The Trouble with Dating a Movie Star

by ZN Willett

  As soon as we fell asleep, around 7:15 a.m., there was a loud knock on the door. I stumbled out of her bed and yanked the door open, pissed off that someone had the audacity to knock so loud. To both of our surprises, Miles and I now stood face to face. Once I remembered the situation, I promptly slammed the door in his face. "Andria, please. I need to talk to her."

  "You should have talked to her that night, Miles!"

  "I know. I was mad and upset."

  I pulled the door open. "Are you serious? You were angry that Erin mentioned kids? Hell, some women might have mentioned marriage or kids after one month of dating. You two had six together!"

  "I know. It wasn't that. Erin caught me off guard. I was plannin' on asking her and then-"

  "Wait, what?" I pulled him in and lowered my voice. "You were going to ask Erin what exactly?"

  "I was goin' to ask her to marry me."

  My eyes started to water. "Why didn't you?"

  He looked embarrassed—timid. "I got scared. Shi—damn it—I even asked her dad."

  "You what?" I looked towards Erin's room hoping I wasn't loud enough to wake her.

  We both waited a minute, listening for any signs of stirring before Miles continued. "Christmas day, I spoke privately with her dad while Erin and her Mom were in the kitchen. I had it all planned. I was going to sing her a song that night at the club confessing how I felt about her. But I was a bag of nerves. I don't know what happened."

  "Why did it escalate to this?" I waved my arm towards Erin's room.

  "Erin started gettin' upset in the car, and everything that came out of my mouth was wrong. She got mad and said she never wanted to see me again. Andria, it broke me. I was mad at myself for ruining everything, and losing the love of my life." His southern accent grew stronger as he became more and more upset.

  "Where the hell were you then? Erin came over to your place several times. And who's this Jocelyn whore? What the hell, Miles? You were going to have a wife and some side action?" I punched him in the arm.

  "No! What? What does Jocelyn have to do with this?"

  "Everything!" I spit out. "Erin saw you one day with her, and she was in your car. Erin also found out she was at the club that night. The last time you were seen was with her." I punched him again in the same sore spot on purpose.

  "Crap! I would never cheat on Erin. I love her with every fiber of my being. Jocelyn has only been in my car once, and that was when I needed help picking out Erin's ring. I would have asked you, but you weren't here. Also that night, Jocelyn wanted to see it happen. That's all. She was there with her girlfriend! This is all messed up."

  I stared at Miles, and you could see he was a broken man. "Let me talk to Erin first, stay here."

  "Thanks. Hey, weren't you supposed to be in New York?"

  I glared at him and walked into Erin's bedroom. It took a lot to wake her; she had more to drink than I did. It wasn't the best idea to cry over wine, but it had calmed her down. I ended up pouring cold water on her face in order to get her to open her eyes. Then, I had to hold her back when I told her Miles was in the other room. After the long and overdramatic fit she had, Erin calmed down and listened.

  First, I explained that Miles wasn't with Jocelyn. I knew that was the first thing that needed to be said. Then, I told her that he loved her that I believed him, and to hear him out. Erin agreed and took another half an hour to get ready to see Miles. As soon as Erin closed the bedroom door behind her, I was out. I couldn't keep my eyes open, and I knew they would be fine.

  I woke up to Erin jumping on the bed, waking me up at around 1:00 p.m. She had the biggest smile on her face, and her hair was a mess. I kind of knew why by the freshly made-up look on her face. Erin told me the story—again—but I noticed she omitted the proposal plan. I wasn't surprised; I knew Miles would eventually try again. He was very creative with Erin's version for why he got mad, but it worked. She seemed to have no clue about his plans.

  Miles was going to come back later that evening to take Erin on a date, but she wanted to thank me by taking me shopping. I wanted to sleep, but I was there and I could take the time left to spend with Erin. Keira was able to book a flight back to New York that didn’t leave until later that evening.

  After getting ready, we headed to an affluent part of the city, and she insisted on buying me something. That wasn't going to happen, but I was in the mood to shop. I was starting to like the shoes she had selected. Even though they hurt like hell, they were sexy and Andrew—oh, my, Andrew! I asked Erin to hold on a minute before entering the shoe store. I pulled out my cell and saw six missed calls and numerous texts. I had left in such a hurry that I had forgotten to let him know I was coming to DC.

  Andrew picked up on the first ring. "Andria, where the hell were you? I called all night," he asked, indignantly.

  My cell phone reception was bad when I was driving last night. Frustrated, I had turned it off, and never turned it back on. I turned toward the display window trying to be discreet. "I am so sorry. Erin was upset, and she needed me—"

  "I needed you! Damn Andria, it's hard enough being apart. We only have so much time, and I rearranged things to make sure I was available."

  I wasn't sure if it was Andrew's tone or the fact that he wasn't letting me explain, but how dare he! "Are you joking? I rearrange my schedule too, Andrew! If it's so damn hard to pick up the phone to call me then why do we do it?" At that point, I didn't care who heard me as shoppers passed by.

  "I'm not saying that, it's just Brittney—"

  "It's always Brittney! Did she need you? You had to put her on hold to call me for a minute? So sorry for keeping you away from Brittney. Didn't she get enough of your time at Christmas?"

  He was quiet for a moment, and then cussed under his breath before saying, "Are you upset that Brittney was here for Christmas? Because if memory serves me right, you spent Thanksgiving with your ex. should I be upset about that?"

  I had forgotten about Brandon. "That's different."

  "I'd say. I told you there's nothing going on between Brittney and myself, yet its obvious Brandon still harbors feelings for you."

  Okay, what? I didn't know what to say, so I hung up.

  I remembered what had happened the last time I had hung up on him, but I shrugged it off. Well…I did smile a little at the thought of how it did work out, but he pissed me off. I was tired of hearing him say Brittney's name, and he's questioning my friendship with Brandon?

  "Should I ask what just happened?" I had forgotten Erin was there.

  "Andrew and I had a phone date last night, and I forgot to let him know I was coming here. I mean it was last-minute, and then I saw you, and I was so tired. I should have called, but I just remembered. He's an ass, Erin."

  She looked sympathetic. "It will be okay."

  I shook my head. "I want to believe that. He's pushing me over the ledge. And Brittney…I hung up on him…again." I wasn't making any sense.

  "It's all right. Hey, why don't we take a seat on the bench over there and you can explain to me what's up with Brittney?"

  We sat on the bench in front of the shoe store as I filled Erin in. I told her how Andrew had been there for Brittney after the death of her biological mother, and that he invited her to his home for Christmas. I understood that they were friends. I stayed friends with Brandon, but they had been lovers. How would he feel if I spent that much time with my past lovers—look how he reacted to Brandon, and we never even got that far.

  "Andrew is a cluelessman, Andria. I have my theories, but as you know, I can jump to some conclusions pretty quick. You need to tell him how you really feel. It’s time for you both to define your relationship. From everything you have told me, it does seem as if he cares for you, and you are in love with him. It's hard having a long distance relationship. Yet, I know you can do it. But first, you need to get your man's head out of his ass."

  We both laughed. "My toes are numb. We need to get coffee. Oh, and thanks. After I calm down, I'll call A
ndrew and try to hash this mess out."

  She draped her arm around my shoulder. "I'm sorry that I was the one to have caused all of this."

  "Please. You would have been there for me."

  "Damn right I would have." We both laughed and headed straight to the coffee shop before returning to the shoe store.

  We had spent a good hour shoe shopping before I decided on a studded black pair. Sadly, as I shopped, I kept asking myself what Andrew would like. He seemed to have a thing for heels, and I bought shoes that I knew we both would like. I only hoped there was still a 'we'. Things had been going well for the past several weeks, and we were getting closer. Even though I was still pissed at him, deep inside I had already forgiven his insensitive ass.

  When Erin and I walked out the store heading down the sidewalk, Erin looked across the street, and then pulled me into a nook pointing. "O.M.G. Andria! Is that Andrew?"

  I looked over and saw the tall man wearing a baseball hat and sunglasses walking to a car. As much as Andrew tried to be incognito, it was his walk and hair sticking out of the hat that gave him away. Then, I noticed the tall beautiful blonde, who was not Brittney. I watched as they laughed, and then she touched his face as he opened his car trunk to place bags in it.

  Everything turned red.

  One minute I was hovered in the corner with Erin, and the next I was crossing the street heading straight toward Andrew. He looked up with an expression of shock and excitement as I stepped in front of him. "Andria?"

  "How dare you get mad at me and your with her?" I bawled my fists up.

  "Andria, calm down." Erin said behind me as she placed a hand on my shoulder.

  I glared at Andrew. "How dare you!"

  He looked like a deer caught in headlights before his face turned hard. "Andria, I can explain."

  "You wouldn't let me explain. Now you want to explain? I think it's a little too late for that. What, Brittney's busy so you had to find another heifer!"

  "Hey, bitch! Who are you calling a cow?" Blondie stepped in my face.

  "Andria." Erin pulled me back in warning.

  "What's going on here?" We all turned—except Andrew kept his eyes on me—to see a very well dressed woman who had Andrew's green eyes. "Taylor, Andrew, what's going on?"

  And that's when I wanted to die.

  "Mom, this is Andria. The woman I was telling you about." Andrew said as he continued to stare at me.

  I couldn't look at him.

  "Oh, well, Andria, it's a pleasure meeting you. Andrew didn't tell us you would be in town."

  "She's not supposed to be in town, Mother." I could hear the agitation in his voice.

  I spoke softly to the ground. "Andrew, I am..."

  "Kids, why don't we leave these two alone for a moment, huh? I need to pick-up one more thing. Sweetie, why don't you come with us?" She looked at Erin. "Maybe you can shed some light on…this," she whispered the last part.

  Andrew and I now stood face to face, and I still couldn't look up at him. He was close, and his height shadowed my entire body. I missed that man so much, and I had the chance to see him in person. But, I couldn't raise my head. Not to mention that I humiliated myself in front of his family. "Andria…"

  I could hear the agitation in his voice clearly. "Andrew, please let me explain." I forced myself to look up at his glowering features, but his eyes had a touch of sadness in them as he nodded for me to continue.

  As fast as one could, I explained everything from the beginning. Not being able to reach Erin. Worrying. Erin crying and her break-up. The last-minute drive and the morning discoveries. How I realized hanging up on him may not have helped things, but he wouldn't listen, and I was still a bit mad at him. Finally, I told him how I missed him so much, and that I didn't want this to be the end of us.

  Andrew stood and listened to the entire rant without saying a word. After I had finished, he stood staring at me. I couldn't read him, and I was praying he would give us another chance. Nothing prepared me for what happened next.

  Andrew took a step closer, leaned in, and took me into his arms before placing a passionate kiss on my lips. I could feel the weight leave my body as he squeezed harder. I couldn't breathe, but I didn't want him to let go. We kissed for a while before having to take a breath, and then we started again.

  I loved that man, and I would never forget to call him again. I felt him smile before releasing my lips. "I was very angry."

  I kissed him again before saying, "So was I. And we need to talk! But, I'm sorry."

  Andrew placed his forehead against mine. "I am, too. I was angrier more with myself than you. I made the same mistake, twice."

  "We both did."

  He hugged me tight. "I don't care about any of it. I'm just happy you're here."

  My stomach turned. "I called your sister a heifer."

  He chuckled. "She'll get over it."

  "I made a complete fool of myself in front of your Mother."

  He smiled. "No, you didn't."

  I squinted my eyes at his. "Yes, I did. I can never take away that first impression."

  "Andria. Trust me. My family is going to love you."

  I hoped so, but how could I make up for my behavior? I heard Erin laughing behind us as they approached. "Well, I see you two made up?"

  We turned to the three women and then me to his Mom who had a huge smile on her face. "Dr. Hughes. I apologize for my behavior." I looked at his sister. "I didn't mean to call you a…umm, name."

  "Oh Andria, Taylor's been called worse," his Mother added.

  "Mom!"

  She gave Taylor a knowing eye. "You have darling." She winked at me before looking at Andrew. "From what I hear, Andrew wasn't an innocent party in this."

  He gawked at his Mom. "What?"

  She gave him a knowing look and then winked at Erin. "Well kids, why don't we get to know each other better over an early dinner? I'm sure all this excitement has made everyone hungry."

  I wasn't ready for all of this. "Dr. Hughes, we wouldn't want to impose."

  "You're not, Andria. And Erin said you don't have to be at the airport until later this evening. Andrew can take you to get your things after dinner. Besides, I have wanted to meet the girl who has made my Andrew look like that." She pointed at a now beaming Andrew.

  I admitted, "He does the same to me."

  She smiled before squeezing my hand. "Follow us dear. We can have dinner at our home, and Nelson wants to meet you as well."

  And with that, Dr. Hughes gave Andrew a kiss on the cheek, and he opened up the car door as she got in. He walked over and kissed me on the forehead before opening the other side door for Taylor. "I'll wait until you're behind me," he said with a smirk.

  Erin entwined her arms with mine and led me to her car.

  I was about to meet the Hughes.

  We crossed over a bridge to a private gate that entered into a very affluent neighborhood in Middleburg, Virginia. The homes were gigantic and sat back off the beaten path onto acres of land. We followed Andrew's sport car to a long driveway that rounded to a gorgeous colonial home.

  "What do they do for a living again?" Erin asked.

  "His mom's an Oncologist and his dad owns a small automobile tech company."

  "By the look of this, it might not be as small as you thought." Erin said as she stopped the car behind Andrew's.

  Andrew grabbed all the bags from his trunk and walked over towards us. "Welcome to my home," he smiled proudly.

  "It's gorgeous, Andrew."

  "My mom fell in love with it at first sight." He said as we walked up the stairs.

  We entered into a grand foyer. "You grew up here?"

  Curiously smiling, he answered, "Yes, why?"

  I shook my head. "Just wondering."

  The interior was grand and beautiful, yet…welcoming. The colors were rich warm tones, and the space was impeccably clean. I saw where Andrew got his cleanliness.

  "Please, make yourself at home. And Andrew, show them around
, please," Dr. Hughes said as she grabbed the bags from Andrew and headed up the staircase.

  Andrew took my hand and began to give both Erin and me a tour. We saw the two living areas and both the formal and informal dining rooms. We also saw a study with a library, and the largest most incredibly stocked kitchen ever. It was my dream kitchen. It had every state of the art appliance and it was the size of half my home. I noticed Andrew studying my reaction as I swept my hand along the countertop. "I wish you looked at me like that."

  I playfully hit him on the shoulder and he captured my hand. "I love this kitchen."

  He kissed my wrist. "I can tell."

  Andrew walked us out to the back patio that overlooked a very large lake. Even though it was winter, the garden looked well maintained. There was also a large pool with cabanas in the corner of the property.

  Next, Andrew showed us the upstairs. When we approached his room, Erin said she needed to use the restroom and left us alone. He paused, and it looked as if he wanted to say something. I gave him a smile of encouragement to say whatever it was. "Andria, the whole Christmas thing with Brittney…honestly, I didn't think you would mind." I narrowed my brows. "You and Brandon managed to stay friends, and I thought you would understand that Brittney and I could be friends as well."

  Damn! I was still friends with my ex and for the first time, I could understand why it bothered Jaimie so much. "Andrew, I never really thought of Brandon…" I didn't know how to explain it. Yes, Brandon and I dated, but I never had the same feelings for him as I did for Andrew.

  "All I want is for you to trust me."

  I knew it was definitely time for Andrew and me to have the talk. But, I heard Rebeca and a man's voice from down the hall, and it was something that we needed to do it in private, and this was not the time. So, I nodded my head in agreement.