As soon as she opened the door, I heard “surprise!” I took a step back and covered my mouth with my hands in excitement as I looked around my fully furnished apartment. Jordyn hooked her arm around me.
“I had the guys pick up your furniture today while we were working. SURPRISE!”
I was overcome with emotions because I didn’t know what to say. Everyone was being so generous and helpful. “Thank you. I don’t know what to say.”
“You’ve already said it.” Ollie smiled.
After everyone left, I ran my hand along my new couch, smiled, and sat down. I stared across the room, taking in that this place was mine, all mine. I was getting kind of hungry and I needed some things for the apartment, so I put on my shoes and went to the local Target to stock up. I was browsing in the clothing department when I came across a beautiful black lace dress that would be perfect for Adalynn’s birthday party. I looked at the price tag and smiled when I saw that it was well within my price range. It might not have come from Nordstrom, Saks, or any other high-end store, but it was pretty, and I loved it. After I arrived home and my arms felt like jelly from carrying all those bags, I preheated the oven for the frozen pizza I’d bought. Once I put everything away, and when my pizza was done cooking, I took it from the oven and sat down on the couch with my laptop. I did something I had no business doing; I googled Ian Braxton. The fact was that I missed him. Why? Why did I miss someone who only thinks women are good for one thing and one thing only? Before stupid words came out of his mouth, he was kind and caring. Every time I thought of him, all I saw was his smile. The headline that grabbed my attention was: ‘Who will tame Malibu’s most eligible playboy?’ It was right above the picture of Ian and a woman on each arm. The picture was dated a month ago. Could someone like Ian even be tamed? I picked up my phone and almost sent him a text message, but I didn’t. I brought up his name and stared at the flashing cursor that was waiting for me to type something out. After I closed out of it, I set my phone down, unfolded the couch, put the new sheets down, and crawled under the blankets as I cried myself to sleep.
“Rory, I’m in trouble,” I heard Stephen’s whisper over and over again.
“I’m looking for you, Stephen, but I can’t find you. You need to follow my voice.”
“You promised me that you’d take care of me, Rory. You promised.”
“You hurt me, Stephen. You hurt me really bad.”
“You lied to me, Rory. You lied!”
Stephen’s scream jolted me awake. My skin was drenched in sweat and my face was soaked with tears. It took me a minute to realize that I wasn’t in bed and that I was crouched in the corner of my new apartment. I was shaking, like I did with every nightmare. The only difference with this nightmare was that Ian wasn’t here to hold me and calm me down.
Chapter 10
A few days had passed and then it was the night of Adalynn’s birthday party. We had been texting back and forth over the past couple of days. She asked me if I needed anything and when I told her that I was doing fine, she didn’t believe me and came over with a bunch of kitchen items, extra sheets, towels, and washcloths. We had lunch and not one word was mentioned about Ian. She had told me that that her birthday was a no-gift birthday party and I’d better not buy her anything. I didn’t listen because everybody deserved a little something on their birthday, so I bought her a silver bracelet. Nothing expensive. Just a little thank you. I really thought that Ian would have either called or sent me a text message asking if I needed a ride to the party, but he didn’t. I still hadn’t heard a word from him since that night he spoke about his mother. Thinking about seeing him tonight made me nervous, but I had a plan. My plan was to not look at him, talk to him, or even be in the same room as he was. It wouldn’t be difficult because I was sure he was bringing one of his hookers to keep him company.
I stood in front of my bathroom mirror and put on my makeup. I played with my hair and tried different styles before I decided just to curl it. After curling the last strand of hair, I ran my fingers through the loose curls and sprayed them with hairspray. I slipped on my black lace dress with the three-quarter-length sleeves and sweetheart neckline. It was the type of dress that hugged my body and showed off my hourglass shape. I felt sexy and confident as I looked in the mirror. As the cab pulled up to the curb, I put on my black heels, grabbed my purse, and took in a deep breath as I shut the door.
When the cab pulled up the long, winding driveway of Adalynn’s house, nervousness settled in. The valet opened the door and helped me out of the cab. There was a couple who pulled up behind me, so I let them walk ahead and I pretended just to blend in with them. The oversized doors were opened by a really hot guy wearing a black tuxedo. He was older, but extremely handsome, and definitely someone you could sit and stare at all night. He looked at me and smiled as I walked through the door.
“You must be Rory,” he said as he lightly kissed my hand.
“Yes, I am.” I smiled.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Rory. I’m Daniel, Adalynn’s boyfriend.”
I wasn’t surprised. As beautiful as Adalynn was, I knew her partner would be equally as gorgeous.
“It’s nice to meet you, Daniel.” I smiled.
“There you are! And, oh my God, look at you. You look amazing,” Adalynn said as she flitted across the room and hugged me.
“Happy Birthday,” I said as I handed her the small gift bag.
“Now what did I tell you?” she pouted.
“It’s nothing big. Just a token of my appreciation for everything you’ve done for me.”
“Aw, you’re just too sweet. Come in and have a drink. There are some people I’d like you to meet.”
She led me to the living room, which was filled with men in suits and women dripping in diamonds. I felt so out of place. I scanned the room to see if Ian was there, but I didn’t see him. There was no way he wouldn’t come to Adalynn’s birthday party. After leading me through the living room and introducing me to some of her friends, Adalynn and I walked out onto the patio and I stopped dead in my tracks as I looked a few feet in front of me. Ian was staring at me. There was no expression on his face at all. Just a blank stare and dead eyes. My stomach began doing flips and I wanted nothing more than to run away. I grabbed a glass of champagne off the tray as the waiter walked by and started to sip it as I turned away. I couldn’t even bring myself to give him a small smile or wave. I was angry at him for ignoring me the way he did and it stung to look at him.