What Is Left Unsaid : An Ashley Purdy Love Story

Release Party

A / N : There will be several POV changes in this chapter . I'm not trying to confuse anyone , it's simply necessary for the narrative this time .

TIANA'S POV :

     It's about 10:30 in the morning , and we've just gotten into LA . My book - release party is tonight , and then we have the awards thing tomorrow , so we'll be here for at least three days . Right now , we're meeting the guys at the recording studio , where we'll hash out who's staying where this time . 

     The six of us walk in , and see Blasko , Feldy , Joe , and Jake in sort of a huddle in the front room . They all jump when they hear the door open , but then relax when they see us .

     "Jeez , guys , it's just us !" , Brian exclaims . "What did you expect , fucking 'Dexter' or something?"

     "More along the lines of the fucking wankers who tried to sneak in here earlier ." , Feldy responds .

     Ash and Scott face - palm , while Rick rolls his eyes and says "Seriously , dude ?"

     "I told you it wouldn't be that easy , the sharks are in full - on frenzy ." , I say . "I was shocked that they weren't hanging at the front gate when we got here ."

     "They were earlier , but Feldy called the cops when they tried to get past the gate ." , Joe informs us  . "The two that tried to trip the controls got hauled off , and they told the rest of 'em that if they stayed out there they'd be arrested , too , for creating a traffic hazard ."

     Just then , we hear a vehicle outside , and I see CC's car pull into a parking slot , with Jinxx following just a few seconds later . They get out , and walk inside , joining the rest of the group . Both of them report that their social media has essentially crashed , with Jake and Ash relating the same .

     "So how is he holding up , really ?" , Ash inquires . "I know what he tells me on the phone , but it's not quite the same as talking face to face ."

     "He's trying to keep it together for Jules , but you can tell that it's pretty raw ." , Jinxx says . "But they just pulled up , so you can see for yourself ."

                                                     ________________________________

ASHLEY'S POV :

     We all turn toward the door as Andy and Juliet walk in , both looking somewhat sleep - deprived . This is the first time we've seen them since this started , and for a few seconds , no one seems to know what to do . This doesn't last long , as Tiana turns and gives first Juliet , then Andy a big hug , saying something to each of them that the rest of us can't quite make out . 

     After this , it seems to be easier for the rest of us , since she broke the ice , so to speak , and Jake and I end up alone in the corner with Andy .

     "So , are you doing all right , bro ?" , I ask him .

     "Well , I've definitely had better weeks , but I'm trying to just chalk it up as a learning experience ." , he tells us . "I knew the second everything started that somebody was gonna end up putting it on Facebook or something , I just wish that they'd known when to fucking stop !"

     "So I guess you two won't be coming tonight , right ?" 

     "Wrong , Ash . We have no plans on backing out , that just gives the assholes more to speculate about . Why should we have to hide from them , and let them dictate what we do and where we go ?"

     He looks around as he says this , then asks , "Does anyone know where Juliet went ?" When , he says this , I notice that neither she or Tiana are anywhere to be seen .