31. Calla
THIRTY-ONE
CALLA
One month later
America’s Pop Princess is MIA.
Thompson Sledge ghosted on date with Calla James.
Is Calla James done with Hollywood?
“This is it!” I say excitedly as I turn in a circle in the middle of the living room.
“You’re sure?” Luke asks me.
I nod. “Positive. Do you love it?”
He wraps his strong arms around me. “I’d live in a box with you, Calla. I just want to make sure this is what you want. It’s a lot different from your house in L.A.”
My house in L.A. feels like a distant memory at this point, and it’s a place that I never ever want to go back to. I’ll sell it eventually, once more time has passed. “I know. I want different.”
He chuckles before he kisses my forehead. “Ok, I’ll let the realtor know.”
We’ve been casually looking at houses over the last few weeks. The cabin at the ranch has been wonderful, but I’m ready to come out of hiding and start living my life again. This house would be considered small by L.A. standards, but it’s perfect for us. It has four bedrooms and three and a half baths, a huge kitchen, a nice living area with extra large windows overlooking the property, and the most important thing: land.
This house sits on a big lot of land, and there’s not a neighbor in sight. We’ll have plenty of space to plant a garden, get chickens, or even build a barn for horses one day. I’d love that, honestly. After all the riding we’ve been doing on the ranch, I know Luke would love that, too. It’ll be a lot of work, but I think he’s up for the challenge.
Since we’ve been here, I’ve gotten a new phone. I started fresh, so I don’t have contact information for anyone but Luke and the people I’ve met here in Montana. It’s been nice being disconnected from the world, actually, and the people here are so friendly. Bud introduced us to our realtor, and his daughter Cassie has been wonderful showing us around town.
Two weeks ago, I caved and bought a new laptop. I created all new social media accounts and started posting stripped-down versions of me singing. Just me and my guitar. Some have been my popular songs, and some have been new songs I’ve been working on. It’s so freeing to be able to play whatever I want without any judgment.
A few days ago, I had a video call with a few executives from my label after they got a hold of me through my lawyer. I went into the call fully prepared for them to tell me they were dropping me.
They asked me what was going on with Brayden. Apparently, he had been acting very erratic and giving them the runaround, which is why they came directly to me. He’s likely freaking out because he can’t find me. He knows it’s over for us and that his money ticket is gone.
I explained what happened and that I’d no longer be working with Brayden, Ashley, or even my parents. They listened, horrified looks on their faces, and understood. Thankfully, I walked out of that meeting with hope again.
I told them I didn’t want to release any of the songs I recorded while I was on tour. They all felt too rushed and forced. Most of the team agreed. A few were hesitant, but in the end, they gave me an extension to write some songs that I’d actually be proud of. I sent them a rough demo of one song just this morning, and they’ve already responded with positive messages.
It feels like I’m turning a new leaf. I’m falling in love with myself and my life again.
Luke comes toward me looking so damn good in his wool jacket with snow flurries on his shoulders and the cowboy hat I made him get our first week here. He was hesitant at first, but after I made him fuck me while he was wearing it, he wears it every chance he gets.
He links his fingers with mine and brings my hand up to his lips. “Alright. She’s going to make the offer for us.”
I squeal with excitement. I never thought Montana would be where I ended up, but here we are, and I couldn’t be more excited.
“I hope we get it. This place is the dream.”
He spins me around so that I’m facing the back window, bringing my back to his chest and holding me in place.
“You’re the dream, Calla. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life.”
His hands settle on my stomach as we both look out into the backyard, imagining what it might look like one day.
“You thinking about babies, Mr. Pierson?” I tease.
“I’m thinking about babies, future Mrs. Pierson,” he confirms.
He hasn’t been shy about talking about a family we might have one day. He’s never pushed me, but honestly, the thought of having his baby makes me so excited. I’ve always wanted a family. Just a year ago, it felt so far off and now it feels like it’s all coming together.
Luke asked me to marry him only three days into our new life in Montana. Of course, I said yes. There’s not a doubt in my mind that this is the person I’m meant to spend my life with. I’m getting the chance to finally live the life I’ve always wanted. Music will always be a part of my life, but I’m not going to let it be my entire life anymore. I want to spend time with Luke. I want a house and a family and a farm.
Most importantly, I want to live my life on my terms.
“I love you,” I tell him as he nuzzles into my neck.
“I love you more, Calla. I never thought I’d have this in my life. Never thought I wanted it, honestly. Having you by my side has made me a better man. I’m grateful for you every single day.”
I smile and fight back the happy tears from his words.
“Oh, by the way. I talked with Thompson earlier. His car is now back in his garage. He wanted me to tell you to reach out if you ever need anything.”
I’m definitely still getting used to Luke and Thompson talking to each other without me being involved, but I haven’t given Thompson my new number and I don’t want to in case it gets in the hands of the wrong people. All communications have to go through Luke.
Thompson took a lot of shit when he had to walk out of that restaurant without me. The paparazzi went crazy with the photographs, but I’ll give it to Thompson; he played the distraught boyfriend very well.
Eventually his team issued a statement saying that we ended things amicably and both parties are taking time to reflect or something along those lines. It wasn’t until I started posting on my social media again that the headlines about me being missing went away. I turned off all comments, though, so I don’t have to deal with whatever the world wants to say about me. They can keep their thoughts to themselves.
“Did he say anything about Brayden or my parents?” I ask.
“Just that Brayden has asked him a few times if he’s heard from you, to which he could honestly answer no.”
“Good. That’s good.”
I’ve gotten emails from Brayden and my parents, but I started marking them as junk so I don’t even have to see them. Maybe eventually I’ll reach out to my parents, but not any time soon. It’s hard to forgive your own parents for allowing someone to hold you hostage in your own home. It was low even for them.
I’ve also got an appointment to meet with a therapist. I’m actually very excited about it, and I hope it helps me come to terms with everything.
Luke spins me back around and plants a kiss on my lips before grabbing my hand. “Come on. Bud is making barbecue tonight. We should get going.”
“Oooh, ok. My favorite night.”
“I guess I’m going to learn how to make it myself when we move into our house.”
“I guess so.”
He leads me back to our new car, and we drive back to the ranch to start the rest of our lives together.