Chapter 3 Ava
AVA
The automatic doors slid open, and the noise and heat hit me at once. LAX was a bustling chaos of rolling suitcases and blaring, impatient horns from the pickup line. Compared with Springfield, the surroundings were almost overwhelming. But I embraced it. This was what I wanted. My big chance.
I gripped the handle of my carry-on tighter as I searched for my ride. The app said it was here. To my relief, I saw the vehicle I was expecting. Looking at the license plate, I double-checked the information on my phone before hurrying towards the car.
By the time I made it to the hotel, jet lag had started to kick in. The moment I stepped out of the car, I felt disappointed. The place wasn’t bad—clean, at least. But it was a far cry from the sleek, five-star towers I’d passed on the way from the airport. I knew better than to complain.
The paper didn’t exactly roll out the red carpet for anyone traveling for assignments. Still, I couldn’t help thinking that if Walt had been able to make it, he’d be sipping champagne in a suite overlooking the Hollywood Hills by now.
Instead, I got a cramped, basic economy flight and a subpar hotel with a mattress that squeaked when I sat down. I also had to stare at uninspired artwork bolted to the wall. This all reminded me that I was at the bottom of the ladder.
“No time to sulk,” I said, jumping up from the bed I’d plopped down on to take a breather.
With less than four hours before Jaden Cole’s party, I had time for a shower, a quick bite, and then off I went.
I unzipped my suitcase and took out a pair of slacks along with a black blouse.
Allan said the party wasn’t anything glamorous, just a house party.
According to my boss, it was best if I met the subject in his home at a casual, fun affair—supposedly, he’d be more relaxed with me moving forward. I guess I’d test that theory.
When I stepped out of the shower, I had to run to answer my phone. I thought it was Allan, but it was my brother.
“Hey, Ethan.”
“Tell me you made it.”
I rolled my eyes. “I did. I survived the flight and made it to my hotel because I’m a big girl.”
“You mock me, but I have every right to be concerned.”
I smiled. Of course, I didn’t mind that he was. That was what big brothers did. “I’m fine, Ethan. I promise. More than fine, actually. This could be my big break.”
“I know. I’m happy for you, but… LA. It’s so far and big. I hate the idea of you out there alone.” After a pause, he said casually, “You know Lincoln lives in LA.”
There it was—that kick in my stomach. It happened every time Lincoln was mentioned. Taking a breath and hoping to keep my voice even, I replied, “Yeah. I know.”
“You two might cross paths.”
I froze. God, I hoped not. I did not need to be thrown off my emotional balance when I had work to focus on.
“I doubt it. Like you said, it’s a big city.
” While I took no pleasure in mentioning my ex, curiosity got the better of me.
“You know, in all these years, you’ve never mentioned it. Why don’t you two talk anymore?”
The stretch of silence made me raise my eyebrows.
“What makes you think we don’t?”
I frowned. Did Ethan really think I was stupid? He rarely mentioned his childhood best friend, and when he did, it was like he was ready to choke on the name. “Cut the crap, Ethan. I know you haven’t spoken to Lincoln in years.”
“He’s always busy, and things change,” he said vaguely.
I snorted. That was it? Before I could push, he added, “Look, stay safe out there, Ava. Call me tomorrow. Okay? Congrats again.”
Before I could even open my mouth to respond, the line went dead.
I stared at my cell for a moment, bemused.
“Okay…” Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who wanted to avoid all things Lincoln Ford.
Shrugging off my brother’s cagey response, I got my mind back in the game.
I wanted to leave early since I had no idea where I was going.
I let out a low whistle as I gazed at the houses flying past through the car window.
“Lifestyle of the rich and famous,” I muttered.
The Uber driver let out an amused grunt.
As we wound into Thousand Oaks, the houses seemed to grow larger and more extravagant.
Springfield had nice neighborhoods—I didn’t exactly grow up in a shack—but nothing like this.
I tried my best not to lean forward and press my nose against the window like an awestruck tourist.
The Uber slowed in front of what looked less like a house and more like an estate. The gates were open, so we drove straight up.
“This is it,” the driver announced.
When I stepped outside, I was sure I was in the right place. There were dozens of vehicles parked in the driveway, and the heavy bass from a sound system shook the very earth. My stomach fluttered as I strolled up the walkway.
I didn’t even make it to the front door before two men stepped into my path.
Both were broad-shouldered, overly muscular, and dressed in full black.
Their arms were practically bursting out of the sleeves of their T-shirts.
I was taken aback by the security. Since this wasn’t a club, I hadn’t been expecting bouncers.
One of them extended a hand. “ID.”
I frowned. I was under the impression that this wasn’t a big, important event. Maybe Allan got the information wrong. I glanced down at my simple outfit. If so, I was severely underdressed. “Excuse me? I thought—”
“ID and bag check,” burly number two said.
“Bag check?” I scoffed. “I’m not sneaking in contraband, I’m here to cover—”
“Everyone gets searched,” number one cut me off, still with his hand outstretched.
Sighing with resignation, I fetched my ID from my purse. I understood the ID check. A celebrity athlete had to be careful of who was in his space, I guess. But then why throw a house party? While number one checked my ID, I opened my bag for number two.
“She’s got a recording device,” number two announced.
“Well, yeah, I’m a journ—”
“You’re not getting in,” one said.
“But I—”
“We got strict instructions. Get a move on, ma’am.”
I scoffed. “Instructions from Jaden? I’m here to see him. He’s expecting me. If you’d let him know I’m here…”
“Not from Jaden.”
I paused and stared at number two. “Then who?”
The men were tight-lipped. They just peered down at me with intimidating scowls.
I gritted my teeth as I geared up to argue. I’d be damned if these two stood in the way of my first big project, no matter how muscular they were. But then I remembered the woman I’d talked with to confirm my presence at the party.
I pulled up Sienna’s number and called her.
“Hi,” she chirped. “Ava, right?”
“Yeah, it’s me. I’m in a bit of a pickle. Two overgrown guys won’t let me into Jaden’s party.”
That earned me glares from one and two.
Sienna chuckled. “I’m sorry about that. Put them on. I’d deal with it.”
Handing the phone to number one, I watched his expression soften. Whatever she said had him nodding.
“Oh, yeah, of course,” he said. “We didn’t know.”
As he handed me back my phone, he stepped aside. Number two already had the door open. “Thanks, gentlemen,” I said primly as I entered.
Instantly, loud music harasses my eardrums. “Goodness,” I muttered as I looked around. There were a bunch of scantily dressed people dancing, drinking, laughing, lounging… You name it.
“All good, Ava?” Sienna asked in my ear.
“Yes, thanks.”
“Sorry about the harassment. I guess Jaden’s agent forgot to mention you to the security. He’s still there.”
“His agent. Right.” I racked my brain to recall whether Allan had shared that information. Maybe I forgot because I’d been so excited for the opportunity. But I couldn’t recall anything about an agent. “Um… and his agent is…?”
“Shoot, I forgot to tell you. I was expecting Walt Voss, who would have gotten all the info.”
“It’s no problem.”
“Just ask around for Lincoln Ford. He’ll get you right to Jaden.”
My entire world came to a screeching halt.
The name hit me like a physical blow, knocking the breath out of me. For a moment, all I heard was the pounding of my heart in my ears, drowning out the bass thumping from inside the mansion, and the hum of Sienna’s voice in my ear.
That couldn’t be right.
Unfortunately, it was because when I looked ahead, who did I see staring at me as if he’d seen a ghost?
Lincoln.
My phone slipped from my suddenly numb fingers.