Power (The Keatyn Chronicles Book 9)

by Jillian Dodd

  “How does she always know what's wrong before I even say it?” I ask Aiden, who's now double fisting milk and cookies too.

  “Is that really why you're here? Because a girl called you old?”

  “That's part of it.”

  “It's Ariela, isn't it?”

  “It's all of it. I'm tired of fucking a different girl every night. It's exhausting. My penthouse feels cold. I have so much stuff—”

  “And no one to share it with?” he says, finishing my sentence.

  “Yeah.”

  “And the girl you want to share it with broke your heart. Twice now.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Riley, what do they say about Captive Films? About you?”

  I chuckle. “That I'm the king of romance. Ironic, huh? I haven't romanced a girl since her.”

  “What's the one thing about romance? About love?”

  “It's a risk. If I could just get inside her head and know what she’s thinking. It's funny, really. You know how Keatyn turned her journals into the screenplays and now the books. She was telling me the other day that readers are clamoring for a book from your point of view.”

  “You know she won’t allow that. She says it would ruin the story.”

  “Exactly. If the audience would’ve known what you were thinking, there wouldn't have been any drama or mystery.”

  “And they'd be pissed to know that although I did totally fall in love with her that day, I still mostly wanted to sleep with her. I thought after my prom gone bad that I had grown up and was different, but I still had a lot of growing up to do. We both did. I was crazy about her but there were times when I wanted to give up. Times when I thought we'd never make it. Love requires work, Riley. It's risking your heart. It's wooing her when she has a boyfriend or is still seeing her ex. You and Ariela never had much drama. Once you asked her out, you never really broke up. I mean, until that day.”

  “Graduation day,” I say, taking a gulp of milk and shoving another cookie into my mouth.

  “Riley, did you fight for her?”

  I hang my head. “I was too devastated to fight. Then I was pissed. Then it was too late.”

  “She's back. You have a chance. Why don’t you stop fucking around and take it?”

  “If she—”

  “If she breaks your heart, we’ll deal with it,” he tells me. “Call her and find out what really happened.”

  “What do you mean? I know what happened.”

  “Riley, you’re trying to fuck your feelings away. It’s not going to work. And what do you know exactly?”

  “I don’t care what Vanessa says. I know what I saw.”

  “Yeah, you saw her husband kiss her.”

  “That was enough.”

  “Did you bother to ask him why he kissed her?”

  “No! Why the fuck would I do that? It’s her fucking husband.”

  “You did once before. Don’t you remember?”

  “What do you mean?” I ask, bewildered.

  “Remember Christmas break senior year? You were at Ariela’s house and some guy dropped by.”

  “Yeah, her idiot ex-boyfriend. He tried to kiss her and I whooped his ass.”

  “So, why didn’t you whoop Collin’s ass this time?”

  “Wait? What the fuck? Are you telling me that’s who she married?”

  “Yeah.”

  “But he was such a douche!”

  “Still is, from what I gather. Riley, if you’re going to have a relationship with Ariela, you have to talk to her. You have to believe her when she tells you what happened. The Riley I know would have seen him kiss her, walked straight up to him, knocked him the fuck out, and—”

  “—asked questions later,” I say along with him. I take another cookie. “You’re right. I’ve become a pussy.”

  Aiden laughs. “You haven’t become a pussy. You can’t knock someone out in business when things don’t go your way. I’d say you’re more refined. But you haven’t been in love for a while. You’re out of practice.”

  “It always seems so easy for you and Keatyn.”

  “It’s not. We make it work because we want it to work. Our relationship has always been our number one priority. You know how many roles she’s turned down because of scheduling. Riley, I’m going to ask you one question. It’s the only question that really matters. Do you still love Ariela?”

  I slowly nod.

  “Then go fucking do something about it and don’t let anything get in the way.”

  “Now?”

  “Yes, now.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “I think Keatyn and Dallas are right. I need to go back to Eastbrooke and put the past behind me before I can move on.”

  “Does that mean you’re going?”

  “Yeah, I am.”

  “Then congratulations are in order too. Riley Johnson CEO & Chairman of the Board has a nice ring to it.”

  “I was so shocked, I never asked her why she was promoting me.”

  Keatyn walks out with another plate of cookies and sets them on the table. “Why don’t you just stay here tonight, Riley.” It’s hard to even look at her. I’m so overcome with emotion. I’m so lucky to have such good friends. “I’m promoting you for a lot of reasons but mostly because you deserve it.”

  “Is one of the reasons because you want to slow down?”

  “We want to spend more time at the vineyard,” Aiden says. “Raise our family there.”

  “That sounds nice,” I say.

  “I want to take some time off and just write scripts for a while. It’s what I love. And I want that for you too, Riley,” Keatyn tells me. “Dallas has always been so good about having balance between his personal and professional life. You and I need to do a better job of it. That’s part of why I brought Dawson in. I want you to groom him to be your successor. Once you feel he’s ready to take over as CEO, you’ll retain the Chairman of the Board title and only have to attend board meetings.”

  “It would be cool to only work on the fun projects. I’ve been sorta itching to produce again. Be on set more often.”

  “It’s not like you even need to work anymore, Riley. You have plenty of money. You should be doing what you love.”

  “And finding love?” I say with a smirk, knowing where the conversation is headed.

  “At least having the time for love,” she replies.

  THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9TH

  Captive Films — Santa Monica

  VANESSA

  The Purity Party invitations have been delivered, the event is being set up, and I’m leaning back in Keatyn’s office chair taking a breather when Avery steps in. She started work today as a Captive Films intern and jumped straight into the fire.

  “So, I will admit, I follow most of the big tabloids,” she says. “Something just got posted that you should see.”

  “Is it good or bad?”

  “I know how good my sister is at handling the press. She says she learned from our mom and Knox. I showed this to a couple people in the marketing department and they were shocked, which means my sister, and probably you, planned it that way. My guess is the Vegas thing was as bad as it seemed, and you two turned it around to make it look like a publicity stunt. Am I right?”

  “Close the door,” I tell her. “Have you told anyone else your thoughts?”

  “No. If I’m right, we wouldn’t want anyone to know.”

  I nod my head at her. “You’re very astute for someone your age, Avery.”

  She does a little clap. “I knew I was right!”

  “Are you having fun today?”

  “Actually, yes. I kind of thought working here might be corporate and boring, but it’s not. Everyone is cool.”

  “Keatyn told me she wants you to try your hand at the different divisions of the company, but what’s your passion?”

  She looks at her feet.

  “What?” I say. “You can tell me.”

  “I know the tab
loids say things to sell papers. I know some of the things they print are lies set in a teeny bit of truth. I know some are boldfaced lies. But it’s exciting, don’t you think? The way people are perceived in public. The face they choose to show. The trouble they get into. How it can be manipulated.”

  “Sounds like you’d be good at public relations. You ever want to work directly with me, you let me know.”

  “Really? Ohmigawd,” she says, sounding just like Keatyn. “I would totally love that!”

  “Good. Now, are you going to tell me what the article says?”

  “Ohmigosh, I almost forgot! Let me read it to you! It says . . .

  The Golden Ticket

  Well, people.

  I’m holding in my hand a gorgeous white glittery invitation on paper so thick you could sleep on it. Captive Films invited yours truly to what they are calling a Purity Party to promote a new film project. Attendees have been asked to wear—you guessed it—white.

  Included with the invitation is a glossy photo of Jennifer Edwards wearing a skimpy white lingerie angel costume—complete with feather wings—and tossing away a halo. On the edge of the photo, there are two sets of male hands waiting to catch it. The bottom simply says #DaddysAngel.

  After scouring the internet for information about this project, I came up empty. So I decided to do it the old-fashioned way. I hit up my sources inside the film company.

  And here’s what I learned:

  Jennifer Edwards, Knox Daniels, and Jake Worth will be starring in Daddy’s Angel. No word on what the movie is about, other than Jennifer’s role will showcase a double life. Her minister father thinks she’s still a virgin, when in truth, she’s promiscuous, wild, and a bit of a hellcat. Rumor also has it that Captive Films’ CEO, Riley Johnson, will have a cameo role.

  So here’s the deal. This party has me wondering. Was the group’s recent crazy Vegas weekend—which landed them all in jail—just a publicity stunt?

  Now I’m off to buy something white and fabulous to wear tonight. Who cares that it’s after Labor Day. When you’re as successful as Captive Films, you can break the rules.

  Also, did you notice the unnamed hottie in the Vegas photos? My sources say that it is none other than Riley’s brother, Dawson Johnson, a recent addition to the Captive Films executive team.

  P.S. Watch out Hemsworths, your reign as the world’s hottest brothers may be coming to an end.

  P.P.S. Speaking of watching out . . . Dawson, I’ll be stalking you tonight. I’ll be the one in . . . Well, white.

  “That’s just great,” I mutter, feeling jealous at the mention of Dawson.

  “So this article could be just the beginning,” Avery says, reminding me that she’s still sitting in front of me. “Don’t you think since she suggested it, everyone will believe it?”

  “That’s what we’re hoping for. Are you coming to the party tonight?”

  “Yes, Mom’s letting me borrow a gorgeous white dress. She hasn’t even worn it yet. I’m so excited!”

  “Why don’t you hang out near the door with Tyler and greet people.”

  “Really? Ohmigawd, that would be amazing! Thanks, Vanessa. I’m heading home now to get ready.”

  “Have fun. I’ll tell Tyler and see you tonight.”

  “Did you get a dress?”

  “I haven’t had time. I have some white dresses at home that will work,” I say.

  “I thought you might say that,” she says, running out of the room and returning with a long dress bag. “I brought a dress for you to wear.”

  “You did?”

  “Yes, it was one of the dresses Mom had. You know designers are always sending her things. I saw the dress and knew it would look perfect on you. Or at least the you that you are today.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You seem different. Happier than I’ve seen you in a while. This is a happy dress.”

  “A happy dress?”

  “It’s hard to explain, but yes. If you end up not liking it, it’s okay. I won’t be offended. I’ll see you tonight!”

  After she leaves, I think about two things. About the reporter who will be stalking Dawson at the party, and that except for today, Avery is right, I have been the happiest I’ve been in a while.

  Because of Dawson.

  I acted like a little jealous brat last night and have been avoiding him all day.

  And I understand. I do.

  But it still hurt.

  And the hurt surprised me.

  And that made me mad.

  At myself.

  I look at the clock. Three hours until party time.

  But I have one more thing to take care of before I go get ready.

  Asher Vineyards — Sonoma County

  ARIELA

  I’m just walking back into Maggie’s office after my visit to the bakery to finalize the wedding cake details when I get a call from Collin.

  “Your dad told me the good news.”

  “I told him the good news on Tuesday. I expected to hear from you sooner.”

  “I was out of the office until today.”

  “What were you doing?”

  “I took a couple personal days, Ariela,” he spews. “My wife filed for divorce. It kinda shook me.”

  “Sure it did. You were so shook up that you went straight to your secretary’s arms.”

  “Are you having me followed?”

  “Actually, yes. And I have pictures.”

  “Pictures of what?”

  “Of you boning your secretary, darling.”

  “You’re lying, pumpkin. You would never think to do something like that. You trust me. You’re just testing me.”

  “Trust me, pumpkin. I’m not lying. I’m also working on a special surprise for you.”

  “Yeah, your dad told me. You’re throwing a holiday party for all my clients. Big whoop.”

  “That was supposed to be a secret.”

  “Your dad and I are tight.”

  “Collin, a quick uncontested divorce from your boss’ daughter that is nice and clean and agreeable, will be much better for you than one where all your dirty laundry gets aired by your wife.”

  “You would look like a fool. No way you’d do that to your dad. You don’t have the balls.”

  “I’ve grown a big set of balls in the last couple of weeks, Collin. Trust me, I already have the invitations being printed.”

  “Big deal. Who you gonna send them to?”

  “I take it my dad didn’t tell you everything. Like the fact that he gave me your entire client list?”

  “Uh, no.”

  “See, here’s the thing, Collin. I flat out lied to my dad. Wanna know what I’m really going to send out?”

  “What?”

  “Gorgeous Thanksgiving cards featuring two photos. One from our beautiful wedding and another of you breaking your vows by screwing your secretary in her living room.”

  “You wouldn’t.”

  “Oh, yes. I would. In fact, if you contest the divorce, that’s exactly what I’ll do.”

  “I’ll take my chances. Most of the men I know would applaud me. My secretary is smoking hot.”

  “You’re right. They might. Fortunately for me, most of them are married to women who don’t work. Women who get the mail. Women who would be upset by what they saw. You wanted to pretend we have an amazing, stable marriage. You wanted me to have the perfect car, the perfect handbag, the perfect house. Appearances are everything to you and your business.”

  “Whatever.”

  “Collin, you don’t work very hard because my dad gives you all his new business. If these photos go out, it will hurt my dad’s business. Do you really think your pretty partnership will happen after that?”

  “Uh . . .”

  “Exactly. Oh, hang on. Let me send you a mock-up of the card I sent to the printers. It’s cute. There’s even a poem. You’ll get a kick out of it.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “Believe it, Col
lin. I’m hanging up now. Enjoy your card.”

  I’m shaking again when I hang up.

  “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop,” Maggie says, “But fuck yeah! I’m so proud of you for standing up to that asshole!” She studies me. “You know what. You look like you could use a glass of wine. Fortunately, that’s something we have plenty of here. Red or white?”

  “White. I can’t believe I said all that. My dad is going to be mad at me when he finds out I lied to him.”

  “And do you care about that?” she asks as she drags me out of her office, across the street to her house, and onto her front porch. “Sit and rock. I’ll be right back.”

  I sit down and rock. And rock.

  And feel a little calmer.

  By the time she comes back with two glasses of a crisp Chardonnay, I say, “I’m proud of me too.”

  “You should be. Can I see the Thanksgiving card?”

  “Sure.” I hand her my phone.

  “Oh, wow. You even made up a little rhyme.

  We should thank you for your business this Thanksgiving day,

  But, instead, we find Collin and his secretary rolling in the hay.

  Yes, he has a wife who you all know,

  But does that really matter?

  Boys will be boys and all that chatter.

  If you’re a wife and know how I feel,

  Show Collin you won’t stand for this deal.

  Move your business to someone worthy of your trust.

  And not someone who just thinks about lust.

  Maybe it’s time us women unite.

  Like the Pilgrims and Indians did that night.

  So Happy Thanksgiving,

  enjoy your cranberry sauce

  And know I’m divorcing this asshole,

  Love, Ariela Ross.”

  “What do you think?”

  “I think if you stop planning weddings, you could write divorce cards. It’s awesome. Are you really going to send them?”