by ZN Willett
"You don't give yourself much credit. I haven't seen my son this happy, well…in a very long time. I can't remember exactly." She smiled. "Andrew loves you dear, and that makes me love you. Of all those girls, you speak of...he has only asked to bring one home, and it was you."
That's when conversations stopped and all eyes were on me. "What about Brittney?"
She grimaced and Taylor mumbled something under her breath before she said, "He never brought Brittney home until this past Christmas, Andria. And it was my idea."
"What? Why?" Erin and I said at the same time.
Rebeca answered. "When Andrew was going through his 'I'm too famous for the people I love' stage, we gave him space. He thought we all had abandoned him, but he had Buck, his old manager watching over him. Nelson and I let him make his mistakes, but I knew he would find his way. For some reason, he gave Brittney the credit for helping him, even though he did most of it on his own. She may have nudged him along, but I knew Andrew would be the man I knew he could be."
"He still has some room for growth, Mother," Taylor added.
"That's true dear," she looked sympathetically at me. "Brittney seemed to have some hold over him. At first, I thought it was some debt that Andrew owed to her. But, then I saw that she was an expert manipulator, and to do that to my son was a feat in itself. When Andrew came into his own, he was usually on his A-game when reading people. But, when it came to Brittney, he seemed to have a veil over his eyes."
Taylor snorted loudly as she said, "Andria, when Mom told us Andrew was feeling bad about that bitch Brittney and her family drama, we were afraid she would somehow get him to stay there with her. Mom's very sentimental around the holidays and likes her family around. I told mom we should have that skank in Virginia so we could figure out what her game plan was."
Erin chimed out. "Oh, and no one knew Andria would be there!" She clapped. "It all worked out perfectly."
"I knew the whore would make a move once she saw Andrew had truly moved on. It was obvious that she still had hope. Andrew is a dumb ass, Andria. We all saw she was still in love with him—narcissistic bitch—Andrew wouldn't believe it. Stupid, dumbass, mother—"
"Taylor!" Rebeca frowned before looking back at me. "I have never seen Andrew this happy until you. I also have never seen him this torn up. He called me, desperate for help. He didn't know how to fix things between the two of you. That's when I knew how deeply in love my son was. He called his mother for help." She smiled.
We all laughed.
"So you're here for Andrew?" I wanted to clarify.
"We're here for both of you. Andria, Andrew has made many mistakes—obviously," she glanced at the ridiculous amount of bouquets spread around Keira's suite that Andrew had sent. "But one thing's for sure. He does love you."
"That's true. He even left me a couple of messages, and I threatened to cut off both of his balls." Erin said too cheerfully.
The look on Rebeca face was priceless as Erin looked at her apologetically.
The next morning, while I took part in an afternoon book event, the girls went shopping. I was surprised when they showed up later that day. I was at the table signing books when Rebeca gave me a quick hug and a hello. There was press from the local newspapers, and apparently one reporter recognized Rebeca as he came barging over. "Mrs. Hughes. Are you a big fan of A.P. Moore?"
"Well, of course I am." Rebeca beamed proudly.
That grabbed the other journalists' attention and they crowded around us. "Mrs. Hughes, is that what brought you to London?" Another reporter asked, shoving his mic in her face.
Rebeca pushed the mic aside as she said, "I came to support Andria."
A lady's voice chimed in from the back. "What is your take on Deception?"
That's when I realized Rebeca could have read my book. A book that was a complete fantasy of what I wanted to do to her son. If I could have crawled under the table and left, I would have.
"Well, my daughter read a few blurbs to me when it first came out. I'm embarrassed to say I haven't had the time to start Deception, but I plan to," she looked over at me and winked. "The parts my daughter read were beautifully written. I did ask her skip over the fun parts," she laughed to herself, "but you could feel the love between the two characters." Rebeca's words really touched me.
"Dr. Hughes are you happy that your son, and Brittney Price are back together? As reported in The Tattler."
Everyone turned and looked at Rebeca as she held every single person's attention. "I don't comment on my son's personal life, and I do not read trash. I'm here to support Andria, and I encourage all of you to pick up her book and leave the trash in the garbage where it belongs." She gave a tight smile and walked past the crowd of reporters.
Immediately, I stood up and followed her. I gave her a hug as I whispered. "I'm sorry, Rebeca."
"You have nothing to be sorry for. That is what comes with Andrew's career choice."
I pulled her to a quieter corner. "I'm starting to see that, and I'm not sure if I can deal with all of...that. And, I am still angry with Andrew."
She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes before she said, "Oh, I know dear. You will be upset for a while, but that will pass. I'm sure of it." She gave me the same knowing look that my mom gives to me. "Andrew's life is full of intrusions, and it can be hard to swallow. I can't say that you will ever get used to it, but I know you can handle whatever comes you way. You love my son, and I know you two will work things out. But…for now, you need to focus on yourself. Andrew can wait." I gaped at her. "Oh, dear. Did you think I was going to pressure you into forgiving my son? Andria, Nelson and I have had our fair share of heated arguments and misunderstandings. I have found that it does a person good to think over his misdeeds." A sly grin graced her face. "Come along," she said walking away from me as I continued to gape at her. "You have a crowd of anxious readers waiting for you."
When we joined the others, I noticed one reporter curiously looking at the two of us. You could see his mind spinning as he blatantly stared between Rebeca and me.
Erin came skipping in the next morning with coffee and newspaper in hand. "Hey, you made the front page of the entertainment section."
She plopped the paper down on the bed. "Wow, that is a surprise, and you're up early."
She gave me the coffee that she was holding. "I think Rebeca had something to do with that."
I took the paper and read, 'Rebeca Hughes and Taylor Hughes Robinson arrived in London yesterday to support their good friend, and author, A.P Moore at the launch of her new book, Deception.' There were several pictures of Rebeca and Taylor, as well as Rebeca and me talking. I had no clue that the press followed Andrew's family, as well. Erin had to explain that to me.
Keira and I had another book signing, and then I planned to meet the girls for dinner in China town. I loved this little hole in the wall place I had found during my last visit. Keira needed a well-deserved night off, and she was excited to pass me on to the others for a while.
The restaurant was better than I had remembered, and it was nice to just laugh and enjoy myself. The pain of thinking about Andrew didn't go away, but it was numbed by the laughter and Japanese sake provided by my friends. My heart also warmed up at the fact that Andrew's mom and sister cared enough to spend time with me, and I was falling in love with his family. Now, I only had to figure out what to do about Andrew.
I hadn't had a decent night's sleep since I had arrived, and I was ready to head back to a very welcoming bed after dinner. But, the ladies had other plans. They were going to a very exclusive club. I told them several times that I didn't want to go, but Rebeca said she rarely gets to go to clubs, and she was going to go with all of us. She insisted, and I finally relented. So after dinner, we went back to the hotel to get dressed. Of course, Erin came in to pick out my dress. It was short and revealing, but I was too tired to argue with her. I put on a short, dark purple dress, with long sleeves that were slit open at the top, and placed a fake smile
on my face. The last thing I wanted to do was to go out, but I was doing it for them.
The driver came, delivered us to the front of the club, and we walked in past the velvet ropes without waiting in line. The club was dark inside, and lit by glowing red and yellow lights. Candles flickered
on the small cocktail tables, and the loungers placed throughout the small club were printed in black and white patterns. Jazz played in the front room while classical music played in the piano room. The dance floor was downstairs, and you could feel the vibration of the music under your feet.
Taylor looked stunning as always. Even pregnant, she radiated natural beauty in the red empire waist dress that she wore. She had inherited her looks from Rebeca. Even though she was Andrew and Taylor's Mother, Rebeca looked hot in a short, dark blue sequined dress. I could see why Nelson always had problems keeping his hands off of her. Erin towered over me, wearing ridiculously new high heels she had found at Dover Street Market. The avant-garde shoes and cap sleeved black dress was a showstopper.
We ordered a few cocktails at the bar. Taylor drank diet soda, while I scanned the room. You could tell by the crowd that it was a distinguished clientele. Taylor explained that it was a 'members only' club, and there were several of them located around the world. It was a place where the rich and famous could be themselves without watchful eyes on them.
We talked and laughed for a while. Yet, my thoughts drifted towards Andrew, and I wondered what he was doing. Erin caught me not paying attention a couple of times, and gave me a sympathetic smile. She knew me. Even though I was saving face in front of Rebeca and Taylor, she knew that I was hurting inside. I missed Andrew, and I needed to figure this crap out.
Several men approached the table during the evening, as they asked one or the other of us to dance. We each declined, but it didn't stop the oohs and aahs from the others every time one of us was approached. When a very nice looking younger man approached Rebeca, she turned red before saying that she only danced with her husband.
We teased her for a bit afterward, but continued to drink and enjoy the light conversation. My phone suddenly buzzed, which surprised me at that late hour, and then my heart skipped. I looked immediately at it, wondering if it was Andrew. But, I was disappointed that it was only a reminder about a task to complete for tomorrow.
"Why don't you call him?" Erin asked.
She could always read me. "I can't. I told him I didn't want to speak to him until I got back to the States."
"Have you decided what you're going to do?"
Erin's question sparked the attention of the entire table. I looked at all of them as I said, "All I know is that if Andrew and I are going to work, Brittney can't stay in the picture."
They all nodded in agreement. "Are you going to tell him this?" Taylor raised a brow.
I thought about it. "I will. After, I get back."
Rebeca smiled to herself and Taylor shook her head, but looked pleased. Erin narrowed her eyes and she smiled.
I loved Andrew, and if he wanted this to work, Brittney had to go.
We had arrived back to our hotel a little after two in the morning. I didn't even bother taking off my make-up; I flopped onto the bed, and didn't wake up until I heard Keira's voice. Even though my body screamed out in exhaustion for more sleep, we had an art event to prepare for that evening. All the proceeds collected were being donating to one of our charities, as well as honoring my most devoted readers. It was being held at a local art gallery, and I would follow after the auction with a reading and book signing.
Even though I felt like crap, and was mentally exhausted, I was excited to attend this event. It was a more intimate engagement, which included a group of my biggest supporters; those who were with me from the beginning, and who followed me early in the game. It was a thank you for supporting me and spreading the word about Deception. These were my die-hard fans. I loved meeting and talking to them, and I couldn't wait for this event. It was a welcomed change and a highlight of the trip.
Elena and her team spared no expense for the art event. It was similar to my first launch in LA. There was a red carpet, and a few local celebrities who attended. The press was allowed to take pictures and ask questions outside of the venue only. Even though the event started late in the afternoon, everyone was glammed up. It seemed that I was the only one underdressed in a simple, yet elegant, blue dress Erin had insisted that I wear. I thought, hey, who was I to argue with her? Especially when she kept saying, I know what I'm doing. It makes your blue eyes pop.
Along with Erin, I spent most of the evening talking with the readers and taking pictures. We had a fun time taking some silly candid shots, and I enjoyed listening to their theories for the next two books—some were way off, but a few nailed it on the head. I made a mental note to rethink some of my plot ideas.
Rebeca and Taylor arrived later to show their support before heading home. Rebeca's patient, whom she had performed surgery on wasn't doing as well as expected. Even though she had been able to remove the tumor, the eleven-year-old girl wasn't responding in the way she'd hoped. Rebeca and Taylor were flying out the next morning, and couldn't stay long. Rebeca needed to be alert for surgery the moment that she arrived back in Virginia.
Last night, I mentioned that I had soon planned to move to Virginia or to the Washington DC area. Rebeca’s joy and excitement was heartwarming. I even gained a smile from Taylor. She mumbled something about Wade being happy with that.
The auction started to wind down, and it was my turn to end it with a speech. We were off schedule, as the book signing took longer than originally planned. One would think speaking in front of a crowd could become easier, but it doesn't. Although I wrote most of my speech down, I was still nervous. At least standing at a podium helped me to concentrate on the words a little more. I kept to the standard script I normally used, thanking everyone that made it all happen. I did waiver off of the script when I thanked the readers for all of their support. This group of people was special, and I wanted them to know that what I was saying came directly from my heart.
I was winding down, and almost to the end of my speech, when I noticed that familiar pull—like a prickly sensation—floating over my flesh. I had felt it many times before when…. My words stumbled out as I began to lose my focus. I tried to locate my place on my notes, and continued on until the sensation grew stronger, but this time it attacked my heart.
My eyes instantly flew up from the paper and began to scan the room. I homed in on his hair, which was sticking up, before seeing the rest of him. Andrew was a tall man, and he usually towered over people, but he seemed to be slumping. I narrowed in and focused on his eyes. The pain and hurt displayed in them choked me.
Keira walked over and handed me a glass of water. I took a sip, and mumbled out, Andrew. Her eyes widened, and she searched the crowd quickly until she saw him. She dashed over to Rebeca and Taylor, before they all headed in Andrew's direction.
I apologized to the crowd, and drank another sip of water, before rushing through the remainder of my speech. The moment that I said my last thank you, I quickly walked away, and headed to the first door I could find. I couldn't breathe, as I entered the darkened room. It felt as if I said all that in one breath, and my lungs were burning for air.
"Andria."
The last thing that I wanted to hear at that moment was his voice. It cut to my core, as the emotions of anger, love, madness, hope, and sadness all came flooding over me.
I was drowning. "Andrew," I couldn't turn to look at him. "I told you if you tried—"
"I had to," he whispered behind me.
He was too close. His scent penetrated the air, and the heat radiating from his body seared my skin. "I'm not ready…"
"I love you. I will wait if I have to. But, I can't live without you."
I shook my head. "Andrew…" I could taste the warmth of his breath as it poured over my body.
"I love you. I can't continue on like this. Nothing happened between
Brittney and me."
"You hurt me." My voice betrayed me showing the weakness I have for him.
"I will never hurt you again."
As I turned to face him, his eyes locked to mine. "I will not fight with Brittney over you."
They widened. "You won't have to—"
"How do I know that for sure?"
"I told Brittney that I never loved her. I never knew what love was until I met you. I made it very clear that I would always pick you. No matter if it was now or then. I would have always picked you, Andria."
Rivers of tears fell as Andrew's hands cupped my face. "I love you, Andria. I love you so much." He placed a soft kiss on my lips. "I love only you."
Andrew showered my face with kisses, as I stood still unable to move. He stopped, and for the first time I saw fear in his eyes.
"You are everything to me. I cannot live without you. Please, baby…"
He pressed in closer, searching my eyes for something that he must have found as our lips met again. This time, I relented. I was starved from the lack of contact my body desperately needed from him. My mind protested, as my body gave in, going limp in Andrew’s arms as he held me. The weight of everything overcame me. We sank to the floor as his arms cradled me.
I wasn't sure how long we stayed like that, but I knew it had been a while. I heard footsteps pass by the door as hushed whispers filled the air. When I felt Andrew slightly release me, I grabbed onto him. I wasn't ready yet. I needed a little more time before the inevitable happened. We would have to completely talk it through, but right then I needed to feel him.
"Andria, I'm sorry to umm…to interrupt, but we need to let them clean up."
I raised my head off of Andrew's chest looking over at Keira, and saw Erin, Taylor, and Rebeca standing in the doorway. Rebeca had tears in her eyes as she gave us a timid smile. I nodded, Andrew and I stood, and he took my hand as we walked out of the gallery without uttering a word. Keira put us in a car to ourselves, and Andrew held me until we reached the hotel room.