Next Door Lover

22.

Katie POV
"Ladies and gentlemen, United Airlines welcomes you to sunny Los Angeles .  The local time is midnight and the temperature is a warm 82 degrees. For your safety and the safety of those around you, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened and keep the aisle(s) clear until we are parked at the gate." The stewardess announces we've landed over the loud speaker and  I put my tray in an upright position and wait for further instruction.

After I left Scarlett and Kate, I took an Uber back to work. Ashley had texted saying my mother left and she had an idea if I wanted a way out. It made total sense. I'm 18, and can technically do whatever I want. You only need a license to travel within the United States so when she offered me to go to Los Angeles I couldn't say no. It was a better option than crashing on friends couch and the inevitable partying I'd succumb to.

Turns out Lizzie just got there too for work, and she offered me to stay with her and her husband. Who, by the way, is a rockstar!! So that's where I'm headed for the next two weeks. I have to decide if I'm going to tell my father about my mother's abuse and I have to decide if I'm going to come back.

We all figured two weeks is more than enough time to let's things cool down. What killed me was leaving my camera at home and not telling Leah where I was going. I was already questioning her trust so I just couldn't bring myself to tell her. She will be out here in a month anyway so if I end up coming back here after the gala I'll tell her then.

Since I didn't bring much, I had my backpack as a carry on so I'm able to walk right out of the airport. To my surprise, Lizzie is standing there with a male next to her, I'm guessing her husband, next to a tinted Toyota Prius. Okay Lizzie, environmental queen!

Stepping out of the airport is like coming up from the deep area of a pool. Your lungs feel like they're going to burst but then you take that big breath of fresh air and your heart rate calms and your eyes can focus again. It's intoxicating.

"Hey Katie!" Lizzie sees me coming her way and pulls me into a hug. "You're safe now." She whispers into my ear as she hugs me.

"This is Robbie, my husband." She introduces when we pull away and he gives a smiles and waves probably Not wanting to be too overwhelming.

"Hi Robbie. Thanks for letting me stay with you guys." I say

"Of course. I'm happy to have any of Liz and Scars friends." He says which makes me smile.

I'm friends with Lizzie and Scarlett. That's so surreal. Especially considering Scarlett probably is going to hate me for not telling her what's going on. I'll call her, when I get a new phone and number, I just needed to be here first.

We get into Lizzie's car and head back to her house. It's quite a ride, and even though it's dark it's still so cool to look at Hollywood and all of LA. I've never been here but I swear it's a whole new world.

Once we get inside Lizzie's beautiful home I'm quick to start asking questions. "You have two homes?"

"I do. I used to live in New York City since college and my sisters are based there so I bought a house to be close to them when I visit but my main work is over here in LA so this is where I mainly live." She explains.

"You're sure I'm not imposing? I can find a hotel I'm sure." I say not really knowing how because I literally brought nothing with me.