Hollywood Love

By Chanel Faye

Is true love even possible in a city built on broken dreams? There's only one way to find out…

 

 Nursing student Jordan Madison wasn't looking for love. Her broken engagement proved how devastating that could be. But then she met a sweet, kind, and devastatingly handsome aspiring actor who made her question everything. The fact that he has a girlfriend back home means she needs to keep him in the friendzone…even though what she really wants is quite the opposite…

 

 Alex Miller was chasing a dream. He left his entire life in Seattle behind to move to Los Angeles. And frankly, it was all a little lonely and overwhelming—until he met Jordan. Becoming her friend is the best thing that's happened to him in a long time. It would be so easy to fall for her. Too bad he can't ever let that happen…

 

 Can Jordan and Alex overcome all that stands between them—including the ghosts of his and her past—to find a screen-worthy happily ever after? Or will their story end like a Hollywood tragedy?  

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chanel Faye
• Release date: Oct 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215395264

Book preview

Chapter 1

The reclaimed wooden table shook, spilling my tea on the floor. Soft music played on my headphones, anatomy and biology books laid out before me.

Oof.

I heard it through the music. I removed the headphones and looked up to grey-blue eyes that had an apologetic look to them. A fluttering started in my stomach as his eyes pierced through me.

I’m so sorry, Miss, the man said with a smile on his handsome, squared face. I wasn’t looking where I was going. I can buy you another tea if you don’t mind.

Reluctantly, I looked away from his eyes to the table to see if any tea had spilled onto my books but saw no stains. I sighed gratefully. No, that’s okay, I was done anyway.

I gave a small smile and started packing up the books, putting them in my book bag.

Are you sure? I feel bad, he said, picking up the plastic coffee cup from the floor and putting it back on the table.

No, that’s fine, thanks for the offer though, I said as I rose from the table and headed toward the door of the café.

7 HOURS LATER.

Great! You got back just at the right time, Jordan, my brother said as I walked through the double doors of his bar.

What’s up? Why are you so excited?

My eyes narrowed as I strolled toward the wooden bar area with soft lighting and pale brown pastel interior, where he was cleaning glasses.

Well, the stock just got in, so I’m going to need help before Tess comes in for her shift, he said with a grin on his face. Now before you say no, just remember, you’re living with me rent-free, he chuckled, placing the glasses down.

Why can’t Tess do it when she gets in?

She’ll be getting in just before happy hour starts and that’ll be too late. Please. Pretty please? He pouted.

Alright, I said with a groan as I placed my book bag down on the ground next to the bar counter and started to put away warm beer and liquor from the crate that my brother brought from the storage room. The cold air of the refrigerator hit my face as I opened it to place the beers. But it’ll just be a minute because I need to study. I have a test tomorrow.

He put up his hands. Hey, as long as the front fridges are full of beer, I’ll be happy. I’m going to the back to get more.

The music on my headphones made stocking the fridges more tolerable.

Excuse me? I heard through the music and I turned toward the voice. My heart jumped. It was the cute guy from the café. His grey-blue eyes had been on my mind the whole day.

I removed the headphones. Hi, can I help you?

Hey, I know you, he said. His smile grew bigger.

Um, yes. We met this morning. Well not really, but we talked. My heart flip-flopped as I approached the bar counter where he stood.

I hope I didn’t ruin your morning tea. You sure left in a hurry.

He sat down and played with a stoneware beer coaster.

Yeah, sorry about that. I was late for class. Can I get you a drink? I asked while trying not to stare at his handsome face with a gleam in his eyes.

A beer, please.

I grabbed the beer from the fridge and placed it on the coaster. Happy hour doesn’t start for another hour.

With the day I’ve had, happy hour starts now, he said, squeezing his eyes shut and twisting his bow-shaped mouth.

Aww, bad day? I asked as I finished putting beer into the fridges.

Bad audition, more like it. By the way, my name is Alex. Nice to meet you. He grinned, extending his hand to me.

Jordan, I said as I grasped his hand, sending heat down my arm.

Behind me, I heard grunting sounds as my brother returned carrying a crate of beer and placing it on the floor. Wow, those are heavy, he gasped, wiping his coffee-colored face with his hand.

Do you need a hand? Alex asked.

No, these will last for tonight, and we can’t be letting our customers carry stock for us, my brother laughed.

Good, you’re back. Now I can head upstairs, I smirked at my brother.

Come on, just wait until Tess gets here. Plus, you can’t leave a customer alone. He turned to Alex. He might need another beer.

Eric, I said to my brother. Meet Alex.

Eric laughed, extending his hand to Alex. Nice to meet you, man.

Likewise, Alex said.

So when this Tess arrives, can I buy you a drink to make up for this morning? Alex focused his eyes on me.

You don’t have to, it was a mistake. Could have happened to anyone.

A wistfully thoughtful expression crossed his face. I was just distracted this morning with the audition and didn’t see your table.

So you’re an actor, then? Might I have seen you in something? I asked jokingly.

Alex gave a short laugh. No, more like an aspiring actor. Just recently moved to Los Angeles to try my luck. What about you? You mentioned a class earlier on. He had finished his beer and began tapping the side of the bottle.

Can I get you another one?

Yes, please.

I grabbed another beer and handed it over. Eric was at the end of the bar trying not to listen in to our conversation.

I’m training to be a nurse, my second career, I smiled.

"Second career?"

Yes, I worked in sales and marketing before I went to Nursing College, I answered as I sat down.

Why change? He chuckled. I’m sorry, am I asking too many questions? My friends say I can grill like a lawyer.

I laughed, my eyes taking in his strong jaw, straight nose, light brown bushy eyebrows, and short dark brown hair, with a curl across his forehead. The bar doors opened and two male customers walked to the bar counter, where Eric assisted them.

I glanced at the customers and turned back to Alex. I left my first job when my mother got too sick to take care of herself, and after she died, I volunteered at retirement homes, where I realized I liked nursing.

Alex touched my hand. I’m sorry about your mother.

Thank you. She died two years ago, I said.

I’m sorry about your mother. I know it was two years ago, but it must be hard still, Alex said.

I turned to hide away the tears moistening my eyes. Thanks. I’m fine.

How’s your father?

I took a deep breath. He passed away when I was two and Eric was ten years old, so now it’s just the three of us.

I could see that he wanted to probe further, but the doors to the bar opened again and in sauntered Tess, wearing a black T-shirt with a metal band printed on it and jeans torn at the knees. Tess had been Eric’s bartender since he had opened the bar five years ago.

Tess, thank goodness, I exclaimed as I got up from the bar stool and hugged her. The evening Happy Hour crowd was starting to fill up the bar’s tan booths, Eric busying writing down their orders.

Hi, Jordan. So Eric has been keeping you behind the bar, huh? Tess said with a grin on her face, her red hair curling around her round face, her green eyes twinkling with laughter.

You got it, and I have a test tomorrow.

Get out of here. I’ve got it now.

She turned towards Alex. Do you want another drink, sir?

No, I think this one will be my last. But I still owe you a tea or a drink, Alex said to me.

I smiled and touched my soft short curls with my hand. Sure, I guess you do. Tess glanced at the two of us as she straightened the glasses on the back bar countertop and checked the liquor.

Yo, Eric, I called to him from the other side of the bar where he was serving customers.

Eric draped a dish towel over his shoulder as he turned and walked toward me. Yes, Jordan? Are you making your escape now?

I’ll help again tomorrow, I promise. Just have to ace the test first.

Grabbing my book bag, I slung it on my right shoulder and turned to Alex. It was good to meet you.

Till next time, he said with a slight smile on his face.

I headed to the stairs that lead to my apartment.

My mind was lost in thought. Why had I opened myself up to a stranger? Normally, it took me a while to warm up to people, but it had been easy to talk to Alex. The fact that I had talked about my mother surprised me more than anything. I bit the inside of my mouth as the raw scar in my heart left from my mother’s death started to ache.

I smelled smoke and headed to the kitchen, catching Therese taking burnt food out of the oven and placing it on the sink, putting water on it to stem the smoke.

Therese! What are you doing in the kitchen? You know you’re not allowed to cook! I coughed and laughed when she gave me a sheepish look.

Therese was Eric’s wife and a terrible cook who could even burn water. Her mocha-colored skin had a slight blush to it. She had dark oval-shaped eyes with long lashes, smooth skin, and shoulder-length black hair that she straightened every other day. Black pants encased her shapely legs, paired with a blue blouse.

I was just trying to make Eric his favorite hot wings to surprise him.

Well, the surprise would have been a burnt down apartment building. Why didn’t you wait until I got home?

I walked to the sink to assess the damage.

Her cheeks reddened as she got water out of the fridge. I have some news I have to share with him, and I thought cooking his favorite meal would soften the blow.

What is so bad that you had to bribe him with food? When Therese glanced away, I added, Or is it too personal?

I’m pregnant, Therese blurted out, then, taking a deep breath, she sat down on a kitchen chair.

I beamed. This is glorious news! I’m going to be an aunt! I grabbed Therese out of the chair and gave her a tight hug.

Thanks, Jordie, but Eric doesn’t want children.

My eyes widened. It made sense now why Therese was such a nervous wreck. Weren’t you being careful, then, if you knew he didn’t want kids?

We were. We’ve always been careful. It was just that one night...

La la la, I sang, determined not to hear any more about my brother’s sex life.

Therese broke into a smile. Hush, you are a grown woman.

And Eric is a grown man who knows how babies happen, so he’ll understand.

I just hope he’s happy with my pregnancy, Therese said.

I hugged her. It will be okay, I whispered. You’ll work it out together.

I went to my room to do some studying. I was enjoying Nursing College, but anatomy class was my weak spot, and tomorrow we had a test.

Going through the human body structure I heard my brother enter the apartment. I couldn’t quite hear what they were saying, but suddenly I heard a big whoop and laughter. I ran down to the living room to see the commotion.

When Eric saw me, he lifted and twirled me.

What are you doing? I laughed. Put me down!

I’m going to be a father, Jordie!

I looked at Therese, who was beaming with happiness.

I thought you didn’t want children, she said to Eric.

I thought I didn’t, but now you’re pregnant, I just... I’m just so happy. He walked to his wife and gave her a deep kiss. So happy.

I’m thrilled for you guys, but I’m also starving. What should we order for dinner?

Hot wings, Eric said. It’s a celebration, so champagne, too.

He cast a loving glance at his wife. I’ll drink for the both of us, baby.

I laughed before placing an order at our favorite chicken wing establishment on the phone.

The food soon arrived, and we sat in the living room with the television on in the background.

Babe, we will have to house hunt, Eric said.

What? What for? Therese said.

Well, I’m thinking when you get to eight months, the stairs might be too much and the baby will need a backyard to play in, so why not look for a house now?

Therese raised her eyebrows. First of all, you don’t know what I will and won’t be able to do. But you might be right about the backyard.

What about the apartment? I asked.

When we find a place, you can stay here until you finish college, and when you start working, you can start paying me rent, that’s if Therese agrees, Eric replied.

I childishly stuck my tongue out and threw a couch pillow at him, which he caught with a laugh. I watched as Eric and Therese snuggled on the couch and felt a twitch of jealousy in my heart. As my mind wandered to Alex, my heart did a different kind of leap that made me nervous.

Chapter 2

4weeks later

I was at my local coffee shop, looking over my patient management course notes and sipping tea when I heard a cough and a Hi in a deep male voice.

I glanced up to see Alex wearing a blue golf shirt with a CompuTec logo on it. The color of the shirt made his grey-blue eyes a startling sapphire. A smile appeared on my face as I returned the greeting.

Jordan, right? he asked.

Yes. CompuTec? I thought you were an actor?

He looked down at the logo and chuckled. I did say aspiring, and I have to make a living while auditioning or else my roommate will have me out on my ass.

A loud laugh escaped my mouth, and a few faces turned in our direction.

I got some good news yesterday. I got a job for a soap commercial. His grin lit up his face.

Wow, that’s great! I said. Commercial today, Oscar nomination tomorrow.

Hey, that could happen, he joked. Anyway, I have to run, but my friends and I are celebrating at The Bar tonight.

You know, I like the name. Simple, to the point, focused, Alex said.

You mean unimaginative, I snorted.

No! He smiled. So you’ll be there tonight?

Yes, I’ll be behind the bar, I smiled and pushed back the curls from my face.

Okay, see you then. He waved goodbye and strolled out of the cafe.

I WALKED INTO OUR BLACK monochrome kitchen wearing black skinny