I cannot express how grateful I am to all of you who have read, followed, reviewed, and added this story to your favourite list so far. I am blown away by the positive response I have received. So thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am deeply touched that you have taken the time to read this story. I hope you continue to enjoy!
"Everyone is hurting now and everything is burning down"
-Once Was Love by Ingrid Michaelson
Once we had arrived at the restaurant Rumor, Eddie requested his usual table which was pushed up against a wall instead of a window, and out of the way as to not draw too much attention or be directly in anyone's line of vision. I wasn't surprised when Eddie pulled the chair out for me, or when he pushed it in after I sat. I suppose I had grown accustom to his chivalry.
Neither of us opened the menus right away, instead we talked. We touched on the Chloe situation and he told me everything that she had done. How she had lied about her mother being dead and where she was from, to her affair with Tyler Rorke that had been going on for, God only knows how long. He told me more about his dad's suspicions of Chloe from the beginning and how humiliated he was over what had happened and how embarrassed he was going to be if the media got wind of the story.
I told him more about Don and Adriana, and learned that Don was Eddie's father's doctor. I told him about all of the ways Adriana had made my life hell since seventh grade, including attempting to frame me for the stolen pre-calculus exam.
Then, after we both ordered we somehow we even got on the topic of song writing, and his entire face lit up when I told him that I was a bit of an amateur song writer. I told him that I wrote my first song on our hill and that music was a bit of a life source for me, which he agreed on. "The truth is I've been having a hell of a time writing my next album, but because of the last forty eight hours, I have a feeling that the songs are going to practically be writing themselves."
"I like you glass half full types" I laughed. Eddie gave me a slightly confused look as he took a sip of his lemonade. "My best friend Melissa is like that too, no matter the situation she finds a way to see a silver lining."
Eddie leaned back in his chair "How long have you two been friends?"
I stilled any movement and thought back "I honestly can't remember not being friends. We've just never outgrown each other."
"I don't really have any friends like that" Eddie admitted. "I mean I have buddies, but they're all scattered over the country and I don't see them very often. It makes it hard to keep those kinds of bonds going."
I grabbed my own lemonade and took a small sip before setting the glass down on a napkin "Do any of them know about Chloe yet?"
Eddie shook his head "You're the only person I've told, to be honest." And queue the conga line in my heart. Oddly enough though, I really didn't know what to say to that. "You are strangely easy to talk to Loren Tate."
The fact that I knew I was blushing made me blush even deeper, "So are you."
The waitress came with our quesadillas and fries and placed them on the table before asking if we needed anything else, or rather asking Eddie. I felt as if I had disappeared. Eddie told her that we were fine before turning back to me and allowing the waitress to walk away "Sorry about that" he cringed.
I couldn't help but laugh slightly at the occurrence "Does that happen often?"
"More than I'd like to admit" he stated before beginning to eat.
"So…can I ask you a question?" Eddie met my gaze and his lack of protest told me that I could continue "What was it that attracted you to Chloe in the first place? I mean, she doesn't really seem like your type."
"And what would be my type?" He asked curiously.
"Your mom" I replied in all honesty, "someone, warm and passionate. Someone who understands why you love music so much and shares in that love" I began to stir my lemonade, in attempt to avoid his eyes "I guess I just never saw what you saw in her."
Eddie leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, "I honestly thought Chloe was all of those things. She was a really good actress; unscripted at least."
"At least you found out before you married her, right?"
Eddie cracked a smile "What were you saying about us glass half full types?" I playfully rolled my eyes and dipped a fry in ketchup before popping it into my mouth. "Seriously though, I think I was so desperate to find the perfect love that my parents had that I completely blinded myself to any potential flaws."
I placed the cutlery on my plate "See that was your first mistake" I began, "no love is perfect."
"No?"
"No. How boring would that be? Flaws are what make people unique and set one apart from the other and it's the same with love. If all loves were the same there would be nothing unique or special about it." Our eyes met in an intense stare, both of us wondering what the other was thinking. "Don't you agree?"
"Yeah, I guess" his fingers drummed lightly against the top of the table, after he had placed his napkin on his plate. I did the same and pushed my plate to the end of the table. "Have you ever been in love?"
I leaned back into my seat, slightly taken back by the question and found my voice softer than I anticipated "No, I haven't but I would like to be, someday."
"I don't recommend it, all it does, is cause you pain." I watched as he ate his fries, nibbling on two at a time.
Hearing him, of all people say that ripped through my heart; "Have you ever broken someone's heart?" That grabbed his attention "Did you break her heart on purpose? Would you want that girl to give up hope just because you weren't right for her?" I leaned forward on the table "When you were happy with Chloe, you didn't feel pain. Love doesn't bring pain Eddie it's the only thing that actually causes happiness."
"What about music, music makes me happy" he replied cheekily.
"Because you love it" I said blatantly before checking my phone for the time. "Damn, it's already four thirty."
"What time does the reception start?"
"Five." I placed my phone back in my clutch and rubbed my hands together nervously "I'd really hate to ask this, but do you think you could give me a ride to the hall? I won't make it in time if I walk."
Eddie waved off my hesitation "I don't mind at all," he said as he reached into his wallet, pulling out his credit card. I reached into my clutch to grab some cash but my actions were instantly halted as Eddie's hand touched my arm "Loren it's my treat."
I shook my head "You don't have to do that, you've practically been my chauffer these past two days, the least I can do is pay for lunch."
Eddie pushed the cash that I had placed on the table back in my direction "I insist."
I could tell that he wasn't going to let up on the situation so I dropped my armor and placed most of the cash back into my clutch. "Thank you, but at least let me give you some gas money" I countered as I pushed a twenty cross the table.
Eddie laughed "You're relentless Tate, you know that?" He pushed the twenty back towards me "Don't worry about lunch, or gas money or anything. You've had to listen to me go on and on for two days now. I owe you."
I sighed at his stubbornness just as the waitress walked up to our table with the bill, which Eddie paid for quickly. The waitress dropped two chocolates on the table for us and then, after a little too long of a stare in Eddie's direction she walked away.
Picking up the chocolate and standing I smiled at Eddie, "I see why you like this place so much now. Complimentary chocolates are a definite bonus."
Eddie chuckled as he shoved his wallet back into his pocket "They're mint chocolates."
"Best of both worlds" I exclaimed giddily.
"Exactly."
We were both smiling as we left the restaurant but then a flashing light blinded me momentarily, stopping me dead in my tracks.
"Hey Eddie, who's the girl" Someone shouted from in front of me.
"Is it true you and Chloe are over?"
"How do you feel about Chloe cheating Eddie?"
"What's your name miss?"
"Did you two enjoy your date?"
One by one, questions were shouted and flashes went off. Eddie placed a hand on the small of my back, guiding me to the car and opened the door for me. I placed my hand in front of my face, in attempt to block out the flashes that were coming in through the window and heard Eddie honk before he slowly began to drive away.
Once we had put a substantial amount of distance between us and the paparazzi, Eddie's grip on the steering wheel significantly lightened. "Are you okay?" I asked him, my voice sounding far more timid than it was supposed to.
Eddie shook his head, took in a deep breath and closed his eyes for half a second; trying to calm his self "I should be asking you that question. I'm so sorry Loren."
"I'm fine" I promised "but the questions about Chloe…that part of the job can't be easy."
"I can't say that it's my favourite part but you get used to it" he replied, but though his words and voice were strong, I could tell he was still a little shaken.
I lowered my head and wringing my hands together, almost insecurely said "I hope being seen with me didn't cause too much trouble."
I could feel Eddie's eyes land on me for a moment before returning to the road "No, Loren…" He took a deep breath, "They would honestly make a story out of me eating potato chips. The pictures from today might create some buzz but you're not trouble. You're the only friend I have right now and I need that."
I smiled to myself, a little too much excitement passing through my veins "You consider me a friend?"
A confused look spread over his features quickly followed by a smile "Of course I do."
"I do too" and the weird thing is that I meant it.
Eddie returned my smile quickly before shifting his eyes back to the road "So where am I going exactly?"
I mentally slapped myself for failing to give Eddie directions "Oh, right, sorry! It's being held at Wesley Hall; just take a right at the next intersection." Eventually we arrived at the hall, and as soon as Eddie came to a stop I unbuckled my seat belt and took hold of the door handle "Thank you so much for giving me a ride."
"Anytime" he said sweetly as I stepped out of the car but before I could close the door he called out my name "Hey, Loren, hold up." My eyes met his questionably as he handed me his phone "Put your number in."
I pulled my phone out of my clutch and handed it over to him "You too." He smiled as he took my phone from me and began to add his information as I did the same on his. A minute later we exchanged phones once again. I was about to close the door but stopped abruptly "Do you want to come inside?"
Eddie seemed genuinely surprised by the invitation "I'm not exactly dressed for a wedding."
I waved his reservations aside "I think they'll forgive you if you're with the maid of honor."
"Honestly, I appreciate the offer but I think I just need a quiet evening to myself to absorb the craziness of the day." I nodded in understanding. "Thank you though" He added quickly, and I could tell he didn't want me to be upset by his declination.
"I understand," I sighed dramatically, allowing him to be fully aware of my sarcastic comment "I just thought you'd be my knight in shining armor and save me from a very awkward dance with my cousin."
Eddie laughed "Can I make it up to you sometime?"
"The dance?" I asked, slightly surprised to which he simply nodded. "Sure, I'm going to hold you to that though."
Eddie shook his head, clearly amused "I wouldn't expect anything less." I laughed and placed my hand on the door of the car, ready to close it. "Have a good night Loren."
"You too, bye" I gave a small wave before shutting the car door and following the small mass of people making their way into the hall.
Once inside I found Melissa and Adam at a table, already sharing a plate of fruit. I took my seat beside Melissa and stole a strawberry from them. "I'm bored" Melissa said bluntly and I didn't think to anyone in particular.
I covered my mouth, as I was still eating the strawberry "How long have you guys been here?"
"A little over an hour" Adam replied, "this is our third plate of fruit." He said as he took a small vine of grapes.
Melissa wiped her mouth free from pineapple juice before picking up another slice and quickly glancing at me "How your 'Loren time' Lo?"
I couldn't help the grin that tugged on the corners of my lips "It was great."
They both eyed me curiously, obviously catching on to the fact that I was leaving a few things out "And?" Adam edged.
"And nothing" I said quickly, "it was exactly what I needed."
Then Melissa squealed slightly, her eyes went wide and her chewing of the pineapple increased before she swallowed heavily "Did you hear about the Eddie Duran and Chloe Clark break up?" She asked excitedly and when I didn't answer she took my silence as a no. "Word on the street is that Eddie broke the engagement off over something Chloe did. I mean I always knew that the stick figure was a bitch but she and Eddie seemed so happy together. I feel sad for him."
I slumped lower into my chair "Yeah, me too." I hated, for Eddie's sake that the news had spread so quickly. He hadn't even had twenty four hours to get used to the idea himself before everyone was speculating.
"Has he messaged you on twitter at all?" I hadn't checked my twitter since this morning and considering I had been with Eddie for the past couple of hours, I thought 'no' was a pretty believable answer. "Are you going to message him?" I gave Melissa and suggestive look, silently asking her what was with the twenty questions. "Oh come on Lo, you know that this Hollywood drama stuff makes me crazy. I love it!"
I couldn't help but laugh at her absurdity, and as much as I wanted to tell her everything about the past couple of hours I couldn't bring myself to betray Eddie's trust. I couldn't tell Melissa everything I knew, so I kept quiet instead of chiming in to feed her addiction.
A few minutes later, after Melissa had finished filling Adam and I in on the happenings of the Hollywood elite, and Adam had successfully finished the rest of the fruit plate, Don's cousin took the stage. I recognized him from the rehearsal yesterday and recalled that he had offered to take up the role of MC for the evening.
"Alright you crazy kids" he was holding the microphone a little too close to his mouth, and speaking a little too loudly, but I seemed to be the only one really bothered by it. "I just got word that the happy couple is pulling up front right now, so let's get ready to give them a round of applause!"
Everyone stood and turned to look at the entrance. When the doors opened and Mom and Don walked in arm in arm, the hall erupted with applause and cat calls. I followed suit, standing and clapping with a smile etched onto my face. Mom was blushing profusely while Don held his head high and both were beaming.
The evening went on as expected. Speeches were spoken, dinner was served, people danced, a cake was cut and eaten. And towards the end of the night, Mom stood on stage, her back to the crowd as all of the women in the room rushed to the front of the stage behind her. I had no interest in this part but Melissa forcibly grabbed my arm and dragged me up front.
Then Mom threw the bouquet. Women clawed their way past each other, desperately reaching for the bundle of white roses and lilies. I however stayed still, until I realized that the bouquet was flying towards my head and I instinctually reached up onto my toes, effortlessly taking hold of the bundle of stems. I had caught the bouquet.
How many times have you watched episode 140 of Hollywood Heights? I bet I out do all of you! How amazing was that kiss?! How many of you wanted to bitch slap Chloe? I'm so excited for this week and to see the after math of the kiss! I know that Eddie has dinner at Loren and Nora's house later in the week and Eddie and Loren have a heart to heart on Tuesday (at least according to the spoilers) so I'm super excited! Leave a review or PM me if you feel like fan-girl-ing with me, lol. No one I know watches this show so all of my freaking out has to be done online, lol.
One more thing, I've messaged some of you saying that updates will be every Thursday, which is true. However, I was thinking of upping updates to twice a week, Thursday and Sunday. Those days work best for me and updating once a week didn't seem like it would be enough. So today is the first Sunday update! I hope you all enjoyed it! I'm happy to say that I have SO much planned out for this story. Literally written out, so I know where I'm going and won't be hitting writers block which means I can keep to my promised update days!
Please review, favourite and follow! It would mean the world to me!
-Tia
