It was an interview with Julissa where she was bragging about all of the charity work she does. I wonder if she realizes that hiring college students to clean her house while she lies around poolside in her bikini isn’t considered charity work. I scanned down the page and happened to see that she mentioned that she was going to a Christmas charity event with a hot young musician.
“I don’t want to say his name because the relationship is so new but we met doing charity work and there was an immediate attraction.” I read. When they pressed her further, she replied coyly “You’ll just have to come to the event and see.”
“She’s got to be talking about Jack, I mean as much as she was hounding you about him. Do you think it’s true?” Skylar asked.
“No, Jack is going with me. This girl is out of her mind.” I muttered.
I picked up my phone and punched in Julissa’s number. To my surprise, she answered.
“Hey Julissa, it’s Chloe.”
“What?”
“I just read the interview you did.”
“And?”
“Well the guy you mentioned, that wouldn’t happen to be Jack Riley would it?”
“So what if it is?” Julissa huffed.
“I thought I told you he has a girlfriend.”
“I thought I told you that had nothing to do with me.”
“So is that really the image you want to have? I mean we are trying to positively promote you.”
“From what I understand, Jack’s relationship is new so there is no attached girlfriend. Just some silly little nobody who thinks she has a chance. As for the positive promoting, that is your job you deal with it.” She said before hanging up.
“Evil witch.” I muttered as I slammed the phone down.
“Well that went well.” Skylar smiled.
“I don’t know who she thinks she is but I am not some silly little nobody.” I fumed.
“I don’t think she knows that you are his girlfriend.” Skylar pointed out.
“Yeah well she will soon.” I said.
My desk phone rang as Skylar stood up and walked out. I whipped up my phone and immediately felt my annoyed state melt away as I heard Jack’s velvety smooth voice in my ear.
“Hello there beautiful, you sound stressed.” Jack said.
“I was but suddenly not so much anymore.” I gave Jack the details of the Julissa interview as well as the phone conversation I had with her.
“Try not to worry about her. She’s just superficial. She’s only interested in my image and what it could do for her.”
“I know that, she just works me to my core. I’m starting to look forward to seeing the look on her face when she sees you there with me.”
Jack laughed. “I knew you had a mean streak in you somewhere.”
“Not mean, just frustrated.” I corrected him.
“Alright my dear, I just wanted to ring you hello. I probably won’t see you until tomorrow night.”
“Thanks Jack, I’ll be there.”
I had no sooner hung up with Jack when Jocalyn popped her head in to let me know there was someone from Celebrity Entertainer magazine on hold. Realizing that it had been at least a week since I’d had a call regarding anything Subzero, I asked her to put it through to voicemail. Since I never knew what I could possibly hear about them, I wanted to make sure I was prepared.
“Hello, this is Lulu Watkins with Celebrity Entertainer. I was calling to confirm rumors that Julissa Patton and Jack Riley are expecting their first child together.”
I nearly snorted with laughter – attractive I know. Well, this one I had to tell him about. Cradling the phone on my shoulder, I dialed Jack’s number.
“Hey love, everything okay?”
“Oh yeah, everything’s fine. Just calling you back to have you confirm or deny a phone call I just received about you.”
“Oh-Kay.....what’s the big story on the rumor mill?”
“That you and Julissa Patton are expecting your first love child together.”
“God help humanity.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
“See you tomorrow night?”
“Looking forward to it.”
As soon as I hung up, I realized I had another voicemail. Man, people were really working hard today. I picked my phone up, pressed the button to retrieve my voicemail and entered my code.
“Good afternoon, this is Lucy O’Neill with The Daily Dish. I’m calling to confirm reports that Noah Walker and Tyler McDermott accosted Jim Dwyer and Benny Fortino from Z 93.8 this morning and threatened to run them over and feed them to bears if they didn’t play Subzero’s music on the radio. If you could please call.....”
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. I wanted to automatically say this wasn’t true but when it came to these guys, there wasn’t anything I could hear that would surprise me anymore. Crossing my fingers that there was no truth to this, I called Tyler.
“Ahhhh, Chloe love. To what do I owe the pleasure of this phone call?”
“Just trying to find out why you and Noah are threatening to run over poor, defenseless radio DJ’s and feed them to bears if they don’t play your music.”
“Blast! Is that the word on the street?”
“That’s what people are saying.”
“You know it is criminal what some people come up with.”
“So it is just a rumor?” I nearly sighed with relief.
“Well, for the most part yes.”
“What does that mean?” I pinched the bridge of my nose between my thumb and forefinger.
“Well Noah and I had the munchies – cause we were hungry not cause we were partaking in any illegal munchie inducing activities mind you – so we decided to go get a few dozen bagels from Mega Bagel. We like to go there cause they make those bagel sandwiches and load them with cheese and they have those bagel dunkers and -“
“Uh, Tyler, could you get to the point?”
“Absolutely, so anyway, there we were in Mega Bagel and in walks Jim Dwyer and Benny Fortino and we just simply asked them when they were going to play our music. Every other show on Z93 plays us except for them.”
“That’s all that happened?”
“Well yes, except no.”
I shook my head and threw my hand up in the air. “Yes or no Tyler, which is it?”
“Well it could have been all but then Benny said he would play our music but Jim said over his dead body and.....” Tyler trailed off.
“Let me guess, that’s when you threatened to run him over and feed him to bears.”
“Actually when he said over his dead body we told him that could be arranged. I would never threaten to run him over and feed him to bears. I wouldn’t dream of endangering the bears like that.”
A laugh slipped out involuntarily. “Bye Tyler.”
~*~
I walked in to my condo after work and found Abby lounging on the couch flipping through a magazine. She tossed it aside when she saw me and smiled. It was kind of nice coming home and having my little sister here waiting for me.
“So what do you normally do on a Thursday night?” She asked.
“Well, lately it’s been obsessing over what to wear out on Friday night.”
Abby’s eyes got big. “Oh! Let me pick something out for you!” She exclaimed.
All of the sudden I had a flashback to Jocalyn trying to get me to go out in the most ridiculous outfits a couple weeks earlier. “Alright but only because I know you’ll make me look good.”
“Yes!” She jumped up and ran into my bedroom. I followed her in there curious to see what she was going to throw together.
Abby pulled out a short sleeve maroon corset top with black lace. “Well you’re not wearing this.”
“Why not?” I asked defensively. I loved that top! Especially with my long black skirt with the thigh high slit up the side.
“Because I am.” She said flashing me a toothy grin.
“Maybe I should call Tyler and warn him so you
don’t catch him too off guard.” I teased her.
Abby turned away quickly as her face blushed bright red.
“Yeah, I saw that!” I told her.
“Anyway you’re wearing this.” Abby held up a chiffon navy blue top and a pair of dark boot cut jeans.
“Perfect,” I said, “and I’ve never worn that.”
“Yeah you’re the only person I know that does that.” She said as she ripped off the price tag.
The next night we got all dressed up and headed over to Stoaked. It was 9:30 when we got there and Subzero had already been playing for a while. I immediately spotted Jocalyn bopping up and down in the middle of the dance floor.
“Hey Chloe, what’ll it be?” Dex asked me as I approached the bar.
“Two white Russians. I see Jocalyn is already in full swing.”
Dex laughed. “Yeah, it’s gonna be a long night for me.”
I laughed as he handed me our drinks. I handed Abby her cup and we pushed through the crowd to get over to where Jocalyn was.
“Are you Chloe’s sister? Oh my god! It’s so great to meet you. I’m Jocalyn!” Jocalyn said as she continued dancing.
Abby leaned in to me and shouted, “Wow I think I’m gonna need another one of these to keep up with her.”
“Trust me, I know the feeling!” I shouted back.
I looked over at the stage and immediately locked eyes with Jack. He winked and flashed me a smile that sent shivers down my spine. It seemed as if I had just started drinking my drink, when Abby got us a second round. Before I knew it were bopping around the dance floor right along with Jocalyn. This was the most carefree I had felt in a long time. We were jumping up and down and spinning each other around. I glanced over at Jack again and I swear he was laughing.
“That was so much fun!” Abby said as the bands set ended.
“You are definitely the most amazingly coolest girlfriend ever.” Jack said coming up behind me. He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my neck.
“Why thank you!” I said.
“You look.....wow! I don’t know if I want to take you out or take you back to my place.” He said staring me up and down.
“Sounds tempting but I have a guest.” I reminded him.
“Yeah it looks like she wouldn’t miss you too much.” Jack nodded his head toward where Abby and Tyler were standing. They were standing almost as close as Jack and I were. I watched as he leaned in and whispered something in her ear. She started to giggle.
“I’m supposed to find out if she is single.” Jack said.
“She is.” I said with a hint of surprise in my voice.
“What’s wrong?” Jack asked.
“Nothing, I just never would have guessed those two would hit it off so well.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“No not bad, just a little surprising.”
“C’mon let’s go,” Jack said grabbing my hand, “You two ready?” Abby and Tyler started walking over toward us.
“Is Tyler coming?” I asked.
“Yeah well you know the whole across the hall thing worked out for me so he’s hoping.....” Jack trailed off and flashed me a smile.
“Gotcha.” I said smiling back.
When we reached Jack’s truck, Abby started laughing.
“What’s so funny?” I asked her.
“I’m sorry. I’m just trying to picture you trying to get up there.” Abby teased.
“I have her covered.” Jack laughed as he pulled the step stool out from the back of his truck, which caused everyone to erupt with laughter.
“You guys are so funny.” I said with mock annoyance. We piled into the truck with Tyler and Abby in the back seat and me up front with Jack. I could hear the two of them whispering in the back and I tried as hard as I could to strain and listen, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. When we got back home, I started to walk towards my door but Jack grabbed my arm, tossed Tyler my keys and pulled me toward his place.
“What are you doing?” I asked him once we were inside his place.
“Two things,” Jack said as he pulled me close to him, “One, I am trying to help my friend out and two, I want some time alone with my girl.”
I started to say something but Jack silenced me by grabbing me by the back of my head and crushing his lips against mine. I knew he was trying to use his lips to persuade me and I’ll admit it was working. It’s amazing the effect his mouth has over me.
“You know I am really helping everyone out.” Jack said nobly.
“Really? How do you figure that one out?” I asked him.
“Well it’s obvious Tyler and Abby want to get to know each other and I want you and I know you want me.”
“Oh do I?”
“Yes, it’s my sexy rock star vibe. You find it completely irresistible.”
“Oh yes that in combination with your big fat ego.”
“You know you really do look beautiful.” Jack said. He traced his fingertips up and down my bare arms. I closed my eyes as Jack leaned down and slowly kissed me along my collarbone.
Jack pulled off my shirt and ran his hands across my back. Leaning his face towards mine, he softly kissed my lips. We let the kiss linger for a minute and when he started to pull away, I gently bit his lower lip. He laid me down on the couch and kissed me from the top of my jeans all the way up to my lips.
“Have I told you today just how much I like you?” He asked me.
I shook my head.
“Well.....let me show you.” He said. And he did.....twice.
Chapter Twelve
I walked up the stairs to my condo a couple of days later and immediately received the shock of my life. There sitting on the floor, leaning against the door was Connor. He smiled at me as he stood up. It took every ounce of restraint that I had to not punch him in his perfectly whitened teeth.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked him angrily.
“I heard you were living here now and I had some free time so I thought I would come for a visit.” Connor looked at me and shoved his hands into his jeans.
“Well you can leave now.”
“Look Chloe, I traveled really far to get here. Can’t we just talk?”
“I have absolutely nothing that I want to say to you Connor.”
I started to brush past him to unlock my door when he grabbed my arm. I looked down at the offending hand on my arm and then up into his brown eyes. I was mentally giving him ten seconds to get his hand off of me before I gave him a good swift kick in his misters.
“Look, I’m sorry. I made a mistake and I want you back,” Connor reached up and stroked my cheek with the back of his hand, “I miss you and I love you Chloe. C’mon baby. We were good together. We can still be good together. Let’s just start over.”
“You know when we broke up I was a mess. I thought I didn’t know who I was without you but I was wrong. Your cheating on me was the best thing that could have happened. I have a life here and an incredible boyfriend who is everything you wish you could be but you’re not and you never will be. I don’t miss you Connor and I don’t love you. I’ve moved on and I suggest you do the same.”
With that, I walked into my condo and left Connor standing in the hallway with his mouth wide open. Cleary he thought that was going to end differently than it did. I rolled my eyes as I shut the door, making sure to lock it just in case he happened to get any wild ideas about trying to come in. Abby was standing by the door looking like a child that got caught sneaking candy.
“Did you hear that?” I asked pointing at the door.
“Yes and that was ah-mazing! I’m so proud of you!” She jumped forward, pulling me into a hug.
“That felt so good! We should go out. I wonder what the guys are up to.”
Abby shrugged as I fished my cell phone out of my purse. I dialed Jack’s number but after three rings, it just went to voicemail.
“Hey Jack, it’s Chloe. I just had a completely victorious moment and Abb
y and I are going to Barnaby’s to celebrate. You and Tyler should meet us. Call me.”
I quickly changed into jeans and a plaid button down shirt. I checked my phone before we left and again once we got to Barnaby’s, but still no call from Jack.
Abby and I each ordered a glass of champagne and an order of nachos to split.
“To being liberated from skanky men!” Abby said raising her glass.
“Yes and to finding some amazing guys after coming to a new country.” I said as I raised mine.
After three drinks, and still no call from Jack, we decided to head home.
“Maybe he’s at the studio or rehearsing with the guys.” Abby said as we were walking home.
I had considered that as a possibility until we got closer to the condo and I saw Jack’s shiny black pick-up truck parked in the first row of spaces. That couldn’t be good. I mean even when he was dead tired he at least called to say a quick hello. I gave Abby an uneasy look.
“Chloe don’t.....I bet you he’s tired. They work such crazy hours, you know that.”
“Yeah you’re right.” I said trying to convince myself that was all that it was. Before I went to bed though, I tried calling Jack again. “Please pick up. Please pick up.” I whispered. Every time I heard the phone ring I felt just a little bit more disappointed. Disappointment turned into feeling completely hollow as I heard “Hey, you’ve reached Jack. Please leave a message.....”
I tried calling Jack a couple of times the next day with no luck. I knew something was going on but I couldn’t figure out what. I was even more confused when I found out that not only had Abby and Tyler been talking but they had made plans to go out to dinner. If Tyler had time to call my sister, then surely Jack should have time to call me, right?
Wednesday came and I still hadn’t heard from Jack. When I got home and saw his truck in the lot, I decided enough was enough. I was gonna go up and knock, no bang on his door. He hasn’t talked to me for a few days now and if he was going to avoid me he could at least give me a good reason why. The worthless piece of junk they call a lift was broken again so I pushed open the doors that led to the stairway. I was halfway up the stairs when I looked up and saw Jack coming down.
“Hey!” I said trying to sound nonchalant and upbeat.
Fall into my Heart (The Subzero Series, #1) Page 12
