For some reason, chapter 19 didn't show when I first posted it, so it's definitely there now if anyone is interested.
Two hours later, Lila sat at a table, bored out of her mind. She looked up at the ceiling, staring at the paper snowflakes and icicles that were placed strategically around the room, giving it a wintry, enchanted appeal. But Lila, in a sullen mood, was anything but enchanted at this moment. The room was beautiful, she had to admit.
How did I get stuck sitting next to this blabbermouth girl,? she thought miserably to herself, as Caroline Pierce, the biggest gossip Lila ever knew, babbled on and on about the new plastic surgeon who was planning to move into an empty office downtown.
A plastic surgeon huh,? Lila said, trying to sound interested.
Yes, Caroline confirmed.
I would have thought you'd know Lila, especially since the practice will be just a few doors away from you.
Amy and Ken walked to the table and Lila sighed with relief.
Now I don't have to pretend to want to listen to what she's saying, Lila thought, as Amy plopped down between her and the bright redheaded young woman.
Lila stared at Ken, who was sitting across them, for a brief moment. Ken was as cute as ever, like a blonde Adonis, although his hair seemed to be a slight shade darker than she remembered. His blue eyes sparkled every time he laughed, and she remembered why he'd been one of the most popular guys at Sweet Valley High. She could definitely see now why Amy was dating him. Lila yawned for what seemed to be the hundredth time that night. The only consolation was that Jessica seemed to be having an even worse time than she was. Her friend sat across from her, twirling her blonde hair and sipping her soda.
Todd should be here with me, Jessica fumed inwardly, as yet another of her ex friends from high school walked by her with either a mere nod, or complete apathy.
You'd think I was an ax murderer or something,! she muttered softly, as Winston Egbert, walked by her with very little acknowledgment. He greeted everyone else at their table, and barely glanced at her. The expression in his brown eyes was as dead as a doornail.
I can't believe that I ever thought that geek was my friend, she thought meanly.
Ever since her marriage to Todd, it seemed like all their old friends couldn't stand them. Word had gotten around about how Elizabeth left town leaving a trail of tears all over Sweet Valley, and from since then, Jessica was snubbed wherever she went. Jessica usually had the best times at parties. But tonight, there were just too many people here from Sweet Valley High, ones that she had zero desire to touch base with. There were just too many unfriendly faces. Even Lila, who used to look her slim nose down on practically everyone in high school, seemed to be more popular tonight.
Elizabeth is making me look bad,! Jessica couldn't help thinking.
And she's almost three thousand miles away!
She had tried to convince Todd to go to the Jingle ball with her, but he flat out told her he wanted to stay home and rest. Once again, he told her he was too tired from practice to go anywhere.
I should never have let Amy convince me to come to this stupid party, she mused, looking around the brilliant room.
These people, most of them, were old news. Her new friends, the models, budding actresses, talent scouts, those were the people she should be aligning herself with. Those were the people who would get her somewhere!
And as for Todd…... There had been tension between the couple lately, more so than there ever had been.
You're going out again,? Todd had said earlier, while he watched her put on a black dress that showed most of her back and shapely thighs. I thought we'd stay home, order takeout, watch a movie.
Todd, I've been telling you about the Jingle Ball for a month. I need a night out. We can call Pilar and you can go with me. There's still time. Come on Todd, put on a suit and we'll go.
No Jess. I'm just beat. My legs are killing me after the drills we had to do again.
Jessica sighed unhappily. Todd could be such a bore sometimes. Especially when he started lecturing her about her spending habits. Sometimes he sounded worse than her father. She wondered if Elizabeth ever claimed the eight million dollars that Devon left for her. That money would be great right around now. Her finances were one of the lowest facets of her life. Literally.
If only I could have some money to start up my own design firm, she frowned moodily. I only need about twenty thousand. Yeah right Jessica. After you pay off all your bills, you'll still be broke!
She thought of asking Lila for a loan, but she knew that would never work. Lila could wipe all Jessica's debts out in a blink of an eye. But she never wanted Lila to have anything to lord over her with.
I'm going to powder my nose, Lila announced, as she got up from their table. Amy and Ken were back on the floor, busily dancing cheek to cheek.
Ken sure looks cute tonight, Jessica smirked wickedly. If I wasn't with Todd, Amy would be having some competition.
How is Elizabeth Jessica? I haven't seen her in forever, Caroline pushed back her bright red hair.
Liz is fine, Jessica said coolly.
You would have thought she would have stayed for your wedding Jessica. I heard it was lovely. Small and intimate, Caroline uttered smugly, with a sickeningly sweet tone.
Jessica shot Caroline a dirty look. Her wedding had been a lot smaller than she had hoped, and this was mostly because several of her and Todd's supposed friends suddenly decided they had other things to do than to show up to the blessed nuptials.
Hmmmmm, who is that? Jessica said silently. She raised her brow in interest, as she saw a brown haired man sitting at the bar. Jessica laughed loudly when he turned in her direction and she got a glimpse of his face. She turned around looking for Lila. Her friend was probably still in the ladies' room. An idea started brewing in Jessica's head.
Jessica remembered Amy's gossip from two weeks ago, about how Roger managed to build on his inherited fortune. She sized up the situation. She remembered back in high school, when she went out of her way to scheme into Roger's heart. And she almost got it too. If it wasn't for that artsy craftsy black, frizzy curly haired Olivia Davidson, Jessica would have gotten her man! Jessica hated to think ill of the dead, but Olivia was all wrong for Roger. If he could loan her a little bit of money, then she could start her own clothing line! And then, when her clothes started selling, she'd be rich!
She pictured the red carpet in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood. All the most important actresses would be there, prancing around in her magnificent fashions, when a member of the press would ask the usual question.
Who are you wearing? They would want to know.
It's a Jessica Wilkins original, the famous celebrity would say.
No, Jessica thought, Jessica Wilkins is too long. Jessa Fields might work though, she pondered, laughing to herself.
Jessa Fields was a name she had made up to use in her fantasies where she famous. It was certainly worth a shot. Roger was an important business man now. He had to recognize a good investment when he saw one. She certainly wasn't going to demand a loan on the spot. But tonight could be a start. She'd just have to charm him until she had him eating out of her hand. Until they were good friends. Just enough till he was willing to part with some cash. What she wanted, what she needed, was mere peanuts that didn't even come close to filling his very deep pockets. And she'd pay him back.
Jessica felt a sliver of unease at her newest strategy. Should a married woman be asking another man for money?
Of course she should, she surmised, after considering the situation for five seconds.
It's just like going to a bank, without the red tape. Especially when that woman has a miser husband who puts practically his whole salary in a savings account that he won't allow his wife to touch!
Jessica walked over towards Roger, swinging her hips from side to side in a way that she knew made every member of the male species salivate.
Hey Roger, Jessica gave him her biggest smile.
Jessica? Roger's grey eyes looked at her up and down. Long time no see.
Well, it's always nice to see old friends, she gushed.
So how are you Jess?
Me? Jessica twirled her hair. I'm great.
And your sister? I haven't seen her in a while.
Liz is living in New York.
In New York City? Wow. So far from home. Roger took a sip of his mineral water. Your sister has always been a good friend to me, he said pointedly. It's too bad she isn't here.
Jessica almost rolled her eyes. Saint Lizzie strikes again, she thought.
So tell me Rog. She put a seductive hand on his arm. How is it, being back here in Sweet Valley?
It's good to be home, but I do miss living in the east. They don't have the Pacific Ocean, but the Jersey shore was pretty nice.
So you went to Princeton huh?
I did. I was a business major.
I thought you wanted to be a doctor?
Roger cocked his head thoughtfully. People change Jessica. I went in as a premed student and left with a degree in finance.
So what else have you been doing with your time? Jessica asked, hoping he'd spill about how much money he made.
I've been traveling a lot. Europe, Asia, even to Ayers Rock down under.
Huh? Jessica looked confused.
You know, the big rusty looking rock in the middle of Australia?
Oh that. Jessica said. Who wants to hear about a rusty rock,? she thought with annoyance. The only rocks I care about are diamonds! Now tell me you how rich you are!
Jessica changed the subject. So how's Bruce?
I saw him in Paris about a month ago. Bruce is….well he's Bruce. He told me he's going to the south of France soon. He invited me over… I might go. To see more of Europe…..
As Roger talked more about his travels, Jessica took a closer look at him. Roger really was cute. His face was still lean, but she could see some added maturity. There was a quietness about him, and his serious eyes were very attractive. He wasn't as lean as she remembered, he was more filled out and looked very dashing in his custom made suit. After a few minutes of talking, Aaron Dallas came up to Roger.
Hey man, that's a nice car you have out there, Aaron said admiringly. Oh, hey Jess, he said, looking her up and down.
Hi Aaron, Jessica forced a smile as the two men started a boring conversation about the benefits of cruise control.
See you later guys, she said, as she walked to the ladies' room.
Well, at least he talked to me, she said to herself. I'll have to find reasons to swing by the Patman mansion, and continue our little chat.
Lila scanned the room again. There were some very attractive men here for sure. But, most of them seemed to be already taken. She had danced with at least ten guys already, and all of them turned out to be duds. The last one had already stepped on her toes twice when she told him she had to go outside for some air. Lila got out of her seat, just as Caroline was filling everyone in on Alex Rollins' new baby.
I heard the father….Caroline paused for dramatic effect….is a married man!
No!, Amy gasped. That drip has a kid? And out of wedlock?
Uh huh, Caroline nodded gleefully. Actually, she's back to calling herself Enid again. I saw her going to massage school a few months ago. Her belly was already out to here, she gestured with her arms.
Lila walked over to the bar. What should I drink? I can't have anything too heavy, I have to drive back tonight. She was so deep in thought, that she didn't notice the dark haired man in front of her, until she bumped into his back.
Oh, I'm sorry, Lila said sheepishly at her clumsiness. As the man turned around. Lila almost got whiplash when she saw who it was. Roger Barrett again! This was too much.
She stared up at him, ready to turn her nose up in the air, when he side stepped her with barely a glance.
Excuse me, he said politely. It was a politeness mixed in with disdain. Lila ordered her drink, steaming at his treatment. This was the same boy who used to look at her with puppy dog eyes, who would blush at the sight of her, who had literally fallen at her designer clad feet, and now he didn't even have the decency to sneer back at her! She ordered a drink, still smarting about his treatment. She had to admit that he looked very cute. His grey eyes, that she remembered were sometimes hidden behind nerdy glasses, were as cool as ice, and the same lock of brown hair fell over on his forehead. His slim runner's build was still evident beneath his obviously expensive tailor made suit.
Cut it out Lila. This is Bugs you're talking about. I hope he doesn't think I bumped into him purposely.
She sipped her virgin banana daiquiri just as she saw Jessica coming out of the restroom.
Hey Li... so guess who I just had a conversation with?
Who?
Bugs is here, Jessica announced.
I know, Lila nodded. I just bumped into him. He didn't even look at me. Not that I care, she insisted.
Really? Jessica said smugly. He and I had a lovely little chat. He was telling me all about his adventures around the world and his time at Princeton.
Oh? Well that's nice. Lila yawned. You know Jess, I think I'm all jingled out. She looked at the clock in the middle of the large room. It's almost three. I need my beauty sleep. And I need to stop at the Juicy Lucy.
At this time? Why?
I plan on staying in tomorrow. I need to get some inventory sheets, I'll just fax some orders from home.
The two friends walked to the table, where this time, Roger was sitting in Lila's chair, laughing along with everyone at something Ken was saying.
Remember that? It happened at Secca Lake. Bruce ended up flat on his face.
Excuse me, Lila said in Roger's direction. She added enough bitchiness in her voice to show her displeasure at Roger for daring to sit at her seat.
I came to get my purse.
Sorry Layla, Roger said, handing her the purse.
Lila shot daggers at him. If anything grated on her nerves, it was when people didn't get her name right.
It's Lila, she scathed, as Caroline snorted and Roger shrugged nonchalantly. Lila was furious.
No one treated her like that and got away with it! He did that on purpose! He knew damn well what her name was!
So I think it's time we get out of here, Ken said to Amy as he got up.
Yeah, I'm pretty tired, Amy agreed, rising from her chair.
Me too, Jessica said. Goodnight everyone, she said, looking around the table. It was nice seeing you again Roger, Jessica beamed prettily at him.
You too Jess, Roger said.
Hey Rog, Winston walked to the table. Come on over and have a drink with us, let's catch up. He motioned over to a table where some of their old friends were seated.
Sure Winston. Just for a few minutes. Later everyone, Roger called out, as he walked away with Winston.
Caroline folded her arms. But Roger, you were just going to tell me all about Princeton,
I'll have to do it another time. Bye Caroline...
Five minutes later, Jessica and Lila were in the parking lot, getting into their vehicles.
Can you believe him, calling me Layla,? Lila fumed.
He was just teasing Li. Lighten up. It was pretty funny.
Hmmm! Lila scoffed as she got into her car. She waved Jessica and after about twenty minutes, arrived downtown near her little restaurant. She drove towards the Juicy Lucy, wondering why she decided to come here late at night. Seeing the empty parking lot gave her an eerie feeling. She took the keys from her purse and opened the locked door. She switched on the lights, moved quickly to the alarm keypad at the side of the wall, and entered the code as fast as she could. She opened the door to her office, and took a folder from her desk. She went back out to the front, reset the alarm and turned the lights off. She locked the door, and practically ran to her car. The liveliness of this place in the daytime was a huge contrast to the dreariness of the dim early morning.
Lila started her engine again, this time towards the hill section of Sweet Valley. She stopped at a red light, only to see her car's black twin in the lane next to hers.
She looked over to the left and couldn't believe her eyes.
Oh my God! You have got to be kidding me. Not again!
She gave him a murderous look. So he talked to Jessica and treats me like I'm last year's shoes! Well, I'll show him!
Layla my ass!
She was going to get revenge, going to find some way to teach him a lesson!
The two of them both stared, sizing each other up. The challenge was on!
I'll show him what this car can do!
The light turned green and she pressed her foot down on the gas. The traffic was sparse this early morning, and for the next ten minutes, the two of them raced in and around the streets and freeway, leading up to their stately homes. They finally reached the exit for Valley Crest drive, and the twin cars shot up the road. Lila put the pedal to the metal and managed to pass Roger at the beginning of the upward winding surface.
That'll show him,! she said as she saw his lights in her rear view mirror. Lila slowed her vehicle and laughed at her silliness. Now she was purposely driving at a snail's pace as she knew at this point, the road was far too narrow for racing. She usually found racing to be childish and immature.
But Roger was messing with her! And she had messed right back!
She pulled close to the iron front gates of Fowler Crest and looked in her mirror at Roger's car going further up the road to the Patman mansion. He advanced slowly, smirking at her and Lila giggled in triumph.
I feel like I'm in a rap video and this is a drive by, Lila laughed to herself. She watched his car disappear up the hill and she pressed an overhead button to open the gates of her Spanish style home. Lila grinned again.
She had won!
This had actually turned into a fun night!
And all because of Bugs!