I don’t understand her defending Liam and making such a false statement on how much I have changed. I’m living life the only way I know how. Okay, so maybe I have to toughen up a bit, the LA crowd is sometimes heartless and unforgiving. You make one mistake, and it spreads like fire. As far as my job’s concerned, I seem to be doing fine. Emerson often compliments my organizational skills and talent to retain information.
And then there’s Wesley.
He’s not like any boyfriend I’ve had—dangerously smart and equally as sexy. Something about him excites me, allows me to live on the edge if only for this one moment. And then, out of the blue, I think about Mama.
I dial her number, realizing I haven’t called her in a few days.
“Milly, is that you?”
“Yes, Mama,” I croak.
The exhaustion, coupled with missing her, brings a tear to my eye. I manage to hold it back, widening my eyes in a failed attempt.
“I was wondering where you’ve been. Flynn says you’ve been busy with work. You know, Milly, I’m glad to hear that.”
“Work has been busy, Mama…” I pause, letting out a sigh. “So, what else has Flynn told you?”
“Nothing much. He has a gig two Fridays from now, and one of the executive producers of Platinum Records will be there watching them.”
I have no clue, but happy Flynn will finally get this opportunity. That is until I realize I’ll be in Vancouver.
“Shoot,” I say. “I think I’m in Vancouver for work.”
“Oh, honey, I’m sure Flynn won’t mind. Vancouver sounds exciting.”
“It’s not that, Mama…” I yearn to tell her what’s going on, needing to get it all off my chest, requiring some guidance as to whether or not it’s possible to fall head over lust for a man in such a short time. But instead, typical me bottles it all up, not wanting to burden her with my troubles.
There’s a slight muffle in the background, voices amongst some music. Mama asks me to hold on for a moment, returning a minute later. “Milly, I have to go. We have this dinner thing tonight, and I promised to help set up. It was nice talking to you, sweetie. I’m glad you answered for once.”
“I called you, Mama.”
Mama laughs, quick to correct herself. “That’s right. Silly me. I love you, honey. Take care, will you?”
“Always, Mama.”
I hang up the phone, holding it against my chest and letting that lonesome tear fall graciously down my face. Closing my eyes for just a moment, I listen to her voice inside my head, opening my eyes in what only feels like minutes later.
It’s dark, and the clock on the car says it’s eight-fifteen.
Shit! I’ve fallen asleep in the car.
In a state of panic, I turn the ignition on and speed out of the street and onto the freeway toward home. By the time I reach our apartment, it’s just after eight-thirty. Joe’s out on the pavement, playing a game of backgammon with an undefeated Clifford from across the street. They’re both ranting, as usual, something about their fathers in the war and ungrateful children of today.
I quickly say hello, then run upstairs urgently needing to pee. When I open the apartment door, Flynn is lounging with some redheaded chick—a face that doesn’t look familiar, and therefore not the woman from the other morning. I wave hello before bolting to the bathroom, relieving myself, then exiting in a happier mood.
“Have you guys eaten?” I grab a menu off the table, realizing only now that I haven’t eaten since lunch.
“We can grab some pizzas,” Flynn suggests, eyeing me cautiously. “Kail, my sister, Milly.”
“Hey,” she mumbles, unimpressed.
“Hey…” I respond back with a
quick smile. “Sure, order me my usual. I’m just going to get changed.”
I begin tearing my blouse off as I walk into my room. All of a sudden, I halt when the image of Wesley sitting on my bed startles me.
How?