“I’m sitting on the front porch with Logan and Grandpa Douglas. Logan thinks you should steal Ariela away from her date. Grandpa thinks you should kiss her. I think you should get the hell out of there.”
“I like your advice the best. I’m out.”
I end the call and look around the room. It’s times like these, I wish I were a smoker.
Maybe I just need some fresh air.
I walk past Ariela and step outside onto the balcony. The view is gorgeous. The lights of L.A. spread out before me. I stare at them until they blur.
Ariela and I are lying on a blanket in the center of the lacrosse field one gorgeous fall night of our senior year. We’re holding hands and looking at the stars.
We couldn’t see the stars like this when we were in L.A. this summer, I say.
There are stars everywhere there—Movie stars. And, at night, the city lights are so beautiful. I really loved it there, Riley. It surprised me.
Why did it surprise you?
Because I’m an East Coast girl. I’ve lived here my whole life. California is so different. It’s so shiny and clean. I love the palm trees, the beach, and the weather. There’s something special about it.
I’m going there for college. I want you to come with me.
She rolls toward me and smiles. I’d go anywhere with you, Riley.
I become aware of someone standing next to me.
Female.
Silk dress.
Smells like lilac and a summer breeze.
Bitch.
“Riley, can I talk to you for a minute?”
I turn to look at her. God, she’s beautiful.
“Sixty seconds, no more,” I reply harshly. Why do I turn into a complete dick every time she’s around?
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry I listened to my dad. I’m sorry I left after graduation and never spoke to you again.”
“Okay,” I say. What the hell else do you say to someone when they try to use stupid words like I’m sorry that could never begin to make up for the hurt they caused?
“That’s it? Okay?” she asks.
“It’s my understanding that Keatyn wants you to help with her wedding. Because Keatyn and Aiden are my friends, I’m going to be cordial to you until then. But I want your promise that once the wedding is over, you will go back to where you came from. Get the hell out of our lives.” I’m starting to get pissed. “What are you even doing here if you’re married?”
“I’m not sure, Riley. You always seemed to know exactly what you wanted to do. Who you wanted to be. Are you the person you hoped you’d become?”
“You read the article. You know how successful I am. I’m living our dream. Without you.”
“That’s why I’m here, Riley. My life isn’t a dream.”
“Serves you right,” I say with a huff and walk away.
I’m headed toward the door when Jennifer Edwards, one of Hollywood’s hottest young stars, grabs my arm.
“Riley Johnson,” she says with an exuberant smile. She’s barely twenty-two, blonde, down to earth, a little awkward, and has a reputation for photobombing on the red carpet. “Just the man I wanted to talk to.”
“Oh, why’s that?”
“I heard through the grapevine that you’re getting ready to cast a project I’d like in on.”
“Which one?”
“Daddy’s Angel,” she whispers.
“But it’s a television series. You’re a movie star.”
“I know, but it sounds fun.” She takes my hand and leads me to the bar. “Buy me a drink.”
“Drinks are free.”
“Okay, then, take me back to your place and make me a drink. We should discuss this in private.” She looks at me and starts laughing loudly.
“What?”
She slaps my arm. “Ohmigawd, it totally just sounded like I was trying to pick you up!”
“Are you?” I flirt.
She rolls her eyes at herself. “I’m an idiot. I want to talk to you about the role. There are a lot of ears here, if you know what I mean.”
I look over at Ariela, who’s looking straight at me, and can’t help but grin.
See, Ariela? I love my life.
I place my hand on the small of Jennifer’s back, lean toward her, and whisper, “I’m starving. Let’s drive through In-N-Out Burger, take it back to my place, and eat it in the hot tub.”
She flirts back. “Do you have tequila?”
“Tequila, huh? I like you already.” And I seriously do. She’s adorable, bold, and funny.
She gives me a kiss on the cheek. “Burgers. Tequila. Hot tubbing. Better watch out or I just might fall in love with you.”
“That, would be an honor. Let’s get the hell out of here.”
Jennifer, being the goofball that she is, turns back around and yells to the crowd. “I’m leaving with this hottie! Good night, everyone. And, if you are a member of the press, I’m spending the night with him. No need to follow us covertly.”
I’m laughing out loud as I lead her to my car.
“Ohmigawd!” she screams loudly. This girl is loud. I can’t wait to hear what she sounds like in bed. “You have a Bentley Continental GT3-R. Do you know how rare those are?”
“Yeah, I do.”
“How did you get one?”
“Tommy Stevens helped me.”
“Keatyn’s step dad, of course. You’re lucky.”