2.0 The Chronicles of Us - Shame & Blame

Chapter thirty-nine

*♡ Ellie ♡*

What a disastrous day. There's no way I'll be able to make it in time. It's the fault of that birthday-brat, of course. I wouldn't be in this pickle if she had been grateful for the car her parents had bought her for her sweet sixteen. But no, she made a royal scene when she discovered the cabriolet was magenta instead of bubble gum pink. It took a lot of soothing, promising and bribing for the girl to calm down.

To make matters worse, the battery of my phone completely drained. I thought I was charging it, but the chord was never plugged in at all. I'm already half an hour late and I have no way of letting Tex know.

"Is there any way we can avoid traffic? Perhaps a secret shortcut?"

The cab driver gives me a glance through the rear view mirror. "Sorry, miss, I'm afraid this is the only road that leads to the hotel."

I sigh and slump back, waiting for the car to move another inch. I should've foreseen this. There's always traffic in Los Angeles. Especially in this part of the city where the award show is held. Dozens of cars are circling around in search of a parking spot. I'm lucky to have even found a cab. Okay, not lucky. I stole this one from a man in a business suit. Whatever meeting he has to attend can't be as important as where I'm heading.

Five minutes pass with us barely making any progress. I don't have time for this. Can I go by foot? I can see the roof of the hotel from here ...

"Keep the change," I say to the driver while giving him some bills and dashing out of the car. Since I had no time to drop off my things at Tex' place, I'm now not only running on heels, but also carrying a weekend bag and my camera bag. It's slowing me down tremendously. If I want to have any chance at making it somewhat on time, I'll have to cut through a patch of bushes and trees.

Bad idea?

Absolutely.

Once I emerge from the thicket, my knees are covered in scratches and my hair is no longer tucked into a somewhat elegant updo. Getting dressed in an airport bathroom stall didn't do me any favors to begin with. It doesn't matter, though. My true love is reaping the rewards of his hard work and I have to show my support.

With fast and determined strides, I make my way toward the fancy entrance. My face screams YIKES when I catch my reflection in one of the shiny windows. Ignoring my dismal state, I reach for the door, only to be blocked by a large hand, which happens to be attached to an equally large doorman. "It's invitation only, sweetheart."

Yes, I knew that. I rummage through my bags but find the darn thing nowhere. Where did I last see it? I remember squealing and feeling like a house maid who got invited to the Queen's ball when I received it. Did I ... stupid, stupid, stupid! I left it on the coffee table!

"It seems I forgot to bring it with me," I admit, sulking a little to up my chances.

It works. The man takes pity on me. "What's your name? I will check the list."

"Ellie or Elizabeth Walker."

"Hmm." He shakes his head. "You're not on it. Did one of the nominees invite you as a plus one?"

"Yes! His name is Tex. I mean, Anthony Chase."

"Ah, found him." His eyes narrow with confusion. "But you're not listed as his plus one."

What the freckle?

The smile I was sporting crumbles like a sad cookie. A mistake must've been made, but I don't know how to fix it. Should I ask him to find Tex, or perhaps Roy?

The man chuckles. "Maybe a pet name?"

Could it be ... no, Tex wouldn't be so silly.

Or would he?