V a n e s s a

That night when I got home, sleep didn't come so easily. I was still surprised Ian was a Hollingsworth and I had ran into him after my Las Vegas adventure.

Not to mention the kiss we had shared - so endearing and passionate it left my knees weak and my brain mushy. He elicited such a fire within me that still burned bright hours later. I could still almost taste him on my lips, how soft his mouth felt, how sweet and warm. It took everything I had within me to pull away but I knew if it had gone on longer, there was not much I could have done to control myself.

I mustered a sigh and walked to the bathroom where I had a quick shower and then reached for a glass of wine. Boxes and suitcases littered the rooms and as I stood looking at them, a feeling of disbelief overcame me. Less than a month ago I had been engaged, was ready to marry the man I thought was one of my dreams, and today, I was single, moving out, and was stepping towards moving on. I was contemplating on having dinner with a man I had met in Las Vegas who was coincidentally living in the same apartment building that I was supposed to move into.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

....

Sunday morning came and Carrie was at my place by seven, ready to help me move. I prepared eggs, bacon and toast while Carrie ranted over her dinner with Ethan.

"He's so funny Nessa, I never would have thought, " she said snatching a bacon from a plate.

I was smiling. "So I take it you enjoyed your night?"

"More than I thought possible. It was perfect and I can't wait to go out with him again. He's going out of town for this week though so I'll be seeing him after, " she explained.

"I'm happy you're willing to give him a chance, " I said, stirring the eggs.

"Yeah, " she shrugged. "So tell me, how was your night?" She asked, leaning against the counter, her gaze settled on my face.

I scoffed. "Where should I start?"

"Definitely from the beginning. What happened?" She asked eagerly.

I paused and turned to her. "So remember I had to go by The Starling yesterday for the keys from Ethan?"

Carrie quickly nodded, I continued. "Guess who I bumped into."

Carrie's eyes grew wide. "Come on Nessa, spit it out already!" She prodded.

"Ian."

Carrie's mouth fell open. "Mr. Vegas?"

I nodded and she gasped. "You're joking, where?"

"At the Starling!"

"Oh my gosh, doing what? Fuçk, is he living there?"

"Apparently, he is."

Carrie placed her hand over her mouth. "O.M.G!"

"It gets even more interesting..." I teased.

"You're kidding."

"He was at the party and he is Gregory Hollingsworth's secret child."

"Shut up," Carrie said softly with so much disbelief in her tone. "Oh my gosh, this is unbelievable! Gregory Hollingsworth had a secret child? I need to take a seat, " she exclaimed dramatically while proceeding to move towards a chair.

She sat, looking up at me. "All this happened last night. You knew all this last night?"

"Yes."

"Holy shit. What did you guys say to each other?"

I told her everything from the moment we bumped into each other to the very ending of the party. She was even more shocked than I was especially at the fact that we kissed and he had invited me out to dinner.

"Gosh, he is one persistent man and I love it. So what time is the dinner?" She asked. By now she was eating her breakfast.

"I don't know if I'm going. It's all too much."

"Why not?" She asked, a bit confused.

"I don't want to be labeled as Ian's newest bimbo when the camera lights catch us together. It's all too much - I'm not looking for that kind of attention Carr, " I explained, dropping my fork to the plate.

"Come on Nessa, you can't live in fear of what people will think or say. Deep down if it's something you want to do, do it."

I sighed. "I'm not sure. At the end of the day, opinions matter regardless. I'm not completely over Blake and to be seen with L.A's newest bachelor is just a bit out of character for me. Tell me you understand where I'm coming from."

"I do but you're overthinking here. No one has to notice you."

I blew out a breath and reached for my tea. "There's a chance they might, " I inserted calmly.

"This Ian sounds fun and I know even though you might not want to admit it, you had fun in Vegas. Have dinner with him, just don't let him convince you to marry him, " she grinned at the last bit and I laughed.

"Ok, noted. I'll go along and see how it goes. Come on, let's start packing some of these things into my car. I'm gonna call the delivery van."

It was four in the evening when I was done moving everything. My mom called earlier and I told her I had moved. While she was surprised, I informed her it was last minute so she didn't get really upset. She had decided to stop by about an hour ago to help Carrie and I unpack.

"Well everything is coming together nicely, " she said, hands akimbo while her gaze traveled the room. "Just a little more feminine touch here and there. I can't believe you got this apartment at such a cheap price."

"Ethan is a great guy, " Carrie interjected, flopping down on the sofa.

"It would seem so. Vanessa Darling, I'd imagine you'll be taking a day off this week. Your weekend has been long and exhausting and I can see you're weary."

I drew a hand across my forehead. "I doubt I will but maybe."

"Still, it paid off. The pastries were a delight at Simone's party and I received several compliments on your behalf. I was proud, " she smiled.

"Thanks, mom."

"And what a party it was - absolutely wonderful. I believe the real shocker of the night though was Gregory's secret child, wow."

Carrie and I immediately glanced at each other. I swallowed. "Yeah."

"Quite good looking but I imagine he's just as cold and spoilt as the others, " she said, shaking her head.

I cleared my throat. "Maybe not. He obviously didn't grow up in the spotlight so he might be different."

Mom scoffed. "But how long will it take him to be consumed by it. I imagine it won't be long seeing he's in control of not one but two of Gregory's biggest businesses."

"Really? Which ones?" Carrie beamed.

"Matrix and Hollingsworth Enterprises."

"Damn."

"Yes, he's all charming now but give him a month and he's just like the other two, coupled with the media and all that responsibility, it won't be very long for all that to change. I've seen it happen before."

I swallowed hard as I listened to what my mom had to say about Ian and the life he'd be submerged in. Similar thoughts to my own, but hearing them from someone else gave good reasons to reconsider.

My phone vibrated beside me and I almost jumped. I picked it up, realized the number was unknown, and immediately suspected it was Ian. I considered declining but quickly got up...

"Excuse me, " I told my mom and Carrie before I briskly walked to the other room.

"Hello, " I answered.

"Vanessa, " his voice came and my heart galloped.

"Hi."

"How are you?" He asked with a voice as smooth as velvet.

I scratched the nape of my neck. "I'm fine thanks. How are you?"

"Better than I was before, now that I'm hearing from you."

I smiled. "Good to know."

"Are you here at the apartment?"

I froze for a second. "Y-yeah."

There was a small silence. "Are we still on for tonight or are you still scared?" There was a little humor in his tone.

I licked my lips, momentarily thinking back to what my mom had said and what Carrie had said.

"I'm not scared."

"Then have dinner with me. I'll make sure we're not seen by whoever you think is going to see us."

"How?"

"I have my ways, just say yes."

I bit my bottom lip. "Okay fine, yes."

"Great. I'll be in the lobby at eight sharp."

"Okay."

"See you soon beautiful."

"See you soon, " I retorted before I hung up the phone and sighed, giving myself a moment to collect myself before I re-entered the room with Carrie and my mom.

"Who was that?" My mom immediately asked.

My brain searched for a lie. "Er, just Camille. I asked her to do something for the bakery."

"You look flustered. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, " I said, glancing at Carrie who had a look of amazement on her face. She figured who it was but being in my mom's presence was preventing her from asking straight away.

"Honey I hope you're planning on hosting a little housewarming party. For christ's sake, you're living at the Starling, you deserve to boast, " she exclaimed incredulously.

I sighed. "If I host one mom, it won't be to boast. I wouldn't be living here if it weren't for a heavy discount," I pointed out.

"But still, people will see that you're making strides in life and moving up rather than pining over Blake."

Ignoring her, I glanced at the time, wondering when my mom would leave so I could start getting ready for dinner with Ian.

It was seven when she decided to leave and I couldn't have been more relieved, knowing I would have had a lot to explain if she were to find out about my dinner with Ian. Carrie was still there and immediately asked about the phone call the first chance she got.

"I told him I would come and he said I didn't have to worry about being seen by anyone," I told her.

"Well, there you have it. Where do you think he's taking you?" She asked, a look of amusement in her eyes.

I choked a laugh. "I have no idea Carr, " I said, moving to the bedroom.

Carrie followed behind. "Well, what are you wearing?"

I paused at the front of my closet. "That's what I was getting to. Do you think I should wear my little black dress that I wore to dad's party last year?"

Carrie made a face. "Black's a little bit too cliche and tired for a first date Carr. What about that burgundy off shoulder dress I borrowed one time but it couldn't fit?" She asked and the dress immediately came to mind.

I shrugged. "Well, I guess. How am I gonna find it now, " I sighed looking down at the unpacked suitcases.

Carrie came closer and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry, you go take a shower and I'll look for it. Hurry, you're gonna be late, " she hastened, using her hand to make gestures.

"Ok thanks Carr, " I said and hurried to the bathroom.

I took a quick shower and came back to find the dress laid out on the bed while Carrie was rummaging through my very small makeup bag.

"You don't have any highlight?"

I was confused. Carrie gawked at me. "Nevermind, come sit let me do your face and hair."

I was smiling as I did so. Carrie positioned herself in front of me and dabbed a little foundation on my face, penciled my brows and applied some eyeshadow. It all felt so feathery and calming, I lost track of what exactly she was doing at times. She then proceeded to do my hair which I had washed a day ago.

"I think I should pin it up and let a few strands fall, " she was saying. "Your shoulders are bare, so having your hair all pinned up will draw some attention to your beautiful neck..."

"Actually-"

"Hush, Ian will want to eat you for dinner when I'm done with you, " she grinned.

I swallowed at the thought. "I-"

"Loosen up a bit Nessa, everything will be fine, " she reassured as she combed my hair.

I feigned a sigh. "I hope so."

A few minutes later she was all done and I was standing in front of the mirror, completely amazed by what Carrie had done. Bragging was never my thing but I looked completely amazing. The make up was soft and natural - the weariness that had been distinct in my features, completely concealed. Having naturally long lashes was something I always adored and now with the mascara they seemed even longer and fuller.

"Wow, Carr it's perfect, thank you, " I praised.

She smiled proudly. "Thank you."

"I'm telling you Carr for the hundredth time, you need to go further with this talent of yours."

She smiled. "I'll give it some more thought. Now come on, time for the dress."

I slipped into the dress, Carrie helping me with the zipper. "You look so gorgeous!" She squealed.

I smiled. "Thanks to you." I smoothened the dress, admiring myself in the mirror.

"Time to go, Nessa. It's six past eight," she informed with a tad bit of urgency.

"Shit, " I cursed, as I put on some jewelry and grabbed my purse.

I paused on my way out and glanced at a smiling Carrie. "Well have fun - some Las Vegas kind of fun, " she winked and I rolled my eyes.

"See you later."

.........

Author's note:

Hey guys, I'm back! I hope you are all doing well and keeping safe!

Please consider leaving a comment so I know your thoughts regarding this chapter.

Until next time...
Keep safe
Live good, love..
Xoxo, Juju ❤