Rocked (Rock & Romance II.)

Chapter 32. - Controlled Seduction

A/N: Grab some popcorn. And water. Loooots of water. Grab something at this point, actually.

This chapter is dedicated to Tacoooo because although you don't leave a lot of comments, I see you!

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*Gia*

My phone rang, waking me from my daydream. "London!" I greeted, surprised by my best friend calling me out of the blue.

"I was too hungover to call you yesterday," She noted. "And I wanted to be on my best game when I asked you this."

I closed my textbook and laid it on my lap. "What can I do for you?"

"You can start by telling me the truth."

My stomach cramped at her words. Did she know? Did she see us leave from my birthday party?! My throat was so tight, I could barely get the words out. "About...?"

"Your birthday, of course!" She sang in that bright voice of hers.

Fuck. I was thoroughly fucked. She figured it out - she was bound to, at some point. I've played with fire for too long, and it was time to pay for it. "What about it?" I asked, squeezing my eyes tightly as I waited for her next words.

"You left the first chance you got when we weren't looking." London started. "Tell me - and don't you dare lie! Did you really hate the party that much?"

The gigantic stone that has been weighing down on my heart lifted. "You're worried about that?"

"I knew it wasn't what you wanted. I know you - please don't think that I don't. Callie and I just wanted to do something memorable, something big for you." She sighed. "I'm sorry that it didn't pan out exactly how you wanted it! By the time I got back to the table, you were gone. Albie said he saw you leave - and I wanted to come after you, but... Someone had to stay with the guests!"

I chuckled. "You did the right thing. Just because the party was over for me, doesn't mean that it had to be for everyone."

"I figured you'd say that!"

"Did something happen after I left?" I couldn't help myself. I was toying with the flames, taunting the dragon right out of its cave by pushing her further - but I wanted to know.

"Thankfully, there wasn't any trouble! Everyone had a good time, we stayed for a couple more hours - I think the strippers entertained a few of the ladies..." She chuckled softly as she remembered. "Speaking of trouble, even Ash was on his best behavior. Actually-" She paused, making my heart race again. "-now that I think of it, he disappeared pretty early too. That's unusual for him."

"Interesting." I cleared my throat. "I don't mean to cut you short, but I think I better get back to studying now. I have a lot to catch up on."

"Of course! I have a new piece I'm making for the film gala in a couple weeks, so I should probably go too." London chatted on. "Don't forget to call me next weekend!"

I rolled my eyes. "I always call on the weekends."

"I know. That's what I love about you - you're so predictable, in all the best ways!" London chuckled. "Speak to you then."

"Bye, Londie-bug." I added the nickname she hated, before hanging up the line.

You're so predictable - her words echoed in my head long after the call has ended. She was right, of course. I was predictable.

And changing that stigma was well overdue.

I smiled as I scrolled through my short list of contacts, finding a number I've saved months ago as a backup but never thought I would actually use. He picked up on the second ring. "Ginger, what a surprise!"