Chapter 22: The Beginning of the End

One week Until Eighteen

Jose' POV

"So what do you think?" I asked as I showed Ana and Kate the space I'd picked for Alexandria's surprise eighteen birthday party. They looked around I'd been doing all the arrangements for this day myself. I just wanted to do something special for her even the better part of me wanted to spend her birthday alone in a more intimate setting. Ally and I had been dating for months now, and if this were a normal relationship I would've most definitely tried something by now. My major concern was making sure I didn't look too eager. I actually wanted her to decide when or if we took the next step.

"This hotel is really exclusive Jose' how'd you get them to agree rent out this space?" Kate asked.

"My paintings now grace the walls of all of the conference rooms of this hotel. It was a pretty big business acquisition for me," I rambled I really didn't want to talk business but I couldn't help but think back to the day I closed the deal. Five million dollars for twenty five pictures it was a major feat. It was part of the reason my studio was so popular today. Hotel Majestic was glorious and its owner was a very loyal and jolly man. I enjoyed his spirit so much that I offered my services at his daughter's wedding and some of those pictures are up in my studio.

"Go ahead Josie you're becoming quite the businessman," Ana teased and I rolled my eyes. She had become with calling me Josie. I really didn't like it, I knew she thought it was cute that Ally had a nickname for me, but I didn't feel okay with her using it.

"Yeah, a lot of good things have been happening for me lately and the next few months are going to be kind of busy. After Alex's party, then she has her recital, and then there's the opening of my new studio/training facility. Lately, I just feel blessed about everything." After this conversation was over I walked the girls through how the room was going to be decorated and showed them where the dance floor was going to be. The room was going to be filled with blue strobe lights and the dance floor was going to shine as if it were silver.

"You're doing a lot. I hope that this Alexandria is really worth it Jo. Not to play the devil's advocate or anything but you barely know this girl. Yes, her family has history with yours, but you've lived your lives apart. She comes here and immediately has the hots for you, and you just happen to be rich. That shit doesn't normally happen," Kate gave her two scents and Ana's face scrunched up.

"But it does happen. I'm a firm believer of love at first sight, from what I've seen and from what I've heard from Mia. Alex seems to really love Jose' stop being a drag and just be happy for them." Kate huffed and placed her hands on her hips.

"I didn't say I wasn't happy for you Jose. I just want you to keep your eyes open that's all."

"The one you really need to be looking out for is Gloria," Ana said dryly.

"She's been cool lately. She's even been nice Al, and offered to take her shopping and stuff." I was truly impressed by the turn around Glo. I was proud of her for not being petty; normally pettiness was what she was famous for.

"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer," Ana murmured under the breath.

"Yeah, I gotta agree with Ana on this one, that Gloria she's a bitch in good girl clothing. She wants you and she thinks that Al is on her territory." Kate went over to the bar. "Will you be serving drinks at this thing?"

"Yeah, I inviting a lot of my friends because Ally hasn't made many, she has a few people coming from her new dance studio that's coming. So, everyone will have to be carded. The reason I asked you both her is because I really can't get inside a girl's head I wanted to know if there was anything else I should add?" Ana took another moment to gaze of the area.

"Jose' I don't think she could really ask for more. If I were you I'd ask Mia those two are really close now."

"I thought about that, but Mia has the tendency to kind of put her thoughts and ideas as to what is a good time into Al's head. I want this party to be about things that she truly likes, not things that Mia wants her to like … I don't know if that really makes any sense." I shook my head and smoothed my head back.

"I don't think I can do much more either, I guess I just needed a sounding board. I told you both when the party is right?"

"Yes, you've told us only six times today and we both said we'd be there so stop tripping Jose'! It's going to be a great night," Ana gave me a small hug and for a moment I felt her tense in my arms. I turn to look behind me and there Gloria. Her eyes were red and puffy like she'd been crying.

"Hey ladies, Jose' I tried to call you but I didn't get an answer so I figured you'd be here. Allen sent over his signed contract and his check. I just need your signature and I'm off to the bank." Gloria handed me the paper and a pen. I looked over the document once more and Ana and Kate gracefully exited the area. I signed the paper and then asked then hesitantly asked her if she was okay because it would've just been rude if I hadn't.

"Everything, everything's wrong Jo," she collapsed into my arms and bursts into tears. Something told me that I regret asking her. "Oh Jose' my life is over!"

Author's Note: I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. I moved the story along quite a bit time wise anyway. I don't know if any of you are Black and Grey readers I plan to work on that story tomorrow and I think I have a pretty big surprise for it! There a big surprise for this story too! It can't wait! As always please read review and no flames! See ya next Saturday!