Chapter Eighteen
Hailey
Mandy and I had on new bathing suits from the pool house and were slipping into the cool water of the pool. It was the perfect temperature for the warm evening. I couldn’t believe how many new bathing suits were in the pool house. They were all different sizes and all brand new.
It was funny that they had everything they needed for unexpected guests. What a world to live in when it was nothing to have clothing just sitting there available for guests – cost was not an issue at all for these people. Half the time I could barely afford a new bikini, and yet in Caleb’s life, it was nothing to just have some on hand to give away.
Mandy and I were having a great time chatting in the pool and drinking ice-cold beer. We had no interest in swimming around the pool; we were just lingering in the shallow end talking.
“I can’t believe you are going to be living here. It’s amazing. The house alone... Who lives like this?”
“You read my mind,” I laughed. “I was just thinking the same thing. A pool house full of bathing suits. It’s crazy. I have never seen anything like it. It’s like a dream come true, and yet it’s everyday life for him.”
“Well, I think it’s just so beautiful, the grounds especially,” she said as we looked out into the landscaped property. She was right; it was all so stunning. I wondered how often they went out onto their property or if they just admired it from the house. I made a decision that when I did move into the house, I would come out and walk the property myself and see what it was all about.
“Yeah, I agree. The whole place is really something else. It’ll be my home for a little while, so that will be hard to get used to, for sure.”
“You deserve it though, Hailey; you work so hard. I know it’s not the gig you were looking for, but at least it’s a fun one. You are getting paid to sit in a pool drinking beer right now.”
I laughed, “Yeah, I guess you are right. I just wanted something on TV so badly, or even a small-budget movie. Something to just get me started in the right direction.”
“It will happen for you. I promise.”
I smiled at her; she always had my back no matter what, and I was grateful to have her there with me. I don’t know what I would do without her. I took a sip of my beer and thought about the next few months. It was definitely going to be an interesting time. Caleb hadn’t really lined out what he expected of me in regards to appearances. I wasn’t sure if I would be at the tournaments or what other events I would be expected to attend. I would need to sit down and discuss that with him, so I had a solid understanding of my duties.
“You know what else is beautiful?”
I turned to her as I took another sip of my beer. “What’s that?”
“That man of yours. Oh, my God. How do you even stand to be around him?”
I giggled, “I know, right? He’s beyond good looking – he must have been born in a test tube or something. He’s too perfect. For the record, though, he isn’t mine. It’s all just pretend.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. But still, what’s it like to kiss him?”
I thought about it for a moment, remembering the times that he had kissed me, and I smiled. “It’s nice. I mean, it’s not like we have gotten hot and heavy or anything. He hasn’t even French kissed me yet. But it’s nice. I have to admit, it’s kind of uncomfortable for me. Yes, he’s dreamy, but it’s not like it’s a real date. There’s nothing between us, so it’s hard to get into a kiss that you know isn’t real.”
“Really? Why?”
“Because it’s not real,” I said with a laugh. “How many times have you heard actors say in interviews that sex scenes and kissing are weird with their co-stars? It’s awkward and uncomfortable because you don’t know that person. It’s not like a first date when you expect romance. It’s all fake, so it’s hard to get into it. You pretend you’re into it, but you know it’s not real.”
Mandy nodded. “I see. Well I sure wouldn’t mind.”
“Trust me: you would. If it was real, then I could really appreciate it. But he’s doing it all for show, and that makes in boring.”
“I guess I can see where you’re coming from. Just enjoy it for what it is then, a fun gig.”
“Oh, I plan on it. And, you never know, it might open new doors for me because if nothing else, I will get a lot of exposure.”
“That’s true; you never know what could come out of it.”
“It’s a fun gig, and it’s only for a few months. Everything is paid for, and I get to live in a dream house. It’s not really something I should be complaining about. I will have enough money to finally move to a nice apartment in LA. That’s where I’ve always wanted to go to pursue acting, and at the very least, this gig will allow me to do that.”
“So, you’re really going to do it? Move to LA?”
“Yes, I think so. That’s the best place for an actor to go, right? And, what’s this me business? You’re not going to come with me? Who’s going to write all those Hollywood screenplays?”
“I guess I might as well. What’s for me in Georgia if you aren’t there? I can work anywhere, right? So, let’s do it.”
“That’s awesome. Now I’m even more excited about it.”
“Hey, ladies!” We turned around to find Matt walking out onto the patio. Another handsome man who must have some seriously perfect genes. Where do these guys come from? Miami sure knows how to pump out some attractive men.
“Hi, Matt! Long time no see. This is my sister, Mandy.”
He bent down towards the pool and held his hand out for her to shake it. She took it as he said, “It’s nice to meet you, Mandy. You two look nothing alike.”
I laughed, “Yeah we get that a lot.”
Matt looked around. “Where is the man of the hour?”
“He went to lie down, actually.”
“You’re kidding me?” he said, laughing.
“Nope, he said he had a really bad headache. Maybe everything is starting to get to him.”
“Well, I need to go get him up.”
“No, leave him. Let’s get dinner started and then I’ll go get him.”
He nodded. “Okay, sure. I’m going to change in the pool house and then grab a beer.”
Mandy and I got out of the pool and dried ourselves off. “Another cute guy,” she stated.
I nodded, smiling. “Miami is full of them.”
Matt came back out of the pool house holding a beer and approached us. “So, I hear you got yourself an apartment, Mandy. That’s great news.”
“Yes, it is. Now I can make sure you two guys don’t corrupt my sister.”
He laughed, “We would never. She’s here to keep us in line, and she’s been doing a great job with Caleb so far.”
I smiled. “It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it.”
The three of us got on famously together; it was like we had known each other for years. Matt was so easygoing that it was natural to get into a joking spirit with him. He made everything fun, and I had felt comfortable with him right from the beginning.
“So, what’s for dinner?”
I shrugged. “I have no idea.”
“Okay, Hailey, you go get Caleb up, and Mandy and I will go see if we can find some steaks.”
“Sounds like a plan.” I grabbed a wrap and put it around my waist as I made my way into the house. The other two followed me, and they went in the direction of the kitchen. I headed upstairs to where the bedrooms were. After going to three bedrooms, I finally found Caleb in the fourth.
I snuck into his room and walked up to the bed. He had the bedside light still on, and I looked down at him. He didn’t even get under the covers; he just laid down on top in just his shorts. I looked over his body until I came to his handsome face.
God, he is so hot! I just wanted to stare in appreciation for hours. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like if he was actually my boyfriend. How lucky would I feel to be on the arm of a guy that hot? It was a crying shame that he wasn’t into dating because it was sad that a body like that and a face so handsome should go to waste on a bunch of one-night stands.
Just then his eyes opened, and he stared at me standing there watching him. A smile broke out on his face as he rubbed his eyes. “Were you just standing there watching me sleep, you creeper?” he said, laughing. “I have to say, I’m flattered.”
I felt my face burning as I smiled down at him, rolling my eyes. “Oh, get over yourself. I was just making sure you didn’t die in your sleep. Matt is here, and he’s making dinner. So, get your lazy butt up now.”
“Oh, but I would much rather stay in bed and have you watch me.”
I stuck my tongue out at him. “You need to come help with dinner. How is your headache?”
He sat up in bed. “All gone, actually. I really needed that nap.”
“Good, I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling better.”
He got up from the bed and ran his hands through his hair. He looked even better all rumpled like that on the bed. “I’ll be down in a minute. I just want to get cleaned up.”
“No problem. I will see you down there.”
I turned then and left him on the bed. I was so embarrassed that he had caught me staring at him. What was I thinking going in there and admiring him? I should have just called his name from the hallway. My face still felt hot with the embarrassment of him catching me. I just couldn’t help but look at him; he was so handsome.
I needed to be careful. I couldn’t fall for a guy like that. Many women had already fallen for that idiot, according to what social media posts have said. I’d read enough about him to know what his background with women was like and I wasn’t about to let myself fall into the same trap as they had. Other girls may have fallen for his good looks and charm, but I wasn’t about to be one of them.
I made my way back downstairs and joined Mandy and Matt on the patio where they were putting thick steaks on the grill. They looked delicious and very expensive. They had put together baked potatoes and a salad to go along with it. All in all, it looked great.
“We thought we had lost you,” Matt said with a wink.
“Yeah, I don’t think so. I just woke him from the dead; he’ll be down in a minute. He is feeling better, though.”
“That’s good,” Mandy said.
“Hey, guys!” We all turned to find Caleb behind us, looking refreshed. “Matt, good man on the steaks; they look amazing.”
“No problem. Since when do you take naps?”
Everyone laughed, “I guess this good boy routine is really starting to take effect on me now.”
“Don’t let it take you over, man.”
I laughed, and Caleb looked at me and smiled. “So, are we ready to get this party started or what?”