Page 22 of Flawless Aria
When I feel cornered, I always push back. It’s not my most endearing quality. “And which rumor might that be, since there are so many of them floating around?” It’s obvious that Maggie and Rex were told to shut up and the reason for the reprieve.
“All of them, I’m afraid. Truth is, I’m not sure what’s true and what’s not. Let’s start with you sleeping with Rex. Stephanie dumping Jax for Trent. And your engagement is just to make Stephanie jealous, so she’ll take him back. Being you’re sisters and all.”
Wow. Just wow.
“Am I working forGlamifyor is thisPaparazzi Pandemonium? I’m just minding my own business and doing my job to the best of my ability every single day. Maybe you should be speaking to the loudmouths instead of the victim.”
I’m close to tears, but I’ll never let them fall. I won’t give him the satisfaction. Trent started this. I know he did. Stephanie is letting her new boy toy do all the dirty work so her hands stay clean.
“I’m sorry, Aria. Truly. Had I known that you and Trent had a half-ass connection, I might have looked elsewhere. I value your friendship and work ethic far greater than his. So, I’m here to make you a proposition.”
“I’m listening. Please continue.” I’m curious, not stupid, so I’ll hear him out.
“I’d like you to work from home, until things blow over. Two or three months tops should give me enough time to make the necessary changes. What I’m about to tell you is just between us. Understood?”
I nod in agreement, and for the next hour he tells me exactly what he plans on doing while I’m working in the comfort of my own home. I’m all for it, if he can pull it off.
As I’m driving home, I realize he mentioned something about running a few things by me, but never told me about his final decision. Would that have been discussed if I hadn’t accepted to work from home? Maybe, but now I shudder to think what would have happened if I didn’t. No sense dwelling on it. I’m still working forGlamify, and if he makes all the changes he mentioned, it will be a joy to go back into the office again.
I had so much on my plate today that Jax was the furthest thing from my mind, until I pull into my driveway. He’s sitting on the porch swing, waiting for me. And, immediately, his last voicemail comes to mind. About a spanking, I believe.
Today, tomorrow, or never!
“You should have called before coming over. I’ve had a hell of a day and I’m not in the mood for company.” Apparently, he’s not listening since he follows me inside.
14
JAXON
The other night,Aria needed someone to listen without judgment and be sympathetic to her circumstances. I was honored to be that someone. I’m also pissed that Silas removed her from the office before firing Maggie and Rex. Who initiated all of this bullshit to begin with? She wouldn’t go into detail, but she assured me they’ll get what’s coming to them. So, her spanking was put on hold. Not her words, mine.
I convinced her to embrace her newfound freedom since she can stay in her pajamas all day long while working from home. Not to mention that she’ll save on gas. It has its perks, but I know how she thrives on the hustle and bustle of the magazine, and she won’t get that from home. As long as she’s writing what she loves, she’ll be happy. From what I hear, her first week is going well.
Maybe I’m being a little selfish, but I’m hoping Silas would let her work from home a little longer so she could go on tour with us. There’s no better place to get some juicy stories than backstage at a heavy metal concert. Not sure if you could classify them as love and relationships, but they make for good reading material. I’ll need to run it by her next time we get together. It won’t be this weekend since Macy’s coming to town, so I’m on my own.
No worries since Mom’s stopping by in a few. Lucky me gets to tell her about the tour and how the wedding needs to be postponed. I’m sure that will go over big, but nothing I can do. It’s part of the job. Caleb’s famous last words.
While waiting for Mom, I decide to go through my drawers, closets, and bathrooms. Wiping out all traces of Stephanie. I’m hoping she grabbed everything. If not, it’s time to get rid of it. Pictures and all.
I start in my bedroom and I’m grateful when I don’t find a thing. Closets have been wiped clean. Moving on to the bathroom, I find a razor, old toothbrush, and half a bottle of body wash. All of it gets thrown in the trash. I rifle through all the drawers, but I’m saved by the bell. Feeling like I’ve been through the ringer, I open the door and am pulled into a great big hug.
“Hi, Mom. Glad you’re here.” I am, even though I know we’re going to butt heads. I’m surprised Mrs. Mitchell’s not here too.
“You okay?” She studies me like mothers do and decides not to push.
“I’m fine. You want something to drink? Coffee, tea? I have that water you like.”
“Nothing for me. Go ahead and grab something for yourself.” Nah, it’s too early to start drinking, so I pass.
“I’m good, too. Have a seat. Believe me, you’ll want to be sitting when I show you our grueling tour schedule.” I grab the paper off the fridge and hand it to her. No sense in beating around the bush.
“Oh, dear lord. This is unacceptable. Unless I’m reading it wrong, it appears you’ll be touring for over a year with no break.” Should I point out the few days we have off while traveling, or let her believe the wedding will need to wait?
What do you think?
“Mom, you know it’s always like this after releasing a new album. We need to promote the band, increase our exposure, and party with our amazing fans. It’s what I do for a living.”
“All valid reasons, son, but it’s not fair to Aria. Making her wait that long for her special day is going to be so devastating for her.”