Almost Everything

Chapter 25 - Hang on a Little Longer

I have been back in LA for two days and my house is finally coming together, everything is at least in the right rooms and waiting to be unpacked.

Brad and Nate carry in all the big things to the house and place them in the rooms I tell them. During their second beer/weed break, I go to the master bedroom just to stare at my view. Pulling out my cellphone, I take a picture of downtown LA from the hills and send it to Jackson.

This could be your view!

The master bedroom was huge. Three of my four walls were break-apart windows that open to the giant outside master terrace. I have a large fireplace and a large walk-in closet with a lighted vanity bench. My bed was a custom oversized king with a ton of pillows and blankets. I bought Meeko his own dog bed and placed it in the corner of the massive room, but I'm convinced he'll never use it.

The bathroom is huge and different. The shower can fit up to ten people and was all glass with five shower heads and shower sticks for the lower body. The bathtub was a massive standalone that could fit three to four people. The back wall was all windows that overlook the wooded, private property. There was an electric fence around the property line, so I wasn't scared of anyone sneaking onto the property.

I was in my closet putting my clothes away when Jackson texts me back. I follow the ringtone until I find my phone. He sent me a picture back with views of New York.

I'll share your view, if you share mine.

My palms sweat as I hit the call button. "What did you do?" I ask when he answers the phone.

"Remember that building we always used to dream about?" He answers back with a laugh.

Tears prick my eyes and I sit down on the bed. "Yes, the building they show on Judge Judy's intro. The building we drool over still?" I tell him slowly and scared.

"I just bought the penthouse. You are going to love it, it's exactly how you imagined it. A huge private terrace starts at the master bedroom and continues until the other end of the condo's guest bedroom. The views of downtown go on forever." He tells me proudly.

"How?"

This 'how' carries so many questions behind it. How did he afford it? How did it open up when the owners have been there for years? How could he even think about me wanting to stay in New York for long periods of time? How can we stay there together when he can't even be seen with me?

"After you left, I fired my manager and hired someone else. We can't get out of the contract I signed, but it's only good until after the movie and then it's null. Amy George is gone after the movie too. I took that fifteen million and used the rest I got from selling NoHo. The new place is purchased by my manager and it's listed under her name, so no one can trace it back to me." I can hear the grin in his voice.

"You fired your manager?" I ask dumbfounded.

"Yep. I also hired a lawyer and banker. Going forward, I'll have my lawyer read all my contracts and if they mention anything about you, it will be flagged for my review. Ava, I can't apologize enough to you. I'm so sorry."

Giggling in the phone, I sit on the bed. "Jackson Thomas Williams, I do believe you are growing up. A new manager, a lawyer, and the money guy. What's next?"

"It's going to be big, but you'll have to wait." He teases. "So, can you see yourself sneaking into this place during your downtime to hang with me?"

"Depends. Will slutty cakes be served?" I laugh.

"Only for you."

It feels good to be laughing with each other again. Jackson is back, and I know we are going to be okay. He promises me breakfast, lunch, and dinner whenever I stay with him. The building has tight security, and a doorman and they are okay with Meeko's presence.