Chapter Two

Alexs POV
I followed Dana to her house. I couldnt believe what I was seeing, it was bigger than my place in Atlanta and I thought that was a palace. This must have cost her a fortune. I didnt know tennis players made this much money. Youve got a nice place, I said as I walked in the door and followed her upstairs.
Thanks. Its kind of like my dream house. Dana turned around and looked at me. You want the grand tour? she asked as she took off her sweatshirt, revealing a wifebeater underneath. I just nodded, the sight of her having taken my breath away. Well, take your coat off and Ill show around.
I thought the outside was nice, damn the inside was gorgeous. Youve got great taste.
Thanks, she said blushing, but Bette and Harrison helped me decorate. Once she had shown me the rest of the house, we came to the end of a hallway with two doors. She pointed to one. This is where you can stay. She opened the door and we walked in. Had you checked into your hotel yet?
No, otherwise nothing would have talked me into staying in the city. Need clothes. Dana nodded. Can I use your phone to call and say Im not coming?
Of course. Theres one in the guest room. Im going to go to bed. It there anything you need before I do? I shook my head. Okay, Ill see you in the morning. Have a good night.
Yeah, you too. I watched her walk into her room. I closed the door, leaning against it, and sighed.

Three Days Later at the Planet
Jennys POV
I love watching Marina work. The way she just seems to glide around, her feet not even touching the ground. I know Im grinning like an idiot. I can tell by the looks on everyones faces and Alice is rolling her eyes. I turned around when Tina pointed towards the door. A girl walked in and was quickly greeted by Marina with a kiss on the cheek, a gesture usually reserved for the people Im sitting with and Dana, who happened to be walking with the ***** stranger, who seemed to be flirting with Marina and Dana.
Who is that?
Everyone spun around and looked at me. Something must be going on. You dont know who that is? Alice asked. I shook my head. Thats Alex Desmond.
The singer? I asked, just having heard one of her songs on the radio that morning.
The singer, actress, author, painter, designed I mean the girl does everything. I looked at Alice. Shes huge, especially in France. Thats where her and Marina went to high school actually, well, a boarding school.
They went to high school together? Alice nodded, unable to hide a look that said Wasnt that just what I said? Ill be right back. I walked towards Marina. We met in the middle. Can I talk to you for a minute?
Sure, but first Id like you to meet Alex. Alex, this is Jenny.
Hey.
Hey. I looked at her. Theres something familiar about her, and it cant be the famous thing because until this morning I had never heard of her. Alex smiled, nodded, then went to sit down. Dana closely followed. What do you think youre doing? I demanded. Marina just looked at me as though I was crazy.

Bettes POV
Whos that Jenny girl? Alex asked, watching Jenny quietly yell at Marina.
Thats Marinas girlfriend, Tina said, looking between Alex and the couple fighting. Why?
Just wondering why she was accusing Marina of cheating. I watched Alex stare intently at Jenny and Marina.
How do you know that? Dana asked, although it was kind of obvious even if I didnt already know the answer to that question.
She can read lips, I answered for her. She turned around and smiled. I noticed Jenny and Marina walking towards us.
Im sorry Shane. Shane looked at Alex, completely confused as she had been watching Alice head to the bathroom, but I knew what was going on. Its not the first time shes done it.
Everyone, Marina said tersely as she sat down next to Alex. Jennys nostrils flared. It was obvious what Jenny thought of Alex.
I watched as Alex leaned on Marina, hugging her around the waist. I sure hope this works.
Marina, Shane was hitting on me, Alex said in a childish voice. Now it was Marinas turn to flare her nostrils.
What? Shane, how dare you hit on my little sister. Both Jenny and Shanes eyes went wide.
I didnt hit on her! Shane glared at Alex.
Alex, why would you say that?
Alex rolled her eyes. Because your dumb self didnt introduce me to your girlfriend correctly. Marina quirked an eyebrow. Jenny thought you were cheating on her because she saw how you greeted me.
How did you know that?
She can read lips, everyone responded for Alex. Alex just grinned as Jenny slowly nodded. She looked at Marina.
Dont worry about it. Marina glared at Alex. I take it you apologized to Shane before telling me she hit on you? Alex nodded. Did she know why you were apologizing? Alex slowly shook her head and Marina gestured at Shane.
I apologize again Shane, I or Bette should have warned you.
Tina looked at Alex and I. How could Better have know what you were going to do?
Its not the first time shes done it. Alex smiled and ducked her head. She did it with Francesca before her and I were going out. Bette looked over and saw the looks on Jenny and Marinas faces. *****! Guys Im sorry.
Alex looked at Marina with a weird look on her face. Dont ask, she said in Italian. Alex nodded. Marina looked at Bette, who grimaced slightly. Weve got to get going. We have dinner reservations.
It was nice meeting you Alex.
Alex looked up and smiled at Jenny. Yeah, Ive heard so much about you Im glad I finally got a chance to see what all the hype was about. Jenny blushed as she put on her jacket. I hope you guys have a good dinner.
Thank you Alex. Marina turned to Jenny. You ready? Jenny nodded. Good. Lets go. Goodbye everyone. Jenny and Marina left to a chorus of goodbyes.
I noticed Shane looking at a point beyond us all. I turned around, trying to see what Shane was looking at. All I saw was Alice, finally coming back from the bathroom. Alice sat down next to Shane. Took you long enough. I actually forgot you had gone in there. Alice just shrugged and pulled a piece of Shanes croissant. Nobody else noticed.
Hey Bette. I looked at Alex. Doesnt the CAC have nights when anybody can display their works?
Yeah, but theyre amateurs only. Why?
Well, I had my agent send ma all my stuff and he must have sent my paintings express cause they got here this morning. A bunch of them have never even been shown.
I looked up from my planner, actually trying to find a show. Really? Alex nodded. How would you like your own show?
That made Alexs eyes widen as well as Danas. I dont think I have enough suitable for a show. Dana nodded.
What do you mean suitable?
Alex looked at Dana. Most of them could be categorized right up there with Provacations. I dont you to have to go through all that again.
I smirked. She hasnt changed a bit. Can I see them?
If you really want to. Dana let me turn half of her garage into a studio. Theyre almost all set up in there.
Tina looked over at Alex. Arent you famous for painting pictures of your friends that you actually took with a camera?
Only because my others have been too controversial to show anywhere.
Setting a premiere show up would be great for me. Especially from someone like you, well know by everybody because of other projects. Pleas Alex, do a show?
I dont know Bette. Maybe you should see my work first. I dont think your bosses are going to like any of them.
I rolled my eyes. They let me show provocations. You really think yours are worse? Alex shrugged. Dana, you obviously have seen them. Do you think there worse?
Everyone looked at Dana. Well, theyre all nudes and all women. There are no men at all. There will definitely be some backlash and controversy.
I wan to see these paintings now, said Shane. Alice slapped her hand and Shane actually looked like she had done something wrong. No one else noticed. Sorry, she mumbled under her breath. Alice just smiled and nodded. Something is going on there.
Youll have to deal with Buckley again. Tina looked at me, distress in her eyes.
I can handle her.
I dont know Bette. Ive dealt with her several times, every time Ive tried to show these paintings. You wouldnt believe the lengths she would go through to stop me. I looked at Alex. The girl was outright scared.
Alex, why are you so scared about this?
That videotape isnt going to work again.
Ill find something else.
Alex looked at me. There was something in her eyes that made my blood run cold and freeze in my veins. I have something on her, much worst than her daughter being in a pornographic video. Everyone was looking at Alex now. Her voice was filled with so much hatred, it sent shivers down all our backs.
Why havent you used it before than? Alex shrugged as her demeanor returned to its normal, laidback state. Alex.
It doesnt matter why I havent okay?
We all sat in complete silence, unsure as what to say next. None of us had ever seen Alex like this. One by one, we all quietly left, Tina and I being last.

Marinas POV
I walked over to the table where all my friends had been sitting, now only Alex was there. I thought you had dinner reservations, she asked, without even looking at me.
I sat down next to her and nodded, knowing she couldnt see me, her arms cradling her head and blocking everything around her. The restaurant had messed them up. Besides, Jenny wasnt feeling very good anyway. Alex nodded. I sighed and also set my head on the table. What happened after we left? Alex just shrugged. I looked up at the clock and saw Dana sitting at the counter, watching us. Ill be-
I know shes there. I can still smell her perfume. I love the scent but tell her shes wearing way too much tonight. Also, Alex picked something off the floor, tell her not to forget her purse next time. I nodded and walked over to Dana then handed her the purse.
I dont know what to do. We were all sitting, having an alright time until Bette asked Alex to show her paintings. Dana looked at me. I know she wanted me to tell her what to do but I have no idea.
I walked around to the other side of the counter and took a bottle from underneath. I silently offered it to Dana. She looked at the bottle of tequila and nodded. She reached for her purse but I shook my head and she stopped. We quickly downed our shots. I played with my glass, as Dana just stared at the counter through hers. Now, tell me what happened after Jenny and I left.
Dana started playing with her glass for a few minutes, almost dropping it, before answering my question. Alex asked if the CAC had a night when anyone could shoe their work. Bette said it was for amateurs only and then suggested Alex just have her own show. I guess Alex only wanted to show them for one night.
I nodded. Makes sense if theyre the paintings I think they are. Let me guess, Faye Buckley was brought up. Dana nodded and I sighed, slamming down my glass. Will you take her home please? Also, try to talk her into doing the show. Dana nodded and I watch as she walked over to the able and led Alex outside. I hope she does the show.

The next day

I watched as everyone filed into the Planet and sat down at our normal table. I walked over and sat down next to Alex. She had a weird look on her face. Everyone was laughing and just chatting about nothing except her. Alex was silent, completely lost in her own thoughts. All of a sudden, she spoke. Ill do the show.
Everyone went silent and abruptly turned to look at her. Are you sure? I asked. Alex nodded. You dont have to, you know?
I know Marina but I want to. I nodded. The only reason why I had asked was to make sure she was certain. I wanted her to do the show. Ill call Stacy in the morning.
That surprised me. Are you sure you want to do that? This time Alex glared at me. Well, thats more risky than showing the paintings.
I know that but its the only thing I have.
Dana raised her hand, actually making Alex smile, and asked, Whos Stacy?
My little sister. I knew Alex wasnt going to tell the truth. Shes helped me deal with Ms. Buckley before. Everyone nodded except for Bette.
Did I ever meet Stacy?
No, shes younger than that. Shes actually still in high school. A senior at Columbus High School in Georgia. Bette nodded but I could tell she wasnt satisfied with that answer. Had you already talked to your bosses about my paintings?
Yep and they want to show them. They think itll bring a lot of people because were in West Hollywood. Alex rolled her eyes. Are you serious about wanting to show them? Theyre going to get a LOT of media attention. I mean, youre famous, and this is the first showing of them. They would like it though if you would do a couple of the ones youre famous for. Alex nodded. Are you going to be able to handle Buckley?
I can handle her. Dont worry bout it.
Alright. Bette pulled out her cell phone and put on her earpiece. I need to call my bosses and tell then you agreed. Theres still time to back out.
Would you make the freaking call before I actually do change my mind? Bette jumped up and ran off, furiously dialing the phone. Alex shook her head and laughed. We all looked at her, glad to see the change from yesterday. If they only knew.

Tbc …