The room exploded with light and sound. Chandeliers sparkled, champagne glasses reflected light, and voices chanted Lincoln’s name while some people clapped and whistled.
A roar of happy birthdays reached us.
I was overwhelmed by the size of the crowd, the noise, and the sheer extravagance. My eyes dazzled with the beams of massive diamonds and couture gowns. Flashes went off from cameras, nearly blinding me.
My step faltered, but Lincoln’s hold on me was firm and possessive.
“I’ve got you,” he said for my ears only.
My heart stuttered. He used to say that to me all the time when I was anxious or scared. Those words from him still made me feel safe. I still believed him when I shouldn’t. I stifled a groan. Was I being foolish, falling in love with Lincoln all over again?
There was no time to freak out because I was swept into a sea of good-looking, rich people who greeted me with enthusiasm simply because they thought I was dating the legendary Lincoln Ford.
After a while, I got used to the attention. Lincoln’s support helped. He was ever-present, holding on to me or offering reassuring smiles. When we got a second alone, I nudged him. “I know you did this for me, but please tell me you’re enjoying yourself.” I wanted him to enjoy his birthday.
He smiled. “I’ve got you by my side. Of course, I’m enjoying myself.”
A fist squeezed around my heart. When he said things like that so easily and casually, it made me feel like we were more than we were.
Minutes later, I was peeled away from Lincoln’s side by the girls—Olivia, Charlotte, and Mia. Mia wanted a picture ofjustthe girls. I’d learned she was a bubbly sentimentalist. I liked the wives, as I’d been calling them. They were sweet and supportive. Charlotte beamed at me and Lincoln whenever she saw us together. I was confused by her reaction, but I liked her adventurous spirit and humor so much.
Later, Jaden found me in the throng. We exchanged a warm greeting—he lifted me off my feet in a bear hug. I didn’t mind. I was accustomed to such greetings because I had a doting brother.
“Ava, you need to hurry back to LA,” he said. “I miss you following me around.”
“Ha ha.” I playfully whacked his arms with my purse.
He grinned, then it turned devilish. “So, you and Lincoln, huh? I guess dinner that one time went well.”
I rolled my eyes. “Alright, pipe down, Cupid.” Lincoln shared the joke of Jaden telling him toshoot his shot.
Jaden laughed. After some more chatter, we parted ways. I made my way to Lincoln, who looked to be trapped in a conversation that he wanted to escape.
When I rescued him, he gave me a big thank-you. Then we got down to business. He pointed out who I should be talking to—folks associated with Phoenix. I’d spotted her somewhere, but there were so many people, I lost sight of her.
24
AVA
Far into the night, all my anxiety had vanished, replaced by excitement. Lincoln’s idea to bring a bunch of celebrities into one room was genius. I met and spoke with so many people who gave me insight into the underbelly of Tinseltown. The champagne and liquor were flowing, so tongues were much looser.
I did, however, meet some incredibly sweet celebrities. Most of them were just like me, doing their jobs to earn an honest living. It was too bad that a few rotten apples cast a dark shadow over the celebrity world.
So far, I had managed to put together a longer list of people of interest. However, there was still a major link missing. The person linking Phoenix to the elusive Dorian Vauxhall. At least, I’d successfully crossed a few names off my list during my interrogations, which were camouflaged as small talk. Chatting with everyone gave me perspective. It wasn’t fair to say I had anything against the entity that was Hollywood, just the assholes who robbed young, sweet pop stars of their joy and innocence.
Speaking of… I saw Phoenix going through a set of doors. I followed, weaving through the crowd. Everyone was laughing,chatting, or dancing. I glanced back to catch Lincoln watching me, following my progress to the exit. That was how he’d been all night—watchful and protective. I gave him a reassuring smile, and he resumed his conversation with Jamie and Spencer. Outside, the night breeze wrapped around me. I inhaled deeply, glad for the reprieve from the mixture of perfumes inside. The air was cool, salty, and laced with the smell of tropical flowers.
The music from the ballroom dulled and was replaced by the hum of waves crashing on the shore. My heels sank into the sand as I stepped off the stone path, so I paused to take them off. Ahead, Phoenix stood at the water’s edge, her heels dangling from one hand, and water around her ankles. I slowed my steps, watching her for a moment. She hadn’t noticed me yet. Her shoulders were relaxed, her head tilted toward the sky. This might have been the most peace she'd gotten in a while. I was reluctant to disrupt it, but I needed answers.
“Hey, Nyla.”
She looked over her shoulder with wide eyes. Realizing it was me, she smiled. “Ava. You remembered my name.”
“Of course. It’s a pretty name.”
She made a humming noise. “It’s just that, to everyone, I’m always Phoenix. Sometimes, I get tired of being her. It’s like she's my whole identity now.”
She didn’t sound happy about it. Nibbling my lower lip, I inched closer. “I saw you come out. I wondered if you were okay.”
