The guys surprised us this week with a mini vacay to Laguna Beach, renting a fabulous five-bedroom house that is right on the beach. The four of us arrived four days ago, and we’ve spent our days exploring the different beaches, coves, and tidal pools and filling our days with sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. At night, we’ve dined out and returned to our place to enjoy some drinks on the gorgeous deck facing the beach, sipping cocktails under the stars while the gentle ebb and flow of the ocean provides a soothing backdrop to our conversation. It’s hella romantic and just what the doctor ordered.
Reeve and I have taken midnight walks on the gorgeous sandy shore each night, holding hands and stealing kisses, and it’s exactly what we need to remind us of what we have before we are forced to go our separate ways again.
It’s Thursday night, and the guys are grilling steaks and chicken out on the deck while Audrey and I prepare salads in the large fully-equipped kitchen. “What’s this Rudy guy like?” Audrey asks, while we slice tomatoes and dice onions side by side at the counter.
“He seems like a good guy, but I’ve only spoken to him a few times. I know Reeve hit it off with him almost immediately and he’s his closest friend on the set.” Rudy is due to arrive soon along with Nate, and he said he might bring a couple of others from school. Reeve wasn’t keen on Nate joining us, but his parentals just announced they are getting a divorce, and Alex says he’s really messed up and he could use a few days away. It sounds like a recipe for disaster, if you ask me, but he has been on his best behavior since the night of my eighteenth birthday, and like it or not, he’s Alex’s friend.
The doorbell chimes, and I set my knife down, padding to the front door in my silver flip-flops. I quickly check my reflection in the hallway mirror, to ensure I’m presentable.
Unlike the nights we glammed up for dinner on the town, I haven’t made much of an effort with my appearance tonight. There didn’t seem much point since we’re just entertaining at home, but I still want to look nice. So, I’m wearing a short white summery dress with thin straps, my hair is wavy and running loose down my back, and I’m only wearing a touch of lip gloss and mascara. Satisfied I’ll do, I march to the door and swing it open.
I’m immediately swept up into a set of strong arms and twirled around. “Hello, beautiful,” Rudy says, swinging me around once more before planting my feet on the ground. “Wow. Reeve wasn’t exaggerating. You’re gorgeous.” He dazzles me with a stunning smile as he rakes his gaze over me.
Warmth spreads up my neck as I return his smile. “And you’re every bit as charming as Reeve told me you would be.”
“Don’t believe everything those two tell you,” an unwelcome female says. “They are thick as thieves on set and always up to mischief.” I work hard to keep the smile plastered to my face when Saffron—carrying two large suitcases—appears behind Rudy, but it’s difficult when your arch-nemesis shows up without warning.
What the fuck is she doing here? If Reeve knew about this and purposely didn’t tell me, there will be hell to pay.
15
I hate to admit it, but Saffron is even more beautiful in real life, even if she’s heavily made up and wearing the tackiest designer dress with matching wedge heels. Her long jet-black hair is thick, glossy, and smooth, her complexion is flawless, her big, blue eyes draw you in, and she has enviable curves in all the right places. I’m taller than her, even in my flip-flops, but what she lacks in height she makes up for with confidence. Her tight-fitting red minidress leaves little to the imagination, and her large boobs are almost spilling out of the top.
I understand some of the vitriol I’ve seen directed at her online by fans of the series. While she has Abby’s dark good looks, she doesn’t have the lithe, small-chested, dancer’s body as described in the books. It’s clear the studio decided to take a gamble on displeasing the die-hard Rydeville Elite series fans in the hopes Saffron’s notoriety and sex appeal will endear her to the wider audience. She also has a loyal, core following of her own who defend her to the nth degree anytime anyone accuses her of being miscast.
Holding her head up high, she flashes me a toothy smile, and I have a sudden urge to rip every strand of hair out of her head. Without warning, she digs her elbow into Rudy’s side. “Thanks for leaving me with the luggage, doofus.”
“Dude, you never…” Reeve’s voice trails off as he strides down the tiled hallway toward us. His eyes widen as he whips his head to look at me. Panic is etched across his face, and I’m glad he knows this is a problem. “Saff, what are you doing here?” he asks, rubbing the back of his neck.