Double Trouble

Chapter 15: The Spotlight

Click.

Click.

Flash.

Pop.

I still can hardly believe that I am on the red carpet right now for a movie premiere. It boggles my mind that just two weeks ago I was sitting in Spanish class listening to Mrs. Ruiz gabbing on and on about Mexican music and tacos. I turn and swivel and pose for the cameras, all while holding hands with the most amazing movie star in Hollywood.

Ayden James turns to face me as I turn to face him and we both look at each other in awe as the cameras surrounding us swarm us with their flashing lights. Ayden James is my boyfriend. I try to soak it all in, savoring every click and every kiss. And we have been kissing a lot. A LOT.

You can say that I am living in the limelight and loving every moment.

"Jade Winters! Get a picture over here!" someone yells out. "C'mon, show us the best! Get with Ayden! Now one just you!" I turn and swivel and sashay and smile. All for the cameras. Smile between your teeth. I don't even need to fake smile. It's been a long time since I haven't had the need to fake smile. I smile for real, because I am happy. Holding hands with this beauty to my right.

"You are on fire tonight," Ayden leans over and whispers into my ear, "you are so freaking beautiful." I blush and let him kiss me on the cheek. Ever since Jade and I switched places, my life has been non-stop. Truth be told, Jade has a hectic life. In between the movie set and public/private events, my schedule has been grueling. I want every night to come home, draw a nice hot bubble bath and then curl up with Ayden and watch a Disney classic. Which I have, actually. So far I have made him watch Mulan, Pocahontas, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I have not heard from either Jade or Ethan since the last time I saw either of them. But I realized that I do not care. I want this life to last. I want the glitz, the glamour, and the love. So far, I haven't had one night when I'm alone. Either Tally has come over begging to go out on the town to a new famous club she just heard about, she came over with sleeping items in tow for a sleepover, or Ayden has whisked me away on another adventure.

Two days ago, Ayden took me to the Santa Monica Pier and we rode roller coasters all day long. He cleared both of our schedules so that we could spend the day together. Then, at sunset, we had a picnic along the beach, right in front of his private beach house.

The only weird moment we have ever had was when we were driving away from the movie set to one of our little adventures. As we were parked and getting out of the car to go into a restaurant called Le Bleu, a tiny French bistro known for its secluded and exclusive waiting list, Ethan came barreling headfirst into Ayden's shoulder. Ayden toppled over.

"What the hell?" I yell hotly, careful not to attract attention. "Ethan?" Ethan only pins Ayden to the ground and grunts in response.

"Stay away from her," Ethan points a finger in Ayden's direction. "She's innocent and naïve."

"Dude, get off me," Ayden growls and rolls over to his side once Ethan stands up. Ethan turns to me as Ayden turns his back away from us, dusting off his blazer.

"Come home, Skye. You don't belong here. Jade really needs to talk to you," he insists. Ayden turns around and Ethan disappears into the night.

"What was that all about?" Ayden exclaims, pushing back his jet black hair. I try to croak out a syllable, but nothing comes out. Ethan left me speechless. The fact that he even found me here is astounding. How did he find me? I knew Jade told him-I figured as much. But he must've found out where I was. Or worse, he has been looking me for all along. I push the thought away.