Hollywood Heights, Loren Tate; The story of my life
What if? Chapter 18
Vince makes his way towards Loren, Katy's talking to her. "I have great news!"
"What is it?" Loren wonders.
"I was talking to Gail, she holds a huge Charity Runway Show, many well-known celebrities attend, some of them wear the Designer Clothing and walk the runway, the audience bids on each design, she agreed to show your designs."
"Are you serious? Katy you've helped me so much; I don't know how to thank you for everything you do."
"Design your butt off, I want to see your gowns everywhere."
Loren hugs her. "Thank you so much."
"I'm excited; everyone will love everything you create"
"Thanks Katy, I won't let you down."
"Let me tell you who's attending that Runway show."
Loren bites her lower lip. "I'd love to know!"
"Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Reba McIntyre, Christina Aguilera, and the list goes on and on."
"That's awesome, musicians too?"
"We're trying to get Angelina Jolie to be part of the audience, she's huge with charities, men will walk the runway too"
"This is very exciting!" Loren adds.
"Marc Anthony, Cody Simpson, Hunter Hayes and my son Eddie Duran will be some of the Artists on the runway that day."
"I'm excited for this opportunity."
"I'm happy for you Loren, you deserve it."
Loren scans the room, she sees Eddie talking to Dan Roberts.
"How important is Dan Roberts?"
"Very important to any Artist, which includes my son Eddie."
Gail sees Dan talking to Jake, she makes her way over towards Nora who's sitting with Lorena.
"I would like to thank you."
"For what?" Nora wonders.
Gail sits next to her. "For being truthful with Dan."
"I didn't think I'd run into him, my mother and I were very surprised to see him."
"He didn't know about the girls."
"I know, my mom and I believe him, he seemed surprisingly shocked to hear the news."
"I think the girls should be told."
"I agree, we don't want anything from Dan, I think Loren and Lucy have a right to know who their father is."
"Absolutely, I don't know how my daughters will react to the news."
Nora sighs. "I've seen them with Loren today, what about Vince? I know he's your son."
"I can't speak for him, I know he loves Loren, I've never seen my son this excited for anyone, I'm sure this won't make a difference."
"I can't speak for Loren, I don't know how she'll take the news, she's always asked about her father and why he walked out on their mother."
Gail sighs. "He loved your sister, when we met, she's all he talked about, I had Vince when we met, he wanted to fall in love again, I'm grateful I was there for him, our daughters made him a better father, it kills him he wasn't there for Loren and Lucy, I can tell he's hurting, I can see it in his eyes."
"I know, I'm sorry he never knew about the girls, I know he would have been there for them."
"Twenty some years later, I know he will make it up to them."
"We don't want anything, Loren will agree, I can't guarantee Lucy will do the same, she's a lot different than Loren."
"What kind of person is Lucy?"
Nora hesitates. "Lucy is materialistic, she wants it all, and she loves attention, she plays with men, she doesn't take anything seriously."
"Did she date Evan Duran?"
"The one and only."
"The Duran's don't like her."
"I know, especially Eddie."
"I'm glad it was Loren who caught Vince's eye, I don't think I want to meet Lucy."
"Maybe Lucy needed her father in her life, the reason she acts out." Nora says.
"The girls are fortunate to have you and your mom, a lot of terrible things happen to children in my charity work, most of them are successful, not an excuse for Lucy behavior."
"You're right; there's no excuse."
Lorena interrupts the conversation. "I'm afraid my father Micah was at fault, he hated to see what Sofia went through with Dan."
Nora holds her mom's arm. Lorena continues. "He was upset with Dan, very negative, I guess that affected Lucy."
"I'm sorry." Gail says.
"It's not your fault, not Dan's fault either, they were very young, with no experience, Dan's father was ruthless, he didn't care about Dan's feelings."
"They need to know Dan didn't know he had twin daughters, it's not his fault." Gail adds.
"They won't, we will make sure they know the circumstances, let them decide on their own." Nora tells Gail.
"Thank you for understanding."
Gail scans the room, she sees Katy talking with Loren, they seemed to be having a nice conversation.
"Looks like Katy and Loren get along."
Nora smiles. "They hit it off from the beginning, Katy's been a great mentor for Loren, she's helped Loren climb the ladder to success, we appreciate Katy very much."
"I told Katy about my charity fashion show, she asked if we could include Loren's designs, I'm excited to have Loren join us, I know her designs made headlines with some of Hollywood's well known, this charity show will bring more top celebrities, I can help her."
"She's very creative, she was always designing for her dolls as a child."
Gail smiles. "That's so sweet."
"We're proud of her." Lorena adds.
"Does Lucy have a career?"
"She enjoys modeling; she's not as creative as Loren."
"Maybe I'll find something for her to do."
Nora bites her lower lip; she doesn't like to talk about her niece, Gail needs to be prepared. "Get ready to meet Lucy, she loves money and fame, I'm afraid that will attract her to Dan, she's always looking for the easy way out."
"I'll let Dan handle that; I won't get in the middle of it."
Meanwhile on the other side of the patio; Dan approaches Eddie.
"I was talking to Jake, I know you're going to have some shows in Vegas, I want Loren in charge of all the costumes."
"She's already involved."
"I need her to have total control, she gets to decide what to design, she'll have the final word."
"I have no say in this?"
"If you don't agree then I will cancel your contract, I already told Jake, he's fine with it, I assume you'll agree?"
Eddie shrugs his shoulders. "I guess I have no other choice."
Jake walks towards them. "I agreed with Dan, I hope it's not a problem Eduardo."
"What did Loren say? I'm sure she was thrilled?" Eddie wonders.
"I know you're a team leader Eddie, you're used to giving orders, I make the final decisions and if you want to remain on board, you'll agree with Jake and I."
Eddie nods. "You're the boss, Dan."
"Thanks, I knew you'd see things my way, excuse me."
He walks away. Eddie turns towards Jake. "What happened? She's dating his step-son, she'll be family soon, no wonder he gave her that job."
"I don't know Eddie; he's the boss, this is what he wants, we will comply, no argument, what's the problem? Loren has been doing an amazing job."
"It just irks me that he has to let her have the run of it."
"You know, I must ask, what is your problem with Loren? She's very talented, she had nothing to do with Evan's death, I believe it's her sister who's the bad guy here."
Eddie catches sight of Loren talking to his mom. "I can't stand this; she's going to be part of the richest family in Hollywood."
Jake looks at Eddie. "You haven't noticed, she's not the type to let money guide her, it's her love of designing, aside from being beautiful, she's genuine, I say this with the utmost respect, she's looks amazing in that dress, I know you'll agree with me, because you haven't stopped looking at her this evening, this isn't the first time I catch you looking."
"I'm not blind Jake; she's gorgeous, look at her."
Jake laughs. "I'm sorry man, you're hooked, you're into her you won't even admit it, what if things were different, would you?"
Eddie looks at him. "Would I what?
"Give her chance? Would you give Vince a hard time?"
Eddie knows the answer. "Does it really matter?"
"Dan likes what he sees, she's in charge of your team."
Eddie snaps his fingers. "Another win for Loren Tate."
"You'll have her around all of the time."
"I'm going to pretend you didn't say that."
"C'mon Eddie who are we fooling? You can fool everyone here, 've known you the moment you picked up your first guitar, your eyes betray you, you're very interested, go ahead and admit it, no one has to know."
Kevin nudges Eddie the moment he hears the last few words Jake said. "I've seen it right away; my nephew is stubborn."
"Why are you both gaining on me?" Eddie wonders.
"FYI, I must warn you, most of the guests left, looks like Vince is planning a little surprise for Loren."
Eddie moves away from Jake and Kevin to see what Vince is up too. "He's going to ask her now?"
Kevin can't help but laugh. "What do you care?"
"This isn't romantic; he has to make it special."
Max smiles when he sees Loren hug Katy for the ..well he lost count. "I think my wife knows how much you care for her."
Loren smiles. "I owe her so much, I can't wait for this runway show, the thought of meeting many well-known Artists and Celebrities has me stoked and inspired."
"I suggest we tell Gail the news." Katy says.
"Now?" Loren wonders.
"Yes, she has to know you're too excited to join this huge charity event."
"She might be busy." Loren says.
Katy scan the patio for Gail. "Ahh, I see her talking to your Aunt Nora, I bet she's sharing the news with her?"
Loren shrugs her shoulders. "I'm so excited."
Katy holds Loren's hand and they head towards Gail, she's busy talking and doesn't see them approaching, Gail's busy talking to Nora, neither notice that Loren and Katy are close enough to listen to their conversation.
"I'll talk to Dan; I think Loren and Lucy should be told soon that he's their father."
Katy clears her throat. Gail and Nora turn, they see Loren in shock of what she heard, Loren isn't able to move. Jillian and Dalia appear; they hold Loren's hand. "You have to come with us."
Loren hasn't said a word, the girls pull her to follow them; she looks at Gail, Nora and Katy. The girls continue to guide her to the center of the patio, most of the guests left, only family and a few close friends are there. Dan stands by Max, the scene unveils. There's shock in Loren's face. Did she hear them say that Dan Roberts is her father? This has to be a bad dream, no matter how hard she tries, she isn't waking up. She notices Vince on one knee in front of her. He finally asks. "Loren Tate, I love you, will you marry me?"
She starts to hyperventilate, before Vince can say another word, she runs. Eddie sees her, she's upset, he runs after her.
Oh boy!