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“The same stuff he was going through when he was stalking Charlotte?”
“It isn’t like that, Lex. You don’t understand.”
“I understand perfectly clear, Adriana. It’s you who won’t listen. He came to LA because of Charlotte. It wasn’t a coincidence that he turned up at that gala and professed his undying love for her.”
“Well, okay, maybe back then—”
“And then he started following her, and, I swear on my life, he has entered our house.”
“Lex, you’re crazy, you know that? Okay, so maybe he followed her, but to break and enter? And for what reason?”
“Things started going missing. Things that belonged to Charlotte.”
Has my brother had a lobotomy? The lengths he will go to break us up is absurd.
“Is this some kind of sick joke? Julian wouldn’t stoop that low.”
“Think what you want, Adriana. He’s not the man you think he is. I bet every cent I have on that.”
We’re interrupted by Lex pulling out his cell. It’s some business emergency, and he motions that he is heading to a quieter area.
Nikki pushes her way through the crowd and asks me to help with the cake. Still worried about Julian, I look around but can’t see him anywhere. Nikki drags me toward the makeshift stage where a few waiters push out a cake. It’s on wheels, and on closer inspection, isn’t a real cake, and my gut feeling is that something is about to pop out and wish Rocky a happy birthday.
The lights surrounding the area dim, and the DJ remixes the birthday tune as Rocky takes to the stage. With a cheesy wide grin, he takes his place in the center as the crowd goes crazy singing. Eric and Tristan are front row, cells out, taking selfies.
My eyes go searching for Julian, and after scanning the area, I see him standing beside Charlie. Unable to peel my eyes off them, the jealousy is growing and seeping into my skin as Julian leans in and whispers something in her ear. She tilts her head back laughing, not looking the least bit worried that Lex will see her, and all hell will break loose. Julian looks jubilant, his eyes dancing while he continues interacting with her.
He doesn’t look at me that way. Why is Lex not stopping this?
I’m torn, jealous, and hurt by his lack of consideration for my feelings. The way he smiles at Charlie, it’s obvious the way he feels for her, not to mention his mood changed after he started seeing her again.
You’re the idiot, Adriana. Everyone warned you he wasn’t ready, and you pushed and pushed.
The crowd whistles and roars as a barely-dressed woman pops out of the cake and does a strip dance for Rocky, rubbing her ass against Rocky as he laps up the attention. Nikki is cheering him on, nudging me with her arm, pointing out how happy he looks with the lady. She’s way too happy and calm, normally driven by jealousy which leaves me questioning. With a mischievous grin, I know something doesn’t add up. Looking at the lady again, I can’t help but notice how tall she is, and the way her hair glistens against the moonlight. Much like Penny’s wig… uh oh. My eyes zoom in on her throat, and there it is, sticking out like a dog’s balls. The Adam’s apple. Rocky is ignorant, enjoying his moment of freedom.
Oh, I can’t watch.
Yes, you can, this is hilarious!
But I’m unable to laugh, and with a forced smile, I count down the seconds until I can leave the stage and sort out what is causing the anger to swirl like a red tide, choking any rational thoughts and driving me to the brink of madness. My insecurities and animosity are beyond any point of turning back.
Lex’s words play in my head. “The same stuff he was going through when he was stalking Charlotte? I understand perfectly clear, Adriana. It’s you who won’t listen. He came to LA because of Charlotte. It wasn’t a coincidence that he turned up at that gala and professed his undying love for her… and then he started following her and, I swear on my life, he entered our house.”
My fists are clenched into a ball, my steps are hard and fast. The temperature has risen, and my body is stifling hot, consumed with jealousy and doubt. I walk back to the table and interrupt Charlie and Julian.
“Adriana, how funny was that! Rocky has no idea.” Charlie laughs.
I strike, bitter and resentful. “Don’t you think you may have had a little too much to drink, Charlie?”
Julian butts in, immediately defending her, “Adriana, she’s had the same amount as you.”
The blood in my veins starts to viciously swirl. He’s fucking defending her. All this time I was blind and didn’t see what Lex had warned me about. He still fucking loves Charlie.
“Charlie, will you excuse us, please?”
Charlie looks dumbfounded but kindly leaves us alone.
“Adriana, what’s with you tonight? That was unfair to Charlie.”
