Kristoff drives me to Lora’s apartment, but she isn’t home. The silence is deafening as I take the takeaway hamburger into the kitchen and set it on the counter.
I check my phone, and sure enough, my best friend has texted me. She has a date tonight with Ned, the guy she met last week. Still, nothing came from Julian. Is he still working? What is he doing now? Is he mad at me? I wanted to talk to him.
After giving it some thought, I decided to see him at his house.
I grab my purse and leave the apartment once again. I hail a cab and instruct the driver to take me to Julian’s address. His place is on 59th Street, just a couple of miles away.
When I got to the condo, the lobby knew who I was, so they let me into the elevators that go to the penthouse.
Quickly, I make my way to his front door. Even though he might not be home, I can wait for him inside. I’ll just tell him why I came later. I punch in the door code, and a click resounds.
I enter his cozy, well-lit apartment. I’ve missed the way his house smelled. It almost feels like home for some inexplicable reason. The weather is also pleasant tonight, indicating that spring will come soon.
As I walk inside, my gaze is diverted to the grand piano near the floor-to-ceiling windows. I had a flash of myself over its keys, bare ass, making love with Julian. My body immediately warms up at the thought.
Surprisingly, I hear music from the kitchen, and the stereo plays light ensemble music. He’s home.
I bite my bottom lip, thrilled. “Julian?”
I go into his kitchen, but my feet turn numb when I see him talking quietly with his gorgeous ex. Stella has her hand on Julian’s arm, and their bodies are uncomfortably close together. Julian’s brows are furrowed, and he has a grave expression.
What is happening?
I clasp my hand over my mouth. Oh, God, I shouldn’t have bothered to come. I should’ve expected Stella to still drop by his place.
Julian raises his head and immediately senses my presence. His rigid features soften. “Anya?”
Stella gives me a phony smile. “Hello there, cupcake.”
Stop calling me that!I grind my teeth quietly. “I’m sorry, I should leave. I guess this isn’t a good time.”
“No!” Julian protests immediately, leaves Stella’s side, and moves straight toward me. He grabs my elbow. “Don’t go. We were just talking.”
“Yes, I see that.”
“You should have told me you were coming,” he hisses.
I scoff.
Didn’t he say I could come to this penthouse whenever I wanted? I’m not sure what angered him, either. Coming here unexpectedly or being distracted by his cozy chat with Stella?
Maybe they’re back together? Has she already won him over?
“Geez.” I withdraw my hand. “How should I know that you’re home... with her? I was expecting your call.” I glimpse the award-winning fake singer, who’s still poised and observing us through her eyelids. A smirk forms on the corners of her lips.
“I’ve got a lot on my plate today,” he whispers. “I don’t even have time to check my phone.”
“I should leave,” I say again.
He briefly closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “Please don’t leave. She’s going.”
“You’re welcome to stay for dinner, cupcake. Julian is making something delicious,” Stella croons. It’s strange how much I used to like hearing her, but I hate it now.
“No thanks. I had one with Kristoff just now.”
Julian frowns. “You were with Kristoff?”
“I texted you.”
“I told you I wasn’t checking my phone. What did you talk about?”
I gape at him. I can’t believe he just asked me that. “I was going to tell you tonight, but it seems you’re occupied.”
“It’s such a waste if you don’t try it,” Stella interrupts again.
Seriously? She’s getting on my nerves. If only I could scratch her face...
“Shut the fuck up, Stella!” Julian bellows, making me jolt.
Stella laughs scornfully, unaffected. “You guys are so serious. Come on.”
“Anya, please.” Julian pinches the bridge of his nose. “Let me drive you. Let me at least do that, okay? I’ll explain later.”
“I can go home by myself,” I argue, taking a step away from him. “I’ve had enough issues, so I expected to find peace of mind here. I guess I’m mistaken.”
“But it’s not what you think.”
Definitely not a good response. That wasn’t what I expected. “You know, that’s what everyone says when they’re caught doing something... dubious.”
“Alright, maybe I should let you two keep doing whatever you’re doing,” Stella says again, pushing my buttons.
This is devolving into a disaster. “No, I’m the intruder here. I’m leaving.”
I pivot and head to the door. Tears spring up in my eyes. I didn’t even have time to defend myself. Julian’s clearly with her the entire time, and he’s cooking for her just as he does for me. Jealousy has officially consumed my heart.
I dash to the elevator. I keep hitting the down button as if it’s wronged me, trying to divert my outrage. But as the elevator opens, Julian reappears.
“What do you want?” I snap.
“You know what I want.” He grabs my wrist and joins me in the elevator car. “I asked you to stay.”
“Do you really expect me to while you’re with your ex? Or is she still your ex?”
“She’s still my ex, and it’ll stay that way.”
“So, what is she still doing with you?”
He rakes his hand across his scalp. “I had a disagreement with Rafael this morning. He let Stella sign with the label.”
I glance up at him, bewildered. “Isn’t she signed to another label?”
“I don’t know. It’s complicated! And now you’re leaving me.” He flashes a forlorn face. “Please don’t. I’ll lose my mind.”
The elevator chimes once again as it reaches the ground floor. The door glides open.
“Come with me.”
He grabs my hand again and then takes me to the parking lot. We pace toward his car, where Fred is already waiting. The chauffeur opens the passenger seat door. Whenever he does, it is for me, and Julian is driving.
I’m not sure where he’s taking me, but Julian is still wearing his indoor slippers, clearly didn’t have time to change to follow me. “Hold on. While looking like that?”
“Should we go back?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
Julian lets me get in first, and then he takes the wheel.
“Where are we going?”
“Anywhere but your apartment.”
“Where?”
“You’ll see.”
I sink grumpily into my seat.
We’ve been on the road for some time now. I realized I dozed off during the drive. I didn’t want to be the obnoxious girlfriend, so I didn’t talk to him on the way. I don’t have the bravery to ask him about his ex, either. I’d prefer to talk about it when we’ve all settled. I close my eyes again for a few more minutes of a nap.
My consciousness comes back when Julian gently shakes my shoulder and whispers softly in my ear, “Anya? We’re here.”
“Where?” With bleary eyes, I survey the area he’s taken me to the window. Surprisingly, I recall being here before. I get out of the car when Julian does.
I’m instantly welcomed by the sound of beach waves and freshly mowed grass. I look to my left and see a stunning, modern manor house towering over us. This was where I spent Christmas Eve and where we first kissed.
“You brought me to your parents’ house?”
He smiles. “Yes.”
“Why? Are your parents here? What about your brothers?”
“Easy, precious.” He takes my hand in his and brings it to his mouth. “Yes, my mom’s here. Dad and Rafe are away on business. Adam is in Manhattan, but I think Carter is home.”
Oh my God. I’m not prepared for this. This is obviously a huge step in our relationship. Why did he decide to take me to his family all of a sudden? What if they’re like Stevens? What are we going to tell them about our relationship? I’m merely a student of his.
“Why did you bring me here? What will I say to them—or to your mom?”
He laughs. There’s no sign of stress in his eyes. “You’ll be fine. Just be yourself. Come.” He leads me to the grand entrance of the Sebastian estate, entangling his fingers with mine.
Two male attendants welcome us with a good evening before opening the enormous modern Scandinavian wooden door.
“I sometimes come here on weekends, and tomorrow is Saturday, so we can stay a little longer,” he says.
Julian’s surprising actions never ceased to amaze me. I haven’t even prepared something. I only had my phone and some cash with me.
But before I can say anything, a sophisticated middle-aged woman with unparalleled beauty in a silk nightgown comes by the doorway as if she’s expecting us.
“Darling, I was worried you wouldn’t come!”
It’s Julian’s mother. Rachel Sebastian. Her voice is soft and high-pitched. She rushes forward to shower her son with kisses on both cheeks.
Julian laughs. “Yeah, I’ve missed you too.”
“I haven’t seen you in a month.” She then glances at me, still smiling. “Oh, is this her?”
“Yes, Mom, this is Anya. My girlfriend.”
She stares at my face, partially covering her mouth in surprise. “She’s beautiful. Good evening, Anya. You are lovely.” She leans in for a brief hug.
Oh wow. This is new. When I first met Kristoff’s mom, she totally ignored me.
I happily return her hug. “Thank you, Mrs. Sebastian.”
“Sweetie, just call me Rachel.” She lets me go. “I heard you’re the reason Julian stayed—”
“Mom,” Julian interrupts, scratching his forehead. “We just had a long drive.”
“Yes, of course. But I’ll have Irma make something for you if you get hungry.”
“It’s okay, Mom. Anya is tired, so she needs to rest,” Julian says.
She sends us a sweet smile, clapping her hands. “Sure. I’ll see you both at breakfast.” Then Rachel marches inside and begins calling out names, “Irma? Elsie? Where’s Carter? We have a guest, and his brother is here.”
“He’s upstairs, ma’am,” answers a distant voice.
“Wow,” I whisper.
“What is it?”
“Your mom is really sweet and hospitable.”
Rachel Sebastian is the total opposite of Kristoff’s mother. I can say that with certainty. Ever since I lost both of my parents, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen such real motherly care.
“She’ll be flattered.” Julian leans in and softly kisses my temple. “Come. I’ll show you my bedroom. I can’t wait to get you there.”
Julian shows me the way toward the immaculate grand staircase.