"Alexandria, it's nice of you to join us," I said. "I thought you were going to be late this time. You can go set up in the back. Guests won't be arriving for another thirty plus minutes."
"Where's Lexi?" Alexandria asked.
"Upstairs. She was sick, so I called the family doctor."
"Is she going to be okay?"
"Yeah. She warned me that the party wouldn't be a party without her."
"Haha. Typical of her."
Alexandria took her camera crew to the back of the house. We talked about how the angles of different cameras were important. I wasn't really listening. Then, she told me that all she wanted to do was catch a good scandal. I rolled my eyes at that and walked away. It was time I checked on the caterers.
When I walked into the kitchen, the head chef took a glance at me. I knew he knew what I had done, but I didn't give a crap. His eyes said that he was disappointed and that he expected more from me. What? It was her fault. She shouldn't have hit me and I wouldn't have hit her.
"What do you need done, Cameron?" I asked and stood in front of him.
"Nothing. The caterers are taking care of everything. We'll have a steady string of drinks being passed around," He said. His accent made me want to choke him until he lost it. "Some of the food is going to be set out on the table by the house. I don't want any of it to fall in the pool or be on the ground. Could you possibly make sure there are trash cans around the area?"
"It's my house. I know where the trash cans need to be. They're by the table and near the side and front of the estate."
"Then I expect to not have to clean up any of your merde."
"I expect not." I turned to leave, then stopped. "...Since you're here, does that mean the girls are?"
"No. Jen is taking care of the shop in Italy. Yasmine is on her honeymoon with Mitch," Cameron said. "Enjoy the night, Luca."
The next thing I checked on was my guards. The ones from Adrien had not shown up. I didn't know why nor did I want to know. Security from Luxury Therapy were waiting on the front lawn dressed to impress. Most of them had brought along their guns and chose to hide them in the waistbands of their pants with the safety clicked off. I shook my head at their carelessness.
"Look, Adrien is being sketchy right now. I want your eyes peeled for any of the security with these armbands." I handed out red, white, and blue armbands. The colors of the American mafia. "I want you guys to spread out. One of you is going to have to miss the party. I need someone inside to make sure that no one tries to go upstairs or to the basement."
"I'll do it, Mr. Thompson." One of them headed inside. "Remember to report anything weird happening."
"We don't want anyone to know anything about the heavy security. Just pretend you're just partygoers. Anyone asking about anything suspicious just ignore them. There's a lot of people out here that want to hurt my family and they'll stop at nothing to do just that, so keep your eyes peeled and your ears opened."
The guards nodded in understanding and left to position themselves around the house. I checked to make sure that the house lights lining the path were working. The red carpet was being swept off and straightened as I checked everything. I could see a little ways around the cul-de-sac to the front gate. Limos were parked ready to be let in. The security team at the gate should be getting ready to let them in.
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I knew a scandal was awakening once Asher and his son showed up. He was with some woman and a group of girls. There was something about them that seemed oddly familiar. Had I seen them before? A woman with platinum blonde hair saddled up to Lexi and hugged her. It was the same woman from earlier. How did she know Lexi? Is that why she was at the bar?
"I seriously thought you would still be sleeping that hangover off," She said. "You doing okay, amour?"
"Oui," Lexi answered and pulled back from the hug. "Why don't you go around back and have some fun. I heard Cameron is here and waiting for you guys."
"Really?! I haven't seen him in so long!"
The girls ran off in a hurry, squealing about eating and coaxing men to drink with them. All of them must have been single. Except the blonde. She just looked like she was already tied down, but still liked to have fun.
I knew not to play dumb once the reporters were finished interviewing Asher. The woman at his side had not vanished. She looked as if she was going to follow him wherever he went. It wasn't weird. It was something I'd always wanted Lexi to do.
"Asher!" Lexi ran to him and threw herself at him. "It's been so long."
"It has," He said, putting his arms around her loosely. "How have you been?"
"I'm super great." She pulled back and took a glance my way. Yeah, tell him what I did to you.
"Just a little overwhelmed by how many people are showing up this year."
"Maybe it's due to me coming. I am the most beautiful model America has ever laid eyes on."
Bastard.
I watched as Lexi bent low to kiss Vincent on his forehead. How dare she act like I was okay with all of this. I was not. He could go crawl back under the rock he and his father lived under. I walked over to them and smiled. I took the woman's hand and kissed it.
"Hey," I said. "I'm Luca Thompson."
"Jenni Alverez." She smiled. "Asher's girlfriend."
Well, that kind of escalated quickly. I thought she was single. What was she doing with a freak like him?
"Yeah. She's my girl." Asher stepped between us and shoved Jenni back.
"How are you, Asher?"
"Much better than you." He smirked.
I wanted to break his neck in front of all these people. Plead self defense and say he was asking for it. I mean, he was bigger than me so it was believable. Who would want to attack little ol' me? I pulled him into a bro hug.
"Just because you're bound to her by a child, doesn't mean you can do as you want," I growled. "She's mine."
"Oh. She was mine since the beginning. It's only a matter of time before it's for good," Asher growled back and slapped my back.
"Keep your distance."
"Don't pretend you don't know that I know what you did. Lexi isn't the type to cake on makeup. Watch you back, Luca."
"Boys." Jenni pulled Asher back from me. "Why don't you go say hi to Vincent, Luca."
I held up a finger and got closer to Asher. He struggled against Jenni and pulled himself to
his full height.
"I'm not finished with you. I don't know what you're up to, but it needs to stop."
"Oh, I'll stop. Right after you stop."
Asher stumbled back a little as Jasmine slammed into his legs. I thought she had broken her nose or something, because of the impact. She brought her head up and grinned at him. That bastard! He must have known her somehow. It could have only been Lexi. How did he get close to any of them?
"Oncle Ash!" She squealed. He smiled down at her, but kept his eyes on me. I accepted this challenge. I wasn't going to be the first to do something insane. "I missed you, Oncle Ash."
"I missed you too, mon cheri," He said. Even his French made me want to throw up. "How have you been, my darling?"
"I'm great," She squealed.
I took Jasmine's arm and took her over to Lexi. She was fussing over her son who seemed to hate it. I couldn't blame him. Vincent saw Jasmine and smiled.
"Vinnie." She ran to him and hugged him.
"Jas." He picked her up. "Did you miss me?"
"Yep."
This was really getting tiring. What made anyone think I was really okay with this? Did I have
"I'm fine with this" written on my forehead in glittery letters?!
"Good evening, California. I'm Alexandria Martinez, reporting live from Lexi Thompson's backyard. Here I have Lexi and her husband, Luca Thompson. Could you guys tell us who you are wearing tonight?"
"I'm wearing a single from Monteil Fashionz in France," Lexi said. "My shoes...a little something I forgot I had."
"Is that so?" Alexandria laughed. "Luca, what about you?"
"Just plain Armani. Nothing new," I said.
"The owner of Monteil Fashionz is here tonight. Have you spoken to him yet?"
"We just did," I said. "Lexi and Asher have been friends for so long. I'm sure she's more than happy to see him."
"Lexi, you and Asher go way back. How does it feel to be replaced?"
Lexi was confused for a second. I could see it. Alexandria could see it. I'm sure anyone watching TV right now could see it.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Asher. He's brought a girlfriend along," Alexandria said. I knew she was looking for a scandal. Something to make Lexi break. "He also has a child, but we don't know if it's hers or not."
"I'm not being replaced," Lexi said. "Being replaced means he isn't talking to me anymore. His girlfriend is pretty nice. I approve."
Alexandria spotted Asher talking with Jenni. She said her goodbyes and rushed over to him. I was glad she left. One more minute on camera and I would have ran off. I swear that woman talks a mile a minute. She doesn't stop for anything.
It was only thirty-ish minutes after 9. Not many people had arrived yet, so you could hear more than one conversation going on. More cars were being let in by the second and VIPs were getting the attention they deserved. I was surprised many people weren't mauling Lexi and I for autographs yet. Usually that was the problem. We had too many fans to keep up with.
Then she arrived. It had been so long since I'd seen her. How had she known that the guards would let her in without question?
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Lexi dragged me everywhere. Whether it be to check on catering or to make sure no one had jumped in the pool yet, I had to go. I guess she knew that Samantha had arrived and she wanted to keep us far away from her. They hadn't talked in a while and talking now would hint that Lexi had forgiven her. She had every right to keep me far away.
The early hours of the party consisted of interviews and pictures. Many young kids wanted autographs. Lexi, being the nice one, just had to say yes to everyone. We were just walking through the heavy crowd when she suddenly stopped walking. I peered down at her in annoyance.
"What now?" I growled.
"Let's go back," She proclaimed. "I just realized that I had someone I wanted you to meet." She began pulling me in the opposite direction.
"Lexi!" A female voice called out. A couple of people turned to look at us. Lexi huffed and turned back around in annoyance. Her grip tightened on my hand. "I knew that was you." The woman stopped in front of us. "It has been a minute. How are you?"
"...I am joli, Anna." Lexi smiled. "How are you? Last I heard, you were pregnant and touring Madrid for your honeymoon."
"Ah. It was the most beautiful place I'd ever seen. I just couldn't miss your gala this year," Anna gushed. "It is much more livelier."
"Ahh...It must be because my brother is here," Lexi said.
"Hayden?" Anna asked. "He's never come to any of your galas."
"No. Ian."
"Oh. Haha. I have to go see where he is."
I ignored the rest of their conversation and looked at the man beside Anna. He had a sort air about him. The frown on his face displayed absolute displeasure of the situation he was in. I didn't know if it was his resting face or because he was being forced to be here. Either way, I supported him completely.
"Ricardo..."
"...Lexi..."
"And I'm Luca," I said and shook hands with him. "Lexi and I have to check on other guests.
See you guys later."
I pulled Lexi away from the couple with a wide smile. We walked in silence once more. Cameras flashed in our path to catch a good moment. What did that even mean? I was not having a good moment. I was definitely ready to go inside and sleep. Either that or I'd go find Samantha.
"Isn't it almost time for your speech?" I asked.
"...Almost." Lexi looked at her watch. "Yeah. Alexandria said she was going to get part of her camera crew to film it."
"That's good. You want me to tell Juan to turn down the music?" I asked. "Salsa really isn't anyone's style right now."
"You know Isabella is probably in the backyard waiting for someone to ask for a song request."
"But it's really cramping my style."
"Style. You're funny," Lexi said. "Your call. I'm just not cleaning up any dead bodies."
I chuckled and finally threw an arm around her waist. A caterer walked past us with a tray of champagne. I stopped him and grabbed one for Lexi and I. She smiled at me and took a sip. We made it to the backyard. Luckily no one had jumped into the pool yet. The food was still being brought out and drinks were circulating well. Lexi went over to Juan and had the music
turned down.
Even with the music off the place was still loud. I looked around, searching for any sign of Samantha. I thought I would recognize her blonde hair, but I realized that half the women here were blondes. Then I had a hunch that she might be nearer to the food. She had always loved to eat. Unlike Lexi and her stupid modeling "tips".
"Good evening, California!" Lexi yelled into the mic. I was surprised when she got an immediate response. The yard went quiet and every head turned to her. "It's so nice knowing that everyone has been very supportive during my careers. It's already been ten plus years since my debut as an actress and model. Ever since then...I've felt attached to everyone. I want to thank you all for that. When I was going through the roughest times, you guys sent me cards and posted words of assurance on Twitter. I'm still reading them to this day."
Laughter floated from the crowd. It wasn't even that funny.
"I'm going to be truthful. This year was total crap. Not with my careers, but with my marriage. You may be wondering why I'm telling everyone this. Why am I announcing my problems on live television? I trust you guys. Many of you have been here for me and I'm definitely sure I can trust you to respect mine and my husband's decisions. Recently, we've been having a few problems. It all resulted in filing for a divorce."
The crowd gasped and I knew that some rumor was already being tweeted. Whispers arose from the confused partygoers. I sighed and waited for the worse to come. No one would blame Lexi for the divorce. Of course it would all be my fault. Lexi held up a hand and unsurprisingly the whispers stopped.
"Don't get me wrong...I'm not running from any future problems. Can't avoid that. I'm looking for a fresher start with something different. With a new area where I can take time off from modeling and acting and just think. Everyone here, as I will mention a few more times, is special to me. Even Luca. I mean, without him how would I even have my children?"
"I love you, mommy!"
Every head turned to find our daughter in Brad's arms. She noticed the stares and buried her face in his neck. Aws and chuckles rippled through the crowd. I smiled and turned my attention back to Lexi. A few tears had slipped down her cheeks and were glistening in the stage light.
The guests grew quiet. They all had too much respect for her to laugh about how she was crying. Too much to shake their heads at her showing her weakness. They understood her sudden sadness and pain. They were her motivation to keep going with her acting and model. Partially anyway.
I jumped up on stage and pulled her to my chest. She shuddered as she tried not to cry harder than she really wanted to. I whispered assurance in her ear and held her head to my chest. I had to look like a good husband. Cameras were on me. People would begin to wonder if I'm really the cause of our divorce. Or wonder if I was doing this for show.
Lexi calmed down enough to speak again. She slowly pulled away from my chest, but not out of my hold. I wouldn't have let her go even if she asked me to.
"I-if not for you guys. If not...for my family...I really wouldn't be standing here right now."
"You'd find a way!" A lady yelled. Everyone laughed.
"I guess I would find a way." Lexi chuckled. "...I have something I really want the world to know now. It's not bad, it's just a secret I have successfully kept from the world. For almost eleven years and no one has ever questioned it. It happened in the beginning of my career. Before I was even that famous in the model world."
Shoot. I knew it was coming. She was going to tell everyone before I could make it into a rumor. How was she always one step ahead of me?
"Long story short...I had a kid with none other than Asher Monteil," She said. "It may not seem true and no one may not believe me, but you can ask him himself. He probably wanted me to keep that a secret for a little longer, but the cat's out of the bag now."
People began shushing one another as multiple conversations layered upon each other.
"I regret that so many times. I really wished that I could go back in time to change all of that, but something good came out of our relationship. My son is growing into a fine man and I wish I would have been there for him instead of dumping all the worry on my ex and his cousin. I wish from time to time that I could go back to make up for the lost years that we hadn't seen each other. That we could have possibly been a happy family.
Don't get me wrong, I love all my children. I love Luca, because he chose to have a family with me knowing my secret. I love you guys for being here and being a source of pure motivation. Without further adieu, let's go back to partying. Forget the somber mood and have some fun again. I'll definitely answer any questions anyone has for me, but if you think you're going to talk crap to my face, don't let the gate hit you on the way out."
Juan started up the music again and we left the stage. I kept a fake smile on my face and wondered if anyone could tell it was fake. I was not feeling this festive feeling anymore. Lexi ruined it with her lies. I was not okay with her having a son with Asher. If I had known that he'd been the one to take her V-card, I wouldn't have had children with her. I wouldn't have even touched her in such a way to pleasure her.
I tried dragging Lexi to a tent we had set up outside. Reporters swarmed around me and Lexi on our way there. Lexi, being the attention seeker, just had to answer some of them. With the loud music, I doubted anyone could hear most of what she was saying. I was sure some of what she said was going to be misinterpreted and end up as rumors in the tabloids.
Lexi collapsed in a chair the moment we entered the tent. I shook my head in disappointment and waited for her to explain herself. It didn't happen. She only stared at me and I bet she was wondering what I wanted to talk about. She knew.
"Why the hell would you do that?" I demanded. "On live television. Are you crazy?"
"Why are you yelling at me?" She asked. "Would you have wanted them to find out by rumors? I wouldn't. I don't want to show up in the tabloids, because people assumed that I had cheated on you when we weren't together."
"You can tell the whole world, but you can't tell me?!"
"You know exactly why I didn't tell you."
I shook my head and shoved a hand through my hair. "Why not reveal what was next in the new drama you're in?"
"Or maybe how my husband is after his ex?" Lexi suggested. "Both ideas are dumb. Who cares about a drama or how someone's husband is still in love with his ex? This is the 21st century...we hear crap like that all the time."
"...You have major problems."
"We have major problems."
"What do you mean "we"?"
"Oh, let's see..." She looked me in the eye. "Sha'Kayla, Samantha, abuse, an arranged marriage from a contract with my stepfather. I know he bribed you."
"So..."
"With money. I'm not a slave, Luca."
"Never said you were. And you didn't explain this "we"."
Lexi huffed and scowled. I rolled my eyes and watched her get up. Women were so bipolar these days. You didn't know what they were thinking until they accused you of something you never knew about.
"Scratch "we", because it's only you. It has always been you."
"What the hell have I done to deserve this treatment, Lexi?"
"I already told you you dumb piece of--"
"Don't even go there."
Lexi huffed and stopped in front of the tent flap. Her hand went up to open it when I stopped her. There was no way I would let her leave and I hadn't even asked her about what Wayne wanted. At least I was trying to make her do something that was for her own good. Whatever she has to at least kill me if she doesn't give it back.
"Lexi," I said. "You know why I took you in here in the first place."
"No, I don't," She denied.
"Wayne wants his stupid thing back. I'm not going to fight you for it. Just give it back and all of this fighting between him and you will most likely stop."
"..No."
"Lexi...No one wants to get hurt because of you."
"Finders keepers."