Point Of View 2 [*Do not read until you've read the same chapter of ATW]

Chapter 96 The Winning Combination

*Trisha*

I feel like things are slowly getting back to normal. I smile over at Nate as he tries on his Savile Row suit for the Grammy's. His tailor, Mr. Rolston, measures him while we chat.

"It's perfect!" I exclaim. Nate looks amazing in this suit but has yet to crack a smile. He's all hung up on Julia not being his date to the awards.

"I really think Jules would be fine for one night. She'd have so much fun." 

"Nate. She's at The Avalon. Full time. You know she can't." I say as I fix the collar of his dress shirt.

"Jeremy would let her. She has him wrapped around her fingers."  Nate lifts his chin so I can button the shirt while we talk.

"Yeah, you really want to be asking that man for favors? I will never understand how you guys even let him in the same room as her. One of these days, you're gonna pet the dog, and he's gonna bite you back."

"That's why I have Paul. Let Julia milk Jeremy for all he's worth. Take advantage of him because no one else there will bend over backward for her like he will."

"Again. Playing with fire, Hollan."

"All set, sir." Mr. Rolston stands up, smiles, and flamboyantly claps at his own work. The suit fits like a glove. It really is perfect.

"You're next, Miss Banks." He gives me a little nod and I leave to change into my dress. I slide into the gorgeous Schiaparelli gold draped sleeveless corset gown that has a huge high leg slit and a train. Matching diamond earrings, tennis bracelet and choker. Like Nate's attire, it fits like a glove. I strap on the 6-inch-high stilettos and make my way out to the mirror.

"Stunning, mademoiselle!" Mr. Rolston clasps his hands together and gets to work on measurements for tailoring. Nate is already out of his suit and back into his purple pants and black polo shirt.

"You look beautiful, Trish." Nate kisses my cheek, and I feel heat rise to my face. I look and feel like a princess. "Who will be your plus one?"

"Originally I thought James would have fun since he's never been to anything like this.... but..." I frown thinking about his house arrest that prevents him from attending the event now. "Maybe Paul if Evan can stay with Julia."

I'm keeping Paul my little secret right now, but I did originally plan on James just as friends. It's always fun to dress up and go to these big award shows. To be honest, I'm just happy to be going. Nate is up for a handful of awards, and I think he is going to add a few Grammy trophies to his shelf this year.

I turn to the side like the tailor wants and happen to rest a hand on my stomach with a slight, unnoticed frown.

If I hadn't miscarried, I'd have a Nate Hollan baby bump by now.

****

Per usual I'd rather get dropped off at home or put a bullet in my head over going to the Avalon, so Ren drops me and Evan off before heading back out.

"You really don't like going there, do you?" Evan kicks off his sneakers and plops down next to me on the couch while I flip through the channels on TV. He feels at home here now which is nice because he will be here for a while.

"The Avalon? Yeah um, no thanks hotpants."

"The lady's place is really nice though. That apartment."

"Still a mental hospital."

"You don't like her much, do you?" Evan laughs.

"Who? Julia? I like her just fine."

"Could have fooled me. You never go visit her."