by Wendy Louise
But, I don’t trust Ruby-slutsky.
She wants what’s mine.
Well she can’t have him.
As his Publicist she should be refuting these false stories, but she knows how much this will upset me, so she won’t. She’ll be basking in it.
Hell, she’s probably behind it.
I scroll quickly through the article.
It insinuates that Gray is cheating with Ruby as well as different girls he has met as they tour. There is a photo of Ruby with her mouth very close to Gray’s ear, and her arm around him, as well as another where she has his arm and they’re walking down the corridor together.
Not really incriminating, but I don’t like the fact that he is letting her touch him at all.
There is another shot of a very well-endowed brunette with her breasts exposed and Gray signing them. The same girl is in the next shot with her lips against his cheek. Gray doesn’t look happy, so I’m not too concerned about those ones. I knew there would be a million girls throwing themselves at his feet.
Before I can pour the frothed milk into my coffee, my cell phone rings.
Gray’s beautiful face lights the screen, just as a stray tear runs down my cheek, because I miss him so much that it aches. I swipe my eye with one hand as I swipe the screen to answer his call with my other.
“Morning baby,” I say, trying to sound brighter than I feel.
“Hi Liv,” he says, sounding just as dejected as I feel.
“What’s wrong Gray?” I ask as my stomach churns. He sounds so sad.
“I just miss you. I didn’t realise it was going to be so hard to be away,” he says. “I’m sick of it already and I’ve only been gone for a couple of weeks. I want to come home.”
“I want you home too baby. I miss you more than I can stand and if I have to see one more freakin’ story about you and Ruby-slutsky then I’m going to scream.”
Grayson laughs and it makes me smile. “Ruby-slutsky?” he asks.
“Yep, that’s the name I’ve given her – Ruby-slutsky. She wants in your pants.”
“Well she can want all she likes, she’s not getting anywhere near my pants. They belong to you baby, and only you.”
“I needed to hear that.”
More than I realised.
“There’s no reason for you to worry Liv, you know that right?”
I sigh. “I know. I just want to see you.”
“The day after tomorrow we’ll be together.”
“I’m counting down the hours.”
“Me too baby.”
I throw caution to the wind and decide to mention the article in Star. “Have you seen the latest story that Star is running with?”
“Liv,” he admonishes, “I thought we agreed that we wouldn’t look at that shit. Why are you doing that? They only ever print lies baby.”
I know Gray is right and I do feel bad for breaking our promise, but it still upsets me to see Ruby all over him in those articles.
“I’m sorry Gray, I had an alert on my ipad this morning and I opened it without thinking.”
That’s sort of true, so I go with it. “They’re insinuating that you have a ‘bevy of beauties’ at your beck and call,” I say with disgust.
“Liv…” he says in a warning tone.
“I know, I know. I don’t believe any of it, but I still hate seeing photos of Ruby with her hands on you, and some brunette with her chest in your face and her lips on your cheek.”
“What do you mean photos with Ruby all over me?” he asks.
“Well she seems to either have an arm around you, her lips in your ear or her hands wrapped around your bicep as you walk…”
I can’t help the jealousy that has seeped through my words, so I take a deep breath to try and slow down my irrational reaction.
“Jesus Liv. There was a photographer from Star following us yesterday; he must have taken all those shots behind the scenes without us all knowing. Ruby hasn’t touched me in any way that’s inappropriate, I can promise you that.”
“I don’t like her touching you at all.”
“I’ll take that under advisement baby. I’m sorry if the photos upset you, but you have nothing at all to be worried about.”
“I know that. It’s just hard to see when I want to be the one touching you. I want to be the one with you. I don’t want anyone but me having the pleasure of kissing you and holding you.”
“No one else has that pleasure Liv, it’s all yours. I told you, I belong to you.”
Just like that his words heal my wounded soul and my heart starts to fill with the love that only he can provide.
“I love you Grayson Adams.”
“I love you more Olivia Lucas,” he responds. “I’ll see you the day after tomorrow baby. I can’t wait to introduce you to my family.”
“I can’t wait to meet them.”
“Love you baby. Bye.”
“Bye Gray.”
I hang up and a smile tugs at my lips.
I have a full day at the Studio today and then a few days off. I can’t wait to get this day over with so I can come home and prepare for my trip to San Francisco to see Gray.
I make my way to the shower and start to get ready, filled with love and excitement about seeing my other half in a couple of days.
One conversation and he has turned my attitude around completely. The effect he has on me is instant, it’s like his voice is some sort of panacea for any or all ailments that I suffer. His influence over me knows no bounds and it is both overwhelming and comforting at the same time.
As the warm water flows over my weary bones I smile. We are both doing what we love, and despite being miles apart, Grayson is still the only one that can warm my heart.
As I open the door to my dressing room, I’m surprised to see Ryan waiting for me. My heart skips a beat. Not in the same way as it used to and not because I’m still attracted to him, but just due to the unease of the situation. At least that’s what I hope it is.
“Morning,” he says with a wide grin.
“Good morning,” I reply. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company this morning?” I place my bags down on the counter, keeping busy to avoid his stare.
“I needed to catch you early. I was talking to Ethan and Josh a moment ago and we think that a bit of promotion would be good for the movie. I’ve been approached by the organisers of the Pro/Celebrity Grand Prix in Long Beach. They want me to send three people to participate in the race. Ethan is in, and so is Madeline, we want you to be the third.”
“Aaah, I’m not sure that racing around a track is really my style Ryan.”
He smiles. It’s the same smile that used to get me to do anything for him.
“I thought you’d say that. Before you say no, remember that they will train you and there is no requirement for you to drive any faster than you want to. Hell - you don’t even have to finish the damn race if you don’t want to. It’s really just about getting you out there.”
As I consider what Ryan is saying, Ava rushes through the door with my morning coffee.
“Hey Sis,” she says, taking in the sight of Ryan and I.
“Morning Ava.” We both say in unison.
“Ryan was just talking to me about taking part in a celebrity Grand Prix.”
Ava’s brow furrows. “I don’t know about that Liv, isn’t that kind of dangerous?”
“Your husband and sister-in-law have already agreed to be part of it Ava so I’m just trying to convince Liv that she should do it too.” Ryan says.
Ava’s face drops. “I think I need to have a word with my husband,” she says as she turns to leave the room. “Don’t do anything you aren’t comfortable with Sis.”
Ryan moves towards me and places his hands on my upper arms. I don’t feel comfortable, but I don’t want to make him upset, so I stand still to see what he says. “Olivia, do you honestly think that I would put you in any danger?”
I shake my head. “It’s not that, I’m ju
st not sure that this is something I want to do.”
Ryan moves back after placing a kiss on my cheek. “Think about it Liv, that’s all I’m asking. Let me know as soon as you can.”
Ryan really is all about the movie.
His career and what’s best for Forever is Yours will always come first.
It was never me and it never will be.
His insistence of me doing this only moves to cement that. He turns and leaves the room as my hand moves to the cheek that he just kissed.
Where he used to leave me feeling warm and tingly, he now leaves me feeling cold.
We sit in the courtyard at the Studio for lunch. Josh is over at the counter talking to Chelsea, so we decide to go ahead and start our food, even though his hamburger sits on the table getting cold.
“Liv, I don’t think you guys should be considering this race,” Ava says as she shoots a dirty look at Ethan.
She hasn’t had any luck convincing him to change his mind.
He’s being a total guy about the race and is overly excited about participating.
I have no desire to race a car around a track, but I always like to consider what is best for the movie, and this race could be great publicity.
“I haven’t made my mind up yet Sis,” I say as I take a bite of my chicken and avocado panini.
“Ava babe, you really need to stop worrying,” Ethan says over the rim of his coffee cup, “the race is full of celebrities. None of us know how to drive on the track so it’s really just a bit of fun.”
Ava turns her gaze to Ethan. “Baby, we have a Grand Prix in Melbourne each year. More accidents happen in the celebrity race than the professional one, because none of them know what the hell they’re doing.”
She has a very good point.
Ethan throws his hands up in defeat. “Okay, I get what you’re saying, but baby, it’s going to be so much fun.” His face lights up with a huge grin and he gives Ava his puppy-dog eyes.
I see the moment that Ava lets her guard down. She can’t resist that look.
“Fine!” she says. “Do it then, but if you get hurt, I’ll be furious.”
Ethan moves forward and places a kiss on her lips. “Have I told you today how much I love you?”
That gets a smile a mile-wide from her, and she returns his kiss. “I love you too.”
“So Liv, what’s the verdict?” Ethan asks. “Are you in?”
“I’m in. I must admit that I‘m not overly excited about doing it though.”
Ava turns her glare to me and shakes her head. “Liv? Are you sure you want to do this?”
“No, but I will. It’ll be great publicity for the movie.”
“Okay,” she says, “I’ll let Ryan know, and while I’m at it, I’ll make sure he knows that if anything happens to the two most important people in my life, he will have me to answer to.”
Ava returns her attention to her risotto while Ethan and I sneak a glance and a smile at one another.
Neither of us can ever deny the fact that Ava loves us fiercely.
She would stop at nothing to protect us, even if it means going head-to-head with Ryan.
And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Finally!
I’m so impatient that I can’t sit still. If they don’t come through the doors soon I think I may combust.
The last two days seem to have taken forever and now that the flight has landed I can’t wait to see her. I scan each and every face that steps from the air bridge trying to find Liv.
After what feels like an eternity I see her.
She has her gorgeous hair pulled up in a high ponytail. Her clothing of choice is a pair of faded Levi’s and a pale blue top that hangs loosely off one shoulder. Her plump lips are painted her signature red and her red toenails poke through the wedged sandals on her feet.
She sees me, and the smile that lights her face mirrors mine.
I start to weave my way between the people that stand between us as I watch her do the same, while pulling her small black carry-on behind her.
I know there are some paparazzi behind me, they spotted me as I was on my way down to the gate. Right now though, I don’t give a shit.
All I can see is Liv, and I don’t care what shots they get as long as I get to hold her in the next few seconds.
I reach for her at the same time she does me, and then she is in my arms, and everything is right in the world.
“God, I missed you,” I say, inhaling her perfume and nuzzling her neck.
I hear the sound of cameras clicking behind me but I don’t give a shit. They’re getting the money shot having both of us here together in each other’s arms.
At least if they print these photos, they may stop with the bullshit stories they have been running lately.
“Me too,” she says as she runs her hands around my neck and into my hair.
I pull back and take her mouth in a slow kiss that shows her how much I miss her, how much I want her and how much I love her.
I vaguely register that Ethan and Ava are behind her, so I pull back to acknowledge them too. Ethan is grinning at me like a loon. I ignore that and say, “Great to see you man,” as I pull him into a one-arm guy hug.
“You too.” He pats me on the back.
Cameras continue to click behind us. Not only have they got shots of Liv and I, but now Ethan and Ava too.
We will be making their fucking year.
I give Ava a kiss on the cheek and grab Liv’s bag so I can wheel it through the airport to the waiting car.
A few of the photographers are calling out to us but we ignore them, too excited to be back in each other’s company.
Once we’re settled in the hire car I take Liv’s hand and kiss the back of it before placing it on my knee. I need to feel her and have her touching me so I know she is here. I’m going to overdose on her for as long as I can this weekend.
Liv’s head falls back against the head rest of the car and she turns her face to mine. Her eyes are running over every part of my face like she is trying to re-commit it all to memory. I smile as I check the rear-view mirror and start to pull away from the curb.
“Where are we headed?” Ethan asks from the back seat.
“I’ve checked us all into the Hyatt Regency just near the waterfront. I thought we could all do some sightseeing. Tonight, we’re all invited to dinner at my folk’s place.”
“Cool,” Ethan responds, “I haven’t seen your family in ages. Is Christian going to be there too?”
“Uh Huh,” I say. “He will be. Sienna doesn’t get in until tomorrow though. How’s my little sister been while I’ve been away anyway?” I ask looking at Liv.
“She’s been great company and we’ve been getting along famously. I really like her Gray.”
I smile warmly. It means a lot to me that two of the most important women in my life are enjoying each other and have so much in common, aside from me.
“Coop can’t wait for her to get here tomorrow. I have to say that he has surprised me on this trip. He hasn’t once brought any groupies back to the bus or any hotel that we’ve stayed in. He’s being real faithful to Si. Freaks me the fuck out, but as long as he doesn’t hurt her then I won’t interfere.”
I signal our turn into the driveway that leads to the hotel.
“I told you Gray, Si may be his ‘Olivia’.”
Olivia is smiling from ear-to-ear. She really believes that my sister is going to change the womanising ways of Cooper. I’m not convinced, but I won’t say anything. Little do they all know that I’m watching the situation very closely from the sidelines.
No one messes with my sister, Cooper knows that, and as long as he doesn’t forget it, then we’ll be a-okay.
I pull the car up outside the entrance to the Hyatt and turn off the engine.
Our doors are opened for us by a well-dressed doorman who welcomes us warmly to the hotel, and asks for my keys and luggage so he can take care of the car. I hand over the keys at t
he same moment as I reach Liv. I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her through the large doors.
I can’t fucking wait to get her upstairs.
As we ascend to our floor I hand the key card to Ethan for his room which is located across the hallway from ours.
“Shall we all rest for a couple of hours and meet in the bar downstairs for a drink before heading out for a look around?” I ask.
Ethan smiles. “Yeah, let’s rest,” he says, emphasizing the word and making it known that he knows my meaning behind it. I flip him the finger and we all laugh as we step out on the tenth floor.
I scan the card in the handle and open the door for Liv, stepping back to allow her to enter first. I made sure that I checked us in earlier today and had the chance to cover the suite in flowers, chocolates and champagne; so that everything Liv would want would be here. I even had them put a couple of bouquets into Ethan and Ava’s room, as well as a bottle of champagne for them too.
I’ve really been looking forward to having them all with me.
“Gray,” she breathes, “this is absolutely amazing.” She turns back to me and throws her arms around my neck. “Thank you.”
She moves quickly and slams her lips to mine. The kiss escalates to the point where we are both heavy-breathing before Liv pulls back and runs her fingers through the strands of my hair, anchoring my forehead to hers.
“I missed you so much,” she says before lifting her eyes to stare straight into my soul.
“Me too.”
I run the backs of my fingers over her cheek and her eyes flutter closed with the contact.
“We have two hours to kill Gray, what do you want to do?” she says with a mischievous smile, as she pulls me by the t-shirt towards the bedroom of the suite.
“Anything you want Liv,” I respond with a smile, allowing her to drag me behind her wherever she wants me to go.
I’m happy to let her take the lead as long as she is having the same thoughts as I am - and I think she is.
“Do you want a glass of champagne?”
Liv shakes her head and says, “Not what I had in mind.”