of the wine. My mind was beginning to buzz.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I said finally after a few moments.

“I’m calling a truce,” Aaron said as I blinked. “You know, for taking . . . that.” He motioned towards the necklace. Instinctively I touched it, feeling the slightest amount of guilt seep into my bones.

“I figured we both started off on the wrong foot . . . and I want you to know that I’m not actually a bad guy. You just caught me at the wrong time.”

I raised a brow, curious. “No shit . . . Okay. Truce.” I held out my hand, waiting for him to shake it. He stared at me, eyes focused and certain before he took my hand in his and held it. He didn’t shake, just held. And part of me wanted him to not let go.

He slid his hand away, swiping it on his pant leg. I took another drink, the wine tasting more like juice than earlier.

A live band had started playing on a small stage outside. Aaron turned to look towards the band just as the lead singer began to croon in Italian. He looked back at me, nodding towards the small crowd forming around the stage.

“Wanna dance?”

I scoffed, almost choking on my wine. Covering my mouth with a napkin, scared the wine would come running down my nose, I attempted to calm myself.

“You’re not serious, are you?”

“I am, actually.”

“But you just said you wouldn’t be caught dead with me as your wedding date. I think dancing with me stands with wedding date.”

Aaron rolled his eyes. He stood up, coming up to my chair before he extended a hand. I gaped, my glass of wine still in my hand.

“Mary,” he said my name and I felt a thrill in-between my legs. “Would you please dance with me?”

“W-why?”

“Because I’m sitting beside a lovely girl, trying to gain a truce. Dancing seems like it would be good. Plus food and drink . . . which you never thanked me for by the way.”

“I told you, you didn’t have to do it!” I exclaimed.

“But I wanted to,” he said.

I stared at him, hard. This was totally unlike the man I’d met on the beach, and he was turning into the guy I’d fantasized him to be. Was the wine really getting to me? Was I on the brink of passing into a drunken state of stupor?

Aaron’s hand was still outstretched towards me, and I found myself draining the glass of wine before extending mine to mold in to his. I stood up, and he pulled me in close. The dance floor was filling up with more couples and people dancing. The music seemed to be reverberating in my head. I felt like I was floating as he walked me out to the edge of the dance floor. His arms gently encircled me, politely making sure not to go any lower or higher than my waist.

A new song was beginning, this one slower and as my head continued to buzz, Aaron was careful not to spin me around. The sky had darkened to a navy blue, and the stars were slowly starting to shine. I felt my body relaxing in Aaron’s arms and smiled as I turned my gaze to him. I noticed his eyes on my neck, and with my free hand, I reached up to take hold of the necklace. His eyes met mine again and I shivered as he brought me in closer, his chest pressed to mine.

“Haunted by her side is the darkness in her eyes that so enslaves me . . .” Aaron began singing along to the song. My eyelids fluttered, reacting to his voice as if it were a lullaby lulling me to sleep.

“But if my love is blind, then I don’t want to see. She’s a mystery to me.”

God he was such a good singer. My body relaxed more. The music began to swell, the singer crooning as the bridge before the chorus came. I let myself lean further into Aaron, going as far to rest my head on his shoulder. He still held my hand, but closer to us now while his other appropriately rested on my upper waist.

“She’s a mystery girl . . .”

With one last glimpse of the dance floor and Aaron’s hand in mine, my eyes closed and a sweet darkness of wine and romance took me whole.

________

Taglist:

#Aaron Tveit #aaron tveit imagine #aaron tveit au #aaron tveit fanfiction #aaron tveit fanfic #holly mae #Holly's writing #hollybio #holly's masterlist

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itssweeter-than-fiction · 4 years

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itssweeter-than-fiction · 4 years

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Take Me Away

Chapter Two: Two Discoveries

Twenty Years Ago

“Now you hold it like this . . . yes, Mary, just like that. And then you just fly it over the sand . . . see? Watch me . . . Just like this. Now you try.”

Grandma’s beachcombing metal detector was like my version of a lightsaber. It was magnetic, appealing to my eyes, and all consuming. How it found mysterious and unexpected items along the sandy shores of Bodega Bay made my six year old heart leap out of my chest and joyfully want to hunt down any undiscovered pirate treasure.

Grandma’s hands which had held mine in place over the detector left, and instantly I felt the heavy weight of the detector fall on me. I stifled a grunt, holding it up to the best of my ability and slowly began to scan it over the wet sand. A crackling sound came from the detector, earning a confused gaze to my grandma who smiled.

“Why does it make that sound?”

“Oh it does that so when it makes a beeping sound you know you’ve found something special!”

“How long will it take to find something special?”

Grandma shrugged her shoulders. “I’m not sure baby, but we’re bound to find something! I can promise you that!”

Sure enough, twenty minutes later, I found an old coin — actually a nickel dated back to 1972 but for me it was still invigorating. Grandma let me keep it, and to this day I still have that same nickel as a keepsake to remind me of my first discovery in beachcombing. It was the only thing I found that day, but in the weeks, months, and years that followed, I discovered and found more relics with grandma. Part of me was convinced she’d lay some relics of her own out of the beach before I got there . . . it made my young heart swell. But as I grew older and we visited other beaches around California, I found many of my own tiny treasures.

Summer — Four Months Earlier

After my nap, I wound up taking grandma’s detector down with me to the lobby where Kimmy and the rest of our tour group were meeting for our talk. I’d changed into a pair of high-waisted jean shorts, and navy tank top while clutching the detector close to me. Some of the people in the group looked at me oddly, but I smiled back, finding a seat in the front as Kimmy pulled out a pile of papers which she started to hand around.

“Since Lido Di Camaiore is more known as a vacation town for locals, I thought you’d like some help in determining which places to visit, what events I’ll be leading during our stay here, as well as some great restaurants to eat at! For now, I’d like to leave you to yourselves the rest of the evening by enjoying the food here at Casa Reale di Lido and the beach. Might I suggest walking the pier at sunset? It really is quite the view!”

I looked over the paper as it was handed to me and passed on the rest. Below, Kimmy had perfectly typed out our schedule. Tomorrow on we had may things planned. Thankfully they were all optional but you were required to attend at least one a day. From the looks of it, I would be spending the majority of my time on the schedule and hopefully on the way, make a couple of new friends.

Folks started pouring away. Some filtered into the bar and restaurant scene, while others began their exodus out to the beach or to walk the small strip of shops downtown. Standing from the chair I was sitting in, I clutched my detector close to my chest and followed those who were headed outside.

Kimmy was right. The view was stunning.

The water was blue — clear like Lake Tahoe. It lapped up onto the soothing sandy shores with a calming swooshing sound. Children squealed in delight as they raced up and down the shore after another. Umbrellas lined another parallel to another and went all the way down the beach, blending in with the multiple other hotels which lined the shore. Overhead, the sun was beginning it’s descent down from the sky, creating a blend of colors to take over. From oranges, pinks, blue, reds, yellows, even purples, I felt like I was immersed in a gorgeous water color painting. The colors reflected from the water and the suns glinting gave it more shine.

I gazed far down the beach, a hand covered over my forehead to shield the bright light from my eyes. There was a small area less crowded further down and I felt it was the perfect spot to start my excursion. Despite this, I turned on my detector and began to hover it just above the sand as I began walking. The sand squished between my toes, the dampness of it making them curl.

As I passed under the long boardwalk, fewer and fewer people strayed my way. The sun was setting lower in the sky, the breeze in the air sightly more chilly. I regretted not bringing a sweater but pressed on, determined to find something interesting. The detector had fooled me a few times, where it only came up with old fishing gear or broken pieces of metal and other debris which must have sunken into the sand from prior people lounging on the sand. I was beginning to grow a little agitated, disappointed that my first time outside of the U.S. had resulted in zero findings or discoveries.

It was as I was ready to give up that I noticed another figure in close proximity to me with another detector. Just as mine went off, I heard theirs. They looked up and my breath caught in my throat.

It was Aaron again.

For a brief moment, I was unsure wether to stand still while staring at him or just follow the sign in which my detector was screaming at me to go in. I went with the latter only to notice that seconds later, Aaron was following closely behind. My heart felt lodged in my throat to the point I believed I was going to throw up, but the nausea passed on, while the drive to find the hidden treasure under the sand grew.

I was getting closer to the shore, my detector a constant long beep sound, signaling I was just above where the object lay. I dropped the detector on the sand, letting my knees soak into the cool ground as I swiftly began to pull the wet sand back. Nearby, I noticed Aaron had fallen to his knees as well, throwing sand to and fro as we both hunted what we were looking for.

Ironic how hot celebrity crushes enjoy the same activities as you do... okay that just had to be a coincidence.

We were drawing closer to another, our breaths seemingly corresponding together as the distance between our bodies closed. Soon enough both of the holes we had dug, converged together, creating a small ravine of sand and sunken water. I dig faster, looking up just barely as Aaron looked at me.

I smiled, my cheeks heating up. As I opened my mouth to say hello, I was knocked down with forceful words that took the wind out of me.

“Don’t say it. I was closer, this is mine. Whatever it is, it’s being sold by myself to the nearest pawn shop or museum.”

I raised a brow. “Uh, excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he said matter of factly. “Now go on. Find another place.”

“But don’t you have enough money already?”

“What?” He looked puzzled.

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t try that reverse psychology shit on me. I know who you are.”

Aaron’s smug look fell. For a brief couple seconds he stopped everything he was doing as I continued digging away. It wasn’t until I was screaming that I’d found something that he got back to digging and trying to peel away what I had found from my hands.

I stood up doing a jig. Some people on the beach gazed at us awkwardly as they passed by. I was holding a handful of sand with whatever I had found inside it. From the looks of it, an old chain was hanging partially out, so it had to be a necklace or bracelet. Grabbing my detector, I raced over to the shore, cleaning the sand off of my hand and the object. Aaron was right behind me, leaning over my shoulder as we both ogled at what I held.

I was old and rusted. Without pinpointing it, I felt that it had to be almost a hundred years old . . . possibly older. As I held the chain in my hand, I brushed aside the residue sand over the coin like piece that hung at the bottom. A face on the outer side of the object was crowned in what seemed to be a circle of olives or leaves. A large bulbous nose was the striking feature of the person who seemed to be a woman. The art was beautifully etched into the old element which I guessed was silver, possibly bronze.

“Wow,” I said in awe. It was quite the discovery.

Aaron’s breath hit the back of my neck and I swung around, my fist coming into contact with his chest. He staggered back a few feet, gasping for air as he clutched his chest. Eyes bulging, his face turned read.

“What the hell was the for?!” He cried.

“Being too close! Jesus, do you know anything about personal space?”

Gaining his ground, he stood straighter, coughing briefly. “I was just trying to see what you found,” he said.

“Well don’t get so close!”

“Can I see the necklace?” He asked this time quieter. Holding out his hand palm faced up, I glanced down to it, wondering for a brief moment what it would feel like to put my hand in his.

I let the thought delete itself before I could and looked back up into his eyes, glaring.

“Like hell.”

“Hey, lady. Great, thanks for helping me find the necklace, but I really gotta go. It’s getting late and I have dinner plans.”

“First of all, my name is not “Lady”. It’s Mary. And second of all, I touched the necklace first, which means I actually found it first. You were digging too far away!”

He rolled his eyes. “God, you’re stubborn . . . Okay, Mary. May I please have the necklace? What do you want for it?” He delved his hand into his pocket and brought out his wallet. Looking inside, he waded through some bills. “I got a hundred and sixty bucks in here plus fifty euros. I’ll give you it all for the necklace.”

He held up the wads of cash and put it in front of my face.

In my best impression of Randy from American Idol, I said, “It’s a no from my dawg.”

“Alright, I’ve had enough of this shit,” Aaron said his voice growing agitated. “Give me the necklace. Now.”

“No.”

“Please.”

“Again, nah dawg.”

He looked away briefly, biting his lip. I could only guess what he was thinking in his head. But before I could, he lunged towards me and yanked the necklace out of my hand.

“What the hell!?” I yelled. I attempted to launch myself at him.

“Uh, miss, is this man bothering you?” A voice caught both Aaron’s and my attention and we turned around to see an older couple ten feet away. The man and woman were familiar — both on the same tour as me. The man wore a tan straw fedora while his wife wore a visor. He stared at Aaron and I before Aaron straightened up and wrapped his arm around my waist. I pushed him off.

“This man is in fact bothering me,” I said. “He has something of mine and won’t give it back.”

The man looked at Aaron.

“Is that true?” He asked him.

Aaron stuttered and I felt the corners of my lips turn up, only to have them frown as he spoke the words:

“Not at all, sir! You caught us in the middle of our role play! You see, we’re both prepping for this show we’re in, and we wanted to authentically go over a few scenes on the beach . . . cause that’s where the show takes place.”

The man and his wife seemed confused.

“You were on the bus with us earlier,” the wife said pointing at me, then turned to Aaron. “But you weren’t.”

“I had an earlier flight! Actually got in a day early,” Aaron easily lied while chuckling. “This ray of sunshine wanted the full experience though.”

I gritted my teeth. He was convincing them. To a degree.

“Well,” the man said awkwardly, “continue along I guess. We’ll see you both tomorrow for the first tour event.”

Aaron sighed. “Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it tomorrow. I have a Zoom call meeting all day for an upcoming fundraiser back in New York. I’m part of the party planning committee and just so happen to be the guest speaker too.” He held out his hand for them to both shake. “Aaron Tveit, nice to meet you . . .”

Sydney and Lynn,” the man said trying to smile. “No wonder you looked a tad familiar. You were in that TV show we watched. . . the one about the undercover FBI?”

“Graceland,” Aaron said with a grin, “glad you liked it!”

“I didn’t say we did,” Sydney said as he took Lynn’s hand in his. Aaron’s smile fell and I tried to hold in a laugh.

“See you tomorrow . . .”

“Mary!” I replied happily. Lynn smiled at me as her and Sydney turned to head back towards the hotel. Meanwhile Aaron and I stood side by side watching them grow smaller until they were eventually out of sight. The minute that happened, I turned on him and pounced.

“GIVE. IT. BACK! I found it first!” I said, brows knitting together. I grabbed it from his hands. “Finders Keepers. Besides, all of us could read through that joke of a lie you told. Instead of Broadway’s Boyfriend you should be crowned Broadway Brat!”

Aaron’s eyes widened in shock, then he scowled.

“Broadway Brat, that sounds so very clever.”

“Do you like Broadway Bitch better?”

He took a step back, shocked. Opening his mouth he attempted to speak but I cut him off.

“You know I thought this was going to be a super awesome part of the trip, after I recognized you earlier in the elevator. I was totally going to praise you on all your credits and Tony Award — WAIT YOU DON’T HAVE A TONY AWARD, HA! — and say that you’re a top-notch actor, but after this conversation and meeting, I’m gonna cop out of that. In fact, what I’d like to say is you’re a class one dickwad and I hope you never get a Tony Award in your life."

That shut him up. I’d caught him off guard for sure, especially with the Tony Award part. With a winning smile, I stowed the necklace away in my purse.

“Well, it’s been a downright tragedy meeting you . . . I guess people are right when they meet celebrities!” I patted my purse, showing off how thoroughly I packed the necklace. Aaron glared at me as I took my detector and switched it off, picking up my flip flops before beginning the long walk back to the hotel.

“Have a nice vacation!” I shouted not bothering to look behind me. I could tell he was watching me go; hands snug deep in his khaki pockets, and his polo shirt blowing just the perfect amount to sweep over his abs. Did I get a small peek before leaving him? You bet. Despite him being a dick, I would cherish the sight of those abs for the rest of my non-menopausal life.

When I got back to my hotel room, I put the necklace on my neck, letting it dangle between my collarbones. I looked at myself in the mirror, noting the stains of water and sand on my clothes. As I shredded the clothing off, I hopped in the shower, lathering myself in soap. I’d go down to the bar for a couple drinks later. But as I rinsed the shampoo and conditioner out of my hair I couldn’t shake the fact that I’d made two very important discoveries today:

One was that I’d found a necklace. And I had to figure out what it was. That would be my main goal for the trip. And two: Aaron Tveit was not the man I thought he was . . . or would be.

__________

Taglist:

#Aaron Tveit #aaron tveit imagine #aaron tveit au #aaron tveit fanfiction #aaron tveit fanfic #hollybio #holly mae #Holly's writing #holly's masterlist

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itssweeter-than-fiction · 4 years

Text

Take Me Away Playlist

Playlist:

Here’s a list of the songs that inspired the story :) Hope you enjoy!

Let My Love Open The Door — Pete Townshend

Summertime Romance — JohnnySwim

Right Back Where We Started From — Maxine Nightingale

What The Hell — Avril Lavigne

That Don’t Impress Me Much — Shania Twain

Poker Face — Lady Gaga

Shut Up And Dance — Walk The Moon

Peace Train — Cat Stevens

Begin Again — Colbie Caillat

The Way You Love Me — Faith Hill

Best I Ever Had — Gavin DeGraw

Vacation — The Go-Go’s

Long Hot Summer — Keith Urban

Trouble — P!nk

Seven Wonders — Aaron Tveit

Rollercoaster — Jonas Brothers

I Think He Knows — Taylor Swift

Give It Up — KC and the Sunshine Band

Want You Back — HAIM

Shut Up and Raise Your Glass — Moulin Rouge Soundtrack

Volare — Il Volo

Wild Heart — Bleachers

How to Be a Heartbreaker — Marina and the Diamonds

Holiday Road — Lindsey Buckingham

Rather Be — Jess Glynne and Clean Bandit

Gaslighter — The Chicks

High Horse — Kacey Musgraves

#Aaron Tveit #aaron tveit imagine #aaron tveit au #aaron tveit fanfiction #aaron tveit fanfic #playlist #hollybio #holly mae #Holly's writing #holly's masterlist

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itssweeter-than-fiction · 4 years

Text

Take Me Away

Chapter One: Vacation, All I Ever Wanted

Summer - Four Months Earlier

My grandma confided in me when I was a little girl that we are never to overestimate or believe that everyone is inherently good. We were all born with goodness within us, but we were also born with another side that can sometimes fester for too long because we allow others to see the good and not the other. And when we finally release our alter egos, all the energy we kept to hide ourself is released. That’s when people see you are not the goody-two-shoes, squeaky-clean, practically-perfect-in-everyway-Mary Poppins-good. You’ve got a little Voldemort in you too.

See, I was a dreamer. I had these fantasies growing up, these story ideas or wishes that I’d act out in my head and pray would eventually come true. But life isn’t made to be easy, we’re not served what we desire on a silver platter. Rather we have to work for it, keep up the work, and continue working till our last breath. It’s not exactly the creme de la creme you see in movies, plays, tv shows. In fact I was severely let down in my late teens and early college days when I realized that animals won’t follow me around like Snow White, and really nice genuine guys come to sweep you off your feet.

Peyton Craft I’m talking to you — you ruined romance for me. And not just because you made me pay for our dinner date because you “forgot your wallet but not your ID at home” and then sloppily kissed me outside your Theta Chi frat house. You just gave me the creeps and copied off my English tests. Good riddance and I hope you find someone who doesn’t mind you grappling off their wallet like you probably still hold on to your mother . . . Shots fired but who gives a shit?

So back to the basics: never believe in what you hope or dream. Well I shouldn’t say it blatantly like that. More so, what I’m trying to say is that when you have these certain ideas or ways that your life or something in your life will play out, remember that idea is the .00099 percent chance it will actually happen or work. Same goes for romance. Or your idols and those people you adored when you were younger and didn’t know them.

The minute I finished college, I went straight to grad school. In my entire family, I was the first to graduate higher education. And it wasn’t because my family was dumb, or didn’t have the grades — okay maybe the odd few were that way — but really it came down to the fact they just didn’t want to go. They didn’t have that drive or passion to spend thousands of dollars or even win a scholarship to continue four more years on top of another couple years doing school when in fact they could be living up their lives at the old saloon bar in downtown Petaluma. Also, snobby students weren’t their cup of tea or should I say whiskey. I was the black sheep of my family. But graduating college, then grad school made me feel like I could accomplish anything in the world.

On the day of graduation, my parents bestowed me with the most stunning surprise of my life. A roundtrip four weeks spent in the lovely country of Italy; where I would tour the country from north to south, east to west. I wasn’t entirely sure how they were able to scrounge up the money they had to afford the trip, but it was something they knew I’d been dying to do. I was an Literature major and Art minor after all. Italy was one of the main countries which held both in high esteem. So there I was, holding the “golden ticket”, asking when I would be leaving which turned out to be two days later. And it was just about the moment I was going to lose it when mom pulled out grandma’s old beachcombing device and handed it off to me as if it were the scepter of a queen.

“If she were here, she’d given it to you. I know how you two loved to discover together. She’d want you to have it and use it on the trip. No doubt you’ll find some treasures there of your own!”

I wasn’t one to typically cry but this got to me. Holding grandma’s detector and about to lose it. Ever since I’d been little we would comb through the sand and grassy dunes of Bodega Bay, looking for little treasures or collectables. Grandma’s house was adorned in them, and whatever she found, she held dear. Call her a hoarder, but it was the healthy kind. She made stuff with the objects and knick knacks she found, creating beautiful jewelry, or intricate decor pieces. Each wound up being a better treasure than when it was first discovered because she made it beautiful.

So to say in the least, I was thrilled and emotionally compromised. I mean who surprises you with a last minute trip to Italy? Not many people, that I’m sure of. And for the next couple of days, I was floating around in a eternal bliss; from packing to not sleeping a wink at night. I was thrilled, ecstatic, and most of all, elated. No more essays and exams to worry about, just merely getting to the boot shaped country was my only obligation.

There was a bus I took from home in Rohnert Park that drove me to the city. For any of you non-Californians “the city” means San Francisco if you’re from the north of the state. If you live in SoCal, it’s Los Angeles. Rohnert Park is nestled in Sonoma county and just outside of wine county in Napa Valley. It’s approximately and hour north of the city and notorious for its ridiculous traffic when the 101 transforms from four lanes to two. Thankfully, the bus to the San Francisco airport was early in the morning. So in the early hours of June 5th, I sleepily made my way to the bus located new the expressway and waved goodbye to my parents and two year old niece who — like me — couldn’t sleep whenever something exciting was about to happen.

And just like that, I was on my way. In all honesty, I slept for the majority of the bus and flight. Surprisingly, there was no layover, in fact it was a straight shot to the Florence airport where upon arrival, I went through customs then searched the arrivals gate for the specific tour company my parents had signed me up for. The tour would start in Florence and go straight to the coast to Lido Di Camaiore where we would be staying in a beach resort for five days. After, we’d be taken back into Florence for four days, followed by the long drive up to Rome, eventually Venice, and then to Milan where the tour would end.

The tour company was run by an expatriate from Kentucky. With unkempt curly brown hair, and the Italian tan already shining on her skin, Kimmy Slant was the epitome of a tour guide. She wore khaki cargo shorts, a crew neck tank top with the tour company logo, and a bucket hat. She waved chaotically as me and other tired tourists slowly made their way over to where she stood. Once she called attendance and made sure everyone was here, she was squealing with delight as she led us out to the tour bus.

“Alright folks! Hop aboard the fun bus! It’s about an hour drive to Lido Di Camaiore! Paradise is close, but lets face it, you’re already here!”

We piled into the bus which fit approximately twenty-eight people if you squeezed and sat two to a row. I got my own seat since there was only twenty-seven. And as the bus pulled out of the pickup zone of the airport, I pressed my face against the glass to ogle at the life that seemed to surround me. I ignored the humidity that permeated the bus air. As other tourists waved fans in front of their faces, I continued to be in awe of where I was.

Tiny cars zipped by us on the freeway. Vespas and motorcycles, even the plain bike were seen zig zagging in-between the traffic like any normal day. Golden grass billowed up on hills melding into the brush of trees and vineyards which seemed to climb further up the hills that kept us in a small little valley. I yearned to stop the bus, let myself get off and run through the vineyards barefoot. But I forced myself to enjoy the ride, reveling in the nature, the culture, and the small glimpse of Italy I could see.

One hour later we were driving into the coastal town of Lido Di Camaiore. Kimmy had begun speaking to the tourists on the bus who were swiveling their heads around looking at everything they could see from the bus. It wasn’t until we pulled into the main entrance of the hotel we were staying at that my jaw dropped.

I lowered my sunglasses, gazing out to the crystal waters where the waves lapped up onto the white beach sandy shores. How could Northern Italy be so perfectly tropical? And with the majestic mountains in the back, I felt like there was a perfect combination of both beach and forest.

The hotel we were staying at was one of the best in the town. Casa Reale di Lido was a five star hotel with ground access to the beach and many other amenities. I was shocked that Kimmy could partner with such an extravagant place but once we all were leaving the bus she was throwing her arms around one of the managers who had come out to greet us. With an impressed nod, I grabbed my bags and followed the rest of my group into the luxurious lobby of the hotel, ogling at all the beautiful chandeliers and pieces of furniture which adorned the lobby and even gave way to the outdoor bar and restaurant in the back which showed a beautiful view of the beach.

“Your room keys are all ready for you to pick up! Just visit the front desk and give your name and that you’re part of the Kimmy tour! We’ll be planning on meeting up in the evening once you’re all settled in and make way for our plans here in Lido!” Kimmy was bubbly, holding on to the manager’s arm as she came into the lobby with us. She seemed to be holding on to him extra tight and her cheeks had heated up to a soft red. After retrieving my keys to the room, I grabbed my things and walked over to the elevator.

“Room 512,” I spoke to myself as I pressed the “up” button. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed someone standing behind me. The elevator dinged just as the doors opened and I pulled my luggage inside, the man following suit. He was carrying a small bag but already wore a slim fitting suit which resembled a soft blue-grey color. He was browsing his phone, but something made him familiar to me. I couldn’t pin point it . . .

But then it all hit me. I froze in place, eyes widening.

It was Aaron Tveit. TV, movie and most of all the prince of Broadway! I’d spent my teen years and college years swooning over his performances and the way he sang every song so perfectly that sometimes I felt he sang it better than the original. My girlfriends would tease me about my “little crush” and ask why it wasn’t someone like Channing Tatum or Chris Evans. Don’t get me wrong, those were so good-looking dudes, but none of them set my heart fluttering like I had some arrhythmia.

As the elevator took us up, I tried to remain calm. I took normal breaths, attempting to remain calm as I looked straight ahead at the doors. I saw the number go up, wondering if I’d have the guts to say something by the time we got to his or my floor. But it all happened so quickly. The elevator dinged on the 4th floor and when the doors opened he left quickly, not even looking up from his phone.

At that moment I sighed; partially in relief but also in defeat. I couldn’t say one thing. Not even “beautiful weather on the coast”. Nope. I was too much like a fish with my mouth open in a perfectly shaped “O” and my eyes practically bulging out of their sockets. I forced myself to leave the small confines of the elevator for my room and trudged down the hall. Maybe it was the jet lag which was beginning to get to me. Maybe it was making me seem awkward and less of myself. Either way as I entered into my room, the air conditioner set and blowing cool air to relax my sweaty skin, I forgot about Aaron Tveit and leaped for my bed where I fell asleep for another four solid hours.

Of course as I was drifting off to sleep, he briefly came into mind.

We were both in Italy, staying in the same hotel. There’s not a doubt in my mind I would see him again. I had just better up my game.

__________

Let me know if you’d like to join the taglist! Hope you enjoyed the first chapter:) The tension will begin in the next chapter ;) - Holly

Taglist:

#Aaron Tveit #aaron tveit imagine #aaron tveit au #aaron tveit fanfiction #aaron tveit fanfic #hollybio #holly mae #Holly's writing #holly's masterlist

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