by Jackie D.
Audrey watched Harlow’s facial expression to confirm her sincerity. Harlow was so different. She continuously proved that she wanted the best for the people in her life, which was a rare quality to come by.
Kylie closed her laptop and picked up her phone. “Okay, who normally handles these things for you?”
“Casper.”
Kylie nodded. “I have the numbers of all the media that was there tonight. Do you want to try to get a hold of him, or do you want me to squash this story?”
Harlow looked down at her phone. “He still hasn’t called.”
“So, squash it? It may be expensive,” Kylie said in her business tone.
Harlow nodded. “Thanks, Kylie. I’d really appreciate it.”
Kylie stood and walked out of the room to make the calls.
Harlow nodded in her direction. “She’s awfully handy.”
“She’s the best.”
Harlow pushed a strand of hair out of Audrey’s eyes. It felt so natural, like something she’d done a million times before. Audrey’s heart was hammering so hard she could feel it in her head. With the simplest of touches, Harlow could undo her. She could so easily fall into those ocean blue eyes. She could so easily lose herself in Harlow’s smile. She was trying to remember all the reasons she needed to take things slow. Harlow wasn’t exactly known for being emotionally available. She didn’t have a track record in longevity of any kind. And yet, she didn’t give off any alarming signals to keep her distance. Harlow seemed to welcome their connection.
“Do you like serial killers?” Audrey blurted out without thinking.
Harlow smiled and leaned back against the couch. She kicked off her shoes and tucked her legs under her. “I do.” She put her arm around Audrey’s shoulder and pulled her close.
Audrey allowed herself to take in this breath of contentment. All the trepidation and questions were products of her imagination. She wanted to just exist with Harlow at this moment. She could hear Harlow’s heart pounding against her chest. The noise was strong and sure. It was Audrey’s new favorite sound.
* * *
Harlow hadn’t been sure what to expect when she impulsively drove to Audrey’s. She just knew she needed to be with her. Audrey understood the pressures of the public and the effect a single photograph could elicit. As she sat in the dark, on her couch, with Audrey curled up against her side, she knew she’d made the right choice. She found peace whenever she was with Audrey. She wasn’t sure how she’d screw it up, but she knew she would.
Kylie came back into the room and was smiling triumphantly. “I got all the pictures. They were crap anyway. I mean, you can tell it’s you two, but you can’t tell for sure that you’re kissing. It would definitely raise some eyebrows, but it’s nothing definitive. They’re going to cost you fifteen thousand, though. Unfortunately, there were three photographers.”
“Thank you for taking care of that for me.”
She would’ve paid double that amount to avoid the shit storm something like this would bring on not only herself, but on Shauna and the tour.
Kylie waved her off. “No problem at all.”
Audrey pushed herself off the couch. “I’m going to make more popcorn.”
Kylie watched Audrey retreat into the kitchen and then turned her attention back to Harlow. She looked like she wanted to say something.
“Was there another issue?”
Kylie chewed on her thumb and peered into the kitchen. “The whole good-girl thing isn’t an act. She’s exactly who she seems to be. She trusts you. Please try to remember that.” There was no malice in her voice. The words were clearly just a statement, not an accusation.
“She’s lucky to have a friend like you.” Harlow hoped she picked up on her sincerity.
Neither Harlow nor Audrey had discussed what their evolving relationship and feelings would mean. Harlow hadn’t cared about anyone enough to give it careful introspection. She’d always assumed she’d be alone, except for Casper. Her baggage was heavy and could fill a closet. She never wanted to burden anyone else with it. Hell, she didn’t want to burden Audrey with it, but she was drawn to her. The normal excuses she made didn’t hold up next to Audrey, and she wasn’t sure what that meant.
“We watch out for each other. We always have.” Kylie smiled. “And we could both get away with murder if needed.”
“What?”
“You heard me.” Kylie winked.
Audrey flopped back down on the couch with the biggest bowl of popcorn Harlow had ever seen. “What did I miss?”
Kylie stretched. “Nothing. I’m going to bed.” She walked up the stairs. “Stay out of trouble, you two.”
Audrey held out the bowl to Harlow. “You’re not leaving me too, right?” Her question held a sad undertone that was unmistakable.
Harlow grabbed a few pieces of popcorn. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good,” Audrey said as she snuggled back into her side.
Harlow watched the documentary but couldn’t pay attention. The way Audrey felt next to her was distracting. She tried to pinpoint another time where she’d felt so content just existing in a room with another person. There wasn’t one. Of all the places she’d been, all the people she’d met, everything she’d seen, nothing had ever felt so right.
Contentment gave way to drowsiness. A combination of extinguished adrenaline, long hours, and happiness lulled her to sleep.
Chapter Twelve
A few hours later, the sun coming in through the large front window roused her. Audrey was draped across her lap, and the half-eaten bowl of popcorn sat at her feet. She carefully maneuvered out from under her and kissed the top of her head. She checked her phone, and there were four missed calls from Casper. Dick. Where had he been when she’d needed him?
She quietly went into the kitchen to leave a note for Audrey. When did you become so romantic? She shook her head at her absurdness. Spending the whole night with a woman wasn’t anything she ever did, much less leaving her a handwritten note. Especially when they hadn’t even had sex. She jotted down a few words and ducked out the front door without making a sound. She would’ve liked to have stayed and had breakfast, but she was already going to be fifteen minutes late for rehearsal.
She wasn’t surprised to see Casper leaning against his car when she pulled in. She grabbed the gym bag from her back seat and groaned at the fact that she hadn’t managed to shower. She was tired and had a long day ahead of her. The last thing she wanted to do was fight with her brother.
“Hey, I got your messages.” He followed closely behind her to the studio. “I tried calling.”
“I took care of it.” She opened the door and didn’t bother holding it for him.
“You did? How?” He seemed undeterred by her rudeness.
“Audrey’s friend, Kylie.”
“I’m sorry, Harlow. I didn’t get reception where I was. It’s not like I knew you’d be caught up in another scandal.”
She turned on him. “It wasn’t a scandal. Nothing happened between Shauna and me. It was an opportunistic shot.”
He held his hands up defensively. “Okay, I’m sorry.”
She changed her shoes and started to stretch. “Where were you, anyway?”
“I was with some friends.”
“What friends?”
“Just some of the guys,” he said and shoved his hands in his pockets.
Harlow didn’t want to fight. He was entitled to a life outside of taking care of her, although it was weird he wasn’t sharing any details. They hardly ever kept anything from one another, and if they did, it wasn’t for long. She was being unreasonable because her feelings were hurt. She rolled her shoulders and tried to get her emotions under control.
“If she’s not here, can you drive over to Shauna’s and check on her? She got hurt last night before everything happened. I’m sure she’s a little freaked out, and I doubt she’ll be here today.”
He clapped his hands together. “You got it. I’l
l bring you iced coffee when I come back.”
“Make it a triple,” she yelled after him.
The music started, and she checked her phone, smiling when she saw a text from Audrey. Thanks for the sleepover. See you soon. Xoxoxoxo
She smiled and felt her stomach tighten. It was still hard to believe she was going to be spending four entire days with Audrey Knox. She just needed to get through the next seventy-eight hours. Talk about incentive.
She popped up and jogged to the center of the mirrored room. “All right! Let’s do this.”
* * *
Audrey took the bottle of water her agent offered her. It had already been a long day of shooting, and the night was just beginning. Her legs ached from her partial stunt work. She knew the shots would be worth it, but her body would be screaming for the next several days.
“Thanks, Jane.” She walked toward wardrobe, needing to change for the next scene. “What’s up? You normally just call.”
Jane slid her phone into her pocket. She only put it away if she had something important to say. “People’s Choice Awards.”
“Yes, I know what they are.” Audrey pulled on the leather jacket that was handed to her.
“Who are you taking? And please wow me with your answer.”
“My mom.”
Jane’s mouth dropped open, and her head fell back. “No. Do better.”
Audrey checked herself in the mirror. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but that’s who I’m taking.”
Jane grabbed her shoulders. “You’ve been single forever. You need to be seen with someone.”
“I’ve been single for six months. That’s hardly a reason to start worrying about my spinster status.” Audrey started walking back toward the set.
“You know what, I’ll set you up with someone great.”
“Don’t. Seriously. I’m taking my mom. She’s so excited.” Audrey finished the water and handed Jane the empty bottle.
“If you’re taking your mom to this one, you have to take a date to the American Music Awards. A real date. Not your mom—and don’t you dare say you’re taking your dad.”
“What’s wrong with my dad?”
Jane ignored her. “You have a few days off coming up, right? What are your plans? Can you manage some press junkets?”
Audrey didn’t want to tell Jane where she was going. She wanted to keep whatever was happening between her and Harlow to herself until she could figure out what it was. But that wasn’t how this town worked. Her agent would need to know in case someone saw them. Blind-siding your agent was never a good idea.
“I’m going to Monterey.”
Jane waved her hand in a rolling motion. “For what? With who?”
She sighed and closed her eyes. So be it. “For a break. And I’m going with Harlow Thorne.”
Jane’s eyes became large, and a huge smile split her face. “Are you now?” She clapped her hands together. “This is excellent news. She has such a bad girl thing going for her.” She put her hand on her chin. “I’d heard she was into women.”
“We’re friends. Don’t make this into something it’s not.” Audrey crossed her arms, feeling defensive. “And she’s not a bad girl. She’s kind and funny and smart.”
Jane laughed. “And gorgeous, successful, and driven. I like this pairing.” She shook her finger at her.
Audrey made direct eye contact. She wanted to make sure she really heard her. “Harlow and I are friends. We’ve never slept together, we’ve never kissed, we’re friends.”
Jane grabbed her bag from the table. “Let’s check in when you get back and see if that’s still true.”
Audrey grabbed her arm. “Do not make this a thing. Please.”
“Audrey, I’d never do anything that wasn’t good for your career. I like teasing you, but I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.” She kissed her cheek. “Give me a call if there’s anything I need to know.”
Four scenes, forty-seven takes, and one hot shower later, Audrey was sitting at her dining room table. Her mother was watching her twirl the stem of a wine glass between her fingers. Audrey knew she wanted to ask her what she was thinking, but that wasn’t her style. She’d always been grateful to her mom for giving her the space she needed.
“Are you hungry?” Her mom walked over to the fridge and pulled the doors open. “I could make us some salad and pasta. How does that sound?”
“I’ll just have a salad.” Audrey sipped her wine.
Her mom lobbed a head of lettuce into the sink. “Nope. That’s your second glass of wine. You’ll have pasta too.”
Audrey didn’t protest. She loved the way her mom still looked after her. She’d always appreciated that about their relationship. She knew of dozens of parental relationships that had taken a much different turn after their children headed for fame and success. But not Kathy Knox. Her mother never stopped playing that critical role in her life, and she was thankful. Audrey wouldn’t have stayed on track without that kind of stability.
“Mom?”
“Yes, honey?” Her mother put the pot on the stove.
“Should I go to Monterey with Harlow?”
Her mom came and sat down beside her. She put a hand on her leg and squeezed her knee. “I think I could answer your question better if I knew why you wouldn’t want to go with her.”
Audrey continued to twirl the stem between her fingers. “I might be getting in over my head. I’m not sure I’m ready for a Harlow Thorne.”
Her mom smiled and sighed. “Oh, honey, none of us are ever ready for a Harlow Thorne.” She rubbed Audrey’s leg. “Would you regret not going?”
Audrey nodded because she didn’t trust her voice.
“Then what’s the real issue?”
“Because I think if this one blows up in my face, it will hurt more than the others.” She closed her eyes so she didn’t have to look at the expression on her mom’s face. She just wanted to say it. “I’m afraid I’ll be more invested than she is. I already feel this comfort around her that I’ve never felt before, and I’m worried it will end up being one-sided. I’m scared that I’ll be another footnote on her long list of conquests.”
“I can see why that would be scary.” Her mom grabbed her hands. “But, honey, it sounds like you’re making assumptions about her without giving her the chance to be anything else. I’d hate to think someone would do the same to you.”
Audrey nodded. “So, go?”
Her mom kissed her cheek. “You wouldn’t be where you are without taking a leap. Sometimes to get the biggest rewards, you need to take the biggest risks.”
Her mom was right. Harlow’s reputation was a product of her past. She was getting to know the person she was, and so far, she liked everything she saw. Making decisions based on what could go wrong wasn’t how she lived her life, and she wasn’t going to start now.
Chapter Thirteen
Audrey watched as Harlow jogged up to her front door. She looked incredible in her jeans, tank top, and leather jacket. Audrey’s throat was dry, and her heart was hammering like it always did when Harlow was near. She pulled the door open just as Harlow raised her hand to knock.
“Hi.”
Harlow slid her hands into her back pockets and smiled. “Hi.” She leaned down and grabbed Audrey’s bag from the doorway. “Is this all you’re bringing?”
Audrey was suddenly very nervous. “Do you think I under packed?”
“No. I just wanted to make sure there wasn’t another one hiding behind you.” Harlow smiled, and Audrey felt more at ease.
Audrey was surprised by the classic car in the driveway. It was dazzling, with flawless sleek lines, a gorgeous black shine, and perfect chrome fenders. The door squeaked when she opened it, and Audrey loved it. It was an ideal fit for Harlow’s personality. Slick, cool, and classy.
“This car is incredible,” Audrey said when Harlow got into the driver’s seat.
Harlow turned the key, and the engine growled to life. “It’s a 1968 Mustan
g GT California Special. There were only four thousand one hundred and eighteen ever produced. My father talked about this car with so much reverence when I was growing up. It was all he ever really wanted to own. So, when I signed with my first label, it was the first thing I bought.”
“That’s really sweet.”
Harlow put the car in gear and started driving. “I didn’t buy it for nostalgia. I bought it because he never could. It was my way of saying ‘fuck you.’”
That was a tidbit of information Audrey hadn’t heard before, and she filed it away. “Well, I love it. You should drive it all the time.”
“I only ever drive it to Monterey. So, welcome to one of my favorite traditions, and thank you for agreeing to come.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it,” Audrey said before her brain had a chance to catch up with the feeling in her chest.
Being near Harlow felt like the sun was shining just for her. There was no other way to describe it. Her magnetism wasn’t just filler for magazine articles. Audrey was sure she’d never experienced anything like it. She knew more famous people than non-famous, and still, none of them had anything on Harlow. The energy she exuded was like a drug. Relax. It’s been ten minutes.
“You ever drive up PCH?”
Audrey slid her sunglasses on and leaned back in the seat. “Nope, I’ve always just flown up north, but I have a feeling that’s about to change.”
Harlow slipped off her jacket and tossed it in the back seat. “It’s one of the best parts of the trip. You’ll love it.”
“I have no doubt,” Audrey said and knew it was the absolute truth.
* * *
Audrey had a terrible voice—like, screeching cats bad. Harlow was sure she’d never heard anyone with worse pitch, and it was adorable. Audrey butchered song after song on the radio, but she did it with such confidence she couldn’t help but appreciate it.
They were four hours into their seven-hour drive, and Harlow couldn’t believe how much fun she was having. Audrey was funny, smart, and passionate. Every story she told was punctuated with elaborate hand gestures, dramatic facial expressions, and perfect comedic timing. They talked about what it was like for Audrey to become an overnight success in the film industry. They talked about how she’d graduated early from high school, and how she never got the chance to go to prom—although they both agreed the Academy Awards were much better. She talked about her and Kylie as teenagers and their first crushes. Harlow could listen to her talk for hours, and she planned on doing just that.
