“I think it’s time to head back to Hollywood Boulevard for our next stop. I have a feeling you will like the next place.”
“I don’t think there is anything out here I wouldn’t like, to be honest.”
Ethan takes my hand as we cross the street and back to the parking deck. It takes minutes to get out onto the busy street but finally we’re able to pull out.
“I hope you don’t mind more walking. That’s the only bad thing with LA.”
“I don’t mind. I have on comfortable shoes.”
Thirty minutes later, Ethan pulls the Range Rover into the parking deck attached to the Loew’s Hotel. We take the elevator down to the floor level and we walk the short distance to Madame Tussauds. I’ve always wanted to visit a wax museum, I actually tried to put one into the itinerary for Carmen’s bachelorette party but there wasn’t enough time. The sidewalk is crowded with tourists and locals. Some people are dressed in different costumes to attract attention to themselves as well as charge passersby money to take pictures with them. I’m mesmerized by everything. Ethan takes my hand and leads me from the crowd into the museum. After purchasing the tickets, we walk the red carpet where a photographer asks us to take some fun pictures. They use the Hollywood sign as one backdrop and another features dinosaurs. The photographer tells us to make the scariest facial expression possible. He informs us the photos will be available for purchase after the tour. After a short elevator ride, we arrive on the floor that contains celebrity wax figures. It’s amazing how real they look. I get Ethan to take my picture with a few: Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga. The place is huge and signs are posted everywhere so you know where to head next. Our final picture is taken with President Obama. I’ve never had so much fun. There’s sports and movie star icons, some from the black and white picture days. At the end of the tour, Ethan rushes me out saying he has a surprise for me and if we don’t leave now we’ll be late.
“Where are we going?”
“If I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise.”
I nod my head and he grabs my hand to lead me through the swarmed sidewalk. Instead of going into the parking deck, he takes me inside the Loew’s hotel and up to the 16th floor. My patience is thin. Ethan allows me to exit the elevator first. He grabs my right hand and opens the door to the outside terrace. The floor is empty and all the tables are unoccupied, except the one in the far back left corner that’s set for two. Two candles are lit and a white linen cloth covers the round surface. A bottle of champagne sits in a metal container between the candles. Ethan pulls out my chair and motions for me to sit. He kisses the top of my head before moving to his seat across from me. The view from this floor is incredible, I can see the top of palm trees, and the city lights from the multiple high rise buildings in the distance.
“What’s this?”
“A private party for two. Would you like a glass of champagne?”
“Sure. I’m having an amazing time.”
“You’re an amazing woman.”
I can’t stop smiling. This day has been impeccable in every way. We both raise our glasses before taking the first sip. A waiter brings silver covered dishes and sets them in front of us.
“Dinner is served,” he says, and bows before walking away.
“So what’s on the menu tonight?” I ask.
“I know you love salmon, I took the liberty of putting together an entrée for us. Under the cover you will find grilled salmon, baked potato, and steamed broccoli. Enjoy.”
The aromas are mouthwatering. Everything tastes wonderful. Ethan smiles at me from across the table as we eat. I’m not able to clear my plate the way Ethan does his. Once I can’t eat anymore, I use the napkin to wipe my mouth before throwing it over the plate.
“Are you ready for desert?”
“Desert? Right now?”
“Desert is the best dish. I’ll get it to go.”
“That would probably be best, I can’t eat anything else right now. Dinner was absolutely fabulous. Thanks again.”
I finish my champagne while Ethan gives the waiter instructions for desert and asks for the check. Today was perfect and Ethan’s romantic dinner was the best part. I can’t wait until we get back to his house and enjoy the rest of the evening under the sheets.
Chapter Twenty
I can’t believe I overslept again, it’s 10 AM. Ethan’s not here, but he left a note on his pillow.
Baby, I have a shoot at 6, didn’t want to wake you. Delia’s coming over--play nice. I’ll be home around noon.
Ethan
I need to get up and workout. The treadmill is calling my name. I throw on a white t-shirt, black cotton shorts and gray sneakers. I walk into the huge room loaded with state of the art equipment located on the bottom floor. The room’s cool temp has given me goose bumps. I pass an elliptical machine and weight bench as I head to the back where a large area is covered with mats. I put my earbuds in, turn on Pandora and begin to stretch. My warm up only takes five minutes, then I walk over to the treadmill. The metal bars are cool as I step on. My reflection is seen from every angle due to the surrounding wall mirrors. I turn up the volume before taking off on the belt. The whole time pretending I’m back at home running down a familiar path.
An hour later, I’m completely covered in sweat. My cell rings.
“Hello,” I answer.
“Damn you go to LA and forget all about us?”
“Marcia that’s not true. I was going to call you and Carmen today.”
“Hey, girl. Are you having fun?” That’s Carmen.
“I am, but this three-hour time difference is kicking my butt.”
As we chat I tell them about my bizarre dream.
“What the fuck, Giselle? You’ve become a nympho in just a few days.”
“Shut up, Marcia,” orders Carmen. “How did the dream make you feel?”
“I’m not sure. Confused, mortified and turned on. I don’t like girls and have never wanted to be with one. But there’s something about Delia. I just can’t explain it.”
“We’re human and are made to appreciate beautiful people,” Marcia states.
“She’s right, it’s nothing to worry about,” reassures Carmen.
The girls make me feel a little better, but I’m still not comfortable with my dream. Maybe a shower will put this craziness behind me.
When I enter the living room, Ethan and Delia are leaning into each other and whispering while staring at a laptop. Ethan’s frowning. Delia has her hand covering her mouth. They don’t notice me.
“What are you looking at?”
Ethan closes his eyes. A sigh escapes from Delia as she closes the laptop. They slowly look at me.
“Thought you were in the shower,” Ethan says with a tight jaw.
What’s his problem? I place my hands on my hips. “It’s obvious I’m finished.”
“Darling, Ethan’s upset and needs some time alone.”
She begins to walk towards me. I put my hand up making it clear not to come any closer.
“If Ethan’s upset, I’ll be the one to comfort him,” I inform her.
“You silly girl. I was trying to spare your feelings,” Delia smirks. “Go ahead, comfort him. This should be interesting.”
She sits in the leather arm chair in the far right corner of the room.
I look at Ethan and ask, “What’s she talking about?”
“Come see for yourself,” he says while opening the laptop. Our picture is on a gossip site and what’s written is cruel.
Super Sexy Ethan Thomas was caught slumming with a mystery girl yesterday at The Griddle Café. We assume they’re a couple due to the public affection--lots of kissing and holding hands. Mystery girl sported unkept hair and was wear baggy overalls, a striking contrast to Thomas’ polo shirt and plaid shorts.
Fans are surely puzzled by this unusual behavior. Where’s Delia? Those are two sexy people we want to see together.
Why would someone say those things about me? I lo
ok over at Delia, who has a smug look on her face. This motivates me not to cry. I can’t force myself to look at Ethan.
“It doesn’t matter what they say,” I whisper. He slams his fist on the table and I jump.
“These people can make or break my career. If my fans aren’t happy with my choices...” his voice trails off.
“You can’t be serious! Are you really telling me what they think is more important than me?”
He turns his back to me. “Don’t make me answer that.”
“You already did.”
I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. It used to be us against the world, but this Ethan I don’t know. I leave the room and find myself outside.
I sit on the curb and cry. I don’t stop until I see a blurry Delia standing in front of me. Just great.
“It’s time to end your pity party. You either let what they say destroy you or you prove them wrong. The choice is yours.”
I stare at her. I want to hate her, but secretly I wish I was her.
Chapter Twenty-One
I had one too many drinks last night. My body is sore and I feel sluggish. To make matters worse, I wake up in the bed with Delia. Oh no, what did I do? I can’t remember anything. She’s even put together while she sleeps. It’s sickening. I quietly get up and see that I only have on bra and panties, which aren’t mine.
“Great,” I say and place my hands on my head.
“You’re the only person to wake up in my bed and not look pleased,” declares Delia.
I turn around and I’m greeted by perky breast. Does she not believe in covering up? She notices what has my attention.
She chuckles, “You like? They’re 100% real. Want to feel?”
“No,” I answer louder than expected.
She sleepily smiles. “You’re so cute and funny. But last night you were a wild woman. Didn’t think you had it in you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You don’t remember? Giselle, you were the life of the party. After your breakdown, we came back here and I invited a few friends over. Shots were taken and drinks were poured and you drank like a pro. We hit up some clubs. You wore my black mini dress and you looked hot.”
“Thanks,” I sarcastically say.
“Don’t be an ass. You dress frumpy and you’re afraid of your inner sexiness. Anyway. What’s important is that you enjoyed yourself.”
“Frumpy? I don’t dress frumpy. My style is cool and unique. It’s what makes me happy.”
“Oh, Giselle,” Delia rolls her eyes.
She grabs her phone to show me pictures from last night. I look trashy and there’s red lipstick on my lips, like a common whore. The dress is skin tight, I’m shocked that I could breathe, and it’s so short that if I bent over my panties would show and this sheer material barely covers anything.
In several pictures, it’s obvious I’m drunk. My eyes are glassy and I have the drunken smile that shows all of my teeth. The last photo, embarrasses me. Delia and I are kissing and not in a friendly way. She has her hands on my butt and mine are holding her face. I glance at Delia. She’s smiling.
“That’s my favorite memory from last night.” She uses her thumb to gently rub my lips. “Your lips are perfect so soft and kissable.”
What’s happening? I’m losing my mind and discretion. I want her to kiss me and she knows.
“Don’t worry, Giselle, I just want to make out with you.”
Kissing her, here and now, is even better than what I dreamt. Her lips are smooth and sweet. At first our kiss is gentle, then it becomes fierce. I’m sucking on her tongue following our French kiss. She has pulled my legs and now they are wrapped around her waist. My hands are stroking her flawless breasts. Abruptly our make out session comes to an end, by Delia pulling back. I wonder if I did something wrong. She placed a light kiss on my lips.
“We better stop. I was only planning on kissing you.”
“We don’t have to stop.”
She shakes her head with a smile on her beautiful face. “Yes, we do. You think you want this, but in reality you’re upset with Ethan. Now, go take a shower.”
While I’m getting up, she lays back down and states, “Ethan called all night.”
“What did you tell him?”
“To fuck off, of course.”
We start laughing. Delia reveals that tonight is a major club opening and Ethan is going to be there. She offers to give me a complete makeover and her glam team can have us ready in a few hours. I agree and she squeals in delight.
I have people working on my hair, nails, waxing and plucking my eyebrows. I feel like a rag doll. Delia’s busy bossing everyone around and gives me a thumbs up.
After what feels like a tortuous eternity, I’m standing in front of a brass full length mirror and I don’t know who this girl is looking back at me. Everything’s different! My hair is now blonde with loose waves and my eyebrows are shaped perfectly. The makeup is way more than what I would normally wear, but I do like my nude lip. My long sleeve white dress, fits like a glove, but the plunging neckline shows too much cleavage. The gold bangles that jingle along my wrist match the ankle straps of my white heels. I tuck my mirror clutch under my arm. Delia walks in and stands beside me. She looks glamorous in her sequined side-drop dress. Only she could pull something like that off. The bottom of the dress reminds me of a bloomed flower. The petal tips were used to make the asymmetrical hem line, which goes shorter in most areas except where the dress drops lower in the back. Her shoes look like something from Marcia’s boutique, Guilty Pleasure. The five-inch stiletto heel resemble glass. Beyond the peep toe opening, pink shimmery ribbon tied into poufy knots go up her foot, giving it that extra uniqueness. She sweetly smiles at our reflections.
“You look beautiful. You should be with someone who accepts you for being you.” Delia walks away.
Puzzled I ask, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Come on, the limo is here,” she yells.
Our ride is quiet and uneventful until we reach the club. The street is chaotic, filled with paparazzi and news reporters. Cameras and camcorders are everywhere. The red carpet is rolled out and gold ropes secure the people on the sides from getting on it. Each time someone new steps out, the crowd goes crazy, and lights flash.
We get out of the limo and Delia’s name is being screamed. This is her scene, she owns the crowd. She grabs my hand and orders me to smile.
Inside the club is less hectic. I look for Ethan as we get drinks from the bar. Delia’s pulled away for pictures. I walk towards the dance floor and see Ethan in the DJ’s booth. He sees me, ends his conversation and heads towards me. To my surprise, I’m not excited to see him. It’s weird because only yesterday I was crying my eyes out over him.
“You look sexy as hell.”
“Thanks.”
“Are we okay?” He asks.
I shrug my shoulders.
“You look perfect now.”
I don’t respond because I’m livid. I look perfect now? When I look nothing like myself? Delia’s right, I deserve to be with someone who accepts me, all of me. I shouldn’t have to change my appearance to be loved and appreciated. After all this time I realize that Ethan’s an ass.
I search the crowd and notice that Delia’s looking at Ethan. She seems mesmerized. That’s when it hits me. She’s in love with him. Ethan’s not in love with me and I’m not in love with him. We got caught up in what we used to have. Back then we were young and hadn’t experienced life, but we have grown apart and are very different.
“Ethan, I’m leaving. I don’t belong here. We don’t belong together, not anymore.” He doesn’t react. “You know I’m right.”
Briefly he smiles. “I’m going to miss you, Little Rebel.”
“Me too.” I kiss him on the cheek. “There’s someone who’s in love with you.” I point to Delia. “She’s the one for you,” I say with a grin.
“You think so?”
“I know so, be
open to it and if you guys do get together be good to her. Bye, Ethan.”
I go over to Delia and tell her that I’m leaving. I thank her for the advice and wish her the best. She hugs me and squeezes my butt. I laugh. At this point nothing surprises me.
I run outside and for the first time in a long time I’m happy just being Giselle. I can’t wait to get home.
Chapter Twenty-Two
When I first came back home things were awkward between Liam and I. He was angry that I left him and Meagan to take care of everything while I was on vacation. He said that I completely forgot about our business, needless to say we had several arguments. Marcia insisted that we needed to “fuck each other’s brains out”, but what does she know .
Things became worse when Liam started dating this idiot named Lindsey. She was always around, yes I was jealous. I behaved poorly and was extremely nasty. When they broke up, she stated that Liam and I were still in love. I rolled my eyes and secretly did a happy dance.
Over the last three months, Indulgence has been really busy and we’re booked until next year. Business has tripled since we can now accommodate parties. Liam and I have been working our butts off and the arguing has stopped.
Ethan and Delia were voted America’s Sexiest Couple. I talk to Delia on a regular basis and we’ve developed a real friendship. Next month her and Ethan are getting married and what’s hilarious is that I’m the Maid of Honor. Life has a great sense of humor. But I’m happy for them and I hope they have a happily ever after.
As for me, for a while I gave up on love. I went on several blind dates but never made a connection with anyone. When I couldn’t take dating anymore, I adopted a white Persian cat and named him Mr. Giggles. The girls became very concerned. They thought I was depressed and was going to become “the crazy cat lady”. I wasn’t depressed, just needed to work on myself and I refused to settle for anyone.
Made by Us: Giselle and Liam's Story (The Made Series Book 3) Page 9