Allison

Pack Up, We’re Going To So Cal

I turn to David who is perched on the edge of the couch waiting to hear what we are doing and why I have our suitcases out. “We’re going to Montana for a while until this all blows over. You’re going to have to miss the last two days of school.”

“That’s cool, but Montana? Sounds boring.” One side of his lip lifts like it does when I cook Brussels sprouts for dinner.

“It won’t be boring, I promise. Ridge lives in a mansion on a ranch. It’s not a log cabin in the wilderness, David.”

“Still, what am I supposed to do all the time while you two are doing… whatever you guys do?”

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe swim in the Olympic-size pool, ride horses, drive a tractor, play video games with Cannon, watch movies in their home theater… do I need to go on?”

“No, no, you had me at drive a tractor,” he says smiling. That smile brings my stress level down and joy to my heart, it always has. Everything I’ve done since our father died was for David. If I screwed up his life by falling in love with the wrong man, I’d never forgive myself.

“We need to pack. I have some phone calls to make. He said to be ready at seven tomorrow morning, and I’d pack for two weeks.”

“Two weeks!” he says jumping up from the couch.

“We might not be gone that long but just in case. And we might not stay in Montana the whole time either so pack some summer clothes, too.”

“Where else are we going?”

“He mentioned a tropical vacation, but nothing’s set in stone yet.”

“Tropical like Jamaica or Hawaii?”

“Those are very expensive places, don’t get your hopes up.”

“Okay, anywhere is cool considering I’ve never been out of New York.”

That stings a little. I’ve never been able to afford a real family vacation. It’s been a struggle enough to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads.

“Sorry, I wasn’t trying to make you feel bad.” He puts his arm around my shoulders for a squeeze. “This will be cool, and I finally get to meet this guy you’re always flying off to see.”

I snuggle against him for a moment and pat his chest. “I think you’ll like him. He’s a good guy.”

“Cool. I’m gonna shower and pack. What’s for dinner?” I roll my eyes. This kid eats more than a small village.

“I don’t know yet. I’ll see what we have.”

I go into my bedroom and shut the door to call my boss. I make up a lie about needing time off. She wasn’t happy, in fact, she was downright rude, but she gave me the rest of the week off so I can’t complain. Now I’m calling Grace to see if she knows anything about the damn reporters outside Ridge’s and my door.

“Hey, what’s up?” she says.

“Well, thirty plus reporters were outside my door when I got home for starters. Have you heard anything around the office about Caroline digging into Ridge’s past?”

“You have paparazzi outside your apartment? What the hell?”

“My words precisely.”

“What do they want?”

“Information about Ridge. They still act like he was found guilty. It’s ridiculous. I didn’t think anybody would care after all this time, but apparently, they’re still siding with Livi.”

“I haven’t heard anything at work today, but it’s too big of a coincidence that Caroline asked you about Ridge today and now your apartment’s swarming with reporters.”

“They’re at Ridge’s in Montana, too.”

“No, shit? Is his boss pissed?”

“I don’t think so. The house is set a couple of miles from the main road, so they aren’t near the house, and Ash knows about Ridge’s past. He’s very understanding.”

“Well, that’s good anyway. So what are you going to do?”

“I just called in at work and told them I had a family emergency and wouldn’t be in the rest of the week. Can you back me up on that in case anyone asks?”

“Sure, but are you going to stay holed up in your apartment until they go away? Because I know a couple of reporters, and they can be stubborn… they’ll wait forever.”

“No, we’re going to Ridge’s in the morning.”

“Won’t that look suspicious if the reporters see you leaving with suitcases? Oh, and showing up at Ridge’s will make it even worse. I’m pretty sure Caroline will know you were lying about your boyfriend by the end of the day tomorrow.”

“Maybe sooner. I defended him to the reporters tonight. I didn’t say anything about our relationship, but I reminded them that he was found not guilty. I might not have a job to come back to next week.”

“I told you she can’t fire you for that. It doesn’t even make sense to. She’d be losing a great connection to a story it sounds like she wants to tell. She needs you.”

“But I lied to her face, and I just lied to my boss about a family emergency. I don’t even have family in Montana, but my aunt just fell ill and is on her deathbed there.”

“They let you off for two days for a dying aunt? I couldn’t even get one day when my grandpa died to go to his funeral. Something about that smells fishy. Maybe Caroline wants you to go to Montana so she can prove you’re Ridge’s girlfriend and pump you for information when you get back?”

“You could be right, and that’s why Melissa was so rude to me. She’s being forced to give me the time off when we have a million things on the schedule this week.”

“Yep, you’re screwed. You guys should meet somewhere instead of going to the ranch.”

“That’s a good idea. We were thinking about going on vacation anyway. I need to call Ridge.”

“Okay, honey. Be safe wherever you go, and call to let me know you’re all right tomorrow.”

“I will, thanks, Grace.”

“No problem. Bye.”

“Bye.” I hang up and dial Ridge’s number.

“What’s wrong?” he says again when he answers.

“You know you can say hello before you go asking me that, don’t you?”

“Hello, what’s wrong?”

“Hi, and nothing, well sort of. I was just talking to Grace, and she made a couple of good points.”

“I’m listening.”

“First of all, it’s hard to get time off at work, and they gave me two days off with no questions asked. Grace thinks my boss might be trying to set a trap with the reporters to prove we are dating. If they see me leave here and arrive there, well you know, one and one make two.”

“Why do you think your boss cares if we’re dating?”

“The article… she wants to open things back up just like you thought. If she proves we’re dating, she can lean on me hard about getting an interview.”

“That does make sense. You made a couple of good points. What’s the other one?”

“She suggested we meet somewhere instead of going to the ranch. It’ll throw the reporters off.”

“I was thinking about that myself. Ash has a vacation home in California. I’ve already made the arrangements, but you’ll still need to be ready at seven, okay?”

“I will, thanks for keeping a level head. I don’t know how you dealt with all of this when you went to trial.”

“It was a miserable time in my life, that’s why I’ve worked so hard to stay out of the public eye. I don’t want you to worry about it, though. We will do our best to avoid the media until they find something else to sink their teeth into. Now go pack and get some sleep. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Good night.”

“Good night, angel.”

When my bags are packed, I peek through my peephole and see that several reporters are still sitting in the hall, but not nearly as many as earlier. I hope they enjoy sleeping on filthy, cold floors in one of New York’s highest crime areas. I sure as hell wouldn’t be caught dead out there. We’re safe behind two deadbolts, two regular locks, and a chain, but they aren’t.

In the morning, David and I eat a quick breakfast, and at seven o’clock on the dot, there is a knock at my door. We were ready to go, coats on, bags by the door. I thought we would have to deal with the reporters, but Ridge sent a huge and very intimidating man to escort us to the car.

The reporters weren’t quite as verbal this morning, but the cameras were flashing like we were on the red carpet at the Grammys. It was ridiculous. Once safe inside with dark windows to block their view, I look at David, and he is smiling ear to ear. “What’s with you?” I ask.

“It’s kinda lit. Like we’re celebrities or something.”

“Were you smiling like that all the way out?”

He smiles even wider if that’s possible, “Yep,” he says proudly.

“You’re such a goof.”

“Yeah, but you love me.”

I pull him against me in a side hug. “I’m your sister. It’s a requirement.”

“Gee thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” It’s a quiet ride to the airport. I’m thinking about what I’m going to tell my boss when she calls because it’s only a matter of time until she does. By the time we’ve boarded the jet, I have decided to tell the truth. I wanted to protect his privacy, pure and simple. It’s none of their business who I date anyway.

The five-and-a-half-hour flight feels like ten. I didn’t sleep well last night falling into a fitful sleep around four. But no matter how tired I am, I can’t sleep on a plane.

When we land, it’s noon, which is three o’clock in New York but may as well be midnight for me. I need a bed, but that’s not happening for a while. When we are inside the airport, I turn my phone back on, and there is a message from Ridge telling me what gate he will be at and when. We take a seat at his gate, and it dawns on me that he probably never takes commercial flights. He has a jet readily available, why would he? I wonder if he’s miserable.

We sit and people watch while we wait. The people in California are so different from New Yorkers. Strangers smile and make eye contact, people aren’t in such a rush like they’re at home, and everyone looks fit and tan. I think I love California.

“Do you think we’ll see any celebrities?” David asks in a hushed voice.

“Celebrities are just people like you and me,” I whisper back unsure of why we are lowering our voices.

He answers in his normal voice when he realizes there’s no need to be quiet. “No they aren’t, I can’t act or sing, and I don’t have a million dollars like they do.”

“Yeah, but they don’t know how to play football like you do, and they aren’t as handsome as you are.”

“Stop it. You’re just saying that because you’re my sister.”

“Maybe so, but it’s still true.”

“Hey, the door’s opening. I think your guy’s flight landed,” he says pointing at the door to the jet way.

“Oh good, wait here, I’ll be right back.” I stand and walk to the area just outside the door. When I see him in a baseball hat, jeans, and a MU sweatshirt, I grab his hand. He’s trying to blend in, his identity may be safe, but it’s fruitless to try to hide his presence. A definite air of authority and masculinity surrounds him everywhere, and that doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by the female population—six or seven of which are already gawking when he steps into the airport.

I haven’t had to deal with this before. We have always spent time together on the ranch or in the small town nearby. It’s weird seeing him anywhere else.

“Hey there, stranger, do you want to come home with me?” I ask as he wraps his arms around me. He doesn’t answer, but instead, he stares at me reverently as if he hasn’t seen me in months or years instead of a week.

“You, beautiful woman, are a sight for sore eyes. I’ve missed you.”

“I just saw you last weekend, Ridge.”

“So? That was four days ago, and I’ve done nothing but worry about you since the damn reporters started hanging out at your door.”

“Well, I’m here now all ready to be protected.”

He tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear and caresses my skin along my jawline with the back of his knuckle. “You’re even more beautiful than you were four long days ago.”

I make a pfft sound, and he quiets my disbelief with a kiss that will make all of the hot and bothered gawkers want to go straight home to get into bed with their husbands or boyfriends. When he moves away, I whimper, and the corner of his mouth tips up in a satisfied smirk.

“Come on. My brother’s probably dying of embarrassment after watching that kiss.”

“He’s sixteen, isn’t he? It would have taken a lot more than that to embarrass me when I was his age.”

“Yes, but I’m his sister. I think it’s different.”

“You’re probably right, where is he?”

“Right here,” David’s voice comes from behind Ridge where he is now standing with our bags. They have been introduced on the phone and spoken a couple of words to each other, but this is the first time they’ve met in person.

“Oh, David, I thought you were still sitting down.”

“Nope, I thought I might have to break you two up. The flight attendant looked like she was going to pass out and those two over there…” He nods his head to his left across the aisle, “… they haven’t stopped talking about you since you came through the door.”

Ridge laughs. I love the sound of his deep, sexy laugh. He doesn’t do it enough. “I guess I should thank you for saving me from these wretched women.”

“No problem. Let’s get outta here. I want to go to the beach.”

“I don’t know if we’ll have time to go to the beach today, David. It’s getting late, and I’m dead on my feet.”

“Oh, he can see the beach whenever he wants. Ash’s house is right on the water. The sound of the waves will put you to sleep at night.”

“Cool, let’s go.”

“Those waves can put me to sleep right now.” I can’t remember ever being so tired.

“Okay, let’s get going. There’s a car waiting outside.”

“Don’t you have any other bags?” I ask not wanting him to forget his luggage in this huge airport.

“No, I travel light and buy anything I forget.”

“My sister doesn’t think like that. She brought everything she owns,” David says rolling his eyes.

“Women need more things than us guys, and I didn’t pack that much. One suitcase and a carry-on, that’s it,” I defend myself.

“One heavy-as-hell suitcase and a carry-on that feels like it’s full of bricks.”

“It’s all right, let me.” With his duffle slung over his shoulder, he takes my carry-on bag and suitcase from me and starts pulling them toward the exit in true alpha-male style. I like that he’s a take-charge kind of man. It makes me feel safe and loved. After the last few days, I could use some pampering.

David and I hurry to follow Ridge, and David gives me a look of approval. Without a doubt, I knew they would like each other. Ridge is easy to respect, and David is laid back and easy going.

When we are outside, the driver of a sleek black town car hops out and opens the back door for us. The three of us sitting in a row would feel awkward, and David realizes this. “Can I sit up front? Sitting in the back makes me want to hurl.”

The driver looks panicked and quickly opens the front door for David who sits down and winks at me. When Ridge and the driver have our suitcases in the trunk, and we are on our way, I rest my head on Ridge’s shoulder.

“You are tired, aren’t you?” he asks reaching across to cup my cheek and tilt my face up to his.

“I couldn’t sleep last night, and I don’t sleep on airplanes so yeah, I’m ready for bed like yesterday.”

“I can arrange for that to happen in approximately,” he looks at his Rolex watch that I have never noticed until now. “Twenty-eight minutes barring any major traffic problems.”

“Thank you, Ridge, I know I keep saying it, but I am grateful for the rescue effort. I need a vacation. It’s been…” I think back to the last time I had a vacation, and I can’t remember ever going on an actual vacation. I’ve had plenty of stay-cations where I use my vacation time to deep clean the apartment or do errands that I never have time to do, but no actual time away somewhere nice where I can relax.

“You haven’t gone on vacation since you started taking care of me,” David says from the front seat. “And before that, I think we only went to visit Granny with Dad one time for a week when she was sick. That wasn’t much of a vacation, though.”

“You’ve never been on a real vacation?” Ridge asks.

“I guess not now that David pointed it out.”

“Wow, and I thought I was a workaholic.”

“We don’t all get to work for billionaires who have private jets and summer homes in California.”

“The jet is a great perk of the job. Stella doesn’t know about the house yet, though. They came out and looked at places but couldn’t find one they liked enough to buy. Stella would like to live in Malibu someday. She’s enamored by the ocean and beach.”

“Stella hasn’t seen the house yet? Shouldn’t they stay in it first before we do?”

“Ash told me to consider it work. We are officially here to make sure it’s a place Stella will love.”

“I don’t know Stella enough to know what she will love.”

“That’s okay, I do. And if it’s as close to the ocean as it looks in the online pictures, she’ll adore it.

Well, I’ve only seen the Atlantic Ocean from the city and once when my dad took me to the New Jersey Shore for a weekend, and I wasn’t wild about it. Maybe the Pacific will be different.”

“I’m sure you’ll think so, especially from this house.”

The guys chat about this and that during the rest of the drive, and I doze in and out trying to keep up with the topic of discussion and failing miserably.

“Here we are,” Ridge announces. I open my eyes as he is opening the window. “Smell that ocean air?”

All I can see from where I’m sitting are bright blue skies and puffy white clouds. It looks like pure heaven. David hops out as soon as the car stops, and I hear him outside oohing and ahhing about the ocean.

“This is where we’re staying?” David asks with disbelief.

“Yes, and the beach is private,” Ridge adds sliding out of the car and holding his hand out for me.

When I step out, I hold my hand over my eyes shielding them from the sun. This place is breathtaking, far from what the ocean looks like back home. There is blue for as far as the eye can see—blue water, blue sky, even the house is a pale shade of blue. The beach is like a tan line drawn down the center of a blue canvas.

“Ridge, it’s beautiful. And the house, I thought we would be staying in a small cottage near the beach. This is another mansion.”

“Ash doesn’t do cottages.”

“I can see why Stella loves this ocean. I would want to live in Malibu, too.”

He turns to me with a look of intense curiosity. “You would? I thought you loved the city.”

“I live in the city. I never said I loved it. I had no idea what I was missing.” I push my hair back away from my face and hold it back behind my head. The wind is whipping it every which way making it hard for me to see. “This place looks like how I imagine Heaven.”

He looks out over the water and leans against the open car door. “Yeah, I think you’re right, but I’d add one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Horses, I’d ride them on the beach every morning if I lived here.”

“You might talk like an English major and wear fancy suits, but you’re a cowboy at heart, aren’t you?” He smiles and pulls me in for a long hug.

“Yes, I guess I am.” He kisses the top of my head, and when he moves away, I sag against him. “Let’s get you inside.”

“Okay.”

With the help of the driver, we make it inside and abandon our bags at the front door. If I was impressed with the outside of this home, I’m taken aback by the inside. The entire back of the house is made of glass. It’s built on a cliff, and you enter high up, and inside there is a long landing with a winding staircase that takes you down into a wide-open concept home. The living room, kitchen, and dining room are sprawled out to our right, and a set of massive glass doors open out onto a deck with stairs that lead to the beach. It’s beautiful and lavish and over the top, but knowing Ash and Stella own it, makes it less flashy.

“I can show you to the bedroom if you want to nap for a while,” Ridge offers, but I am drawn to the ocean like a magnet. Without stopping, I head straight to the glass doors and open them wide making the muffled sound of the ocean loud and clear. I step outside and take a deep breath of sea air, and every muscle in my body relaxes.

“Or we can come out onto the deck,” he says with a chuckle. David is already down on the sand taking off his shoes and rolling up his pants.

“Be careful, David!” I call out. He may be sixteen, but he’s only been in the ocean two or three times. I’m not sure he knows how powerful it can be. Hell, I’m not sure if I know how powerful it can be.

“He’s fine, the water’s calm,” Ridge says rubbing circles on my back. “Why don’t you stretch out on a lounger, and I’ll go make us some drinks.”

“Okay.” I do as he suggests and plant my butt on a lounge chair near the glass barrier that keeps a person from plummeting down the rocks to the beach so I can watch David.

“How’s the water?” I call when he wades into his knees.

“Cold, but doable,” he yells back. The soft lull of the ocean and the sound of seagulls makes me feel like I’m melting into the lounge chair becoming one with the soft cornflower blue cushions.

“Here you go,” Ridge says handing me a martini.

“Thanks. I can’t believe I was in the cold, dark city just a few hours ago. It feels like two different worlds.”

He sits in the chair next to mine watching David on the beach. “That’s because it is. Money might not be able to buy love, but it makes the world more beautiful that’s for sure.”

“How much does a house like this cost?” I ask purely out of curiosity. I wouldn’t even bother to dream of affording something like this.

“I think he gave ten million for it,” he says like it’s nothing.

I sit up sloshing a little of my martini on my shirt. “Ten million dollars? And they aren’t even going to live here?”

He smiles and takes my drink to set it on the stone table between us. “It’s going to be a gift for Stella.” He shrugs like that should explain how someone buys a ten million dollar beach house and leaves it empty most of the year. “And it won’t sit empty. He’s going to let Charlotte and Beau use it when they want and rent it out occasionally.”

“I feel guilty sitting on her deck before she has had a chance to.”

“Don’t, she doesn’t want to be anywhere but the ranch with her husband and her new baby right now. Besides, Ash is having a lot of modifications done to the house to make it safer for children. This glass barrier for one.” He reaches out and taps the top of the glass, which any small child could easily fall over at its current height.

I nod in agreement. Now that I think about it, the staircase inside isn’t safe, and neither are the stairs down to the beach or the infinity pool that takes up a significant portion of the deck to our right. And I haven’t even seen the rest of the house. It could be riddled with safety hazards around every corner. It’s a house built for its beauty and architectural assets, not for a growing family.

“The work will take a few months, and I know Stella is stressed with the baby and school. It’ll be a while before they make it out here.”

“Should I keep it to myself?”

“Yes, he hasn’t told her about it yet.”

“Okay.”

David comes running up the stairs from the beach. “Hey guys, there’s a fire pit down there. We can have a bonfire at night,” he says. His excitement is bubbling over, and I love seeing him this happy.

“There’s one up here, too,” Ridge says pointing toward the infinity pool and a large brick pit with comfortable chairs surrounding it.

“Cool! I’m kinda thirsty, is there anything to drink in the kitchen?”

“Yes, it’s full of different things. I wasn’t sure what you both liked, so I had them stock it with a variety.”

“Awesome.” And he’s gone.

“Who’s ‘them’?”

“Ash hired some caretakers to look after the place when no one is here. They shopped for us this morning and stocked the kitchen.”

“Ah, I see,” I reply, but I don’t. I’ve never known such luxuries—private jets, million dollar beach homes in Malibu, billion dollar ranches in Montana, and sports cars. It’s a far cry from the ghetto of New York where I grew up that not only do I feel guilty for being in Ash and Stella’s new house before them, I just feel guilty.

There are people who could benefit from much less than what Ash spends on, on… hell, on anything. Suddenly, sitting on the deck of a million dollar home in Malibu, I have the burning desire to start a charity.

“Ridge?”

“Yes.”

“I want to start a charity for underprivileged and homeless kids.”

He frowns looking at me with concern. “Allison, I think you’re more tired than I thought. Let’s take your martini into the bedroom so you can rest.”

“What? No, I’m serious. This isn’t because I’m tired. It’s because when I see how much some people have, knowing how little others have, it makes me want to do something about it.”

He’s quiet for a while observing me. I sit back in my chair swiping my glass off the table and downing my martini in one drink. My eyes water, but I don’t let on that it burned all the way down. I feel stubborn and defiant and yes, maybe a little overly tired.

“All right,” he says after a time.

I roll my head on the chair to face him. “All right, what?”

“All right, I’ll help you start a charity for underprivileged and homeless kids.”

“You will?” I squeal, and with a burst of energy, probably my last for the day, I jump into his lap and snuggle against his chest.

“You guys gonna make out? Cuz I can show myself around and find an X-box or something,” David says standing on the threshold of the glass doors holding a can of Dr. Pepper.

“No, I’m going to put your sister to bed, and I’ll give you a tour and show you your room which, by the way, has an X-box One and a PlayStation 4 with all your favorite games.”

“What? Cool! I was worried this vacation was gonna be lame.”

“David.” I try to say sharply, but it comes out weak and pathetic.

“It’s okay, he doesn’t know we are cool adults yet, he’ll learn. Stay here, I’ll be right back,” he says to David.

David takes a swig of his soda and plops down in a chair to watch the setting sun. “Okay.”

“Come on now, up with you.” Ridge pats my thigh encouraging me to stand, and I drag my self up off of his lap.

Walking by David, I touch him on the shoulder. “David, don’t go in the water unless you tell one of us. Oh, and don’t leave without telling one of us either, okay?”

“Yeah, I’m not going anywhere. Geesh, you sure are overprotective all of a sudden. If I can take care of myself in the streets of New York, I think I can handle being on a beach in Malibu.”

“I know, but the ocean can be dangerous, and you don’t know the area.”

“He will be fine, don’t worry. We can rest up tonight, and I have plans for us tomorrow,” Ridge says rubbing my back.

“What kind of plans?” I ask.

“The surprise kind of plans.” He taps the tip of my nose like a child and leads me inside. “As you can see, this is the kitchen, living room, and dining area,” he says with a sweep of his hand. “The bedrooms are upstairs, this way.” He leads me up the stairs, and my legs feel more and more like lead with every step.

At the top, the landing leads to the front door to our left or down a short hall on our right that branches off into four bedrooms. He leads me to the master suite and opens the door. Like the rest of the house, it’s breathtaking. The view of the ocean through more floor-to-ceiling windows is spectacular. The king-size bed faces the window so that the first thing you will see when you open your eyes in the morning is the ocean. The furniture is modern and angular, not my taste, but beautiful for someone else. The color scheme is similar to the rest of the house—silver, slate blue, powder blue, and dark wood furniture.

“There’s a balcony out there,” he says pointing toward the windows. “And the bathroom is through here.” He walks to the other side of the room and opens a door. “The closet is here,” he says tapping the closed door. “But you don’t care about any of that, do you?” he says narrowing his concerned eyes again. “Come on into bed.” He walks to the bed and pulls back the covers inviting me in.

“You don’t have to ask me twice,” I say kicking off my shoes and crawling into bed. He bends down to press a soft kiss on my lips, and when he straightens up, I catch his wrist before he walks away. “You’ll keep an eye on David for me? I know he’s fifteen but I worry. He’s never been on vacation, and kids get bored and start to look for things to do…”

“Shush, I got this. Get some sleep, and we will have a late dinner when you get up.”

“Okay,” I say through a yawn and watch as his perfect backside walks away from me.