Fallible

By Chloe Behrens

Ella Rose is no stranger to tragedy. It very well could’ve been her middle name. She’s buried her ex-boyfriend, her mother, and a relationship with her former manager that made her feel like a dirty secret. So, in her mind, she can pretty much handle anything.

Except Cash Murphy’s advances, for some reason.

It’s evident that this thing between them will not go away. Now, it’s just becoming a hassle to deal with. He’s seeing someone. She’s engaged. He’s pulling all kinds of stunts to purposely put himself in her path. She should be planning a wedding...

...Not dealing with Cash trying to throw a wrench in everything.

...And especially not with the other misfortunes about to head her way.

With a little perspective from both parties, catch a glimpse into the world of Ella and Cash, in the conclusion to the tumultuous series about the life of a rags-to-riches starlet!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chloe Behrens
• Release date: May 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781300990802

Chloe Behrens

Chloe Behrens was born in Hudson Valley, NY and now resides in the suburbs of Dallas, TX."I fell in love with writing as soon as I learned how to read," she says. "Picture books progressed into lovelorn poetry. Poetry turned into short stories, and then the Van Steenburgh Family began in my teenage years. The story began, and then it wasn't until my early twenties that the second novel in the series came out. The last novel in the series was written this year. It was hard to put it to rest after it being with me for so many years." Still, she triumphed on.After the release of her Van Steenburgh saga, she penned two more books -- neither of which belong to a series. "Breaking Berlyn was so fun to tell because of the characters. Gavin and Berlyn's banter is so witty, and I love how he keeps her on her toes. He finds ways to open her up to new things, and she really needs that. Sometimes, we all do."Happily Ever After: A Tale of a Wedding Planner, has become more popular as a chick-lit/contemporary romance. It's being featured in the Frankfurt International Book Fair 2012, and is her best-selling book, yet! "I think it's because the main character Banner is so flawed, and independent. A lot of the fun, fearless women of today can relate to her. She's strong-willed, career-oriented, and she's human. She makes mistakes." Her male counterpart, Christian Brenhoff, is the epitome of what every woman wants, but doesn't want. "Or so she thinks. I don't know. We are all guilty of judging people, and when it backfires on us, we sometimes don't know how to handle that."She is currently working on her second series, and when she's not typing away on her laptop working on a story, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her pets, and life with her longtime boyfriend/best friend Shaun. "My life is an adventure," she adds. "One I thoroughly enjoy with each passing minute!"

Book preview

Prologue

The room was spinning all around me, and there was a guy on one knee right in front of me. He was proudly presenting me with the ring that should’ve been of my dreams. However, my only thoughts were on the man who just angrily stomped from the room, as this entire scenario unfolded. His girlfriend was confusedly rising from her chair. She had no idea what to do, or what was going on. But I had to make a move. Fast.

I had to give this guy an answer.

Yes, I breathily responded, although it painfully tugged at my heart. He slid the ring onto my finger, and it didn’t feel like one of the happiest days of my life, so much as it felt like I was just sealing my fate. I was now engaged. The entire room erupted once more into applause. Everyone took my reluctance as a case of shock. Only my assistant Jessica knew what was really going on, upstairs in my head.

Those of you who know me, might ask why I said Yes, to begin with. Because I am utterly conflicted. Because I know that the man who just left the room made my heart soar, and my emotions span far and wide. He left me breathless. He was engrained into my soul. Our connection was deep.

But I was a coward then, just as I’m a coward now. Saying "Yes" had a silent addendum to it. For now. For, everything to me could be explained away as temporary. It made me feel better to say. Just as I had explained away our situation, only moments before, when Cash followed me from the ballroom to tell me he still loved me. He still wanted me.

Prior to this moment, he believed that our story wasn’t finished. I wondered if his outlook had now changed…

Part I

Ella

Chapter 1

Everyone had surrounded us to congratulate us, simultaneously. I smirk every time I recalled how Jessica’s blue eyes were wide with a look that screamed What the Hell?! as she approached Jared and I. Tall and handsome, my new fiancé proudly stood beside me with his arm around me, and he looked like he was on top of the world. I wished I could’ve been happier. But the guilt that was chomping at me stung me with every bite. Every word spoken. Every excited smile. They stung. It stung. I was more worried about Cash Murphy than I was excited about this momentous occasion.

I wondered how Cash would explain his little outburst to his girlfriend Leah. I'm still not sure how or why I cared. That was more frustrating than anything.

I am going to steal the bride for just a second, Jessica had informed Jared, and everyone around us. Her pink lips were smiling, but I knew she was just recognizing that I needed a moment to collect myself. She knew me almost better than I knew myself.

She drug me back to that same restroom where Cash had just earlier followed me to.

I turned over and pulled the covers up over me. It was nearly four in the morning, and I hadn't gotten a wink of sleep, yet. Blame it on all the excitement. I just kept re-living the moment. Re-living the night. Re-living...

She, too, had reached out and locked the door behind us. Just the way he had, to make sure no one would interrupt us, this time. Instantly, I began to pace the white, pristine restroom, in my pretty evening gown. I was wringing my hands, and she stood there with her arms folded across her chest. I was freaking out. She just didn’t know why. But she knew I’d be spilling it, as soon as I could find the words.

I just needed a little coaxing.

You’re engaged.

That’s the prompt you decided to use? Panic filled my voice. I stared at her, looking as wild and crazy as I felt. "I was just here, I told her, pointing downward to the floor. Right here, in this exact spot. My voice lowered, gravely. She could plainly see that I was trembling. My left hand sparkled under the lights overhead. My movements were jittery. Cash followed me in here earlier."

He followed you? Or you led him? See? I knew she knew me too well…

I exhaled a sigh, shaking my head. I got up, walked out of there, and it’s like I knew he would follow…

So, you did lead him.

I stared down at the ring. It’s not that I don’t love him… Jared… I winced, looking back at her. "I do love him."

Just not the same way that you happen to also be in love with somebody else, she spoke up with a semblance of a scowl on her face.

I thought I was past it, I muttered, staring at the ring. It was perfect. Jared was perfect. He just wasn’t Cash… He’s left me alone for the last couple months because he thought that’s what I wanted.

Now you have to start filming with him again. She lifted an eyebrow at me. How’s that going to go?

I looked at her in defeat. I don’t know, I wailed. He stormed out!

She looked impressed. Did he?

Yes! The second Jared asked me to marry him, he just ran out of the room!

Wow!

Why do you look like that?! I threw my arms up in the air, and she held her hands out in front of her.

Hold on a second, Ella. Don’t get mad at me. I’m not the enemy, here.

You got this dreamy look on your face when I said he ran from the room!

I mean, it’s kind of romantic, she reasoned. But, typical Cash. He’s a spoiled brat. I don’t see him dumping his girlfriend to get back with you, but he wants you to put your life on hold? He's an idiot. There. That was better.

He made it clear that the ball was in my court, I reminded her bitterly.

Right. All the basketball euphemisms, she recalled. Charming.

I sighed. I just needed this moment to clear my head.

To go back and celebrate your engagement.

Precisely. She continued to stare at me. Ella, you’re engaged. You haven’t done anything wrong, here. This is a happy moment, believe it or not. It’s a blessing that he did leave, so that he wouldn’t see you enjoying this moment. There was a hint of sarcasm. I snapped my eyes at her. I mean, when you return back to the party, she added with a smirk.

When we returned to the ballroom, I was in full agreement that Cash’s departure was an important factor in how the rest of my night would go. Jared’s eyes lit up when he saw me. We hadn’t been together yet a full year, but we spent every moment together that our schedules allowed. I technically still had an apartment, but I lived with him. My clothes were there. I hadn't even visited my apartment, since I took my clothes and stuff to his place! His family loved me. They would be excited about this development, if he hadn't already let them know. On paper, this was perfect. This was moving in the right direction.

This shouldn’t have been about anyone else.

So I threw myself into the happiness of it all, and avoided my eyes roaming to the spot where Cash had been sitting all night. I knew I would have to deal with him at some point… soon… when we began filming the second season of our TV series. But for tonight, I had to push him back from the forefront of my mind. For Jared.

My hunky boyfriend — excuse me, fiancé – was riding high on a unicorn somewhere around Cloud 9 for the rest of this evening that was now about us. I needed to take a note from him. I tried my best to relax. I felt like the only person in the world who truly knew me right then was Jessica. And even she had already bought into the excitement of the entire thing.

I didn't even want to know how big the social media buzz was, surrounding this entire ordeal.

I grabbed a fresh glass of wine, and plastered a smile upon my face. Surely, a newly-engaged woman shouldn't be riddled with a case of nerves, as I was. Let me see the ring! That was the statement of the hour, and everyone was around me to steal a look.

Beneath the sheets, my fingers fidgeted with the beautiful diamond. This symbol of promise continued twisting around and around my finger.

I turned over again.

They say that the day of your wedding becomes just a blur in your memory — all running together in one jumbled but excited blip that slips further away with passing time. That's how this moment felt, only it was slipping further away as I stood there in that ballroom. It felt even further away, now.

Most girls would pick up the phone to call their best friends immediately, to tell them the joyous news. Mine were already there. They would call their sisters, or their mother, and squeal their wonderful news into the phone. Well, I was robbed of that moment, also. My mother wouldn't have been there for me, even if she were alive.

You looked so surprised! Bridget Cannon, the woman who co-starred along with us in our television series, was standing there grinning as she took my hand for a closer look at the ring. That's so exciting, she conveyed genuinely, as the room buzzed around us.

Lying there, I could still hear the clanking of glasses resonating throughout the room. Chatter either about us, or just anything else worth talking about continued to ensue. Jared's hand was stroking my back, and he was talking to Mayor Romano, who had come to congratulate us, and send his condolences to my single life.

Looks like I've missed my chance, he winked at me.

Not that he ever had one. Still, I smiled at him graciously. You are still quite the charmer, sir. Where's the Mrs. tonight?

She had a prior commitment. She'll be sorry she missed this wonderful surprise though! I'm sure she will be. The celebration of one more woman off the market that her new husband has notoriously flirted with.

Tell her I said hello, I told him, still holding my smile.

Absolutely!

I turned over again. Jared's breathing was deep and even. I stared at him, swathed in the blue hue of moonlight, and admired the face of an angel. His blond hair was tousled. His smooth, handsome face was completely relaxed.

I had just fallen asleep before it was my normal time to rise. Sleeping in past sunrise was a rarity, but when it did happen, it always threw my day off. It annoyed me. It instantly screamed at me that I wasted my morning. Jared's side of the bed was empty when I opened my eyes. Sunlight spilled in through the windows.

More importantly, the smell of coffee perked up my senses.

I sat up and ran my fingers through my hair. The ring snagged several strands, and I chuckled while untangling it and staring down at the platinum band and enormous solitaire proudly winking at me in the sun. It certainly hadn't just been a dream. I didn't get enough sleep to convince myself it was all a dream, in the first place.

I yawned and emerged from the bedroom that had once just been his before it became ours. The television was on, in the living room. He was standing in the kitchen with his coffee in one hand, and his phone in the other. He was typing away at it one-handedly. When he saw me emerge, his smile was charming. Coffee?

You should already know the answer to that. I smirked at him, sleepy-eyed. I'll probably need to hog that entire pot for myself. I couldn't sleep last night, I admitted through a yawn.

Too much excitement?

I did love his wry smile, though. Sometimes I think I didn't give him enough credit. Something like that, I spoke with a coy look. There was no way forever could ever be a disappointment with him. I needed to pull my head out of my ass.

I broke the news to my parents, this morning. He gestured at me with his phone in his hand. His eyes were vivid with their beautiful blue splashed with bright green around his pupils. They can't wait to see the ring in person. My mother was already asking if we've set a date.

Can we just hand the entire affair over to Jessica? I shot him a look of amusement.

He laughed. His grin was perfect. And just tell her to just let us both know when to show up?

Exactly.

I don't see why not. Or we could just elope. He said it so casually. It sounded enticing enough.

I looked at him to try and determine whether he was serious, or not. You wouldn't…

He lifted an eyebrow at me. Why not?

I sipped my coffee and stared at him. I mean, we never had discussed anything wedding-related, before. I just figured you for a huge church-wedding-kinda-guy, I mused aloud.

I would be down for whatever, he allowed with an easy-going shrug. The only important detail is you, as far as I'm concerned.

No stunt-double, you mean?

Afraid not.

I chuckled down into my mug. Well, there goes that idea…

He and I both paused, as the channel he'd left playing on the TV was now airing their little segment about celebrity news. As soon as our names were mentioned, both of our heads turned in interest. …Ella Rose and Jared Cooper's engagement has Twitter all abuzz, after Jared got down on one knee and stunned the guests last night at their black-tie gala benefitting Ella Rose's charity, which promotes getting young adults off the streets and on their feet. More details about the wedding as we find out more!

I smirked at him. My phone was lit up like Christmas all night.

I turned mine off. He poured himself another cup of coffee. It was just after ten. I think it took ten minutes to start up this morning, simply because it was bogged down with messages and voicemails.

I paused at the window, staring out at the beautiful August day. The sunshine warmed me where I stood, and the city glistened and moved down below. Thirteen days left until work began. It should've been a good thing. It should've been something to look forward to. Until last night, I probably would've — whether it was right to, or not. But now? I was consumed with dread.

Not that we didn't have enough to keep us busy in the meantime.

What are your plans for the afternoon? He had a photo shoot. When does Austin land?

He lands at five. I rinsed my mug out.

He nodded. It sucks that he couldn't be there last night.

I stared back at him with a wistful smile. I had no idea how I deserved someone as wonderful as him. He suggested dinner this evening, but I told him I had no idea when you'd be done.

Go anyway, he urged. I'll meet you guys after, if it runs late.

Yeah? Not many guys would suggest their fiancee hanging out with their ex. Eh, I'll just wait for you.

He gave me a weird look. Really, it's no big deal. He kissed me on the forehead as he passed me by. I gotta go get ready. My eyes remained upon him, until his tall, buff form disappeared from my sight. I needed to get moving, myself.

Where's the husband at? Austin greeted me with a hug, and it was impossible not to notice how much his looks had changed in just a few months. His black hair was cut shorter. He had put on a little weight that made him look more like a man and less like the boy I dated when we were teenagers.

He had a magazine shoot, I answered. Here, put your stuff in the trunk. I hit the button on my key fob. He tossed his suitcase and guitar case in the back of my car. Are you hungry?

Starving, actually.

He talked about his tour wrapping up, and how relieved he was to be done with everything for a while. He harassed me on why I never did tour for any of my albums. Even a diva can tour, yanno.

Yeah, because you make it sound so appealing, I jabbed with a short laugh. I've told you a hundred times - I'm just not interested in it.

He shrugged. I find it exciting. Nothing quite like thousands of people singing your stuff right along with you.

I get that when I perform at things too, I reminded him. Besides, I think acting is more of the direction I prefer to keep heading.

It's a shame. You're voice is too beautiful to not be heard. I cast him an appreciative smile.

I chose a place that Jared and I liked to go to for dinner. The first place he ever took me to. It had a great atmosphere, and the waitstaff were exceptionally nice to always give us a cozy booth that kept us out of the limelight. They seated us, and I checked to see if Jared had responded to my text, yet. I guess he still wasn't done with the shoot.

Does he know that you still have your place?

I nodded. I told him as I was moving in with him that I had just signed a six-month lease with my place.

And let me guess - he wasn't surprised, either?

You boys know me too well.

Still got that one foot outside the door?

I sipped from the glass of chardonnay that was set down beside me. The door slammed shut on that foot when this ring was put on my finger. It sparkled brilliantly with every movement.

No word from Cash?

If he had been present last night, that would've made two people who were in on my heart's secret. No, I confirmed. Frankly, I don't expect to.

I can't blame the guy. I lifted an eyebrow at him. You're a tough broad to get over.

Charming. I took another sip. You still bouncing around from skank-to-skank?

Eh. I've been trying to stick to this one I met right before the tour. Now I was looking at him with acute interest. Her name is Ingrid. She's a lingerie model. Now he was full-on grinning.

Figures. I chuckled at him. But, good for you.

You'll meet her. I'll bring her out with us. We can double date, he suggested brightly.

Okay, I agreed, still chuckling at him. Just as long as she doesn't make me look like a whale.

You're beautiful, and you know it. It doesn't take away from how much of a pain in the ass you are, so don't worry about that.

Oh, I'm not.

You think it's going to be awkward?

I looked at him, confused. What?

Working with him. Filming. With this little weirdo relationship between you two?

My heart sank. I don't want to talk about it. I just need to put it behind me.

He drank some of his gin and tonic. You better do it, quick. Otherwise when you two report to work, it's going to reopen this smelly can of worms that's been lingering for the last several years.

You say that like the can was ever closed back up. He met my cynical gaze. Then I picked my glass back up.

I like Jared, he spoke. He sat back in his seat and tilted his head pensively. He's good for you. He doesn't appeal to your dark side, like I did, or like I feel Cash did. Cash just kind of consumes you. You both consume each other. Jared has a nice, calming effect for you. He's fun, and light-hearted, and good to you. He said it all like that should've been the deciding factor. It never was that easy.

Let's talk about you some more, I put forth with a semi-amused look.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. He accepted his defeat with a laugh and a shake of his head. Not like my life is any better, he remarked.

Jared approached the table, and his smile lit up the room. Before he sat down beside me, he shook Austin's hand. How are you?

Tired, Austin replied with a sincere smile. Congratulations on the engagement!

Thanks! Jared's look was of pure pride. It was rather charming. How long are you back for?

Two months, he answered. Or, I'm taking the next two months off from touring. I'm considering locking myself up in my apartment and just writing my ass off.

That sounds heavenly, actually.

It would drive you crazy after two days, Jared piped up before the waitress approached. Yes, could I please have a water, and then a glass of cabernet?

Certainly. Do you need a few minutes before ordering food, or have you picked out any appetizers yet?

I think we'll need just a few minutes, Jared replied courteously. Thank you. He was always so polite.

The two guys began chatting, and I recall thinking about how funny it was; all three of us sitting at a table together. There was a point in time, some years ago, that I didn't think being friends with Austin would ever be a possibility. Funny, how growing up can change your outlook. We went from two kids singing in a subway together for change, to two celebrities with successful careers. I also never would've expected that I would be an engaged woman at twenty-three years old, with a wonderful fiancé, when my love life had been the opposite of stellar in recent years. Well, pretty much overall, actually.

I had no idea how to plan a wedding.

It was nice catching up with Austin. There was something about spending time with him that I found humbling. Perhaps it was that he directly reminded me of my roots. He represented where I came from, and how I got here. He was proof that people could change and better themselves. He showed me, with every hit song that he put out, that he was a survivor, just as I was. He had less of a chance than I did, but he rose to the top. He didn't have some fairy-tale hero come and rescue him; he paved his own way the best way he could.

Now, we sat across the table from one another at a restaurant in Manhattan, which wasn't quite a world away from the slums of the Bronx, however it felt like it was.

Did I tell you that I passed by that broke down motel that we lived out of for a while, back before I went on tour? I shook my head. Austin was shaking his head and chuckling. It just seems so much more gross, now.

It was gross then, I quipped with a smirk. I still swear that the office manager guy was watching us through the holes in the walls.

I only told you he wasn't, so that you wouldn't demand that we leave.

I looked at him in shock. So you thought the same thing? I was appalled that he was laughing. Hell, like we could've afforded to go anywhere else, I pointed out.

I just can't imagine, Jared muttered, shaking his head and bringing his wine glass to his lips.

No, he couldn't. Because he didn't have to. Because his childhood had been the very picture of perfection. The same thing I would've wanted for myself. The same thing I'd want for my children.

Jared grabbed my hand once we were back inside the apartment, and he pulled me to him for a kiss so sweet that it melted my heart. His lips caught mine quickly for a second time, and he gave me a light pat on the butt before he released me from his grasp. You're so beautiful, he admired as I sent a smile in his direction.

I blew him a kiss. I'm going to take a bath, I chirped sweetly with a wink. I'll leave the door cracked. Just in case you'd like to join me.

Chapter 2

Ten days.

How would you feel about just getting away for a few days?

I turned from the window and looked over to where Jared sat upon the couch. I drank from my coffee mug, and my look was inquisitive. You've got my attention.

He picked up the television remote, and he muted the morning news. My parents invited us out for my parents' thirtieth anniversary, he answered, causing me to raise my eyebrows.

Wow, thirty? He nodded. Impressive.

I just thought it'd be nice to go out there, you know, before shooting starts again.

I bit my lip and mulled it over. Flights are probably sky-high expensive right now, I muttered.

He allowed just a little bit of his disappointment to spill forth, as a frown poured down his beautiful face. It was just a thought.

I couldn't stifle the smile. My dear, why the long face? We have ten days until we shoot. We should make a road-trip out of it, I tossed out with a light shrug.

He immediately perked right up. His bright eyes widened, and he stared at me in surprise for a long moment. What? He then realized I was serious. That's when he jumped to his feet. You know how long that is, right? It's almost three thousand miles from here to my parents' house.

I've never taken a road-trip, I reminded him.

You would've thought he'd just won the lottery. He probably didn't think I noticed, when we were first getting to know one another, and he talked about when he found out he got the part in our television series. I remembered the sparkle in his eye when he divulged how he took the opportunity to load up his car and drive clear