“It’s Top Secret. Sorry, we signed non-disclosure agreements and I can’t disclose anyone who will be on this segment.” Busted and I know it.
I hope Sam and Ana don’t call me out on this. True I did sign the agreement, but that wouldn’t stop me from talking about anything. I know Sam has no clue who any of the baseball players are. We all know why she’s asking me and I just confirmed it. I’m not ready to discuss it, and she isn’t prying.
Around midnight we each decide to head to bed. I’m giddy and super excited to go to Los Angeles in just over a week. I hope Jax will have some time to spend with me when I’m there. I’d love to spend a few days with him in another city.
I decide to let him know that I’m coming.
12:31am
Me: Hey, just thinking of you and about to go to bed. Miss you!
Jax: Hey Babe, I’m thinking of you too. How are you?
Me: Pretty good, thanks. I got the green light for a big project I was waiting for approval on. Actually, it means I’ll be in L.A. next week Saturday - Wednesday. Are you there those days?
I ask him, but I already have the answer. Ana is dressing the star of his movie, so I have the exact dates of everything even though we don’t really discuss our jobs in great detail.
12:33am
Jax: That’s great to hear! Yes, I’ll be there and you’re staying with me.
Hmm, I’d love to stay with him but NBC is already paying for my hotel.
12:37am
Me: I’m interviewing some baseball players for a work segment so the hotel’s paid for by work.
Jax: Not up for discussion. Send me your itinerary and I’ll be there to pick you up. You just made my day.
12:40am
Me: So bossy! Ok I’d love to stay with you. I can’t wait, I miss you.
12:42am
Jax: Miss you too. I hate to cut this short but I’m at dinner, I’ll talk to you soon. Xoxo
I’m now pinching myself as I crawl into bed and grab the t-shirt that Jax left here the last time he visited. If I relive this day in my head over and over, good dreams will come to me tonight.
Chapter 10
It’s finally Saturday and I’m leaving for Los Angeles. I’m booked on the 9am flight leaving JFK and arriving at LAX at 11:56am.
Jax has my itinerary and said he’d be there to pick me up. Ana’s already in Los Angeles and Sam’s arriving tonight. She’s been working almost 24 hours a day to get ahead for this mini-vacation.
I’m so excited! Jax and I have talked almost every night. I’m so drawn to him that it freaks me out every day when I go over our conversation from the night before.
He’s so passionate about his acting that I almost, almost, went online to learn everything about him.
I know he broke into acting when he was 16 years old and that he has been in several blockbuster hits. I know he’s most proud of his latest movie “Drowning,” where he’s the producer as well as male lead.
He’s told me acting has isolated him and he’s never sure who he can trust. I was surprised when he told me that even when he’s dated actresses he never knew if they were dating him to be on the cover of a magazine or to be the headlining news on E! News.
Hearing this version of how it is to live in the public eye makes me sad for him and Sam. I also feel so honored that they trust me.
James drops me off at JFK airport and tells me to be very careful while in Los Angeles. Ahh, getting dropped off by James was often like getting dropped off by my dad in high school.
“Go with Marc and he’ll take you to the gate,” James says as he parks near a far entrance.
“Are you sure?” I ask James. I’ve never gone into any other terminal besides the normal ones.
“Yes, I’m sure Miss Stevens.”
Well if James is sure, then I’m sure. Like I said, he’s been like a parent dropping me off for the past four years now.
“Hello Miss Stevens, my name is Marc. I’ll take you to the gate and get you ready for your flight to Los Angeles where Mr. Johnston will meet you.”
I nod at him thinking this is all so surreal. It’s all a little strange. Leave it to Jax or Sam to put extra security on me. Although, honestly, Marc doesn’t look much like security to me. He’s about 5’6”, skinny, and bald. I’m pretty sure I could take him if I needed too.
I follow Marc through back doors and tunnels and back outside toward what looks like a private jet. He turns to me and points at the plane.
“Mr. Johnston tried to be here to meet you Miss Stevens but, unfortunately, he was not able to make it. I’ll accompany you to Los Angeles where Mr. Johnston will meet you.”
“Oh,” is all I can say. Jax sent me a private plane to take to Los Angeles? I had a paid seat on an airline and would have made it there just fine. I stood there dumbfounded for a minute before Marc pushed me forward, up the stairs, and on-board for my first ever ride on a private plane.
The plane was absolutely amazing. Marc turned out to be the perfect host and very friendly. We chatted the whole time and he told me funny stories of everyone who has been on the plane, apparently owned by a very famous Director.
I arrive at LAX a little before my originally scheduled time. It was a very peaceful flight and if I could, I’d probably always choose to fly on a private plane.
The doors open to the most beautiful day. I take one last giant yawn before I get up grab my stuff and head to the door. Before I get to the stairs Jax springs in and I drop all my stuff to jump into his arms.
I missed him so much. I’m in so much trouble!
“Hey there, gorgeous, how was your flight?” he asks while his arms are holding me tightly against his body. Oh this man’s arms are delicious and I don’t mind being in them at all.
“Well, it was unbelievable actually. Somehow I was mistaken for someone else and placed on a private plane with an absolutely amazing host named Marc.” I tell him.
“Oh really, this Marc guy made the day for you?” he asks me with feigned annoyance.
“No this absolutely wonderful man I know surprised me with my very own plane ride to see him.” I say, happy to appease him. I don’t even want to play around; Jax was generous with me and I’m tremendously grateful.
“Man you know?” he asks me and I think I hurt his feelings.
I was trying not to joke, but I think I may have played this wrong. I reach up with both hands and grab his face. “I missed you, babe!” I bring his face toward me for a kiss
I take control and bite his upper lip and push my tongue into his mouth. The passion immediately comes out of us as we deepen the kiss.
I jump back up into his arms straddling my legs around him and he slams me against the side of the plane. He pulls back and kisses down to my ear and whispers, “I need to get you out of here.”
As he slowly puts me down he rubs his hands down from my head to my waist paying special attention to my breasts.
“Ok,” Is all I can get out. I grab my purse as he grabs my bag and we head out to the car that’s waiting for us.
I snuggle up to him as he places my seat belt over me.
“I’ve been so excited to spend this time with you.”
I peek up at him and smile knowing I’m equally as excited.
“I checked your entire itinerary and only scheduled my stuff for when you’re working, except for the premiere tonight.” he tells me and leans back down and kisses me.
I know my schedule pretty well, so I know I have something tomorrow morning and Wednesday afternoon and the rest of the time is open. I’m thrilled at the prospect of all these days and nights that I’ll get to spend with him. Tonight, however, will be a fun night of just girls!
“So, where are we staying?” I ask him. I can’t believe I haven’t asked him this until now. I’ve been to Los Angeles before so I know what the area is like, for the most part, but I have no idea where he lives.
“I have a few places here but I thought we would stay at my house in the Hill
s. That way Ana and Sam can stay with us and they are close to everything. Is that ok?”
It was so nice of him to make sure Ana and Sam were staying with us. They both have houses here, but Jax’s place is centrally located from what I’ve been told.
“If you want your own room you can have it, there’s plenty of space.”
“Oh,” I say. Why would he ask me that? I think about it for a minute and decide to put my big girl panties on.
“Jax I was hoping to stay with you in your room. Were you thinking something different?” I ask him while keeping eye contact.
He unbuckles me and places me on his lap facing him. “Lucy I want you to stay with me in my house in my room, is that ok?”
“Yeah, that works for me, babe.” I say with a sweet kiss.
We get to his gate and the driver rolls down his window to put in a code. The gates open to a magnificent house boasting a spectacular view. We drive around a large fountain that is shooting water and sounds so relaxing. The house is sitting on the edge of a hill that overlooks a cliff. The view is something else and is really what captures your complete attention. I’m guessing the night view is even better.
He carries my stuff in through the solid wood entranceway and I’m swept away by the floor-to-ceiling window views. “Wow, this view is amazing, Jax!”
“Yes, it is,” he says and I laugh.
Jax promises me a tour later but asks me to follow him to our room for the week. The house is amazing and totally captures what I thought his house would be like. It’s so open and inviting while still showing his masculine side.
His room has floor to ceiling windows and a giant king-sized bed. There’s a door wall that opens to a verandah and I’m instantly drawn to it. I step outside and it’s every bit the oasis you would dream to have in a home. I’m blown away by the serenity I feel while standing there.
He comes outside and wraps his arms around me. “What do you think?”
“Wow Jax, I think this has to be my most favorite spot in the whole world,” I say with complete honesty.
“This spot is why I bought the place.”
I really appreciate him for what he sees in me and this world; it’s no wonder that this spot would mean so much to both of us.
He kisses my neck and tells me Ana is already here, but she’s out dressing her client for the premiere.
“All right, what time do you need to get ready for the premiere?”
“I need to leave at about 3:30pm.”
I check my watch and it’s close to 1pm already. I frown, “ok buddy it’s 1pm, we’ve got two and a half hours… what do you want to do?”
“Well, there’s plenty I want to do, but we both need to eat so I’ve set up lunch for us outside on the terrace.” He grabs my hand and leads me back out the way we came, through the large family room area, and out the French doors.
The backyard feels like a Caribbean resort and the view down here is just as impressive. I have no idea why he’d need more properties than this, but I haven’t seen the other homes yet and I bet they’re just as beautiful.
This is the most romantic set-up I can imagine. There’s a small table set up with servings for two, champagne chilling next to us, and tiny tea lights all over the place.
“Wow, this looks incredible,” I say as I’m still taking in the scenery. It’s so beautiful. I feel so lucky.
He smiles and pulls out my chair for me, “why thank you, sir.”
“Would you care for some champagne?”
“Yes, I’d love some.”
The day passes quickly. We are so caught up in conversation that before we know it, someone comes outside and tells Jax it’s time to get dressed and leave.
Jax puts his head down for a minute and then looks at me intensely, “this has been the best date Lucy. Can we meet up tonight at the club you girls are going to?” he asks.
“This has been the best day. Thank you so much for everything, and of course I’d love to see you when you’re done working.”
I stand up and walk over to him to sit on his lap. I wrap my arms around him and whisper, “really, Jax, I can’t wait to see you.” I lean in so our faces are close enough to kiss, and whisper again, “have fun tonight,” before I kiss him as passionately as I can.
This kiss is what I want him thinking of all night!
We’ve had such a nice afternoon together and I learned so much more about him. His place in New York is his favorite because New York is his home. He has three properties in California. This one in the Hollywood Hills is his favorite, and it’s all because of that view he has in his bedroom. His next favorite is a home in Malibu and he says if we don’t get a chance to see it this week he’s flying me back here in a few weeks. I just loved talking to him and the food was delectable.
As Jax leaves, Ana arrives. She looks at Jax and shakes her finger at him in a motherly fashion. “Why did I just spend all morning getting Catherine ready and here you are not even dressed yet, and you will still outshine her at the premiere? How unfair!” she says to Jax with a smile, and I can’t help but laugh out loud.
Jax is hot, but Catherine Marx is quite beautiful too. She’s been in just as many movies as him and is an A-list actress.
“Here’s your suit, Jax. Go put it on, the car is waiting outside for you,” Ana tells him.
Jax takes it, thanks her, and winks at me as he walks back inside.
“So, tell me all about it, Ana. How was being a stylist for the day?” I ask her.
“UH-MAY-ZING,” she tells me.” I styled actresses today for this premiere. It’s THE premiere in Hollywood this summer. They look perfect, if I do say so myself.” She’s beaming as she talks.
“Wow, sounds like a great day; I’m so proud of you!” I say as I wrap my arms around her.
“Oh you’re going to be more proud of me because I’m styling you and Sam tonight too.”
I laugh because of course she is. I can’t wait to see what she’s dressing me in for a night out in L.A. The girls have planned our evening out and I have no idea what we’re in for, but I’m looking forward to it.
Chapter 11
It’s about 8pm when Sam finally arrives at the house. Ana and I have been sitting at the pool all afternoon drinking cocktails, and we’re excited to see her.
“Let the party begin, biatches!” Sam yells as we rush to grab her up in a group hug. I’m so happy I get to spend this time with Jax, but having the girls here makes this a real vacation; something I think we all needed pretty badly.
“Come on ladies, I’ve picked out fabulous outfits for you both! They’re amazeballs, really. I also asked Audrina and Paige, who were styling hair and makeup with me today, to come by and help us out,” Ana says with her normal spunk. I know she just loves helping us get all glammed up.
“This is going to be so much fun!” Sam squeals as we run upstairs to start prepping.
“Come to my room!” Ana yells to us “I have everything set up in here. The other girls just got here; I’m going to go buzz them in.”
“Wow,” is all I can say. I turn to Sam “Ana really should be a stylist. These outfits are… what did she say again?” I can’t stop giggling.
“Amazeballs,” Sam says as we continue cracking up.
We’re both dressed by the time Ana comes back with Audrina and Paige. We introduce ourselves and start talking about the night we have ahead of us. A car is coming to pick us up at 11pm to take us to the club.
We sit and talk while drinking Berry Ciroc and Sprite cocktails; still my favorite drink. I’m just about drunk when 11pm rolls around and we gather up our things to leave for the night. Audrina and Paige have done us up so well that we each look like we could be walking on the runway.
When we get in the car there’s an envelope with my name on it. I open it “Lucy, Have a wild time tonight. I can’t wait to see you. Jax” I laugh when I read it. It’s always so funny to remember that infomercial we watched on our first date with the people running throu
gh the wildflowers. He sends me wild flowers and makes ‘wild’ comments all the time and I just love it.
“Wahoo let the real party start!” Sam yells as she cracks open the Ciroc that Jax sent in the car for us.
I can’t stop laughing, “Sam didn’t the party start at 8 when you got here?”
“No, biatches!” Ana laughs as she tries to talk, “the party started at 3:30 when Lucy and I hit the pool.”
When we pull up to the club there’s already a long line out the door. I know we never wait in these lines, but I can’t believe the photographers that are here too. “What the fuck is this all about?” I accidentally say out loud.
“First time in L.A.?” Audrina asks with a slight snark in her tone.
What’s with her attitude? I don’t have time to respond because Sam speaks first.
“Sorry, Luce, we can’t get around them here like we can in New York, so hang on tight to my hand and keep your head down. Hopefully no one gives us too much trouble, but if Jax comes later they will. You need to prepare for this while you are here, OK?” Sam asks me.
“OK, I’ll do my best,” I smile back at her.
A huge body-builder-looking man opens the car door for us and welcomes us to ‘Club Night.’ He introduces himself as Brett, our security for the night. Brett says he’s going to help us get into the club and that he’ll stick with us all night.
“All right, let’s do this!” Sam says.
He laughs, “Welcome back Sam, it’s nice to see you again.”
“Nice to see you too, Brett!” Sam says with a wink.
Brett was joined by another muscle man and thankfully we had the extra help. The paparazzi were really going crazy over Sam being there and they were asking her all sorts of questions. “Is this the girl that we keep seeing Jasper with? Who are you here with Sam? Is Catherine going to flip out?”
We ignore them as we rush into the club. As soon as we walk in I can relax and breathe for a minute. The music is pumping loudly and I know we’re going to have a good time.
Brett ushers us up to an area that’s roped off as VIP. I scope the area and see a lot of very famous people here; it’s a little surreal. We’re given wrist bands that’ll get us our drinks and get us back into the VIP area.
Almost Lost, Never Forgotten Page 6