Chapter 31: Chapter 31

“I don’t know--did you get the part in that movie you wanted?”

“How did you know?” He sounded slightly disappointed that he didn’t get to tell her, but not so much that it took the smile off of his face.

She shrugged. “What else would make you that happy?”

“Isn’t it awesome? God, Ella, I’ve been wanting a role like this one for so long, one I can really sink my teeth into. I bet I can even get nominated for some awards for this one. It’s such a rich role. I can hardly wait.”

Ella smiled, but it was forced. She felt so bad for Rome that he’d given the role up, the one Tim spoke so highly of. “That’s great, cousin. I’m very happy for you.”

“Yeah, even though I have a feeling I’ll have to do a few scenes with that ass, Rome Verona.” He shook his head but his smile didn’t fade completely. “Compromises, compromises. It’s totally worth it.”

“Tell me again why you hate him so much?” she asked. “Do you even really know him?”

“What’s to know? His dad is an asshole who stabbed your dad in the back. That’s all I need to know.”

“But… that’s not something this Rome person did.” She tried to pick her words carefully. As far as Tim knew, Rome was nothing more than a face on a poster to her.

“Oh, Ella, you’re so naive.” He ran his hand over the top of her head like she was a little girl. “Rome Verona is just like everyone else in his family. A conceited, self-centered, pompous ass. I know his boyish good looks are impossible for you girls to overlook, but he’s really not so pretty on the inside.”

“Has he ever done anything to you?”

“No, but I stay as far away from him as humanly possible. Until now.” Tim let out a sigh like he was making a huge sacrifice being in a movie with Rome. He turned onto the road her father’s house was on, and Ella could no longer focus on trying to get Rome and Tim to get along. Her heart was hammering in her chest.

Sensing her anxiety, Tim took her hand. “It’ll be all right, Ella. I’ll be with you.” He pulled through the gate and stopped in the driveway, turning to give her a reassuring smile.

“Don’t leave here without me, okay?”

“I won’t.”

“Promise. No matter what he says, no matter what he makes me say. You don’t leave until I’m in this car… or over the wall.”

Tim’s eyes went to the large wall that surrounded the grounds. “You mean… that wall?”

Ella eyed it, too. It was so tall, she didn’t know if she could ever climb it, but if Rome had, maybe she could, too. Hopefully, it wouldn’t come to that. “Just don't leave me.”

“You know I won’t.” He squeezed her hand, and she took a few more deep breaths and got out of the car, her knees shaking, even though she knew Tim was with her, and Rome had followed them at a distance. Though she didn’t know why exactly, the feeling that her parents were up to no good wouldn’t go away, and she was afraid to find out what was waiting for her on the other side of that door.

With heavy feet, and her hand in Tim’s, Ella shuffled toward the door, determined to put herself back together so that Teresa didn’t see that she was scared. The bitch didn’t deserve to think she’d made her frightened, even if it was the case.

Tim raised his hand to knock on the door, but Ella beat him to it, putting her game-face on, ready to stare her enemies in the eyes.

earnest

One of the servants opened the door. Her face wore an ugly grimace when she glanced at Ella, but when she looked up at Tim, the sneer faded and was replaced by a smile. “Come in,” she said, stepping aside.

Ella’s dad strode to the door to embrace her. “There you are, darling. God, how I’ve missed you.” He wrapped her up and hugged her so tightly, Ella felt as if she was a little girl again, and she almost cried. But she didn’t. The sound of Teresa’s heels coming into the living room turned her sadness into anger. “You look well,” her father added, holding her at arm’s length. “A little skinny.”

“Yes, well, not by choice.” Ella glared at Teresa as her father greeted Tim.

Teresa wanted to play pretend. “It’s lovely to see you, Ella.” She opened her arms slightly, but Ella took a step back. There was no way in hell she was going to hug her stepmother. Not after what she’d done.

Her father cleared his throat at the awkwardness of the situation. Thankfully, they were spared any discussion of whether or not Ella was being rude when Anna and Drew entered the room--and someone else.

A tall man with dark hair and a look about him that made Ella think he might be French walked between her stepsisters. He was quite handsome and wore an expensive suit. Ella was sure she’d never seen him before. The man appeared distinguished, though not much older than her, she guessed. His eyes were dark brown, similar to her own, his brows heavy but arched as he took her in. Who he was and what he wanted, she didn’t know, but an unsettled feeling stirred her stomach.

Anna and Drew said hello to Ella but lavished their attention on Tim for a moment as her father took her arm and walked her over to the man in the suit. “Ella, this is one of my newest associates. Henry Caron, son of Jacque Caron, whom you’ve met, I believe, hails from Paris and has been working hard on many of our projects in France.”

“It’s lovely to meet you,” Henry said, speaking in perfect, melodious French.

Ella answered in his native tongue. “It’s nice to meet you as well, Mr. Caron.”

“Please, call me Henry,” he insisted, and when she offered her hand, he brushed a kiss against her knuckles.

This was not a business meeting.

“What brings you to LA?” she asked as he released her hand.