CHAPTER 15
ELLEN
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
No matter how busy she was, Ellen had one rule: never work on a Friday night. Her ADHD brain needed this break to avoid burnout. So, she treated herself, cozied up in her armchair in the living, reading a romance she became obsessed with.
She still hadn’t had the chance to see Roxy since coming back from LA, and it was bothering her. A lot. They exchanged texts and vocal messages, sometimes playing with the line of the flirt without crossing it.
Leah and Taylor were still in town and staying at Ellen's place.
This feeling of being surrounded by them in its early days in Sydney made Ellen truly happy.
Taylor allowed her to stay grounded and prevent a downward spiral that could so easily have happened.
Even so, Ellen tried to remain discreet about whatever was going on between Roxy and her.
"Tried" was the right word, because Taylor didn't need words to understand: she just needed feelings.
Ellen stiffened immediately when her phone alerted, drawing Taylor's attention, who was seated at the kitchen island with Leah. "What's going on?"
"Uh, it's Roxy. They just invited me to a game night at her place tomorrow."
"Who are 'They?'"
"Wait a second…" A new notification sounded. "Charles and her. She says he can't wait to meet me."
"Okay. That's weird. Interesting, but weird. Do you want to go?"
"Yes, because I'd like to see her. But I am not quite sure how I need to interpret this. Is this a new method of friend-zoning someone? Inviting someone to her place when the partner is there?"
"Maybe they just want a threesome after all," Taylor joked.
"Taylor, it's not funny," Leah said with concern, as she switched into "protect Ellen" mode.
Ellen knew Taylor was just joking, but she wondered what Roxy was after. Taylor stood up, walked up to Ellen, hugged her, and whispered in her ear, "I'm sorry. It was a dumb joke."
Ellen nodded with a tiny, fake smile, like "Let's forget about it." Taylor picked up her plate and headed to the kitchen sink to wash the dishes. "Anyway, a +1? Optional, but highly recommended?" Ellen asked, looking at Leah.
Taylor responded first, suggesting, "You know, that might not be a bad idea. It could help you feel more comfortable, especially since you don't know what she told Charles to justify your presence in her life."
"The short answer is we met through work, which is accurate."
"I agree with you, Twinie, but sometimes we sabotage ourselves," replied Taylor as she was washing the glasses. "Would you like me to come with you?"
And then, Leah dropped her bombshell. "Bad idea.
You know I love you, Tay, but what do you think will happen if Ellen brings Taylor Caldwell to a party?
" Which was an excellent point. Taylor often became the centre of attention in a group, considering her status as a rock star, even when she didn't want to. "Let's do better. I'll go with you."
At that moment, the sound of breaking glass echoed through the room, as if Taylor had accidentally dropped a glass.
"Fuck, Twinie! I'm so sorry. Damn it." Taylor turned and looked at Leah.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Taylor was extremely concerned because she knew Leah was still in love with Ellen.
"Wouldn't it be weird for me to bring my ex to my crush's house who might be interested in me?"
"No way! We're friends, right? That's it. No discussion, I'm coming with you." Leah glanced at her watch and finally said, "Let's go, Tay. We're going to be late for the show. Are you sure you don't want to come with us?" Ellen nodded at them. "Okay then. See you tonight, El."
And the tornado, who was Leah, left the living room and headed for the door. Taylor said goodbye to Ellen, then went to the hallway to find Leah.
As Ellen rose to go to the kitchen, she heard Taylor whisper, "Leah, what the fuck was that? I swear to God if you…" but couldn't hear the rest of the sentence as the door closed behind them.
Ellen shook her head to recover from what had just happened.
One of Leah's greatest strengths was also one of her greatest flaws: her ability to take charge of any situation.
As much as this worked between her and Taylor in their business at Indeed!
Music, it caused the demise of Leah and Ellen's relationship six years ago.
Leah tended to organize their lives without leaving Ellen much choice.
And it happened once again. Leah made an executive decision and carried it out without really asking Ellen if she agreed.
Ellen took out her cell phone and texted Roxy.
Ellen Caldwell - 4:07 PM My friend from LA is in town. She will be my +1.
Roxanne Powell - 4:10 PM Excellent. Can't wait to see you.