Fire and Desire

Chapter 12

Aubrey

The Seventh Annual OVOfest was amazing. One of the best ever. I loved giving back to my city after they'd given to me. I met Rihanna backstage and damn did she look good. Her face was radiant and I was happy that we'd put on a show! Not at the cape though, shit was honestly annoying. As we greeted a few guests backstage and posed for some pictures, I called Reas phone. I assumed she would've stepped out as she was normally waiting for me backstage. I asked around the guys and they said she hadn't been seen since the show started. I put it down to a bathroom break and proceeded to talk to guests. I stepped to the side and dropped her a text.

*Outgoing message*
Aubrey : Rea, where are you baby? I need you backstage with me.

Rea

"I need you backstage with me".

I read the line over and over before switching my phone off. As the flight prepared for take off, I rolled over in my bed. Plugging in my headphones. Toronto was honestly my worst nightmare right now. I had to go home.

Several hours later, we touched down in LA. The air was warm and pleasant and I found myself walking across the Tarmac to a car that wasn't waiting for me. In a way I was back to my old life, walking through the rest of the airport like everybody else. To an extent of course. There would of been a Mercedes waiting for me on the other side but now nothing and no one waited for me.

After passing through customs, I called another uber. I went to the only place I could really go to. The YOLO estate in Hidden Hills. The cab driver proceeded to say hello and ask for the address.
"5481 Round Meadow RD Hidden Hills CA 91302"

He nodded and sped off. I'd missed California. It had only been a week but it was like everything had changed. The sun was brighter, the roads were louder and the air was thicker. It was the end of July and it was beautiful. I was sidetracked in my thoughts by the time the cab pulled up at the entrance gate. I climbed out and let him know he wouldn't be able to travel any further and that i would have to walk. I smiled sheepishly and set off towards the first entrance gate. A handsome security guard called Marco greeted me quizzically.

"Miss Joseph, we weren't expecting you."

I wasn't expecting me either trust me.

"I know, I've ... had an emergency and had to jet back."

His complexion softened as he looked at me sympathetically.

"OK well I'll check in with Mr Graham later and let him know there's someone on the property."

I paused and my eyes frosted over.

"Marco, I'd rather you didn't do that and also if you let nobody know that you had seen me. If Aub..Mr Graham challenges you about it you say you've no idea where I am. Got it?"

His grey eyes cooled. "Got it."

I clicked and clacked through Hidden Hills and up the driveway to the house. It was magnificently huge from the outside, its stone walls looking fresh under the morning sun. Aubreys gate guard Bernie echoed Marcos expression and conversation and I only echoed my own.

He was to let no one especially Aubrey know that I was on the property or that they had even seen me and make all the other staff aware of this as I didn't wish to spend my day repeating myself.

If he had a go at them I'd vouch for them and let him know it was down to me.

I stood at the front door, fumbling with my keychain. "Keychain go jangalang.." Played in my head. I sighed and rolled my eyes. In what world did I think staying in the house I shared with Aubrey, while trying to take my mind off of Aubrey was a good idea?

I pushed the grand door open and walked into the foyer. The floors were waxed to within an inch of its life, the place smelt like citrus cleaning products.

But no one was home.

I knew Jenna had come to clean the place while we were away. He kept on top of the maintenance of his house, something he often prided himself in.

I prided myself in being an independent woman.

I wasn't sure how long that would last.