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."
CHAPTER SIX
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.
He sets two drinks in front of us. "Did you see that chick in the yellow dress? I can honestly say I've never seen boobs that big up close. And they look real. Did you see them? Did they look real to you?"
"Harder to tell nowadays. But, yes, they sag a little in a way that fake ones don't. I think she's blessed."
"I want to bless her with my dick."
"Keatyn said she had to work late tonight. Why aren't you?"
"We've been doing some green screen stuff. Tonight they are working on shots where she's alone. But starting tomorrow, we'll be doing sex scenes. Tough job lying in bed all day kissing Keatyn Douglas." He laughs. "I remember the first time we did a sex scene. I told her in advance that I was sorry if I got hard and I was also sorry if I didn't."
"Ha. I suppose it's a double-edged sword. Damned if you do and damned if you don't."
"Exactly. If you don't get hard, they get pissed and think you're not attracted to them. If you do get hard, they get pissed because you are. And depending on what's going on off camera with the actress you are with, that can get a little dicey. Part of why I need to get laid tonight. Don't want to go there all horny. Sex scenes are tough."
"Yeah, yeah, you all say that. But you're the one rolling around almost naked with a hot chick."
"The worst thing ever is to have to do a sex scene with someone you're not attracted to. It's grueling."
"But with Keatyn?"
He smiles. "I've never minded it. And after all these years, it's natural between us. Easy, I guess. And when I'm basically naked in front of the crew, even though it's always a closed set, I usually don't get hard. But when we're clothed, sometimes I do. Obviously, I would not be a good fit for the porn industry. Aiden has been there for some of them. That's awkward."
"I'm sure. I remember when we shot the love scenes with her and Jake. I made him leave. Jake kept sneaking peeks in Aiden's direction. It threw the whole thing off. As the director, you'd think it would be hot. But most the time the actresses' contract is running through your head, like we can show breast but no nipple or side of the buttock only. So you're trying to do the shots in ways where you're not wasting camera time."
"In one of the scenes we're filming tomorrow, Keatyn's character attacks me in the shower. We will have strategically placed soap, cock socks and pasties, and nude colored underwear. All that fun stuff. I'll be told how to hold her, where to move my face."
"It is all camera angles and body positioning."
"And damn good acting," he adds, as he raises his glass up to toast the girl in the yellow dress. She smiles back at him.
If you ask me, she looks like a really big bird. Her hair is even short in that style where it stands up in the back. Um, no, thank you.
He clinks my glass. "I'm gonna go make my move."
"Have fun," I say, looking around to see who else I should talk to tonight.
I'm making my way back to the ba
r, chatting with an older woman about Captive Films' movie futures program,when I see her.
"What the fuck is she doing here?"
"Who, darling?" the woman asks, causing me to realize I just spoke out loud.
"I'm sorry for cursing, Mrs. Taylor. Someone I know just walked in."
"Old flame?" she asks, turning toward Ariela. "Is it that woman in the lavender dress? She's very striking. You would make a handsome couple."
"Excuse me, please," I say to Mrs. Taylor. I walk straight up to Ariela and grab her arm. "What are you doing here? How did you get in?"
"She was invited," Vanessa says from behind me. "And we have dates so, excuse us."
Vanessa hooks arms with Ariela and leads her over to two men in suits. Handsome men, I might add.
Oh, this is bad.
Vanessa is a man eater.
At least she has been since she broke up with Bam.
And why the hell is Ariela with her? My mind is racing trying to figure out how they even know each other.
Keatyn.
Knowing she's on set tonight, I decide to call Aiden.
"Dude, Keatyn is trying to ruin my life."
"How so?" he asks me.
"Did she introduce Vanessa and Ariela?"
"Oh, yeah, today at lunch. That was my idea."
"Your idea? What the fuck? We want Ariela to go the fuck back home, not make new friends."
"You may want Ariela to go back home, but Keatyn wants her to plan our wedding."
"When is it?"
"Don't tell anyone, obviously, but it's in three weeks."
"Three weeks and then she's gone?"
"Uh, maybe."
"Fine, I can handle three weeks. But I swear to God, if that guy doesn't get his hand off her ass . . ."
"Riley, where are you and what are you talking about?"
"Industry gala. Ariela is here with Vanessa and they have dates."
"Oh, boy." I hear Aiden talking to someone in the background.
"Who are you talking to?"
"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.
