I’m sitting outside of your house.
On my way, she quickly responded before Jason walked her down to the valet stand.
“Be safe,” he said. “Text me when you get home and let me know you made it. And once Gabby’s straight, if you wanna hook back up later, just let me know.”
“Okay, I will.”
Jason embraced Devon tightly, then helped her inside the car. She sped off, anxious to get home and find out what Ryan had to say for himself.
*
Devon sat on one end of the couch while Ryan sat on the other. They each sipped from their glasses of iced tea, staring straight ahead as if neither knew how to begin the conversation. Finally, Devon cleared her throat.
“So…you came here on a whim and insisted that I come home so we can talk. What’d you want to discuss?”
Ryan propped his elbows on his knees and rubbed his hands together.
“It’s funny,” he said. “When I saw you at Catch tonight, so many things ran through my mind that I wanted to say. But now that I’m here, I’m at a loss for words. I guess I just…I’m trying to figure out how we even got to this point.”
Devon took a big gulp of tea. “Well, it all started at the gala when you caught me completely off guard and told me how you felt about me, and—”
“You know what?” Ryan interrupted. “We don’t have to rehash what happened at the gala. After I told you how I felt, your reaction was all the response I needed.”
“But you didn’t even give me a chance to respond! You just came out of nowhere and dropped a bomb on me. I wasn’t expecting—”
“Listen,” Ryan interjected once again, “all that’s neither here nor there at this point, because clearly we’ve both moved on.”
Devon opened her mouth to object, but she couldn’t get a word in as he was on a roll.
“What we need to figure out is how to move past this. You and I were cool, Dev. Real cool. To the point where I considered you to be one of my closest friends.”
Hearing those words felt like a punch to Devon’s gut. She blinked rapidly, willing the tears not to fall from her eyes. “You’re right,” she said. “I felt the same way toward you.”
“So for us to have a misunderstanding, miscommunication or whatever you want to call it, and not be able to talk it out? I’m not gonna lie. That hurt.”
Devon felt her airwaves beginning to constrict as she watched Ryan stand up and head toward the door.
“And as for the gala,” he said, “just know that I did all that for you. Because ultimately, the only thing I cared about was impressing you.”
“And I appreciate that, Ryan, more than you know,” she replied, her legs trembling as she stood up and followed him.
“If nothing else,” he told her, “the least we could do is be cordial toward one another at work. I don’t want our personal issues to affect our professional lives. We’ve both worked too hard for that to happen.”
“I agree.”
“Okay…good,” Ryan said quietly. “See you Monday then?”
“Yep. See you Monday.”
He hesitated, then took a step toward Devon as if wanting to hug her. But then he backed away, turned around and walked out the door.
As soon as Ryan was gone, tears came pouring down Devon’s cheeks. She ran into the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face, then grabbed a towel and trudged back into the living room. When she saw her phone sitting on the coffee table, it dawned on her that she’d forgotten to text Jason and let him know she had made it home.
Devon unlocked her phone and saw that Jason had called and texted her several times, asking if she was okay.
I’m so sorry, she wrote back. Things were crazy when I got home, but they’ve calmed down now.
He replied within seconds.
Good. I was getting worried. So everything’s okay?
Everything’s fine. Devon paused, looking around the empty house before she continued typing. Do you still feel up to getting back together tonight?
Of course! Do you?
Yes. But I just wanna chill and talk. Is that cool?
Absolutely. Being with you is more than enough. Do you think Gabby will mind me being there?
Devon had forgotten about the excuse she’d given Jason for why she needed to come home.
You’re fine, she typed. She’s at her boyfriend’s place now.
Cool. I’m on my way. See you in a minute. <3
Devon felt the heaviness of her conversation with Ryan lighten a bit as she climbed the stairs to freshen up. Even though they hadn’t fully resolved their issues, she felt better knowing they’d at least agreed to be decent toward one another.
Chapter Twenty
“Good work, Dev,” Lena said as they exited the conference room. “I like those ideas you presented for the script. Keep it up, and who knows what may be on the horizon for you next season.”
Devon discreetly pumped her fists down by her sides while resisting the urge to scream. “Thank you so much, Lena. I will.”
“And you’ll have the changes on my desk this afternoon?”
“More like later this morning.”
“Well, all right then, show-off,” Lena said, winking at her. “I’ll be on the lookout for them.”
Devon made a swift right turn and headed toward the staircase, almost colliding with Ryan along the way.
“Whoa, Dev!” he said, quickly grabbing her. “Sorry. You okay?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” she replied, straightening out the pages of her script.
Ryan stood there watching her, his hands now resting on her waist.
“Hey,” he continued, “I uh…I heard what Lena just said to you. That’s amazing. Sounds like you’re well on your way to becoming a part of the writing staff next season.”
“Thanks. I hope so,” Devon responded, the pages of her script fluttering against her beating chest.
Ryan looked down at his hands and quickly removed them from her waist. “Hey, we uh…we should grab lunch sometime. I feel like we kind of left things in a weird place Saturday night.”
“Oh,” Devon uttered, her voice rising several octaves as she tightened her grip on the script. “Yeah. I agree. Lunch sounds good.”
Ryan’s lips spread into a subtle smile. “Good. So…should I have my people call your people?”
Devon snickered, his lighthearted teasing putting her at ease. “You probably should. I’ll alert my assistant to be on the lookout for your call.”
“Yeah, you do that.” Ryan stood there staring at her for several seconds. “All right then. I guess we’d better get back to work. See you later?”
“Yep, see you.”
Devon made her way back to her cubicle, not knowing what to make of the run-in with Ryan.
You should’ve asked him about Laila, she thought to herself before quickly pushing the notion out of her head. Mind the business that concerns you…
The minute she sat down at her desk, her cell phone buzzed. It was a text from Jason.
Hey, you. I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is all my northern Cali meetings were phenomenal. The bad news is I’ve gotta fly back to Indy today to meet with my supervisor. But I think I’m gonna get promoted to regional manager, so I guess that’s good news too, right?!
That’s awesome! Devon wrote back. Congrats!
Thanks! Hopefully if all goes as planned, you’ll consider moving back to Berman after I get this promo!
“Boy, bye,” Devon muttered, rolling her eyes before typing, Good luck and safe travels. Text me when you make it home.
She slid her phone to the side and turned her attention to her computer. The minute she began editing the script, an email notification popped up on the screen. Devon clicked on it, and her mouth fell open when she saw that the message was from Lisa.
“Girl, what do you want?” Devon said aloud.
The subject of the email read, PLEASE OPEN: DO NOT DELETE!
“Drama queen
,” she said under her breath before clicking on the message.
Dear Devon, it began. I know you probably have nothing to say to me, which at this point I completely understand. But in spite of that, I owe you an apology as well as an explanation for my foul behavior.
Wow, Devon thought, scooting her chair in closer to the screen.
I’m ready to come clean, be truthful, and admit to you how hurt and jealous I was when you moved to L.A. I always thought we’d be in Berman together, having families and living happily ever after.
When you first told me you’d gotten the job I was ecstatic. But after you left, I felt alone and abandoned. Seeing you thrive without me triggered an enviousness that I never knew existed. As a result, I turned to reckless, attention-seeking behavior, and ended up losing those closest to me.
I was crushed when Charles broke up with me, even though I’d done him so wrong by dating Brandon. It was the biggest crisis of my life, and I missed you being there for me. On top of that, your glamorous new Hollywood life was blossoming while my world was crumbling. So I retaliated by drinking and acting out with Jason, just to get under your skin.
I’m literally sitting here crying while I type this message. I am so ashamed of myself, Devon. I’ve sobered up, and even started seeing a therapist. I cannot express to you how sorry I am. For everything. I hope and pray you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I miss my friend. My sister. My best half.
Please write me back. Talking to you would be even better. I hope that one or the other or maybe even both will happen soon. Love, Lisa
Devon reread the message while blinking back tears. The Lisa who’d written this email was the best friend she had known and loved for years.
She grabbed a tissue and dabbed her eyes, then closed Lisa’s message and reopened the script. Devon had every intention of sending a response, but not just yet. It was going to take her a minute to pull her thoughts together. Plus she had an important deadline to meet. So for now, she turned her attention back to her edits.
*
“I’m sorry, but I just can’t take Jason seriously,” Gabby said as she hung several dresses up on a rack.
It was the end of the day, and Devon had stopped by the wardrobe department after a major cast fitting.
“And don’t even get me started on Lisa,” she continued. “Why is she suddenly coming out of the woodwork with a sob story and an apology?”
Devon sighed while folding a cashmere sweater. “I don’t know, Gab. Maybe she’s finally seen the error in her ways. Her message did seem really sincere. And I’m sure she misses our friendship.”
“It sounds like you’re missing hers, too.”
Devon plopped down on the couch. “You know, I actually do miss Lisa. Sometimes. I mean, think about it. We’d been friends for years. Lisa was like my girl girl. So of course I was really shocked and hurt by all her foolery. But after getting that email, I’m open to having a conversation with her.”
“Well, just be careful.”
“I will. I’m planning on taking things slowly with the both of them.”
“And what about Jason sweating you to give up your life here in L.A. to move back to Berman? I mean, does he seriously think that’ll ever happen?”
Devon propped her elbow on the arm of the couch and rubbed her forehead. “Who knows. I haven’t given him any indication that it would. And he knows how important being out here and pursuing my writing career is to me.”
“Good,” Gabby said as she picked up a jumpsuit and flung it over a hanger. “But anyway, enough about all that. Let’s talk about you and Ryan and this lunch you’re planning. When is it? Where is it? I’m so excited!”
“Whoa, Kemosabe. Slow down. First of all, Ryan and I haven’t solidified any plans just yet, and—” She stopped abruptly when Gabby gripped her stomach and held her hand to her mouth. “Are you okay?”
Gabby gagged, ran over to the garbage can and vomited. Devon jumped up and hurried over, pulling her hair away from her face.
When Gabby’s sickness subsided, Devon handed her several napkins and a bottle of water.
“Thank you,” Gabby croaked, taking several sips and patting her forehead dry. “I knew I shouldn’t have eaten those hot wings for lunch.”
“Clearly,” Devon said, her forehead wrinkling with concern. “You wanna sit down for a minute?”
“No, I’m fine. Whatever that was feels like it passed. I need to get this place straightened up so I can meet Vince. We’re having dinner with the owners of Posh Fit to discuss the location they’re opening in Malibu. Vince is hoping they’ll choose him to run it.”
“Really? That would be fantastic.”
“It certainly would. He eventually wants to open his own gym, but in the meantime, this could be a great stepping-stone.”
Devon’s cell phone buzzed. It was a text message from Lena.
Hey, D. I know it’s late, but a few of the writers and I are in my office making last-minute adjustments to the script. Can you grab four large iced coffees and come join us?
“Oh no,” Devon groaned, shoving her phone back in her pocket.
“What’s wrong?”
“Lena and some of the writers are working on the script, and she wants me to grab coffee, then go meet with them.”
“Dev, that’s fantastic! I’ve never known Lena to bring PA’s into the fold like she’s done with you. You’re well on your way, girl. See, that’s why you shouldn’t even be entertaining Jason, talking about move back to Berman. Tuh!”
“And on that note,” Devon said, standing up and heading toward the door, “If you’re sure you’re okay, I’m gonna run to Drink Up. You good?”
“I’m good. Go. Get outta here. I’ll see you at home tomorrow. Good luck!”
“Thank you, same to Vince!”
Devon rushed out of the studio. When she got outside, she noticed Ryan standing on the curb in front of the building. Just when she walked up and tapped him on the shoulder, a red convertible Mercedes sports car came roaring down the street and pulled up right in front of them. There in the driver’s seat was none other than Laila James.
“Hey, babe,” she oozed sexily to Ryan. “You ready?”
“I am,” Ryan told her. When he opened the passenger door, he turned and noticed Devon standing behind him. “Hey, Dee. What’s up?”
“Hey.” She watched as he climbed inside the car, leaning over so that Laila could place a lingering kiss on his cheek.
Devon quickly looked away, resisting the urge to run off. When Laila threw her a haughty, finger-wiggling wave, all she could manage was a slight head nod.
“Catch up with you later?” Ryan asked Devon.
Before she could respond, Laila revved the engine loudly and sped off.
“You stupid b—” Devon said just as her cell phone pinged. She grabbed it while rushing over to the café, expecting to see another text from Lena. But it was a message from Jason.
Hey, babe. At the airport, about to board. Can we talk tonight? I really wanna discuss you moving back home to Berman, because it’s looking like my promotion is about to happen, like, yesterday. Can’t wait to see you again…
Devon calmly slid her phone inside her pocket and entered Drink Up. While she waited in line, she crossed her arms and stared across the street at the huge Showstopper Studios sign.
“I can’t do this,” she blurted out, grabbing her cell again and Googling how to execute an amicable split.
Chapter Twenty-One
Devon took a deep breath, placed her fingers on the laptop keyboard and began typing.
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for your message. I appreciate your honesty and accept your apology. While I do understand your explanation, you need to understand just how hurt I was by your actions.
I thought you’d be the happiest for me when I moved to L.A. considering you knew the most about my dreams, struggles and pain. So I was beyond shocked when instead of rooting for me, you turned against me in
the worst way. That’s going to take some time for me to get over.
Again, I do accept your apology. And I’m open to us talking. I’ve missed our friendship as well and hope that we can eventually put the pieces back together. Life is crazy for me right now, so when things settle down, I’ll give you a call.
Take care,
Dev
Devon reread the message several times before finally hitting the send button. When she did, there was a knock at her bedroom door.
“Come in!”
Gabby stuck her head inside. “Hey, you busy?”
“No, I was just responding to Lisa’s email.”
Gabby plopped down on the bed and peered over at Devon’s computer. “Oh, really? What’d you say?”
“Here, I’ll let you read it,” she said, turning the computer toward her.
Gabby scanned the message, nodding her head as she read.
“That was good. You were very honest, and I like that you’re not just jumping right back into the friendship. Let her prove she’s truly sorry and really changed her ways.”
“That’s the plan,” Devon said, closing her laptop. “And on that note, I’m gonna run downstairs and make a smoothie. You want one?”
“I’d love one. But hey, before you go…” Gabby reached over and placed her left hand on Devon’s arm.
A gleaming sparkle of light flashed across Devon’s eyes. She looked down and saw a shiny princess-cut solitaire sitting beautifully on Gabby’s ring finger.
Devon gasped and covered her mouth, her eyes immediately filling with tears.
“Gab! What is that?”
“According to Vince, it’s an engagement ring.”
Devon squealed and threw her arms around Gabby.
“Congratulations! When did this happen? How’d it happen? When’s the wedding? I’m so excited and happy for you!”
“Thank you! It happened last night while we were having dinner at Le Petit Four. I was completely caught off guard. I did notice that Vince was acting a little weird while we were eating, but I just assumed it was because he’s so overwhelmed with the opening of Posh Fit Malibu. Then, when my chocolate raspberry cake arrived, this ring was sitting on top of it. That’s when he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Obviously, I said yes.”
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