CHAPTER 2: BOOM CLAP
Night One
"Thank you so much and enjoy your stay" the flight attendant said with a bright smile as Chloe passed her on her way out of the jet. As soon as the sunlight hit her face, Chloe's eyes closed. It felt wonderful. She took a deep relaxing breath as she held onto the railing stepping down one step at a time. She heard the man welcome them and she heard Stacie squeal in response. The gentle breeze pushed red locks across her face. Chloe opened her eyes and flipped her hair to the side to allow it to blow without getting in her eyes.
The crew from the plane was loading their luggage into the large black SUV that sat a few feet away from the staircase. A man with short brown hair whom Chloe guessed was around their age stood with a large bright smile. He was dressed in a black slacks and brightly shinned black shoes with a crisp white button up shirt tucked neatly into his pants. Chloe was glad that he didn't have to wear a jacket, it was way too hot for that. The ladies gathered around the SUV as he began to speak.
"Welcome to Cabo San Lucas Ladies. My name is Jesse and I am with Lux Cabo. Our team has prepared your private estate the way you requested and are awaiting your arrival. I will be your group's personal chauffeur for the duration of your stay. Anywhere you wish to go, it will be my pleasure to take you there."
"I bet it will be his pleasure" Stacie whispered leaning towards Chloe who tried to suppress her smile as he continued.
"Please don't hesitate to ask for anything during your stay ladies." He got the thumbs up from the plane staff that the luggage was loaded and returned his eyes to the beautiful women standing in front of him trying his best to not, for lack of a better word fangirl out, in front of them. "I believe we are ready." He smiled brightly again as he opened up the back door of the SUV and held out his hand for them to take as they each climbed inside.
After each woman was seated and Stacie had already found the bottle of champagne and passed around the glasses, Jesse shut his door soundly. He turned back towards them, "We will be heading over to your rental but first, would you ladies like to dine in tonight or would you like for us to arrange a table at one of the best restaurants in Cabo?" Jesse asked.
The group looked around at each other, Stacie was the first to speak. She leaned forward towards Jesse, "Is there a club around here that you would recommend?" She asked.
"Actually" Jesse smiled. "There is a great club not far from one of Cabo's best restaurants just off the beach if you all are up for a night on the town.
"I think we are" Stacie winked at the man who immediately blushed.
"Great. I'll just let Amy know that we are on our way and of your request and she will take care of the rest." Jesse said as he turned back towards the front of the car.
"A club? Really Stace?" Chloe said quietly. "Shouldn't we just stay in for the night? We can go out tomorrow."
"Come on Chlo" Stacie whined as she sipped her champagne. "We are on vacation. Let's blow off some steam. We can stay in another night or when we get back to LA. Let's have fuuuuunnnnnn."
Chloe sat back and sipped her champagne. She didn't feel like arguing with Stacie or with her other friends who seemed to be on the same page as the fashion model.
Jesse typed out the text to Amy with the charters request. 20 or so seconds after pressing send he got confirmation from Amy that she would set everything up. "Okay. Here we go ladies. It's about a 20 minute drive from here." He said as he pulled the car off of the landing strip and towards the road that would lead them to their private paradise.
Chloe watched as the sights changed from city landscape to those of the white sand beach rushing by her window as they drove farther and farther away from the city when she felt a gentle bump to her shoulder.
"You okay" Jessica asked softly leaning into her best friend and housemate.
Chloe nodded quickly and Jessica smiled in response. She knew her friend wasn't totally herself. Not with all of the rumors swirling back in Hollywood. Not with the pictures that had recently surfaced. Not with the heartbreak she'd endured. She rested her head softly on Chloe's shoulder hoping to offer the woman some comfort as they continued their drive.
Jessica picked her head up as the car began to slow. She looked around the other ladies in the car to see a large gate beginning to open up. "Wow" She said quietly as she took in the view. Aubrey, Stacie and CR were too busy planning their night to hear her but Chloe followed her line of sight. Her eyes widened at the sight of the large white home that sat towards the end of the road on a slight hill.
"That's not even the best part" Jesse said smiling as he pulled the large SUV through the gate. He smiled in the rear view mirror at the women who were all now looking out of the windows.
It was beautiful, she couldn't deny that. There wasn't another home around as far as the eye could see. "This is all ours?" Chloe asked noticing that no other people were on the beach that sat right off of the house.
"Yes ma'am. It's completely private." Jesse smiled. He was used to this reaction. "The home sits on just over 2000 acres, which is mostly shoreline. It's completely gated and private. Your group and our staff will be the only people with access to the beach for about 3 miles in either direction." Jesse explained as he pulled the car into a circle drive.
"How many staff?" Aubrey asked as she looked around the property.
"3 full time staff will be staying on the grounds during the entirety of your stay." Jesse answered with a smile.
"In the house with us?" Aubrey asked.
"No ma'am." Jesse answered as he turned the car off. He turned around and pointed out of the back side passenger window towards a smaller home about a 100 yards off the house. "Myself, our executive chef and your host will be staying in the guest quarters."
All the heads followed his hand in the direction he was pointing towards a much smaller house sitting off to the side. "The rest of the staff will be in and out throughout the day but the three of us will be available to you 24 hours."
The ladies nodded in understanding as he got out of the door and circled around to open the back door and once again offer his hand for them to step down.
Once out of the car they were led into the open air entrance of the home. "Welcome ladies" A large blonde with an Australian accent greeted them. "My name is Fat Amy and I am the Director of Operations for Lux Cabo. I can assure you that my staff and I will make this the best vacation you can imagine. If you need anything at any time during your stay your host, Benji" Amy said as a man in a suit and bow tie stepped forward, "will provide and arrange."
Benji nodded in agreement before Amy continued.
"We have arranged for a private dining experience tonight at La Casona, one of the very best restaurants in Cabo, and then an evening at Uno Mas which is the hottest club just off the beach. You will have VIP access and security with you this evening to ensure you have your privacy." Amy smiled.
"Um" Jessica said raising her hand slowly.
"Yes?" Amy asked confused as to why this woman was timidly raising her hand.
"You call yourself Fat Amy?" She asked nervously.
"Yea" Amy answered quickly and then moved on.
Jessica shared questioning looks with her friends as the woman continued. "There will be fireworks at midnight tonight on Medano Beach which happens to be easily accessible from Uno Mas." Amy explained. "Now come on" She said with a smile, "let's get a photo of you beautiful ladies."
The mention of a photo roused the group again and several phones were pulled out and handed to her and Benji. The ladies grouped together with their arms wrapped around each other with bright smiles on their faces. "Okay" Amy said cheerfully. "Everybody say Cabo Bitches!"
The group happily repeated the words as their first photos were snapped.
After handed back their devices, Amy passed out her card to each woman with her number on it insisting they contact her if they needed anything at any time.
"Okay ladies" Benji said with a bright smile gaining their attention after Amy was gone. "Once again my name is Benji and I will be your host for your stay." He explained happily. "If I'm not in the house and you need anything, absolutely anything, please pick up the house phone and dial 0. It will ring my cell phone which I always have on me."
The ladies nodded in understanding.
Benji saw Jesse climb back into the SUV and pull away from the entrance of the house. "We have taken the liberty of bringing your luggage into the house and if you would like, I can give you a tour of the property and allow you some time to pick a bedroom and freshen up before your evening." He said warmly.
"Great" Aubrey said for the group.
"Welcome to Villa Sahara." Benji said as he pushed open the large double Spanish doors. "The home itself is 7 bedrooms and 8 baths. There are 4 bedrooms on the first level of the house along with the kitchen and living areas. As you can see the home is an open floor plan. There are large glass window that we can close when the weather is unfavorable." Benji said as the guests took in the home. The rooms all had open air views of the infinitely pool.
"It's breathtaking" Chloe said as she looked over at the pool, unable to tell where the pool ended and the ocean began.
"The remaining bedrooms are located on the second level as well as shaded outdoor space which is ideal for sunbathing or just relaxing. The entirety of the home is spread across 8000 square feet and originally built in 1942 but was only 2 small bedrooms at that time. When the home was purchased in its original form 3 years ago, it was a rundown version of the original structure" He pointed to a small gathering of black and white photos on the wall.
"That was this house?" Chloe asked admiring the photos.
"Yes, ma'am." He smiled. He loved explaining the history of the house to the guests, "The first was a photo taken in 1942 and then this was how the home was purchased 3 years ago. We wanted to remain true to the old world charm of the original home with the high ceilings and open beams. Mexican and Spanish art and antiques are located through the home, as well as hand painted tiles and custom woodwork." He explained as led the women through the house.
"It's beautiful" Chloe said as she tried to take in all of the art.
"Who is we?" Jessica asked.
"Ma'am?" Benji asked.
"You said we a moment ago." She answered. "Who did you mean by we?"
"Oh" Benji smiled. "I meant Lux Cabo." He answered quickly. "Would you like to pick out your bedrooms and get settled?" He asked.
A round of yes's could be heard amongst the ladies.
"Very good." He smiled and brought them to the first bedroom on the first floor. "There are 4 bedrooms on this floor and 3 on the second but I can assure you that each bedroom contains the same amenities. The only difference is some of the décor and the views." He said as he showed them a large room with a king size bed on one wall. Each bedroom had a large ensuite restroom with separate tub and shower. Each was open air with an amazing view of the ocean. "The open wall in the room can be closed by pushing this button" Benji said as he pulled away a large white draping curtain that hung from floor to ceiling.
"So. Chloe" Aubrey said turning to her friend. "Do you want to be up or down stairs?"
"Up I think." Chloe answered knowing that while the view was amazing from this room it was probably even more breathtaking on the second level.
"If I may?" Benji said quickly.
Chloe nodded, "If this home has a Master it's on the second floor and it's absurd how beautiful the room is. If you would allow, I can escort you and your luggage to the room."
Chloe looked at her friends to make sure they were okay with her having the Master and received smiles in return. "Thank you Benji" She said with a warm smile.
He turned back to the group, "Ladies. If you will excuse me momentarily." He then turned to Chloe, "This way ma'am."
"Please call me Chloe." The redhead smiled.
"Okay. Chloe." Benji smiled as he led the actress towards the front of the house where their luggage was placed.
20 minutes later and Chloe found herself standing at the balcony railing just off her bedroom looking over the ocean thinking about the conversation she had that morning. Another argument with Luke. Another fight. He didn't want her going away with her friends. He wanted her to stay in LA with him so they could work it out.
Earlier than day …
"I swear Chloe. It's not what you think." Luke said as he watched his girlfriend pack her suitcase.
"I think it's exactly what it looks like Luke. And it's not the first time. It's just the first time your denying it." Chloe thundered back.
"It's not" he argued as he sat on the end of her bed.
"You're holding her hand Luke" Chloe said as she picked up the gossip magazine and threw it at him.
He caught the magazine and glanced at the photo again before placing it on the bed next to him. "I was just visiting her on set. It was her birthday." He tried to explain calmly.
"You told me you had a show in San Francisco that day." Chloe said quickly. "What were you doing in LA?"
"I came back to surprise you. You know that." He answered. "I saw you right after that."
"Why didn't you tell me you were seeing her?" Chloe asked taking a deep breath.
"Because I knew you would react like this." He said as he stood, taking the opportunity to get close to the redhead as she visibly calmed. "You know I love you. She doesn't mean anything to me." He said as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"I'm so tired of this Luke." Chloe breathed.
"Me too." He agreed as he tightened his hold.
She pushed his arms down and went into the bathroom to pack her toiletries. "What are you doing?" He asked following her to the door.
"Packing" She said quickly.
"No. You can't leave. I told the guys that I needed a few days to spend with you. We stopped the tour for this Chloe. You have to stay with me so we can work this out." He said quickly.
"No, I don't Luke. I'm going." She argued. "I'm tired of you doing whatever you want whenever you want and me always bending to your will. I'm tired of looking like a fool in the press. I'm tired of walking into places and having people whisper behind my back because my boyfriend's been photographed with another woman. Yet again. And I'm tired of defending your relationship and explaining why you cheated on me in the first place." She slammed her bag down on the counter.
"Chloe" He whispered softly.
"No. Stop. It's me right. It's always me and my overactive actress imagination. That's what you're going to say?" She turned toward him angrily.
He shrugged his response.
"Save it Luke." She said pushing past him.
"So are you breaking up with me?" He asked.
"I don't know" Chloe whispered as she pulled her suitcase closed and zipped it up.
"You're going to throw away five years Chloe?" He said quickly. "Five years and then it's over because I was photographed by the damn paps. This it totally out of context. It's not what it looks like babe." He pleaded.
"Then what is it?" Chloe asked loudly.
"She was stepping down from a step and I offered her my hand. That's all it was." He said quickly. "I swear. I love you Chloe. I want to marry you one day. Please don't throw away five years over a stupid photo."
"I don't know Luke." She whispered.
"Please stay with me. Please. Let's work this out." He begged.
"I can't. I need to get away for a few days." Chloe breathed.
"Get away?" He asked. "From me?"
She didn't answer.
"Because I'm so horrible to be around? Because I treat you so badly? I have three fucking days off of the tour. Three fucking days that is costing me and my bandmates money to be here with you and you need to get away? Un-fucking-believable." He yelled. "You're so fucking dramatic."
"Chlo. You ready?" Stacie said as she interrupted the argument.
"Chlo. You ready?" Stacie's voice sounded behind her.
Chloe turned from the ocean and wiped a tear from her eye. "Ready for what?" She asked.
"To go to dinner and then dancing." Stacie said cheerfully.
"Yeah, just let me change." Chloe replied quickly as she headed back into her room.
"Okay, meet you downstairs in 20 minutes?" Stacie asked.
"Sounds great." She said in her best cheerful voice. She walked past the bed and dropped her cell phone onto the bed with the last text message Luke left her still open.
Luke: Ur so selfish.
XxXxXx
Beca took a deep breath, looking through the contacts in her phone, she knew Amy was going to be pissed. She sat the device on the table next to her and pressed the speaker button waiting for Amy to answer.
"What up Shorty?" Amy answered cheerfully.
"I can't be at the house tonight." Beca said plainly. She was a rip the bandaid off type of girl. She didn't see any reason to beat around the bush about things. "I'm working at Mas."
"Well your off the hook because they are going out tonight." Amy replied. "You can thank Jesse for suggesting they dine out."
"You knew I had this gig Amy. If they wanted to eat in, Bumper would have been just fine." Beca argued. "You're making this such a big deal that I don't even want to be part of this charter. I don't even know what the big fucking deal is."
"It's a big deal because they have a lot of influence Beca." Amy replied quickly. "You would know that if you would have read the file."
"Yeah, I don't even know what that means, a lot of influence. Who cares Amy? We are doing just fine without the approval of these spoiled rich kids." Beca fired off quickly. "Look I have to go."
"Be there for breakfast service tomorrow morning Beca. 7am sharp." Amy said authoritatively.
Beca didn't reply.
"Sharp Beca." Amy said again.
"Fine." Beca relented before quickly hanging up her phone and returning to her laptop to finalize the mixes she would play tonight.
XxXxXx
"How was dinner ladies?" Jesse asked as the group made their way out of the restaurant.
"Wonderful." Aubrey beamed.
"Yes, thank you for arranging it. It was perfect." Chloe said with a smile. She'd had a great time at dinner with her friends. Finally forgetting her problems at home for the last few hours.
"It was our pleasure." Jesse said quickly. "Let me take you across the street to Uno Mas." He said opening the car door for the group. "Our head of security Lily has arranged for a VIP section to be roped off for you to enjoy your evening. There will be fireworks down on the beach around midnight and we will have several guards escorting you ladies. I will meet you right here when your night is finished and if you would like to go home earlier in the evening please just text me." He said as he passed out cards with his number on them.
"You're not coming in?" Stacie asked as he pulled up to the door of the dance club.
"No ma'am. I just drive." He said with a friendly smile.
"Thank you Jesse" Aubrey said quickly as she pushed Stacie towards the door without waiting for Jesse to get out and open it for them.
As promised there were a couple of large men dressed in suits and a woman who introduced herself as Lily waiting for them at the door before escorting them to the VIP section. At least that's what Chloe thought she said her name was. The music was extremely loud and it was hard to hear the woman who seemed to disappear shortly after the introduction.
The club was extremely busy with bodies dancing and jumping everywhere. The music was a mix of top forty mixed and layered with hip hop favorites. It was easy for Chloe to lose herself in the music and dance with her friends. She ducked away from their snapchats and pictures as much as she could but would be occasionally pulled in by one of them. She tried to get a look up at the DJ booth a couple of times during the evening but only managed to catch a glance here and there. Whoever they were quickly became one of Chloe's favorite DJs in the span of just a few hours. At some point during the night, as she was jumping and singing in their roped off area with her best friends, Chloe forgot. She forgot about Luke. She forgot about the papers, the pictures and the rumors. She let it all go. It was just her and these four other girls in paradise. She felt free.
Just before midnight Chloe found herself with her hand in Aubrey's being pulled down to the beach.
"I don't wanna miss it" Aubrey slurred as they ran across the sand with their heels in their hands.
"Bree. Slow down." Chloe begged. They came to a stop as soon as red and gold exploded over their heads. The embers raining down over the water. Cheering could be heard coming from the people who were littered along the beach looking up into the sky, mesmerized by the colors dancing along the cloudless night sky.
"Funny how fireworks can make you just stop and stare." A voice said from beside her.
Chloe looked to her right to see the stranger looking up at the sky.
"I mean, it doesn't matter if your 7 or 70. They are just kind of mesmerizing." The brunette with the backwards cap said.
Chloe recognized her. Are at least the cap. "You're the DJ." She said quickly.
"Yeah" Beca smiled looking away from the firework show and over to the redhead whom she had seen dancing earlier in the night. She had caught Beca's eye with the way she moved and seeing her on the beach looking up at the fireworks was the perfect opportunity to speak to the woman. Her breath hitched just as their eyes finally met. "They're so beautiful."
"The fireworks?" Chloe asked looking back up.
"You're eyes" Beca answered softly surprising herself at how smooth she sounded.
Chloe found herself blushing almost immediately and looked back down towards the woman who stood next to her. Brown hair caught her attention out of the corner of her eye and at the sound of Aubrey yelling Chloe's head turned away from the DJ. She turned just in time to see Stacie pulling her blouse over her head and take off running down the beach.
"CHLOE!" Aubrey yelled. "Help me!"
"I'm sorry, I have to go." Chloe said feeling pulled towards the DJ who watched the scene on the beach in amusement.
"Yeah, no. Of course." Beca smiled.
It was a sweet smile. Chloe liked it.
"You should handle that" Beca waived in her friends direction as Aubrey tried to tackle Stacie to the sand.
"Yeah. Sorry." Chloe apologized.
"Chloe for serious! Get over here!" Aubrey yelled again.
"No worries." Beca smiled again. She slid her hands in her pockets and turned away from the beautiful redhead on the beach. She headed back to the club to pack up her equipment.
AN: So if you've read my previous stories you know I'm a regular Thursday and Sunday poster, with some random posts in between if I have it ready to get out. As always, thanks for the response to the first chapter. Hope you guys like this one. Let me know ...