Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

Landon

Listen to Strangers

by Kenya Grace

I walked into Red and to the lounge. Elle was waiting for me at the bar.

“I got the job.”

I gasped. “You did not!”

Elle laughed with joy, her dark eyes shining. “They called this morning. I’ll be cutting my shifts back while I’m in rehearsals.”

I hugged her hard. She’d auditioned for a small secondary role in a sexy new medical drama streaming on Hulu. It was set in a New York hospital so it was a local shoot. “I’m so happy for you, babe. Well-deserved. Tell me everything.”

“I play the main character’s friend, who gets mugged when I’m running and I show up at the hospital. I have actual lines, Landon! This isn’t my normal walk-on.”

My heart soared for her. Elle had been working so hard to build her career and getting this break was critical. “Wait—are you going to look all beaten up in the hospital?”

She nodded. “Yeah, but I get a scene all by myself where they show me running in the park and this guy pretends to twist his ankle and needs help and then he attacks me. Isn’t that awesome!”

“It’s epic. But why does everyone have to get attacked in a New York park? It’s so exaggerated. I know so many people who go to the park at all hours and never have any issues.”

“Agreed, but right now, I don’t care. They can make the city look as bad as they want as long as I’m part of it.”

I gasped as a sudden thought hit me.

“What?” she asked, eyes wide with worry.

“What am I going to wear to the red-carpet premier?” I whispered. “Do you think we can get one of those celebrity stylists to dress us?”

She punched me playfully. “Real funny. Come on, let’s get ready.”

“Not yet, I have an announcement to make.” With one easy move, I jumped up on the bar and raised my voice. “Listen up—I have huge news.”

The staff and bartenders stopped what they were doing and waited.

“Elle scored a huge role in Metro Medical ! Who’s coming out later to celebrate?”

The crew gave a huge whoop and everyone congratulated her. I loved the way my bestie blushed. There weren’t too many people who worked in the entertainment industry who was actually humble, but that was Elle. Sometimes, good girls do finish first.

Rock stood from the second floor, meaty arms crossed over his chest. “Everyone gets a drink on the house,” he grit out. “After your damn shift. Now move it, we’re opening.”

I pumped my fist in the air and blew him a kiss, laughing when he just glared at me. Rock was a pain in the ass but always celebrated our accomplishments. It was another reason we loved working here.

We finished setting up our sections when Gabriella showed up. “Huge congrats, Elle!” I watched as she hugged her, totally ignoring me. “I’m addicted to that show. You’ll be amazing.”

Elle gave me a sideways look but smiled. “Thanks.”

“Listen, why don’t I do a post giving you a shout out? I’ve got contacts who may be interested in a fresh face. Wanna do a live with me after work?”

I was fuming inside, but refused to show it. I caught Elle’s uncomfortable expression, but I also knew she wanted to do it. Even though I was tempted to pull the loyalty friend card, it wasn’t fair. I loved Elle too much to be petty. I spoke up. “That’s a great idea. Any type of reach is a good thing. Even yours.”

Gabriella shot me a look. “Absolutely. Because it didn’t seem to make a difference with yours,” she said sweetly. “I’m sure as her best friend you pushed her on your social.”

I had, but not regularly. Elle was in my posts as my friend, not an actress. I hated that I never thought about it and hated Gabriella more for pointing it out in front of Elle.

Elle stepped in. “I appreciate it, Gabriella. After work is great.”

“Awesome. The Rooftop was so fun, wasn’t it? How long have you known Adam?”

Her question was directed at Elle but I knew it was for my benefit. “About a year. That’s when we all really met and I started dating Coop,” Elle said.

“Well, you and Coop make a great couple. Definitely a good fit. Not like some other relationships I know.”

I laughed out loud. “You’re not even subtle,” I said. “And I don’t care what you think of me and Max, as long as you keep your trashy fingers off him.”

“What about Adam? Do you have a claim on him, too?” she asked, gaze narrowing in on my face.

I tried not to jerk back. “Do whatever you want with him,” I said with a shrug. “Just don’t think a fuck will get you entry into our group.”

“Maybe it’ll be more than that.” Her smile was an actual threat. “Maybe Adam and I will be a lot more. Like you and Max.”

Red swarmed my vision at the idea of Adam becoming involved with my arch enemy. Picturing them together made my stomach clench in disgust. They’d turn my safe place into a nightmare. But if I showed any weakness, she’d win. “Good luck. Obviously, you don’t know shit about Adam. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

I turned to dismiss her but her voice made me freeze in my tracks.

“Maybe it’s Max you really have to worry about. Not Adam.”

The savage in me roused, and I went to go after her hard, but Elle stepped in the middle of us. “Better get to work! See you later, Gabriella.”

Gabriella took off, obviously pleased with my reaction. “What’s wrong with her?” I hissed, shaking. “Why would she say that?”

Elle sighed. “Because you two trade barbs like Olympic players. God, it’s like you and Adam, just in a female form. Forget about her.”

“Elle, I’m sorry I never put you on my socials.”

She threw out her hands and gave me an impulsive squeeze. “Landon—stop! You’re my best friend and always support me. Gabriella can’t touch that, okay?”

I relaxed. “Okay.”

“I have to pee first.”

“See you later.”

I stopped to chat with Marly, the hostess. “How full are we?”

“Overbooked as usual,” she said, her gorgeous braids swinging past her waist. “Got some celebs coming your way so be on I game.”

I fluttered my lashes. “Aren’t I always? Anyone good?”

She wrinkled her nose, her manicured nails tapping the Ipad. “Finance types—boring but big wallets. Katie Holmes with her daughter. Oh, that new hot singer who looks like Harry Styles? Yum.”

I filed the info away and got my game face on. I already knew my makeup was perfect, and I’d paired today’s outfit with a sexy chain Chanel belt and gladiator sandals that brought some edge. My hair was slicked back in a tight bun and I’d used blue-black lipstick to ramp up the style. “Thanks.”

“No prob. Great news about Elle. Hey, did you nail that reality show?”

I forced a smile. “Nope, they dropped the casting news. Didn’t get it.”

“Sorry, Landon.”

I waved a hand in the air. “I’m already over it. Can you tell Max to see me on break? He’s working the front bar today.”

“You got it.”

The doors opened and our first reservations began to trickle in. For the next two hours, I hustled hard, pushing the food and cocktail specials. The suits dropped obscene money on endless rounds of drinks, the seafood tower, and a vintage whisky I had to retrieve from the locked cellar. One of them flirted hard, and I gave it back to him just as hard, scoring his number and a huge tip at the end. The encounter gave me a rush—the type I lived for but hated to admit.

The type Adam had set off that night at Rooftop.

The thought of our encounter made my heart race. I’m not sure why, but it was like we’d dipped over the edge into new territory. There was still the same type of razor-sharp insults, but underneath there was another emotion simmering.

I refused to label it. Especially after he admitted to seeing me spy on his sexual encounter. I hated that he’d outed both of us, because it was like we now had a secret we were keeping from Max.

When I got home from Rooftop, I told Max about not getting the show, and he’d done exactly what every good boyfriend should. Held me tight. Gave me platitudes of how talented I was, and that something better would come along. Kissed me, pampered me, and gave me a slow, sweet orgasm. It was a woman’s wet dream come true.

Yet… it didn’t ring as true as Adam telling me not to give a fuck. Shrugging off the rejection, challenging me to do better, then moving on.

Why did that resonate with me? Why did I feel the slightest bit of resentment toward Max, like he was deliberately playing a role? It wasn’t just him, either. I felt like I played into my part, accepting his pampering with my usual entitlement, which stunk of a poor-me attitude.

Finally, I was due my break, and met Max in the back. He wrapped his arms around me, trying to give me a kiss but I held my hands up. “Better not—this lipstick isn’t a stain and I don’t want to ruin it.”

His beautiful face pulled into pout. “I’m not worth a retouch? I saw you with the Wall Street crew. Did they ask for your number?”

I knew he’d seen the exchange and was trying to catch me in a lie. It made me laugh. “Of course.”

“Landon, how is that right? Why didn’t you tell him you had a boyfriend?”

I wanted to roll my eyes, but this was a familiar conversation. I had to handle him gently. “Because you know it’s all fake. I didn’t give him my number. He was drunk and horny—I gave him hope and scored a huge tip. That’s all. You have nothing to worry about.”

A frown still creased his brow. Those navy-blue eyes held a bit of resentment. “So, I’m not allowed to talk to Gabriella, who’s a co-worker, but you can do what you want with strangers? I don’t get it.”

“You get it, Max. Don’t try to compare the two. Did you hear about Elle getting the part? You came late. Rock’s buying everyone a drink after work to celebrate.”

He stared at me for a few, and I waited to see if he’d let me change the subject. Finally, he huffed out a breath. “Yeah, I’m happy for her. Listen, I forgot to tell you—Adam’s playing at Somewhere Nowhere for the pre-club crowd.”

My eyes widened. “How’d he score that gig?” The trendy Chelsea club courted the best crowds, DJs, and nightlife. It was a huge step up from the local bars and dives he’d been regularly booked.

“His friend at the studio said they’re looking for fresh talent for a summer series. Wanted more serious musicians to chill with cocktails before the clubbers head in. We all need to go see him and give our support. It’s a big deal.”

I nibbled my lip. I’d hoped I wouldn’t have to see Adam for a bit to take a step back. But the group backed its own and I couldn’t miss it. Besides, I was doing it for Max. “Sure. When?”

“Monday at 6pm.”

It worked since we were all off. “Okay, of course I’ll be there.”

His smile flashed with his usual charm. “Good things are happening for all of us. You’re next, baby. When’s your next catalogue shoot?”

I tried not to wince. I was doing jeans again, and I hated my crankiness. I should be grateful I was making steady money and getting regular work. “Tomorrow.”

“Why don’t we do dinner together? Alone.”

“I’d like that.”

“Good, it’s a date.” He leaned in to kiss me, then pulled back with his hands up. “Sorry. Oh, don’t forget I’m not around Friday night. Scored tickets to the Yankees game.”

“Are all the guys going?”

“Yep. You can always have a girl’s night.”

“Hmm, I’m working. I’ll check.” I glanced at my phone. “Gotta get back.”

He blew me a kiss, and I laughed, heading back to my section.

I closed out my last table and went to greet my newest customers. As I headed toward them, I noticed it was an older gentleman who seemed familiar, with a younger girl. Hopefully, his daughter—because there was a huge age-gap, but Red saw an overabundance of rich men with women decades younger so I wouldn’t be surprised.

“Hi, welcome to Red. I’m Landon and I’ll be your—” I trailed off, staring in shock at the man. Thick blonde hair. Deep blue eyes. Muscular and fit, even in his late fifties. Custom designer suit and an aura that screamed money and status, like the stamp of cologne on his skin.

He stared back, obviously at a loss for words. Shaking his head as if to clear it, he broke into a smile that would charm a woman from twenty to eighty. “Landon. This is a surprise. What are you doing here?”

Still speechless, I studied the girl with him, who looked curious, tilting her head and staring back at me. The shape of the nose, sharply cut cheekbones, and matching blue eyes pegged her as his daughter.

I wanted to run away; to hang my head in shame. I wanted to rage and call him all the things I’d fantasized about. I wanted to cry and beg him to love me. I wanted to ask what I did to make him abandon me at eight years old and start a new family without looking back.

I finally managed to choke out words. “Hi, Dad.”