by Ruby Rowe
Tripp exhales loudly again. “Are you sure Zain wants her here? I mean, his past behavior with women doesn’t align with him wanting a girlfriend.”
“I’m certain.”
“It’s cool how you want to help everyone, but it sucks I can’t see you for a couple more days.”
“Sweetie, we’re going to have to be apart sometimes. I think it’ll be easier for us in the future if we get used to it at the beginning of our relationship.”
“If you say so.”
“I love you, and I’ll let you know when I’ve landed in San Francisco.”
“I have a surprise for you when you get back.”
“You do?”
“Yep. I think you’re going to like it.”
“This is to torment me while I’m gone, isn’t it?”
“Hey, I have to suffer, so it’s only fair.” He laughs, and it’s nice to hear him relax a little.
“If I love my surprise, I’ll want to give you one in return.”
“I like where this is going.”
“To be continued… I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Have a safe trip. I have no doubt you’ll be returning with Olivia. You’re persistent.”
“You would know.”
“Bye, angel.”
“Bye.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Olivia
My phone rings as Blair and I are about to leave my condo to hit the fabric store. I don’t recognize the number, so I let it go to voicemail.
“I hope we can find a pattern I like for my dress,” Blair says after we’re inside her car. “I’m wearing it the day I visit the Eiffel Tower. I’ll have Mom take a photo of me, and you can upload it to your blog.”
“That’s sweet of you.” Seeing I have a voicemail, I add, “Let me listen to this message for a sec.” I hold the phone to my ear.
“Hi, Olivia, my name is Apple Kingsley. Zain Richie mentioned to me that you’re a clothing designer. I know it’s short notice, but I’m in town today and wondered if you would have time to meet me for dinner.
“I’d love to discuss the possibility of having you design my wardrobe. If you have a minute, please give me a call back. Thank you. Oh, and please don’t tell Zain about this. I’d prefer to speak to you first.”
Bringing my phone to my lap, I say, “Shut the front door.”
“Who was it?”
“I’m going to kill Zain. That was Apple Kingsley. He told her I’m a fashion designer, and she wants to meet me to discuss having me make her clothes. Like right away, I think.”
“Wow, that’s great.”
“She’s only doing this as a favor for Zain.”
“Did she say that?”
“No, but why else would she meet with me?”
“Maybe because she’s genuinely interested in your work. She may have Googled you and saw some of the designs on your blog.”
“It’s a hobby, not work.”
“Not anymore. You’re going to call her back this second and meet with her. We can shop later.” Blair lifts the hand I’m holding my phone in. “Do it.”
With trembling fingers, I call the number on my screen.
“Hello,” she answers.
“Ms. Kingsley? This is Olivia Bradford returning your call.”
“Oh, hi. Thanks for calling. So, what did you think about my message? Would you like to meet to discuss possibly working with me?”
“Sure. I’d be happy to.”
“Great. Could you have dinner with me at the Falls Clubhouse?”
“The Falls?” I look at Blair, and she nods her head. A restaurant at the country club is the last place I should be seen with Apple since it’s in our parents’ community.
“That works.”
“Would an hour be too soon?”
“No. That’s perfect. I’m not far from there.”
“I’ll grab us a table. See you soon.”
Apple hangs up, and I look at Blair. “What is happening in my universe?”
“This is a good thing. Don’t obsess over it.”
“My parents will flip, and Ken will find it amusing. I’m sure he’ll imply I’m not qualified.”
“Screw them. It’s your time to shine. I’m sick of watching you be their puppet.”
“All right. I’ll try to land a deal with her. If anything, it could be a part-time job while I’m in school.”
“If she wears your designs, you won’t be earning that next degree. I’m sure of it.”
I rub my forehead. “So much has changed since the engagement party.”
“It was meant to be, Liv. Go for it.”
***
Looking around the restaurant, I spot Apple. Even with her hair in an updo, she’s impossible to miss. Matched with her porcelain skin and freckles, the bold color makes the woman stunning.
Giving her a nervous smile, I walk to the table. There’s a tall, built guy sitting beside her, and he eyes me as I approach.
Standing, Apple reaches her hand out. “Hi, you must be Olivia.”
“Yes, it’s so nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. Zain told me you were beautiful, and he wasn’t exaggerating. I love your outfit.”
Blushing, I take the seat across from her.
“Thank you. It’s one of my designs.”
“This is Randall, my bodyguard while I’m traveling.”
The dark-headed man, who I’m guessing is in his early forties, nods at me. He’s dressed in jeans and a navy button-up shirt, but he seems rough around the edges. I think it’s the wide scar on his jawline that gives me that impression. “My dad and fiancé insisted I have Randall travel with me. I guess it’s better to be safe than sorry. I’ve been in the news a lot lately.”
A waiter approaches and takes my drink order. The menu is sitting next to me, but I know it by heart since I’ve dined here often over the years.
Once he leaves, I say to Apple, “I don’t follow the tabloids, but I have read fashion articles and blog posts about you. Your diverse style is the talk of the industry.”
“I don’t understand the appeal, but since it keeps Borrowed Faith in the spotlight even more, I’m rolling with it. The problem is that we have limited space on the tour bus. I need clothing I can mix and match to reduce the total number of outfits I have on board.
“Faith Cottrell, Borrowed Faith’s singer, needs plenty of closet space for all of her show costumes, props and shoes, so I have little room to store my stuff. Do you think you could design a wardrobe with pieces I could switch up?”
“I do, and I could ensure that each outfit looks different when you mix them, especially once you swap out shoes, jewelry, belts, etc. It’s important since your diverse attire is part of your appeal. I brought my portfolio to show you my designs but it’s scarce since I’ve only been doing this as a hobby. Did Zain tell you I’m not a professional designer?”
She giggles. “He told me the shorts you were wearing one night were sexy. The fact he made a mental note of your clothing and wasn’t only imagining what was beneath them speaks volumes.”
I laugh at her comment, and even Randall struggles not to crack a smile. The waiter returns, and we place our orders. Afterward, I sit quietly while Apple flips through my binder.
“These are all so cute. Could you make me some edgier outfits, too, for when I attend the band’s shows?”
“Of course.”
Looking up at me, she gnaws on her lip. Shit, she must be doubting my ability.
“Would it be possible for you to travel with me and make the clothes on the road? We have this table in our back lounge you could use to sew on. I don’t know if the bus speeding down the freeway would make it too difficult for you, but we also stay in hotels often since Zain prefers it. What do—”
“Wait,” I say. “Oh, my gosh. Zain did put you up to this. I was so stupid to think otherwise.”
“No, he didn’t. I promise. He doesn’t even know I’m in San Francisco. I’m shocked that he didn�
��t come up with the idea since he’ll do about anything to get his way. Please, hear me out.”
“All right…”
“I was serious when I said I needed clothes and wanted you to design them. I think it would be so cool to work with you, but I do have another motive. Zain likes you, Olivia. A lot. And he does want you on the road with him. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t sure.
“He didn’t tell me why, but he said there was a serious reason you couldn’t be seen in public with him. My thought was that if you came on the road with me, the two of you could spend time together, and no one would be the wiser.
“If we’re questioned about it, I can honestly say I brought you on tour with me so you could get a feel for my look and work on my wardrobe. I’ll say we’re good friends since I’m sure we will be. Zain swears we’re a lot alike.”
Apple gives me a glowing smile, and I see why Z’s drawn to her. “Our parents live close to each other, so the public would believe we’re friends. I imagine there are times when our dads are even on the golf course together.” Shaking her head, she adds, “It cracks me up when I see Dexter Kingsley in plaid shorts.”
“I’m pretty sure our parents are nothing alike, but I guess not everyone would know that.”
“Does that mean you’ll consider it?”
“I don’t know. It would be hard for me to leave.” I hold my hand up to show her my ring. “I’m guessing you saw this,” I say in a lower voice. I look around to check if anyone is watching, and I spot one of my mother’s friends across the room. She isn’t looking now, but I’m sure she noticed me when I arrived.
“I’m single, but only a few people know it, and it’s not what my ex wants. He and our parents would disapprove of me traveling with a rock band, especially since my father’s a politician. If I’m seen with Zain, it could mean bad press for my dad.”
After reaching in her bag, Apple lays an envelope on my side of the table.
“Zain’s one of my closest friends, and I want him to be happy. I think you’re the key, so that’s a ticket voucher to fly to Los Angeles and a copy of your hotel reservation. I have interviews in LA tomorrow, but the next morning, I’ll be leaving to rejoin the band. I hope you’ll come with me and stay on the bus with Z.”
I stare at the envelope. “This is a lot to process.”
“It’s hard to believe, considering who my father is, but I lived a sheltered life until I began traveling with Borrowed Faith. My parents were strict and kept me in boarding schools, away from the music scene.
“I understand how hard it can be to stand up to overprotective parents who believe they know what’s best, but after graduating college, I took charge of my life because that’s what grownups should do. If other people are making your decisions for you, then you’re not getting to be an adult.
“I don’t know what your heart is saying, but if you like Zain and wish to get to know him better, I hope you’ll use that ticket. If you want to design clothes for a living and make new friends in the process, I hope you’ll use that ticket.” She smiles again. “Please, think about it.”
I pick up the envelope. “I’m holding an adventure in my hand.”
“Adventures–plural. No one on that bus is perfect. We all have our issues, and arguments arise, but it’s also exciting. I assure you that it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Come on. Show the world your talent.”
“Thank you, Apple. I’ll see what I can do.”
“Ultimately, it’s up to you. No one else should get to decide.”
***
As I stand in front of Ken’s front door, I take a deep breath and glance down at my purse. I have the recorder Blair and I purchased turned on and positioned in the inside pocket.
If my ex will accept it, I’m going to make a deal with him. I’m also going to gather as much information as I can to use against him later.
I’m nervous because I don’t plan to honor the deal we’ll make, but he can’t suspect it. Until I figure out what I want in life and how to make it happen without hurting Landon, Ken needs to believe I’m going to make good on my word.
I ring the doorbell, and he answers.
“Hi.”
“Hi. Can I come in?”
“Are we finally going to have a civil conversation and work through this?” he asks.
He’s still in dress clothes from working at his dad’s law firm. He spends part of his days there and the rest of his working hours with my father, who’s grooming him to run for office.
“I’m here, aren’t I?”
He steps aside, so I walk in and sit on his tan sofa, being mindful to set my purse down carefully.
“Yes, but you could be here to punch me again.” He smirks as he sits in the comfy chair to my right. I imagine putting my hand over his attractive mouth and pinching his nose until he loses consciousness. I guess I do need to get away before I end up in an orange jumpsuit.
“I’d like to punch you again, but I’ll find restraint since we need to resolve this once and for all.”
“Does that mean you’re conceding to my demands?”
“This isn’t a political race, so settle down, Senator. I know you have serious dirt on Landon. The photos you gave me make that crystal clear, but you’d still be risking your reputation if you exposed him since I’d tell everyone about your affair with Aaron. I feel like that gives me leverage, meaning, I think you should be open to some compromises.”
“Such as…?”
“I’ll marry you in April if you accept my conditions.”
He gives me a bemused smile. “Continue.”
“I’m going to travel with Apple Kingsley.”
“Apple. Is that Dexter Kingsley’s daughter?”
“Yep.”
“How do you even know her?”
“She saw my clothing online and asked me to make a wardrobe for her.” I shrug and think of what else to say that will make this spiel convincing. “Since our parents live close to each other, Apple heard through the grapevine that I sew. I met her for dinner, and she’s super sweet.”
Ken walks over to a table that he’s made into a minibar. After pouring himself a glass of scotch, he turns around and eyes me.
“Why are your designs on the Internet? Your sewing is a hobby.”
“No. You and my parents want it to be a hobby. I would love to make a name for myself and earn an income. This is an opportunity I can’t turn down.”
“Why would you need to travel with her?”
“She’s touring with the band Borrowed Faith. Actually, Apple’s engaged to their drummer. If I go, she can show off that her designer is on the road with her. It’s more publicity.”
“That’s an odd way to get it.” He shakes his head. “No. I’m not agreeing to you traveling with a rock band.”
“I’m not asking for your permission. I’m looking for a compromise here. She insisted I travel with her, and I want to please her to get the job.”
“What if you end up in the tabloids? That band is always in the news, and it’s never for anything positive.”
“No one’s going to be interested in what I’m doing.”
“If people start associating you with rock musicians and partying, it could bite us in the ass later when I’m running for office. This is all unnecessary.”
He motions toward me with his glass. “Isn’t Blair going to Europe soon? If you’re wanting to get away, go with her instead. You could shop in Paris and eat pasta in Italy. I’m sure you’d enjoy that more.”
“I want to design clothes, and doing that for someone famous would be huge for my career. I could add it to my portfolio.”
“I see the allure, but my wife can’t be a fashion designer for celebrities. I don’t know why you can’t grasp this. Like your family and I have been telling you for years, you need to maintain a pristine reputation.”
“Look at the risks you’ve taken by being in a relationship with Aaron. I’m only asking to travel with Apple briefly. I sew
fast, so I doubt I’ll be gone long. I won’t even be background noise. I’ll be no noise. Reporters won’t be the least bit interested in me.”
“Your parents will never agree to it.”
“They can’t stop me.”
“I can. I have a handful of photos in my possession that confirm it.”
“Ken, if you want us to have a civil marriage, which would make our lives easier and our future children so much happier, you won’t continue blackmailing me and being a jackass. You’re not an evil person, so stop acting like one.”
“If I agree to this trip of yours, will you forgive me?”
“I have three conditions. If you’ll agree to this trip, accept that I’m going to be a designer part-time, and understand that I’m not yours until the wedding, I’ll marry you and protect your secret.”
“If we’re getting married, why do you want to be apart from me now?”
“I need to be single for a while. After catching you with Aaron, you should understand why I’d feel trapped and need a break. It wouldn’t hurt for me to make new friends. Apple comes from a wealthy family, so if we get closer, it’s possible they would donate to your campaigns in the future.”
Setting his glass down, Ken walks over and pulls me up from the couch.
What is he doing?
He wraps his arms around me and kisses the top of my head. I remember when his scent made me feel safe. Now, it makes my skin crawl. I miss Zain and his touch.
“All right, but no bad press. You better be on your best behavior.”
“Aren’t I always?”
“I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this, but considering what you’re giving up for me, I’d be a real asshole if I didn’t. I hope you understand why I had those photos taken. It was never to hurt you. I only did it because I couldn’t lose you.”
He cradles my cheeks. “I know I said we could come to an agreement for you to be with someone else discreetly, but I hope you won’t consider it. It would be too risky, and I still believe I could give you all that you need if you’d just let me.” He tries to kiss my mouth, so I draw back.
