Eight
We finally stagger through our Hollywood hills home around four in the morning, tossing our heels on the floor and heading silently to our rooms. I crash hard and fast. Today has been physically and emotionally draining, but finally for the first time in a month, it’s in a good way.
No sooner than I fall asleep though that I’m bombarded with nightmares of Logan. He’s standing in the club watching me with Shayne, laughing and chastising me, telling me how I’m a slut just like him and gloating about how he’s ruined me for any other man. He tells me how they might please my body, but they’ll never be able to satisfy my heart.
When I wake in the early hours, I find my sheets drenched in sweat and have to strip my bed. I can’t escape him, and I suddenly feel sick about myself.
Was I a slut?
I’ve always judged girls who have sex with strangers. It grossed me out to think of sleeping with a guy who I knew nothing about; anything could happen. Now I seem to have succumbed to acting just like them. Imagine if I’d picked the wrong guy.
I take a shower to wash the stale sweat and the stagnant smell of Shayne from my body; it feels like I bathed in his cologne.
Just a few hours ago I’d felt like tonight was amazing. I thought I was finally taking down some of those emotional barriers I put up after Logan, yet now I’m regretting it all. My head is swimming with conflict, and I curse Logan for being able to ruin my night after everything that’s happened.
I shower quickly and make my bed with new sheets. It’s already getting light outside, but I fall back asleep within minutes. My mind is still ablaze with thought of Logan, Cara and Shayne.
~~~
The weekend passes quickly; although, lately it seems every day is one big blur. Brooklyn stays in the rest of the weekend, veg’ing out with me and watching shows we had on the DVR. With both of us working all week, it’s hard to find time to sit down and watch anything.
The weekend passes quickly; although, lately it seems every day is one big blur. Brooklyn stays in the rest of the weekend, veg’ing out with me and watching shows we had on the DVR. With both of us working all week, it’s hard to find time to sit down and watch anything.
We’re in the middle of making lunch and enjoying our final day of relaxation before it’s time to get back to work tomorrow, when Brooklyn’s phone rings. She mouths to me that it was her agent before answering it. Within seconds, she’s screaming across the kitchen and jumping around with excitement.
“Oh, my gosh, that is amazing! Yes, I'm so excited! I’ll be there bright and early Monday morning…thanks, bye.”
Brooklyn puts her cell phone on the kitchen counter and immediately starts screaming again, enthusiastically bouncing her way over to me. I get so wrapped up in her excitement that I start screaming and jumping around with her.
“Wait! Why are we jumping and screaming?” I can’t help but laugh at how silly we’re being. I have no idea what is going on right now, but her excitement is contagious.
“The most amazing thing ever just happened,” she cries, as she grips my shoulders and shakes me vigorously. “I went and auditioned last week for a small role on Criminal Minds; it’s only one episode. I’m going to be a kidnap victim who will be rescued by Shemar Moore and the other cast members!”
Her face flushes a deep red, and she starts bouncing on her toes giggling, “Shemar-freakin-Moore, Savannah! That smoking hot man is going to be like five feet away from me! I swear to God; I just died and went to Heaven.”
“Eeekkk!” I squeal with excitement as her contagious excitement has me bursting with joy for her. “Are you serious? That’s amazing, Brooklyn! Your parents are going to be so excited. After all this time of struggling things are finally looking up. I swear I would risk incarceration for the chance to touch Shemar Moore. When he says, “baby girl” he makes me tingle all over.”
I can’t believe this; Brooklyn is going to get to work on the same set as Shemar Moore.
That’s like dying and walking straight into Heaven.
Brooklyn instantly has to tweet it, post it on Facebook and text everyone in her address book, obviously. I think she would have been happy just getting a job as a corpse on the show, let alone actually getting an acting gig for the episode. Tons of stars started out like this; small guest roles on soap operas and primetime shows and before you know it, you’re one of Hollywood’s ‘A List’ actresses. Luckily for her, filming starts tomorrow. In a few weeks, she’s flying to Vancouver for her stunt double gig.
~~~
Monday comes quickly and goes just as fast. Brooklyn is up at five to head to the CBS studios ready to shoot Criminal Minds.
I have loads of time before I start work at eight, so I decide to go for a quick run. It’s incredibly therapeutic. I’m able to clear everything out of my mind and just relax; I focus on my breathing and the scenery around me. It beats the treadmill any day.
Everyone is already hard at work when I arrive; they’re busy putting the finishing touches to the January issue. Eloise is ahead of schedule, swearing she couldn’t have done it without my multitasking skills. I was able to help her organize the entire issue, so it’s basically ready to send to the publisher, only minor adjustments are needed this week.
Right after Thanksgiving, we’re all flying into Houston to stay at The Knox Hotel. One of the many Kayden and his father own worldwide. They’re on the Top 10 Best Hotels List for the Travel Channel and are certainly impressive.
He’s throwing a party at his night club to celebrate making number one on our list and being on the magazine cover. He’s been generous enough to book us all suites for the entire weekend.
It’s perfect timing to get away because I've been feeling so trapped here in Los Angeles; everywhere I go reminds me of Logan. My parents own a beach house in Galveston, just outside of Houston, on the Gulf of Mexico. I’m considering taking a few extra days off, and staying there for a week to get away from Los Angeles for a little while longer.
Brooklyn would be in Vancouver working, so instead of lying around my house in Los Angeles all alone, I can spend the week laying on the beach in Galveston and exploring Houston.
The Most Influential Men of 2012 Issue of Envy turns out amazingly. Eloise is thrilled, and all the blogs and news shows are buzzing about the issue.
Everyone has had their own predictions for who they think will get the title, and there have been some great guesses. It seems lots of people agree that Kayden Knox should be our number one.
When I watched E! News last night they were discussing the issue and the men who have graced the cover as number one over the last few years.
It’s the most incredible feeling in the world to know you work for such a fascinating and well respected magazine. To know I got to work so closely with Eloise Spaulding-Fisher, for the biggest issue of the year, is like winning the lottery.
Today, Eloise filmed interviews with Entertainment Tonight, Extra and E! News, announcing Kayden Knox as our number one man and releasing the cover for January’s issue that comes out December first. It’s perfect timing because we’re leaving tonight for the party he’s hosting tomorrow at his club.
Most people spend the day shopping Black Friday deals, trying to get the best sales of the season, but I am home, packing my suitcase to fly to Houston. Brooklyn and I went shopping last weekend to help me pick out the perfect dress to wear tomorrow. I have to look good; it’ll be the first time I’ve seen Kayden since the photo shoot.
We’ve talked a little over the last few weeks, but only to discuss the trip and his article. I couldn’t help but get butterflies every time a text came through and it was from Kayden.
There are twenty people flying in; Reagan will be coming, thankfully, so I’ll have someone I know with me.
I hear my cell beep, and I see it’s a text from the man himself.
Reagan:
You all packed yet? You know it’s going to be hot there, just toss some dresses, shorts, some Capri’s and a couple of tops, and your dress for tomorrow, obviously, into a bag and lets go. Why are women so high maintenance? You don’t need to pack your entire closet.
How does this man know me so well? I have two suitcases jammed almost to bursting. I’ve packed almost my entire closet, especially since I plan on staying at the beach house when everyone else flies back to Los Angeles.
Me:
I am all packed, for your information; I have two very stuffed suitcases ready to go, so get your butt over here and use your big manly muscles to help me load these into the taxi.
It only takes Reagan twenty minutes to get here; I really lucked out having a best friend who lives so close by, “Your chariot awaits my queen.” Reagan grabs my Louis Vuitton suitcases, while I carry my purse and hand luggage out to our cab; I didn’t want to chance leaving my Audi at the airport.
“Stop calling me that! I really need to think of a nickname for you that will completely and utterly drive you insane,” I roll my eyes and slap him on the arm. Tossing my overnight bag and purse onto the back seat, I slide into the back of the cab.
“Nope, sorry,” he says with a grin. “No. Can. Do. You’re stuck with that name for life. No other nickname would do justice for someone as glamorous and enchanting as you are.” He slides into the backseat next to me, giving my thigh a squeeze and flashing a quick smile.
“Oh, dear God, how am I ever going to survive an entire weekend with you? The mini bar better be stocked full of liquor, because you are definitely gonna drive me to drink.” I rest my head on his shoulder, and we ride in silence the rest of the way to the airport.
Eloise is flying in later tonight due to back to back interviews with entertainment shows. We plan on arriving into Houston around three o’clock and taking the free time to explore a little. Our flight leaves right on time, and I’m grateful there are no delays; one thing I cannot stand is being stuck in LAX for hours.
We land just a little after three; Reagan collects our bags like a gentleman, and we’re off to the hotel.
The hotel has a very modern feel to it, from the architecture itself to the furnishings and décor. It really is breathtaking, and I cannot wait to get into the spa. Kayden offered us a free spa package of our choice, and I planned on taking full advantage of it.
Reagan and I requested rooms side by side. We handed off our bags to the bellhop to bring up to our rooms, and headed inside the impressive hotel.
“This place is stunning! Can you believe that they have these hotels all around the world? It’s crazy.” I say to Reagan, as we walk through the lobby to check in.
“Can you imagine the amount of money it’s costing Knox for twenty Envy employees to have hotel rooms free of charge here? They’re like, what, four hundred dollars a night for one of our rooms? That’s not counting the spa treatments. Hello, Mr. Moneybags,” he remarks enthusiastically.
We check in quickly and head up to the fourth floor to find our rooms. We enter to find a continuation of the luxury inside; each room having floor to ceiling windows that overlook the city, and a cream colored chaise lounge in the corner of the room, placed perfectly in front of the windows. The armoire, bed and desk are all dark wood that accented the red, brown and cream bedding and decor.
I perch on the most comfortable king size mattress I have every laid on and know this is going to be a good weekend.
Reagan lets out a long whistle, “Now that is a view; I can’t wait to get out of this hotel and explore the city.”
“Me too; I haven’t been here since I graduated high school, when Brooklyn and I came and stayed at the beach house and partied the summer away,” The memories bring a smile to my face. “We have to go to Crave Cupcakes as soon as we leave here; I need to pick up a dozen red velvet cupcakes. Don’t worry, I will share…one.”
“I don’t know how the hell you eat like you do and not gain a single ounce,” Reagan says, eyeing me from head to toe.
“I’m blessed with a high metabolism,” I laugh. “The kick boxing class helps too. I just have to hang my dress up for tomorrow night, and then we can go. If you want to head over to your room, I’ll come over once I’m ready.”
“Okay, but don’t take forever. Are we going out to Knox’s club tonight? I need to find me a Southern belle to sweep off her feet.” He winks at me, flashing his boyish grin.
“Yeah, for sure, we can have dinner in the restaurant downstairs and then go out to the club.”
Reagan disappears to his room, and I quickly unpack my suitcases. I carefully hang up my dress for tomorrow night, touch up my makeup and change into jean Capri’s and a blue tank, with a little, white, short-sleeve cardigan and finally slip on my favorite sequin, Twisted Champions boat shoes.
I don’t think sweatpants and a tank top would have been appropriate to wear out to explore the city. I toss my iPhone and wallet into my, Michael Kors purse and head over to Reagan’s room.
The hallway is buzzing with people; a few from Envy, and other regular hotel guests. It occurs to me that it’s the day after Thanksgiving; so many of the hotels are probably packed full of people flying in for the holiday.
I’m shocked Kayden was able to take twenty rooms away from his regular guests for us.
“You scrub up well,” Reagan declares, looking me up and down as we walk out of the hotel and onto Houston’s bustling streets. “I thought maybe you were going to go get your cupcakes in your airplane attire.”
“Definitely not.” I glare at him. “Would you be too ashamed to walk with me if I was wearing sweats and tank top?”
He quickly spins his head towards mine, knowing to answer wisely for his own safety. “Even in sweats and a tank top you would still look amazing and cause every woman we pass to become sick with envy. That is the Gods honest truth, Scouts honor,” he says, holding his pointer and middle finger up in the air together, thinking he is so smooth.
“Boy Scout? Get real, Reagan,” I laugh a hearty laugh. “You were…never…a Boy Scout! I don’t think you’d last five minutes in the wilderness before you were begging to pay the Scout Leader any amount of money to bring you home.” I quicken my pace, trying to maneuver through the crowd of people walking along the sidewalk.
Reagan reaches his hand up and presses it against his heart dramatically, “Ohh that hurts Savannah, that really cut me deep. How could you think so…?”
Before he finishes he’s distracted by a tall brunette sashaying past us in mini skirt, sequin blouse and killer heels; the type of heel you don’t wear unless you want to be noticed. I smack his arm hard enough to help him regain his focus.
“Oh, what I was trying to say was, you really hurt my feelings… thinking so little of me. I could make it camping in the woods and, for, your information, Little Miss Southern Living know-it-all, I wanted to be a Boy Scout but my parents wouldn’t let me. They wanted me to focus on sports. Now is a different story, but back when I was in elementary school, I would have loved camping.”
We have so much fun just walking around and checking out all the different shops; we look around a few different art galleries before finally venturing to get my cupcakes.
I’m starving and definitely ready for some dinner, so we decide to head back to the hotel. It’s already seven when our cab drops us off back at Knox hotel, so we decide to eat in the hotel restaurant. I choose a mouth-watering shrimp and fettuccini alfredo that’s absolutely delicious and Reagan decides southwestern grilled chicken with rice.
Kayden runs his hotel well; the staff is courteous and forthcoming, offering their assistance whenever needed.
For dessert, we split a chocolate cake filled with hot fudge covered in whipped cream, chocolate syrup and cherries, with a side of vanilla ice cream; it was sinfully good.
“I’m going to go and take a quick shower, and then we can head out to the club; I feel grimy between the flight and sightseeing.” I run my fingers through my wind tangled hair as if to demonstrate my point.
“That’s fine; I’ll probably have one too, and I don’t want to smell bad if I end up bringing someone back here tonight.” He winks at me as a Cheshire cat grin spreads across his face.
“Okay, I’ll just text when I’m ready. Give me an hour ‘cause I have to redo my hair and makeup.” I say, as we step off the elevator and part ways.
A shower is exactly what I need. Actually a bath would be amazing; my entire body ached after all that sightseeing. I don’t think I’ll be doing much dancing tonight; more like lounging around enjoying the cocktails while I watch everyone else dance all night.
I slip on a pair of black strappy heels and a tight, black strapless dress. I style my hair in loose curls and clip a small black flower into my hair. I decide on a simple, elegant make up technique, opting for smoky eyes and clear lip gloss. It doesn’t take me long to perfect, and I send Reagan a quick text letting him know I’m ready to head out.
When we arrive at the club around eleven, it’s already packed. The line outside was huge, so I was grateful Kayden had put us on the VIP list. A few of our co-workers were already here, downing shots at the bar as we walk in.
I only realized a few weeks ago that Vertigo is part of Kayden’s chain. I love that club back home and am excited to experience the one here in Houston. Country music is blasting from the D.J.’s system; the club has more of a honky-tonk atmosphere compared to L.A.
Reagan reaches for my hand and drags me towards the bar, “We have to do some shots to kick-start our first night in Houston!” He motions for the bartender, and orders six shots of whisky.
“You guys are joining the fun I see,” Rebecca a stylist from Envy, slurs as she eyes the shots on the bar. “You need more than three to catch up with us Savannah; I’m already on my fifth,” she giggles as she sways to the music.
“Here you go, tip ‘em on back,” Reagan shouts over the music as he tilts his head back, letting the whiskey run down his throat.
“Here’s to Houston!” I shout back at him and toss back my shot. It burns like hell, but I know that, after a few more, they’ll go down like water. Before I know it there are six shots in my system, and I’m dancing, rather ironically, to Dierks Bentley’s Tip It On Back.
As the shots keep disappearing and the country music keeps playing, a few girls, including Rebecca, jump on the bar Coyote Ugly style and start dancing.
Rebecca shouts over toward the dance floor, “Come on Savannah, get your little ass up here and dance with us!”
I can’t help but laugh, and all my inhibitions fly out the window. With Reagan’s help, within seconds, I’m standing on the bar beside Rebecca.
“Oh man, I gotta post this to YouTube, and tweet it so Brooklyn can see this; she is going to flip her lid. She’s really going to be pissed that she’s missing this. One thing that girl loves is dancing on bars,” Reagan laughs, as he whips out his cell phone to record us all lined up on the bar dancing.
Everyone starts to crowd the bar, singing along with Big & Rich and hollering at us while we strut our stuff.
“Reagan, you better make sure my panties aren’t on show in that video,” I say, laughing hysterically on the bar.
“Don’t worry my Queen; your panties are not in camera view. That doesn’t mean we’re not all getting an eye full down here. I must say, black lace panties suit you.” He grins devilishly and gives me a quick wink.
I’m too drunk to care. I’m finally having fun and don’t have a worry in the world. The song ends, and the crowd roar as we all curtsy and hop off the bar.
“Thanks for livening up the evening,” the bartender says in a strong Southern drawl. “Free shots for you gals, on me.”
“Better slow down on the shots Savannah,” Reagan comments, shooting me a mean look. A small smirk is on his face as he tries so hard to look serious.
Gesturing over towards me with his thumb, he shouts to Rebecca, “Gotta watch this one, you know that song Tequila Makes her Clothes Fall Off? Well that’s the God’s honest truth for Savannah over here.” He swats me on the ass playfully. “If you can just try to not streak tonight, I don’t want to have to put that on YouTube,” he says, laughing a deep, hearty laugh.
“You wouldn’t dare,” I say smacking Reagan on the arm. “You know my father would kill you! He owns more shotguns than anyone I know,” I shoot him an evil glare, before bursting out laughing again.