“Jaden said not to be too strict,” the burlier one said. “Open door policy.”
“I don’t give a shit what Jaden said. You do asIsay. Got it?”
They both nodded.
Jaden was young in the business. Still entirely too trusting. I'd have to talk to him about what almost happened tonight. I’d have to have the place swept for bugs, too. Couldn’t be too careful. I was determined not to have another incident like last year.
“Looks like I’ll have to stay longer than planned,” I muttered as I swept the crowd back inside, which seemed to have doubled in size. Yeah, I’d definitely have to burst Jaden’s bubble. He couldn't just invite anyone into his house in the name of having a good time andhanging outwith the fans. He had too much to lose now.
Speaking of being vigilant, I’d have to watch that reporter doing the feature on Jaden like a hawk. I’d had a few bad run-ins with the press. I didn’t like journalists, bloggers, paparazzi… or any of those vultures sniffing around my clients. However, a feature to get Jaden’s story out there would be good for him. I thought The Springfield Sentinel doing the story was appropriate, considering Jaden was from Massachusetts. I’d stick to that reporter like glue and make sure he didn’t screw this up.
3
AVA
The automatic doors slid open, and the noise and heat hit me at once. LAX was a bustling chaos of rolling suitcases and blaring, impatient horns from the pickup line. Compared with Springfield, the surroundings were almost overwhelming. But I embraced it. This was what I wanted. My big chance.
I gripped the handle of my carry-on tighter as I searched for my ride. The app said it was here. To my relief, I saw the vehicle I was expecting. Looking at the license plate, I double-checked the information on my phone before hurrying towards the car.
By the time I made it to the hotel, jet lag had started to kick in. The moment I stepped out of the car, I felt disappointed. The place wasn’t bad—clean, at least. But it was a far cry from the sleek, five-star towers I’d passed on the way from the airport. I knew better than to complain.
The paper didn’t exactly roll out the red carpet for anyone traveling for assignments. Still, I couldn’t help thinking that if Walt had been able to make it, he’d be sipping champagne in a suite overlooking the Hollywood Hills by now.
Instead, I got a cramped, basic economy flight and a subpar hotel with a mattress that squeaked when I sat down. I alsohad to stare at uninspired artwork bolted to the wall. This all reminded me that I was at the bottom of the ladder.
“No time to sulk,” I said, jumping up from the bed I’d plopped down on to take a breather. With less than four hours before Jaden Cole’s party, I had time for a shower, a quick bite, and then off I went. I unzipped my suitcase and took out a pair of slacks along with a black blouse. Allan said the party wasn’t anything glamorous, just a house party.
According to my boss, it was best if I met the subject in his home at a casual, fun affair—supposedly, he’d be more relaxed with me moving forward. I guess I’d test that theory.
When I stepped out of the shower, I had to run to answer my phone. I thought it was Allan, but it was my brother.
“Hey, Ethan.”
“Tell me you made it.”
I rolled my eyes. “I did. I survived the flight and made it to my hotel because I’m abig girl.”
“You mock me, but I have every right to be concerned.”
I smiled. Of course, I didn’t mind that he was. That was what big brothers did. “I’m fine, Ethan. I promise. More than fine, actually. This could be my big break.”
“I know. I’m happy for you, but… LA. It’s so far and big. I hate the idea of you out there alone.” After a pause, he said casually, “You know Lincoln lives in LA.”
There it was—that kick in my stomach. It happened every time Lincoln was mentioned. Taking a breath and hoping to keep my voice even, I replied, “Yeah. I know.”
“You two might cross paths.”
I froze. God, I hoped not. I did not need to be thrown off my emotional balance when I had work to focus on. “I doubt it. Like you said, it’s a big city.” While I took no pleasure in mentioning my ex, curiosity got the better of me. “You know, inall these years, you’ve never mentioned it. Why don’t you two talk anymore?”
The stretch of silence made me raise my eyebrows.
“What makes you think we don’t?”
I frowned. Did Ethan really think I was stupid? He rarely mentioned his childhood best friend, and when he did, it was like he was ready to choke on the name. “Cut the crap, Ethan. I know you haven’t spoken to Lincoln in years.”
“He’s always busy, and things change,” he said vaguely.
I snorted. That was it? Before I could push, he added, “Look, stay safe out there, Ava. Call me tomorrow. Okay? Congrats again.”
