Page 128 of Breaking Hollywood

“I don’t ever want to see you again. Understand?”

I nod my head because it’s all I can do. Words have failed me.

And, using every ounce of strength I have, I turn and leave his apartment for good.

Ava

I climb in my car and put Gucci on the passenger seat. I throw my bag into the footwell.

For a moment, I just sit here, hands on my steering wheel, staring out the window in disbelief.

I can’t believe what just happened.

Tears run down my face and onto my lips. I wipe them away with my hands.

“Baaahhh.”

I glance over at Gucci. “I know, baby. I just…I don’t know what’s happening. I’m as confused as you are.”

I pick her up and set her in my lap, hugging her to me. I bury my face in her soft fur. Tears start to soak her coat.

“Sorry, baby girl.” I dry her fur with my hand and wipe my eyes dry.

I don’t know what to do. I could call my brother, but he’s in Japan at the moment, and I don’t want to bother him. And I know, if I call Mom and Dad, they’ll want me to come home to New York. Stupidly, I don’t want to leave here. Because Gabe’s here.

I know; I’m a fucking idiot.

But he’s alone, and he’s hurting.

He might hate me and think I’ve done an awful thing. I might be angry and hurt as hell that he thinks I could have done that to him, but I love him, and I don’t want him to be alone when this story hits the press.

I think about calling Tate because I know Gabe won’t, but I don’t know his cell number. I don’t want to call the hospital.

Then, it hits me.

There is one person I can call.

I lean over and grab my cell from my bag. I take a deep breath, steadying my breathing, and press her number.

“Hey, stranger.”

“Hey, Charly.”

Charly is a good friend of mine. I’ve known her for years. I’ve not spoken to her in a few months, but this is how we’ve always been. And I know I can call her whenever I need help.

“I know it’s been a while since I last called, but I really need your help.”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“Are you in LA at the moment?”

“No, I’m in Oregon.”

Charly lives there with her boyfriend, Vaughn West, who’s a famous movie star, and he also happens to be a close friend of Gabe’s. That’s the reason I’ve called her. I know Gabe has just been a world-class asshole to me and has hurt me like no one has before, but I also know he’s hurting over the fact that the whole world will soon know about his past, and I don’t want him to be alone when that happens. I know it’s killing him that this will be getting out.

“Oh. Okay. Just…could you do me a favor?”

“Sure. Anything.”