Chapter 4
"Saved by visits to Theresa’s apartment—most often because of Harper when she’s in New York—I barely see her. I know she works with Magdalene Saylor, a renowned fashion designer, and that she and Tess have grown close over the past year. But Vity definitely goes out of her way to avoid running into me. And with the production of our new album, our encounters have been sporadic due to my lack of time and the guys’.
‘No. We barely see each other,’ I sum up. And even though there’s much more I could say, I decide I don’t need to. Effy probably knows plenty from Vity. ‘But you already knew that.’
‘Actually, I didn’t. Gravity doesn’t talk about you.’
I try to pretend that doesn’t hurt my ego, but the bitterness spreading in my mouth proves otherwise.
‘Never?’
‘Gravity is very private when it comes to her feelings. I think she prefers to keep them to herself. The only thing I know is that work has been tough for her. Yael sent her to New York to work with Magdalene so Gravity could have the chance to create her own designs, but she complains that the woman treats her more like a personal assistant than an apprentice. Anyway, things have been rough for her.’
‘Why are you telling me this?’ I ask, raising an eyebrow, curious for her response.
‘I’m just letting you know that Gravity doesn’t have time to waste, even to hate you.’ Effy laughs. ‘It’s past midnight. It’s not your birthday anymore.’
‘You’re such a jerk…’
‘I spent the last minutes of your birthday on the phone with you, and I’m sure I managed to stop you from doing something stupid that would put you on TNC tomorrow.’
For now.
After saying goodbye to Effy and confirming what she said, I’m sure this was the worst birthday ever. Am I pissed at my best friends for choosing to be with their girlfriends instead? I am, but they’re also pissed at me for everything that happened with Isabella. Still, that doesn’t mean I have to have a crappy night.
I glance at Max and Lucca, alternating between them and the nearly empty whiskey bottle. My alcohol tolerance has skyrocketed over the past year, and mixing it with water makes drunkenness the stupidest thing in the world. I barely feel the effects, and when I do, they pass so quickly that I need to drink more to try to dull the anguish caused by the much-desired yet stereotypical fame.
‘I need more.’ I hold up the almost-empty bottle for one of the security guards. ‘I’d go get it myself, but you know how it is… I have babysitters.’
Max can’t resist rolling his eyes and, nodding to Lucca, dismisses the second guard. Dealing with just one of them is easier.
‘I need to take a leak while he’s fetching my whiskey.’
I adjust the white dress shirt I’m wearing, rolling the sleeves up to my elbows. Max doesn’t object, but his sharp, feline gaze follows me to the restroom. If the place were crowded, it would be easy to lose him, just like so many other times.
When I return, I see Max distracted, busy on his phone. They all work the same way: updating Wade on how things are going, so our head of security can, in turn, update our manager—who at this moment would love to shove me back into the hole he pulled me out of.
Calmly, I pass behind Max. His broad shoulders are his own disadvantage, acting as a perfect visual shield for me. Quietly, I tiptoe away, dashing toward the stairs once I’m halfway there, weaving into the crowd of sweaty bodies.
Surrounded by human heat, the smell of sweat and marijuana fills my nostrils, making me dizzy. In the heart of all the chaos, I feel free.
Now by Chase Atlantic is playing, and I move to the rhythm of the music. I spot a girl dancing her way toward me. My hands rest on her hips, her arched backside brushing against my groin, making me instantly aroused. My balls tighten against the fabric of my boxers as she sways her hips against me.
It’s been a long time since my last hookup because I’ve been trying to stay out of trouble—which has nothing to do with the girls I sleep with. I know the only problem is me: my inability to keep it in my pants, my constant anger, and my impulsiveness always getting the better of me.
I believe in love. Yes, I believe I can find it. But I doubt I can hold onto it. I’m incapable of keeping anything without ruining it in the process.
There’s a part of me that thinks being rejected by my own father and dealing with judgment my whole life is fate’s way of saying there’s nothing for me at the end of the road. I just need to enjoy as much as I can. As if I’m going to die tomorrow.
I never really believed I’d live a long life anyway."
NEW YORK, NY.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2024, 8:33 AM.
THE NEW CELEBRITIES
ASHTON BAKER SPOTTED WITH BILLIONAIRE’S DAUGHTER AT BUSY LAS VEGAS CLUB
By Ravennah Hollow, published 1 day ago.
The Reckless bassist celebrated his 26th birthday at a prestigious nightclub in Las Vegas last Sunday.
He was seen kissing model Ayla Knylee, and the two left together at the end of the night. The young woman’s father owns a significant share of casinos in the city, and the unexpected encounter between the rock star and the Victoria’s Secret model has sparked plenty of buzz.
Ayla took to Twitter to clarify that she and Ashton met at the nightclub and, despite hitting it off, it was nothing more than a one-night affair.
Everything involving members of The Reckless quickly becomes a hot topic, and Ayla explained that she felt the need to address her relationship with the rock star out of respect for the band’s fans.
There had been speculation that she was in a serious relationship with American basketball player Sawyer Blake, though he has yet to comment on the rumors swirling between Sunday and today.
The story repeats itself: Ashton is always entangled in dramatic and tumultuous romances. While Harper and Ashton are frequently seen together—and she claims nothing serious is going on between them—social media chatter paints a different picture. The Reckless bassist is often labeled a womanizer, seemingly unaware of the consequences of his actions.
Despite the lack of seriousness in his relationships, it is imperative to acknowledge the responsibility that comes with his choices.
Let’s not forget that his situation with Isabella Wren remains a significant issue for the group. Ashton has shown no real remorse, even after publicly apologizing. According to our sources, a man like him seems solely interested in enjoying the perks of fame, with little regard for distinguishing between right and wrong.
It’s clear that fame hit the band earlier than expected, and none of them anticipated this level of success so quickly. However, that’s no excuse for Ashton to go around acting recklessly and treating women as his emotional playthings to soothe any insecurities he may harbor.
People get hurt and feel used when they’re treated this way.
Rarely do I, as TNC’s editor, share my personal opinion on any celebrity we cover here, but I feel obligated to offer a piece of advice to Ashton: learn to appreciate the diamonds you have. Women are not to be treated as your emotional dumping ground.