44. FAKE NEIGHBORS
3343 Words
ANGEL ROSE
Camille and I are in our workout outfits heading to the gym entrance and I must say we look cute. I've been wanting to hit the gym since forever but didn't want to do this alone. Carl and I had a home gym and I'd work out one day and have sore muscles the next and immediately give up. It's the reason why I've been begging Frankie to be my gym partner. I needed someone to push me to keep going when I felt like quitting.
"Girl thank you so much for coming with me" I take the last bite from the cereal bar and throw the paper in the trashcan outside.
"It's no problem sweetheart. My body needs the excersize anyway" she pushes the the glass door leading to the gym and enters.
Frankie sort of bailed out on me this morning. He got home late last night and was hungover. Shocker. When I woke him up this morning he only groaned and turned away from me and went back to sleep. I so can't wait for the restaurant and the lounge to be done with so we can be go to bed together and wake up and have pillow talk just like other couples. We barely have those as it is and the alcohol is to blame.
"This is so nerve wrecking" I follow her inside the air conditioned open space to the reception.
There's hundreds if not thousands of the latest workout machines and devices covering the big space with a pop song playing in the background, everyone present all sweaty and in pursuit of that toned body that will have the world drooling. I want that sexy body so the world won't have anything bad to say about me when I become famous. What am I saying of course people will have something bad to say about me. Haters will always do what they know best. They'll even make up something if they have to.
"I'm so nervous" I take Camille's hand when I see one girl making a face as she lifts weights.
"Why?" Cami frowns.
"Look at how she's struggling" I point at the girl.
She looks like a foreigner in this place just like me and Camille. Her arms and thighs have cellulite. We're both in desperate of burning fat. Oh and Camille too.
"My dad always says beauty is pain" she smirks.
"So true" I giggle.
After talking to the sweet lady behind the counter she points us to an empty space to go stretch and tells us she'll send a gym coach to come help us. We go do as we are told stretching our limbs ready to torture our bodies just to look good.
"How's married life so far" Cam glances at me as she stretches her arm across her chest.
"You know how it is. One day it's all good and the next it's not" I sigh.
"Is he treating you good since...you know"
I know she's asking if he treats me good even though he was forced marry me. It could be worse so I'm not complaining.
"He's been hurt in the past and I'm thinking he's scared to open up to me because he's scared things might fail again" I stretch my leg.
"What happened with his ex anyway?'
"I'm not really sure. He won't talk about it. Anyway how's it going for you?" I smile.
"The flower shop has been doing good lately. We have huge orders for three weddings this weekend and I'm so excited" she beams.
"That's awesome Cam. How's the plan to make a little sister for your boys coming on?" I say my tone teasing.
"It's taking longer than I expected. Mike thinks I'm getting obsessed with it because that's all I talk about. He says he's starting to feel like a sperm donor" she makes a face.
"Maybe you should tone it down a little and let it happen naturally"
"Yeah I know but it's easier said than done. Maybe these work out sessions will keep me distracted" she let's out a heavy breath.
"Morning ladies" a voice says.
Camille and I are met with one of the most gorgeous guys on the planet. This guy is like ripped the tank top he's wearing hugging his muscles. I hear Cami gasp next to me.
"Hi" Camille smiles.
"Uh morning" I feel my cheeks heat up.
I look at Camille in shame. We shouldn't be gawking at this dude. Like we are married.
"My name is Dante and I'll be your couch" he stretches his hand to me.
"Nice to meet you Dante" we both say in unison.
"Okay ladies let's get started" he smiles at us.
Dante shows us a few more stretching techniques and by the time we're done my muscles are burning in various places. He instructs us to get on the treadmill while he goes to check on another pair. We get on the machines next to each other and start running in a slow pace. Cam gets a little competitive when I increase my speed. We go at it and before long we're both tired.
"Oh my word that was intense" Camille is laid on the floor breathing heavily.
"I know right" I slump next to her.
"You ladies good" our gym coach comes to check on us.
"Yeah" we both sit up.
"Okay we'll be using the abdominal bench next then be done for the day" he starts for the machine.
I sigh in relief. My muscles are screaming at me but I'm not going to give up till I get that body. Carl would drool when he sees me on TV looking hot. He'll regret ever leaving me. And don't get me started on Frankie. He won't be able to sign those divorce papers when the three months is over. He won't even bring it up you best believe that.
After saying goodbye to Cam I drive to the supermarket to pick a few items for the day. When I get back Frankie is still sleeping. I take a shower and start on breakfast. After having breakfast in bed I go do the dishes. I like that lately he's been nice though I feel like he's been avoiding spending more time with me.
As Frankie helps me make the bed after begging him just to spend a little more time with him the door bell rings. Frankie goes to answer the door and I hear him talking to a female voice. It better be his sister or something because I'm not in the mood to deal with his ex bed buddies. As I approach the door I see it's Frankie's neighbor whom I've seen a couple of times with a bowl of food in her hands.
"My grandfather died just last week and after we layed her to rest I stayed with my grandma to keep her company. I'm back now and everything will be back to normal" I hear the woman say cheerfully.
"I'm sorry about your grandmother"
"It's okay. Can I come in?"
I stand next to Frankie and notice she's wearing a short dress her breasts almost spilling out and when she sees me her smile falls flat. She looks me up and down in distaste. I've known she likes my husband from the one time I've seen her flirt with him weeks ago but for her to dislike me when she doesn't even know me is so immature of her.
" Is everything okay babe" I look from the woman to Frankie.
"Uh yeah. This is my neighbor Khloe Bennet. Khloe meet my lovely wife Angel Rose" Frankie puts his arm over my shoulder.
"Wife?" Khloe shakes her head as if in she's in denial.
"Isn't she adorable" Frankie kisses my cheek.
"Babe" I giggle.
"So you are married now?" Khloe frowns.
"Yep"
"Married as in you went to a courthouse and eloped" she asks.
"Far from it. We had a big wedding in Italy. I can show you pictures of the wedding if you like" I smile as I wrap my arms around Frankie's waist.
"I didn't know you were even dating" her tone is disapproving.
Like why would she feel the need to know what her neighbor gets up.
"I told you a few weeks back remember?" Frankie says.
He told her? Why in the world would he do that. It just doesn't make sense.
"I made you something to eat not knowing you have a wife now" she gestures to the bowl of food in her hands.
"I'll get that for you" I glance at Frankie taking the bowl from her.
"There's a block party tonight. I hope you two can make it" she looks at me then at Frankie. I don't know why she's suddenly turned super friendly towards me.
"I wish I could make it tonight but I can't. I have a business meeting" I say.
"Neither can I. I've got more important things to do" Frankie plays with the ring on my finger.
I see Khloe eye the piece of expensive jewellery like she would cut off my finger or something. If I wasn't sure what the history between her and my husband was then I'm certain now.
"Maybe you two can join me and my family for lunch Saturday and get to know each other a little better" Khloe fixes her eyes on me.
"We can't" Frankie says as I say "We would be there"
He gives me a look like 'What do you think you're doing accepting an invitation from her of all people' and I just shrug.
I don't want to turn down the invitation because I don't want to seem impolite. I don't want this woman anywhere Frankie is but they say keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
"Okay then. I'll see you Saturday" Khloe flashes a fake smile at me and a glare at Frankie.
"What was that" I ask as we stay standing by the door watching Khloe walk back to her house next door.
"What was what?" Frankie acts clueless.
"Whatever that was between you and your neighbour" I smile and wave at Khloe when she looks our way which she returns with her own fake one.
"I don't know what you are talking about" he turns and walks back into the house.
"No need for you to lie to me. The history between you two is so obvious. She couldn't hide the fact that she wants you. And did you see what she was wearing? That outfit screams Come have your way with me Frankie Her cleavage was literally spilling off her dress. Nobody goes to visit a neighbour in that outfit unless they are hoping for something more steamy if you know what I mean" I shut the door and make my way to the kitchen to leave the bowl of food in the fridge and continue following him.
"I don't owe you any explanation"
"You said I couldn't sleep with other men when we are together. I suggest you don't sleep with other women while I'm living under the same roof as you"
"I'm not sleeping with anyone but you" he says as he makes his way to the door leading to the garage and I'm on his heel.
"You mean that?" I grab his hand and he turns and looks at me.
"Yes. She's unhappy in her marriage but I can't say the same about my marriage" he pulls me in his arms.
"You are happy with me?"
"I know our marriage isn't real but you bring out the best in me. I enjoy every second with you" he says and my heart warms.
"Then why have you been avoiding me lately" I raise a brow.
"I don't know what you're talking about" he pulls away, opening the door he enters the garage.
"Well if you love being married so much then let's stay together till death do us apart" I follow him in.
"You know why I can't do that. You are a beautiful, amazing and the sweetest. I'd hate to see you settle for a man like me" he grabs his tools.
"I'm not settling for anything. I chose to be with you" I lean against the door jump with my arms crossed over my chest.
"Listen baby I know you want love but I'm done with all that. I have no doubt in my mind that you will someday find someone who will return your feelings"
I want that man to be you, I add in my head.
"I'm going to go take a shower. I've got a meeting with Mateo and Platinum"
"Who is that?" he stands there frowning.
"You know Platinum the famous pop artist who got addicted to drugs and stopped singing"
Platinum was famous since he was sixteen and for six years he made hit after hit but he got so addicted to drugs that all he wanted to do was drugs and nobody could put a stop to his destructive behavior. Last time I heard of him was when they found him in his home unresponsive and he spent a week in hospital. When he go out he went to rehab and I haven't heard much about him since and that was two years ago.
Just the other day Mateo had called me and told me we were going to meet with him today to talk about his comeback. I'll be making a song with him that will put him back on the spotlight and I have every reason to believe Frankie's uncle Leonardo Russo had everything to with this. He had said he would pay some people to kick start my career because there's no way I could have been able to get the chance to work with the famous Platinum.
"I have no idea who that is" Frankie says.
"I can tell" I chuckle "You could come with me and meet him if you like"
"Maybe some other time" he walks to his work station.
***
"Mat are you sure Platinum said he was okay with working with me?" I ask Mateo as we sit in the beautifully decorated lounge in Chris's parents house.
I don't know what Chris's parents do but from the looks of it they look like they are well off. Not many music producers can afford to have their parents build them a recording studio at home.
"His agent called your agent" Mat says as an older woman walks into the room.
"Mom aren't you supposed to be at work?" Chris asks the woman. I've never met his mother and I must say she looks a little too young to be his mother.
"I couldn't leave you here alone when we have important guests coming to our home" she smiles at us.
"You do know that they have been here plenty of times before right?"
"But I never got to meet them" she says.
"Guys this is my mother Megan Olson. Mom this is Angel Harris and Mateo Russo" Chris introduces.
"Nice to meet you Mrs Olson" I get on my feet and shake her hand and so does Mateo.
"You can call me Megan. If my memory serves me right Chris said you were getting married in Italy more than a week ago " she takes a seat on the couch and we follow suit.
"Oh yes. I'm a married woman now" I twist the ring around my finger smiling.
"New love" Megan puts her hand over her heart.
"She's a Russo now not Harris" Mateo corrects.
Angel Russo. Now doesn't that sound beautiful.
"You are related to her husband?" Megan asks.
"Yes. He's my cousin" Mateo answers.
"Your manager is a Russo. I see you are keeping it in the family" she smiles and I return her smile.
The doorbell rings and Megan excuses herself and goes to answer the door.
"Can't believe my mother would skip work just because I told her Platinum was coming over" Chris runs his hand through his thick curls.
"Your mother is a fan of his?" Mateo asks in amusement.
"Not really. She just likes the fact that a celebrity is coming to her house that's all" Chris shakes his head.
"It's kind of cute" I giggle as Megan walks back into the room with Platinum and a chubby guy behind her a huge smile plastered on her face and I'm no different.
I'm trying to pretend not to be star struck but I'm falling. The three of us get on our feet and Mateo introduces himself then the rest of us. Platinum introduces the man he came with as his manager.
"I'll be right back" Megan says more to Platinum than us.
"I'm a huge fan of yours Platinum" I find myself saying. Shut up Angel Rose.
"I get that all the time" Platinum says playfully "Please call me Alex. Platinum is my stage name and I'm here as Alex"
"Your manager said you were working on a new album. How is that going?" Mateo asks.
"It's going great but I'm hesitant about going back into the music business, there's too much pressure. Made me turn to drugs for comfort. The business is not what it looks like. Yes the money is good but it gets lonely and loneliness is the worst feeling ever"
"I can't imagine what you went through" I sympathize with him.
He looks better than the last time I saw him on TV. He's gained a few pounds and looks healthy again. His hair is in a buzz cut and dyed blonde and I must say it looks good on him. Maybe he's really done with drugs because then he can go back to doing good music that people can't ignore.
Megan brings some snacks and Chris suggests we take everything down to the studio to listen to the beats he's made for our song. We listen to the smooth Hip Hop mixed with pop sound and both Alex and I like it. It gets even more beautiful when Chris starts rapping. I didn't know he could do that. The guy is really talented. Platinum admits he'd want Chris on the song. Just when I think nothing can get better than Platinum adding the song that features me on his album he tells me this.
"I want you to feature in the music video of the song that we going to make" he says.
"Are you serious?" my mouth hangs open.
"Yep" he smiles.
"Oh my goodness"
I scream in excitement unable to contain myself and everyone is amused by my reaction but I don't care.
I can't believe this is really happening. I can't believe Platinum wants to feature me in his music video. After giving Mateo a tight hug I grab my phone and call Camille to tell her the good news and she's happy for me. I ask her to send some flowers over as a token of appreciation to Alex though I know it's all Leonardo Russo's doing.
I'm tempted to call Frankie too but wipe out the idea as quickly as it came. Last week after receiving the call from Mateo saying we were going to meet up with Platinum and I had walked into the bathroom without knocking to share the exciting news he'd gone off on me and didn't bother asking what made me budge in like I did. He probably doesn't care much about what I get up to.
"Alex how about you come to dinner at my house and meet my husband"
"You are married?" he looks shocked.
"Yes" I beam.
"What's the rush. You are basically still a kid"
"Kid? I'm twenty eight" I chuckle.
"No way" he looks at me in disbelief.
"Yes way" I giggle.
"I thought she was a kid too when we first met" Mateo laughs.
"Wow you look so young. I thought you nineteen or something"
"I get that a lot" I mimic his words from earlier and we burst out laughing.
- Writer
