11

*One month has passed*

11

Commit

NOTHING EVER came easily to Kendall. She always had to work for what she wanted. And for the most part, she didn't mind it. She liked working and she believed that hard work could get a person anywhere.

It made sense that she had these beliefs. She had been working hard all her life. In high school, she graduated as number fourteen of her class. That was how she was able to obtain scholarships and get accepted to every school she applied to. Even Ivy League schools had been sending her acceptance letters. But Kendall never liked to stray too far from home, which was why moving to Los Angeles was a big deal. However, Kendall settling in a new state seemed to be an even bigger deal to her mother than it was for her. Kendall could see why, though. She had been studying at GSU to become a doctor for two years. She was on track for a bright future, until she decided to pack up and leave just to chase some 'silly dream'— as her mother described it.

Kendall was a dreamer and an optimist. Her past experiences taught her to always see the good in everything and everyone.

Her mother always told her that it would be her downfall, but Kendall refused to believe it.

But now, Kendall was in Ryan's bed, staring at her laptop screen in disbelief. She almost didn't want to believe the words that were so clearly displayed across the bright screen. It had to be a trick. It had to be a sick joke. She covered her mouth with one hand as her eyes carefully read the letters of the email once more.

Dear, Ms. Morgan

Your YouTube channel has recently caught our attention here at Golden Shoes Records (GSR). We see outstanding potential in you. So, we would like for you to come in next week on Monday, March 25th.

We hope that GSR is able to make a lasting impression on you, Ms. Morgan.

Sincerely,

The GSR Team

Although the email was short, sweet, and to the point, Kendall had to read it multiple times before she could understand what was happening. Did all of her phone calls and emails finally pay off? Or were they just contacting her to reject her in person?

A small squeal escaped her lips. This was finally happening. She was finally going to make her dreams a reality. But something inside her felt off. Nothing was ever easy for her.

Well, she thought, there's a first time for everything.

She brushed off her previous thoughts and picked up her phone, automatically dialing Phoenix's number. It was becoming a reflex for Kendall to tell Phoenix everything first, which hadn't made Ryan very happy. Maybe he had a right to be upset with Kendall for that. He was her boyfriend, after all. But Ryan wasn't back yet, and Kendall was dying to tell someone.

Phoenix picked up on the third ring. "Hey, Ken, what's up?"

"Oh my God, guess who just emailed me."

"Barack Obama?"

Kendall furrowed her brows. "What? No."

"Well, you did tell me to guess."

Kendall shook her head, clearing out Phoenix's previous words. "Golden Shoes Records just emailed me saying that they want me to come in on Monday."

Phoenix screamed through the phone, causing Kendall to pull her device away from her ear. "Holy shit, Kendall, that's amazing!" she exclaimed. "We have to celebrate tonight."

"They just said they want to see me, not that they want to sign me."

"Kendall?"

"Yes?"

"Shut the fuck up. They're going to sign you, I just know it. Therefore, we should celebrate early," Phoenix stated.

"But, Ph—"

"This isn't up for discussion, I'll pick you up at eight!" Phoenix yelled quickly through the phone, interrupting Kendall's words. "Oh, and wear something nice." She then hung up, leaving no room for Kendall to argue further.

Kendall didn't see any reason not to go, except for the fact that she was supposed to stay with Ryan that night. Ryan had established that Friday nights were movie nights, and he wasn't the type of person to break routine. But Kendall hadn't seen Phoenix often in the past month. Maybe Ryan wouldn't mind if they skipped movie night once.

Ryan returned soon after Kendall's conversation with Phoenix. Kendall walked downstairs when she heard the crinkle of plastic shopping bags being set down.Ryan smiled at the sight of his girlfriend. For the past month, Ryan felt as if he were living a dream. He finally had her to himself. Kendall was finally his girl, and he never planned on sharing her.

However, within a week of dating Kendall, he realized that Phoenix would be a problem. She always wanted to see Kendall. Ryan wanted to do something about it, but he knew he couldn't. If he blatantly told Kendall that he didn't like Phoenix, then she would get upset. And he couldn't kill her. He was a celebrity. He wouldn't be stupid enough to murder someone, but that didn't stop the thought from crossing his mind once or twice.

Making friends didn't seem to be too hard for Phoenix, so why couldn't she find someone else to be her best friend? Why couldn't she just spend time with her girlfriend? It wasn't like Ryan was taking Maria away from Phoenix, so why did she have to take Kendall away from him?

Kendall smiled and walked towards Ryan with open arms. He accepted her hug, never wanting to let go, but does so hesitantly when Kendall's arms loosen around him.

"Guess who emailed me today," Kendall said excitedly, a huge grin etching itself onto her face.

An amused smirk played on Ryan's lips. "Who?"

"Golden Shoes Records," Kendall squealed. "They want to see me on Monday, but I don't know why."

'Bout damn time.

"That's great, Kendall," Ryan said, returning her enthusiasm. Whenever Kendall was happy, it was impossible for Ryan to not share the same mood. Kendall was like anything good in the world; she brought joy to all.

"I know tonight is movie night," Kendall began. "But can you take me home? Phoenix wants to meet me later to celebrate."

Ryan's brows furrowed. "You told her before me?"

Kendall nibbled on her bottom lip before responding. "Well, you were gone when I got the email."

"You could've waited until I got back. Or you could've called me first."

Kendall shook her head. "Does it really mean that much to you to be the first to know everything about me?"

Ryan pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're supposed to stay with me tonight, and you know how I feel about routine."

"Yeah, b—"

"It's nice to know that you can't commit," Ryan said abruptly.

"What the hell? I can commit."

Ryan crossed his arms and leaned against the counter, pretending not to care. "No, no. It's fine, I'll take you home."

Kendall narrowed her eyes. "No. No, I know what you're doing." She grabbed a package of gummy bears from one of the shopping bags and headed to the couch with it. "I'm staying right here to prove to you that I can commit."

"If you say so," Ryan shrugged, holding up his hands in defeat as if he didn't just manipulate his girlfriend.

As Ryan sat next to Kendall, she pulled out her phone.

Phoenix

Sorry, we can't celebrate

tonight.

Why? :(

I'm stuck watching movies

with Ryan.

Boo, you whore.

©2019 Brianna Loriston

All Rights Reserved

★

Short Author's Note

I checked my rankings last night and I am literally screaming.

Hollywood Heartthrob is currently:

#34 in possessive

#477 in obsessed

#164 in abusive relationship

#504 in famous

#219 in california

#102 in los angeles

It's so mind blowing because I started posting this story in January. Now it's March and HH's already almost at 1k reads.

It may not be much to anyone else, but it means the world to me.

Thank you all so much for reading mycrappy writing and actually enjoying it.

I love you all.

Lots of love,

-Bri