The Billionaire’s Fan (The Whispering Oaks Society)

Chapter 12

CHAPTER TWELVE

Asher

It’s been a while since I’ve had downtime. I am usually the type of guy to go-go-go. So I decided that because Jordyn is in Fairhaven at Pie Squared, that I would take a quick visit to Brookhaven for a drink or two and meet up with Augustus.

We sat in a leather-clad booth, the dim lighting overhead casting a warm glow. The rich aroma of cigars and the faint clink of glasses from other members filled the air, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and relaxation.

I leaned back against the booth, across from Chad with his easygoing demeanor, swirling the glass of whiskey, the amber liquid catching the overhead light.

“Twice in the same month. What’s the occasion?” he asks.

“I need romantic advice.”

“Why are you asking for advice about that shit from me? You know my reputation.” Chad asks laughing.

“I needed someone to talk to who understands… all of this. Being famous and having relationships.”

Chad smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’m happy to help, man, whatever you need. What’s on your mind?”

Chad is a true playboy. He’s never been photographed with the same woman. He hasn’t had a steady relationship in God knows how long. And he sure as hell likes to have a good time. He’s not the relationship type. But he has been in the public eye since he was a kid, so he knows a thing or two about the paparazzi or how to navigate any kind of relationship, and that’s the advice that I need right now.

Knights Honor has been popular for the last six years. I’ve had dalliances before with women, but never in a solid relationship aside from Serena. I’ve never sought a relationship since becoming the man I am today, so I haven’t had to figure out what I’m supposed to do.

“The woman, who I was on TMZ with, Jordyn. The relationship it’s more than a hook-up.”

“Oh shit, really? Tell me more.”

“She’s special. Amazing actually.” I smile fondly. “She treats me like a real person, not just someone who is famous. And I think - I think I’m falling for her.”

Chad nods, his expression turning serious. “That’s great, man. But I feel like there’s a ‘but’ coming.”

“But,” I continue with a sigh, “I’m worried about how to navigate this relationship with the life I lead. I’m in a studio or on the road with the paps and under constant scrutiny… it can be a lot to handle for someone who isn’t in the limelight.”

Chad takes a sip of his whiskey, leaning slightly forward. “I get it. I’ve been in the business since I was a kid. Relationships in our line of work are tough, no doubt about that. But they’re not impossible. I’ve had a few steady relationships here and also some that no one knew about.”

I looked at him, “How do you do it? How do you make it work?”

Chad sets his glass down, his gaze steady. “First off, you have to be honest with her. Lay it all out.”

“Lay what out?”

“The good, the bad, and the ugly. She deserves to know what she’s getting into. Communication is key. Prepare her for what could happen.”

“We’ve had one run in already after breakfast, and we’ve talked about some of it, but I guess I need to be more open with how it is day to day.”

“You’ve also got to trust her. Trust that she can handle it. If she cares about you, she will find a way to deal with the craziness. But you also have to make time for her. Show her she’s a priority, no matter how busy you get.”

I think about Jordyn. “She’s worth it.”

Chad smiles, “It will not be easy, and there will be times when it feels like everything is against you and her. But if you care about one another, you’ll make it work.”

I nod, feeling a renewed sense of determination. “Thanks, I needed to hear that.”

“Anytime, man,” Chad replied, raising his glass in a toast. “To love and the crazy journey we all decide to take on.”

We clink glasses, and I smile. “To love.”

We both take a tip of our drinks, the conversation giving me the clarity that I needed to navigate the complexities of my relationship with Jordyn. I know it won’t be easy, but with honesty, trust, and determination, I was ready to face whatever challenges that lay ahead. I just needed to give Jordyn the rundown of what being in a relationship with me would entail.

Jordyn’s home was a stark contrast to the frenetic world that I am used to. She has strategically placed lamps that bathed the room in a soft warm glow. She brought home pizza from the restaurant, with the aroma filling the air. We sat cross-legged on the plush carpet, the pizza box from Pie Squared open between us, its contents too tempting to resist.

I take a bite out of my slice, savoring the rich flavors. “You guys sure know how to make a pizza,” I say with a grin, wiping some sauce from the corner of my mouth.

She smiles, her eyes twinkling, “I’m glad you like it. Now that Dad revealed the family secret, you better not tell a soul.” She points at me in a warning.

“Trust me, I can keep a secret.” I set my slice down and looked at her with a serious expression, “there’s something that we need to talk about. Something important.”

Her expression mirrored my own as she nodded, setting her own slice aside. “What’s up?”

I take a deep breath, collecting my thoughts. “This thing between us, it’s more than fleeting. I’m taking it seriously. And I just need to see if we’re on the same page?”

“Is this the boyfriend-girlfriend conversation? Are we pledging ourselves to one another?” she jokes.

“Do people do that still?”

“Did they ever? Wasn’t this a conversation that we already had after you stayed at my house that first time?”

“I like this thing between us. I care about you, a lot. More than I’ve cared about someone in a long time. But being in a relationship with someone like me, it’s difficult. There are things you need to know, and we need to be completely honest with one another in the process.”

She leans in, giving me her full attention. “I’m listening.”

I reach for her hand, holding it gently. “Because I am who I am, it means constant scrutiny. Paparazzi, fans, the media - they’re always watching, always judging. Privacy is hard to come by, and every little thing can be blown out of proportion. I need you to know that I’m in this.”

“If we’re in this together, I’m down to try.”

“This thing between us, we have to have complete honesty and trust. There will be rumors, and there will be times when we’re apart for long stretches because of tours and recording sessions. But if we trust one another and communicate openly, we can get through this.”

“How many talks like this have you had to have?”

“You’re my first,” I admit.

Her expression softens. “I trust you. And I promise to always be honest with you. But I need you to promise me the same.”

“I promise,” I added. “I want nothing more than to build something solid. It won’t be easy, and there will be tough times, but I believe we can do this.”

She smiles. “I’m ready to face whatever comes our way.”

I leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “Thank you. That, this. It means more to me than you know.”

We returned to our pizza and returned to bantering about random things, while we enjoyed one another’s company.

I’m excited to see what our future holds for us, now that we’ve had that discussion.