by Jillian Dodd
"Vincent is right. You're playing a dangerous game."
I go upstairs and tell Aiden, Peyton, and Damian goodbye.
"Where are you going?" Aiden asks, following me down the stairs. "I thought we were going bowling?"
"You are going. I can't. I just took over his company. I have to be seen out and about. I'm meeting Knox for lunch, going shopping, and then having dinner with Tommy."
"But . . ."
Aiden doesn't look happy with me. I probably shouldn't have just sprung this on him. But, honestly, it's starting to get hard to remember who I've told what to. And as much as I will miss him, I'm glad he has to go back to school. I need to be able to move around quickly. That's hard to do with a group of people. Now, I just need to figure out what I'm going to do with Damian.
"Damian is coming to Connecticut to say goodbye to Peyton. I sort of thought you'd come too."
"He is? How long is he staying?"
"Uh, I'm not sure. He said something about needing to go to Miami. I think he leaves Saturday afternoon, maybe."
"I don't think I will be able to come, Aiden. I wish I could, but I have to keep going. And I'll be honest, I'd rather have you back at Eastbrooke."
"I want to be with you."
"I know you do, but it has to be this way. I'm sorry."
"What if I refuse to go back to school without you?"
"You promised to do what I asked regarding your safety, remember?"
He pushes me against the wall and kisses me hard. It's the kind of kiss that would normally make me do whatever he asked.
"Doesn't mean I have to like it," he says, keeping me pinned with his chest.
"Aiden, please don't make this harder on me than it already is," I beg. "I really can't take much more today."
He pulls me into a hug.
"I knew it was bothering you more than you were letting on."
"Of course it is. But I can't show it. I have to go out and pretend to be on top of the world."
He nods and gives me a kiss. "Be safe, Boots."
Just playing me.
Noon
Cooper and I pick up Knox. He gets in the car, gives me a kiss on the cheek, then fist bumps Cooper. "I fired my bodyguard. Where can I get another one of you?"
"We can put you in touch with the security company that Keatyn uses," Cooper replies.
"Cool. So, how did today go?"
"It went well."
"Did you really fire Vincent Sharpe from his own company?"
"Yeah."
"Amazing. You look amazing, too. I'm digging the suit. And the boots."
"Thanks. It's what I wore for the meeting."
He gives the driver the address of where we're going and, as we hoped, there are a few photographers waiting for us outside.
"Knox! Keatyn! Can you stop and give us a picture?"
Knox pretends to whisper in my ear and I pretend to agree, nodding my head and stopping to pose for a happy couple photo.
After lunch, we walk to Bergdorf's, where I help him pick out an Alexander McQueen tonal jacquard suit with a skull pattern for an event he's going to this weekend.
"Maybe we should get you a dress so you can join me. Do you have plans this weekend?"
"No. Aiden will be back in school, so I'll probably be back and forth between here and L.A. for however long it takes."
"However long what takes?"
"For something to happen with Vincent. Preferably something that would put him in jail."
"Like what?"
"Attempted kidnapping. Kidnapping. Stalking, maybe. Whatever."
"You get kidnapped in our movie."
"I know. Probably why I'm so good at the role. I barely have to act. Tommy is like my father. I've almost been kidnapped . . ."
"That must be weird."
"It kind of is. But I'm excited, regardless. Oh, and I think you were right."
"About what?"
"Us maybe taking over the franchise. Tommy and Matt had a meeting with Edward Moffet yesterday. He's going to announce my role sometime today."
"He probably saw the video. And the pics of us."
"He did. Wants to strike while the iron is hot."
"You looked hot in the video." He winks at me then gives me a steamy kiss right in the middle of the men's department.
"What the hell was that for?"
"Just playing my part," he says, quietly, still holding me in his arms.
"You don't need to kiss me like that."
He grins at me. "Maybe I just felt like it."
"And maybe you're just playing me."
He grins at me. "I'm pretty sure it goes both ways, sugar."
"I'm going to warn you. I'm celebrating the takeover by purchasing an insane amount of shoes as well as some new handbags. I hope you don't bore easily."
"Why stop there?" he says, egging me on. "Let's find you a dress to wear this weekend."
"What kind of dress would I need?"
"Something long and classy. I liked the dress you wore on New Year's Eve. It was sophisticated but edgy."
"Thanks. I liked it too."
After very little looking, Knox holds up a J. Mendel black strapless gown with a leather bodice and columned skirt. "How about this?"
"I think I need to try that on. It would look perfect with your skull suit."
After shopping, we drop Knox off at his place and then go meet Tommy for dinner. We've just ordered when Tommy gets a text from his publicity team, letting him know that the press release has been sent out. Tommy hands me his phone so I can read it.
The official joint statement from Moran Films and High Adrenaline Productions:
Keatyn Douglas, daughter of Abby Johnston and the late Mark Douglas, has been officially cast to play the role of Tommy Stevens' daughter, Harper, for the third movie in the Trinity Trilogy, Retribution. Director Matthew Moran said, "We're thrilled to have signed Keatyn. She was always my first choice, but we needed to prove her acting abilities. Because of her great screen test with co-star, Knox Daniels, the writers are currently expanding both actors' roles. We expect to see great things from these two in the future."
"That sounds good," I say. "When do you start filming again?"
"Tomorrow. And we should have your new schedule in the next couple weeks."
"Sounds good," I say again, stifling yet another yawn.
"You had a busy day. I should let you get back home," he says, asking the waiter for our check.
His phone, my phone, and Cooper's phone all buzz at the same time.
"Looks like another version of the press release," Tommy states, glancing at it and then setting his phone down.
But I get a frantic text from Damian.
Damian: WE HAVE A PROBLEM! DID YOU READ THE ARTICLE I JUST SENT YOU? AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, DID YOU SEE THE PHOTOS??!!
Me: Uh, no, I didn't. Hang on.
I open the article up and read a different version.
Keatyn Douglas: Hollywood's Next It Girl?
The official joint statement from Moran Films and High Adrenaline Productions:
Keatyn Douglas, daughter of Abby Johnston and the late Mark Douglas, has been officially cast to play the role of Tommy Stevens' daughter, Harper, for the third movie in the Trinity Trilogy, Retribution. Director Matthew Moran said, "We're thrilled to have signed Keatyn. She was always my first choice, but we needed to prove her acting abilities. Because of her great screen test with co-star, Knox Daniels, the writers are currently expanding both actors' roles. We expect to see great things from these two in the future."
The real story:
Talk about a good gene pool. If ever there was a girl made for the spotlight, it's Keatyn Douglas. Our sources on the Retribution set say that Knox and Keatyn are already a couple. That they were burning up the place with their chemistry and have become very close. We know they were goo-goo over each other at a hip NYC night club last week, but then got in a wicked fight that saw poor Keatyn leaving the club in tears, only to be sto
pped by Knox and whisked off to his penthouse. The couple shared a special night together, capped it off with a brisk morning jog through Central Park, and carpooled to the movie set.
But, let's be real. We all saw Keatyn's music video debut, and no one can deny the chemistry between her and Twisted Dreams' lead rocker, Damian Moran, the son of director Matthew Moran. Although just days before, Damian was seen with a leggy blonde, we all know who he kissed on New Year's Eve. In further evidence are these photos of the couple's arm-in-arm stroll through Central Park with their doggie pal and the entrance to their secret love nest. Add to the equation professional surfer, Brooklyn Wright, who pledged his love to Keatyn after winning the Surf City Hawaiian Open just a few months ago and high school sweetheart, actor Luke Sander, and it looks like our new it girl knows how to play the field.
And what a delicious field it is.
P.S. Vincent Sharpe, if you're reading this, stop the silly nationwide search and cast Keatyn in the remake of A Day at the Lake.
P.P.S. Because, seriously.
Below is a photo of Damian and me at the entrance to my loft. The address numbers clearly visible.
"Fuuuuck," I say loudly, causing the restaurant patrons to give me disapproving glares.
"What's wrong?" Cooper asks.
"The loft has been burned. Somehow, someone must have followed us home from the park when we took Kiki for a walk. We have to get Damian, Peyton, and Aiden out of there. I can't go back. Shit."
Tommy looks panicked. "What are you going to do?"
"Let me think for a minute," I say.
"How did they follow us to your loft? We've been so careful," Cooper says.
"Apparently, not careful enough," I snap. I'm pissed.
Because, not my loft.
It's the only home I have.
I text Damian back.
Me: Look out the windows. Do you see anyone out front?
Damian: Hang on.
Damian: No.
Me: They would think only you and I are there, right?
Damian: So I should be the only one to go out the front?
Me: Yes. Press-wise, people have forgotten about Peyton already. They think I'm seeing both you and Knox.
Damian: I'd prefer it that way.
Me: Me too. So send P & A out the back. Tell them to follow the alley, take the first right, and then get a cab to the Plaza hotel. Tell them to go to the Food Hall and get some yogurt. Cooper will find them. Tell them if they see Cooper to pretend like they don't know him and to shop around a little. He's going to want to make sure they don't have a tail, just in case.
Damian: Got it.
Me: At the same time, you go out the front and catch a cab. Go straight to your dad's apartment. I'll message you when I get all the pieces in place. Text me when you're at your dad's.
Damian: Will do. Are you freaking out?
Me: A little. I'm good now.
"Tommy, Cooper and I are going to head out. I have to find somewhere to stay tonight."
"Just come to Matt's apartment," Tommy says.
"Damian is headed there, but I can't send Aiden and Peyton there. The press has already forgotten about Peyton. Damian kind of wants to keep it that way."
"You're very protective of Aiden," Tommy observes.
I nod, then stand up and give Tommy a hug goodbye. "Come on, Cooper."
Cooper gives Tommy a nod, but as we leave he's looking at the floor.
I grab his arm. "It's okay, Cooper. It's not your fault."
"It's absolutely my fault," he replies, marching ahead of me.
"No, it's mine. I'm pushing you. Putting myself in situations that aren't easy to control. I know the risks. It just makes me sad. Not being able to go back there."
"All our stuff is there."
"I have a lot of new shoes in the car," I tease. "You can borrow some."
"Not funny," he says with a little chuckle as we get in the car. "Why don't you let me plan what's next."
"Okay, what are you thinking?"
"I'm going to check us all into a hotel. You can sneak in and I'll go get Aiden and Peyton. Where do you want to stay?"
"Let me call my travel concierge and have her find us a suite."
A few minutes later, I say, "We're all set up at the Four Seasons. They have a three-bedroom suite that will be perfect for all of us. I'm going to have you drop me off a block from the hotel. I tweaked your plan a little and made myself an appointment at the spa. While I'm there, you go get Peyton and Aiden. Since it's close, you can just walk over, double check they're not being followed, and get them settled. Then you can text me and take me straight up to the room. Does that sound okay?"
"Yes, that sounds fine. I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier."
"It's okay, Cooper. It's been a pretty crazy day. Maybe I'll send you down for a massage once we're all settled."
"Now that sounds like the best idea you've had in a while."
Start with me.
9pm
Aiden says flatly, "You went a little crazy shopping today."
I look at my purchases littered across the bedroom floor. "Yeah, I did. I was supposed to be celebrating, having a great day."
"Did you have a great day? I mean, before we had to move."
"Shopping was fun--well, parts of it--but I was sort of going through the motions."
"That's because you're trying to live a pretend life. There's no joy in it."
He takes the garment bag out of my arms and unzips it to take a look. "Another rainy day dress?"
"Um, no. I'm going to a gala Saturday night."
"With Knox? "
"Yes."
Aiden pushes his hand roughly through his hair. "I don't understand this. Remind me again why it's okay for you to be seen with Knox but not me? I'm okay with the danger too."
"I know you are," I say quietly.
"Tell me why," Aiden says adamantly. I can tell he's pissed.
"Because with Vincent I'm not that good of an actress."
"What do you mean?"
"He followed me for months, Aiden. In that time, I hung out and partied with a ton of guys, the main ones being Sander, Cush, Damian, Troy, and Brooklyn. Vincent took photos of me and Cush together. He saw us at soccer, at the club, at the boardwalk, and at a party. I think I even told him I was in love with Cush."
"But I thought you loved Brooklyn?"
"I did. And Vincent knew it even though I didn't. He's always focused on B."
"What's that got to do with me?"
"There's no way I could hide my feelings for you. Damian says when I'm with you love is written all over my face. If Vincent were to see us together, you'd become target number one."
"I don't care. We'd be together. I could help keep you safe."
"Aiden," I choke out, my eyes filling with tears at the thought of Vincent discovering him. "Please, no."
"So, if you stop seeing Knox publicly, I should worry you've fallen in love with him?" he says, trying to joke about it but failing. I can see the jealously raging behind his eyes. I hate that I'm putting him through this.
"I hate this as much as you do, Aiden. I know you don't understand. I don't even really understand. But it's in my gut. It's something I'm being driven to do. I don't have a choice."
"You always have a choice about how to live your life."
"I agree wholeheartedly. My situation is just different right now. Vincent and I have been on this path for a while. I can't avoid the collision. It's just a question of when and where it will happen."
He walks across the room and reaches into the small bag he brought with him from the loft and pulls out something I cherish.
"Here," he says, handing me my book of Keats poetry. "I knew you'd want this."
I hold it in my hand, staring at it. Thinking about what it means to me. All the feelings I have wrapped up in the pages of an old book. I gently open it, read B's inscription and then turn to the center of the book to see that, thankfully, Aiden's lucky four-leaf
clover is still pressed inside.
I cover my mouth, trying to stop myself from crying, but I can't. I just mutter out, "Thank you."
Aiden pulls me into his arms for the first time since I arrived. I know he's mad at me but, even mad, he still did something so incredibly thoughtful. I lay my head on his shoulder and just breathe him in.
"What did you have done at the spa?" he asks.
"A hot stone massage with lavender oil."
"Are you relaxed?"
"Kind of."
"Did you see the size of the bathtub in our room? What do you say we order dessert and take a bath?"
"Is Damian staying at his dad's tonight?"
"Yeah, that's the plan. He and Cooper will figure out how to get him here tomorrow. Cooper seemed stressed."
"He feels responsible for the loft getting photographed."
"Well, it is his job."
"Yeah, but I shouldn't have been out walking the dog in Central Park. I should have let Cooper do it. I wasn't thinking. And I'm always thinking."
"You had been up all night worried about Brooklyn."
"We all had been."
"So tonight we're in a gorgeous hotel suite. We should take advantage of it. Everything else you need to do can wait until tomorrow."
I sigh. "Agreed. And you're right. Why don't you order dessert while I run the bath."
"Perfect," he says.
I'm half asleep in the tub when Aiden walks in, naked, carrying tiramisu and some kind of sinful-looking chocolate pudding. Both the desserts and his nakedness capture my attention.
"I don't know which I want first. You or the dessert."
He laughs and slides in the tub. "Let's start with me."
