1,825 Days Without You

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Tristan's POV

The next couple of days are filled with meetings and preparations for the upcoming releases. The LA party is tonight, and to say that I am extremely nervous would be an understatement. This is my fifth album, and the pressure to make it better than my last is overbearing. We are finishing some last minute details when I get a call from Carmen. We discuss some details about tonight before I hang up and return to the meeting. Everything seems as it will go smoothly, but you never know what could happen at a Hollywood party. My main goal tonight is to simply avoid any drama, and have a fun night with my family and friends, enjoying music. After the last few minor details are done, I speak with the caterer and bartender to go over some specifics.

Before I knew it, I only had a few hours until the party. I am currently at home showering, waiting for my stylists to get arrive and assist in getting Carmen and I ready. I stand under the water, letting the water droplets stream down my hair and race down my face. I can not remember how long I have been in here, but judging by the wrinkled appearance of my fingers, I can tell it has been too long. My favorite part of the day is showering, it's the one part of the day where I can be alone and have complete silence and serenity. Living in the limelight isn't all rainbows and gumdrops. It's more like hell. I never get any privacy, and I have to spend every minute, of every day, knowing that I am being watched at every moment. I pulled to the surface of my deep thoughts by the sound of Carmen calling my name.

"Yes?" I scream back, turning the water off and stepping out of the shower.

"They're here. Hurry up." She replies as I wrap the towel around my torso.

I quickly dry my body and hair off before throwing on some boxers and sweatpants. As I come down the stairs, I see Carmen already sitting at the table getting her hair and make up done.

"Hey Mary," I say, hugging her from behind and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Mary is the leader of my style team, and has been with me since the beginning. She is in her late sixties, but doesn't look a day over forty. I guess working in the beauty field pays off.

After about forty-five minutes, Carmen and I are both done and ready to go. We both thank the team before making our way to the limo.

The ride is quicker than I expected, and before I know it, our driver is opening the door, and Carmen and I are blinded with flashing lights. I thank our driver before stepping out of the car and holding my hand out for Carmen. I notice her nervous expression as we walk up the stairs to the entrance of the venue hand in hand. I don't question it, as I know that one never really gets use to this type of lifestyle.

Before we are even in the door, I am surrounded be people, and I have lost Carmen. I stand up on my toes and search the room looking for the tall brunette. After failing to seek her, I continue to greet everyone in the crowd around me. I make my way around the venue making sure to meet, greet, and thank everyone, as I wouldn't be where I am with out each and every one of them. After speaking to the last group of people, I make my way towards the booths in the back of the upscale club.

I spot Violet, Brady, and Carmen all sitting together in the furthest booth. As I come closer and get a better view, I notice Carmen and Brady sitting close together; a little too close. He also has him arm casually on her shoulder. I feel a pang of jealousy shoot through my body as a scowl surfaces on my face. I shake it off; not wanting anyone to notice my odd behavior. As I approach the table, I shoot Brady a glare, and he removes his arm from around her shoulder and scoots away; understanding the meaning behind my look. I give Violet a hug and a kiss on the check, making sure no one sees anything. I am honestly beginning to become fed up with this entire situation. Not only is it extremely awkward and uncomfortable; it's confusing! It is like we are in a love pentagon. I like Vi, but also may have slight feelings for Carmen. Vi likes me back, but Carmen likes Brady. Brady likes Carmen, but can not act on it because of the contract and my slight feelings for her, which I have yet to confess to him.

I slid into the booth next to Carmen and wrap my arm around her. I make sure to be extra affectionate tonight, as I know this event will receive plenty of media coverage, and this will help sell the image of the"hopeless romantics". I also may be acting this way to hint to Brady what I desperately need him to pick up on. He is my best friend and right hand man, and I tell him everything. Yet, Vi is his sister and Carmen is his "crush", so either way I will offend him.

I nuzzle my nose into Carmen's neck and place a kiss on her jawline as she giggles and playfully pulls away. I look back at the camera men, making sure they were done taking photos. As soon as the man turns around we let go of each other. I notice the upset look on Violet's face as she excuses herself from the table. Brady gives me a look before sliding out of the booth and following Violet into the dimly lit hallway outside of the restrooms.

Carmen puts her head in her hands and rests it on the table.

"Are you okay?" I ask as I gently rub her back.

"I am ruining everything. I am forcing you to be away from your girlfriend to be with me, I am causing your girlfriend to be upset, all while crushing Brady in the process. I just wish everything wasn't so complicated." Carmen says sighing.

"Me too," I whisper; still rubbing her back as I see Brady comforting Violet, "me too."

**Author's Note**
Finally! After two months of waiting I have finally updated! I'm so sorry it took this long, school and sports have been taking up all of my time. But don't worry, you will never have to wait this long for another chapter! Anyway, thank you for all the support and for reading! Love you all,

♡Sydni