Rylie's POV
My life since Blake came into it could only be described in one word: crazy. First, we became enemies then we kissed and had to go from being enemies to girlfriend and boyfriend.
And then somehow, what started out as pretending eventually led to something real, that only lasted for so long before his grandmother died and he broke up with me and broke my heart and trust in the process.
Then my ex came back, I went viral, got cast in a movie and now I was standing in the ladies bathroom of a film about to have a showdown with Blake's ex who just also happened to be a really popular actress.
Oh yeah. My life definitely changed after I met Blake and everything that had happened so far was all linked to him. It was kinda crazy when you thought about it.
"Oh really? We do? Because last I checked, we have never met before," I decided to end the silence that hung in the air between Kristen and I.
"Why that might be true, I know you're already aware of who I am. After all, Blake must have mentioned me a lot," she pronounced, sounding quite sure of the fact.
"Actually, as far as I remember, Blake never mentioned you. The only time he did was when we started dating and even then it was in passing so I don't think you should give yourself too much credit," I added posing it like an genuine advice.
Kristen didn't seem too happy after hearing my statement. "Does that mean that you and Blake are dating?"
My smile faltered and I hesitated before answering which was pretty much an answer already.
"I'll take that as a no then," Kristen remarked, grinning at me. "Who would have thought that after all that talk, you still couldn't hold on to him? Then again, he was probably just using you to while away time until I came back to him and now that I have, I guess it's safe to say that there's no need for you to be hanging around my boyfriend anymore."
"Your boyfriend? Really?" I scoffed then went on, " Kristen, I might not be with Blake anymore but what makes you so confident that he'll ever forgive you for cheating on him and much more, take you back as his girlfriend?"
"Honey, I'm Kristen Harper and if there's one thing you should know about me," she inched closer to me until our faces were just a few inches apart, "it's that I always get what I want. Always!"
I took a moment to take in what she just told and stepped back. "Wow! Just wow!"
"What is it?"
"I just find it hard to believe that girls like you actually exist. You literally cheated on him with his best friend and yet here you are, so confident and even going as far to threaten me to stay away from him? It's like you have no value for yourself."
"Value? How dare you! It's because I know my value and what I'm worth that makes me a better fit to be Blake's girlfriend than you ever will be. He probably did you a favor when he broke up with you," Kristen retorted. "You know what? Whatever! I don't have time for this. Just watch me, okay? And I bet you that before this movie is over, Blake and I will be together again."
"And how sure are you about that?"
"Like I said, just watch me." She winked before flipping her hair in my face and strutting out of the bathroom. I watched her leave and then turned to the mirror, wondering what the heck just happened.
Somehow, I managed to regain my composure and made it out of the bathroom and onto the set for my scene while Kristen's words kept playing over and over again in my head. The rational part of me knew that Blake would never get back together with Kristen but another part, the part that was still hopelessly in love with Blake, pondered on her words and worried, "What if Blake did get back together with Kristen?"
Anyway, after filming wrapped up for the day, I got my script and filming schedule and eventually got in the car with Blake. Almost as soon as the car got on the road, Blake began to try to make conversation with me.
"That was fun, wasn't it?" he remarked in a chirpy voice.
"Well, fun is one way to put it."
"Really? What other words would you use to describe it?"
"Tedious, tasking, harrowing, scary, nauseating–" I babbled on until he cut in.
"Okay, okay. I get it. It was a lot of fun," he surmised, grinning at me.
"Yeah," I chuckled. "Thank you, Blake. I don't– I don't know if I've ever told you that and if I have, thank you still."
"It's not a big deal, Rylie. Really, I don't mind."
"Ugh! Just say ‘you're welcome’," I rolled my eyes.
"Whatever. You're welcome... Happy?"
"Yeah. I am as a matter of fact."
The car fell back into silence and I looked away from Blake to the rolled up window by my side at the passing landscape. Eventually, my mind began wander and I found myself thinking back to my run-in with Kristen and the question that had been bothering me ever since.
Even though, I was looking away from Blake, I could partially see his reflection on the window and as if enchanted, I slowly raised my hand to the window and touched the part where his face was. At that moment, I saw him turn his head to the side and smile sweetly at me before he looked back to the road.
I felt the corner of my lips curve in a smile and my eyes start to water just a bit. It might have just been a small gesture that he did because he thought I wasn't looking but for some reason, it still managed to touch me deeply.
Blake always knew how to do that. He always knew how to make even the smallest gestures seem so heartfelt.
Why did he have to do it though? If he hadn't broken up with me, I could be sure about he and Kristen and I wouldn't have to hide my feelings. Now everything was a big mess and I was caught right in the middle of it.
Anyway, the ride eventually ended as Blake parked in front of his house. Even then, I was in no mood to leave Blake yet and it seemed like he felt the same way too.
"I guess I'll get going then," I announced after when neither of us said anything at first. I was just about doing this when Blake grabbed my wrist to stop me. Almost immediately he let go as though he'd been burnt. I was hurt by his actions but still asked why he stopped me.
"Oh, it's nothing. I was just– I was just wondering if maybe, possibly– you would maybe like to do that practice we talked about– you know, for your acting?"
"Oh, you want us to practice our lines together?" I tried to hide just how excited I was.
"Uh yeah– if you want to, of course," he quickly added.
"Well I have nothing better to do so I guess I could come over to your place," I agreed.
"Great. Let's go then."
Blake and I got out of the car and made our way into his home together. After greeting his parents and Ava who were quite surprised to see me, we headed up the stairs to Blake's room.
Stepping in, I was instantly reminded of how much time Blake and I had spent in here together and the memories that had been made. Despite having not been in Blake's house or room since our break up, it didn't seem like much had changed.
After getting me a drink, Blake and I sat down on the beanbags and began acting out the scenes and practicing our lines, both for the scenes we had together and even the ones we had with other people.
We spent so much time doing this that I didn't even realize that it was already getting late until I got a message from my mom telling me that it was almost time for dinner. I quickly texted her back that I was on my way home already.
"Blake, it's so late. How did we not notice?" I asked while arranging my script and other things.
"I'm sorry. Is your mom mad?"
"No, maybe a little anxious but I have to go anyway. Thanks for all this by the way." I gestured to the things in my hands.
"You're welcome. Here." He grabbed my jacket and handed it over to me.
Blake and I were on our way down the stairs, talking about the movie when all of a sudden, someone yelled, "Get the fuck out of here." It sounded like Ava so Blake and I quickly rushed down. As we approached the door where Ava and Blake's parents were standing, I could hear another familiar voice whimper, "But I seriously need your help."
Realising who it was, I cautiously stepped past Blake's parents hoping it wasn't who I thought it was. Unfortunately I turned out to be right.
"Kristen?!" Blake and I exclaimed at the same time. Whatever could she want now?