Dear Heart, I Hate You

Cal grabbed my hand as we followed her. “I think your best friend hates me,” he said sadly, and I laughed.

“She’ll get over it,” I promised.

Tami led us in the direction of the dance floor, which had women dancing in choreographed routines on top of elevated platforms. It was mesmerizing to watch them; they were awesome. I looked around the room for Ron, hoping to introduce him to Cal before it got too crowded or late.

“I’m going to head over to the bar over there. I see something I like.” Tami pointed toward the corner and I nodded, noting the group of guys standing there.

“Isn’t that . . .” Cal stopped himself from pointing at a couple dancing on the dance floor.

I followed his stare and smiled. “If you’re thinking it’s Quinn Johnson and Ryson Miller, then you’d be right.”

Quinn and Ryson were one of the hottest young couples in Hollywood. They were both actors who also happened to live in Malibu together, and although I hadn’t sold them their house, my boss had.

“Nice.” Cal sounded composed, but I could tell he was impressed.

“Are you freaking out right now?” I squeezed his hand, now realizing that seeing celebrities like this would be a totally new experience for him.

“No. It’s just a little surreal, is all. Lucas would shit if he were here. I can’t wait to tell him I saw Ryson Miller. He’s had a crush on him since he was like fifteen or so.”

I laughed. “Who hasn’t?”

Ryson was ridiculously hot and had that bad-boy appeal going for him. And Quinn was absolutely stunning in person, and was the one person who seemed to have tamed the beast that was Ryson, which made them even more adorable.

“Let’s go into another room. I want to introduce you to Ron, if I can find him.” I pulled Cal by the hand and walked away from the pounding music and beautiful dancers.

Leaving the groups of people behind, I took a left and walked us down a long, dark corridor.

“Is this where you murder me and leave my body in pieces?” Cal asked, squeezing my hand.

“

No. That happens later. We’ll dump your body in the hills so no one will find you. We have coyotes, you know,” I said with a raised eyebrow.

“Reassuring.”

Around a corner and up a flight of stairs, I found Ron chatting up a blonde on one of the many velvet lounges in the room. As I reached the top step, he noticed me and his entire face lit up.

“Jules!” he called out before saying something to the girl that I recognized as Tabbie James, an actress I’d met many times before. He stood up and made his way toward us, dressed to the nines in a black suit and tie. His brown hair and beard were longer than I’d seen them before, obviously growing out.

“Love the beard.” I tugged at it playfully.

“You look hot as hell.” He pulled me into a hug and kissed my cheek. “Is this the elusive Cal I had to add as your guest?”

“The one and only,” I said as Cal stepped forward and shook his hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, Ron. Thanks for letting me crash. This is a great place and a great party,” he said sincerely, his natural charm coming out.

“Thank you. Glad you could make it. Cal, Jules tells me that you work in finance.”

“I do.”

“Do you think we could talk a little business?” Ron asked. “That is, if Jules doesn’t mind. And if you don’t mind talking work on a Saturday night, Cal.”

When they both looked to me, I threw up my hands. “Have at it. I’ll just go grab a drink.” I gave Cal a quick kiss and watched as he followed Ron back toward Tabbie, who still sat alone on the lounge chair.

Although I knew Cal was a little excited, he looked at ease and totally in his element as he shook her hand and made himself comfortable, looking back and forth between her and Ron. His demeanor was all business, and it was hot to watch. He talked with his hands a lot, something I hadn’t noticed until now, and it was adorable. He was adorable.

I smiled to myself as I made my way over toward the bar, hoping they had something more than the featured tequila available.