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.

Bonus Post #1

*Author’s Note: I’m thinking bonus post should be things that happen in between the current time line, like things I don’t go over in History chapters or Current chapters. For example, this is sometime between the meeting with the divorce lawyer and *cue dramatic music* the-soon-to-be-ex-husband calling about the divorce breaking on the news. We’ll have to see how this works out, and they'll probably be short. Oh and I apologize for any slip ups, typos, etc. I typed this up pretty fast and didn't give it a second read through.

It was some time after noon but before four in the afternoon. Scarlette sat at the dinning room table, with her head tilted backwards and eyes closed. She tapped her fingers on the dinning room table debating in her head if she should call him. She let out a sighed and rolled her head forward, letting it hang forward. She bit her lip and reached for her phone. She held it for a moment, staring at it like it was some sort of great wall she had to climb over.

She took a long deep breath and scrolled through her contact list. She hit call on the number she was looking for. As it rang it felt like it was vibrating down to her toes, echoing in her head and in the room. She was snapped to, when she heard a voice on the other end of the line.

“Uh, hi, it’s Scarlette.” She held her breath and wait for a response. What felt like minutes had passed, the voice finally spoke again.

“Ah, hello.” It was hard and cold, blunt. So much distant in a voice that was so close to her ear.

She tilted her head slightly and pressed her lips into thin lines. “I know you probably don’t want to talk to me, I’m sorry for interrupting you but I had no idea who else to call. I tried to think of other people to call but my mind kept coming back to you. I’m sorry.” She waited, again it had felt like minutes had past. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have called…”

“Wait.” The voice had softened. A little weary, sighing. “What happened?”

“I. I’m leaving him. I filed for a divorce.” She said that last part firm. “For real this time. I met with a lawyer and everything. I’ve moved all my things out. I’m going to start looking for a house and a vehicle.” She sighed with a tinge of happiness. “I’m moving on. It only took me, how many years to realize this?” She gave a weak laugh.

The voice breathed heavily into the phone and then sighing with exasperation. “You should have called after the divorce was finalized. Then I would have believed you more. If, if this is all true, then that’s great! It’s about time. I’m happy for you. If not, I say this with very good reason because history constantly repeats itself around you, you’ve wasted a lot of my time and I can only hope you see the light before it is far too late.” The voice was very stern, but it cut at Scarlette like a knife.

She nodded. “Understandable. I know I can’t say much since all that has happened and I should’ve said it a long time ago, I should have listened…”

“But you loved him.”

Giving a soft laugh. “Yeah, I think I still do. I know I still do, but I’m beginning to love myself more. If I continue down that road, it will kill me… And the regret I have already built up inside me, I can have much more. I know I shouldn’t revisit the past but this, you are something I have to go back too. It may be too little too late, but I really cared about you and I still do. I’m sorry for my blindness and stupidity. I can’t believe I ever turned my back on you.” She took a deep breath in. “I will go through with this. This is a promise I can keep, I will prove it. I miss our friendship.” She was on the verge of tears, her voice cracked at almost every other word.

The voice sighed. “I’ll call you when and if I’m ready. You really burned me, you know.” And at that, the voice was gone.

She looked at her phone, the calling ending time flash on her screen for a few seconds and then went dim. She laid her head on the table and silently cried. Could this ever be repaired?

Chapter 4: And All That Could Have Been (Part II)

Present day Los Angeles, California…

Scarlette had arrived at the well-known Indian restaurant; that specialized in Punjabi cuisine. It was nice and intimate place; with dim lighting. It was very clean and elegant inside. White table cloths on square tables with modern black leather chairs, and little bronze India inspired tea lights in the center. White wash walls with metal works and mirrors hung. The air was also thick with the smell of curry, garlic, and ginger.

Scarlette was greeted by the hostess and was lead to a table in the back, where it was a bit more quiet. She took a seat and waited for her friend to show; she wasn’t late, Scarlette had arrived about ten minutes early. She sipped on some of the water the waiter had brought her and people watched for a bit.

It had only been a little over five minutes since Scarlette was waiting when a tall, leggy, brunette, with big black sunglasses sat at the table in front of Scarlette. She was wearing a black pencil skirt, pink soft silk chiffon blouse, paired with gold t-strap platform cork wedge sandals, and a 4 strand gold necklace.

“Have you been waiting long? I’m sorry if you have.” She took off her sunglasses and slid them into her purse.

Scarlette shook her head as she sipped on her water. “Oh no Sophia, I was actually really early, the traffic was better than I had expected. I’ve been sitting here for about five minutes, give or take a minute.” She smiled. “I believe they are serving Tandoori Chicken and Nihari Beef tonight.”

Just then the waiter came back, told them what was available, and then took their orders. He brought back two IPA beers and flat bread for them. They thanked him and began to catch up.

“So,” Scarlette began after taking a drink of her beer and nodding in content. “How are things with you?”

Sophia raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”

Scarlette shrugged. “Well, things are good for me. I have a lot of work coming up, photo shoots, club appearances, and a bit of travelling. I feel like I can breathe a bit better too now.”

“Because of the divorce?”

She nodded. “Yeah, that’s part of it. I don’t have to worry about him and what he is doing or who he is doing.” She took another drink of her beer. “I know I should be sad and heart broken, I mean, I am but it doesn’t hurt that much, you know? I was depressed about it for a few days, but I think for from the stress of telling him.” She sighed. “I think I did all my hurting and crying when I was still trying to hold on to whatever figment of relationship was there.” She put a piece of bread in her mouth.

Sophia nodded picking at a piece of the flat bread. “I see where you are coming from, I can’t say I fully understand it since I’ve never been in your position, but I believe you.” She took a sip from her water. “I always thought that is anyone was happy for a divorce, there was something wrong with them, but now… I can see how it can be a very good thing. I’m glad you got yourself out of the relationship. Finally!” She held up her glass of beer.

Scarlette smiled and lightly tapped her glass with Sophia’s. “To freedom!”

They both drank their beer and laughed. Their waiter came with the food and asked if they’d like another beer, they accepted and began to eat their food.

“Well, I’ve got news of my own.” Sophia smiled.

Scarlette swallowed her food. “Oh really?” She raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Spill.”

She blushed. “I met someone, his name is Matt, he is totally sweet and charming, I think you’d like him.” She gushed. “But,”

“But???” Scarlette motioned her to go on.

“He’s thirty eight years old and in a well known band.”

“And the problem is?”

Sophia relaxed. “I thought you’d be against that.”

Scarlette shook her head. “No, I mean if he is a good guy, treats you right, and makes you happy, then who am I to judge? I can’t label them all to be like him. That’s just unfair.”

Sophia straightened up a bit. “So… would you be willing to double date?”

“What?!” Scarlette shrieked, causing a few heads to turn. “I am in no way ready to date yet.”

“Oh come on, it could be fun. You need to get out there and play the field… And get laid for Christ sakes.” She muttered the last part as she forked some chicken on to a piece of bread, then stuffing it into her mouth.

Scarlette glared at her. “Well, now that you say that, oh yes, totally!” She said it in a voice two pitches higher and flipped her hair. “Do I look that desperate? I mean, I kinda want to stay away from the rockstar scene, you know?” She took a sip of water. “Just because we’re models, doesn’t mean we have to be with rockstars.”

“Yeah, yeah.” She said through chews. “He’s really nice and it’s just for a date, I’m not saying you need to marry him you know.”

“I know that, but…”

“But if you don’t like him, that’s it, never talk to him again. He is Matt’s bandmate, a guitarist.”

She grunted. “That’s playing the field. I can see the headlines already… ‘Model trades in guitar player husband for another guitarist’… Oh yeah, real good.”

“Oh who cares?”

Scarlette shrugged. “I don’t know, we’ll see.”

Sophia gave a little bounce in her chair.

“I didn’t say yes!”

“But you didn’t say no!” She grinned. “It’ll be so much fun if you do, I promise. We can do whatever you like.”

Scarlette gave her a disapproving look. “I’ll let you know in a week or so.”

Sophia slumped in her chair a little bit. “Well, I’ll just tell you about him then.”

She rolled her eyes. “All right, tell me about him.” Stuffing another piece of bread and some chicken into her mouth.

“Okay.” She smiled. “He’s thirty-five, been divorced once, about five years ago; no children, two dogs, and he’s extremely sweet.”

“What band are they in?”

“Um, Dysmorphic Sound.”

Scarlette nodded. “Such an interesting name, but I’ve hear about them. Aren’t they touring in Europe?”

Sophia nodded while chewing.

“Synthpop, new wave-ish…” She nodded slowly puckering her lips a little. “I actually enjoy their music, I believe I have some of their songs on my Ipod. Isn’t his name David or something?”

Sophia nodded again, more vigorously. “See, I think it’s a sign and they’ll be touring in a month.”

“That I like their music?” She furrowed her brows and turning up the side of her lip.

Sophia just stared at her with her mouth slightly open.

“I’ll let you know next week.” She placed her napkin on her plate with her fork and knife crossing.

Sophia grunted and did the same. “Fine, fine… Dessert?”

“Eh, maybe some coffee.” She glanced at her watch. “I have to be up early.”

“Well, how about we do it another time then? I wouldn’t want you to loose any of your beauty sleep.”

“Okay, maybe this weekend. I’ll have to check my schedule. I’ll text you when I have a free night. Oh I’m going to go look at houses this weekend, maybe you can join?”

Sophia thought about it for a moment. “Yeah, I think I can.”

Their waiter came over and cleared their table and asked them if they would like anything else or just the check. Before Scarlette had a chance to reach for her purse, Sophia had handed the waiter a credit card. Scarlette frowned.

“Don’t worry about it, it’s my gift to you. Consider it a ‘congratulations on your divorce’ type deal.” She smiled and laughed a little.

Scarlette waved a hand at her. “Well, I’ll get the tip then.” She placed a twenty dollar bill on the table.

The waiter came back with her card, Sophia signed it off and thy both thanked him. They gathered their things and proceeded to head out the door. Once outside, they walked together to their respective cars.

“Okay so I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know about this weekend and the house hunting?” Scarlette got out the keys to her car.

Sophia nodded. “Sounds good and please, think about it.” Sophia got her keys out and unlocked her car. They had reached their vehicles, which were conveniently parked next to each other.

She sighed. “All right, but I can’t promise anything.” She unlocked her car and opened the driver side door. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“All right bye.” Sophia smiled and waved as she got into her car.

On the drive home, Scarlette had thought about Sophia’s offer. She knew Sophia had good intentions but she wasn’t sure if she was ready to even think about dating or seeing someone or whatever it was they called it. He was the only person she had been with. For almost eleven years, there was no one else. She didn’t even know how to start seeing someone if she even wanted to. Taking things slow wasn’t even the start of it to begin with. Did she even know how to flirt or even how to be around men? It discouraged her a bit as these thoughts ran through her mind. Maybe it’s best if she stay low key for awhile, forget about taking a week to think things over, she had already made up her mind. And with that, she called Sophia to tell her that she wasn’t ready for any of it, for fun or not.

Chapter 4: And All That Could Have Been (Part I)

*Authors note*: Sorry for the delay. I decided to split this chapter into 2 parts, since it was becoming quite long. Part 2 will be posted Friday. :D

Present day Los Angeles, California…

It had been two days since Scarlette had visited her divorce lawyer. She and Liz had been scouring the internet for any information or pictures about her visiting the lawyer and nothing had turned up. As of yet.

It was around eight in the morning when her phone started to go off with Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi”. A hand emerged from the pile of blankets and reached out towards the night stand to the right of it. After a bit of fumbling, the hand pulled the phone back under the pillows.

“Hello?” Scarlette croaked out.

“We have a slight problem.” It was Mich.

Since she was still half a sleep, the word “problem” didn’t faze her. Her thoughts were more focused on falling back asleep. “Uh huh.”

“I thought I cleaned up most of the mess but, the photos leaked last night, early this morning.” Mich’s voice sounded apologetic.

That jolted her awake. She opened her eyes wide. “What?!” She flung the blankets off of her and jumped out of bed. She grabbed her light pink silk robe that had little cherry blossoms scattered all over the back and a few on the front. She put it on as she walked out of the room.

“The photos leaked. I’m going to try to do as much damage control as I can from here. If anyone asks, do not comment.”

She grunted as she flew down the stairs and into the dining room. “I have to call my lawyer.” She was at a large oak wood eight seat, dining table. There were two laptops, a Dell XPS and a Mac Air. She sat in front of the Dell and woke it from its sleep mode.

“Why?”

She opened a browser and did a Google search. “To see if my lawyer called his lawyer who would have called him.” So far only two major gossip sites were reporting it. She opened up the bands’ website and checked the country they were in, Berlin, Germany. She did a quick conversion in her head. Some wear around five p.m. “Crap. I gotta go. Call me if anything changes.” She hung up on Mich and immediately called her lawyer, then remembered it was Saturday. “Shit.” She hung up after it rang a few times. She put her head down on the laptops keyboard and silently prayed it would fall on deaf ears. Highly unlikely.

She cursed herself. She should have just own upped to it and called him to let him know what was happening. Instead she procrastinated and karma came to bite her in the ass. She banged her head on the laptop a little and grunted.

Just then Liz came down from her room. “Dude, you need to see this.” She walked past Scarlette and into the living room. She turned on the TV and switched it over to a well known news network.

“It’s been reported that famous fetish model Scarlette was seen leaving high profile divorce lawyer…” The TV blared.

Scarlette sat up straight. “You have got to be fucking kidding me.” She got up from her seat and stood next to Liz.

Liz tried to lighten the mood. “I know! Like all you do is fetish modeling or something, geez!”

She looked at Liz from the corner of her eye and glared. “I’m so fucked… I need coffee for this.” She walked back out of the living room, through the dinning room, and into the kitchen. She started preparing the coffee maker.

Liz walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge. “It could be worse?”

She sneered. “Worse?” She pushed the brew button on the coffee maker. “Enlighten me please because I would really like to feel better right now.” She turned to Liz; who was getting eggs, bread, milk, and bacon from the fridge.

Liz shrugged just as she was about to say something Scarlette’s phone started to sing Private’s “We’ve Got Some Breaking Up to Do”. They both slowly turned their head to the phone, which was still on the dinning room table.

“Like that.” Liz pointed to the phone. “Ironic, no?” She gave a weak laugh.

Scarlette walked back to the dinning room and gave Liz a glare over her shoulder. She hesitated at picking up the phone, staring down at it. Then she realized her hand was shaking, her entire body was quaking. Right as she picked it up it stopped ringing. She let out a rush of air in relief. Then it started again causing her to almost throw the phone across the room. “Fuck…” She muttered as she looked down at his name and picture. She touched the green button that was on the screen and swallowed hard.

“Hello?” Her voice came out small, almost a whisper.

“FINALLY! Shit. What in the fuck is going on over there?” He screamed into the phone. “I get bombarded by these asshole paparazzi screaming about divorce, then Tony shows me pictures on the internet of my wife leaving some divorce lawyers office! Care to explain???”

She sighed and put a hand to her forehead. So her lawyer hadn’t talked to his lawyer yet or her lawyer did but his lawyer did talk to him yet. She pulled out a chair and sat down. “I… I…” She couldn’t think of what to say or how to say it. No matter how pissed or hurt or over it you were, it was always difficult to break up with someone. “I’m sorry.” She sighed again into the phone. “There’s no other way to put it, I’m sorry you have to find out like this though.”

He smirked. “How…? Why…? What did I do?” His voice sounded shaky and the hurt leapt through the phone and into her heart. “Can’t we fix whatever it is?”

She laughed at that, sounding a little bitchy but she couldn’t help it. “I cannot go through this anymore.” It came out harsher then she meant it to. “I have given you so many damn chances over the years. So many, it’s ridiculous. I cannot do it for another 10 years. Hell, another 10 weeks even. I can’t. I just can’t.”

“But what if…”

She cut him off. “No. I’m done. I’m tired of the lies. I’m tired of the affairs, the drugs, the drinking, and the excuses, all of it. I’m tired of all it. I want out.” She took a deep breath. “I want a divorce.”

“I can fix this. I know I can, if you let me.” He sounded like a lost little boy.

She shook her head and laughed bitterly. “No, no, NO! There is no fixing. As much as this is killing me, it is done. It is destroyed. We are beyond the point of no return.” A tear fell from her eye.

“In two weeks, when I get back home, I’ll change your mind.” Now he was just being crazy.

“No.” She wiped her eye with the back of her hand. “Just, sign the papers when you receive them. Please.” She hung up the phone before he said anything else and turned off the phone. If anyone needed her, they had her business number, which Liz answered anyways. Thankfully, he didn’t have that number. She placed her phone next to the laptop and got up. She walked over to the two French doors that lead out to the backyard. She opened them and walked outside.

It was getting warm outside, it was the middle of April. The birds where chirping and the flowers were beginning to bloom. The grass was green and lush. There was a fountain with a pond at the bottom and a cement bench next to it, to her right. To her left was a swinging chair, under a large green tree. The wall surrounding the yard was a gray brick that was about 8 feet tall.

She tilted her head back and breathed in deeply. She felt the weight on her shoulders disappear and most importantly, she didn’t want to cry. She felt different, she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. It felt familiar but strange, all at the same time. Then she realized. She felt relieved, relaxed… happy. She smiled at the thought. Then she felt a hand at her back.

It was Liz. Liz handed her a cup of coffee. “How are you feeling?” Her voice was gentle.

She tilted her head to the side. “Oddly enough, I feel great. Happy.” She looked at Liz and smiled. “Something I haven’t felt in a long time.” She sipped her coffee. “Perfect. Thanks.”

Liz searched her face. “Well, you are kinda glowing.” She smiled. Her voice was careful though. ”I’m glad you feel better now. Are you hungry?”

She nodded. “I am. I’m usually not a breakfast person but I feel like breakfast.” She smiled and they headed inside.

★★★★★★★

“Just to remind you, you have a shoot tomorrow.” Liz was reading though emails on Scarlette’s computer. “It should be fun. It’s with that French designer who makes are those really pretty sparkly and expensive corsets. Ooh, maybe you’ll get to keep one.”

Scarlette shrugged. “His name is Jacque and I know. Am I the new spokes model for him?” She was reading though Bizarre Magazine. She had done an interview and photo shoot for them a few months ago, now it was out on news stands and she was the first to get a copy.

Liz sipped on her sprite. “Eh, maybe? Maybe it’s like a tester type of thing. He did request for you though so we shall see.” She went back to looking at the computer screen. “It’s ridiculous how many friends request you get everyday. I’m on the tenth page of thirty.”

“Any interesting emails?” She sipped on her White Russian. She glanced at her watch. She had two hours before she went to meet up with her friend to have dinner with.

“I’ll check right now, let me get this out of the way.”

Scarlette got up for the table. “Well, I’ll be in the shower. I have to get ready to meet Sophia for dinner. Save the important looking emails for me.”

Thirty minutes later, Scarlette emerged from the shower feeling refreshed and clean. It had been about a week since she informed her soon-to-be-ex-husband that he was going to be just that. Her mood had been lifted since that day, not a moment of depression or a tear shed for that sadness anymore. As cold as that may seem, she was finally moving on with her life.

She blow-dried her hair and then curled it with a flatiron. She applied very little make up, her foundation and powder. Then her black gel eyeliner, giving her eyes a little cat eye, and black mascara. She dusted a soft pink on her cheeks and gave her lips a little nude sparkle. Once she was done applying her make up she put on a pair of black skinny jeans and a dark purple tunic, which had intricate embroidery and bead work around the neck and bottom edges. She slipped on her dark purple patent leather pumps and grabbed her small black leather purse, stuffing her phone, lipgloss, and wallet inside.

She walked down stairs, Liz was still sitting at the table. “are you going to be okay tonight?”

Liz looked up at her with a smirk on her face. “Yeah, mom, I’ll be fine.”

“I’m just checking, I don’t want you to think I’m blowing you off or something.” She stood next to Liz.

“Psh. Whatever. You’re just a roomie that I work for.” She shrugged and then laughed. “Besides, I’m going out tonight anyways. With a boy.”

Scarlette lifted an eyebrow. “Oh really?” In all the year she has known Liz, Liz never had a boyfriend or went out with boys or anyone for that matter, except for her.

“Yeah. He’s nice. Nothing serious though. Just drinks and a little dancing.”

“So I shouldn’t wait up?” She smiled.

Liz shrugged then smiled a little.

“I have to get going. But have fun and be safe.” She bent down and gave Liz a hug.

“I will, you too.” She hugged back.

Chapter 3: It’s Time

Four years ago: Los Angeles, California…

A couple of months had past since she had met Christine, the model agent. Every now and then, usually while helping a difficult customer, she’d think about Christine and her offer. She would quickly dismiss the idea, believing that she couldn’t be a model. She felt that she just didn’t have the cojones; or at least that’s what she thought. She had been pulling as many hours as she could to save money up for a car and pay D and Lara back; even though they told her to not worry about it. It was starting to show on her physically.

It was a Tuesday afternoon and it was first time in weeks. She was sitting on the couch, in her t-shirt and fuzzy purple pajama bottom, watching TV with D and Lara. Some action movie was on; nobody was really paying attention to it. Lara was reading a book, D was reading a newspaper, and she was dozing off and on.

“Have you talked to him?” D nonchalantly asked, with his eyes still on the paper.

“Hmm?” She sat up a little straighter and tried to open her eyes wider.

He folded the paper over to look at her. “Have you talked to him lately?”

She shook her head. “Not since I started my job.”

D smirked and went back to reading. “Good to know he cares so much.”

“He’s busy touring, probably tired.” She yawned and stretched.

“Right.” That single word dripped with sarcasm. “Why do you defend him? He hasn’t done anything for you.”

She rolled her eyes; there was no way she was going to deal with this right now. “Well, he can’t defend himself.” She stood up and started for the guest room where she was staying.

“Oh yeah, that’s right, because all the chivalry he has should speak on behalf of him. How silly of me to forget.” He called after her.

Lara looked up from her book. “Leave it alone. You’ll damage your friendship instead of help.”

He sighed and went back to the paper.

She sat on her bed and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She looked at her phone and stared at it for a moment. She got up and grabbed her purse from the back of the door. She went through it for a bit before finding what she needed. If she had butterflies in her stomach, she had a whole hoard of them in there. She grabbed her phone and punched in the number. It took a few rings for someone to pick up.

“Hi, my name is Scarlette Méndez, is Christine Loren available? Oh, tell her it’s the worker from Saks Fifth Ave. Thank you.” She tapped her nails against her hip as she waited on hold. “Hi Christine. Yes. I’m sorry I didn’t call sooner. Oh… Yes. Tomorrow?... At 10 am?... Okay, yeah, sure. Thank you. See you tomorrow then.” She hung up the phone and stood in shock for a bit, staring at the wall. That was easy, way too easy. She shook her head hard. “Crap…” She turned around to the closet and began to dig up something to wear. Wait, what did one wear to a photo shoot? It was just for head shots.

After forty minutes of putting together outfits on her bed and hating all of them. “Lara, can you come here please?” She whined and sighed heavily. There was no way she could go shopping now. She had a dark blue cashmere sweater in her hands, slightly waving it against her legs.

Lara popped her head in. “Yeah?” Then raised an eyebrow at the sight of clothes strewn everywhere. “What in the… Did a clothes bomb explode in here?” She carefully stepped in the room, trying not to step on clothes or a shoe. “I hope you didn’t call me in here to help you pick this up?” She shook her head and looked at Scarlette.

She wiggled her knees. “I have a photo shoot tomorrow morning…” She groaned.

“YOU HAVE A WHAT?!” Lara practically screamed at the top of her lungs. “Oh my god. Oh my GOD! This is major!”

D called from somewhere in the apartment. “WHO HAS MAJOR WHAT?!?” Sounding slightly alarmed.

“Shut up, nothing!” Lara yelled back and thought for a moment. “Let’s see, um what about jeans and a simple t-shirt?”

She gave her a “You’re kidding right?” look.

Lara picked up a pair of dark blue, almost black pair of skinny jeans. “These and…” She scanned the room. “This!” She picked up a red t-shirt that had seen better days.

“Those jeans with that?” She slightly curled her lip.

Lara looked at the shirt. “You’re right. Too much ‘I rolled in a street gutter’.” Then a light bulb went over her head. “I got it!” She had enough excitement in her voice for the entire apartment building. She out of the room and came back after a couple of minutes. “This…” She placed the jeans on the bed and the top. It was a sheer silk top with ruffles the graced the capped shoulders down to the deep v-neck and flowed diagonally to the left hip. The color was fun, but not too loud. From the top, it faded from a dark blue to royal purple to teal. “Of course, wear this under the top and…” She tossed a black camisole with the top ruched on the bed. She bent over and picked up a heel. “Your gold strappy Diane von Furstenberg pumps.” She smiled as she let the pump hang off her left index finger.

“Okay, for one I can’t wear that top. D got it for you on your birthday and its way too expensive. Two, don’t you think it’s too much cleavage? And three, those shoes have never been worn.”

Lara waved her off. “I don’t mind, obviously; plus, I doubt I’ll go anywhere nice where I can wear it.” She said the last part a little loud so D could hear her. “It’s probably not enough cleavage Miss thirty-four D and what a perfect time to break these heel in.” She grinned. “Besides, I think it says enough like ‘I have great taste, can look comfortable, and be unattainable to many.’ Oh and I can’t forget to mention that these jeans make your ass look good!”

“Oh god.” But she nodded. “You’re right.” She sighed. “I guess I should have called you in here from the beginning.” She shrugged and then smiled at Lara. “Thanks.” She started to re-hang everything.

Lara smiled. “Psh, it was nothing. I don’t read all those magazines for nothing.” She started to help pick up some of the clothes on the floor. “Just don’t forget about us when you make it big.” She playfully hit Scarlette on the shoulder.

She stopped mid-hang. “I won’t.” She smiled. “You guys have done so much for me, I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you guys.” She voice slightly cracked.

“Oh geez.” Lara put down the dress she was hanging and pulled her into a hug. “Don’t worry about it. We’re always here for you now matter what. No payments expected.”

“Oh god. Don’t tell me you’re pregnant Scar.” D’s voice startled them both.

They turned and looked at him. Scarlette got her flip flop off her foot and threw it for his head, but hit the door instead. “Shut the hell up. No one is pregnant. God, why do guys act like that’s the worst thing?”

“Oh my god, did he give you something? Is it the clap?!”

They both looked lamely at him.

Lara rolled her eyes. “Seriously? You cannot be serious.”

“Well what is it? All I here is ‘you have what’ and ‘this is major’; what in the hell am I suppose to think?” D threw his hands up in the air.

Lara rolled her eyes again. “She has a photo shoot tomorrow. She called that woman.”

“Oh shit!” D walked over to Scarlette and gave her a bear hug, lifting her from the ground. “Congratulations!” He put her back down.

She playfully smacked his arm, laughing, she rubbed her ribs. “Thanks, but it’s nothing major. It’s just to do head shots and whatever. I guess she anticipated my call.” She shrugged.

“Still! This is big, who knows what this could bring you.” The excitement for her lit up D’s face.

Just then her phone started to ring, causing everyone to look at her phone which laid on the bed. Everyone lost their smile as the ringtone played. It’s was AC/DC’s “Hells Bells”,

“Shit.” Scarlette hung her head. “I guess I better take this. Thanks again Lara.” She picked up the phone and smiled at Lara and D.

“No problem.” Lara rubbed her shoulder. “Let’s go get dinner after.” She smiled and walked out of the room with D following closely behind.

She sighed, nodding, then answered the phone. “Hello? Hey. Yeah, I’m fine but I do have something to tell you… Yeah. We need to talk.”

Chapter 2: I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T

Four years ago: Los Angeles, California…

“I cannot believe you did this to me again! AGAIN!” She sobbed into the phone. “How in the hell am I suppose to pay the goddamn bills?! We’re, no, I’m going to lose the cars and apartment because of your arrogant selfishness!” She sneered into the phone and gritted her teeth; she couldn’t believe he had wasted his money on blow and booze once again. “What am I suppose to do?... Wait?! For what, a miracle?... Send me money? That’s a joke if I ever heard one. Look, don’t be surprised I’m not here when you get back.” She shut the phone closed and stood up from the bed.

The phone started to sing AC/DC’s “Hells Bells”. She looked at the phone and sneered, flipping it back open and pushed the end button twice. Once it was cleared she punched in a number and hit talk.

“D? Yeah, it’s me. Look I need a favor… No, no he’s left me high and dry once again… Yeah, are you sure it’s okay if I stay with you?... Okay, well, can you pick me up? I’m about to lose the car because of his idiocy… All right, thank you so much, see you in twenty.” She hung up the phone and turned it off. Within an hour he’d stop calling and she could turn her phone back on.

She walked over to her closet and grabbed a black duffle bag and started putting clothes in it. As she walked around the apartment stuffing needed things into the duffle bag, she thought about how she could rely on him anymore. She’d have to find a job and start supporting herself; she felt stupid for not having a job in the first place, but with the traveling she did with him, she couldn’t have a normal nine-to-five job. It was now or never, and if she actually did leave him for good this time, she would definitely have to find a job. Time to start being independent.

She let out a frustrated grunt and angrily shoved a few more things into the bag, zipping it closed. She placed it by the door and went to grab her laptop bag and laptop; she continued to think. It’s not like he ever bought her anything anyways. The apartment was small and the band was over all the time. Her car was the one her parents bought her back home and it needed work. The clothes she wore were from mall stores or even Wal-Mart; the most expensive article of clothing was a fifty dollar pair of jeans. As for jewelry, it was either costume or from places like Forever 21. Not that she was complaining, but he didn’t spoil her, which was a tad bit obvious now since everything from the rent to the phone bill to the car payments were delinquent. She wanted to yank her hair out in frustration.

Then there was a knock at the door. She quietly moved over to the door and looked through the peephole, hoping it wasn’t someone sent to see how or where she was. It was D.

“Oh thank god.” She opened the door. “I thought you were one of his minions.” She sighed in relief.

D gave a flash of pearl white teeth, smiling. Considering he was Japanese, he was around six feet tall, maybe a few inches taller, and of slightly muscular build; he beat most of the stereotypes. He had a nice natural tan and thick black hair that was cut into a slightly long faux hawk. He wore a loose black tee and dark wash jeans and his sneakers were blindingly white. “Have I ever told you I think you bit off more than you can chew?” he said, his bluish grey eyes meeting hers.

She smiled. “Everyday I call you bitching about him.” She grabbed her bags and began to walk out the door.

D grabbed the duffel bag from her. “You know, you deserve much better than this bullshit.” He began walking to his car.

She sighed, turning back to close the door and locking it. “Yeah, well, I kinda love him.” She shouted after him. She knew he was right though, deep down she knew it. Yet, she did not want to give up on him, on the relationship that they both invested in so much time and effort. She reached his car, a silver Honda Civic.

D stood at the back of his car opening the trunk. “But the real question is, does he love you?” He put the duffle bag in the trunk of the car and reached for her laptop bag.

Shrugging, she handed him the bag. “Yeah, I think so.”

He smirked. “He has a really funny way of showing it then. You really need to dump him. He keeps pulling this shit.”

“Yeah, well… I think it could be a sign from God or something. Like, maybe I just need to get up off my ass and start working. Be, oh what do they call it? Oh right, in-de-pen-dent,” she said, emphasizing each syllable. “I’m how old and I’m just living this plain vanilla life.”

D gave her a sideways glance. “Vanilla? Having a job isn’t vanilla.”

“You know what I mean…” She glared at him. “Now can we continue this conversation in the car or can you not talk and drive at the same time?”

“Don’t become a comedian.” He unlocked the car doors.

She opened the passenger door and got in. “Seriously, I need to find a job. Vanilla or not. I don’t care what it is, as long as it pays.”

He got in right after her and started the car. “Well, there is stripping. That’s not very vanilla and it pays well. You have a great body and we only live in LA.”

“I should punch you in the face for that. Oh no, I have a better one, tell Lara what you suggested.” She gave him an evil smile.

He grunted. “I’m joking!” He steered the car out of the complex and on to the road. “I mean, you should take full advantage of your face since we live here instead of working at McDonald’s.” He shrugged. “Besides ‘Rockstar marries McDonald’s fry cook’ just doesn’t sound at all cute.”

“Point taken.” She laughed. “But how cliché is model?”

He nodded slowly, thinking. “Well, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

She smiled and looked at him. “Thanks, D.”

“For what?” He wrinkled his forehead in confusion face.

“For everything, being a friend.”

He shrugged. “It’s what I do.”

★★★★★★★

A few weeks had past from the initial fight. She was still living with D and his fiancée, Lara, and still trying to figure things out. She had talked to him twice and each time she wanted to throw her phone at the wall. He did manage to pay the bills, in hopes she would return back to their apartment but she had found a job as a sales clerk in Saks Fifth Ave. Not exactly her dream job but she had a knack to sell expensive clothes and shoes. She was also learning a lot about fashion and got a really good discount. It just wore her out with all the pressure and stress to sell and look as high maintenance as the clothes. Not to mention the snobbery involved, other sales clerks stealing commissions and other work duties, and the pay being pretty crappy; but she pushed through.

“Excuse me, Miss.”

She stopped organizing some clothes on a rack and turned around to see how she could help this woman. “Hello, can I help you?” She said in a probably too cheery voice and smile.

The woman was probably in her early to late 40’s. She had dark, almost black, hair that was pulled back in a French twist. Very thin and possibly turning orange, which was probably too common. She was wearing a red silk blouse, tight black pencil skirt, and black patent leather pumps that, just by looking at them, made your feet hurt. Her makeup was done delicately almost passing for natural, except for the orange hue. “Do you have this in a size smaller?” She had her head tilted slight upward and away as she held out a black strapless cocktail dress that was too young for her. Superciliousness at it’s finest.

“I’ll check the back.” She smiled and took the dress from the woman.

The woman watched her walk past.

As few minutes later, she reemerged from the back. “I’m sorry, Ma’am we don’t. Would you like me to check another store to see if they have anything smaller?” She placed the dress back on a rack that was meant for things to be put back out.

Sneering, the woman shook her head. “That won’t be necessary.” She began to step away but stopped mid step. “Perhaps you can help me find something decent.” She looked back over her shoulder.

Smiling and nodding. “Of course.” This woman was going to be a huge pain and probably not buy anything, she could smell it, but led the way anyways. “What is the occasion?”

“A black and white party.”

“Coordinating with anyone?”

“Myself.”

Alright, this was going to be super fun. She rolled her eyes and then stopped in front of a rack that had a few black cocktail dresses. She wasn’t going to dare to ask her if she had a price range considering the initial dress was almost three thousand dollars. She glanced over the rack, shifting through the dresses hanger by hanger and grabbed two similar strapless black dresses; one with lace on the bottom and the other with a corset-like bodice. She moved on to the next rack, doing the same thing but grabbed three more.

The woman just stood back, watching her move along and do her work. She nodded as she watched her grab different but similar dresses, all were black and mid length.

She came back to the woman with about ten different dresses. She smiled at the woman. “Would you like to try these on? They are all in size zero.”

The woman smiled and nodded. “First, let’s see if I like any of them.” She look at the first dress. “Hmm, Versace… Elegant, Italian viscose… Simple but the back cut out would do a lot for a girl.”

She stood there for a while as the woman went through each dress and critiqued each one, narrowing it down to three. Her wrist ached from holding all the dresses. If she didn’t have carpel tunnel before, she was well on her way now.

“Why did you choose all black and mid length?”

She was snapped out of the trance she had going when the woman asked her that question. “Well,” She started out slowly. “Black is flattering on anyone, I’ve never found a white dress, that wasn’t a wedding grow, I liked.” She motioned to the bottom of the dress. “As for the length, if you want to look sexy and show off your legs without looking like you’ve been shopping in the juniors department, then this is the length.” She gave a weak smile, anticipating a verbal lash.

The woman nodded, smiling even wider. “Very good. I like you.” She took the three dresses and walked over to the dressing room. “And I hardly ever like anyone.” She spoke over her shoulder and disappeared into the dressing room.

Once the woman was gone, she let out a long exhale, not realizing she had been holding her breath. And what in the hell did she mean by that? She shook her head and began to put back all the dresses and straighten up the area. She glanced at her watch and realized that she has spent well over an hour helping this woman and she only had two hours left on her shift.

“Thank you for all your help.”

She practically jumped five feet in the air. “Oh,” She caught her breath and shook her head. She turned to look at the woman. “You’re welcome. I’m glad I could help.”

The woman gave her a once over and smiled. “You know you’re a very beautiful girl.”

She swallowed hard. “Um, thank you.”

The woman circled her. “You know…” She reached into her purse and pulled out a gold card holder. “You should consider a different career path.” She handed a card to her. “It’s such a shame to waste a pretty face in horrible florescent lighting. I’m Christine, by the way.”

She looked at the card, hesitated and then took the card.

“Now, where can I pay for this?” Christine smiled.

“Oh right, this way.” She led it to a register.

Once Christine left, she looked at the card. It was actually quiet pretty for a business card. Colorful and embossed in gold. The woman was an agent for a prestigious model agency. She slid it into her pocket and continued to work until her shift was over.