Royal Pain in the Ass, page 19
“So you remember what happened with, erm, well the whole Chase thing?” Xavier’s jaw clenched and a fierce tension was throughout his shoulders, like a tiger about to pounce.
“I’ll take that as a yes. I’ve made my decision.” Xavier looked over at me confused. “I’m going to play his game for now.”
“You’re what?” Xavier hissed.
“I don’t see any other way around it. I don’t want to embarrass anyone, and he doesn’t actually want me, he just wants fame. It shouldn’t take him long to be finished and over it all.”
“Juliet, let’s be reasonable,”
“I am. If I don't play along, he’s just going to release the tape. He’s right. Regardless of whether or not I agreed to it, the paparazzi will still eat it up. This is just what they want. If I play his game, just until he gets bored, he won’t release the tape.”
“Do you really believe someone like this is trustworthy?”
I shook my head. “I’m not stupid. He’ll totally throw me under the bus if it suits his fancy. I know this. I also know Chase.”
“But,”
“Xavier, I’ve made my mind up. The last thing I need is another scandal. I won’t embarrass my father and his family any more than I already have.”
Xavier sighed and turned from me. “Juliet, we will fix this. Somehow I will find a way to fix this.”
I walked over to stare him in the eye. “Xavier, I am fixing this. Once I get that tape, we’re done. All he wants is a taste of this so called fame I’ve accumulated. Chase is an ass, but he’s easy to appease. It doesn’t take much to satisfy him. He’ll get bored here soon.”
Xavier shook his head. “I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“How will I get hurt?”
“He’s already hurt you.”
“Xavier, I’m not actually going to date him.”
“You’re so naive sometimes.” Xavier shook his head. “I would advise speaking to your father,”
“NO!” I cut him off right there. I was so not telling my father that there was a sex tape of me out there. Hell no. “There is no way in hell that is happening, do I make myself clear? If James finds out you will have me to deal with.”
Xavier looked pissed and it almost frightened me, but there was no way I was backing down. This was my mess, I was going to fix it.
Chapter XXI
It took a long moment where Xavier and I were staring each other down before he sighed. “Very well, Juliet. If you feel you have to do this, I will support you.”
I relaxed. “Thank you, Xavier.”
“Juliet, if you’ll excuse me.” Xavier bowed himself out and retreated to the room Fiore had allotted us. I let him go. I didn’t know what else to say anyway.
I knew what I was going to do, trouble was keeping it quiet and clean. All I had to do was bide my time. Sure enough after Chase called me on the third day.
“Hello?”
“Hello Jules,” his voice purred.
“How did you get this number?”
“Same way I found you. I have resources.”
“Great. Get to the point.”
“Have you made your decision?”
“I have.”
“And?”
“There will be ground rules if we agree to this.”
“Such as?”
“It’s all an act. You understand, that right? I will play nice in public, but I have no intention of actually dating you.”
“Of course not.”
“So long as we’re clear. And there are limits. There are thing that I simply will not allow.”
“Sounds fair.”
“And if anyone gets a hold of that tape, you understand how fucked your world will be?”
“Jules, aren’t I a man of my word?”
“No.”
“Ouch,” I could hear the smirk across the phone. I really hated that arrogant ass sometimes.
“I mean it, Chase. I will fuck your world up, got that?”
“Alright Juliet. I hear you. Now, when do you want to start this?”
“I need a little time to get things sorted. Go back to the states, I’ll let you know when you can make it public, got that?”
“Alright, Jules. I want exact dates in a week. Sweet dreams.”
I hung up on Chase. I had no desire to ever see him again. I really did hate him. I sighed and put the phone away. I had a press conference to attend. I stood by my aunt and uncle silently, looking solemn. I watched everyone being sure not to fidget or look bored. I did everything I could to do what I needed to do. Fiore helped Ian and Christine through and answered questions when Ian would falter. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. I couldn't imagine going through what Ian had to right now. But Lana was going to be alright, she was out of the danger zone and they were just waiting for her to heal enough and pull her off the drugs. She would make a full recovery, and the scars wouldn't be that bad. I just played the part I needed to for the conference. After it was over I hugged Christine, Ian, and Fiore and Xavier and I headed back.
Xavier hadn’t pressed the issue any more and I was about finished talking with him anyway. I was so over this.
I kept keeping Chase waiting, he wouldn’t wait forever, but he’d wait until I had everything figured out. Chase was easy enough to pacify.
Three weeks later, he was getting impatient and we were back at the Eastgate estate. I was keeping to myself, avoiding Angelica and Millie as best I could and trying to be polite when I couldn’t. They seemed to appreciate that I wasn’t ‘in their way’ and were almost cordial. James was his usual self, he’d taken to going for a ride with me at least every other day. It was pleasant enough, but I still felt like I didn’t belong here. I’d made my decision. I knew now what I was going to do and how I was going to do it.
I made a very important phone call.
“Hello?”
“Hey, I need a favor.”
“Sure, what’s up?”
“Can I get a ride somewhere?”
“Sure. When?”
“Now.”
“Alright, where to?”
“Not far.”
“I’m on my way.”
“Thanks.”
I grabbed my bag and snuck out through the servants quarters. It wasn’t long before I saw a familiar car. I hopped in.
He asked a few questions, but I just told him I need a ride to the palace. I had to get away from everyone, especially a certain someone. He accepted my lie without question. The guards let me in as I marched right up. I asked how to get to my uncle’s office and knocked.
I heard a gruff “Enter,” and didn’t hesitate. “Juliet? This is unexpected.”
“Sorry, your majesty. I have a request.”
“Go on . . .”
“I’d like to go home.”
Henry raised an eyebrow.
“Home, home. Not my father’s estate. I’d like it very much if I could have my passport back and return to the states.
Henry stared at me for a long moment and it took everything I had to stare into those eyes and no squirm, but I stood and met his challenging gaze.
“Very well. I think you’ve learned to behave in public. Don’t embarrass me, this country, or your family again. And do not make me regret my decision. I do not often grant second chances.”
I felt the grin spread across my face. “Thank you, your majesty!” I couldn’t help it, I threw my arms around his shoulders.
He awkwardly patted my back. “Now, now, enough of that. People are watching.”
“Oh, right . . .” I felt the flush on my face, but ignored it. Words could not express how excited I was. I’d told my ride to just drop me off and leave. I trusted him not to tattle, but not to not try and stop me if he figured out what I was really doing. I walked a few blocks, hailed a cab and had them take me to the airport. When I got there I changed into a blue sundress I knew the royalty would approve of and bought my ticket. It didn’t take long for me to be on a plane back to New York.
Twenty-seven hours, three connecting flights, and four outfit changes later I was in my roommate, Amanda’s, car, her son Maverick sound asleep in the back. I was home.
“Chase has what?” she whisper-yelled.
“Yeah, I know right?”
“Oh just you wait! I’ll kill him.”
“There’s a line for that, you know.” I smiled. God I missed this girl.
“Loki has missed you. Hasn’t done a damn thing but mope since you’ve been gone.”
“I missed him too.”
We chatted the whole way home. It felt like no time had passed between us. This is part of why I loved this girl. When we finally got back home I couldn’t sleep. My sleep schedule was off now for the states. I glanced at the clock, just after five am. I knew what that meant.
Within ten minutes I had my surf board and Loki loaded up and was on my way out to the beach. Loki loved the beach almost as much as I did. It felt right to have sand between my toes again. I took a long, deep breath of the salty air and felt the smile spread across my face.
This was home.
I was home.
Chapter XXII
After three days of hiding out and spending all my time surfing I was ready to let a few people know I was back. It was lonely since I’d been back. Amanda had tried to talk to me, but she was busy with school, work, and Maverick. As much as everything was the same, it was all different.
This was home. It always had been. I walked into my mom’s old room and her smell still filled it. I took a deep breath and sat on the edge of her bed. God I missed her. She’d know what to do. She’d tell me how to deal with this. I grabbed one of her pillows and cuddled with it and started crying. I couldn’t tell you why I was crying, just that I suddenly felt like everything was falling apart. What was happening to me?
I woke up and looked around. I’d cried myself to sleep. I sighed and put the pillow back and set it just right and closed mom’s room off once again. I turned on my old phone and called an old friend.
“Hello?”
“Hey,”
“Jules? Is that really you?”
“Yes,”
“Well, I’ll be damned. Welcome back, princess.”
“It’s good to be back. It’s good to be back.”
I arranged to meet up with a few old friends at the current bar they were frequenting.
“Preston!” I ran up and hugged him.
“Lookie here, our little Jules went and grew up without us.” Preston teased. Preston was like my big brother. He was taller than me and a little stocky. His brown hair had been cut since I’d last seen him and instead of his shaggy style he used to wear, it was now very businesslike.
“How are you?”
“Great! I’ve missed you.”
I had a few beers, met Preston’s new girlfriend Ellie, and the ever wonderful former best friend Hailey.
“Hey,” she smiled awkwardly. “Sorry about the way we met last.”
I rolled my eyes and did my best to ignore her.
“Juliet, I really miss our friendship.” Hailey pouted.
“Well, whose fault is that?”
“Juliet, come on, what do I have to do?”
I looked thoughtful for a moment. “Okay, here’s what you do, build a time machine, go back in time, and don’t screw my boyfriend.”
“You forgave Chase.” Hailey grumbled and Preston spun around.
“Wait? What?” I glared at Hailey. “Jules, did Hailey say you forgave Chase?”
“She did, but I haven’t.”
“They why are you back with him?” Hailey whined.
“Juliet?” Preston asked, raising an eyebrow. “What’s going on?”
I sighed. I really didn’t want to have to explain myself. “Preston, it’s a long story and I don’t want to get into it tonight. I’ll let you know, just not tonight. Tonight, I want to enjoy myself. Okay?”
“Alright, but you owe me an explanation.” Preston sighed. “Do a shot with me.”
A few more shots in and I was starting to feel like I was really back home. A few good friends, a few good drinks and I was in a pretty good mood.
Unfortunately, there was a downside to being home and I found it. Now I wasn’t just Juliet. I was Juliet Eastgate-Benn heir to the Eastgate nonsense. Thus my quiet night catching up with some friends turned into this.
“Juliet! Is it true that you were engaged to the Prince of Wales?”
“Juliet, are you carrying a love child, like your mother, now?”
“Juliet, how do you think your mother would feel?”
“Juliet, is it true your father never wanted you?”
“Juliet, is it true?”
“Juliet!”
“Juliet!”
I was going to kill whoever leaked my name to the press.
I smiled politely at the flash mob of reporters and news cameras, but I kept my damn mouth shut. Xavier would be so proud. I felt a pang of guilt in my gut. Not only had I just up and left. I hadn’t told anyone I was leaving. I’d just snuck off and was gone before they knew any better. I hadn’t told anyone goodbye. I’d even left my phone in the cab so they couldn’t find me. I missed them all terribly. I missed Gwen and her quirky nature and always having a cookie. I missed Harper and his music. I missed Laurel and her ways of telling me what I needed to hear and always saving my ass. And I really missed Xavier.
More that I should have.
I missed our late night chats.
I missed our arguments.
Part of me even missed him trying to tell me what to do.
I waited patiently, with my mouth shut for the police to arrive and they escorted me to a hotel. I called Amanda and warned her I wouldn’t be home. I was advised to get a hotel room and advised to use an alias. It annoyed me that the hotel decided to comp me as soon as they realized who I was. And so, I had locked myself in the five star hotel suite alone. I would have given just about anything in that moment to be curled up in my own bed.
I looked at my phone again. Preston had left me yet another voicemail.
“Juliet, I’m sorry! I had no idea Hailey would open her big mouth. I’m sorry! Please call me back. Tell me you’re alright. Amanda won’t tell me anything. Please just let me know you’re alright. I’m sorry, Jules. Call me.”
I deleted it along with all the other voicemails he’d left me. I went out on the balcony and let the warm sticky heat of Florida envelop me. I let the warm salt breeze fill my nose and every pore. It was good to be home. I’d missed this more than anything else in England.
The next morning I called Chase.
“Good morning, sweetheart.”
“Cut the crap,” I growled. “The fucking paparazzi know I’m home.”
“I didn’t tell them.”
“I know. You want in the limelight? Fine, go get Loki and my surfboard and meet me at that spot.”
“When?”
“Now.” I hung up on him. I had to put up with him, not like him. I bribed one of the kitchen staff to give me her change of clothes, then went and bought a new bathing suit, a cover up, flip flops, and a hat. Fuck the paparazzi. If they wanted a show, fine. But it was going to be on my terms. I walked to the best place I knew to surf. The waves here were always awesome.
There was a nice swell this morning. It wasn’t long before Chase was blowing up my phone.
“What?” I snapped.
“Same beach you used to love to surf?”
“Duh.”
“Okay, I’m here.”
“Me too.”
“Where?”
“Come fine me.” I snapped and hung up on him for the second time today. I had to admit, it felt great. Unfortunately, it didn’t take him long to find me. On the plus side, Loki was with him.
“Hey,” he smiled at me.
“Yeah, whatever.” I knelt down and Loki bounded over to me. “Who’s a sweetie pie? Who’s a good boy? Who’s a good boy?” I laughed as he licked my face. “That’s right! That’s my good boy!”
“Whatever?” Chase asked.
“Yeah, whatever.” I growled at him.
“Jules, you’re supposed to be my girlfriend.”
“Chase, it’s an act.”
“I don’t like the way things ended between us.”
“Oh? Was it the cheating? The cheating with my supposed best friend? Or that I found out?”
Chase sighed. “Jules, you never had any time for me anymore. I got lonely.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. My mother was a little busy dying! I’m so sorry you were lonely. I’m sorry I had bills to pay, school to finish up, a full time job, and a sick mother I was trying to keep alive! Fuck you and your loneliness.” I snapped.
“Don’t say it like that,” Chase pouted.
“Chase, cut the bullshit. Ride the wave of fame, just like you wanted. Get your stupid fifteen minutes of fame and then get the hell out of my life. I don’t want you in my life. I already told you this. If you didn’t have that stupid tape, I wouldn’t even be talking to you right now you piss poor excuse of a waste of space human being!”
Chase was stunned silent for a moment, even Loki was looking unnerved. “Come on Loki,” I called and we bounded into the waves.
I was just excited to have the company of Loki in my hotel with me. I made the police keep Chase out of the room. Amanda and Maverick were my only visitors. This had become my life. I’d sneak out to surf if I could, if not I was stuck watching tv or playing video games. I was beginning to wonder if this was how the rest of my life would be when the last person I expected to see showed up at my door.
Chapter XXIII
“Juliet?”
“Um, what are you doing here?”
“I had to. Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
I stepped aside and let Angelica in. “What are you doing here?”
Angelica sat down on the couch and looked around nervously. “Is there anything to drink?”
I went and grabbed two cokes and handed her one. “What’s up?”
Angelica was chewing on her bottom lip and kept glancing around the room.
“Are you expecting to see someone else?”
