Loren was grinning from ear to ear as they headed up to Big Bear. After everything that had happened between them Loren couldn't wait to get out of town and have some alone time.
The past summer had been hectic. After graduation Max had moved in. Loren was spending so much time at Eddie's, he insisted she officially moved in. Loren had hesitated, but Eddie used his—let's say skills to convince her.
Aid and Phil got married. They were expecting their baby girl in November. Mel and Adam got an apartment together near UCLA. Things were going great.
After the accident though, Eddie was still pretty banged up. He couldn't even sing without cringing. When Eddie went to the doctor it turned out he needed physical therapy. Even though Loren was in the studio working on her album she never missed one of Eddie's appointments. Even with all the turmoil that had happened it didn't matter. Love conquered all. They were proof.
"What are you smiling about over there?"
"I'm happy! The doctor gave you a clean bill of health. That's amazing Eddie." He smiled and nodded in agreement. "Tell me about it. I am so happy I don't have to do physical therapy anymore."
"You were the worst patient Eddie Duran." She said with a laugh.
"All I kept saying that three times a week was ridiculous. And some of those workouts were beyond stupid." And he was vocal about his disdain through each session.
"You had broken ribs. You're so lucky that with physical therapy and vocal strengthening you get to continue singing." Eddie nodded agreeing with her words.
"Doesn't mean the exercises weren't stupid." Eddie grumbled like a child. "Worst patient ever!" She giggled. Eddie smiled. He loved hearing Loren laugh.
"Whatever. I'm just glad I can get back to what matters."
"And what matters to you Eddie Duran?" Eddie grabbed and brought her hand up to his lips with a kiss. "Right now, all that matters is you."
"Mmm. I like that sound of that." He stole a glance and his heart skipped a beat at the sight of her sweet smile. "I bet you do."
The sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes. It wasn't until Loren saw a sign saying Big Bear was only twenty miles away that Eddie spoke.
"You know we didn't have to go up to your cabin. I would have taken you anywhere in the world." He had offered to take her to the Bahamas or even Hawaii. Loren thought it was too much for just a weekend getaway. Moments like that made their relationship so surreal. She wasn't use to lavish trips. And honestly she didn't want to be.
"Afraid of a little nature Duran?" Eddie chuckled. "Not at all. I'm just saying we could have done more for our first weekend away together."
"Eddie in a few months we will be traveling the world together." He shook his head. "That's different. It'll be for work. We'll be lucky to spend more than two days in one location. We'll be on the go constantly."
"Which is exactly why a quiet weekend up in the mountains is perfect." Loren squeezed his hand. "We get to relax and just be together. I don't need a fancy resort, or some exotic location. I just need you."
Eddie's smile kicked up a few notches. "I like the sound of that." Loren smirked. "I bet you do."
Eddie was about to say something when he suddenly stopped. He turned up the radio. "Did you hear that? The DJ said your name."
"No way." Loren was in disbelief as the DJ announced a Loren Tate original, as he put it.
"They're playing Mars!" Eddie yelled. "They're playing my song!" Loren practically jumped in her seat with excitement. Thank goodness Eddie was driving. "I can't believe it!"
Loren was beaming with excitement. She couldn't believe she was hearing her song. The song that brought her and Eddie together was on the radio. Loren looked at Eddie. His smile was shining. He suddenly looked in the rearview mirror. He started to pull off to the side of the road.
"What are you doing?" Eddie didn't say a word. "Why are you pulling over?"
Eddie just giggled as he rolled down the window and got out of the car. He went over to the passenger side and helped Loren out of the car. Luckily they were up in the mountains and no one else was coming or going down the road. Before he said a word, he lean in the car and turned the radio up loud. Eddie turned to Loren, his smile shinning bright.
"May I have this dance?" Loren's heart melted at the moment. "Are you serious?" He swept her into his arms and they began to sway back and forth. "I'm so proud of you Lor. My girls a star."
Loren wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his sweet lips. "And it's all because of you."
Eddie shook his head. "No Loren, it's because of you." His hands cupped the side of her face, bringing her in for another kiss. "You did this. I just helped a little. You're the one with the talent babe. I always knew you could do it."
"Thank you for believing in me."
"I will always believe in you." Loren could see the sincerity in his eyes.
"I love you." Eddie smiled and kissed her lips once more. "Back attcha Beautiful."
"Loren?"
The voice of DJ Chris Carr made her jump. Loren looked around and saw the radio staff staring at her with a concern look. Loren wanted to curse for zoning out.
"Loren, are you okay?"
"Yes sorry, what was the question again? I totally lost track of my thought." Chris gave her an odd look, but repeated the question. "Where were you when your song on the radio for the first time?"
"I uh, was in the car with my—with Eddie."
Eddie sat in the back of the SUV listening to the radio interview. Jake was sitting next to him, listening intently as well. Loren had stumbled for a moment and that was so unlike her. Whoever interviews her is usually putty in her hands. Loren was that charismatic. The interviews just came easy to her. Eddie sat up at the mention of his name. He honestly didn't think she'd bring him up when the question was asked.
"Eddie? As in Eddie Duran your ex-boyfriend?" DJ Chris asked.
"The very one." She laughed nervously. "Does that ruin the memory for you? Now that you two aren't together that is." Eddie held his breath at the question. Loren didn't hesitate at all though.
"No, not at all. Looking back now, I am so happy that he was there."
"Really?" The DJ asked in disbelief. "Yes, really. Eddie helped me so much in the beginning. It was amazing to share that moment with him."
"Lucky guy. Most exes would use that as an opportunity to bash you." Jake whispered as he patted Eddie's shoulder. Eddie didn't even acknowledge him. He wouldn't describe himself lucky when it came to Loren.
"That moment was one of the best days of my life." He swore could her Loren smiling. "I will always be grateful to share those moments with Eddie."
Moments. Loren said moments. And Eddie knew exactly what she meant. Mars was the first song they got out of the car and danced to, but it wasn't the last. Anytime a single dropped and they would hear it on the radio, they would stop what they were doing and dance. Eddie smiled thinking of the memories. The last time they did that came to mind.
Eddie and Loren were laying on the hood of his car. They decided to go up to Mulholland and share some pastrami sandwiches. Eddie had the windows down and music was flowing from the radio. Such a simple date. That's one of the great things about their relationship was. They didn't need fancy restaurants, or to do anything outrageous. All they needed was each other. It was the perfect night.
"This is amazing. You can see all the stars tonight." Loren snuggled in to the crook of his arm. She was wearing a sun dress that showed off her legs and drove Eddie crazy. "Even L.A has a smog free night every once in a while."
"It's beautiful." Loren kissed the side of her head. "You're beautiful."
Loren look up at with her big brown eyes. She smiled sweetly and kissed his lips. Eddie loved the taste of his luscious lips. They snuggled back together. They gazed at the stars in silence for a few minutes. A twangy song came on the radio.
"Eddie, why are we listening to country?"
"You like country." She laughed. "I do, but you don't."
"I do too. I like all types of music."
"Okay, but you're not the biggest fan of country." A new song came on and Eddie smiled. "This is why we're listening."
Loren listened to the song.
"She looks so pretty with no makeup on
You should hear her talkin' to her momma on phone
I love it when she raps to an Eminem song
That's my girl"
"This is Dylan Scott right?"
"Yeah. It's his new single. Listen."
Man her eyes really drive me crazy
You should see her smile when she holds a baby
I can honestly say that she saved me
My girl, yeah"
Loren sat up and looked down at Eddie. His infamous smirk was beaming. She was still confused about why he was so intent on her listening to the song. As she listened though, a light bulb came on.
Yeah that's my girl
In the passenger seat, windows down dancing around
Causin' a scene, that's my girl
Sippin' crown and sprite, in a ball cap turned back
Ooh she got me like
Yeah baby girl you gone and done it again
Makin' all the guys wish you were with them
But I bet they don't see what I see when I see my girl
Every night before she goes to bed
She hits her knees and bows her head
Thanks the Lord for another day
I just thank him for my girl"
"Eddie did you-" He nodded chuckling. "Yeah, I wrote it." He hopped of the hood of the car and reached out his hand for Loren. "Can I have this dance?" Loren smiled as he helped her off the hood. They started to sway back and forth, like they had so many times before. Why did you write a song for Dylan?"
"I wrote it for you."
"Okay, then why is Dylan Scott singing it?" Eddie shrugged his shoulder. "You like country."
"I do." She pinned him with a look to go on with the explanation.
"Dylan asked for help writing a song. I had this one in que and I thought I was perfect. This way when you're jamming out to country music in the car-" Loren looked at him shocked. Eddie laughed knowing she was turning red. "Yeah I know you do and I find it adorable. And now when you do, you'll hear a song by me. A song that's for you. Do you like it?"
"I love it. It's perfect." Her plump red lips met his. A simple thank you peck turned into a passionate kiss. As they came up for air, Eddie rested his forehead against hers. "I love you Loren Tate."
"Back attcha handsome."
That seemed like a life time ago. Eddie would give anything to go back. To fix things. To go back to how things were. They had their futures planned. They had even talked about their wedding and what they would name their kids. Forever and always. What happened to forever and always?
"You okay man?" A concerned Jake asked.
"Of course. Are we almost to the hotel?" The drive looked in the rearview mirror at Eddie. "With this traffic we'll be there in about another forty-five minutes."
"Thank you." Eddie sighed disappointed at the answer. He just wanted to get to the hotel and crash. He looked at Jake. "What hotel are we staying at?"
"The Sheraton. Shearon's people set us up with his room and accommodations."
"That was awesome of him." Eddie figured Jake would have to scramble to find a hotel to stay at.
"Yeah, everything is set up. There is nothing for you to worry about." Eddie said in his reassuring tone. "Nothing to worry about. Yeah, right." Eddie mumbled as he leaned against the window. Only if that was true.
Loren and Kelly were pulling up to the hotel. They had been arguing since leaving the radio station. Kelly had put a body guard on Loren twenty four hours a day and she wasn't happy about it. Loren tried to go without a bodyguard as much as possible. She hated being trailed. It wasn't the greatest time to have this argument considering her body guard of two years was sitting in the front seat.
"Kelly you are being ridiculous."
"I am not. This is a matter of your safety Loren."
"We're here Miss. Tate." The driver said as came to a stop. "Thank you Carl." The three of them got out of the SUV.
"What do you have against George?" Loren scoffed at Kelly's question. "Nothing! I love Big George." She looked at up at the six five heavy set body guard. "You know I only have love for you, right George?" He nodded with a smile as he led them into the lobby. "Of course mam and I feel the same way." He looked towards Kelly. "Why don't you two discuss this while I talk with the hotel security. I want to make sure we have all possible entries covered."
"Thank you George. We'll meet you upstairs." As George walked away Loren turned her focus back onto Kelly. "My issue is how often you have me surrounded by a bodyguard."
"Twenty four hour detail is not uncommon for a super star." They started to head towards the elevator. "You are choosing to gallivant around town during your free time."
"I'm not going to live my life in a hotel room."
"No one is asking you too." Kelly saw the doors to the elevator start to shut. "Hold the elevator please."
"You have already had a few incidents with fans already. You need protection. I'm done arguing about this." They walked onto the elevator oblivious to the world around them. "Thank you." They mumbled to whoever head the door open. Kelly's face was back focusing on her tablet.
"You're being unreasonable." Loren crossed her arms over her chest in a huff.
Suddenly one of the men behind them cleared his throat. Loren looked over in shock. There stood Eddie and Jake. Eddie was staring at her intently. Jake smirked though. He signaled for Loren to not say a word. She smirked at the oblivious Kelly. Jake cleared his throat again. Still no reaction. He did it again and again. Eddie smiled and shook his head. Jake did this once more, but louder.
Kelly turned around annoyed. "Do you have a problem buddy?"
"Yeah I do! I flew across country and I didn't even get a hello from my girlfriend."
"Jake!" She shrieked as she launched herself in his arms. "I've been trying to call you all day!"
"My phone died and I forgot to pack a charger." Kelly beamed up at him smiling. "It's so good to see you." They started to kiss as if Loren and Eddie weren't standing right there. Loren made a face making Eddie laugh. She smiled at the sound. When the two still didn't part Eddie cleared his throat loudly. "Sorry, guys." Kelly blushed. "Hi Eddie."
"Hello Kelly."
"Loren, you're looking well. We heard your interview on the way over." Jake said. Loren's eyes went wide. "You did?"
"Yes we did." She looked at Eddie who didn't say a word. He leaned against the wall of the elevator. Jake eyed him and when nothing was said he stepped in again. "I personally thank you for not bashing my client."
"She would never do that." Eddie said sternly. His eyes never left Loren. She smiled slightly. He may have thought their relationship was a lie, but at least he knew she'd never bad mouth him.
"I know, but still—thank you." At the need for a subject change he looked at Kelly. "What were you two arguing about?"
"Loren doesn't want a body guard." Loren glared at her. "I don't want one twenty four hours a day. There's a difference."
"You need protection. Incidences have already occurred." Eddie looked concern. What kind of Incidences occurred? "It was nothing Kelly."
"I'm not arguing with you anymore about this." She motioned to everyone. "Especially when we all have other things to discuss."
"We?" Eddie questioned. "Yes, we." Jake stated.
"In case you two forgot, you'll be performing a duet in two days." Nothing but silence between the two. Jake motioned between Loren and Eddie. "Together, both of you."
"We know." They said at the same time.
"So, why don't we go over the schedule and events for the next two days?"
"Let's say an hour from now. Give you two time to settle in." Kelly suggested.
"Sounds good. What floor on you on?"
"Fifty-three."
"Top floor, us too." Jake looked at the room key. "Room 24B"
Kelly smiled. "Room 22B"
Loren rolled her eyes and Eddie scoffed. "Of course."
The elevator dinged and the doors came open. Loren practically leaped out of the elevator and headed for the suite. "See you in an hour." Kelly said with a sigh.
A little over an hour late Eddie and Jake greeted George and walked into Loren's suite. It was the same as his two bedroom suite with a living room. It came with a view and a piano. You couldn't ask for much more in life. Eddie saw a small kitchen area. Something he didn't have. He couldn't help but to smirk. Loren always loved cooking. Especially breakfast. After a month on their first tour she started requesting suites with kitchenettes. Loren said she couldn't go months without home cooking. Eddie had to admit, he'd take her home cooking over any five star restaurant any day.
They all sat down and went over schedules. Besides three rehearsals they also had a meet and greet and few interviews. Loren and Eddie agreed to do Live Like Music for their duet. It was something they knew well and the short notice change wouldn't matter. Eddie barely acknowledged Loren. She figured that meant he hadn't read her notebook yet. Or maybe Eddie had and he just didn't care. The meeting seemed to be coming to an end when Jake decided to talk about the elephant in the room.
"Now that we got the schedule worked out, we need to discuss you two's relationship."
"Excuse me?" Eddie spat. "That's none of your business."
"Obviously something went down, and you two aren't on speaking terms." Jake went on, ignoring Eddie's protest. Loren sat there quietly looking down at her hands.
"Luckily the media hasn't caught on to this feud." Kelly added.
"We're not feuding." Eddie growled. Loren nodded. It was true. They'd have to be talking to be feuding.
"Whatever you want to call-" Jake signaled for an irritated Kelly to stop. He stepped in to finish. "What we are trying to say, is that outside this hotel, hell outside this room you two need to act like friends."
"You can't serious?" Eddie shook his head. "You can't force us into friendship."
"You two agreed to do the tour."
"Contracts have been signed."
"They're going to start promoting it soon."
"And?" Eddie was furious. He hated when they got into his personal life.
"And we don't need a rift between you two right now."
"We're not saying be best friends." Jake added. "What exactly are you saying?" Loren said, finally adding to the argument.
"No fighting or bickering in public."
"Be friendly when doing interviews." Jake pointed at the two of them. "Make sure this duet goes on without a hitch."
"Okay." Loren whispered. "Okay?" Eddie gawked at her.
"Yeah, okay." She looked up at Eddie with sad eyes. "Eddie I don't hate you. You may hate me, and honestly you have every right to." Eddie eyes got big. "I meant what I said in the interview. I am grateful that you came into my life. I'll never bash you in public."
To know surprise Eddie didn't say a word. He looked at Loren as if he wanted to, but just sat there. After a few moments Jake cleared his throat. "Okay then. Why don't we all go out to dinner like the old times?"
"I think I'm going to do room service and get to bed early. Thank you though." Eddie mumbled.
Before Loren could decline as well they heard a loud scream followed by laughter outside the front door. While everyone else looked concerned Loren just shook her head and smiled. She recognized that scream.
Loren opened the door and tried to repress a giggle. Big George had Myles by the ankle and was holding him upside down. Emmet and Drew were laughing. George had an angry look on his face, while Myles face—Myles face was turning bright red. Eddie walked in sight of the door. Of course it was her bandmates.
"What's going on?"
"Myles poked Big G again." Drew explained. If there's one thing George didn't like, it was people invading his space.
"We talked about boundaries." She said looking down at Myles. "Apologize to George."
"I'm sorry." Myles sputtered. George just grunted. "Put him down George." He dropped Myles with a loud thud. Eddie smirked, he enjoyed that a little too much.
Myles popped back up trying to shake it off. George looked down at him with a snarl. "I don't like you." Myles only smirked. "Really? I have nothing, but love for you." He held out his arms. "Hug it out?"
"Stop being a jackass." Loren laughed.
"What are you buffoons doing here?" Kelly asked. Loren motioned for the four of them to walk in. "Kidnaping Lo." Emmet said smirking. "Coney Island is calling our name." Myles said clapping his hands together.
"That sounds like so much fun!" Loren was grinning from ear to ear. "I'm free the rest of the day right?"
"Yes, but Big George goes with you and you take the car service."
"Kelly-" She put her hand up stopping Loren. "Don't argue otherwise I'll will send three more body guards out there to follow you around."
"LT don't worry about it. Big G over here is one of us. He's got to come with us." Myles attempted to put his arm around George. "What did I say about touching me?" Myles looked up at George smiling. "I'll buy you some cotton candy."
"I don't like you." He snarled once more. Myles put his hands up and nodded. "Okay, okay, you twisted my arm. I'll get you cotton candy and a Coney dog." Eddie shook his head. He knew Myles was just joking, but the punk annoyed him.
"Miss. Loren would you like me to call for a car." George asked. "Yes please. Thank you George." She motioned for the guys to follow him out. "I'll meet you guys downstairs." When the door shut she turned around and looked at Kelly. "Are we done here?"
"Yes. We have rehearsal at ten tomorrow morning. Don't be late."
"I won't." Loren went and grabbed her purse and phone off the dining table. "You two take the night off. Go have fun—together." Eddie stood from the couch.
"I second that." He made his way towards Loren. "In fact I'm going to head out to. I'll walk out with you." Loren nodded and they walked out into the hall together. George was waiting near the door. "Can you give us a minute George?" Eddie asked.
"I'll meet you at the elevator." Loren nodded.
When George was out of earshot Eddie looked at Loren. She looked timid at the moment. Even though she was trying look tough. "Loren, about what you said—I don't hate you."
She looked up at him with those big hazel eyes. "You have every right to." She ruined everything. Her body ruined everything. Eddie shook his head. "I don't though. I never could. You have to know that."
"I do—now. Thank you for saying that." Loren bit her lip. Unsure of what to say next.
Eddie walked to his door. Loren thought their conversation was through. She started to walk past him towards the elevator when suddenly Eddie grabbed her hand stopping Loren in her tracks. A spark jolted both of them. With just a simple touch. She looked at him confused. "What you said on the radio—where those moments really the best of your life?"
"Every memory with you was the best in my life Eddie."
Eddie stood there stunned by her words. With everything that had happened between them. Everything that went down in Vegas. How could she could feel that way? He didn't think it was possible. Loren reached up on the tips of her toes and kissed his cheek. She slipped out of his grip and headed towards Big George. As they disappeared into the elevator Eddie leaned against the door. This morning he woke up on his couch in L.A. Tonight he's in New York with the girl of his dreams just out of reach. He had so many questions going through his head. One in particular… What the hell is tomorrow going to bring?
I'm truly shocked I got this out. I literally had nothing mapped out. So happy to finish it though. I liked bringing Eddie and Loren together again. They've barley talked since Vegas and it was fun to force them together. Remember I am pro Leddie. They are finding their way back to one another.
What did you think of the flashbacks? I hadn't done that in a while and it was fun to go back and create a part of their relationship. I always thought Eddie would have needed more medical attention after coming back from the dead. So it was fun to add that in.
I am sure there are mistakes. I write in the middle of the night and I'm usually horrible at proof reading this late. My plan is when I am completely done to go back and revamp each chapter.
I was going to split this into two chapters, but again it would have been two boring chapters. I liked it as one, it flowed well. At least I think so. I'm sure you all don't have a problem with a longer chapter.
I think I'll update this one again. I have the next chapter mapped out. So I hope to update again soon.
Please read and review! I love you thoughts. It helps me writing.
Thank you all who stick with me! I Love you all!