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“Darling, you forget, I remember what you and Liv were like when his band split up. That little shrine you had in your room to help mourn them. Oh, it was so sweet.” God, how could she remember all this stuff?
“I wasfifteen!”
“You never forget your first love.”
“I wasnotin love with him!”
“I think you’re in denial. You quit a job that you loved to fly halfway across the world to be with this man. Promise me that you’re at least being careful. He seemed very protective of you in the paparazzi pictures, though. That’s a good sign.” Great, she thought Alex and I weredating!
“Sophia, leave the poor girl alone.” I finally heard my dad speak before he appeared on the screen.
“Hi, Daddy,” I beamed. It was safe to say that I was a daddy’s girl. My dad was calm and quiet, and a true gentleman.
“Ignore your mother, Sweetheart. She hasn’t taken her medication yet.” I couldn’t help but snigger at the look my mother gave him. “You’re enjoying yourself. That’s the important part. You’ve done so well getting a job with Rock Records. We’re so proud of you.”
“Thank you.”
“We’ve got to get ready for dinner now. We’ll call you soon. Love you, Natty.”
“I love you, too.” I blew them both a kiss before the call cut off.
It had been a busy few weeks. Alex had done a couple of media circuits in New York, promoting his new song that was part of the movie soundtrack. Gina was right about him coming to life when he was in the public eye. He hadn’t performed the song live, though. Apparently his vocal coach had advised him against it, but I didn’t quite believe that. The rest of the media promotion had been local, and it was the premier of the movie next week in LA that I was excited about. I’d never been to one before.
We’d also be heading to Macon, Georgia to do a private show for a friend of his next month. It was a surprise for his girlfriend’s birthday. From what I understood, Oliver Kirkham was a rich businessman, and an old friend of Alex’s. He’d helped Steel Roses out in their very early days by sponsoring their first ever tour, which happened to be a university tour.
Alex and I seemed to be getting on a little better, too. He was still a man whore, but I was learning to handle him. Gina had been right; his bark was worse than his bite. I was becoming accustomed to his routine and had met most of the people he socialized with now. From personal trainers and publicists, to bimbos and music producers. His mansion was never empty.
It was early, but I couldn’t sleep after talking to my parents. Knowing that no one would be up yet, I decided to do a few laps in the pool. It was becoming a routine of mine.
I still couldn’t quite believe my luck—that I got to live in a place like this. The pool water was warm as I slid in and began my first lap. I lost myself, gliding through the water, lap after lap. It wasn’t until I stopped to catch my breath a while later that I noticed a shadow. Someone was sat on one of the sun loungers near the pool.
Tightening my hair in its bun, I looked over to see who it was. It was Shane.
“You’re up early,” I called out as he got up to walk toward the side of the pool.
“I went for an early morning run. You’re up earlier that usual for your swim.”
Taking in his jogging clothes and sweat covered hair, I shrugged. “My parents called me and I couldn’t get back to sleep. I was going to get some breakfast. Are you hungry?”
“Are you going to make those Scotch pancakes again?”
“I can if you want,” I laughed. He nodded keenly. “Help me up then.” Shane reached his hand down and pulled me out of the water with one arm. “Jesus, you’re strong,” I gasped, stumbling into his arms. “Shit, sorry! I’m getting you wet.” I pulled back to see an imprint of my body on his clothes.
“It’s fine.” Reaching out, he handed me a towel.
I made myself busy in the kitchen once I’d dried off. I’d wrapped the towel around my body, tucking it in place around my chest. Now that I was used to this kitchen, I loved it. It was nice to be able to help Mary out, too. She had been having a few problems with her daughter lately and needed some time off.
“How many pancakes do you want?” I called over my shoulder, waiting for Shane to answer.
“Is this a private pancake party, or can I join, too?” Alex’s voice surprised me. It wasreallyearly for him. He’d gotten high last night, which usually meant he didn’t surface until sometime in the afternoon.
“You’rehungry?” I questioned, giving him a quizzical look.
“For your pancakes, yes.” Alexneverate breakfast. If anything, he’d have a shot of whiskey or do a line of coke. “How was your run?” he asked in a sharp tone, turning toward Shane.
“Good.” Shane replied while I turned back to finish making the pancakes.
“Did Steve do the night shift?”
