Chapter 25

EPOV

I adjusted the scarf around my neck and twirled my spoon around my bowl of cereal. I was really getting sick of hotel food...I missed my maid, Martha, and the amazing breakfasts she made. Every

Saturday, we'd both sit down to her warm, sugary, delicious French toast, and her perfectly cooked turkey bacon. Now…well, this was the fifth time I'd had Cheerios this week. Ugh.

Not to sound spoiled but…okay, yeah, I sound spoiled. Sue me.

"Hey," a warm, happy voice greeted me. My heart sped up as I smiled tightly at Jason.

"Hey," I greeted him as he sat down, balancing a plate, with a whole wheat bagel, a muffin, and a glass of orange juice on top.

"You okay after last night?" he murmured in a lower tone to me. I reddened and looked down, stirring the mushy cheerios around. This morning had been insanely embarrassing. The janitor had found me and Jason asleep on the floor in each other's arms at about nine in the morning. I'll never live this down.

"Yeah," I muttered and took a sip of the black coffee I'd ordered. "I'm fine."

"Me to," Jason smiled sheepishly. "I'm a little sore though…sorry I kept you there."

"It's all right," I dismissed the apology. "Besides, now we have something else for the paparazzi to talk about. 'Jason and Mysterious Girl Not Seen All Night, Hotel Staff Finds Them Asleep In Broom Closet.' It'll be a keeper."

My sarcasm was as deep as the pool.

"Ha-ha, yeah," Jason mumbled. "God, if that happens…Mom and Dad are gonna shoot me."

"If what happens?" Nate asked as he walked by our table. He stopped though, and grinned and Jason.

"Did you do something we should know about?" he asked mischievously.

My cheeks burned but Jason merely shrugged. "Dunno, you were the one who came home in pain last night," he retorted, grinning slyly. "You sure Caitlyn didn't have anything to do with that?"

I choked on my coffee and burst out laughing. Nate fumed and stuck his tongue out at Jason before walking away. Jason laughed and gently patted my back.

"Breathe, Ella," he crooned, still chuckling. "I can't wait to see Caitlyn's reaction."

"She's gonna kick your ass," I gasped out and cleared my throat. Jason grinned.

"Maybe, maybe not."

"Sure," I agreed, rolling my eyes and taking a slow sip of Jason's orange juice. "Whatever you say."

We ate in silence for a few minutes.

"Hey, what's with the scarf?" Jason asked suddenly. "I mean, it's really pretty but…it's like, ninety degrees outside."

I blushed and fingered the light purple, delicate fabric around my neck. "Because," I murmured. "I kinda half to."

"Why, may I ask?"

"Because, I need it,"

"But why do you need it?"

"Well since yesterday's escapades, paparazzi is everywhere. So it's kind of needed," I said, snatching Jason's bagel, beginning to top it with cream cheese.

"Why are you dodging the question?"

"Why do you wanna know?"

"This is stupid, we're fighting over a piece of fabric," Kevin pointed out.

"We're not fighting, we're arguing. And this isn't just some piece of fabric, it's a one of a kind designer scarf," I said, taking it off and throwing it at him.

"Hey! Don't let people see me holding this thing," Kevin whined, tossing it lightly back, "Oh, you got a little-,"

"Yeah, I do," I assured.

"Oh. Well...that's interesting,"

I nodded, tying the scarf back on.

"Well this is interesting," Jason whispered.

"...so...what's new?" I asked.

"Ella you got a hickey!" Jason exclaimed.

I stuffed the bagel in his mouth, "Could you say that any louder?" I seethed.

Jason spit out the bagel as I took the seat next to him. He looked at me with puppy eyes, but I noticed those second to the white cream on his nose and upper lip. I giggled and leaned in, kissing his top lip, licking off the cream.

"Ugh, guys come on. I don't need to see that right now," Shane groaned approaching the table.

Everyone sucks.

"What's up Shane?" Jason asked.

"Oh nothing, I'm just looking for Mitchie. Have you seen her Ella?" Shane inquired.

"Um, this morning. She's a little down, you might wanna go cheer her up," I suggested.

"Ok, thanks. I'll see you guys later then," Shane said quickly, turning to leave.

"Shane, is there something up?" Jason asked.

"No," Shane said curtly, "Of course not. W...why would there be something wrong?"

"No reason," Jason said.

Shane nodded, turning quickly to leave.

"What was that all about?" I asked.

"No clue, he's been acting real weird all morning,"

"So has Mitchie, she's always so chipper in the morning. She locked herself in her room. A bit strange no?"

"You think something is up with those two?" Jason asked, taking a drink of my coffee.

"I think if there was, they'd want to settle it on their own. Maybe they just had an argument; they both are thick headed after all,"

Jason shrugged, "They'll be fine. Shane acts like a child all the time. Probably just butted heads, they'll be all lovey dovey by the end of the day,"

"True. But whatever, we'll let them deal with it,"

"Right. Because if we get into it, things are going to escalate, and we definitely do not want to be in the middle of that. Change of subject, do you want to do some shopping today? It'd be better than hanging around the hotel all day...again," Jason laughed.

"Yeah, sure. Sounds like fun. Plus you, Mr. Gray, have impeccable taste. And I'm not talking about your style," I giggled, kissing his cheek.

"Oh, I get," Jason whispered, kissing my lips, "Must say. I'm down right delicious,"

I rested my head on his shoulder and laughed, "Way to go Romeo, you just killed the moment,"

"Aww...sorry babe," Jason cooed, resting his head on mine.

I drew away quickly, "What was that? You never call me babe or baby or any of those woman-demeaning names. Next thing I know you're going to call me Kitty or something,"

"Well, like my brothers do it. I thought it was normal. I mean my brothers do it,"

I continued to stare at him, seriously what is wrong with this boy.

"To be completely honest Ella, this is my first ever real relationship. I don't know what to do or what to say. I'm sorry,"

Jason hung his head like a scolded child.

Ella, why are you such an idiot? Do you enjoy seeing your beloved hurting like...all the time?

"Hey now," I whispered, combing away the hanging hair from his face.

Suddenly, Jason tilted up and kissed me gingerly. He drew and I pushed him lightly.

"You had that planned didn't you?" he nodded, "Gosh, you suck,"

"What? I thought you'd like it, how was I supposed to know?"

"You're really mean," I pouted, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Me?"

"Yes you,"

"Does that mean I can't kiss you anymore?" Jason asked.

I rolled my eyes, "No. But you gotta stop taking advice from your brothers,"

He chuckled, "I know,"

"Well, I should probably go, but I'll see you this afternoon," I told him.

"Hey Ells, we need to get out tonight,"

"We are getting out, we're going shopping," I pointed out,

"Not what I mean, I'm saying like nightlife, clubbing, partying whatever you want to call it. Just let loose, we're like everyone's parents, let go have some fun,"

"Yeah, sure. Sounds like fun, but I don't know any clubs around here,"

"I do, I'd know exactly where we are going,"

My jaw dropped, "You're a club junkie! Tell my Jason, how much do you party?"

"That's not funny! Just you know, once in a while,"

"Mhm, ok. So we'll go out tonight and then tomorrow we will go on a hunt for a clubbing rehab center,"

"Ella," Jason warmed.

"Ok, ok. Sorry,"

"So we're on for tonight?"

"Definitely,"

--

"No. Just no. Not going to happen, Jason, I can just raid my closet for something to wear tonight. And even if I didn't have to buy a new outfit I wouldn't wear that," I said.

Jason held up the shiny gray silk dress.

"Aww come on Ella. It's like out first night out on the town, is it a crime to want my girlfriend to look sexier than she already does?"

I groaned, "I'm only going to try it on, only trying it on Jason,"

"Sure," he grinned handing over the admirably beautiful garment.

"I'm serious Jase,"

"Just try it on Ella," Jason urged, pushing me into the dressing room.

I undressed and pulled the silver cloth over my head letting it fall into place. Looking into the mirror my jaw fell. Like...through the floor. I threw open the dressing room door and glared at Jason.

"I look like a Greyhound bus,"

Jason didn't answer, he only stared.

"Pig," I grumbled.

"Ella, you look incredible...and nowhere near bus like,"

"Aww...liar," I accused.

"Hey, I'm being completely and entirely honest," Jason said, taking my hand, raising it and forcing me to spin around and look in the mirror, "You look amazing,"

I blushed. How many girls get to hear that they look good from a rock star? Last time I checked...not very many.

I turned to face the mirror and smiled. My hand ran over the beaded neckline, the other toyed with the short dress' hemline.

"So do you like it?" Jason asked.

"It is so beautiful," I breathed, checking my angles from the sides.

Jason was right, no bus like features anywhere. I couldn't help but spin around and squeal a tiny bit. I felt like a princess...except you know, in a mini cocktail dress instead of a ball gown.

"You look beautiful," Jason whispered, taking my hair out of its clip, allowing it to fall over my shoulders.

Not to be self-conceited or anything...but I look hot.

"That's it, you're not leaving this place without this dress," Jason proclaimed.

I giggled, picking up the little price tag on the dress. Five hundred dollars! This maybe Gucci, but this is not five hundred dollars worth of fabric. It's not like I can't afford it but this is way too much.

"Maybe we should pick out another dress," I suggested, slipping back into the dressing room.

I heard Jason lean against the door. I could picture him shaking his head and crossing his arms. Typical Jason.

"Ella, I can pay for it. It's not like I can't afford it,"

I threw the dress over the hole on top of the door.

"It's not like I can't afford it either,"

No answer. Stubborn man.

I pulled on my clothes quickly and stepped out of the small room and saw no that Jason wasn't in sight. Hopefully he isn't being mauled to death by fans. Well, he probably is.

I shrugged it off and set off to find another dress. I got to a rack when suddenly someone grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the boutique. I looked up to see Jason with a grin on his face...and a shopping bag in his hand.

"You didn't," I said.

"I may have," Jason said coyly.

"Jase! You weren't supposed to do that!" I cried, hitting him.

"I had too Ella, this dress was made for you," Jason said, handing me that shopping bag.

I took it and sighed, "I'm going to pay you back,"

"No you aren't. It's a gift; you don't pay back someone who got you a gift. Plus, I like giving you presents, I know you like it," Jason sang, taking my hand.

We set of down the sidewalk, passing the boutiques.

"I really do Jase,"

"And I know and love that...oh no," he suddenly whispered.

"What? What's wrong?"

"Paparazzi,"

"What? Do you have radar or some shiz like that?" I asked.

I slipped on my sunglasses, if Vlad knew what I looked like than he'd see me with Jason thus knowing where the guys were. Then I saw them, camera rats.

"I can just tell. Come on, we gotta go," Jason pushed.

"Gray! Who this? Is she the pool girl?"

"Jason, over here!"

"Come on sweetie smile for the camera,"

I panicked, but Jason just rolled his eyes. Easy for him, he's used to this kinda stuff. But who's used to a few dozen photographers circling you?

"Just pose for a couple pictures than we can bolt," Jason said, lowly.

I gave the cameras a weak smile and a wave when Jason took my hand and with that we set off. Of course, the photographers followed close behind then dispersed.

"We're lucky the hotel is close by," Jason laughed.

I didn't get how Jason could be so non-chalant. That, back there was so ridiculous.

"Are you okay? You aren't shook up or anything are you?" Jason asked.

"No...But that was annoying,"

"Yeah, but you get used to it after a while. Trust me,"

"Whatever you say, Rockstar,"

A few minutes later, we had already approached my hotel room.

"The guys and I have a few things to go over, so I'll pick you up later tonight, ok?" Jason said.

"Mhmm,"

Jason bent down and pecked my lips. "Bye, I'll see you tonight,"

"Bye," I called after him. He turned and waved. I watched him disappear down the hall before entering my own room.

A few hours later...

I ran the straighter through my bangs one last time. I sighed happily. I turned to face the mirror. Have to admit, I look stunning. I tugged the short dress down, thus resulting in more cleavage. Damn Jason and his male hormones. So I gotta make a choice. Chest shot or leg. I do have pretty awesome legs.

Grabbing my black clutch, I exited my room. Where Caitlyn awaited, oh boy.

"Oh, hey Cait! I haven't seen you like all day," I greeted.

"I know, you've been em-eye-ay," Caitlyn replied.

"Well yeah, Jase and I have been hanging out a lot today,"

And apparently tonight too.

"I can tell,"

"So...where's Mitchie?" I asked.

"Sleeping," Caitlyn answered curtly.

"Wow, well quite early no? It's Friday night," I chuckled nervously, "You got any plans with Nate?"

"Where are you going?" Caitlyn asked.

"Oh you know, dinner?"

I blew it. Big time. Massively.

"It's ten, Ella,"

I bit my lip, "Late dinner?"

"In that dress?"

"Yeah, Jason picked it out and he paid for it and everything, I wouldn't want to offend him by not wearing it,"

Caitlyn cracked a small smile, "You're going to a party, aren't you?"

I sighed with relief, "Yeah, some club Jason wants to take me to. No biggie, I'll be back by what's the regular time? Midnight...four...six am,"

Caitlyn laughed. Not like an 'Okay have fun' laugh, but more of a 'You're crazy'.

"You're not going," Caitlyn stated.

I scoffed, "And why the hell not?"

"Because. We're here on a job, not to go party in the Hollywood nightlife," she reminded.

"So? That doesn't mean I can't enjoy myself with my boyfriend slash mission target,"

"Yeah, it kinda does,"

I rolled my eyes as I checked that I had my identification, the Ella Peterson one, my phone and of course, lip gloss.

"Ella, listen to me. You're not going,"

"Chyeah. Ok, so I'll see you tomorrow. Jase is going to be here any minute and I'd rather him just have him drop by and we jet instead of having to get into some awkward conversation, so carry on," I said.

"What did I just say?" Caitlyn asked.

"That I wasn't going," I answered, "Now, what did I say?"

Caitlyn opened her mouth to speak, but she didn't get to speak before there was a knock on the door. Definitely Jason, she can suck on that.

I strutted over to the door and opened it to reveal Jason.

"Hey," he greeted, kissing my cheek, "Ready to..."

"What?"

"You. Wow, Ells. You look amazing," Jason complimented.

"Thanks Jase," I blushed.

"Yeah, ok. So, go change," Jason ordered.

"What, why?!" I demanded,

"Ella, you look...way too hot. I refuse to let you leave this hotel like that,"

"And what about you! With your perfect hair and your tight white shirt," I bit my lip, "And don't even get me started on your jeans, Jason Ethan," I said.

"Oh my gosh. Gag me with a freaking spoon," Caitlyn grumbled.

I glared at her, "We'll settle this the fair way. We will be the hottest couple there,"

"Sounds good to me," Jason grinned

"Awesome then, let's go rock the nightlife,"

"Let's," Jason said, linking our hands.

"Bye Cait, have a good night," I said as I exited.

She just shook her head. Ugh, killjoy.

"So there's this club called 10/80. It just opened and it's pretty high class-" Jason started.

"Maybe we should go to another place," I suggested.

"What? Why?" Jason asked, leading me into the elevator.

"Jason. It's like...filled with tons of famous people, what if I do something stupid and embarrass you?"

The elevator doors opened and we stepped out, heading for the hotel exit.

"Ella, the only thing you have to worry about is me embarrassing you. It is me, after all,"

"Jase," I whined.

"Ella, please," Jason pouted.

Curse those lips. "Fine," I huffed.

Jason opened the hybrid SUV's passenger door for me. He helped me up and closed the door before running to the driver's side and climbing in.

"You ok?" he asked as he turned on the vehicle.

"Yeah," I nodded.

"We don't have to go if you don't want,"

"No, I want to go," I assured him.

"Good," he said pulling out of the hotel parking lot.

We drove in silence. I stared out the window when I felt Jason's hand grasp mine.

"It's going to be fun, I promise," he assured.

He parked the vehicle and I looked around...no club was around.

"Jase, are we in the right place?" I asked.

"Sweetie, it's Hollywood, the parking is jank. Even for the rich and famous,"

"Don't get much props do you?" I giggled.

"Nope, not many. But hey, if it was my brothers than that's a different-"

"Jason, are you always going to compare yourself to your brothers? You're older than them; they look up to you,"

"Thanks Ell,"

We exited the SUV, Jason ran around the front of the vehicle to meet up with me just as I exited. If he were anymore of a gentleman, I'd have to marry him. We intertwined hands and walked around the corner where a line of people stood, ready to go into the club. I expected to go to the end of the line but Jason tugged me ahead of everyone. Boy did people glare.

We stood in front of a bald man that was like...three Jason's. Ah, Jason and his melancholy way just pulled out his wallet and handed the bouncer his ID.

"Don't take any drinks from anyone," Jason instructed, "Never know what someone put in it.

Well that was totally uncalled for.

"I know that. I'm not dense," I said, handing the club bouncer my ID.

"But I'm supposed to protect you. It's my job,"

Sorry babe, other way around. It's my job to keep you safe.

We were usherd in. The door was opened and the music boomed out. Like, get hit with something unexpectant.

"Whoa," I breathed, feeling slightly breathless. I toyed nervously with the shimmery fabric around my neck and bit my lip. "Jase..."

"It'll be fun," Jason assured in my ear, his lips caressing my earlobe. "Promise. If you hate it, we can leave and you can kick me until I can't have children."

I looked down at my heels. Well....

"Okay," I murmured and smiled shyly. "After all, it's just like a party from high school."

Jason laughed and twirled me onto the dance floor.

The following moment was...horrific.

Jason turned his back to laugh and call "Hey, Seacrest, what's up?" and hands that were definitely not anyone's I'd met before grabbed my hips.

"Hey baby," a slurred worded, drunken voice practically moaned. "Damn you fine. Hows about we dance a bit, mmkay?"

I spun around, yanking the guy's hands from me. He was older...about thirty...and no one I'd seen before.

"Leave me alone," I hissed.

"Hey hey," the man slurred, his dirty blond (not the color...his hair was filthy) falling over his mud eyes. "Ya shouldn't be like tat suga."

"Hey!" Jason said angrily behind me, coming up and putting his hand on my shoulder. "What do you think you're doing?"

He said this to the ugly dude, not me, but I shrugged his hand off. "Sweetie, I got this."

I glared at the drunken mess of a person. "Go fuck yourself," I stomped angrily on his foot, causing him to howl in pain, and then I marched a laughing Jason away.

"God I love you," Jason chuckled, kissing my cheek. I grinned, took a sip of whatever was in the glass I suddenly held, and the night began to blur into one fun mass.

Next thing I know, Jason's standing on a table.

"Come on, Ella!" he shouted over the music, holding his hand out to me.

That last thing that is ever going to happen is me jumping on some table to dance.

I shook my head.

"It's fun! Come on. Ella, Ella, Ella!" he chanted.

Suddenly people by us began doing the same.

"Ella, Ella, Ella," was being chanted from all over.

I rolled my eyes and took Jason's hand, and he pulled me on to the table. As soon as I was standing firm the club erupted in woops and cheers.

Jason placed his hands on my hips as we began to dance to the upbeat song. This may be fun after all. Nothing is going to stop me from having a good time tonight.

Alyssa: Hey hey, remember us?! Hope so! Sorry we've been gone forever, but we've had writers block, school, and other stuff in the way! This is a bit of a filler, and I'm sorry :( But good news! My summer vacation is coming up, so I'm hoping to get out my other stories again and update, along with this one! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASe review!

Mya:Finally an update! Sorry it took soooo long. But it's pretty long, probably the longest chapter in UL history. Isn't Jella just adorable? Thanks for readin!

Jade: Wow..I cannot even remember when the last update was. Ahh well, we are back now, and we give you some lovely Jella! Hope you enjoyed!

and angie returns..

Angie: Aint it adorable. Jella is love. haha. What ever will happen next. Review to find out. Sorry for the long over due chapter but we gave you a long one.