by Jillian Dodd
“Uh—”
“Uh, what?”
“She agreed to work for Asher, helping to design our new wedding and event space. She’ll be around.”
“Shit. I’m the one who encouraged her to take the job.”
“Riley, maybe you should talk to her in person before you make a permanent decision. She’s been working really hard. The wedding is going to be beautiful. Want to know what Maggie told me?”
“Probably not.”
Of course, it doesn’t stop him from saying, “Ariela told Maggie that she thinks making Keatyn’s wedding perfection will prove her love to you.”
“That makes no sense.”
“Women never do,” he says.
I pull up to the hotel and leave my car with the valet, our conversation replaying in my head and wondering what the hell I should do. It’s hard to forgive someone who caused you so much pain—let alone let them back into your life.
My heart wants to go to the vineyard, hold Ariela in my arms, and have her tell me she still loves me.
I want her to keep telling me that until I believe her.
Because after reading the note, I’m not sure I ever will again.
As I knock on the door to Shelby’s bungalow, I focus on the task at hand. I’m here to take Shelby out for dinner, get to know her, and then fuck away any and all thoughts of Ariela.
When Shelby answers the door, my jaw drops to the floor.
“I look different, huh?” she purrs, handing me a glass of champagne. “I learned something today, Riley Johnson.”
“What’s that?”
“Do you remember the good champagne we had in New York?”
“Uh, yeah.”
“I found out that it’s actually a cheap brand. I think the sommelier steered you wrong.”
“Oh, that sucks,” I say, feeling bad for lying to her. “Um, you look amazing.”
She does a little twirl, allowing me to check her out. Her hair has been changed from its usual bleached blond to a softer shade with brown undertones. Undertones are probably something a guy like me shouldn’t know about, but I do. Keatyn always has very precise descriptions for the actresses she wants cast in our movies. Anyway, Shelby looks gorgeous, and I can’t help but appreciate it. Her boobs are restrained in a low-cut gown that has sheer mesh covering her cleavage while still giving a hint of the creamy skin beneath. The rest of the black dress drapes fluidly over her curves, but isn’t the skintight version she usually prefers. Her makeup is soft and pretty rather than harsh and dark. The effect is stunning, really.
“I’ve been totally pampered today,” she says, reaching for my zipper. “I’d like to pamper you in return.”
I grab her hand. “Although I would love to have your kind of pampering, you look too beautiful. Let’s go to dinner first.”
She freezes, staring at me with wide eyes. “Really, Riley? You think I look beautiful? Like not just hot, but actually pretty?”
“Yes, you look beautiful. And I told you, I want to get to know you better. Let’s go eat then when we come back I will pamper you.”
She grabs my face and kisses it then puts her arm in the crook of my elbow, allowing me to escort her out the door.
At dinner, I learn more about her family. And the picture is not pretty. She ran away at sixteen and has been on her own ever since. Her mom worked two jobs to make ends meet and she had a deadbeat stepfather. When Shelby started developing, he took notice. Although he hadn’t done anything inappropriate yet, she says she knew it was coming. He’d snuck into her bedroom one night and told her what they were going to do. Fortunately, her mom got off early, and he didn’t have the chance. She didn’t stick around to find out if he was serious. She moved in with an older guy, and together they went to Vegas. She got a fake ID and worked underage as a dancer. After they broke up, she moved to L.A. with dreams of becoming an actress.
“You never told me you wanted to be an actress,” I say, as the waiter refills my champagne and removes our dinner plates.
“Isn’t that what every girl who comes here dreams of? Then reality sets in after you’ve gone to what feels like a million casting calls.”
“You know, I could get you a part in a movie.”
“You told me you don’t cast girls who you sleep with.”
“I never have before.” She smiles a pretty, white-toothed smile. “Did you get your teeth whitened too?”
She laughs and covers her mouth with her hand. “Tyler made me.”
“Tyler did good,” I say again, reveling in her beauty. “I bet if you looked like this, you would have been cast long before I ever met you.”
“I didn’t really know how to look—or act—like a lady. I’ve been watching the women here. They behave differently. Their body language. The way they hold themselves, like they are all royalty even if they’re not. You know, some of those Housewives were filming here today. It was exciting. I love watching that show. All their drama. It’s such an escape from reality because their drama is nothing like real life. None of them know what it’s like to not have money to cover their rent. They complain about being so tired, but all they did was work out, go to lunch, and talk behind each other’s backs. I mean, I highly doubt any of them have ever worked a double shift before. Now, that’s tired.”
“I like that you’re so down to earth.”
“I’m ready to get down to earth with you, Riley. Could we skip dessert and go back to the room?”
“Yes, we can,” I say, summoning the waiter for the check and looking forward to what’s to come.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15th
Captive Films - Santa Monica
DAWSON
I call Vanessa’s cell phone only to get sent straight to voicemail. She was supposed to have attended a marketing meeting this morning but didn’t show. And that’s unlike her.
I’m torn between wanting to know and not wanting to know what happened with Bam last night. But my concern gets the best of me, so I call her house phone.
Her butler, Bernard, answers.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but I just wanted to check on Vanessa. She isn’t answering her cell and missed a business meeting at Captive this morning.”
“She must have forgotten. She is out on the terrace having brunch with Mr. Martinez. Would you like to speak with her or shall I relay a message?”
“Uh, neither. Thanks. I’ll call her later.”
I put my head down on my desk, feeling defeated.
He spent the night with her.
That tells me everything I need to know.
A few hours later, she walks into my office. Her eyes are a little red, and she looks like she didn’t sleep.
I can’t bear to think about what she was doing with him that kept her up all night.
“You missed the meeting this morning,” I state.
“I had some personal issues to deal with,” she says back.
“Yeah, I figured.” I slide a stack of papers toward her. “Here are the notes. We’re meeting again next week. I’ll have Tyler message you the time.” I put my head down, pretending to study my computer in hopes that she will leave.
“Dawson,” she says.
I look up. “Did you need something else?”
“Yes, I need you to talk to me.”
“About what?”
“Seriously?”
“Vanessa, what am I supposed to say when your ex-husband shows up with roses and jewels, you introduce me as a co-worker, and miss our morning meeting because you were having brunch on the terrace with him?”
She sits down with a loud sigh.
“You know in the movie, how when Whitney sent you that message and told you what you longed to hear?”
“Yes.”
“That’s how I felt last night. Bam told me all the things I wish he would have said after I miscarried.”
“So you’re getting back together?”
“That’s what he wants. His father is dying.”
“I’m sorry. That must be difficult for him.”
“It is. He will soon be at the helm of their family empire. He’s scared, honestly. And he’s grown up a lot in the last few months.”
“Well, good for him,” I say, forcing my lips together. Why is she making excuses for a guy who treated her like shit? But then again, maybe it wasn’t always like that, and who am I to judge.
“Dawson, I love you—”
“You don’t have to say it. I get it. He’s back. It’s what you wanted. You can go back to living in billionaire fairytale land.”
“I don’t want to do this here, Dawson. Can you come over tonight so we can talk?”
“No. Sorry. I understand. I wish you the best.” I look down, trying to fight back my emotions.
“Have it your way,” she says, walking out of my office. I hear the door shut as I place my fingertips on the bridge of my nose and close my eyes.
What am I going to tell the girls? That love doesn’t always work out the way you planned? That sometimes money trumps love? Maybe I was wrong to come out here. Keatyn said that I would be getting some money from the sale of the stock. I’ll take it and use the money to buy a home rather than uprooting my girls’ lives.
Then I can go back to being what I was when I got here.
Broke.
And broken.
Trinity movie set - Studio City
KEATYN
When I get back to my trailer after filming for most of the day, I’m surprised to find Vanessa waiting for me outside.
“I wasn’t expecting you,” I say to her. “What’s up? Please tell me the doctor didn’t confirm my pregnancy or anything.”
“We’d totally sue if he did. I’m here to talk to you about when you want to announce your wedding. Once it actually takes place, we won’t be able to keep a lid on it. I think we should have a press release prepared. Your agent, Cade Crawford, called me asking about this fundraiser. Did you not tell him?”
“I haven’t told anyone, really. That was the point of it being a secret.”
“I know, I’m just surprised you didn’t tell him.”
“Is he coming?”
“Of course.”
“Then I don’t need to. Now, why are you really here?”
She sits down with a sigh.
“I need someone to talk to.”
“What about?”
“Dawson. Bam.”
“Bam? What about him?”
“He showed up at my house last night. Dawson was there. I had just asked him to move in with me.”
“Peyton told me about your redecorating project. I think it’s a great idea. A good compromise. Um, I called Dawson the other day to see how things went with the girls’ school visit. He told me about the playroom.”
She frowns then nods. “I hadn’t shown anyone until I showed him.”
“He also told me something else,” I say gently. “Vanessa, why didn’t you tell me that you can’t have more children?”
Tears fill her eyes. “Because I thought if I didn’t say it, it wouldn’t be true.”
I squeeze her hand. “I’m really sorry.”
“It’s okay. I made a decision. Regardless of what happens with Dawson, I’m going to pursue having a baby. I never discussed it with the doctor. I don’t know if I just can’t get pregnant or if I can’t carry a baby, but I’m going to find out. And if that won’t work, I’ll hire a surrogate or adopt.”
“Really, that’s so amazing, Vanessa. I’ll help in any way I can. Even if it’s just for emotional support, okay? You can always talk to me.”
“Thank you. That means a lot.”
“Now, tell me about Bam and Dawson. You asked him to move in, what did he say?”
“He said yes. We made love. He told me the girls decided to come here for school. We were going out to celebrate. Then Bam showed up with roses and a huge ruby.”
“Does he want to get back together?”
“Yes. His father is dying. He’s retiring from polo and will be taking over the family empire. His mother called me the other day and told me I should take him back. I told her no. I didn’t expect him to show up at my door.”
“Did he forget the whole part about him cheating on you? And what about the model?”
“She dumped him for someone younger.”
“Ha! Serves him right! What did Bam have to say about Dawson being there?”
“Yeah, that’s where things went downhill. I introduced Dawson to Bam as someone I work with. He looked hurt when I said it. Then he left.”
“Ouch. Why did you do that?”
“Because I didn’t want to have to explain it to Bam. You know how he is. If he thought Dawson was his competition, it would just make him try harder to win me.”
“And what do you want?”
“That’s the million dollar question,” she says.
“More like the billion dollar question,” I say with a laugh.
“After Dawson left, Bam asked for a bottle of wine. The wine that he told me never to open.”
“The one he wanted in the divorce so badly?”
“Yes, I wouldn’t give it to him because I figured he’d waste it on the bimbo. Anyway, we opened it, drank it, he told me he’s changed. That he still loves me. That he will be faithful. Then he got down on his knee and told me he’s loved me since he learned how to love. Then he proposed. Had a huge diamond ring to seal the deal.”
“Seal the deal? Did you say yes?!”
“He’s still waiting for my reply to that question.”
“Why?”
“Because, Keatyn, you don’t know what it’s like to have someone you love devastate you like that. You don’t know what it’s like to dream they will change their mind after they left you and come back and tell you what a mistake they made. And there’s something that touches your heart when you finally hear those words.”
“But you love Dawson.”
“Will you please tell me about his wife?”
I shake my head. “It’s not my place. That’s something he needs to share with you if and when he’s ready.”
“Fine. Will you at least tell me about the first time she tried to commit suicide?”
“You saw how she outed me at winter formal in the movie, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, in the movie, we said that she didn’t come back after winter break, but in real life she did. She sat alone at the lunch table, and I should have gone to sit with her, but Brooklyn had been kidnapped, and I had other things to worry about. That night we heard sirens, and I was afraid Vincent had broken in. The school was put on lockdown. But it was because Whitney had tried to kill herself. Peyton found her, was pretty hysterical, and felt responsible. I went to the hospital with her. Whitney’s mom was a total bitch. Still is, actually. She was sitting in the waiting room calling everyone she knew and moaning about how what had happened was affecting her! I yelled at her. Found out the man I thought was her father was really her stepfather. Peyton and I contacted her dad, and he came to see her. Her family was messed up. Supposedly, she was going to kill herself another time before but Dawson stopped her.”
“How?”
“I don’t think he even knows this, but he knew she was upset over his brother, and he told her he hoped they could be friends anyway. He gave her a hug, and she cried all over his shoulder. I guess that’s when she decided not to do it. And what got her and Dawson started.”
“It’s going to be hard to compete with a dead wife. Even if she was imperfect in life, she won’t be that way in death.”
“That’s true. But then again, life is messy—it’s supposed to be that way.”
“That’s a Brooklyn quote. I’m sorry I was so mean to you about him in high school. He was a good man and a good friend”—she stops and laughs—“Oh gosh. I just did it too.”
“Did what too?”
“In real life, I thought he could be hypocritical and selfish. But now that he’s gone—”
“That you met Aiden.”
“Yeah.”
“You hit the jackpot with that one.”
“Vanessa, you just kicked your jackpot out of your house.”
“Bam? I don’t want a man who’s an asshole. Just because he has money he thinks . . .”
“I wasn’t referring to Bam.”
She stops and looks at me. “Dawson? You think Dawson is my jackpot?”
“What matters is what you think. Actually, that’s not right. What matters is how you feel. How he makes you feel. Aiden and I seem perfect because we have this amazing connection. We appreciate each other and thank God for every day we have together. But it started with a spark. An instant deep-in-my-soul feeling. A feeling that I was exactly where I belonged when he held my hand.”
“I felt like that once.”
“You did?”
“Yeah,” she says softly. “Can I ask you another question?”
“Of course.”
“When Dawson came for your eighteenth birthday party, was he dating Whitney?”
“No.”
“To your knowledge, has he ever cheated on anyone?”
“No. He’s not like that. The Johnson boys are wild, but even Camden, the wildest brother of them all, isn’t a cheater. Their parents are happily married and they value family and friendships. They understand what a good relationship should be.”
“At your party, Dawson and I went back in Tommy’s office to drink scotch. He was a gentleman, touched my back as he led me through the doorway. I felt like a school girl. We talked, and he kissed me. Best kiss of my life. Hands down. I always wondered.”
“This conversation makes me think of B. Maybe fate is giving you a second chance. Maybe you and Dawson were supposed to get together then, but you chose different paths.”
“And you think fate brought our paths back together?”