Page 18 of Hollywood Fairytale

“Hey!” Taylor called back. “How’s the new house? I wasn’t sure if you’d answer.”

“The house is a beautiful mess. I’m trying to put as much stuff away as possible while Luke’s gone.”

“Did he leave already?” Taylor asked confused.

“No, he leaves the day after tomorrow.” My mood instantly shifted thinking about Luke leaving. “God, Taylor, I’m going to miss him so much.”

“I know honey. I’m sorry. I wish there was something I could do.”

“Its life.” I sighed so loudly into the phone it reverberated back. “Once Decker finds out about Luke shit is really going to hit the fan. At least now that we’ve moved he can’t get passed the gates.”

“You let me know if he causes you any problems.”

Letting out a sigh, I looked out the window. “We know he will.”

“I know. Is there a house in that neighborhood for us to move into when we move back?”

“I’m not sure, but it would be awesome. I’d love it if we lived that close.”

“Me too. Have you met your neighbors?”

“Not yet. Colt said he would introduce me to them when he and Anna came later in the month.”

“Your life is so crazy now I can’t believe it, and I’m missing all of it being all the way in Florida.”

“When are you moving back?” I asked sadly.

“I wish I knew. Ben cried so hard the other night because he misses Mason so much. I’m going to try and come visit when he has a couple of days off from school. Hopefully our spring break doesn’t coincide with yours or we’ll probably miss you.”

“Mason would be very upset to know that he missed a visit from Ben.”

“If Decker wasn’t a problem would you and Mason move to LA?”

“Yeah, I probably would. It’s going to suck to only see Luke for a week out of five months.” I didn’t even try to hide my sadness. “It doesn’t matter though because Decker will never let that happen.”

“You’re right he won’t. He loves being an asshole, especially to you. So,” she drew out the word. “I never got to hear about how it went at the sock hop the other night.”

“Oh, you should have seen the women swarm around Luke and then act like they were interested in whatever he was talking about. It was pitiful.”

“What else? I know you’re holding something back. I can hear it in your voice.”

“Damn you know me too well.” Looking up at the ceiling, I felt tears burn the backs of my eyes. I took a deep fortifying breath and told her what I’d been holding in since that night. Luke didn’t even know. “I overheard some of the moms saying they didn’t know what Luke saw in me, that I was ugly, and he could do so much better than me.”

“Oh honey,” Taylor said sympathetically. “You know that’s not true. They’re just jealous bitches. Don’t listen to a single word they say. Luke loves you and I believe with all my heart that he’s the man that you’re meant to be with for the rest of your life.”

“But am I who he’s meant to be with?” I asked hesitantly. Taylor was the sweetest, bestest friend in the whole world and I knew she’d tell me the truth.

“Without a doubt. Don’t you dare start doubting your relationship because if you do then it will not withstand your time apart and with that crazy ass Ashlyn, you’ve got to be on your toes and strong.”

“Taylor,” I whispered her name as my chin trembled. “It really hurt to hear them say that. I even dressed up and did my hair and makeup to the best of my ability. I looked my best without professional help, and they still talked behind my back.”

“Because they are so fucking jealous that you snagged one of the hottest men in the world, who’s also becoming a big name in Hollywood, but also because he’s the sweetest, funniest, most loving man to you and it’s easy to see just by the way he looks at you.”

“Stop. You’re going to make me cry.” I sniffed but held back.

“It’s okay to cry sweetie. Cry because you’re sad about what those stupid women said about you and cry because Luke loves you and what you’ve found is so damn special.”

“Every day I wake up and have to pinch myself because I think - how can this be my life? For so many years I was miserable and felt so unloved, and now just thinking about Luke makes me want to burst with happiness.” I laughed. “It’s really quite sickening.”

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