26. Sparks Will Fly...When We Meet Again

August

Over two weeks later...

California

William Rast Headquarters

"We should have gone with the new design for the women's fall WR jacket."

"Well you weren't here when we needed your final input and I couldn't get a hold of you on your cell, so I took the initiative and went with the original design because it was the first one we chose. I've made a lot of decisions this year for the line considering that Henry kid was clueless and you were at his boarding school. Don't worry about it man, it's a done deal."

"Right, but, thinking about it now..."

"Justin, it's too late to change anything. The new line is already in production so it can be shipped out by the end of summer to reach our stores in time."

"I still think we should work on providing the alternative design for online shoppers." I smile hopefully for Trace who looks beyond annoyed with me right now.

"Fine, whatever you want, but you're doing it on your own." He mutters and my smile falls.

"I'm sensing tension." I voice, curving a brow.

Trace rests back in his seat, uninterested as he flips through our latest design portfolio for the new fall line.

We're actually at William Rast's main headquarters right now in our office, working as usual on our clothing line. Well, there really isn't anything else left to do. Everything has been flagged with the green light so by next month, our next task will be to make sure we pull off fashion week in New York with our new fall line. I'll be back at Higher Heights by that time so it works out.

I've spent the last few weeks engrossed in the clothing line and occasionally meeting up with my manager Johnny Wright as well as planning the golf tournament coming up later this year to benefit the Shriner's children hospital in Las Vegas. I'm still not sure how I'll be able to pull off being in two places at once, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. It's been a busy few weeks but that's my life for you. I'm kind of missing the experience of only attending school and getting homework and exams done without having to worry about anything else...

"Dude, are you intentionally ignoring me?" I inquire to Trace who hasn't responded to my last statement.

"What gave it away?" Trace smirks and I scowl at him. He's being really bitchy right now.

"Ok Trace, out with it. What's your problem?" I ask him and he sighs, tossing the binder in his hand aside before he turns to face me at my desk.

"I don't know Justin...it's just, dealing with you these past few weeks, I feel like you're different. In fact, you haven't been the same since you started going to that school. You're distant and your work is suffering but hey, who am I to tell you want takes precedence in your life? I only hope you're changing for the better..." He shrugs, deciding to end his statement and not continue with his thoughts. Wise choice.

"And that gives you the right to give me attitude?" I laugh in disbelief. "T, if you have a problem with me then say so. We're best friends man. This high school drama thing isn't my scene. Trust me, it gets old fast." I voice, remembering my experiences at that boarding school this year.

"I just need you to answer one question truthfully with a simple yes or no and I'll drop it. I don't even have to know what's going on. You don't have to tell me. It's your choice." He explains and why don't I like the sound of that?

"Uh, ok, ok sure, what is it? Anything if you will stop acting all weird with me." I admit, straightening my posture and sitting up before I fix my glasses on my face.

Trace glares at me for a good minute before he speaks up again, his gaze determined as he studies me closely. "Is she worth it?"

"What?" I ask in astonishment, sinking down in my seat. Oh, I wasn't expecting that.

"Delilah...is she worth it? Will she be worth it? You must know the craziness that will erupt when the public finds out about her...not to mention when your mom finds out. I only want to make sure that you know what you're doing, that you're not in over your head. Delilah's a nice girl, I like her, but are you sure pursuing a relationship with her is what's best for the both of you right now? She's graduating soon right? Think about how being your girlfriend could possibly affect her future endeavors. I mean, really think about it Justin. If you think you all can handle it and whatever you all share is worth it, then who am I to try and reason with you or give advice? I'll be right there backing you up dude, but I want to make sure that you're positive about this." Trace explains.

I shake my head in disbelief, my mouth slightly agape as I try to find the right words to say. You know, I can't even be angry at him for telling me this shit because he's right. And, he's always been my voice of reason whenever I got involved with someone. He always asked me if they were worth it. But, for some reason, asking me the same thing about Delilah now is...well it's different...I don't know how yet, but it is.

"I..." Slicking my fingers through my hair I sigh, not understanding why I'm hesitating like this. Maybe it's what Trace said. The way he said it, it's like all I can see are the endless things that could possibly go wrong.

"You uh, you don't have to answer right away." Trace says, giving me a knowing look.

"No you're right. You're right T. And if you must know, yes Lilah's worth it. She's always been...she always will be...because...because I love her, and that's all there is to it." I divulge.

I don't miss the look of shock laced with concern on Trace's face by my admittance since I haven't exactly told him much about what's been going on with me recently.

And I smile smugly at him, shrugging before I return to my work.

For some reason, I get satisfaction in the fact that I can still surprise him considering he knows me so well. What can I say? I like having the upper hand sometimes. And, I'm fully prepared to prove him wrong because I know he's thinking that I'm maybe making a mistake pursuing Lilah as more than a friend.  But he's wrong, and he'll see that...I'll make sure he does.

**

Next Day...

At Justin's Place

"You can't go Justin!"

"But she's expecting me!" I snap back.

"Well she's going to get me so she'll have to deal." Rachel barks while flipping some of her raven hair out of her face.

Ugh! "Goddamn it Rach!"

"Justin, you can't go to the airport dude, you'll get attacked...you know this." Trace tires to reason but I ignore him.

Lilah's coming in today; she's finally coming to visit me on my territory and I have ‘blocker one' and ‘blocker two' preventing me from leaving my damn house. So sure, I didn't tell anyone of the exact day Lilah was coming simply because I knew they'd make a big deal out of it. Having Rachel and Trace over at the time I'm supposed to head to LAX to pick her up doesn't help the situation.

Of course when I was leaving Rachel had to ask where I was going. I simply mumbled that I was going to the airport and the next thing I knew, she and Trace were blocking my path to the front door asking me if I was crazy and all that. I've been trying to get them to let me go ever since. We're getting nowhere.

"I promised Delilah I'd pick her up at the airport today. This is her first time down here. She doesn't know Cali at all and I promised her my face would be the first she saw when she grabbed her luggage and was ready to go. Don't make me break that promise to her." I voice desperately.

"Would you listen to yourself Justin? You're ready to risk your safety to keep your promise to her. My god, what has Delilah done to you?" Rachel asks with a shake of her head, her lips twitching into a smile. "I'm sure she'll forgive you. You can't really think you'll go unnoticed."

Rach has no freaking clue how important it is to keep Lilah's trust and a promise you make to her.

"I have a disguise." I counter with a huff.

"A baseball cap, sunglasses and a hoodie Justin? And how well has that facilitated you in the past?" Trace quips and I glare at him.

"I'll be fine." I groan.

"No fucker. You won't." Trace laughs. "Seriously, you'll get harassed by the paparazzi J. Is that the first experience you want Lilah to have leaving the airport? Think about it dude. I know you're all hyped up and anxious about seeing her, but you're not exactly an everyday Joe who can go unnoticed in public."

"Sometimes, I wish I was." I state with a roll of my eyes, reluctantly handing Rachel my car keys.

"We know, but patience man! You'll see her in due time." Trace reasons and I groan yet again in irritation, waving him off.

"Fine fine! Rachel, you can go to pick her up. Make it quick huh? Her flight lands in a few minutes." I state.

"Right. On my way. We'll be back before you know it." Rachel says enthusiastically before she disappears out the door.

Sighing, I walk away from the front door and head into my kitchen with Trace close behind. I know I'm being irrational about this but it's been over two weeks since I've seen Lilah. Sure, talking to her on the phone for the past few weeks was fine, but it wasn't the same as being around her. I missed her every single day and now I have to wait even longer to see her and greet her. It's not fair I tell you, but whatever.

I mean, she's my girlfriend now right? I'm entitled to bitch, even if I haven't told anybody that little piece of information just yet. Delilah and I spoke about it and we agreed we'd tell my family and friends with her present. We figured it would be best. Now, I'm not so sure that's the best idea but she'll be here soon so there's no turning back now.

"What are you going to tell your mom when she gets back in a few days?" Trace inquires, interrupting my thoughts as I grab a beer out of the refrigerator.

"What do you mean?" I ask, turning to face him as I open the can and take a long swig.

"You know what I mean Justin." Trace smirks when I grimace. "What are you going to tell Lynn when she starts asking you about Delilah? Or when she starts asking Delilah about herself and about the two of you? Think she'll believe you all are only friends? I don't know what you and Delilah are, you're clearly not in a sharing mood where that's concerned, but it's also clear that you all are not only friends."

Swallowing harshly, I lick at my lips, shrugging dismissively. "I don't know. I'll tell my mom the truth I guess."

"Knowing your mom is still fond of and hung up on Jess?  Are you sure that's a good idea?" Trace inquires in slight amusement, implying that I should think of something else to tell my mom rather than the truth...at least for now. Good ole Trace. He's aware of how this could turn out if my mom doesn't approve of Lilah. But then again, I don't see why she shouldn't. I hate lying to my mom.

I've also noticed over the weeks that it's not going to be easy getting rid of Jess completely. She always ends up being...around. I know we have history together but we're over now and when you have an ex who manages to anchor themselves so deep into your family over the years, it's a bitch trying to pull those roots out. Now I understand Lilah's dilemma with Ethan. Only, Jess isn't trying to destroy me in the process.

Remember that miracle I said I'd be working on my mom in the two weeks I had before Lilah showed up? Well, that didn't go over too well. I barely spoke to her since she was so busy and the most that she knows now is that a friend I made at Higher Heights is coming over to visit. She's in Tennessee but she'll be back in a few days. Yes, I'm horrible for not forcing my mom to sit down and listen but I honestly wasn't ready for the scolding I knew would follow. I mean, it's my mom. I know she wants me to be happy and she only has my best interest at heart, but sometimes she gets overprotective and that's when things can get sticky. Now, I have no time left because Lilah is due any minute and I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to ease Lilah into my lifestyle, my real life...outside of Higher Heights...without scaring her away.

"So?" Trace asks again when I remain silent, lost in my thoughts.

"I'll figure it out as I go? I don't fucking know Trace, get off my nut sacks for a bit huh?"

Grunting, I walk away from him, taking big gulps of my beer as my nerves finally kick in.

Relentlessly, the annoying little fuck that is my best friend follows me but I ignore him for the most part as my thoughts take over once more.

Damn, I hope Lilah likes my place; I had it cleaned by the maids today specifically for her. I hope she likes the guest bedroom I made up for her too. I'd offer for her to share my room, but I know her, so I'm not even going to make the suggestion. Most importantly, I hope I can make her stay here as comfortable and as fun as possible because I know this is going to be a far leap out of her comfort zone and she's taken that leap specifically for me.

**

Later

"Hey! I'm back! We're here!"

The sound of Rachel's voice causes every muscle in my body to stiffen as I look away from my television screen and in the direction of the front door when it slams shut.

In seconds flat I'm off the couch brushing my palms over my grey cotton sweats and wife beater, a nasty habit I've developed in an attempt to calm myself.

Cautiously, I walk towards the front door while Rachel talks to Lilah quietly, telling her to place her luggage by the door for now.

When I round the corner and they come into my line of sight, I feel my breath hitch in my throat and I'm silently thankful that Trace isn't here to witness my reaction. He left a while ago, stating that he'd be back to hang out.

My eyes slowly travel over Lilah's frame, a smirk pulling at my lips when she bends over to drop the last of her baggage, giving me a perfect view of her round firm behind in her fitted jeans.

My heartbeat picks up speed and I swipe my palms over my face nervously. Shit, why am I so jumpy?

Without thinking, I release a loud sigh, grabbing Rachel and Lilah's attention.

"Hey Jus! See, I brought Delilah here safe and sound and she's not mad or anything. She understands." Rachel teases with a wink, smiling brightly.

"Yeah, Rach, I see that. Thanks." I say, shaking my head with a smile.

My eyes flit in Rachel's direction for a mere second before I focus in on Delilah, my orbs widening when I notice the significant change in her appearance.

"Lilah? Oh my god. What did you do?" I ask in shock and she giggles, rolling her eyes at me playfully.

"If anyone needs me, I'll be upstairs..." Rachel speaks up, dropping my car keys on a nearby table before she leaves us alone.

When she's gone, Lilah walks up to me but I take a small step back, still surveying her.

"I wanted a little change. You like it?" Lilah asks me happily and I bite my bottom lip, bringing my hand up to run my fingers through her hair.

She cut her hair. I can't even believe... "You cut your hair." I say like an idiot. "Look at you. I love it." I grin, nodding in approval. It's not cut extremely short; it stops just at the base of her ear, framing the shape of her face perfectly. It's full and soft and she dyed it too. She has raven hair now, but it suits her and her complexion. It definitely makes her gray-brown eyes pop out more due to the color contrast. I can't believe I used to think she was simply average. I'm an idiot. God she's beautiful.

"Good to know." She mocks a serious expression and I chuckle.

"How was your flight? Did you enjoy it?" I question.

I offered to arrange for her to travel on my private jet but she declined. I knew she would, but I still had to put the offer out there. She can be so stubborn.

"Yes, it was fine. There was this one woman and her little boy sitting behind me who wouldn't stop kicking the back of my seat since you know children can't sit still. But then he eventually fell asleep so it was smooth sailing from there."

"See? You should have come on my jet. None of that would have happened. You would have had the cabin all to yourself." I quip but Lilah shakes her head in protest.

"Justin, you're great...you are. But, if you haven't noticed by now, I'm not the kind who likes a guy to pamper and spoil her and waste his wealth on me just because he can. Makes me feel like..."

"Ok stop." I cut her off. "Every woman loves being spoiled; don't deny it. You just need to be spoiled the right way for you to enjoy it and not feel guilty or have any negative feeling towards it." I explain. "And no more arguing about it ok? If I want to do something for you, you'll accept it graciously because if you keep turning me down every time I try, I'm going to feel offended. You don't want that." I say in a warning tone, smiling.

"You're right." Lilah caves, agreeing with me. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to reject your nice gestures. I guess it's still a bit too much to take in. But I'm here so...I'm open to whatever. Oh and Marco, mom and dad says hey! Mom says she's going to hold you to that offer you made about giving her a tour of William Rast."

And I can't stop grinning like an idiot. This is kind of surreal for me for some strange reason.

"Got it. Now, come here." I coo, snaking my arms around Lilah's waist and pulling her into my embrace.

She wraps her arms around my neck and I inhale deeply before I lean down and firmly press my lips against hers, kissing her.

Air rushes out of my lungs and my entire body relaxes as we both deepen the kiss, my chest burning as my heartbeat picks up. Her lips are soft, full and she tastes like cherries. Must be the lip gloss she's wearing. Goddamn I've been dying to do that for weeks now.

It's really bad that I can't take being away from Lilah like this. I don't handle it well either; I get moody and bitchy like some chick a lot quicker when Lilah's not around. But I don't care because I love her. Even if she doesn't love me back the way I love her right now, I'm ok with that because I know her heart is in the right place. She'll get there...

Slowly, reluctantly, I pull away from her, ending our kiss to take in a deep breath.

"Wow Justin. That was some kiss. I see you missed me." Lilah says breathlessly, gripping fistfuls of my wife beater as she looks up at me.

"You have no idea. I was fighting with Rachel and Trace earlier so they'd let me pick you up at the airport." I mention, grinning demurely.

"I know. Rachel told me. I'm glad they stopped you. It would have been nice if you were there, but your safety is more important. You know, especially since I'm sure you were planning to come without Mike." Lilah gives me a disgruntled glare.

I'm pretty sure if I did that she would have cussed me out about it after she greeted me.

"Hello, have you seen Mike? He's a dead giveaway!" I laugh loudly.

"He is huh?" Lilah giggles. "Well, no worries, I'm here now." She beams.

"Finally."

"Yup, finally." She sniggers.

"Let me tell you, at least, all those fights we had about you coming to visit me paid off."

"You finally got to me, finally wore me down." Lilah jokes and I chuckle along with her.

"I knew I would." I say proudly and she huffs.

"Uh huh...don't make me pinch you..."

Then she drifts off, turning away from me, finally taking in her surroundings and I glare at her, absorbing her expressions. "This is...definitely on a whole other spectrum compared to Higher Heights." She mutters in slight awe, looking around. "Justin, you live in a freaking mansion. My house looks like a cardboard box compared to this place. The more time that passes, the more I'm starting to really see you in this celebrity light. And, I've been catching up on your career online too. You're like, everywhere..." Lilah say jokingly, eyeing me and I groan, slightly embarrassed.

There are so many things about me circulating on the internet. I hope she stuck to the clean sites that only focus on my career.

"Yeah, don't believe everything you read though ok? I'll be happy to teach you all you need to know now that you're here. You don't need the internet Lilah. You can ask me anything you know."

"I know. I just thought it would be fun. I like your official website. It's cool." She nods.

"You were on it? Really? Sweet." I beam.

"Uh huh, I like that it's so interactive and focuses on like every single aspect of your career life."

"Hmm, I think when you get settled in you're going to have to update me on how much you've ‘learnt' so far." I say suspiciously but she only giggles and brushes me off.

"Hey, you weren't around. I needed a way to miss you less, so I surfed the net. I went on Youtube, watched some of your music videos and checked out some music sites with you on it." She shrugs and I bite the insides of my cheeks, feeling nervous.

"You missed me a lot huh?" I state cockily.

"I did." She admits, smiling bashfully. "But listening to you sing was soothing so it wasn't so bad."

Great, it's not like I don't expect Lilah to know all there is to know about my life, but, I certainly don't want her vision of me to change in the process.

I still want to be her preppy Justin who annoys her to the ends of the earth even if we both know she loves it. I don't...god, I don't want her to end up tainted by this lifestyle. Most importantly, I don't want her to look at me as this mega superstar or celebrity or any of those things. I want her to see me as Justin, no matter my status. I still want to be just Justin to her where she treats me like any other regular guy. Being like that with her is one of the best feelings in the world to me. I can be myself with her. I don't ever want that to change.

"So, are you going to give me the grand tour?" Lilah smiles, nudging me when I remain silent just looking at her.

"Uh, yeah, of course." I shake my head, gently gripping her hand in mine. "We'll get your luggage later, come on." My smile returns as I lead her into the living room. Nothing can kill the elated feeling I have right now.

"I'm really excited Justin...about being here." Lilah voices and I turn to gaze at her, licking my lips.

"I'm excited too. We're gonna have fun!"

"Yes, and there's also something I have to tell you. But not right now." She adds in softly and I frown in curiosity, my interest peaking as I stare at her.

Before I can ask her what she's talking about, I hear my intercom system for my estate gates buzz.

I cast my vision to the security box mounted unto the wall and I scowl when Trace's voice filters through.

"Justin? Dude! You better be there. Hello? Listen, I've been trying to get in...did you change your pass code?"

My eyes immediately widen and I drop Lilah's hand before rushing over to the device to hit the talk button next to the keypad. "Yeah, Trace? Hey man, sorry about that. I forgot to tell you I changed it recently."

Yes, I changed my locks too...for obvious reasons.

"Ok, well just buzz me in." He voices and I glare at the video monitor before pressing a few buttons on the keypad so the security camera can zoom in for me to get a better look at him in his ride.

"T, is someone with you?" I ask into the speaker and I watch as his head lifts towards the security camera, a guilty look on his face.

"Uh...yes?" He says looking directly into the camera.

"Who?" I inquire.

"Uh..." He hesitates, swiping his hands over his buzz cut before he hits the talk button again on the system mounted up next to the gates. "It's Jess. She called me on my way back over here. She asked if I could pick her up and give her a ride to your place since her friend has her car. She said she thinks she left her jacket by you the last time she was here and her driver's license must be in it since she can't find it anywhere else. She hadn't realized until she got pulled over for speeding." Trace explains, his voice fuzzy over the speaker box.

Well, this is fucking great. Shutting my eyes briefly, I take in a deep breath to calm myself down since I can feel my anger slowly rising. I don't need this shit right now. Slowly, my eyes flutter open and I stare at the keypad, contemplating on leaving Trace's ass outside.

"Uh, Justin? Are you going to let us in?" Trace calls out again when I don't respond.

Not saying another word to him, I hit the button to buzz him in and I watch as the gates slowly open before I look away from the monitor.

"Justin?" I jump slightly when I feel a hand on my back but I quickly sober up and turn around to face Lilah. "I'm sorry I startled you." She voices and I just glare at her. "Are you..are you ok? Was that Trace you were talking to?" She inquires and I nod, swallowing hard.

"Yes, I just buzzed him in."

"Oh!" Her eyes light up. "I've missed hanging out with him. I can't wait to see him." She says eagerly and I fake a smile, my mind running a mile a minute.

"I'm sure he'll be happy to see you too." I coincide, tuning Lilah out as my rampant thoughts take over.

I don't want Lilah and Jess to meet, but I can't hide Lilah...I won't. This is exactly what I never wanted to happen, at least not this soon. So what the hell am I going to do? This is going to be so fucking awkward. And, Lilah just got here too; she hasn't even settled in yet! I swear sometimes, Trace can be the dumbest fucking idiot on the planet. He clearly wasn't thinking when he decided to bring Jess over here now of all times. Or, maybe he's not stupid at all. Maybe he knows exactly what he's doing. Either way, I'm pissed at him and I'll make sure that he knows this. Goddamn it!

Then I hear the front door swing open since Rachel clearly didn't lock it when she and Lilah came in earlier.

So much for giving Lilah the grand tour of my estate. I guess that will have to wait.

Seconds later, I hear Trace's voice in the threshold and I don't miss the look of excitement on Lilah's face as she starts walking out of the living room to go and greet him, leaving me alone.

I let her go as I linger behind because I know what's waiting for me when I finally join their little circle. I can't believe I'm wishing this but, I'd much rather be back at Higher Heights dealing with Ethan and Ryan's shit than be here, having to face Jess and Lilah at the same time.