sorry. I turned it off last night and forgot to turn it back on. I didn’t mean to make you worry. All is great,” I say, trying to reassure her.
She studies my face carefully and grudgingly accepts my answer. “Oh, okay. I mean, I knew you were in very good hands…and all night, too!” she says teasingly with a giggle.
“So…how was it? How was your night with your gorgeous billionaire rockstar stud?” She shakes her head a little, seemingly with more disbelief and maybe a twinge of envy.
I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment and delight. All I can do is giggle back at her. “Um…it was great,” I say like a giggling schoolgirl.
“Uh-huh. Okay, I’ll leave it at that. Damn, lucky girl,” she says with a huge smile. “Belle, as crazy as it all is, I’m really happy for you. I mean that. You deserve the best, and I’m so thrilled to see you this happy.” She tackles me for a big bear hug. I choke back the tears as I squeeze her back. I am such a lucky girl to have friends like her.
We take some time to catch up quickly. I don’t have the energy to go into the details about my time with Ricky. She’s my best friend but right now, it’s too emotionally draining to discuss. She doesn’t bring up the fact that Mike stopped by last night. I guess she’s trying to protect me or at least, not bring me down.
“I’m going to run out to do some errands. Are you okay? You wanna come with me?” she asks.
“I’m fine, thanks. You go ahead. Actually, I have to get ready to meet Ricky tonight for his rehearsal.”
Her eyes widen as she raises an eyebrow. Her lips curl into a mischievous smile.
“Holy shit. Have fun! I’m still in shock that you’re dating Ricky Iglesias!! Um, this means free front-row concert tickets and backstage passes, right?” I laugh with her.
I rush around to get ready as the hot memories of last night come flooding back, distracting me in the sweetest way. It’s only been a few hours, but I can’t wait to see him again. And this time, I get to see him in action…in his world.
I smile, allowing myself for just a minute to let my guard down. Maybe it’s worth a try. I just can’t seem to help myself anyway.
Before I know it, it’s time. Antonio rings my buzzer and I let him up.
“Ms. Belle…uh, Belle,” he corrects himself. “I hope all is okay. I waited until that…uh, gentleman left.” I smile, fully understanding why he paused at ‘gentleman.’
“Yes, Antonio. I’m fine. And thank you for waiting. It was a nonevent, really.” I wonder if he brought it up to Ricky.
Soon we’re on our way to the rehearsal studio in the city. Luckily there’s not much traffic and we arrive quickly. Antonio double parks in front of the building and lets me out. Then there’s another man waiting outside to escort me inside.
“Belle, this gentleman will take you up to the studio,” he says. I smile sweetly and thank him. A girl could get used to all this first class service.
We walk up into the elegant upper East side building. The impeccably dressed, uniformed doorman quickly opens the door for us. The rich marble lobby and high ceilings are quite striking and impressive. Second only to Ricky’s luxury apartment.
I look around and try to hold back my expression of awe. The lush surroundings and gold-trimmed décor of the lobby and elevators are just the right touch of class and simple elegance. Just perfect. Of course, this is Ricky’s world. I suppose I should be used to this by now.
Once we step in the posh elevator, my escort pushes the PH button. No doubt that his private studio space is the penthouse. I discretely check myself in the mirrored elevator panels. My heart starts racing as we approach. I still get so nervous when I think of seeing him.
As we step out of the elevator, I see a familiar face. It’s Ricky’s manager, Edward. He looks up and seems surprised to see me. My mind races back to our last unpleasant encounter and disturbing conversation