THAT RING

by Dodd, Jillian

  “It’s like all the stars are aligning,” I say with a laugh, knowing it is something she would say to me.

  “Yes, they seem to be. I’m happy for you, Danny. And to answer your other question, I think there should definitely be some security present when Jennifer goes to see Troy. Why don’t I talk to her agent? Jennifer already set it up for us to talk about some questions I have regarding his celebrity clients and their hotel needs.”

  “You’re amazing and my best friend in the whole world.”

  She sighs. “I should probably tell you now.”

  “What? I’m not your best friend anymore?”

  “I kind of maybe told Tripp that you would come to the grand opening of the hotel this summer. Schmooze.”

  “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss that for the world.”

  “Then our—shoot, I have to stop and add it up—twenty-seven-year friendship is still intact.”

  Jennifer

  He wants me to move in with him!

  I feel like I need to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.

  I take my time in getting ready. Trying to emotionally prepare for seeing Troy today.

  Of course, once I’m finally pumped up to go and get it over with, I get a text from his manager.

  Jason: Can we reschedule?

  Me: I’d prefer to just get it over with now, Jason.

  Jason: Um, today isn’t a good day.

  Me: Why not?

  Jason: He was out last night. Just trust me.

  Me: Fine. But if it’s not tomorrow, it’s nothing.

  I call the realtor who is going to help me find a house to lease and ask if we can look today instead of tomorrow. Twenty minutes later, and I’m in his shiny Range Rover, heading out to Malibu.

  Hopefully, I will find a place here, so I can feel settled.

  November 10th

  Jennifer

  “I heard from Cade that you didn’t go see Troy yesterday,” Jadyn says when we meet up for breakfast.

  “Thank you for talking to him about getting security, but you’re right; I didn’t go see him. His manager asked to change it to today. I looked for a place to live instead, which honestly was just as depressing.”

  “Why was it depressing?” Jadyn asks before taking a sip of her coffee.

  “I looked at seven different places, and none of them felt right.”

  “Were they all in the same part of town?”

  “Yeah, Malibu. That’s where I’ve pretty much always lived—well, once I earned enough money.”

  Jadyn studies me from across the table. “And that’s where you want to continue to live?”

  I sigh. “I thought I did, but now, nothing feels right. Originally, I loved the laid-back vibe. Later, I moved in with Troy, who lived just a few houses down the beach from me.”

  “And now?”

  “I love having views of the ocean, but everything I’ve seen feels too small, too modern, and too close together. I’ve also only been looking at properties for lease. My realtor says that’s what I need at this point since my life is so up in the air, but I’m not sure I agree.”

  “You want something more permanent. You want to feel settled.”

  “Exactly. During most of my adult life, I’ve never felt completely settled. Everything has been temporary. The house I lived in with Troy was beautiful, but he owned it, so I never made any changes. I just fit my stuff and my life into it. And if this is going to work with Danny, I would need a house out here with more bedrooms, more space.”

  “Well then, maybe you need to either look at a different location or consider buying.”

  “Do you think I should make that kind of a decision without Danny?”

  “Yes. I think you need to. In Kansas City, you would be moving into Danny’s house. We’re completely changing it from what it was when Lori lived there, so you don’t have to deal with that, but will you be able to consider it home?”

  “I helped him choose the kitchen design.” I grin. “And maybe I’ll end up on the wall in his workout room.”

  Jadyn smiles thoughtfully. “Wouldn’t that be something?”

  “I think you’re right. I need to buy a house. I was thinking it should maybe even have a nice backyard.”

  “Kids need space,” she says with a grin.

  “I know. I can’t even believe I’m letting my mind go there.”

  “But it has been since you saw his tattoos,” she says knowingly.

  “Yeah, pretty much. I had sort of given up on the idea of having kids. As soon as he showed me that empty space on his arm, I wanted to fill it for him.” I roll my eyes at myself. “I’m smitten. What can I say?”

  “Have you ever been to your agent’s house?” she asks me.

  “I haven’t been to Cade and Palmer’s house in probably six years.”

  “You didn’t know he moved then?” she asks.

  “Uh, no. He didn’t mention it,” I reply, wondering why he didn’t. When I come to the realization, I hang my head.

  “Why do you look sad about that?” Jadyn wonders.

  “Because I can’t remember the last time I asked about his family. When we do talk, it’s all about me. I used to be pretty good friends with his younger brother, Cash, and his wife, Ashlyn. They have the cutest love story.”

  “She got dumped at a friend’s wedding, got drunk, and met Cash, and then they went to Vegas on a whim that night and got married, right?”

  I nod.

  “Why aren’t you friends with them anymore?”

  “Troy was really high at a party at their house. I wanted to leave. Troy got mad and kicked the wall, putting a hole through it. I was horribly embarrassed, offered to pay, and haven’t talked to them since.”

  She reaches across the table, grabs my hand, and squeezes it. “I’m sorry for all you went through, Jennifer. But only you are in charge of your life. Remember that today when you go see Troy.”

  “I will. It’s hard though. I just wish I could fix him, you know?”

  “While that’s a noble cause, when fixing someone else harms you, then it’s time for you to get out.”

  “I should have gotten out of the relationship a long time ago. It made me feel helpless and weak. Which is crazy because I used to be …” My words trail off.

  “No excuses,” Jadyn says. “You are out of the relationship now. That’s what matters. You’re moving forward with your life.”

  “Yes. I just have to get him to rehab first.”

  “Actually, you don’t,” Jadyn says. “You haven’t asked for my opinion, but I’m going to give it to you. He doesn’t deserve your help anymore.”

  “I know,” I say even though I know I’m going to help him. I decide to change the subject. “How did you know Cade and Palmer moved?”

  “They invited me for dinner last night, so I got to see the new house. The reason I even brought it up is because you might like the area. It’s hilly and gorgeous; it has sweeping ocean views and bigger, more private lots. He also said Palmer loves it because instead of being an hour from most of her movie studios, she’s now a thirty-minute drive.”

  “Where are they at?”

  “Pacific Palisades.” Jadyn’s eyes get wide with excitement. “Talk about a sunset. I love the ones we watch at our lake, but wow, the ocean looks like it never stops from there, and the view is just incredible.”

  “Is the house pretty?”

  “It has amazing bones. That’s why they wanted me to see it. They thought since I was going to be out here often, maybe I’d be interested in another project.”

  “And what did you say?”

  “That I appreciated the offer, but I don’t have time.”

  “Cade probably didn’t take that for an answer, I bet. He’s a born negotiator.”

  “That is true. So’s his brother Carter. That’s why Danny hired him as his agent to begin with. He’s got a gift in that regard. He can get his way, all while convincing the other side they are getting a good d
eal.”

  “That’s why I hired Cade, too. Tell me about their place.”

  “It’s an older estate. One of the largest bluff-side properties in the area, I’m told, and it has panoramic views from Palos Verdes all the way down to Malibu. Loads of potential.”

  A smile spreads across my face. I can see how hard it was for her to turn down the job offer. But I know time with her family is more important.

  “So, we came to an agreement.”

  “What kind of agreement?”

  “I agreed to help out a little with the design. Their architect has drawn up plans. I’m going to review them, suggest changes, and then give Palmer some finish options. I’m going to be picking them out for the hotel, so not a big deal for me to find some samples for them in the process. Something else happened yesterday,” she admits.

  “Uh-oh. Why do I get the feeling you’re about to give me the bad news?”

  “It’s not bad news. It’s just that Tripp mentioned that he wants to buy my company.”

  “You’re not excited about the prospect?”

  “I have mixed feelings about it. It’s hard to let go of something you built from the ground up. It’s also hard to sell your baby to a publicly traded company. Even though Tripp is forward-thinking, he still has to keep his stockholders happy. He says, with as much as he’s paying for the hotel renovations, he might as well own the company, so he can keep the profits. He wants his hands in all the pots.”

  “Pots of money,” I tease. “What are you going to do?”

  “I’m not sure. I’m still in shock. And I certainly know now how Phillip feels about the whole thing. I wasn’t seeing it in the same light as I am now. It’s personal. Deeply personal.”

  “Maybe you should come to my psychic with me today.”

  “You believe in that stuff?” she asks.

  “I never used to until I met Serena. She’s so spot-on. I’ve been going to her for years.”

  “How is she spot-on?”

  “I went to her after Danny and I met. She knew I’d met the love of my life. She also told me it wouldn’t happen when I wanted it to.”

  “Wow. I went once in college, for fun. It seemed hokey to me. Never tried again. Also, I really don’t want to know my future.”

  “She doesn’t, like, tell you when you’re going to die or anything. It’s more guidance. Big picture. Maybe you should ask her about selling to Tripp.”

  “If she’s that good, she’d already know.”

  “True. I just mean, maybe she could shed light on the situation.”

  “Maybe,” Jadyn says, but I can tell she’s not interested. Not that she disapproves or anything, just maybe it’s not for her. Or maybe she isn’t looking for answers like I always am. “Anyway, good to see you this morning. I have a few meetings, and then I’ll be headed home. Need to be back in time for Chase’s game. When are you coming back?”

  “After I find a place to live. I feel like I need to get settled here before I can let myself settle there, if that even makes sense.”

  “It does. It’s like a to-do list that you have to finish before you can start anything else.”

  “Exactly.”

  She takes one last bite of her avocado toast and then wipes her mouth, grabs her portfolio, and waves good-bye.

  I order another cappuccino and take some time to look at homes for sale on an app on my phone. I’ve found four houses that I’m interested in, and I’m down to my last drop when my phone vibrates.

  Jason: We’re on for today. An hour work?

  I sit and stare at the phone, wondering if I should reply. If I should go.

  Finally, I reply, telling myself that it’s the last time that I ever will.

  Me: Yeah.

  I call the two-man security team that Cade contracted yesterday and meet them in a parking lot in Malibu to discuss the plan. I let them know that I don’t want Troy to know they are there, as I don’t want to do anything to agitate him. Especially when he’s been bingeing. They decide to put a bug in my purse and ask me for a code word I will say if I want them to enter the house. I choose avocado. Troy hates them, so I don’t have to worry about it coming up in conversation.

  A short time later, I’m standing outside the front door of the house I used to live in, ringing the doorbell like a stranger.

  To my surprise, Troy answers the door himself. He’s dressed up, wearing a collared shirt, freshly pressed jeans, and a plaid blazer that I bought for him on a trip to Amsterdam.

  I wonder if he even realizes the irony of it.

  “Jennifer,” he says. “Thank you for coming. I really appreciate it. Can I get you something to drink?”

  I scrunch my nose in disgust. Is he serious?

  “I’m not offering alcohol,” he says, although he looks like he could use some. He’s shaking slightly. “You don’t need to glare at me like that. I meant, a sparkling water. Or I have some of that passion fruit tea you love.”

  “Water would be great. Where’s Jason?” I ask, realizing that he’s probably shaking because he binged all night and then took a stimulant to prop himself up today.

  “I didn’t want him to be here because I wanted to speak privately with you.” He goes into the kitchen, grabs an already-prepared tray with the drinks he offered, and carries it out to the back deck. “You always loved this view,” he says as he sets the tray on the coffee table in front of the sectional outdoor sofa and then motions for me to sit.

  I take a seat directly across from him, not wanting to be close—and the view is literally the last thing on my mind.

  He takes his time pouring the water into crystal tumblers and then carefully adds a lime to each. He sets the glass in front of me and holds his up in the air. “Here’s to us.”

  I don’t bother saying that there is no more us. It’s a moot point.

  “I wanted you to come so that I could tell you again how sorry I am. Things got out of control in a way I didn’t intend. It won’t happen again.”

  “Troy, it is happening again. There have been photos of you out practically every single night. I’m not here, so you can apologize. I’m here because Jason wants me to convince you to go to rehab.”

  “I let him think that. I’m sorry, but I knew if I asked, you wouldn’t come.”

  “So, does that mean you are going on your own?”

  “For thirty days. I’m checking in tomorrow. Yes, I’ve binged a little the last couple of days. It was my last hurrah. My last drink ever. I promise, Eddie.”

  “I was serious when I said to never call me that again.” I cringe.

  “I’m sorry. I forgot. I’ve called you it for so long. Shit, this isn’t what I wanted. I have a lot going on. A lot to tell you.”

  He tells me what Jason already told me. About the residency offer in Vegas.

  He speaks eloquently, much like the man I fell in love with all those years ago, with conviction and hope. And it’s glimpses like these that pull at my heartstrings.

  “I know I have a problem. And I’m very sorry for everything I did in the past to hurt you because of my addiction. But all that is going to change. I’ll do rehab and get better, and then we’re going to have a normal life. We’ll buy a gorgeous place in Vegas with a whole lot of bedrooms that we can fill with children. I’m serious. I want to have a baby with you. Heck, we could have two or three. Whatever you want.”

  I sit silently and listen. It’s like he’s having an intervention with himself, and I can’t help but feel like he was coached about what to say.

  “What do you think?” he asks.

  “About having children?”

  “About all of it. Moving, finding an awesome place to live, having a few babies, maybe even getting a dog. You can decorate the house however you want. Maybe we could even build one.”

  “Uh, I don’t know about that.” I don’t want to upset him by turning him down flat. Not when he’s agreed to go to rehab. Jason would kill me.

  “I get it,” Troy says,
standing up, walking toward me, taking my hands in his, and pulling me to stand. “I really understand. I know that I embarrassed you. I know that I embarrassed me. I know what I did was disrespectful to you and our relationship, but you have to give me another chance to prove to you that I’m still the man you fell in love with.” He drops down on one knee. “And I’m going to do it by doing something I’ve never considered. It’s not that I haven’t always loved you. I have. It’s because our love was so amazing that I didn’t want to ruin it with a title. But that was before. This is now. Now, I want it all. With you. Ed—er, Jennifer, will you marry me?”

  When I don’t say anything, he pulls out a black velvet box and opens the lid. Nestled inside is a simple ring.

  And it takes me back.

  We were sitting out in the ocean atop surfboards, just in front of this house, which he’d bought when his band hit it big.

  “It was my mother’s wedding band,” he said, showing me the ring that he wore on a long gold chain. “She passed away a few years ago, and I miss her terribly. She was my biggest cheerleader. My biggest fan. She’d be so proud of everything I’ve accomplished. A lot of people think Twisted Dreams was an overnight success, but they don’t know how many crappy little clubs we’d played in. How we worked during the day and then played at night. How when we got done playing, I would stay and DJ. My mom knew. She’d bought me my first set of drums when I was seven. Listened to me beat on them, even when she had to be sick of the noise. This ring represents everything we worked toward together, and I hope to keep making her proud of me.”

  “It’s my mother’s ring,” Troy says.

  “I know,” I say, shocked he would consider parting with it.

  “That’s how much you mean to me. We can get a pretty diamond to go with it, but I knew this would mean more. My mom wouldn’t be very proud of me right now, and she wouldn’t be proud of how I’ve treated you. I’m going to fix it. It’s going to change. This ring is not only me asking you to forgive me and marry me, but it’s also a promise that I won’t ever let you down again.”