Heart of Dixon

by Danielle Jamie

  I kind of wish I would’ve asked Jax to come because I feel safest when I’m with him. But I know he rarely gets time off so he stayed back in Houston to spend the weekend doing whatever he wanted. You’d think I’d be nervous that he would be out finding other girls to hook up with while I’m in L.A., but unlike Dixon, Jax isn’t a man-whoring asshole. If he goes out and somehow meets a girl, and things get steamy and they end up having sex, I have no problem with that. I feel not one single ounce of jealousy as I think about Jax being with another woman.

  But the idea of Dixon being out right now...doing God knows what with God knows who...makes me sick to my stomach. I haven’t spoken to him since the Bahamas. He hasn’t tried to talk to me and even though Savannah has been hounding me to talk to him; I just don’t feel ready to yet. The hurt is still too raw.

  After having Kayden yell up to us and text Savannah’s phone a gazillion times, we finally hauled ass out of the house and into the stretch limo that Savannah’s boss sent over to the house to bring us to the event. We left our vehicles in the parking garage earlier while checking in at Vertigo so we can have Jerome and Alec bring us home.

  As the limo pulls up to the Red Carpet, we see it’s jammed packed with press lining both sides of the velvet rope running along the sides leading to the entrance. Alec rode up front with the chauffeur and is standing on the sidewalk observing everyone around the blocked off sidewalks as we all exit the limo.

  Kayden, with Savannah on his arm, heads towards the swarm of reporters first as they walk down the Red Carpet posing for pictures and answering questions from the press. Reagan, with Rebecca and me on each arm, escorts us next. I love the spotlight so take advantage of being shouted at to pose for this photographer or that. I’m glad I went with the ankle boots because they look amazing with my tight fighting black lace and leopard print, strapless cocktail dress. I accessorized with tons of gold bangles and junky rings making me feel like a true Hollywood celebrity as I pose for the shots. I’ll die if I see myself on Tinsel Town Blog, which is one of the biggest blogs in L.A. next to TMZ and Perez Hilton.

  The next few hours fly by in a blur of music, dancing, and lots of drinking. I love seeing Savannah let loose and have fun. She has been tearing up the dance floor with Kayden all night. There are so many celebrities here because Envy has had only the best of the best in Hollywood on their covers. I went selfie crazy snapping pictures with anyone I could get to stop and take one with me. My Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have been blowing up all night because of it.

  I noticed a picture of Dixon pop up on my Instagram when I pulled it up to post a picture I took with Savannah, Reagan and Rebecca on the dance floor. It was of him and his friends out partying at Vertigo in Houston. I hate that even seeing a picture of him makes me miss him so much. I thought being apart for a week would help me move on and forget about him but it’s only made it worse. I think about him constantly.

  Finally, around midnight, Eloise got up on stage and stood at the podium asking for Savannah to come up on stage to make her speech. I reach for her hand giving it a gentle squeeze, “You are the bravest, strongest person I know, Savannah. Go up there and speak from the heart—and if you have to, picture all of these hot ass celebrities in their Calvin Klein’s!”

  We all burst out laughing as Kayden pulls her in for a quick hug, “I love you, baby. Now get your fine ass up on that stage and rock your speech.”

  Reagan and Rebecca each give her a supportive hug before she finally pushes her way through the crowd and climbs up onto the stage. She looks stunning and the perfect picture of grace and strength in her peach colored strapless dress. It has a 1950s retro look with tulle coming out from under the short, puffed-out skirt. Her gold strappy heels perfectly complete the outfit. With Savannah, she always looks like the belle of the ball even with glamorous simplicity. She’s the yin to my yang. It’s why we’re the perfect best friend duo. I’m the loud, wild and crazy one, and she’s the level-headed, reserved, and always polite—well, for the most part—helping to balance out my craziness.

  She looks beyond nervous as she stands at the podium beside her poster size magazine cover. I’m pretty sure I’m cutting off the circulation in Reagan and Rebecca’s hands as we all stand and watch our best friend conquer another fear tonight. First was coming here tonight and the second was getting up there and speaking to everyone attending tonight.

  “First and foremost I want to thank each and every one of you who has come tonight to help me celebrate being on the cover of Envy. Not only is it my favorite magazine and one of the most well-respected magazines in the world, it’s also one I work for and publish articles each month. I can’t thank my amazing boss, Eloise, enough for taking a chance on a clumsy intern who, on a daily basis, tripped over her words as celebrity after celebrity came through the doors of Envy and for giving me the most kick ass job a girl could wish for. Even though I’ve grown up in Hollywood, being around some of the most amazing talent in the world today still trips me up time to time. I’m truly blessed,” Stopping for a moment, Savannah drops her eyes down to her hands. I watch as she inhales and exhales slowly before lifting her eyes back up to the crowd of people.

  The fear in her eyes is evident along with the glistening of tears threatening to fall. I feel my own eyes tearing up as I watch Savannah stand up there and speak from her heart to everyone.

  She quickly reels her emotions in, blinking her eyes a few times and blowing out a shaky breath before continuing, “As you all know I’ve had a rough few weeks and because of that this celebration was postponed. Almost dying was the most terrifying experience I’ve ever had to go through in my life, but because of it, I’m now a stronger and more driven person. I cannot thank my wonderful boyfriend, Kayden, enough.” She says smiling down at Kayden before turning her eyes to Reagan, Rebecca and me.

  “My best friends, who suffered through sleepless nights, and horrible hospital food and coffee to stay by my side, willed me to come back to you all. Even after being released from the hospital, I’ve had the most amazing and supportive group of friends who’ve been right there every step of the way, helping me to slowly heal and get me back to my old self. And thank you to my mom and dad who, sadly are somewhere in South Dakota right now, for all their love and support.” Tucking a ringlet behind her ear Savannah looks upon everyone in the room as she straightens her back and wraps her hands around the microphone. A look of strength and determination takes over her features.

  “I want to tell you all that life is way too short. We all have dreams, goals, and things we always put off for tomorrow. I’m telling you all now, after going through what I have, I now know that life is unpredictable. You could be here tonight and gone tomorrow. So tackle every single day as if it’s your last. Make memorable moments every day with friends, family and strangers. Do something spontaneous and totally out of character once in a while. Just enjoy life and don’t ever take it for granted. We only get one life to live so make it epic!”

  The entire room erupts with clapping as everyone applauds Savannah for her amazing and inspirational speech. I know it wasn’t easy. I got choked up right along with her as she began talking about her coma and everything in between. I’m so proud of her for standing up there and showing Zak he may have knocked her down but she is back up and ten times stronger and ready to take on the world head on.

  Savannah and Kayden stayed two more hours partying the night away before deciding to call it a night. Savannah was complaining about her feet killing her and wanting to go home, but with the way she and Kayden couldn’t keep their hands off of one another, I doubt they’ll be going to bed anytime soon. She deserves to celebrate after how much of a success tonight was.

  The club is easily filled with a thousand people as the doors opened at 1 am to the regular public. We still have super tight security, which makes me feel safe staying and continuing to party with everyone. Jerome is still here with me and will be driving me back to Maverick and Paisley’s place
once I’m finally ready to call it a night.

  Dragging Reagan and Rebecca up to the bar, we all climb onto bar stool and order a round of shots. I’ve taken it easy with the alcohol tonight and spaced my drinks out. So when Reagan asked us to do shots with him, I agreed but told him I’ll only do one. After that, I’ll be sipping ice water and dancing my ass off.

  The bartender lines the shots up. Mine is a blow job, which I literally laughed out loud at Reagan’s face when I ordered it. It’s one of my favorite shots when I’m out because it tastes delicious, and people get a kick out of watching you take the shot. Handing Reagan my phone I tell him, “Record me taking my shot so I can tag Savannah. She’s going to be so pissed I did this without her. But seeing as her boss was here, I didn’t think it’d be the most appropriate thing for a work party!” I laugh as I grab my shot pulling it towards me and climb onto my knees on the bar stool. The shot is Kahlua, Irish Cream and whipped cream on top. It’s seriously delicious.

  Resting both of my hands on the bar, I lean over, grabbing the shot glass with my mouth before whipping my head back, causing my hair to fly everywhere as I down the shot in one gulp.

  I grab the shot glass from my mouth and lick the whipped cream from my lips before turning towards the camera and shouting, “Woohoo! Miss you already, bestie!” I do my best pageant wave at the crowd of party goers that are all hanging around the bar as they hoot and holler, applauding me for my talent in shot-taking.”

  Plopping back down in my seat, I watch as Reagan and Rebecca take tequila shots as I post my video to Instagram. It takes everything in my to not pull Dixon’s profile up and see if he’s posted any more pictures from tonight. I seem to enjoy torturing myself looking at images of him and his slew of skanks he likes to post all over social media.

  Needing to distract myself from thoughts of Dixon, I pull everyone back onto the dance floor and get lost in the techno beat of a Britney Spear's remix of Toxic. But then I allow myself to listen to the lyrics of the song, and once again thoughts of Dixon flood my brain. Finally, twenty minutes later, my feet are screaming at me to call it a night. It’s almost two-thirty in the morning, so I tell everyone goodbye and find Jerome so we can head back to the house.

  Jerome offers to go grab the car and pull it around the front and pick me up, but I insist on going with him. I’m very well capable of walking to the parking garage. Of course, not in these damn shoes though. I know the sidewalk is nasty as all hell, but my feet hurt too much to walk in these shoes anymore. I slip my shoes off and hold them in one hand and my phone in the other and scroll through my notifications as we make the short walk to the town car Kayden rented for him and Alec.

  “The car is right over here,” Jerome says pointing to the left of us. I immediately spot it and slip my phone into my clutch and hug my arms to my body as the cold air hits me making goosebumps form across my body. I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach the closer we get to the car. Something feels off. I’m definitely feeling a creeper vibe right now.

  I glance around nervously as I quicken my pace trying to stay close to Jerome. All of a sudden a loud bang rings out startling me, causing my ears to ring as I feel my eardrums practically vibrate inside of my head. The sound echoes throughout the entire parking garage. Stunned, I freeze in place as a loud blood-curdling scream escapes my mouth. I watch Jerome holding his hand over his chest with a stunned expression on his face as he falls to the ground.

  Oh my God! Someone is shooting at us?! Is some crack head fucking high as a damn kite and looking to rob us? Or--is this our worst nightmare coming true?

  Panicking, I drop to the ground letting my shoes fall beside me but keep my clutch in my hand as I crawl frantically towards a large SUV and crawl underneath it. I feel my chest constricting as panic consumes me making it almost impossible to take a single breath. I feel tears running down my cheeks, but my body is so numb I don’t feel anything besides pure fear. I hear footsteps stomping their way across the parking garage followed by a loud booming voice shouting at me, “Come out, Brooklyn. Either you come out willingly or I’ll drag your fucking ass out.” My body is shaking as I curl up underneath the car and try to see through my blurry tears.

  I fumble with my clutch pulling my phone out and quickly dial 911 as I listen to the footsteps grow closer. All I can think about is all the freaking horror films I watch where the psychotic killers walk slowly as they come towards you ready to murder you. Each footstep is like thunder ringing in my ears making my heart race in my chest.

  “911. Please state your emergency.” A voice comes through, and I feel a surge of urgency rush through me.

  “I’m at the parking garage next to Club Vertigo; I need help. I’ve been attacked. My bodyguard has been shot. He has a gun—please hurry!” I scream out as more tears fall from my eyes and onto the dirty cement beneath me.

  Zak begins laughing. He sounds even closer now, “Calling 911 isn’t going to help you, Brooklyn. By the time they get here, the only thing they’ll need is an ambulance and a body bag.”

  My body grows cold as I feel ice flow through my veins. A sob escapes me as I cover my mouth with the back of my hand.

  I don’t want to die. I can’t die. How is this happening? I now have regrets flashing through my mind at warp speed as I think of everything I’ve wanted to do or planned on doing, but haven’t had the chance to do them yet or put them off. Savannah’s speech from tonight echoes in my mind, hearing her words about never being promised tomorrow. Why did I not listen to her and talk to Dixon? If I had, maybe things would be happening differently right now. He’ll never know how much I love him or how badly I wanted to be with him and only him.

  I spot Jerome out of the corner of my eye starting to move. Thank God he’s still alive. The bullet must’ve hit his vest that Jax insisted they wear to all events and public outings.

  “Please get up...please, please, please get up…” I plead in soft whispers as I watch him rolling onto his knees and begin to climb back to his feet. I feel hopeful for a few short moments that everything will be okay, but then I see Zak’s feet and then Jerome falling to the ground again as Zak smashes him over the head with his gun. I spot blood running down his shaved head, his milk chocolate colored skin paling as the blood drips into a slow forming puddle. The second I see the blood I scream again. Before I can react and try to crawl beneath another vehicle, I see Zak’s hand reach down underneath the car before his face appears in front of mine with an eerie grin.

  “No! No! Please! Please, Zak don’t do this!” I plead as he fists my hair and yanks me forcefully out from under the car causing me to scrape my knees all up on the cement. I reach out clawing at him and digging into his arms as I try to get him to release my hair. Before I can catch my balance, I feel a hard blow hit me in the face as Zak’s fist connects with my cheek. Instantly my head begins ringing as pain rips through my head making me feel nauseous and dizzy. I fall to my knees and let out a painful cry as the ground tears my flesh away. My body feels like it’s on fire as my skin throbs from falling onto the ground.

  “Please. Please. You think you begging me to not hurt you is going to work? Did Savannah give Jacob time to beg for his life? So why the fuck do you think I’d let you live? You and Savannah are nothing but spoiled little rich bitches who are going to see what it’s like to lose everything you love. I’m going to start with you, and then one by one take away everyone she loves.”

  As I’m climbing to my feet again, I feel the barrel of Zak’s gun press to my temple. At this moment, it’s fight or die. I for one am not going to just sit back and die without at least trying to save my life. All of my self-defense classes flash through my mind as I remember all of the practice drills we’ve done to learn how to protect ourselves in situations like this.

  With quick, fluid, movements I manage to swing my arm at Zak’s, knocking his hand away before jumping into a round house and kicking the gun from his hand. Landing on my feet, I feel adrenaline surge through me mak
ing my body feel as if it's humming with energy and my heart is about to explode in my chest. Zak charges at me as I reach out grabbing his arm and with one quick spin I manage to throw him to the ground. Climbing back to his feet he tries to dive for the gun but I quickly kick it under a car behind me. He lands another blow to me right in my stomach knocking the wind from me. Fisting his shirt as he lunges at me and grabbing onto my arms, I swing my knee up with as much force as I can muster kneeing him in the balls.

  I spot Jerome coming to and begin to scramble to his feet as he reaches into his holster pulling his gun out. Everything happens so fast. I quickly cover my ears bracing myself for the gunshot to ring out just as Jerome fires off a few rounds. One hitting Zak in the leg and the other two going towards the ceiling helping to stun Zak and cause him to fall to the ground. Curling up into a ball as he wraps one hand around his head, and the other grips his leg where blood is oozing out all over his clothing and the ground.

  “Are you all right?” Jerome asks as he rushes towards Zak.

  Nodding, I move away from Zak and run towards our town car. “I’ll be okay. I’d rather deal with some cuts and bruises than being dead. So from where I’m standing things could be worse.” I joke as I laugh through the falling tears. I’m in pure shock as I try to wrap my mind around what just happened.

  “Pop the trunk,” Jerome shouts at me as I see car keys flying at my head. I reach up in the air, catch the keys, and pop the trunk then stand back as I watch Jerome smash Zak in the head knocking him unconscious before dragging his body over to the trunk. “Grab his feet. Help me get him in here.” He shouts through loud grunts. He’s a big ass man but so is Zak. He was a personal trainer and nothing but solid muscle. I don’t even know how I managed to fight him off before, he looks like he could bear hug me and crush my body in two.