by Kristy Gibs
I spent the afternoon calling and setting up appointments with caterers and decorators. Our budget was fairly limited, but I was determined to make Beth’s vision come to life.
“Hey, kid.”
I looked up to see Beth standing in front of me, her jacket on and her bag resting on her shoulder. I looked at the large clock hanging on the wall opposite my desk and was stunned to see it was after five.
“It's quitting time.” She smiled at me.
“Wow, I totally lost track of time. Just give me one minute, and I will be ready to go.” I closed my laptop and began tidying up my space.
“You did really good today, Ella. I can tell already, you and I are going to do some amazing things here.”
I blushed. “Thanks.”
After walking to the community parking lot, we said goodbye and I got into my car. Once my car was on, I called my brother using Bluetooth.
“Elle-Belle, how’d it go?” Jax said as soon as he answered.
“Amazing. After everything that has happened to me lately—”
“Ugh, Elle-Belle,” he cut me off. “Ashton is in the car with me too.”
Grateful I knew that before I got into details, I greeted him, “Oh… hey, Ashton.” The blonde girl pops into my mind, and I quickly chase the thought away.
“Glad to hear you had an amazing first day.” As soon as his voice came through my speakers, my entire body broke out in goosebumps.
Stop. I willed my body. If it were just Jax, I would have given him every last detail of my entire day, but knowing Ash was in the car, the shy side of me took over. “Yeah. It was.”
Get a grip, Ella, I thought.
“Elle-Belle, I hate to cut this short, but Ash and I are on our way to check out a band. Can I call you later or tomorrow?”
“Of course. Have fun.”
“Love you, Elle-Belle. So proud of you.”
“Thanks. Love you too. Um… Bye, Ash.”
“Bye, Gabriella.” Normally, I hated when people called me Gabriella, but I was pretty certain I’d let Ash call me anything he wanted.
I spent the rest of the drive home listening to music while mentally going over my to-do list for the next day.
11
Ella
“Cheers to your first week of work!” Lucy said, holding her champagne glass in the air. I smiled and took a long sip of the sweet drink. As the week went on, my desire to let loose diminished, but Lucy wouldn’t let me cancel our night out in LA. So here I am, with Lucy in the VIP area of Luxe, one of the most popular clubs in LA.
“So, Ella, what are we going to do tonight?” She scanned the crowd. “Are you going to mope around or get on that dance floor?”
Sighing, I sat back on the leather couch. “I Facegram stalked Ashton.”
“You didn’t...” Lucy laughed as she sipped her drink.
“I did.” I grabbed my phone, bringing the app up, then showed her the picture of Ash and the mystery woman.
“Oh, honey. You’re so jealous!” she said, and I couldn’t deny it.
“Ugh!” I said before pouring myself another glass of champagne and downing it in one gulp.
“Hmm… her name is SammiGrl45. Her page is private, bummer. But she could be anyone, Ella. She tagged him, so it’s not like he posted it.” She handed me back my phone. I hadn’t really thought about it that way. “But,” she continued, “two can play at that game. You want to know how he feels? You need to get yourself a man.”
Ugh. what?
“Come on.” She grabbed me and pulled me straight to the bar where two guys stood. Oh, God. What was she doing? She didn’t even say anything; she went up to one of them and pulled him toward her and started dancing with him. I just stood there, feeling like an idiot.
“Your friend is pretty friendly,” the other guy said to me.
“That she is,” I said.
“I’m Alex.”
“Ella,” I replied.
“Well, since your girl has taken over my friend, do you want to dance?” he asked.
What the hell. “Lead the way,” I said to Alex, and he pulled me onto the dance floor.
Lucy grinned when she saw us approach, and the four of us began dancing together. I didn’t talk to Alex much because the music was loud, but he seemed nice. He was being respectful, and although we were dancing close, he wasn’t inappropriate. As one song turned into two, we were out on the dance floor for an hour. Lucy kept taking her phone out and taking selfies and pictures of our little group. As the night wore down, we said goodnight to the guys and headed out to our waiting cab.
“Thanks for tonight. It was actually a lot of fun,” I admitted to my best friend.
“I’m glad. You need to let loose more often, Ella.” Maybe she was right. Before leaving for Europe, I rarely went out, and while away, I was consumed with school. Tonight made me realize I needed to enjoy life. I wasn’t getting any younger.
Lucy nodded out in the cab; she drank way more than me so I let her sleep while I decided to play around on my phone. I opened up Facegram, and my mouth dropped when I saw Lucy tagged me in a few pictures tonight, several with just me and Alex.
We appeared a lot friendlier than we were. In several pictures, Alex had his arm around my waist, and if I didn’t know nothing happened, I would have thought we were together. Ashton’s face immediately came to mind. This is what she meant when she said two can play at that game. I was a bit mortified but, a part of me was curious to know what he thought.
12
Ash
I had the week from hell. Two of the bands I have been working and negotiating with for the last six months—both of which had very generous contracts, if I might add— got picked up by our biggest competitor. What a slap in the face. The amount of time, effort, and money that went it scouting a band flushed down the toilet. Now I had to endure the painstaking task of finding a new band and starting the cycle again.
I loved my job, but I hate getting screwed over.
Fortunately, Jax and I had a plan to go see an all-girl band in a few weeks that, hopefully, would be just as good as rumored, and we could sign them to the RevoltTrax family.
Despite my shit week, thoughts of Gabrielle filled my mind. I caught myself thinking about her more and more with each day that passed. I wanted to reach out and see how she was doing. I had a brief text conversation with Beth, who said she was the best assistant she could ever ask for. It pleased me to know things were looking promising for her.
It was late Friday afternoon, and I was debating on stopping in at the gallery. If I just so happened to run into a beautiful brunette with sparkling copper eyes while visiting my best friend, so be it. I was just about to take off toward the direction of the gallery when on my dash, my mother’s number appeared. She had called almost a dozen times since Saturday, and I had avoided her phone call each time. I felt horrible, but I wasn’t sure what I was going to say to her.
Knowing I couldn’t avoid it forever, I remained parked in my assigned spot and answered. “Hello, mother.”
“Ashton, I’ve been calling all week.”
“I’ve been extremely busy.” It wasn’t an outright lie, but it was better than telling her I didn’t want to speak to her.
“I’m sorry.” She was always sorry after she relapsed. As much as I cared for her and wanted her to get better, sorry just wasn’t cutting it anymore. Call me heartless, but I couldn’t keep doing this.
“You’re lucky they let you stay in the program, Mom.”
She sniffled on the other end, a telltale sign she was getting upset. “I made a mistake, Ash.”
Sighing, I decided to be blunt with her. “Mom, you know I love you more than anything. I hate seeing you like this. I hate what this disease does to you, but if it happens again, I will have no choice but to send you somewhere on the East Coast. There are no more facilities in California for you, and maybe getting out of California is what you need.”
“Ashton, what are you saying? Yo
u want to send me away?”
“No, Mom, I don’t want to send you away. I want you to get better, for good.” What I was about to say would open the floodgates, but I always tiptoed around the subject. After taking a deep breath, I said the one thing I had wanted to tell her for the last few years: “You have to move on, Mom. Dad is gone, and he isn’t coming back. It’s time you get your life together.”
She inhaled deeply. My uncle had told her many times she needed to get over it; each time, she said it was like a slap in the face. How could she get over the love of her life? So, when she said what she said next, I was shocked. “I know, son.”
“I am glad to hear that.” For the first time, I had hope… hope she would get better. I checked the clock and it was almost five. “Mom, why don’t I bring you dinner? We can talk.” It had been a while.
“I would love that.”
“See you soon, Mom.” I hung up and quickly called the burger place she loved and ordered us both a deluxe burger and fries. Tonight, I had a date with family.
I woke up feeling better than I had in days. Things with my mother finally seemed to be going in the right direction. Picking up my phone, I opened up FaceGram. I wanted to talk to Gabriella; maybe she was free today to do something.
I entered her name into the search bar and waited for her page to pop up. I was just about to click into the messenger when I noticed her most recent pictures. Clicking on one to enlarge it, a pit formed in my stomach. Gabriella was with a man who had his arms possessively wrapped around her waist.
Who the fuck is that?
I continued to scroll, growing angrier with each picture. I should be the one in the picture with her. Of course, Preston liked a picture of her and Lucy. My finger itched to leave a snarky comment, so before I gave into my childish behavior, I tossed the phone away from me.
What was wrong with me? I wasn’t this guy. I dated, sure, but I wasn’t one to let one woman consume me—that was until Gabriella. I got up and walked to my kitchen to make coffee. With my coffee in hand, I walked out onto my balcony overlooking the water. I needed to figure out what the hell I wanted. Did I really want her? Did I want something serious? Give up on casually dating whoever I wanted?
Yes. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she was special—someone I wanted to get to know.
I was contemplating my next move when my phone rang.
“What’s going on?” I said when I answered Jax’s call.
“Not much. Wanted to see how you were holding up?”
“Better than I was.” All thoughts of the bands were basically forgotten. Thoughts of Gabriella and that guy filled my mind, though.
“Good, fuck them, dude.”
“My thoughts exactly…” I paused. I really couldn’t believe I was going to say what I was about to say, “Did you see your sister was at Luxe last night with Lucy?” It was a dick move ratting her out, but I knew Jax would be pissed.
“Are you fucking with me, bro?” I could hear the annoyance in his voice.
“Wish I was. Look at FaceGram,” I said.
He was silent for a moment, no doubt pulling up the app on his phone. “Fucking hell.” Luxe was a club we both used to frequent when we were in college but stayed away from now. Things tend to get out of hand there, and girls end up drugged and in the hospital. So, the fact his baby sister went left him seething.
“Don’t be too hard on her.” I knew he would be calling her.
“I gotta go. I just got to an appointment, but I will call her tonight.”
“Talk to you later.” I hung up the phone. I thought telling him would make me feel better, but I just felt guilty.
Opening up the FaceGram app once again, I clicked on Gabriella’s page and opened the messenger. Here goes nothing.
13
Ella
After sleeping in, I was happy to have the entire house to myself today. Mom and Connor were out hiking for the day, and Mia was at her mom's. It was so nice not to worry about running into her or Preston or hearing all about their upcoming wedding. After working my ass off all week at the gallery and LA with Lucy last night, I wanted to bum it for the day and watch Netflix.
I was on the second season of Ozar, when my phone dinged. Looking down, I immediately paused the show when I saw it was a message from Ashton. If anyone saw how giddy I was right now, they would think I was nuts. It was just a message. Taking a deep breath, I opened it.
Ashton Wright: I am not sure Jax is going to be happy with you and Lucy running wild in LA alone.
I stared down at the message from Ash. It worked.
Gabriella Costa: Lucy and I are big girls; we can handle ourselves.
I hadn’t thought about my brother Jax; he probably would give me shit for going out in LA without him.
Ashton Wright: Luxe has a reputation; he wants you to be safe. You should have called us… we would have come.
So, he wanted an invitation.
Gabriella Costa: Kind of hard to call someone when you don’t have their phone number.
My hands shook as I hit send. I just asked Ash for his number.
Ashton Wright: 424-235-7879, now that’s settled.
I immediately saved his number on my phone. I couldn't believe I had his number. Was this an invitation to text him?
Gabriella Costa: Thanks... I will keep that in mind next time Lucy and I decide to act reckless and call you to chaperone.
Ashton Wright: Don’t you think I should get your number in return, just in case?
He wanted my number!
Gabriella Costa: 424-214-7322. Happy? ;-)
I was disappointed when a few minutes went by and he didn’t write back.
Oh well, I thought
I had just finished stuffing my face with the large cheese pizza I got for myself when my phone rang. Excited at the possibility it was Ash, I eagerly checked it and was a bit disappointed when I saw my brother's name on the screen.
“Hey, Jax,” I said with a smile as I answered the video call.
“Luxe, Elle-Belle?” An angry scowl appeared on his face.
“What about it?” I tried to play dumb.
“You know how those places are, Elle-Belle. Why didn’t you stay local?” Anytime we ventured to LA, although it was only a forty-five-minute ride, it might as well be on another planet.
“I don’t see what the big deal is?” I said, because it really wasn’t a big deal.
“When my friend calls me up to say there are pictures of my sister all over some dude on FaceGram, it’s a big deal.”
“I was not all over him,” I defended myself even though the pictures told a completely different story.
“So, who is he?” he asked.
“His name is Alex.”
“Alex what?”
“I don’t know, Jax. I met him last night; we were just dancing.”
“See! Exactly my point why you shouldn’t be out gallivanting around LA alone!” he yelled.
“Oh, but it’s okay for you guys to go and do it?” I said, kicking myself as soon as the words came out.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing. Look, I rarely go out. We went out to celebrate my first week of work; it was nothing.”
“I told you I would take you out.”
“Jax, you’re my brother and I love you, but come on, you have to let me do my thing.”
“I just worry about you, Elle-Belle. Can't help it.”
I softened. “I appreciate it, Jax.”
We talked for a few more minutes. He made me promise to call him the next time I wanted a night out in LA, and I said okay to appease him. As soon as we hung up, I immediately opened my text message app.
Me: You ratted me out to Jax!!
Ashton: I have no idea what you’re talking about.
Me: Don’t play dumb with me, Mr. Wright. You called Jax.
Ashton: Well, Gabriella, since he doesn’t have FaceGram, it was my duty as his friend to let him know what his litt
le sister was up to.
Me: You owe me, Mr. Wright.
Ashton: Just name when and where.
14
Ella
For the last few weeks, I worked tirelessly to make sure tonight would be a success. Beth had handed over the reins and trusted me with making sure ArtScape’s official opening was perfect. I hadn’t seen Ashton again, but we fell into a routine where we texted each other often, and I had butterflies knowing he would probably be here tonight to support Beth.
Checking the clock, I saw it was 6:45, and the guests would be arriving any minute. My nerves were in high gear. Tonight would prove to Beth that this job was meant for me. After checking with the wait staff one more time, I made my way over to our guests of honor, who chatted quietly.
“Are you both ready?” I asked them. Both artists shook their heads nervously back at me.
You and me both, I thought. It was a night of firsts for all of us.
Trying to hide how nervous I was, I gave them each a little pep talk and walked back to my desk to put my notebook away. There was nothing more I could do. Whatever happened from here on out was out of my hands.
I grabbed my phone to see if I had any messages. My parents, Jax, and Lucy, all promised me they would be here tonight. They were so proud of me and knew how much tonight meant to me. With only a few minutes to seven, I grabbed my small bag and went to the bathroom to give myself a once over and change into my heels. I purchased something out of my comfort zone: an off-the-shoulder, blue maxi dress that had a small slit up the side. It wasn’t overly revealing, but it did show off my curves.
Satisfied I looked okay, I made my way to the bar and grabbed a glass of wine. Although I was technically still working, Beth told me unless the place was burning down, I should enjoy myself. Other than mingling, I wasn’t expected to do much else.
Person by person, the room filled up quickly. The local newspaper came to do a piece on Beth and ArtScape, and I stayed off to the side, taking it all in. Both artists chatted away and everything was running smooth. I couldn’t imagine anything putting a damper on the night until, in walked Mia and Preston, along with my mom and Connor.