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 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 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 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.

Characters

"Lovely Lady"/Scarlette (26) - We first meet her in a lawyer's office, filing for divorce from her rather famous rock star soon-to-be-ex-husband; who is on tour in Europe and finds out the termination of his marriage by celebrity news gossipers'. We find out early on that her nickname is Lovely Lady, and she is a well-known model who has a knack for modeling the alternative lifestyles. Now she's finally moving out and on, buying her own home and other personal properties without having to constantly stress over the soon-to-be-ex-husband and his party all the time lifestyle.

Liz (23) - Scarlette's personal assistant and one of her best friends. Even though she's young and hasn't been involved in the entertainment industry for long, she tries her best to give Scarlette advice and a shoulder to lean on.

Mich (35) - Scarlette's public relations representative who also could be her best friend or her mother. She handles all the dirty work that LL digs up for herself or what Scarlette's husbands recklessness causes.

Rob/Ex-husband (27) - Little is known about him except for the fact he's going to be Scarlette's ex-husband. He's upset over the fact that Scarlette has filed but promises to win her back. He also, gave Scarlette her nickname, Lovely Lady; to which she now despises. Wrote a song, by the same name, about her. Also, enjoys the rock star lifestyle a little too much.

D (28) - Good friend of Scarlette, probably one of her best guy friends. Tries to support her every decision, even if he thinks it's a bad one, and has giving Scarlette a shoulder to lean on whenever she needs it. Offers her has much advice as he can, when she ask for it.

Lara (24) - D's fiancée and friend of Scarlette. Offers moral and fashion support. Always has a guest bedroom to crash in when Scarlette needs a break from life.

Christine (42) - Is an agent for a prestigious model agency. She's the one who discovered Scarlette in Saks Fifth Avenue.

Sophia (26) - Good friend of Scarlette and fellow model. Tries to help Scarlette out by setting her up on a date. Means well, but can sometimes come off as ditzy.

Matt (38) - Is the lead singer in the rock band Dysmorphic Sound. Currently dating Scarlette's friend Sophia.

David (35) - Is the lead guitarist in the rock band Dysmorphic Sound. Sophia thought he would be good for Scarlette, perhaps as a rebound if not more. Seems friendly and genuinely interesting in Scarlette.

Daniel (37) - Works at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV as a concierge. Becomes friends with Scarlette because of her calm and coolness, helps get her ready for her surprise wedding.

Alexander Volkov (33) - An up and coming designer and good friend to Scarlette. Has a "tell it like it is" attitude.