“I’m a little awestruck by this house,” I say, hoping I don't sound stupid.
“It is pretty amazing. My ex, Bam, was a professional polo player from Argentina. His family holdings are vast but are mostly in oil, refineries, diamond mines, and yacht manufacturing. We were secretly married when I was nineteen. We were officially engaged after I finished law school. This house was my engagement gift. Seven bedroom suites, ten bathrooms, separate catering kitchen, large screening room, incredible gym and massage room, walk-in wine cellar, and art gallery. It sits on ten acres, which feature a three-bedroom guest suite, championship tennis court, pool with grotto, and an equestrian center."
“It's amazing.”
“Let’s go outside and have a drink by the pool.”
Once we’re seated by the pool, she says, “Tell me how you moved here with just one bag.”
I let out a big sigh. “When I came here, I did it on a whim. I packed quickly before I lost my nerve. My goal was to see Riley again. I wanted to tell him I was sorry and that I made a mistake. I saw in the magazine article that he was still single. So I packed up and here I am.”
“Interesting.”
“But then I got here and decided that I shouldn’t see him until I got my life together. I wanted to find a job and a place to live first. I made the decision to stay in California before I ran into Keatyn. I realized that it wasn’t just about him. It’s what I wanted. I can’t say it will be easy though. That’s part of why I wanted to get settled before I looked him up. My family will be mad when they learn I want a divorce. They love Collin.”
“It doesn’t matter if your family loves him. The important question is, do you? You need to know the answer to that before you drag Riley into your mess. Haven't you put him through enough?”
I lower my head. “Yeah, I have. I don’t want to hurt Riley. I never wanted to hurt him.”
“I’m not saying you shouldn't go through with it. I'm just saying do what you want, not what you think he'd want.”
“I don't love Collin,” I mutter. “My dad talked me into marrying him. He's the son of family friends. We went to the same college and I tried to love him. I really did. We dated, he was cute, my parents approved. Getting engaged and married was expected. I told my dad on my wedding day that I didn't think I could go through with it. I knew I shouldn't, but he told me cold feet were normal, that he was the man for me, and drug me down the aisle.” I keep rambling. Other than the kid from the coffee shop, I’ve haven’t told anyone how I’ve been feeling. “Status and conspicuous consumption turn him on. He wants me to quit my job and have kids because it makes him look stable and successful—not because he really wants them. Who knows, maybe I had some kind of breakdown.”
“Or maybe you’d just had enough. Hit your breaking point,” Vanessa offers. “What did you tell him?”
“Originally, I just left a note that said I came here because a friend needed me. But when I spoke to him the other day, I told him I wanted a divorce.”
“How did he take it?”
“He started begging. Told me he'd give up the secretary. That she was a mistake. That I was the only girl he ever loved. Whatever. I have a call with Annie Johnson tomorrow. Hopefully, the fact that's she's Riley's sister-in-law won't keep her from helping me.”
“I can help you find a good attorney, if need be.” She looks at her watch.
“So, I have a party to attend tonight. Why don't I show you where you'll be staying and then you can freshen up. We'll leave at seven-thirty.”
“You want me to come with you?”
“Yes. It will be a little boring, but it’s always fun to get dressed up.”
“I didn’t bring anything formal.”
She studies me. “I’ll have Chad bring you a selection of dresses to try on.”
“Thank you,” I say.
As she drops me off at the guest house, she says, “One thing I wanted to tell you. You better not jerk my friends around. They graciously, and maybe a little too quickly, accepted you back into their lives. You owe them some respect.”
“I know. And I’m very grateful to you for letting me stay here.”
She smiles at me. “We have a lot in common. But we’ll save that conversation for another day.”
Hotel Ballroom - Beverly Hills
RILEY
Sometimes Hollywood parties get old with the same boring food and same boring people. But it’s been more fun since Knox broke up with his girlfriend. I have someone I can party with and who can actually pay his own way. He can get into places even I can’t just because of his famous face.
Just to be clear, I’m talking about establishments and VIP areas that money can’t buy. Not girls’ panties; I have him beat in that department. Girls want him but only the bold will approach him.