“It’s looking good.”
I turn around to a cheerful Liam approaching me. He places his hand on the small of my back and shivers go through my body.
“It does, and soon it will be complete. I was worried that it wouldn’t be finished for the Jones’s wedding.”
“You put them on a schedule, I think they’re too afraid not to do as instructed.”
“A girl has to stay on top of things. Have you seen Meagan?”
“She called and will be late, had family business to take care of.”
This is concerning, Meagan is never late. I turn to face Liam. “I hope everything is okay.”
Liam states that she sounded fine and he’ll call to check on her later. We go into our office and discuss the menu for the Jones’ wedding. They want a traditional yet romantic reception filled with colorful flowers and simple, but delicious food. Hours later we finally create the perfect menu for them.
During my drive home, my phone rings. I answer without looking to see who is calling.
“Hello?”
“Giselle,” I know that deep and enticing voice.
“Ethan. Um, how are you?
“Cut the pleasantries, did you get rid of your boyfriend?”
“I didn’t get rid of him. If you’re asking if I told him about us, then the answer is yes.”
“Good. I miss you and need to see you.”
“I don’t know about that, it’s too soon.
“I wasn’t asking. I’ve booked you a flight. You leave next week, my assistant will be in touch with the details.”
“Ethan, I can’t just leave, what about my business? What about Liam?
“What about him? It’s obvious he didn’t fight for you because if he did, you wouldn’t still be on the phone with me.”
“Let me think about it.”
“There’s nothing to think about, it’s time for us to be together just like before. I’ll be in touch.”
My mind is racing and I don’t know what to do. Thank goodness it’s our girl’s night. I really need Carmen and Marcia’s help. We’re meeting at Desire’s for happy hour.
Carmen and I are chatting when the late Marcia appears, speaking on her phone.
“Girls, sorry I’m late.” Marcia apologizes while slipping her phone inside her bag and moves the tortoise shell shades to the top of her curled red hair.
“It’s fine. We both waited to order drinks until you got here.”
“Thanks, Giselle. And by the look of it, I would say we all need a round.” She raises her hand to call the waitress over where she orders us shots of upside down pineapple cake.
“Marcia you know I don’t do shots,” I declare.
“Oh, Giselle, live a little would you? Tell her Carmen.”
Carmen raises her eyebrows as to question whether she should agree or not. The waitress soon delivers 3 shot glasses that have a yellow tint with a red layer on the bottom.
“Bottoms up, ladies.” Carmen smiles while raising her glass.
After the clink, we down the tasty shot in one gulp.
“Wow, that was really yummy,” I state, wanting another one.
“See I knew you would like it. Let’s get another round.” Marcia raises her hand once again, signaling the waitress to bring us another round.
Carmen asks, “So, Marcia, what kept you? I thought you would have beat me here.”
“I’m interested in a new fashion line for the boutique and was putting the final touches on the contract. And what have you been up to, Mrs. Jackson?”
“I’m still trying to find the balance between being a wife and business owner. Cooper’s a dream come true, at times it’s hard to focus on the matters of the center when I want to spend every waking moment by his side.”
“Tell me about it, girl. Lately I find myself telling David not tonight, and you know that’s not me at all,” Marcia responds.
“Now we know you’re lying,” says Carmen laughing.
To hear the girls discuss their happily ever after makes me long for one of my own. I believe that every girl in the world has the same wish as mine. I start daydreaming about Ethan and my upcoming visit to LA, even though my heart will forever be with Liam.
“Earth to Giselle.” Marcia’s waving her hand in my face.
I shake my head to rid myself from the current reverie.
“Are you okay?” Carmen asks.
“Yeah, Giselle. You look stressed,” Marcia counters.
“I’m fine, just thinking.”
“I’m sorry we’re going on and on about our marriages, especially with everything you have going on,” Marcia expresses.
“There’s no need for either of you to apologize. I’m the one to blame for Liam and I no longer being together. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to see my best two girls happy. It’s just time for me to move on.”
“Giselle, we love you. We also know you belong with Liam. Right, Carmen?”
Carmen turns her head in the other direction and doesn’t comment, I’m not sure if I want to know what she’s thinking.
“Actually, I was going to wait until later to tell you,” I reply.
“Tell us what?” Marcia questions.
“I got a call today from Ethan, he has arranged for me to fly out to Los Angeles and spend the week with him.”
No one says anything.
“I burned my bridges with Liam, so now it’s time to start dating again.”
“Really, Giselle, you think this is a wise thing to do?” asks Marcia.
“Yes, I think so.”
Carmen asks what Ethan said. Marcia seems worried, but I can’t read Carmen’s expression.
“He told me his assistant has booked my first trip to LA. I’ll be staying for a week.”
As soon as Carmen goes to open her mouth Marcia puts her hand up to stop her.
“Giselle this isn’t a good idea. Don’t you want another chance with Liam or have you fully lost your mind?”
“Marcia, there are no more chances with Liam, I don’t understand why you don’t see that.”
“I think you should go, Giselle,” Carmen interrupts.
Marcia and I are shocked at Carmen’s statement.
Marcia raises her voice, “Are you kidding me? How could you say something like that?”
“Shut up, Marcia. Giselle’s a grown woman and she should see if things can work with Ethan, he’s her first love.”
“I’m sure Cooper wouldn’t be happy to hear you say that, especially since Liam is your family.”
“Family or not, I want Giselle to be happy. We hoped that they would be together, but things didn’t work out. You’re right, Giselle, it’s time for you to move on.”
“I told Ethan I wasn’t coming, but he refused to take no for an answer, so I take it as a sign that I need to go.”
Marcia rolls her eyes and throws her hands up. “Don’t you think he’s already caused enough pain for you already?”
“He has, but I took an active part too, what’s done is done, no need to keep looking back on the past. It’s time for me to move forward. Liam and I will always have Indulgence and thankfully now we’re on friendly terms. Is it so bad that I want to be loved, just like you both are?”
“Giselle, do you think Liam will continue being friendly once he knows you’re running off to see Ethan in California?” Marcia snarls.
“How hard do you think it was for me when he brought strange girls home nightly? When I found a pair of thongs in the kitchen, it broke my heart, but at least I didn’t invite Ethan here to rub it in his face. Liam knows I love him but he can’t seem to get past my one mistake. Instead of forgiving me, and us reconciling, he moved out. And god only knows who he’s screwing.”
That shuts Marcia up. Carmen has tears in her eyes and Marcia’s lips are pulled in tight. I need to escape and be alone. After paying my tab, quickly I hug them both goodbye. As I head back to the apartment, I know now is the best time for this trip.
Chapter Si
xteen
It’s unreal that I’m on a first class flight to LA. This should be an exciting time, but in the back of my mind, I keep thinking about Liam and the sadness in his eyes when I told him about coming to see Ethan. He told me to be careful and enjoy myself, which was sweet of him. Carmen has been supportive with my decision and that in itself is amazing. Marcia instructed me to text them upon my arrival. The captain announces that we have been cleared to land and notifies the stewardess to have a seat.
LAX is enormous with nine terminals and an endless amount of gates that correspond with each one. It’s like a cluster jam of people, reminding me of the traffic in Washington DC at times. Either they’re rushing to avoid missing a flight, or simply because life is fast paced here. This airport is known for numerous celebrity sightings, I hope I’ll run into someone famous. As I look around there are multiple gift shops and the food court. My stomach grumbles as I walk by and intake all the smells, compliments of the fast food chains. I stop to get a bottled water from the vending machine and check the map to make sure I’m headed in the right location for luggage retrieval. Three escalator rides later, I arrive at the gate where my belongings are. I wheel my carry-on across the ridged flooring and head towards the crowded area. The circular metal area is crowded with people standing shoulder to shoulder waiting for a glimpse of their suitcase. A spot opens and I nudge my way in the close corners hoping my luggage will appear soon. I glance over my left shoulder and see some people holding signs to welcome loved ones, relatives or business associates to Hollywood. The crowd starts to disperse as more people grab their bags and exit out to the sunshine. Finally, I spot my luggage circling the conveyer belt and rush to retrieve it. I need some fresh air and time to regroup from the hustle and bustle of this popular city.
Ethan told me that his model friend, Delia, will be picking me up. He said she is fairly attractive and has a picture of me. I should have asked for a picture of her. On my way to the double doors leading outside, I spot an exotic looking woman with long legs coming in my direction. She’s dressed in an off-the-shoulder black lace tunic top with distressed cut off jean shorts. Her pumps are a black and white diamond pattern that tie at her ankle. It seems like she’s waving at me, but that can’t be the case. I begin to look around to see who she is waving to. God she’s breathtaking. She’s tall and shapely with long chocolate wavy hair that passes her petite waist. She gets closer and her facial features become clear. She has high cheek bones, crystal blue eyes and her skin is naturally tanned. When she smiles it brightens the entire room. I glance down at my attire which consists of a loose black and white striped blouse and fitted houndstooth skirt. My low-top red sneakers seemed like the perfect shoes to wear but now I’m beginning to second guess my decision.
I feel like an idiot staring at this woman. My attention is placed back on my complaining tummy until a voice purrs, “Hello, Giselle.”
It’s her, with arms stretched out to hug me. Did she just grope the side of my breast? This is weird and I’m uncomfortable.
“Come on, Darling, don’t just stand there. Let’s get you to Ethan’s.”
“You must be Delia.”
Her laugh is intoxicating. “Of course, who else would I be?” She looks me over, “Ethan said you’re adorable, but I think you’re delicious.”
She smiles and grabs my hand.
Did she just call me delicious? Why does Ethan only find me adorable? Puppies are adorable, not grown women.
I blindly follow Delia until she stops beside a lustrous 2014 royal blue Jaguar XK convertible. After placing my bags in the trunk, she opens my door. I’m trying to take everything in, the palm trees, sunny skies and most importantly, the beautiful weather.
“Giselle, darling, have you ever been to LA?”
“No, this is my first time.”
“Oh you’ll definitely fall in love. I mean, what’s not to love?”
Our hair blows in the wind as she zips the car through the busy airport parking lot onto the main road. Traffic lights seem to be installed on every block. I don’t mind the red lights, it gives me time to sightsee. The atmosphere is pleasant and soon we hit Hollywood Boulevard where bumper to bumper traffic increases even though it’s nowhere near rush hour.
I pull out my phone and start snapping some good souvenir pictures, it’s not every day you’re near the Walk of Fame. In a far distance I see the Hollywood sign and this feels like a fantasy instead of reality. We pass a huge three-story mall attached to the Loew’s hotel. I make a mental note in case I have the urge to shop. I send the girls a group text with a picture of palm trees so they know I’ve arrived safely.
We start proceeding closer up the hill where I capture a better picture of the Hollywood sign. We stop at a closed metal gate where Delia enters a code. Her Jaguar glides smoothly along the natural stone paved driveway around the cloud shaped topiary tree. A new Range Rover is behind the glass garage door. She stops in front of the double wood doors with handcrafted bone handles. When I get out and look up, I see the entire second floor has balconies secured by black fancy rails. Delia’s wheeling my luggage to the front door since I’m wide-eyed and in awe of this incredible residence. I wonder if Ethan’s home.
After Delia opens the door, I stop admiring the geometrical shaped exterior and head inside. My mouth drops at the sight of the finest décor I’ve ever seen up close. The mansion has porcelain tile and Brazilian walnut floors. In the foyer sits a black velvet settee for guests to sit and remove their shoes upon entering. There’s a storage space underneath each of the four separated seats. After removing our shoes, Delia grabs my suitcases and starts wheeling them towards the stairs. We pass a dark framed glass wall which offers a spectacular view of the pool outside lined with several lounge chairs and a tiki barin the back corner.
“Let’s put your things away and go skinny dipping.”
I’m appalled at her suggestion. From her serious expression, it’s clear this isn’t her idea of a joke. She’s wants to undress in front of me and we just met an hour ago.
Frowning, she counters her previous comment with “That’s the benefit to living out here in the hills, no close neighbors to spy on you. Plus there’s a privacy fence.”
I stare at her with disgust.
“Or we can wear suits, whichever you’re more comfortable with?”
“I will definitely be wearing my suit.”
Going up the hardwood steps, the paintings on the wall definitely scream bachelor pad. Several pictures are of Ethan. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and so is he. Finally we come to Ethan’s master bedroom. The walls are covered with different sized mirrors. There’s even one hung directly above his European ash king size bed. It has a black silk comforter and silver shams. Above the bed is a black and white portrait of Nara Dreamland, a famous landmark in Japan.
“When will Ethan be home?”
“Maybe in two hours. Who knows? Shoots can last for hours.”
I grab my one-piece, black, ruched bathing suit from my suitcase. Delia has made herself comfortable on the bed. Obviously she’s not leaving so I walk into the bathroom to change and lock the door behind me. The bathroom wall panels create a three dimensional look against the multi-colored tile floor. A rectangle bathtub with brass handles is separate from the huge glass encased shower, complete with a bench. A thirty-two inch TV is hung above the double marbled sink countertop. The faucets turn on at the detection of your hand underneath.
Once my bathing suit is on, I fold up my clothes and pause a quick second to look at myself in the mirror. When I come out, I find Delia standing in the middle of the room looking at herself in the full length mirror. She’s tying the top of her halter top string bikini around her neck.
“Giselle, come help me.”
The dangling two strings left untied rest by her hips. I’m shocked at her request and almost in disbelief to see her butt (perfectly round cheeks), staring at me from her thong bottoms. I should’ve known since she mentioned ski
nny dipping, her bathing suit would be entirely too revealing. I walk over to her grabbing the strings, my hands slightly trembling as I tie them together. She turns around once I’m done with a somewhat revolted look at my one piece bathing suit.
“Giselle, darling, is that your grandmother’s bathing suit? Let’s find you something a little more sexy to change into. You don’t want Ethan to see you looking like that.”
“I like what I have on and so will Ethan.”
“Mmm k, suit yourself. Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
I refuse to let my discomfort at her previous comment show. I hope Ethan’s home soon. Regardless, I tell myself to make the most of being here. As we walk down the steps, my focus lands on her cheeks switching. I shake it off. The sun feels incredible on my skin. Delia lathers herself with baby oil before adjusting her lounge chair making sure there’s no shade blocking her tanning session. She hands me the bottle but I decline and apply my SPF15.
A few minutes later, Delia decides to make us frozen beverages. Her butt cheeks bounce as she heads over to the custom, grass-hut tiki bar. The wooden stools are hand carved, each one a different tiki totem statue. Some have tongues sticking out, while others are smiling. The detailed work is astonishing, but so far everything I’ve seen is. Delia plugs in a blender and starts adding different ingredients for a strawberry daiquiri. While laying my towel across the lounge chair, I look up to see the Hollywood letters looking down at me. This image makes me smile and being here makes me feel like a million dollars.
I’m comfortable in my chair and Delia hands me a frozen glass. The outer layer is frosted and there’s a strawberry slice on the side. I take a sip and it’s very tasty and cooling on this hot day. We lay in the sun for a while. Once I finish my drink, I decide to take a dip in the pool. The water feels cool to my skin and I’m enjoying the view. Delia’s on her stomach still sun bathing. I notice her top strings are now undone. I shake my head and start to get excited about seeing Ethan. It shouldn’t be that much longer before he gets home.
Made by Us: Giselle and Liam's Story (The Made Series Book 3) Page 7
