“Thank you.”
On the way to her seat, Devon discreetly looked around and saw several familiar faces. Actors, actresses, comedians and musicians were scattered everywhere. Devon held her head high in an effort to seem just as important, hoping she appeared more confident than she felt.
The hostess led her to the end of the bar. She pulled out a stool that was situated in a prime location, giving her a view of the entire room.
“Enjoy your evening, Miss Jacobs. I’ll show Mister Roberts over as soon as he arrives.”
“Thank you.”
As soon as Devon sat down, the bartender hurried over.
“Good evening, Miss Jacobs,” he said, placing an ice bucket and two glasses in front of her, then filling one with champagne.
“Thank you very much.” Devon looked around and realized that she was the only person sitting alone. She glanced down at her phone and saw that it was almost seven-thirty. She squirmed in her seat self-consciously, then instinctively opened Instagram in an effort to appear occupied.
As she scrolled through her feed, Devon stumbled upon a photo that Lisa had posted. She enlarged the picture, just to make sure her eyes hadn’t deceived her. They had not. There Lisa was, sitting on Jason’s lap with his head buried deep within her exposed cleavage. The caption read, My baby Jay may be getting married, but he’ll always and forever belong to me <3!
Devon’s phone almost slipped out of her weakened grasp. She fumbled and recovered it, almost knocking over her glass. Her hands trembled as she searched Lisa’s photos. Almost every recent post was a picture of her and Jason. They’d been hitting the town hard together, and she’d even gone on a business trip to North Carolina with him.
Devon suddenly felt sick to her stomach. Now she knew why Gabby had given her that warning before she’d left home.
Put your phone away and enjoy your night, she told herself.
But she couldn’t. At this point she was too curious. So she kept scrolling. When she stumbled upon a picture of Lisa and Jason slow dancing at an all-white party, she stopped and read the caption.
Chillin’ in the Midwest, with my baby Jay who’s the best, where we’re better than all the rest, especially the sorry ones livin’ out West…
Devon’s cheeks burned as if she’d just been slapped in the face. She reread the caption over and over again, her eyes filling with tears.
Calm down. It’s okay, she told herself repeatedly.
Just when she pulled out her compact to check her mascara, Devon heard a familiar voice call out her name.
“Hey, Dee!”
She turned around and saw Ryan approaching her with open arms. Devon slid off the barstool and hugged him, inhaling his spicy cologne while relishing his warm, comforting embrace. Ryan had no clue how badly she needed that hug right now. Maybe he needed it as well, because he seemed to hold her longer than necessary.
After a few moments he pulled away but kept his hands on Devon’s waist. “Sorry I’m late. How are you?”
“I’m good, thanks,” she said, smiling through the remnants of emotion still percolating after seeing Lisa’s Instagram. “How are you?”
Ryan’s bright grin suddenly fell. “Wait, you don’t seem good. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing!” Devon lied. “I’m fine.” She quickly turned around and sat down. When the bartender came over and filled Ryan’s glass, she picked it up and handed it to him. “Here, taste this. It’s delicious.”
Ryan took the glass from her and sat down. “Listen, I don’t know you very well. But it’s obvious something’s bothering you. What’s going on, Dee?”
She took several sips of champagne, then caved after seeing the concerned look in Ryan’s eyes.
“I just saw my best friend from back home throwing major shade at me on Instagram. And I know that may seem petty, but…it really hurt.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, tears welled up in her eyes again.
Ryan reached over and gently covered her hand with his. “That’s not petty at all. I totally understand how you feel. I actually lost a lot of friends when I moved out here.”
“You did?”
“Absolutely.”
The bartender approached the twosome and placed napkins, plates and silverware in front of them, then refilled Devon’s glass.
“Good evening, Mister Roberts. Happy you’re joining us this evening. Will you and Miss Jacobs be ordering dinner?”
“I don’t know about Dee, but I’m starving,” he said before turning to her. “I hope you’re up for dinner. The food here is phenomenal.”
“Well…” she began, debating whether to share with Ryan that she was juicing.
“Don’t feel any pressure to eat if you don’t want to,” he told her. “I just hope you don’t mind if I eat. I’m dying for a steak.”
“Ugh, that sounds divine,” Devon said. But she’d been doing too well to turn back now. “I’m doing a juice cleanse that doesn’t end until Monday, so, I’m going to have to pass on dinner.”
Ryan leaned back and stared at Devon before smiling and nodding his head.
“What?” she asked coyly.
“You’ve been holding out on me, Dee. Yesterday when I asked about your hair, I knew something was different. I just couldn’t figure it out. But now I know. You’ve lost weight. You look great! Not that you didn’t before,” he quickly added.
“Thanks,” she muttered, fighting to restrain the goofy grin that was threatening to spread across her face. Devon had been working so hard and was beyond excited with her progress. But hearing how great she looked from someone else, Ryan Roberts no less, felt amazing.
The bartender placed a small menu in front of her. “We actually offer several juice options if that’s something you’d like to order. Take a look and let me know if you see something you like.”
Ryan leaned toward Devon and eyed the menu. “You know what, Harry? I think I may try one of these,” he said before turning to her. “See? You’re inspiring me to live a healthier lifestyle.”
“As if you need any help with that,” Devon quipped, reaching over and squeezing his bicep. After realizing what she’d done, she gasped and abruptly pulled her hand away.
Ryan glanced at Devon and chuckled amusingly. “You’d be surprised. I do work out a lot, but my diet isn’t the healthiest. I eat out too much. But that’s because my schedule’s so crazy. I’ve actually been thinking about signing up for one of those meal delivery services. A few of the actors on the show use an organic company called Fresh To Your Doorstep.”
“I’ve heard of that service. The couple who owns my guesthouse uses them, and they love it.”
“We should try it once you’re done with your cleanse.”
“Please,” Devon sniffed. “My little production assistant salary would never allow it.”
“You know our studio gets a discount on practically everything in this city, and I think the actors’ service is free. All they have to do is plug the company on their social media.”
“Well, I’ve got less than a thousand followers on Instagram and Twitter, so I seriously doubt they’d be interested in signing me to promote their company.”
“Dee, don’t worry about all that. Let me handle it. I got you.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Really? You don’t have to do that for me, Ryan. It’s too much.”
“No such thing. You’re really cool. Plus I like the way you looked out for me on that script. So it’s all good. I’ll take care of it.”
Devon clapped her hands excitedly. “Thank you! It’s so crazy how everything has been falling into place for me lately. From getting this job to living in Beverly Hills to working with Lena…it’s unreal.”
“They don’t call L.A. the city of dreams for nothing,” Ryan replied, his arm pressing against hers as he read over the menu. “So which juice are you thinking of ordering? That kale, apple, and cucumber smoothie sounds decent.”
“I agree. Let’s go with it.”
; Ryan placed their order, then swiveled in his stool and faced Devon. “Hey, let’s get back to that conversation we were having earlier about friendship.”
She sat straight up as that sick feeling suddenly reappeared. Devon had been having such a good time that she’d forgotten all about Lisa and Jason.
“I don’t want to dwell on the negative,” Ryan continued, “but being that you’re new to L.A., I just want to share a few things with you. Is that okay?”
“Of course,” Devon told him. “Go ahead.”
“So I was born and raised in Philly, joined a fraternity during college, played semi-pro basketball after graduation and picked up a lot of friends along the way. When I first moved out here to pursue my acting career, my boys would visit all the time. But I noticed that once I started booking roles, the visits slowed down, along with the calls and texts.”
Devon pointed at Ryan. “It’s funny you say that, because I just realized today that my best friend back home hasn’t returned my last few phone calls.”
“See? And check this out. Once I booked Here to Stay, it was a wrap. Almost all of my so-called friends just disappeared. They couldn’t handle my success. There were a few who tried to do the whole bandwagon thing, but I nipped that in the bud. You know how they say it’s not the successful people who change, it’s the people around them? That is such a true statement.”
“Wow,” Devon murmured before taking a long sip of champagne. “It’s just so hard to believe Lisa would play me like that though.”
“I hear you. But keep in mind we’re living in one of the most beautiful, enticing cities in the world. And we’re working in the most exclusive, exciting industry there is. So many people want to be a part of this.”
“But Lisa works with special needs children, and that’s always been her goal. I’m the one who’s been writing and grinding and dreaming of moving out here.”
“Just because she doesn’t want to live your same dream doesn’t mean she doesn’t begrudge it,” Ryan rebutted. “You were bold enough to believe in yourself and make this big move. That alone is enviable. And if you really wanna know the truth, your girl probably feels abandoned, like you’re moving on without her.”
Devon stared down at her glass. As Ryan’s words sank in, he reached over and gave her hand a squeeze.
“But the good news is, the Here to Stay’s cast and crew became a family to me. I’m sure that’ll happen for you, too.”
“That is so cool. I do feel like I’ve already begun creating solid connections with several people.”
“And I’m sure you’ll vibe with people outside of the show, too. I’ve met some really amazing people through the community service organizations I’m involved in, and my personal trainer has become like a brother to me.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Honestly, between work and hanging out with Gabby, I haven’t even had time to miss the people back home.”
“And that’s my point. Those you leave behind who aren’t worthy of your friendship will be replaced by those who are.”
Devon gazed at Ryan. As he stared back at her, she realized that she was seeing him in a completely different light.
“Thank you for sharing that with me,” she said. “I actually feel a lot better now.”
“Good. Happy to help. I’m always here if you need a listening ear or encouraging word.”
The moment was interrupted when Harry walked over.
“And here are your green To the Rescue smoothies, along with two bottles of distilled water. Would you like another bottle of champagne?”
Ryan looked over at Devon with a mischievous grin. “It’s up to you. Are we gonna be healthy for the rest of the evening, or pop another bottle?”
“Let’s be healthy. I don’t need more champagne anyway, because that stuff is strong. I think I’m already feeling the effects.”
“Welp, the lady has spoken,” Ryan said. “No more alcohol for us.”
“Got it. Give me a holler if you need anything else. Enjoy.”
Ryan picked up his glass. “A toast. To new beginnings, happy days and much success.”
“Indeed. Cheers!” Devon clinked her glass against Ryan’s, then took a sip. “Mmm. This is really good.”
Ryan, whose expression was filled with skepticism, took a sip. “Mmm, this is good. I didn’t expect that.”
“It definitely tastes much better than the concoctions Gabby and I make at home. I wish I could get the recipe from the chef.”
“Let me see what I can do,” Ryan replied, giving her a wink. “He’s a friend of the show.”
“So you’re just the man in this city, aren’t you?”
“I wouldn’t say all that, but, yeah, pretty much!” he replied before they both burst out laughing.
Devon and Ryan continued sipping their smoothies as they chatted about their childhoods, college years and making the move to L.A. Before they knew it, over three hours had passed.
“It’s been really cool hanging out and getting to know you, Dee.”
“Thank you, same here. I think we’ve learned everything there is to know about each other!”
“Feels like it, doesn’t it?” Ryan glanced down at his watch. “Man, I didn’t realize it was almost eleven o’clock. I’ve got an early morning workout scheduled with my trainer.”
“Yeah, Gabby somehow coerced me into hiking Runyon Canyon at the crack of dawn. I guess we’d better call it a night.”
The pair said their goodbyes to Harry, and Devon followed Ryan as he led her through the bar and down to the valet stand. On the way there, he spoke to several people and stopped for a few autographs and photos.
“I love how gracious you are with everyone,” Devon told him.
“Thank you. There’s no other way to be as far as I’m concerned. I really appreciate all the love everybody shows me. And those people are the reason I get to live out my dream, so I’m obligated to be gracious.”
“That’s a great attitude to have,” Devon said, watching as her car pulled up to the curb. She turned to Ryan. “Thank you again for tonight. I had a great time.”
“Same here.” He gave her a warm, lingering embrace, then stepped back and stared at her curiously. “Hey, have you checked out Posh Fit gym in Bel Air?”
“Uh, no. I’d love to but that place is way too expensive for my budget and too exclusive for my status.”
“Well, you should come and work out there with me sometime. It’s really nice. I think you’d like it.”
“Seriously? Ever since I’ve been on this health kick, I’ve visited their website several times just to read up on the latest workout trends.”
“Well, I’m always there, so you’re welcome to join me anytime. Just let me know.”
“You’re being too good to me, Ryan. Hookups on food delivery services, hotel juice recipes, and now an open invitation to the fanciest gym in town? How can I ever repay you for all this?”
“Just stay cool and down-to-earth. Don’t let this town go to your head, because you’re well on your way to becoming a huge success. That’s all I ask.”
That goofy grin Devon had struggled to suppress throughout the evening finally made an appearance. “Why, thank you. I think I can definitely do that.”
“All right. Be safe. Thanks again for your input on the script. Shoot me a message and let me know you made it home.”
Devon felt a slight tingle shoot up her spine. “I will.”
And with that, she pulled off and headed home. On the way there, she sent Gabby a quick text.
Heading home. Had SUCH a great time. So much to tell you. And I saw Lisa’s IG. Really disappointed in her. Thanks for the heads-up. See you soon!
Devon turned down Wilshire Boulevard, her mind racing as she mentally recapped the night. When she pulled into the driveway, and drove through the gates, Gabby came running out of the house like a madwoman.
“Spill the teas, sis!” she insisted the minute Devon stepped out of the car. “Tell me everything. Y
ou must’ve had an amazing time since you’ve been gone so long.”
“I did,” Devon said, laughing as she followed Gabby inside. “Let me text Ryan real quick and let him know I made it home.”
“Oh, okay! I see you. Letting your new man know you made it home safely. I like it.”
“Girl, please. Ryan is not my new man. But I’m happy to say he’s definitely a new friend.”
“Yeah, whatever. Send your new man that text then meet me in the kitchen. The green tea is heating up, just like your love life.”
“Will you stop it! I’m going to go change, then I’ll be back down.”
Devon practically floated upstairs to her room. On the way there, she sent Ryan’s message.
Hey, made it home. Thanks again for tonight. See you Monday!
Before she could even get her shoes off, Ryan responded.
Glad you made it home safely. I haven’t enjoyed myself that much in a long time. So thank you. Looking forward to seeing you Monday. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and feel free to hit me up anytime.
Devon inhaled sharply. She tightened her grip on the phone and reread the message over and over again, convinced that Ryan was flirting with her.
“No…he couldn’t be,” she said aloud before throwing on a robe and rushing downstairs to share her night with Gabby.
Chapter Ten
Devon glanced up at the clock. It was after six in the evening, and she was sitting in the conference room collating the latest script revisions.
Her phone buzzed, and when she saw that it was Lisa calling yet again, she sent her to voicemail.
Lisa had suddenly begun calling her like crazy since Monday morning. But after seeing all the mess she’d posted on Instagram, Devon had no desire to speak to her.
When her cell vibrated with another call from Lisa, Devon snatched up the phone and sent her a text, typing that she was too busy to talk. Lisa wrote back immediately.
Nothing could be more important than what I’ve got going on, Dev! Call me! RIGHT NOW!
She Gets What She Wants Page 7