CHAPTER SIXTEEN
ELISE
GIRLS NIGHT WAS our reset button. A breath of air between everything else life demanded.
No fans. No meetings. No pretending to be the perfectly polished versions of ourselves we gave to the rest of the world. Just silk bonnets, fuzzy socks, and enough takeout to make an extra hour of workout necessary.
Taylor Thorne, Kelsey’s ever-present bodyguard-slash-friend, leaned a hip against the counter Tuesday night, a strawberry pop tart in her hand.
Taylor had become our third wheel in the best way.
An honorary girls’ night member. She didn’t paint her nails or wear the occasional matching pajamas, but she was just as essential to the night as the pizza and wine.
I just finished setting out the popcorn on the table when the doorbell rang.
“Alessia’s here!” Kelsey announced, scurrying in her fuzzy slippers towards the front door. “Oh,” she paused to look at Taylor. “Remember, as far Alessia knows, you’re just another friend of mine.”
“So you mean I can’t tell her that I’m actually your bodyguard because you’re a world famous popstar with a double identity?” Taylor asked, smirking.
“No.” Kelsey playfully glared at Taylor. “At least not until I feel comfortable enough to trust her with my secret.”
“Who knows, we might scare her away with our matching pajamas and love for Disney movies, so you won’t have to worry about telling her your secret.” I chimed in, jokingly.
Truth was, I really hoped Alessia enjoyed herself tonight. I didn’t know anything about her other than she was kind and could double fist bottles of wine like a pro, but I had a feeling she might just survive our chaos without running for the hills.
Kelsey released a breath before she opened the door. Alessia stood outside dressed in a cute lavender lounge shorts set, her curly hair pulled back in a ponytail and a bottle of Sangria in her hand.
“I came bearing gifts.” Alessia held up the bottle for all of us to see.
“And just like that, you’re my new best-friend.” I stepped closer, took Alessia’s hand and pulled her inside.
Taylor leaned against the counter, arms crossed, one eyebrow arched. “And here I thought you couldn’t get any more extra.”
“Extra is my middle name,” I shot back, waving a hand dramatically. “The first activity of the night is karaoke with kitchen utensils.”
Alessia laughed nervously, shoving a hand into the pocket of her shorts. “I’m a terrible singer.”
“Oh, we all are.” I waved her off.
“Speak for yourself.” Kelsey grinned and I rolled my eyes.
“If you can survive one night with us, you’re basically family. Also, bonus points if you can drink two glasses of wine without crying over a rom-com.”
Alessia’s laugh got a little louder. “Okay, I think I can do that.”
“You already know Elise, but this is Taylor, a really good friend of mine.” Kelsey motioned to Taylor who hadn’t moved from her spot from the counter.
“Hey.” Taylor lifted her chin in acknowledgement before taking another bite of her Pop-Tart.
“Now that everyone is here, let’s get this night started!” Kelsey bounced towards the couch where her favorite peach blanket awaited her.
“Thanks again for the invite.” Alessia said once she had settled on the opposite end of the couch with the glass of sangria Taylor had poured for her. “I’ve been so busy working, I haven’t had time to go out and meet new people.”
“Of course. We’re glad you could make it. Where did you move from?” Kelsey wondered.
“New York.”
“Ooh, that’s one of my favorite places to visit.” Kelsey said.
“What about you guys? Have you always lived in California?” Alessia wondered.
“No,” I sighed. “Though it was probably for the best since I was the ultimate fangirl in my early teens.”
“You say that like you’re not a complete fangirl now.” Taylor interjected.
“It’s more manageable now.” I defend before looking back at Alessia. “But to answer your question, Kelsey and I are both from Florida.”
“Yeah. Elise born and raised. I, on the other hand, moved there from Georgia when I was twelve to live with my grandma. It’s how Elise and I met. We went to the same junior high school.”
“Parents?” Alessia raised a brow.
“My dad is still alive. My mom is dead.” Kelsey explained and I kept my expression neutral.
Mrs. Henderson was definitely still alive and kicking, but to Kelsey, she was six feet underground and knowing their history, I don’t blame her for the narrative she decided to tell everyone.
“And maybe if you get me drunk enough, I might just tell you the whole story one day.” she adds.
“Oh please. If there’s one thing I know about, it’s interesting family relationships.” Alessia said, taking a sip of her Sangria.
“Speaking of interesting,” Kelsey stared pointedly at me. “What’s going on between you and Nathan Edge?”
Heat rushed to my cheeks at the sound of his name.
“Whose Nathan?” Alessia questioned.
“Nathan Edge. Elise’s sexy as hell as boss.”
I shook my head, not bothering to correct her. Because let’s be real, he was sexy as hell.
“Wait, Nathan Edge? As in the CEO of Edge Records?”
“The one and only.” I confirmed.
“He came to the opening of The Upper Echelon and I had to serve him and I overfilled his cup because I was so distracted from how hot he is.”
I laughed, and Kelsey and Taylor joined in.
“I guess it’s comforting to know I’m not the only one he has that effect on.” I replied. “And there’s nothing interesting about our relationship. He’s my boss and I’m his assistant.” I insisted.
“Which is why he conveniently showed up at our place the same day you had a date planned?” Kelsey challenged.
“He had no idea I was going on a date,” I defended.
“So you say,” Kelsey shrugged.
“I’d just like to point out that you haven’t called him Mr.Asshole in two weeks, which is highly suspicious.” Taylor chimed in.
“Shut up and eat your Pop Tart, Tay.” I grumbled at Kelsey’s bodyguard. “Honestly, I don’t know why you guys keep asking about Nathan. There’s nothing to tell.”
“Oh, please,” Kelsey shot back, pointing a finger. “You’re blushing. That’s something. You don’t blush over someone you hate.”
Taylor smirked from her counter perch. “Yeah, Elise. That glow isn’t from the drink, it’s from the sexy CEO himself.”
I groaned, covering my face with my hands. “Ugh, you two are impossible. It’s purely professional. Nothing else. Got it?”
“Whatever you say, Elise.” Kelsey clearly didn’t believe me, but I couldn’t blame her since I didn’t quite believe it myself.