by Jillian Dodd
I shake his hand. “You have a deal.”
He takes my phone and puts his number in, naming himself Coffee Kyle.
He walks me to my car and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “Good luck,” he says. “Go do it now, before you chicken out. And, if you start to chicken out, call me.”
I nod, thank him again, and drive home.
I pull into the driveway of our beautiful home. The house I thought would make us feel like a family. Instead, it seems cold and full of empty promises.
I pack a suitcase and an overnight bag. Then I go to the back of my closet and pull out an old shoebox. The shoebox filled with memories of a boy I could never forget but didn't have the guts to fight for.
I see a text from Collin flash on my phone saying he's heading home.
I scrawl a quick note for him, leave it on the kitchen island, and head for the airport.
Once I’m on the plane and the people around me are asleep, I pull the box out of my tote bag. I cry as the memories flood back. Memories I’ve tried so hard to keep buried.
Pressed flowers, prom tickets, photos, sweet love notes.
As I pull out a stack of photos, something falls into my lap.
I move the box, dig between my legs, and find it.
The jeweled Hello Kitty ring he put on my finger when he asked me to be his girlfriend.
I take off my jewelry from Collin and toss it into my handbag, replacing the emerald on my right hand with the ring that tells me I can do this.
That I have to do this.
Monday, September 29th
Captive Films - Santa Monica
RILEY
I come out of my office after an early morning overseas call to find Keatyn sitting at the conference table, papers spread out in front of her, and my assistant, Tyler, looking over her shoulder.
“Casting sent these,” she says to me. “If we’re moving into television production, we have to do it just right. I need just the right actress for it.”
“I think we should bring them all in for screen tests,” Tyler suggests. That’s always his suggestion. Spend more money.
“We’ll bring two in for screen tests.”
“Then help me decide, Riley,” Keatyn says. “This role is so different. She’s got to be able to play both the preacher’s virgin daughter and the wild hellcat equally well.”
I walk behind her and look at the faces staring back at me.
“No, no, and no.” I immediately pull three casting sheets off the table and hand them to Tyler. Then I study a fourth. I can’t remember her name, but I do remember that she had her nipples pierced. “And, no.”
“Jeez, Riley, don’t tell me you’ve slept with four out of our six choices. At this rate, we’ll run out of actresses to choose from in the next year.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying stop fucking twenty year olds. Most of our films are about young people. Move up a decade or something. And, speaking of that, stop taking Knox out and getting him drunk. He was still hung over on set yesterday at three in the afternoon!”
“Why the hell were you filming on a Sunday?” I shrug. “Besides, it’s not my fault he can’t handle his liquor.”
“He can’t handle any of it. He’s not dealing with it very well.”
“She was cheating on him with the personal trainer he bought for her!”
“I know. I’m not saying it was right, I’m just saying he probably can’t keep up with you. Go a little easy on him. Take him bowling or golfing. Not to a club every night.”
“Fine, I’ll try to.”
“Did you see this mockup from the marketing department?” She slides a board out from underneath a bunch of papers. “It’s brilliant, very sexy.”
“We gonna have to sell this one to a cable network?” I ask, looking at the sexy ad with the words Daddy’s Angel across the top of a very scantily clad girl tossing her halo away.
“This one,” I say, picking up the face of the girl who looks like she could handle the role of hellcat.
“But I think this one,” she disagrees, going for the girl who looks more like a repressed daughter of a small town minister.
“Remind me of the storyline again.” I haven’t really been involved in this project much. It’s one of Keatyn’s babies.
“Basically the girl is screwing her way through her daddy’s congregation, while he’s online trying to find someone to come court her.”
“Court her?”
“Yeah, the old fashioned way. No sex before marriage. Hell, they can’t hold hands until they are engaged.”
“Seriously? People do that?”
“I guess so.”
“What’s gonna happen when Daddy finds out she’s not a virgin?”
“The script is hilarious and sexy. And he doesn’t. But the crazy thing is she actually falls in love with one of the suitors.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. And what’s funny is he isn’t the good guy Daddy thinks he is.”
“Bring them both in, then, and we’ll see,” I decide, handing Tyler the sheets. “And book me dinner tonight, somewhere kinda swanky.”
“How many, boss?”
“How many do you think?”
“Uh, two? But . . .”
“Shelby, again?” Keatyn interrupts, rolling her eyes.
“If I wasn’t fucking her, she could play this role. She’s a freak in bed.”
“I doubt she’d be very convincing as an angel,” Keatyn mutters as Dallas strides in and asks, “Who’s a freak in bed?”
“Shelby.” I glance at my watch. “Wow, seven o’clock. That’s really early for you, Dallas.”
“Shit,” Keatyn says. “I have to be on set soon. And, Tyler can’t book you reservations. You’re having dinner at my house, remember? With Dallas and RiAnne. We’re celebrating.”
“Shit, I forgot.”
“Is it bad if I ask you not to bring Shelby?”
Riley rolls his eyes. “Jeez, you think I’m stupid? I couldn’t bring her to your house. She’d think we’re serious.”
“Riley, trust me, she already thinks you’re serious.”
“No, she doesn’t.”
“Yeah, she does,” Dallas interjects. “You can’t take a girl to three premieres in three different cities and not have her think it’s serious.”
“Whatever. She knows it’s just for fun. I’ve been very clear about that. But you’re probably right. I shouldn’t see her again. So, Dallas, you wanna go grab some breakfast?”
“Can’t. I have an audit committee meeting I have to prepare for.”
Tyler shakes his head at me. “You don’t have time for breakfast either, boss. You have a meeting with the release team. They’re dying to impress you with the opening box office numbers.”
“I’m having Vanessa’s company do the publicity for Daddy’s Angel,” Keatyn interjects.
Tyler pulls a magazine out of a stack of papers in his hand. “She sure did a brilliant job with this.”
I glance at the popular women’s magazine and see one of the photos from the cover shoot Keatyn and I did together. Hell, they even talked me into being shirtless in a couple of the pictures.
“I look damn good, don’t I, Tyler?”
“Yeah, you do, boss. Must be all the sex, because you haven’t worked out for five days straight.”
“I’ve been traveling for the premieres. Give me a fucking break.”
Tyler walks off. “I’m just saying.”
Keatyn and Dallas are both snickering as they walk away.
Shopping - Santa Monica
ARIELA
I've only been in Santa Monica for three days but I already love it.
Being back on the beach reminds me of when I was last here. It was the summer before our senior year. I had talked my parents into letting me spend the summer with Keatyn. I didn’t really mention anything about the movie or the fact that I’d be spending most of my time with Riley.
During
filming, I got to see all that goes into making a movie.
Really, it was like planning a large event. Lots of details and making sure everything is just right.
I spent my first day here catching up with my two college friends, the one I’m staying with and the other, who is pregnant and is expecting her first child in a few months.
Today, they both had to work, so I’ve been wandering around town, getting myself reacquainted with it. Because yesterday, when the three of us were relaxing on the beach, I made a decision.
I’m not going home.
I mean, I’ll have to go back, pack up my things, get a divorce, and all that, but I’m going to live here from now on.
Whether I ever see Riley again or not.
Coming here was as much my dream as it was his.
And it’s about time I start living my life doing what I want.
Not what my dad wants.
Not what Collin wants.
What I want.
I even called my boss today and quit my job. I know it’s a bit irresponsible, and I have important events that I’ve committed to, but my capable assistant can handle them.
My friend said I could sleep on her couch for as long as I need to, but I don’t want to impose. I want to find an apartment and a job before I even think about trying to contact Riley.
I stroll by a cute baby boutique and decide to look for a gift for my pregnant friend’s upcoming baby shower. The shop is adorable and full of teeny pink and blue outfits, colorful cribs, and strollers that cost as much as a car.
I'm holding up a pink velour onesie with an appliquéd giraffe and trying to decide between it and a frilly lace dress when I hear, “Ariela, is that you?”
I turn around and am face to face with Keatyn.
I stand still, my lips frozen together, and nod.
“Ohmigawd, it's been forever!” She wraps me in a tight hug. “What are you doing here?”
“I, um, I’m visiting a friend, needed a shower gift.”
“Were you going to call me?”
“I don't have your number.”
“It's the same one I've had since high school.”
Keatyn looks at the clothes in my hands. “I like the giraffe,” she says. “Do you have kids?”
“Me, um, no.”
“Married? Single?”
“Uh, married. But getting a divorce.”
I know a divorce is what I want, but this is the first time I’ve said it out loud. It feels really good to finally say it.
“Oh, I'm sorry. How long have you been married?”
“It's okay. We've been married for six years. Together for about ten. My dad loves him.”
“But you don’t?”
Tears start to prickle my eyes. “Uh . . .”
“Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry.”
“You wouldn't happen to know a good attorney, would you?”
“Of course. Dallas.”
“Dallas? Really? It’s hard to believe the weed smoking, joke cracking boy I knew in high school would end up a lawyer.”
“Yep, one of the best. He's Captive Films’ chief legal counsel. You had to assume he’d go to law school with his dad being a senator and all. Never could get him into politics, though.”
“Is he married?”
“Very. He and RiAnne are still together. And she's pregnant with their fifth! That's who I'm shopping for today. Hey, do you have any plans for tonight? We’re all having dinner at my house in Malibu. I'd love for you to come.”
A dinner with Keatyn, Aiden, Dallas, and RiAnne? That would be okay. Maybe I could ask them about Riley and find out if he's seeing anyone. Or if he’d ever want to see me again.
“Dinner would be great, if I’m not intruding.”
“Don't be silly. We miss you.”
“Thank you. I miss you all too.” I don't say Riley's name but it's probably obvious that I miss him the most.
“So, I have to get going, but do you remember where the house is?”
“Yeah, I do.”
“Awesome. I'll leave your name at the gate and see you around seven.”
“Okay,” I reply shakily. While I’m excited, I’m also scared to death. I mean, it wasn’t just Riley’s life I walked out of. It was all my friends. What if they hate me for it?
Keatyn takes her purchases to the counter where the ladies ooh and ahhh over her.
I put the lace dress back on the rack, deciding the baby needs something soft and comfortable. Actually, I think that’s what I’m craving: a life that’s comfortable, a life with friends, a life with someone who loves just me.
When I set the onesie on the counter, the ladies ask me how I know the Keatyn Douglas.
“We went to boarding school together. I haven’t seen her in years, though.” We complete our transaction. “Thanks ladies.”
As I'm walking out the door, Collin calls me.
I’ve ignored all his calls so far, but decide to take this one.
The note I left on the kitchen counter led him to believe I came here last minute to help a friend in crisis. What I didn't tell him is that I'm the one in crisis.
“How're things going there?” he asks.
“Getting better,” I reply, thinking how lucky it is that I ran into Keatyn. And how lucky I am that she doesn’t appear to hate me for what I did.
“You'll be back in time for this weekend, right? Old man Foster needs to see that I'm a stable married man if he's going to trust me with his millions.”
“I won't be back, Collin. You'll have to give him my regrets.”
“Dammit, Ariela. I need you there. This is way more important than some bad breakup.”
“Honestly, Collin, I’ve decided not to come back. I want a divorce.”
“You what? What the fuck? Did you tell your parents?”
“No, I'm telling you.”
“But we’re a team.”
“We stopped being a team when you started messing around. I deserve better.”
“I’ve given you everything you could ever want.”
“I don’t want a husband who cheats on me.”
“I’m sorry. It was a one-time thing, I swear. I love you. Please come back.”
“It wasn’t a one-time thing. I won't be back this weekend, Collin. I'll let my parents know.”
“Don't say anything to them about a divorce. Not until I get a chance to make it up to you. Seriously, you're the only girl I’ve ever loved.”
What he says makes me cry. That's all I've ever wanted. To be treated like I’m the only girl a boy loves. “I wish that were true. Goodbye, Collin.”
I hang up, knowing that once upon a time, there was a boy who treated me that way.
I glance at my watch. Two hours until dinner.
What if Riley is going to be there?
Wouldn’t Keatyn have mentioned him, if he was?
Either way, I need to look good, and all the clothes I brought with me are pretty East Coast professional. I need something cute and casual to wear.
Time to go shopping.
Keatyn & Aiden’s beach house - Malibu
RILEY
“Riley, look who I ran into today!” Keatyn says excitedly, the second I step through the front door.
A mane of brunette hair moves through the air as she turns around, and I come face to face with the only girl who broke my heart. The girl I waited fifty-four excruciatingly long days to sleep with. The girl who is the reason I will never fall in love again.
Ariela.
I grab Keatyn by the arm and drag her into the kitchen. “What the fuck? What the hell is she doing here?”
“Riley, shush. I ran into her today at the baby store.”
“Is she pregnant? Oh my god. That's even worse.” I walk straight to the built-in bar and rummage to the back where I know Aiden keeps the good stuff, grab a bottle of 25-year-old scotch, and take a slug straight out of the bottle. “Is she married? A girl as beautiful as her would have to be married. Does that
mean her husband is here too?”
“Riley, calm down. She's getting a divorce and she doesn’t have any kids. I knew you and Dallas were coming for dinner, so I invited her.” Keatyn looks sincere and I feel bad for yelling at her. “Since you're between blondes and all.”
Okay, maybe I don’t feel that bad.
“Thanks,” I say sarcastically.
“Look. I’m sorry to just spring it on you both like that. I should have told you but, in my mind, I scripted it just like it happened. She turns around. Smiles at you. But then you were supposed to rush into each other’s arms. Long lost love reunited.”
“You and your damn scripts.”
“My damn scripts have made us both a lot of money, Mr. I Just Bought A Jet.”
I furrow my brow. “I needed that for business. It’s a write off.”
“Uh huh.”
“Shut up. Fine, I wanted it.” I shove my hands through my hair and hold my head. I can't fucking believe Ariela is here. I peek past the bar and see her standing by the window, the ocean spread out behind her, looking more beautiful than ever with her long eyelashes, luscious full lips and hips that always fit perfectly into my hands. “And that’s beside the point. I have no desire to see her ever again.”
I remember our last time. Her rising on top of me, hair flipped back.
“Riley, people change,” Keatyn says, still not giving up. “I’m sure she’s not the same girl who listened when her dad told her not to follow her boyfriend to California because he was going to make music videos.”
“She killed me.”
“I know she did, but she's here now. It's fate I ran into her today. We'd lost touch. She never went back for Homecoming.”
“Neither did I.”
“I know.”
I take another swig. Trying to calm both my nerves and my dick, which is a fucking traitor. The second I saw her, he sprung to attention in a way no other girl has ever accomplished.
I hear Aiden, Dallas, and RiAnne making small talk with her. Asking about where she's living.
“Riley, I’ll have her come talk to you. Maybe you can at least be friends again. You were always best friends.”
