“I hope you find him one day.”
“Me too.”
We walked into the kitchen and placed our emptied glasses into the dishwasher. We’d made plans to go out tomorrow night, so I made my way upstairs to the bedroom I was staying in. After slipping into my pajamas, I crawled beneath the soft sheets and closed my eyes, praying that me talking about my past wouldn’t bring on any nightmares.
Two-Years-Later
PRESENT DAY
My first time in Westbeach, California was eventful. I met the whole band of Twisted Transistor and got on really well with their drummer, Tommy. I got a reference from him to call into a place called New Home. It’s like foster care, only these ladies started it free, because they genuinely care about these kids and I was grateful for them to take me on. I decided to start full time and hang back on my design work for now. Money isn’t tight because of my aunt’s estate, so I don’t need to work for money, I’d rather spend my time at the home helping the kids. They age from six months old to fourteen, and we currently have twelve in residence at the moment. And although some are troubled, they’re all special in different ways and will always hold a special place in my heart.
I’ve been staying in Westbeach since I took on the job. I love it here and have a cute little apartment by the beach. After that incident with Phoebe almost running the Oakley brother off the road, she had a hot affair with the other brother, Ryder. But it had ended there until she found out that not only was she touring around the world with Alyx Munroe, pop princess, to organize her closet, but also with Twisted Transistor. She’s due home this week after a string of events. We’ve all been keeping an eye on her through the E! Channel and it’s safe to say that at the moment, Ryder Oakley is one very hated man.
I’m walking down the street to meet Melissa at her little boutique bakery she opened in town. It’s called Eat Me. Yeah, somehow, knowing that this is Melissa, that name has a double meaning. Melissa and I have become close since I moved to Westbeach. Also with Phoebe out and about, we’ve leaned on each other a lot.
Pushing open the big silver doors I walk in, the little bell sounding off above my head.
“Hey, girl, how have you been?” she yells from behind her counter.
“I’ve been good. I thought I’d check in and see how you are today. I promised I’d pick up some cream donuts for the kids, too. You know how much they love them.”
She waves her hand. “Of course!” As she busies herself with putting the cream donuts into a box.
“Have you heard from Phoebe?” Melissa asks, peeking up at me in between dusted sugar donuts.
“No. Not since I called her last week to spill the beans about what’s going on back here. She said that the Sinful Souls don’t have a chapter in Las Vegas.” I take a cookie out of one of the jars she has sitting on the counter beside the cash machine and bite into the chewy, warm goodness. I close my eyes slowly, a moan slipping my lips as I wipe my finger across my bottom lip. “That’s seriously so good. How are you still single?”
She rolls her eyes. “Because I haven’t found my one. Anyway, I might give her a call.”
I nod my head, taking another bite when the television in the background catches my attention.
“Phoebe Rendon has been seen leaving a hotel in New York City in tears. Oh no, trouble in paradise? Or has Ryder Oakley finally woken up to realize he needed to take the trash out early.”
I drop my cookie, rubbing my hands together to dust off the crumbs. “Bitch,” I scoff under my breath.
Melissa’s shocked face meets mine. “Did you just cuss?”
“I always cuss!”
She shakes her head. “No, you don’t. Shit. We need to call her.” She removes her apron from around her waist and places it on the counter before dialing her number. Lifting her phone to her ear but dropping it after a few seconds of no-one answering. “Fuck!”
“Let me try,” I answer, pulling my phone out and dialing her number.
“I’m burning rubber. Leave me a message.” Her voice vibrates through my ears causing a smile to slip onto my lips. I miss this girl entirely too much.
I shake my head. “Nope, not picking up.”
“Shit.” She picks up her phone again. “Wait. Blake and I… even though we’ve known each other for a long time, he doesn’t like me. You call him, I can’t be bothered dealing with him right now and he seems nice enough to you.”
Rolling my eyes, I pick up my phone and ask her for his number.
“Who’s this?” Blake growls down the phone.