Chapter 10: Feel It In My Bones

Present day San Diego, California…

It was a warm and sunny day, birds were squawking, seagulls were chillin’, and people were outside enjoying the weather. Like always. Scarlette was in her backyard, lying out by the pool in her royal purple and gold bikini. Liz walked out of the house wearing a rose pink and black with black lace trimmed bikini with a tray of drinks and fresh cut fruit. She placed the tray on a small round white painted wrought iron table, between the two lounge chairs they laid on.

“So,” Liz began. “How was your date?” She smiled as she sat down.

Scarlette shrugged. “It really wasn’t a date but I had fun. He seems like a nice guy.”

“Oh.” Liz still smiled. “So when are you going to see him again?”

Scarlette turned towards Liz and pulled her sunglasses down a little. “I’m not dating him.” She put her sunglasses back on, grabbing a handful of grapes, and settled back into her chair.

Liz smiled, watching Scarlette. “I think you like him.”

“Of course, he’s a very nice guy.”

“Ha! You really like him, like you WANT to see more of him!”

“I’m not going to start another relationship with a rock star.” Scarlette shifted in her seat in an effort to get comfortable and more sun. “He’s really nice, I had a nice time with him, and that’s all.” She placed a strawberry half in her mouth.

Liz squinted at Scarlette through her sunglasses. “Don’t tell me you’re going to stereotype all rockers’ now.”

“No. I’m going to try and not have Rob ruin it for everyone else.”

“Then, why not?”

Scarlette sighed. “Can I get divorced first, get my shit together, and then maybe ponder upon that?” She was getting slightly irritated at Liz’s pushing.

“Fine. I’ll never bring him up again.” Liz half tossed herself back onto the lounge chair.

“Thank you.” Scarlette closed her eyes.

“I still think you should try now, though.” She said through closed teeth.

Just as Scarlette was about to say something a cell phone rang, she grunted. Liz answered, exchanging a few pleasantries and uh huh’s, she held the phone out to Scarlette.

“It’s your divorce lawyer.”

Scarlette sat up and took the phone from Liz. “Hello George. He signed the papers? That’s a relief.” She smiled and silently thanking the Gods. “Okay, court on Tuesday the twenty fourth at two p.m. I’ll see you then. Yes, I’ll call if anything comes up. Thank you, bye.” She ended the call and handed the phone back to Liz. “Well, maybe he’ll make this easy.”

Liz scoffed as she put the phone down on the table. “I have a feeling, in the pit of my stomach; he’s going to do something at court.”

She sneered. “Don’t jinx it.”

“I’m just trying to be realistic. He’s making it far too easy.”

“Maybe he’s sober…”

They looked at each other and then laughed. “Yeah right.” They both shook their heads.

Scarlette sighed. “I hope he just lets it go, lets me go.”

Liz shrugged and leaned back. “Let’s just enjoy the now and soak up these rays in this beautiful weather.”

★★★★★★★

Dressed in a dark blue crepe fabric USO dress slightly below the knee and flowed elegantly over her curves, paired with black pumps, cream pearl earrings, and necklace. Her hair was pinned up in victory rolls; make up was light but finely defined eyeliner, giving her a complete 1940’s look.

She sat next to her lawyer in a small court room, behind a metal and faux wood table. They were waiting on Rob to show, he was apparently stuck in traffic. She had given a half smile when his lawyer gave the Judge that excuse.

The Judge shook his head. “I’ll give him five more minutes, Goldberg; he’s wasting not only my time but everyone else’s that is in this room. I’ll hold him in contempt for this.” He was now irritated and turning slightly red.

Scarlette’s lawyer stood up. “If I may your Honor,” He paused waiting a moment for the Judge to approve his speaking, the Judge gave him a nod. “This just shows Mr. Davis’ character, no regard for others weather it’s his wife or an honorable Judge.”

“Sit down Hornstein, I think we all know his character at this point. We all watch T.V. and the news.” The Judge leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk and rubbed his temples.

Then a man in a black three piece suit walked into the room briskly. “I apologize I am late.” He took a seat next to Goldberg.

The Judge narrowed his eyes at him. “I assume you are Mr. Roberto Davis?”

“Yes, your honor.”

“Lucky you walked in when you did, I was about to hold you in contempt. I still might.”

“I’m sorry, your honor.”

“Let’s just get this over with.”

Five minutes later, Scarlette and her lawyer walked out of the courtroom smiling. Rob and his lawyer followed behind and few steps behind. Each were talking to their respective lawyers in hushed tones.

“Half the battle is over Scarlette, personal properties will be discussed in the next hearing; that is where the real battle will lie. He could really drag it out then.” He leaned close to Scarlette so only she could hear.

She nodded. “There really isn’t much he could fight for, I have proof my money is mine and he can have the vehicles, house, and whatever else that is in both of our names. I’ll happily give him those things.” She leaned towards him now. “I don’t know how he could drag it out.”

“I’m just telling you, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. If there is any kind of discrepancy...”

She nodded. “I don’t think there is, but you’re right, anything is possible. Especially with him.”

Now they were outside of the court house, there were a few photographers laying in wait. Scarlette stayed close to her lawyer and kept her mouth closed, so no one could over hear while she was focusing on getting away from the hand full of photographers and their questions, she neglected to realize Rob was now walking next to her.

“Are you just trying to win me back or something?” He said through gritted teeth, leaning close to her left ear.

She gave a cold laugh and tried to push past him and the photographers, shaking her head.

He caught back up with her, shoving photographers out of the way. “You know how much I like you dressed like that.”

Before she could react in disgust, her lawyer placed a hand on her back and rushed her out of the now growing mob, to their cars. She jumped in her vehicle and locked the door. She sat for a few moments breathing, before she turned her SUV on. Thinking of what he said made her stomach turn. “Unbelievable.” She shook her head and began to slowly pull out of the parking lot.

★★★★★★★

“Oh barf.” Liz made a face of disgust. “Because you only use to dress like that for him… Right.” She shook her head. “What a pig. What a… ugh, I can’t even pick out enough words to get to the point of how disgusting he is.” She shoved a tortilla chip with guacamole on it, into her mouth, then took a drink of her beer.

They were in Scarlette’s kitchen, eating carne asada burritos with home made guacamole and tortilla chips. “I know. I don’t know how I stuck around for so long.” She said in between bites.

“Maybe,” Liz swallowed down more beer. “You should be seen with David. Like go where there will be a ton of photographers who’ll care.”

Scarlette gave a half laugh. “I’ll run it by Mich.”

Liz was going for guacamole. “Maybe then he’ll give up.”

“Or he’ll become a psycho and stalk us both.” Scarlette took a long drink of her beer.

“You really think so?”

Scarlette just looked at Liz.

“Point taken.” Liz took a bite of her burrito.

“I really don’t think there is much to do about getting rid of him, aside from the obvious things I’ve already done. Maybe once I go out of the country on tour he’ll leave me alone.” Scarlette shrugged getting up and walked to the refrigerator and grabbed two more beers.

“I guess we’ll find out in time.” Liz took beer from Scarlette’s hand and opened it. “We need to do this more often.”

Scarlette nodded as she sat back down on the barstool. “We seriously do.”

Liz nodded. “You should invite D down more often you know. Try rebuilding your friendship.”

Scarlette shrugged. “Yeah, I guess. I’ve called a few times, but he never answers or calls back.” She took a bite of her burrito. “And I do leave him messages.” She said in between chews.

Liz shrugged and nodded. “Maybe it’s done then.”

Scarlette shrugged in sadness.

“Or he’s just really busy.”

“Yeah, maybe.” She took a drink from her beer. “I’m use to him being out of my life, sad to say, but it doesn’t bother me like it should. I think, at least.”

Liz nodded and picked up her beer. “Let’s toast, to a new hopeful beginning then!”

Scarlette smile and picked up her beer. “To taking out the trash and starting new relationships!”

They laughed and clinked their beers together, each taking large gulps.

Chapter 9: What Do I Have To Do

Six months ago…

She wasn’t sure when things had turned so sour, or even why it did. Maybe it was because of all the vicious rumors going around. Rumors of infidelity, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and god knows what else, were flying around. She was trying her best to ignore them all, it was all apart of the territory. It was just getting really hard, especially with the questionable photos floating around. The band was very famous. It felt like overnight they were catapulted into stardom. Everyone wanted a piece.

It was causing her horrible and sudden panic attacks, without any warning she’d feel her chest tighten and her vision would get dark and hazy. Sleeping was non-existent. Between constant headaches, chest, and kidney pains, Scarlette was feeling a bit like a zombie, as well as looking the part. Poor make up artist struggled to make her look like a classic beauty without looking like a caked on face. “Thank god for airbrush…” some would mutter under their breath, not like that was helping her situation.

Alexander Volkov, the man who was just a few years older than her and boosted each others careers, came over to her before one for her huge magazine photo shoots. Concerned for her health and well-being, as well as to make sure she wasn’t doing anything stupid like heroin binges or purging foods, he sat in front of her as the stylist did her hair and make up.

“Tell me, what is going on with you?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” She tried to feign happiness but failed horribly. She was one who kept business and personal as far apart as she could, but the line was starting to blur.

He pursed his lips and turned his to the side slightly. “Really, what’s going on? Are you on drugs?”

She felt tears begin to well up in her eyes. “Oh god I can’t do this here. I’ll ruin the make up.” She began to frantically wave her hands in front of her eyes as she looked up.

“Honey, it’s already ruined.” The stylist doing her hair muttered under his breath. He finished curling her hair up into a retro Chignon.

“Out and consider yourself fired.” Alexander glared the stylist down as he sheepishly walked out of the room. “Fuck them sweetie,” Waving a hand in the air as if swatting away a fly. “Tell me what’s wrong.” He placed a hand on her knee, as to comfort her.

“I think my husband is cheating on me and developing horrible habits.”

He sighed crossing his legs and resting an elbow on his knee. “Well, it is part of the lifestyle.”

Scarlette shook her head. “Then he’s lying to me, his wife.” She started to sob heavily. “Our vows mean nothing to him.”

He shook his head. “I’ve seen what’s been printed about him and they are pretty rancid. Do you know for sure though?”

She just shook her head as she sobbed.

“Well,” He got up and went behind her and began to rub her shoulders. “You know what you gotta do, hun. I know you can smell lies, so first whiff, get the fuck out.”

Scarlette’s sobs slowed and Alexander snapped at someone to get her water. “You’re a smart cookie, you can handle this, and you’ll make it through.” He opened the bottled water for her and handed it to her. “Now, clean up your face and go work that fucking camera like I know you can!”

She nodded as she drank. She suddenly felt a little lighter and looked a little bit better too.

★★★★★★★

In a loose gray sweats and black tank top, Scarlette had fallen asleep on the dark brown couch with the remote in her hand. Her hand hung over the edge of the couch, threatening to drop the remote to the tan carpeted floor. The TV was quietly lulling on about the latest, greatest, easiest, and cleans everything cleaner.

She had been waiting for him to get home, from a photo or video shoot; she couldn’t remember and didn’t care especially after the events that unfolded on her own shoot. Even though the designer was her friend and confidant, who understood what she was going through. The photographer was a friend as well, but she still couldn’t help be embarrassed. Word would travel around quick and she would probably get a call from Christine in the morning.

It was around five forty in the morning when he finally decided to stumble in, only allowing Scarlette to get a little less than four hours of sleep. She sat up and rubbed the sleep and black eyeliner out of her eyes, to see him leaning against the door, fumbling with the deadbolt.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” She mumbled as she sat there and watched the deadbolt win the battle. She shook her head and looked at the clock. “Nice.” She stood up. “Where in the hell have you been?” She kept her voice even and flat, as she watched his back stiffen.

He slowly turned his head towards the voice, swaying slightly. “Hi honey, I’m home!” He spun around to face her, all the while loosing his balance and falling against the door. He laughed like someone had told him the funniest joke with the greatest punch line.

Scarlette shook her head and ran her hand back through her hair. “How in the fuck do I put up with this?” She gritted her teeth.

“Aww, come on baby.” He swaying as he walked to her with open arms. “It's fun being like this and it makes other things even better.” He gave her a sloppy smile when he finally made it to her. He grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her close to him, running his fingers through her hair.

She tried to shrink back from him as he pulled her towards him. He made her rest her head on his chest, smothering her in the vile stench of cheap vodka and whiskey, cigarette smoke, god knows what else, and perfume. The perfume made her stop and think about it, there was no doubt about the fruity floral scent of the perfume, cheap but it was inarguable.

He tried to kiss her as she shoved him away from her. “What the fuck, Rob?” She was almost screaming at him, forgetting about the time and the neighbors.

He stumbled backwards a bit and stared at her for a moment before grabbing her head and forcing his mouth on hers.

She fought to push him away but his grip was so tight around her head and hair, it was starting to hurt. So she did the next logical thing she could think of, bite his lip. She tasted blood as he shoved her off of him and she fell backwards onto the couch.

He had his hand to his mouth. “What the fuck, Scarlette?!” He seemed to be a little bit more sober now.

She was more than confident now. “Who is she?”

“What?”

“Don’t fucking play stupid with me, who the fuck is she?” She tried to keep her voice even and full of anger, hoping she was successful.

He scoffed at her. “There is only you.” He voice held something behind it and Scarlette didn’t like it.

“Bull-fucking-shit! I smell her on your clothes in between the cheap vodka, whiskey, and cigarettes; I smell the cheap whore’s cheap perfume!” The anger was holding her tears at bay.

He took a step towards her. “No, there is no one.” He voice was now holding a tinge of anger.

She stood up from the couch. “You’re fucking lying. Explain the perfume.”

He thought about it for a moment. “Models.”

She glared at him. “Fuck you.” She walked past him, to the bedroom but her grabbed her by the wrist. She looked down at his hand then back at him. “Let me go.”

“Where do you think you’re going?”

She tried to yank her wrist away but he wasn’t freeing his grip on her. “I’m leaving you. You’re a coward and a fucking liar. I’m done. Now let me go.” She turned away from him and tried to walk to the bedroom, but he yanked her back so hard her shoulder threatened to pop out of place. She winced in pain as he caught her with his free hand and arms. “You’re hurting me.”

He held his grip on her. “What do I have to do? You just don’t understand.” He hissed into her ear.

“Go to hell.” She was sure his grip was going to leave bruises on her wrist and shoulder.

Once again he forced his mouth on hers but also tried to rip her tank top off at the same time. She bit his lip once again and kneed him in the groin. She stumbled backwards at his sudden release. He doubled over for a moment, slowly straightening back up. He looked at her, something was in his eyes, something she didn’t notice before. It didn’t hold any sort of kindness at all, something darker, and almost lost.

She took another step backwards, in shock and fear, even though a voice deep down told her to run for the bedroom and lock the door. He took a step forward and raised his arm. Before she could even think of what to do, she was trying to regain her focus, which happened to be the ceiling. She could see little multi colored dots in her vision as she tried to figure out what exactly happened. Then she felt a sharp throbbing pain on the right side of her face. She gingerly touched it and winced. Looking at the fingers that had touched it, cover covered in deep red liquid.

A figure hovered over her, she felt herself sitting up, and then dragged backwards. She felt sharp pain on her scalp as he was dragging her across the floor by her hair. He threw her against the bed, during the entire time he had been spitting horrible words at her, mean, vulgar, and vile things that no other human being should repeat or ever say for that matter.

He shoved himself on top of her, trying to pull her sweats down and choke her with his free arm. She fought to get him off of her, squirming, kicking, punching, hitting, anything. Finally, her nails connected with his eye and she dragged them down while kicking at him to get off of her.

They didn’t hear the banging or the breaking down of the front door while all this was happening. There were flashlights dancing throughout the room and apartment. Men in dark blue uniforms yanked him off of her and another gave her a blanket to wrap herself up in. She didn’t realize it but she was shaking and bleeding everywhere. Someone from the crime scene investigation unit took pictures of her face, hands, arms, legs, thighs, hips, stomach and back as she told an officer her story. She was covered in cuts and bruises. She only could imagine what she looked like, especially with the faces each officer made to her. Mostly looks of sadness, pain, pity, and horror. She held the blanket tighter to herself as she sat on the back of the ambulance.

Apparently, from the officer in charge of the scene, said that the neighbors had made a call about someone being drunk in the parking lot around five thirty, then they received another around five fifty about an argument, then another call at six oh five of more screaming and loud banging. An officer shortly appeared on scene only to hear a female screaming “bloody murder” and decided to call for back up. He let her know another officer would be at the hospital to take her account of the night again.

Scarlette sat there, staring into oblivion, trying to make sense of it all. Praying that she’d wake up and this was all a horrible nightmare. She watched as the closed the ambulance doors and drove off. The paramedic asked her questions and tried to make small talk.

“Wait, I recognize you now.” He gave an excited smiled.

She slowly turned her head and gave him eyes that asked “You’re not serious?” even though it sent sharp shooting pains down her neck and back.

He shrank back a little and made himself busy by pretending to check and read her IV bag.

She tried to relax and close her eyes as they finished their trip to the hospital. “Worst start of the day ever.” She grumbled to herself and gave a stiff choked laugh.

Chapter 8: Don’t You Want Me

Author's note: I'm a butt. I'm sorry. That's all I'm gonna say. Now, let's hope I can keep this up with my new founded creativity! Okay, NOW that's all I'm going to say! <3

Present day Los Angeles, California…

She had ordered a small caramel macchiato and took a seat in the back of the coffee shop. Scarlette was about ten minutes early but figured she could use the time to organize her thoughts and give herself a mental pep talk. She sipped on her warm drink as she thought about all the things that could or couldn’t happen. As she was lost in her thoughts she didn’t take notice of the man that walked in, then sat across from her.

“Hey.” He gave her a nervous smile.

She blinked her eyes a few times. “Oh hey, sorry I was lost in my own mind.” She smiled at him.

He nodded, relaxing his smile. “Can I get you another one?” He motioned towards her drink.

“Oh sure, that would be great. A caramel macchiato, please.” She reached for her purse.

“Don’t worry about it, this one is on me.” He gave her a smile as he got up and walked over to the counter. A few moments later he returned with two coffees in hand, placing one in front of Scarlette, and sat back down across from her.

“Thank you.” She took a sip. “So how have you been?”

He gave a small nod as he sipped on his drink. “I’m good and you? Did you finish moving in?”

She nodded. “I’m great, especially since I finished moving in. Everything is pretty much in its place, all I need is the landscapers to finish up the backyard.”

“That’s good.” He took another sip, then placing the cup down in front of him and lacing his fingers together on the table. “I’m glad you wanted to meet. I didn’t think I would ever hear from you, since Sophia had mentioned that you weren’t interested. It was a nice surprise to say the least.”

She smiled. “Yeah, I’m kinda surprised at myself.” She gave a small laugh. “I just figured ‘Why not, what do I have to lose?’. You seem like a stand up guy and if anything we could be friends.”

His smile faltered a bit. “Yeah, I suppose that wouldn’t be too bad.” They sat in silence for a moment, watching each other and the other people in the café. It was a slightly uncomfortable silence.

Scarlette cleared her throat. “So, to be honest and frank, I don’t want to lead you on or give you the wrong idea. I’m just going to lay my cards out for you and you can decide if you want to give anything a shot with me, see where this goes.” She took a sip of her coffee. “I’m not too sure about what I want right now. Friends are always a best place to start, if something grows from that, well, we can take it from there. It’s going to take a lot of patience, since I want to take very small baby steps.” She took in a deep breath and watched him, waiting for his reaction.

He leaned back in his chair, nodding and spinning his coffee cup on the table. “I don’t think you’re asking for too much. I think I can be friend.” He gave her a relaxed smile that showed off his pearly white teeth.

She felt her heart flutter at his smile, catching her breath in her throat. She tried to not show it by looking down at her cup. She swirled what little coffee was left in her cup. This was something she didn’t want. She had decided dating wasn’t a bad idea but she didn’t want to fall head over heels for someone just yet. This was something she hadn’t anticipated, especially after everything that had happened with Rob. She mentally shook her head and sat up straight, she didn’t realize she had been slouching a bit.

“Nervous?” David gave her a small smile that made her heart flutter again.

She gave a light laughed. “A little.”

“Let’s get out of here and go do something. The smell of coffee and tea is making me a little light-headed.”

She laughed and shook her head. “Alright, anywhere in mind?” She began to get up from her seat.

He nodded, standing up from his seat. “Yeah, I know of a nice little park and killer taco stand.” He put his hand out to her.

She looked up and him and smiled. “Okay sounds good.” She took his hand and stood up.

★★★★★★★

They sat together on a park bench munching away at their chicken and shrimp tacos, enjoying each others company and view of the small lake in front of them.

“Those were good.” Scarlette nodded and gently wiped the corners of her mouth, before taking a sip of her bottled water. “Possibly better than the one my grandmother use to make.” She gave him a small smile.

David smiled and nodded. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He finished his can of soda and motioned for her to give him her garbage.

She looked out over the lake and watched two swans swim next to one another, preening, and nuzzling each other. When David came back from throwing away their garbage he held a hand out to her.

“Ready?”

She looked at his hand and the up at him. “Sure.” She took his hand and stood up. “What’s next?”

He entwined their fingers together. “How about we stroll through the park and talk a little bit?”

She smiled and nodded as they began to walk forward. “Okay.” She silently thanked herself for wearing ballet flats instead of her usual heels.

“So, Sophia tells me you model?”

She slightly cocked her head to one side. “Should I be offended?” She mocked hurt and put her free right hand to her heart, smiling.

He gave a light laugh. “Well, to be honest, I’ve been out of the model loop since… awhile.” He last words held a small sadness. He sighed. “I do believe I’ve seen some of your earlier work. If that makes it any better?” He smiled.

She laughed. “It’s alright, but to answer your question, yes. I do a bit of modeling. It’s just a thing.” She playfully shrugged.

He laughed nodding. “I know what you mean, this whole being in a band is a thing for me too.”

They both smiled at each other and walked a few steps in silence.

“So what made you get into modeling? Was it one of those things you were walking into Hot Topic and some scout was there and you were his muse?”

“Oh that is far too glamorous.” She giggled. “Actually, I was working at a Saks Fifth Ave, helping this I’m-too-important-stuck-up-everyone-owes-me agent.” She gave a slight smile while smirking.

He nodded. “What made you do it then?”

Scarlette gave a heavy sigh. “It was the first time I had left my soon-to-be ex-husband and as much money as I made at Saks, it was exhausting and my co-workers… talk about complete backstabbers, as well as other colorful words.” She nodded looking down at the ground for a beat then back at him. “Apparently, she saw something in me and gave me her card. And as they say, the rest is history.” She gave a slight shrug.

“So how’d you get into burlesque and pin up and the like? From the sounds of it, it doesn’t seem like you were looking like Bettie Page at work.” At this point, he lead Scarlette to a bench that was right in front of the lake. He motioned for her to sit before him.

She stared out into the lake for a few moments. “Well,” she took a deep breath. “Christine tried to pimp me out to catalogue shoots. I wasn’t right for them. The photographers could never put their finger on why but that I just didn’t have ‘the look’.” She turned her hips slightly to him and looked at him. Looking into his eyes sent a shudder down her spine causing her to laugh nervously. “Christine almost gave up, until an up and coming L.A. designer said he wanted me for his Fall L.A. Fashion Week show. I puked for a week straight, not to fit into a dress obviously, but because I was a nervous wreck. Yeah, I had been doing small photo shoots but this was major.” She laughed at herself. “Once I got up on the walkway. It just fell into place.”

David gave a confused look and shook his head. “But that doesn’t explain…”

She smiled interrupting him. “He wanted all the models to look like they came straight out of the forties.” She smiled. “That’s how Scarlette Laurent was born.”

“Scarlette isn’t your real name?”

She nodded. “It is, just spelled differently, the common way I guess you could say.”

“Why Scarlette Laurent?”

“Well, Alexander Volkov, he was the designer I worked for, pretty much picked it. Never asked him why, just kind of went with it.” She shrugged.

David laughed. “Volkov! He did a lot of the designs we wear in most of our videos. Great guy. And why not ask? It could be interesting, seeing how he is… rather interesting himself.” He elbowed Scarlette lightly.

“Maybe next time I work with him I will. I hardly see that fabulous jetsetter now.”

“So what’s next for you?”

“I have a few burlesque shows coming up across the country, as well as a few alternative magazine photo shoots.”

“Burlesque, eh? Better than Dita?” He smiled, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh!” She playfully slapped his knee and shook her head. “I am no Dita von Teese, now that woman is magic. She lives and breathes the forties. Pure magic. Absolutely pure magic.”

He nodded. “She is. She puts on quiet a show. I’m sure you do too.”

She laughed. “Perhaps. I guess you’ll just have to find out one day.” She gave him a wink.

★★★★★★★

Once Scarlette got home, she went straight to her master bathroom and began to run hot water in the overly large jacuzzi tub, throwing in a few lavender scented bath pearls to help her relax. She didn’t realize how much her body ached until she walked in the front door to the house she and Liz shared in L.A. She let her hair slide out of the make shift messy French twist and peeled off her clothes.

After cleansing her face of make up, she slowly slid herself into the steaming hot water that was not just about her chest. She switched the faucet to cooler water and let it run for a bit longer til it was about to her chin.

“Perfect.” She slowly let herself slid down into the tub, so the water was over her head. Sitting back up, she slicked her hair back from her face. She instantly felt her pain melt away as the heat of the water worked down to her bones. She leaned her head back to rest on the cushioned head rest of the tub and closed her eyes.

Just as she was dozing off, the bathroom door flew open, causing her to a bout jump out of the tub as well as her skin. “WHAT THE FUCK!?”

Liz burst through the door with a laptop in hand. “You are so not going to fucking believe this!”

Scarlette groaned and rolled her eyes has far back as she could. “Can’t this wait?” Clearly irritated and out of meditation, she growled. “Give me forty-five minutes to myself. PLEASE?”

“No, no, no. You HAVE to see this.”

She sighed and stared straight forward. “Fuck me.” She said under her breath.

Liz sat on edge of the tub and turned the laptop to Scarlette.

“Give me one good reason to not drown you right now.” She said through gritted teeth.

“This.” She hit the enter button and a video began to play.

Scarlette sat for a few moments of silence looking at what seemed to be a home camera in night vision. “I’ve already seen parts of One Night In Paris, thanks.” She began to put Liz away.

“No.”

Just has Liz had said that everything became clear. One guy and four girls, you can imagine the rest. Lots of nudity, fondling, drug snorting, and god knows what else. Scarlette didn’t want to find or figure out what else there was and pushed the laptop close with disgust. “When?”

“They’re saying it was made within the past four to six days. Apparently, his beloved fans, the girls in the video, released it.”

“Classy. On all five of them.” She growled. The light floating feeling she had in her stomach had now turned into a big heavy ball of anxiety and rage, making her feel sick.

Liz nodded. “They’re saying that aren’t sure if it’s really legit. If it’s really him…”

She shook her head. “Oh no, I saw enough to know it’s him. Pig.” She shook her head more violently. “Like the first one WASN’T enough.” She balled her fist up under the water. “So glad I filed. SO GLAD!”

Liz got up. “Mich already called, she’s got most bases covered. She also wanted me to tell you to say…”

“No comment.” They both said in unison.

“Yeah, I know. Now leave me please. Maybe I can drown myself before more shit comes arising.” Scarlette turned away from Liz.

Liz walked out of the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

Scarlette sighed in frustration. No matter where he was or what he was doing, it always manage to disrupt her life some how and some way. She could never fully enjoy a day, he’d have to do something to royally fuck it up. Scarlette took a couple of deep breathes and let the lavender re-relax her and re-release the tension in her body. This was one of those moments where she wished she had some vodka and cherry ginger ale on hand.

Chapter 7: Meet Me Halfway

Author's Note: Not going to give out an excuse for my ultra-lateness. I'm just lame. :/ Enjoy this one, since I'm not too sure where to go next.

Present day San Diego, California…

“So this is it?” Sophia set down a box and put her hands on her hips, gave the empty room a look around. The house was a 1920’s Mediterranean & Spanish style home, located in the Mission Hills Historic District area of San Diego. It had a huge lush backyard, four bedrooms and three baths. The kitchen, dinning/front room, and living rooms were relatively large. “It’s really nice. I love how green it is here and the neighborhood seems really nice and quiet. Big difference, compared to LA.”

Liz brought in another box. “The furniture should be here at two. Then the house should look a little more filled.” She put her hands on her hips, looking around the front room. “I still cannot believe we knocked out all the furniture shopping in two days.” She sighed, nodding her head.

“I know.” Scarlette placed a box next to the one Liz had brought in. “I’m quiet please with myself in that.” She smiled. “Now, all I have to do is paint this place. White walls are quiet drab.”

Sophia nodded. “Where are the paint swatches?”

“In the car.” Scarlette handed Sophia the keys to her car, Sophia went to go get the swatches.

Liz eyed Scarlette, debating if now was the time to bring him up. “So…” She started off slowly. “Have you heard from him?”

She turned her head a bit to look at Liz. “No, but I heard from his lawyer.” She picked up the box again and walked towards the kitchen.

“And…?” Liz followed her.

She set the box down on the black marble countertop. “He’s going to drag this out as painfully long as he can.” She sighed. “I called Tony, my lawyer, and he’s trying to move things as fast as he can but Rob’s lawyer isn’t being very cooperative either.”

“You think he’s doing it on purpose ‘til he gets back into the US? Maybe try to win you back?”

“Undoubtedly.” She let out a heavy sigh.

“Shit.” She placed a hand on Scarlette’s back.

She shook her head. “It’s going to be a battle.”

By this time, Sophia had found them in the kitchen. She handed Scarlette the paint swatches. “Forget it, let’s start picking out colors and making this place a home for you.” She smiled.

Scarlette nodded. “But let’s get the rest of the boxes in here and maybe order some Chinese take out?”

Liz and Sophia smiled and nodded in union.

They all went out and in of the house a little more than a dozen times, but brought in every last box and placed them in the respective rooms. They all took a seat on the beige carpet floor in the living room. They all sipped on their bottled water as Liz called in the Chinese food order. They had a couple of hours before the movers brought in the furniture.

Scarlette laid on the floor, staring up at the ceiling. She sighed happily and stretched. “I think this room would look good in a light mauve color and a deeper accenting color on a wall, maybe leaving the trim white?”

Sophia nodded. “Yeah, I think that would look really nice. And the three bathrooms do them in some shades of blues or teals. I think those colors would accent the tan tiles in them nicely.”

Liz joined in the conversation once she got off the phone with the Chinese restaurant that was going to deliver the food. By the time the food arrived they had already looked through the swatches, coming up with color schemes, placed the coordinating swatches in the respective rooms, and made plans to go buy the paints the next day.

Excitement filled the room as they ate and discussed how the furniture could be arranged. Then the talk of getting a dog or two came up.

“I just think you should have some sort of security.” Liz stuffed moo shu pork into her mouth and Sophia nodded in agreement.

Scarlette shook her head. “I have a security company coming in to install in two days, plus I think I travel too much. Who’s going to watch the dogs when I’m gone?”

“What about D?”

Sophia and Scarlette looked at Liz as she made her suggestion, making her quickly regret that she had said that. Scarlette looked down and let a silence fall down over them.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

Scarlette shook her head. “Don’t worry about it.” She poked at her General Tso’s Chicken with her chopstick.

Sophia looked at Scarlette. “I’m sure someone could take your dog in, I would if I wasn’t traveling myself.”

Scarlette shrugged half-heartedly. “I’ll think about it.”

Sophia shot Liz a look, as if to say “See what you did?! Fix it.”

Liz looked at Sophia and shrugged. “We should go curtain shopping tonight.” She continued to look at Sophia, shaking her head and shrugging.

Scarlette nodded. “Yeah, that might be a good idea since we already picked out the colors.”

They started to gather the take out containers and clean up since there was about forty-five minutes before the movers would arrive. Liz opened the door so the movers could just walk in and Sophia went around the house to make sure none of the boxes were in the way. Scarlette opened the backdoors to let some fresh air in. She took a few steps out into the back yard and surveyed the area. It was really large, even though it had a decently sized pool. She tried to visualize what type of patio furniture she wanted, something that would look well with the red bricked and Spanish tiled grill/bar area.

As she was deep in thought, she about jumped out of her skin when she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She answered it up without looking at the caller ID, a habit she was going to have to change. “Hello?”

“Hey.” The voice on the other end made her catch her breath in her throat. “Are you busy?”

She shook her head. “Uh, no no.” He was the last person she had expected to call her, she was taken aback to say the least.

“I just thought we should talk.”

“Talk?” She tried to keep her voice calm and even, she was slightly scared where this conversation could be going since they had not talk in a long while and the last time they talked, it did not end well for Scarlette.

“Look, I’m sorry I was an ass the last time we talked. I just… can you blame me for not believing you? After all the other breakups and get back togethers.”

“If this is going to be about the past then I really think this conversation should end now. I’m trying to move forward with my life, not hang out in the past like I always use to and I don’t need someone constantly reminding me of what a fucking moron I use to be.” She didn’t mean to snap at him, but it was bound to come out sooner or later. “I’m tired of him thinking I’m always going to stick around when he treats me like trash and I’m tired of you thinking I’m some poor weak helpless little girl. Either you move forward with me or you can kindly get the fuck out of my life now.” She ground her teeth as she drove her last point home.

He sighed. “I’m really sorry. I never meant to doubt you.”

She scoffed at that. It wasn’t that she was so much angry at him, she was hurt and disappointed with him, especially since he had been calling himself her best friend for years. She let other things go when he had turned his back on her and would go on for months without talking to her. The straw that had broke more than one camel’s back, was when a sex tape of a groupie and Rob had been released on the internet. It sent off such a chain reaction between not only Scarlette and Rob, but Scarlette and D.

Even though the turning point of their friendship was at the surprise wedding in Vegas, it had always been rocky since she had moved out of the apartment, D and Lara had shared, two years after she had moved in. Though, she was hardly there once she had signed on to a contract with Christine, to begin with, Scarlette could never figure out why exactly they had let their friendship get that way. She left it to the reason of him and Lara’s planning of their wedding and relationship issues. Scarlette tried to be their for the both of them, but learned she would have to back away from both friendships, as to not let them think she was choosing one more over than the other.

“Can we start from where we left off?” He had an edge of pleading in his voice.

Scarlette closed her eyes and wavered her head in though. “Perhaps.” She shook her head.

“Okay then.” He took in a deep breath. “How are things with you today?” He tried to lighten his voice, slightly failing.

“I’m fine. A little exhausted since I’m moving into my new house.”

“Oh?”

It was an awkward conversation but she tried to put the awkwardness aside. “Yeah, I’m living in San Diego now. It’s really nice here.”

“San Diego? Wow. You really are moving on, I’m happy for you.”

She smiled. “Thanks.”

“If you need anything, help moving in furniture, painting, or whatever, let me know. I want to make up for all the lost times I haven’t had with you.”

“Well, the movers are bringing in the furniture right now as we speak… but we are planning to start painting by, hopefully, tomorrow.”

“Okay, I’ll drive down there tomorrow in the early morning. Maybe we can talk more, in person, so it’s not so awkward.”

She nodded. “Okay yeah, but Sophia and Liz will be here too.”

“That’s fine. Just send me the directions to my phone and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay. I’ll talk to you then.” She hung up her phone and walked back inside where Sophia and Liz stood staring at her. “He’ll be here tomorrow morning to talk and help out.”

They looked at each other and Liz spoke up. “By he, you mean D, right?”

Scarlette nodded. “I assume you both were listening in.”

They looked away from her sheepishly. “Yeah, but we also have been telling the movers where to put everything too.” Liz shrugged.

Scarlette rolled her eyes then looked around the room. Thankfully, all the furniture was still wrapped in plastic, one less thing for them to do before they started painting. “Then you can send him the directions to the house, Liz.” She raised an eyebrow at Liz. She didn’t care that they were listening, she actually figured that they would, which was funny to her. ”We need to pick up plastic sheets or painters cloth to lay on the floors tomorrow.”

“Oooh random thought,” Sophia chimed in. “We should plan for a house warming party too!”

Scarlette and Liz both looked at Sophia. “That’s all you ever want to do it party.” Scarlette laughed.

“Hell yeah!” She stuck out her tongue and made the devil horns with her right hand.

They all started laughing and resumed watching and directing the movers where to go.

★★★★★★★

It was about eight o’clock in the morning when Scarlette and the girls got up. They had past out early, being exhausted from the all the moving, arranging, and rearranging of everything. All three had past out on the plastic covered bed in the large master bedroom. Some how, during sometime in the night, someone went out to a car a grabbed a blanket from Scarlette’s SVU. She always kept a thick blanket in her vehicles, just in case, part of an emergency kit of sorts.

The three went to the bathroom and tried to freshen up as much as possible, washing the sleep off their faces as much as they could. Once Scarlette had just finished toweling off her face, she received a text from D letting her know he was ten minutes away from the house. Sophia had offered herself to go out and get coffee and food. Liz went with her to make sure she got everything and had help, it was just an excuse to give Scarlette and D privacy.

Once they left Scarlette had changed her shirt and jeans to some older and ratty shirt and jeans, since they were going to be painting. She pulled her waist length hair into a folded ponytail and pushed her bangs back with an old thin white plastic headband.

Just as she was finishing up in the bathroom, the door bell rang. She slowly made her way over to the front door. Once she reached it she took a deep breath and unlocked the door.

She opened the door. “Hi. Come on in.” She stepped to the side.

D was wearing paint stained jeans and a white shirt. He ran his hand through his short black hair. “Thanks.” He stepped inside and looked around. “This is really nice. Really beautiful.” He nodded. “Hell of a lot better than LA.”

She closed the door and walked past him. “Thanks.”

He followed her into the kitchen/dining room area. He leaned against the counter top of the bar. Scarlette was leaning against the countertop across from him, facing him. “It’s a really nice place here, Scarlette.”

She nodded, looking at him straight on, waiting. Arms crossed in front of her.

He sighed heavily. “Alright, I’m sorry for that past few…” He searched his mind for the word he was looking for. “Years.” He hung his head slightly. “I know I probably don’t deserve forgiveness at this point, but I want you to know I am sorry. For everything.” He cleared his throat. “I know excuses are lame and that’s all explanations are but it’s been really hard, especially the past two years or so. Stressful is too light of a word for it.” He smirked. “It may sound selfish but I really didn’t want to hear the repeat problems of yours and deal with the reality of mine at the same time.”

Scarlette raised an eyebrow.

He leaned back a little and let out a sad sigh. “Lara and I had been going through some problems, as you know, but they only got worse. Then after the baby…”

“Baby?” She interrupted him, with her eyes widened with shock and confusion. With all the mutual friends that had had, she knew of the problems he and Lara had faced over the years but none of them ever mentioned them having a baby.

He leaned forward onto the bar, resting his elbows on the cold counter top and pressed his palms into his eyes. “I really wanted to tell you. I really did.” He shook his head. “I didn’t want to drag anyone down with me, with us. It was hard enough as it was and Lara… She just disappeared. Not physically, but mentally. The lights were on but no one was home.” His voice started to shake.

Scarlette’s back became rigid, her mouth dropping open a little as she slowly figured out what he meant. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry.” Was all she could come up with. She debated on what to do, deciding that anything else rather than standing there and staring at him, was better. She walked around to him and placed a hand on his back softly, letting him know she was there.

“I just…” He shook his head slowly. “I didn’t know what to do, how to deal with it. I was just so stricken with grief.” A tear rolled down his cheek. “I thought Lara would snap out of it, but no. Instead she took it out on me, blaming me.” He put his face back into his palms, sobbing heavily.

Scarlette felt her heartbreak with him. She wrapped her arms around him, moving her hand in small circles on his back, and rocked him. Here she was half his size, trying to console him for once. She had a mix of emotions run through her, she still wanted to be pissed at him for leaving her stranded but then guilty for never knowing what was really happening between Lara and him, even more so when this news. Maybe she should have called to see what was going on, maybe then he would have told her. There was no use in dwelling on the past though.

“I lost her.” Was all he said in between slowed sobs. He stiffened and stood up straighter.

Scarlette let go of him and watched him, handing him a rough napkin from the previous nights Chinese take out. “Sorry, it’s all I have.” She gave him a weak smile.

He took it, thanking her with his own weak smile. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” She rested a hand on his shoulder.

He sighed letting his muscular shoulders slump forward. “I tried, I really did. I suggested therapy, moving, everything and anything. Then she said she was moving back home to see if that would help.” He shook his head and turned to look at Scarlette. “She served me with divorce papers two weeks ago.”

She squeezed his shoulder. She didn’t want to ask him any questions or push him to talk, she just wanted him to know that she was there for him.

He shook his head again and walked around to the kitchen sink. He splashed cold water on his face, then wiped his face on his old worn shirt. “I said I would help paint. I can’t do that bawling my eyes out and feeling sorry for myself.”

Scarlette gave a weak smile, shaking her head. “If you need anything, and I mean anything…” She stood next to him. “Let me know.”

“Even after everything?”

She smiled and nodded. “I told you I wanted to leave things in the past, and well that is the past.”

He rubbed the back of his head. “I still have to make it up to you somehow, I was a pretty shitty person, especially when you called me to tell me it was over between you two.”

She shrugged. “Let’s just not let anything get in between or friendship again, okay?”

He nodded.

Just then Liz and Sophia came through the door, yelling for help to get the rest of the coffee and food from the car. After everyone settled in and got organized, the food was handed out and coffee was creamed and sugared. It was like old times, everyone laughing and smiling. It continued through out the day and well into the night. Things were starting to look up for the best.

Chapter 6: Apple & Cinnamon (Part II)

She woke up to a loud banging and the phone by her bed ringing. It was very dark in her room and she couldn’t tell what time it was. Groggy, she reached for the phone an answered swallowing hard.

“Hello?” She croaked into the phone. Her throat was suddenly dry and it hurt to talk. In search of a glass or bottle of water she turned the light on that sat on the nightstand. She hissed at the light that blinded her momentarily. Squinting her eyes, realizing the voice on the other side was a recording for a wake up call and that there was pounding coming from some where.

She rolled out of bed, put on the hotel’s terry bathrobe, and opened her bedrooms door. The pounding was rapid knocking coming from the front door. She made her way over the door and looked through the peephole. It was Daniel. She opened the door. “Yes?” She held a slightly annoyed edge to her voice. She wasn’t sure what time it was but that it was too early for her to be woken.

“Oh good you’re up.”

“How long have you been here and what time is it?” She glared as best as she could at him.

“Mr. Davis beckons for you again, except we must get you ready. It’s nine and we only have six hours to work with.” He pushed a button down that connected to his earpiece and said something in it. He pushed his way past her and walked into the dinning room. “If you want to shower you best do it now, since the team will be here any minute and they will need time to set up.”

“What?” She knew she had just woke up and but this all seemed like a bizarre dream. What in the hell did she eat last night? Daniels words had her head spinning.

“Just go shower, I’ll explain later.” He was moving the chairs away from the dinning room table.

By the time she got out of the shower, the “team” had set up everything in the dinning room and spilling over into the living room. People were moving around, not noticing Scarlette stand there in the entryway to her bedroom, wrapped in a towel and wet hair, mouth gaping with all that was going on. She imagined that this is how many of the shows in Vegas were run, maybe three times as many people considering there were about a dozen people in the suite for one person.

Scarlette was snapped out of her thoughts and awe, when she felt a cool hand on her arm. It was Daniel. “Wha-what is all this for?” She looked around the room.

“I am under strict orders to not tell you what this is all for but that Mr. Davis will be waiting for you downstairs in less than five hours, we have to get you down there by three. So let’s get started!” He shooed her into the living room where a massage table awaited her. There were two girls waiting for her, she had laid on her stomach and one covered her bottom half with a blanket and began what would be a two-hour massage. The other pulled up a small table that had various nail implements, oils, lotions, and polishes. She sat next to Scarlette, taking her left hand and began giving her a manicure.

Feeling very relaxed and almost like she was floating on air, a man ushered her into a chair that looked like a director’s chair, the kind they show in the movies that was sitting in what once was the dinning room. He began to ask her questions about her hair. How did she like to have it more up or down, curled or straight, what was her idea of an elegant updo, and if she would like some jeweled hair accessories in her hair.

He had given her a french twist with her bangs swept to the side and the hair on the top of her head had been teased and given quite the bump up in volume. There were also various crystals pinned throughout her hair, some were clear, some were clear with the aurora borealis effect, and some were light pink with the AB effect. He had placed them randomly but they looked like beads of sparkling water, giving her an angelic look.

Finally a woman came over to Scarlette and studied her face for a moment before mixing foundation into an airbrush pod. Once she finished airbrushing the foundation and blush on, she began to apply gold and brown eye shadows. It was simple but it brought out a deeper green in Scarlette’s eyes. Placing a sheer ruby color on her lips was the finish touch to complete her look.

Daniel had reappeared with a black plastic garment bag. “I bring you your gown m’lady.” He gave a half bow with a mischievous grin.

Scarlette shook her head, looking at him from the mirror. “Where are the girls?”

“Away, being ditzy some were in town.” He shrugged. “I got rid of them for now.” He gestured to the bag. “Shall you see what a waits you?”

She stood up from the chair and turned to him. “Show me, shock me some more.”

With a smug smiled he hung the bag on a hook on the door. “Drum roll please!” He unzipped the bag and gently pulled out a flowing strapless white dress. The top down to the hips was a ruched silk silhouette that flowed down to the bottom of the dress. The corset-like bodice had tiny light pink and clear crystals that bunched up on the top and trickled down to the flowing of the silk and organza.

“Oh my god.” She slowly walked over to it and slowly reached out to touch it, gently as if it were to shatter before her eyes; like it was some kind of dream. “It’s beautiful.”

“In your bedroom there should be a bag with garments for you to wear. I’ll call in the girls to help you in the dress.” He smiled and walked out of the room.

★★★★★★★

He led her down the hallway and down to the ground floor. He lead her to the Shark Reef were there was very few people, people that she recognized. It was the band, a few roadies, and her best friend D; yet, the only thing different, they were dressed up.

D was wearing an all black three piece suit and a white lily pinned to his jacket. He was holding a mix bouquet of pink Asiatic and Anastasia orienpet lilies. There were little crystals placed on the petals of each flower. He walked up to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek as he handed her the flowers.

She looked at him bewildered, absent-mindedly taking the flowers from him. “What is going on? Is Lara here with you?”

He shook his head. “Only me, it was really last minute. Rob called me last night and begged me to do this.”

She looked up at him, mouth slightly ajar; shaking her head, still not getting it.

“He said that it wouldn’t be right without at least your best friend here.”

Just then Daniel reappeared at the entrance of the Shark Reef, waving the hand few of people in. Scarlette and D walked towards the entrance, Daniel stopped them. “Just remember to breathe and do not lock your knees.” He gave her a once over and adjusted her dress in the places needed.

D hooked his arm through hers and looked at her; giving her a half smile. “Ready?”

She slowly looked at him. “For what?”

He gave a smirk and shook his head.

Daniel smiled and gave them a nod.

D lead her in and down the pathway. It finally dawned on Scarlette what was going on. She was getting married; surrounded by sharks, turtles, and other marine life. Tears began to fill her eyes; but in effort to not smudge her make up, even though it was waterproofed into the next lifetime, she blinked them back. D looked at her and nodded.

“Do you approve?” She asked him in a small weak voice.

He shrugged. “It doesn’t matter what I think.” He paused. “If you tell me to go get a car and meet you out front I would. If you tell me you want me to walk you down the isle, I will.”

She nodded. “Walk me down, please?”

He nodded. “Will do.” He continued forward with Scarlette on his arm. He went stiff as the rest of the wedding party, minister, and Rob came into view.

When D told the minister he was giving Scarlette away, the vows, and kiss all went by in one big blur to Scarlette. She was so happy and excited, her heart felt so light and fluttering against her chest. It was her peak of happiness and the most surprising moment of her life.

At the end of it all, when everyone was congratulating Scarlette and Rob, D slipped away and left the ceremony. About ten minutes after, Scarlette looked around the room searching for D. When she asked if anyone had seen him on of Rob’s band mates said they saw him leave. Scarlette’s heart sunk with sadness.

Chapter 6: Apple & Cinnamon (Part I)

Author's Note: I deeply apologize for the severe delay. I know, it's lame. :( I've been settling into a new job and on top of that got sick. So again pardon any errors, typos, grammar mistakes. I hope to get Part II up by tonight. OH, I've also cut the postings down to once a week. Once I get really ahead, I'll bump it up to twice a week. Apologies again. Enjoy!


Five years ago Las Vegas, Nevada…

The strip at night was one of those things you had to see before you died. It was the city of sin but it was also so beautiful with the glittering lights, dancing water, and bellowing fires that were scattered along the strip. Even though it was the end of April, the weather was warm in enough to take a dip in the pools or cool enough in the evening to take a light jacket.

Scarlette was walking up a long hallway with three other girls. They were walking close together, arms linking, and giggling. She rolled her eyes at their giggles and outburst of “oh my god!!!”. This was the fourth time she had been to Vegas, it wasn’t that impressing to her, especially when she’d spend more of her time alone or get stuck with the bands latest hoes. She had a sinking feeling that this time was not going to be any different.

“Right this way, ladies.” The concierge wearing a nice all black three piece suit, opened the door that lead to one of the penthouse suites. The girls rushed past Scarlette oohing and ahhing over everything. “Wear would who like the luggage.”

“Typical.” Scarlette said under her breath. “Just set it in the living room.” She handed the concierge a twenty. “Thank you, Daniel.”

He eyed Scarlette up and down. “Thank you, Miss. If you need anything at all, do not hesitate to call me. The phone by the bar will connect you directly to me or the concierge on shift.” He watched her cringe as the girls moved about the room like a bunch of five year olds with ADD. “I’m sorry there are only two beds in this suite.”

She shrugged and sighed. “I’m use to sleeping on the couch. You think by now I’d be use to this.” She nodded over to the girls that had huddled around the bar.

“I don’t think anyone could get use to that, Miss.” He turned his nose up in disgust.

She smirked and smiled. “Again, thank you.”

He smiled and bowed his head. He turned on his heels and left the room with the bell boys following.

Scarlette looked back at the girls fawning over something else and sighed. This was going to be a long weekend.

★★★★★★★

The next morning, Scarlette was the only one up. She had ordered room service for herself; coffee, scrambled eggs, and fresh mixed fruit. She had slept in a bed since the girls drank themselves asleep on the floor, couch, and loveseat. Thankful the bedrooms had doors that could lock, so no drunks wondering in and vomiting or god know what else, in the room somewhere.

She sipped her coffee and read the paper. Debating on what she should do for the day; since it was likely the band would be sleeping until one or two in the afternoon and then doing a sound check. She finished her meal and went back to the room to get ready.

She slid into a pair of faded black skinny jeans, a vintage Rolling Stones shirt and her pair of Adidas Superstar in black and white. She then topped it off with a black sequined headband in her wavy chestnut brown hair and silver earrings that had stars hanging down. She quickly put on a little bit of lip gloss, mascara, and eyeliner then headed for the door.

She grabbed her purse from her bed and walked into the living room area, she heard a girl stir awake, glancing over to her left where the couch was, a pair of legs moved. She paid no mind to the girl and continued forward to the door. Just as she reached for the door handle there was a knock. She paused for a moment, thinking. She looked out the peephole, it was Daniel, the concierge from last night; raising an eyebrow, she opened the door.

“Sorry to bug you Miss, but a gentleman calls for you.” She looked her up and down. “And lucky for him you are dressed already.” He cleared his throat. “He wants you to meet him down at The Caesars Palace Forum. There is a car waiting for you downstairs.” He moved out of the doorway so she could walk before him.

“Is that all he said?” She put on her big black framed glasses.

He nodded. “Yes, he advised me to not say who he was and why he was doing it. Not that he told me either.” He shrugged.

She smirked. “Oh, I have an idea on who it is.” She stepped out of the room and headed for the elevator. Daniel followed Scarlette down the hall and onto the elevator.

When the car had pulled up to the Forum and the driver had opened the door for her, he held out his hand to help her get out of the car. She thanked him and he handed her a card, it was the number for the hotels car services, if she needed to be picked up. She headed inside, slightly holding her breath for what awaited ahead of her.

It was lavish inside, breath-taking to say in the least. There he was, in all his rock and roll glory. He was standing in front of a fountain, looking slightly defeated. He happened to look up just as she finally noticed him. He smiled as she walked up to him.

He was about 6’2”, his light brown hair was cut short and slicked back, and his goatee was clean and trimmed. He was very muscular and one could tell with his arms and the muscles that were defined through the tight black shirt he picked to wear. The blue jeans he wore were pretty baggy, but thankfully so, Scarlette hated the girl pants look. He was actually dressed down, not a hint of leather, chains or spikes anywhere. No boots, just white sneakers. It was a very different look for him, he could have been someone else completely but the full sleeve tattoos on his arms gave it away that it was indeed him.

“I knew it was you.” She held a tone of annoyance in her voice and kept reminding herself not to smile. He had the power to melt her heart and cast any negative emotion away.

His smiled widened. His green and gold eyes pierced her defenses. She smiled back at him, making her feel like it was the first time they had ever met. He placed a kiss on her forehead. “I figured I owe you a day of shopping.”

She rolled her eyes. “You cannot buy me happiness.”

He nodded. “I know, but at least we get to spend sometime with each other before I head out to Europe.”

She let out a sigh. “How long do I have you for?”

“Almost seven hours. I have to be at sound check by four. The band totally understands.” He smiled.

She nodded and smiled back. “Alright, well. Let’s go shopping.” She wrapped her arms around his left arm.

A few hours had passed and she had only two bags with her. She wasn’t in much of a shopping mood as she was for just spending time with him. She was enjoying all of it so much that she wasn’t noticing how he would ask her questions about certain dresses. “What do you think of this one or this one?” or “What could you see yourself wearing this to?”. He was even doing it with jewelry, especially rings. She never questioned him or noticed that much in the first place. She just went along with it, falling in love with a few things but not suggesting on buying them because they were above expensive and she had no need for such things.

“I’m really glad we can spend all this time together you know.” She smiled as they sat at an elegant and expensive looking restaurant. “Thank you.”

He shrugged as he looked over the menu. “For you, anything.” He put down his menu and smiled at her. He put his hand across the table, palm up.

She placed her hand in his and smiled. It wasn’t because he wanted to shower her with gifts, but just giving her his time of day to her. If he was always this charming and loving towards her, she’d never be angry or resentful towards him and the lifestyle. The thought made her frown, he’ll probably cast her aside once again after tonight. Whenever there was alcohol and drugs in the mix, he was someone else.

“What is it?” he squeezed her hand.

She shook her head. “It’s nothing. I just we had more time like this.”

He looked down and nodded. “How about we get out of here and just go get some burgers, like old times?”

She smiled and nodded. And at that he jumped up, got his wallet out and tossed down a couple of bills. He offered his hand to her and she gladly took it, they rushed towards the door, laughing. It felt like they were back to normal again, before he and the band made it.

Chapter 5: Love Game

*Author's note: Sorry about the delay. I forgot today was Monday and I didn't have the chapter finished. If there are any errors or typos, I apologize. I didn't have time to re-read it and do correcting. I wanted to get this up before 9pm, but obviously that didn't work out well. Again, I apologize!

Present day Los Angeles, California…

It was Saturday morning, Scarlette was wearing a black vintage Chanel military style dress and standing in the middle of an empty living room. The room was very bright, especially since its matching French doors and two large windows, let the sunlight flood in and reflect off the white walls and carpeting. Her real estate agent was going on about the living room; and it’s magnificent view of the ocean and how nice the house is for a single woman.

Scarlette was paying no mind to the woman and just looked around the room; thinking. The heel of her black pumps sunk into the plush carpeting as she moved around the room. She ran her finger along the mantel above the fireplace and turned to her real estate agent. “Can you get me an agent that has listing for San Diego, in Old Town or Downtown area? As soon as possible.” Interrupting her mid-sentence.

The agent gave a blank stare for a moment then nodded. “Of course, I’ll make some calls now and see what I can do.” She got out her phone and began dialing numbers.

Scarlette walked into the foyer, slightly admiring the chandelier that hung in the middle. The house was too big for just her anyways, even though it was beautiful and European inspired inside and out. Two stories was a bit ridiculous for a single woman. She slowly moved up the stairs, letting her hand lightly glide along the oak wood of the banister. She had her back to the front door when it opened, she paused mid-step.

“Hello?” Sophia poked her head around from the door.

“Up here.” Scarlette then realized that there was someone else with her. As Sophia walked in through the door, she realized that there was more than one with her. Her eyes opened wide upon realization; she quickly recovered and placed a smile on her face. “What took you so long?” She leaned a hip against the banister.

Sophia smiled. “Sorry, breakfast ran a little late. I was going to text you, but I thought we were going to barely make it on time, of course, there was an accident on the freeway.” She gave Scarlette a weak smile. “So is this the house?” She was holding hands with one of her companions, who were looking around the foyer, waiting to be introduced.

Scarlette sighed. “Uh, no. Change of plans altogether actually.” She held an edge of irritation in her voice. “Aren’t you going to introduce me instead of being a rude ass?” She smiled.

“Oh, right, sorry.” She squeezed the man’s hand and gave him a look of being completely smitten. “This is Matt.” She gave a happy sigh, then nodded over her shoulder to the other man standing behind them “And this is David. Guys, this is Scarlette.”

Scarlette bowed her head slightly, smiling. “Nice to meet you two.”

They both did the same to Scarlette, smiling. Matt was the tallest of the two, he was probably almost five or six inches taller than Sophia; and she was almost five-ten. His hair was short and spiky, black with thin platinum highlights through out. He was wearing a black long sleeved button down dress shirt, black jeans, and black leather dress boots. His eyes were a piercing clear ocean blue and intense, as if he could peer into your soul.

As for David, he was about two inches shorter than Matt. His hazel eyes grabbed at Scarlette, causing her swallow hard. His hair was black and short as well, except for a faux that was colored a mix of teal, blue, and purple. Stubble but yet, eye catching. He was wearing a dark purple dress shirt that hung untucked from his relaxed fit black jeans. He stepped towards Scarlette, his black leather doc martens boots lightly thudded against the floor.

Scarlette stepped down a few steps before he met her; he took her hand gently and laid a kiss on her knuckles. “It’s lovely to meet you.” He gently gave her, her hand back.

Scarlette searched for her voice, coming up empty she gave a small curtsy and smile. Once she broke away from his gaze she looked at Sophia, who was flushed with glee; anger and irritation bubbled back up. “Sophia, can I show you something. I need a woman’s opinion on the bathroom.” She emphasized “woman”.

Sophia’s eyes widened. “Oh, of course!” She patted Matt’s hand and walked towards the stairs.

“Excuse us for a moment.” She smiled at David and Matt, then walked back to the top of the stairs. Sophia soon followed behind her; which Scarlette took her arm and unnoticeable to the men, dug her nails into Sophia’s flesh. “I am going to kill you!” She quietly spat through her clenched teeth and lead her through a hallway and into the bathroom; shutting the door behind them. She crossed her arms in front of her and looked at Sophia with crazed eyes.

“I just figured you should meet him anyways, change of heart?” She shrugged her shoulders and put her hands up.

Scarlette began to pace the large master bathroom; heels clicking against the tile. “I am so livid, it isn’t even remotely funny.” She growled. “How? Why? I told you I wasn’t ready for this!” She kept her voice low but the anger turned all the way up. “It’s not so much that he is here, it’s that this is a blatant set up. Not to mention that this is something I need just your support on and not share with two other strangers.”

Sophia was leaning against the marble counter. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think that this would be that big of a problem. Honestly.”

Scarlette closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. “I appreciate the thought, but no. I can’t do this, happy about the divorce or not. With all the changes that are going on and the ones that are pending, I cannot.” She put two fingers on her temples. Then there was a knock on the door, to which they both jumped to. Scarlette cleared her throat. “Yes?”

“I’ve found a few houses in your price range in San Diego, as well as a realtor who can show them to you on Monday.”

Sophia snapped her head to Scarlette and mouthed “What?” with a raised eyebrow and hand, palm upwards.

Scarlette closed her eye and shook her head. “Okay.” She walked over to the door and opened it. “Thank you so much.”

The realtor looked at Scarlette then at Sophia.

“Oh this is my friend Sophia, I was showing her how much I like this bathroom and how it should be something I look for in the other houses.”

The realtor looked at them both again and then nodded. “I’d show you the houses myself but I have appointments that day.” She handed Scarlette and card. “That’s my associates name, he’s going to be the one that will help you down in San Diego.” They all headed back to the staircase.

“Thank you very much for everything. I’m sorry this didn’t work out better.”

The realtor nodded. “It’s no problem.” She lead them back down to the foyer. “If you have any questions or change your mind, you have my number. Please don’t hesitate to call.”

Matt had opened the door for them. Sophia went out first with Matt and David following behind her.

Scarlette stopped and held her hand out once before she walked out of the door. “Of course.” She smiled.

The realtor smiled back and took Scarlette’s hand. “It was nice meeting you. I hope everything works out for you Miss Davis.”

“Thank you.” Scarlette walked out the door and down the stone pathway that lead to the circular driveway, past Sophia, Matt, and David.

“You should have told me you wanted to move to San Diego.” Sophia huffed behind her.

Scarlette shrugged and held an edge of sarcasm in her voice. “Sucks when things are just sprung up on you, eh?” She was getting her car keys out of her purse, she stood next to her car.

“Well, San Diego is pretty awesome.” David chimed in.

They both turned and looked at him.

He put his hands up and took a step back.

“What are you going to do now?” Sophia glared at Scarlette.

She thought about it for a moment then looked at her car. “I think I’ll go car shopping.” She smiled and hit the unlock button on the car’s keypad.

“So you want me to leave?”

She paused, with one foot in the car. “No, you guys can join. It can get pretty damn boring at a dealership without company.”

“Can I ride with you?”

Scarlette looked at Matt and David then back to Sophia.

“Do you want to follow us or you can just do your own thing?”

Matt shrugged. “I can do either.” Sensing the tension, he looked at Scarlette.

Scarlette shrugged. “If you want to be stuck at a dealership forever, fine by me.”

He smiled. “We can always leave.” He looked at David and laughed.

“All right, it’s settled. Let’s go over to the Land Rover dealership on Sunset.”

★★★★★★★

“I am totally starving.” Sophia held her stomach and whined. It was almost four hours later and Scarlette was just finalizing all the necessary paperwork for her brand new silver, supercharged, fully loaded Range Rover.

“Thank you very much.” Scarlette smiled brightly at the sales man has he handed her the extra set of keys to her. She turned and walked back to where Sophia and the guys were sitting. “Sorry to make you guys wait so long. Shall we get a late lunch, my treat?”

Sophia sat up a little straighter. “Are you done?”

Scarlette nodded. “Yes.”

She jumped up. “All right, let’s go.” She stretched. Matt and David stood up as well and the four of them headed towards the door. Matt took Sophia by the hand and David placed his hand on the small of Scarlette’s back. It took her by surprised, Scarlette looked over her shoulder at David and gave him a small smile. She told herself he was just being polite, even though she felt a shock of electricity between each other.

The dealership workers pulled the vehicle up to the front for Scarlette. “So were to?”

“I’m thinking… burgers?” Sophia licked her lips and rubbed her stomach.

“Models eat burgers, no way?!” Matt laughed and pulled Sophia closer to him.

Sophia smiled. “We’re not typical, obviously.”

“Burgers do sound good.” Scarlette nodded.

David shrugged. “Works for me.”

“To Patra Burgers!”

The guys looked at each other and shrugged. “We’ll follow.”

“You haven’t had a burger ‘til you’ve had one of these.” Scarlette walked to the driver side and got in.

“These were pretty good, not the best but good.” Matt leaned back in his chair and put his arms behind his head. “Shake Shack might be better.”

Sophia stuffed fries into her mouth. “That’s like comparing apples and oranges. East coast to west coast.”

Scarlette stifled a laughed and sipped on her ice tea.

“So what now?” David looked at Scarlette and smiled. “It’s been fun, even though it started off a little awkward.”

“Well,” Sophia began to get up. “Thank you for lunch Scar, but Matt and I are going to go walk off some of this grease and hunt down ice cream.”

Scarlette thought about how she’ll have to wring Sophia’s neck later.

It was just David and Scarlette sitting there for a while, not saying anything. Scarlette sipped on her tea and David looked around the restaurant. The awkward silence was getting unbearable when David cleaned his throat.

“I apologize for this seeming like an ambush.” He leaned forward a bit, unsure of what to do next.

She shrugged. “It’s fine. I mean, I was pissed at first but it’s not your fault… right?”

He gave a small laugh and nodded. “Sophia and Matt just told me that they were meeting up with a friend and asked if I wanted to come along. I had nothing else to do, and well, here I am.” He absently played with the straw in his soda.

“Well, not to be rude, since I’m pretty positive that Sophia didn’t tell either one of you; I told her the other night, that I wasn’t interested in meeting you or anyone for that matter. I just filed for divorce and I think I need a little me time. A little selfish phase before I get anyone involved.” She sighed. “Plus, I’m probably not in the best frame of mind right now, considering that, that relationship was going on for almost eleven years.”

He nodded. “I completely understand. I was there too once. But, I can’t lie and say I’m not attracted to you. As creepy as this may sound, I am very attracted to you. I would like to take you on a date and get to know you better, if that is okay with you.”

Scarlette lifted a corner of her lips and shook her head.

“We don’t have to call it a date, let’s just hang out and be friends.”

She paused for a moment and contemplated on that suggestion. “Maybe.”

“Sophia told me very little about you and I am not about to go and Google your name. I feel like that is cheating or would put me in the wrong frame of mind. Well, how about we hang out a few times more before I go on tour, email each other when I am on tour and then when I come back 6 months, I can take you on a date?”

“If it all works out, okay. That’s fine. I suppose I should make some new friends.”

David smile, letting his white teeth peek through his lips. “So, as a friend, tell me more about yourself.”

Scarlette smiled and began from the beginning. They went back and forth about school, music, career goals, interest, hobbies, and what they were reading. Soon they each went over their divorces, considering Scarlette’s was just beginning, she didn’t have much to talk about except for the events that lead to it.

“Well, I could handle the cheating and random hook ups, only because he wasn’t sleeping with me. But the drug and alcohol abuse, it’s a little ridiculous. It makes Lindsey look sober.”

“That bad?”

“If not worse now. He wasn’t always like that though.” She shrugged. “I just had been hope that the man I fell in love with in high school would some day come back. I can’t wait another ten years, hell, not even another ten days.” She shook her head. “The straw that really broke the camels back was the sex tape.”

David’s eye open wide, mouth slightly open. “You have a sex tape?”

She laughed. “Oh goodness, no.” She crossed her legs and straightened out her skirt. “He and some loose girl.” She made a face of disgust. “I’m sure her family is very proud of her.”

“That is pretty heavy.”

She nodded.

“Well, my divorce isn’t that exciting, although I did cheat once. It was rather stupid and typical. Booze and loose women just don’t mix. I felt so guilty I started drinking more. I was disgusted with myself and alcohol was the band aid that fixed it.” He too s drink of his soda. “My drug of choice was cocaine. I snorted so much of it, the Rolling Stones would have sent me to rehab. It was pretty bad, then I started to realize I was losing a lot of friends and family members, so I checked into a rehab facility in Sedona, Arizona.” He stared off into the distance. “I failed to realize that my relationship with my wife was forever damaged and even more so when she filed for divorce while I was in rehab. She said she didn’t want to deal with me if I relapsed which she said would bet large amounts of money on.” He gave a slight grunt. “It’s pretty sad when people who once cared about you already set you up, in their mind, for failure.”

“I have to give you a lot of credit for realizing your own mistakes and tried to correct them. I’m sorry you’re ex-wife didn’t want to give you a chance after rehab.”

He shrugged. “I deserved it and it’s for the best. I think she was pissed about her having to sober up and start working for herself; meanwhile, I was still having a blast all over the world. I’m smarter now, partying isn’t everything.”

Scarlette played with the strand of white pearls on her neck, for a moment. Staring at the table, thinking. “Do you still talk to her?”

He shook his head. “She’s remarried now and has two kids. Plus, I don’t feel like reminiscing about the past.”

Scarlette’s gaze had turned out to the window, to the cars that drove by. She saw Sophia and Matt walking across the street and back to the restaurant. “They’re coming back.”

He got up and moved behind Scarlette pulling her chair out as she stood up. “Thank you.” She smiled, has she ran her palms over the back of her dress to smooth it out. “It’s been lovely. Sorry, I was slightly stand-offish earlier.” They headed towards the door.

“It’s not a big deal. I would have been too. At least to turned out pleasant.” He gave her a smiled. “We should do this again soon.”

Scarlette smiled and nodded. “I agree.” Her heart skipped a beat at the thought, but had to hush it down. It was too early for this, if she wanted a healthy relationship, she had to wait. She didn’t want to rush into everything and have it come back and blow up in her face. Just then, she realized that flirting and conversation with the opposite sex came naturally to her. She sighed in relief, but this could turn out to be a problem instead. This was going to be interesting.