Chapter 3

• The party met up again the next day and ended up leaving without Bella. Amelia was obviously not a morning person and was a bit grouchy that morning. Ryan went on about sticking to schedule and how he hated people that could not keep time.
• “She will have to catch up then won’t she? I detest people that cannot stick to time. It’s a violation. If I could make it on time then so can you,” he ranted. “Let’s get to it then. The limo is waiting downstairs. I know you probably didn’t get any breakfast due to over-excitement, so my wife recommended that I take you to breakfast before we go shopping.” He said before he rushed out.
• It was almost 10:00 am and there was still no sign or word from Bella. The first stop was a popular café in Kingfield. It was a hip modern venue with a garage door wall serving espresso drinks, pastries, and other mouthwatering meals. They opted for the buffet menu and stuffed their faces until they couldn’t move. It was free after all.
• The next stop was Mall of America where they did the clothing shopping. Ryan had reigned in Melissa, a stylist to help them out. It seemed they didn’t have much of a say in what they wanted to wear. Melissa simply chose the outfits and they were told to go to the dressing room for fitting. That’s how most of the day passed.
• The outfits were simple and trendy enough, consisting of mainly casual designer wear. The contestants were required to buy some cocktail dresses for after-parties and similar occasions. They also had a choice of three designer ball gowns in case they were required to accompany Jordan to charity dinners or special events.
• “Jordan will make a special guest appearance at some high school prom night so one of you might be selected to go with him. We need you to be always ready. Plus it depends on his mood really so we will see how it plays out.” Ryan said nonchalantly.
• So they had shopped at upmarket boutiques and designer stores; Armani Exchange; Chanel Boutique and other designer shops they would never dream of even doing window shopping at. Splurging on everything from clothing to underwear, accessories, shoes, sports gear (they would be working out every morning apparently), they even got new iPhones, all courtesy of Jordan Carter Entertainment.
• “Why does Jordan go all out for his fans?” Amelia asked.
• “He always says he wouldn’t be who he is if it wasn’t for his many adoring fans. So he started this program to kind of give something back to you, his fans and he chose Minnesota because he grew up here of course. Plus-he has more money than he knows what to do with. He’s only twenty-three and already a multi-millionaire, so I’m sure he can spare a couple of thousands for his fans. His father is filthy rich as well and still based here but is always busy looking for undiscovered planets somewhere in space.” Ryan said.
• Jordan’s father was an astronaut and it was a well-known fact that they didn’t have the best relationship. They hardly saw each other. Cancer had claimed his mother when he was seven years old. He was raised by his mentor and best friend, mega-star Kyle Kinley and his wife, from the age of ten. They had adopted him after a boating accident brought them together.
• “So how about a late lunch ladies?” Ryan asked. “But I’m afraid I will have to dash back to the office, there is a small crisis that needs my immediate attention.”
• “That sounds like heaven. All that walking has made me hungry.” Lana groaned.
• “And exhausted.” Her friend moaned.
• “I’ll leave you at the Italian restaurant down the block and the driver will pick you up in say-an hour or so? Let’s say 4.30 pm?” He looked at his watch and nodded.
• “That’s great but...not necessary-” Lana started to protest.
• “Unfortunately those are instructions from the Big Boss. You will be treated like royalty for the next several months so just sit back and enjoy it,” he told them. “I’ll get the driver to drop off your shopping bags at your respective homes while you have lunch. He will be back for you once you’re done”
• “Well in that case we accept.” Amelia grinned.
• They secured a table and ordered immediately. Ryan joined them for a bit, sipping a double espresso while flicking through his iPad. “So let’s just go over tomorrow’s program? I hope you can all make it this time around.” He said pointedly.
• “I’ll need you to submit your passports tomorrow and other particulars in order to quickly process your visas and stuff. Actually, give them to the driver when he drops you off, that will speed up the process,” he suggested. “We need to leave the beginning of next week”
• “This is becoming sooo real,” Lana said with excitement.
• “You best believe it,” Ryan remarked. “Tomorrow we have a radio interview. We will prep you before that. I’ve got to rush,” he rose to his feet. “See you all tomorrow. Don’t be late.” He reiterated before he left.
• “Hey, are they closing up already?” Amelia looked around as patrons started to leave and they noticed the staff sliding the glass doors shut.
• “I’m not yet done so they will just have to chill.” Lana concentrated on her food.
• “We’re going to be the only ones left here. It’s awkward.” Amelia muttered.
• The manager was approaching their table with a very determined expression on his face. The girls were sure he was coming to kick them out.
• “Oh no! He’s coming to kick us out. I just know it,” the redhead whispered.
• “He can’t do that we’re still eating.” Her friend shot back.
• “Hie ladies,” the manager beamed. “Hope you’re enjoying your meal?” he inquired as a formality. “We have a special guest for you so please take your time and shout if you need anything else.” He nodded slightly and walked away.
• “Special guest??” Amelia asked.
• “Could it be??” Lana’s heart started racing.
• “But we’re only going to meet him on the day we leave....”
• There was a sudden hive of activity and excited whispers. We turned around to see what the commotion was and a group of leather-clad guys burst out through the kitchen doors, walking towards them. Closely following behind was Jordan Carter.
• “Oh-my-days!” Lana’s mouth dropped open.
• “I think I died and went to heaven.” Amelia clutched her chest.
• “Hie girls,” he said. “Sorry, I’m late for lunch but I was hoping we could get acquainted.” Jordan grabbed the chair and sat between the star-struck girls that still hadn’t recovered from the initial shock of meeting their idol.
• “Hie.” Lana squeaked.
• Amelia only managed a small wave.
• “I thought there were three of you?” He looked around.
• “Bel-Bella couldn’t make it.” Lana gulped and broke into a sweat.
• “See this right here is why I need us to get to know each other better?” he chuckled softly. “You need to get over this-how do I say it? You can’t act like this every time we see each other. We’re going to be on the road together for a very long time so you need to accept and realize that I’m human too? You think you can do that?”
• “Yeah...I think we can manage. Right, Amy?” Lana turned to her companion but she had slowly melted into a heap on the floor.
• “Oh gosh, Amelia!” she rushed and knelt by the side of the girl who had passed out.
• “Please peel her off the floor and take her home,” Jordan instructed one of his trees as he massaged the back of his neck.
• “I’m sorry..just give her time..she will adjust.” Lana apologized as the bodyguard carried a lifeless Amelia to the waiting car.
• “I sure hope so Bambi, because I can’t handle this.” He shook his head and looked straight at her.
• “My name is Lana.” She said as she sat back down. “Lana Logan.”
• “Sorry, Bambi. I’m not good with names so I’ll stick with that one for now.” He persisted.
• “Why Bambi though?” She asked boldly.
• “Your eyes.” He replied simply.
• Lana had the most beautiful brown eyes with gold flecks. They were slightly big but still suited her frame. She had the longest and thickest lashes that would brush her cheeks when her eyes were closed. Jordan continued to stare intensely into them and seemed to get lost in them for a moment. The room was silent and Lana broke off the staring contest, her face reddening.
• “You’re blushing. Cute.” He said.
• “Sorry-I wasn’t supposed to stare-I wasn’t staring...” She looked down, unable to meet his eyes again.
• “Well, I started it so you’re forgiven. Anyway-” He lightly slapped the table. “I’m having a small party this Friday, in honor of you and your little friends. Guess what?? You’re invited. So please pass on the message. Can you do that for me, sweets?” He asked as unfolded his tall frame form the chair.
• “Yeah. I c-can-w-will.” She stuttered.
• “Ryan will give you the deets,” he said. “Do you need a lift home? I can drop you off.”
• “I-I-the driver-” Lana’s words got stuck in her throat again.
• “Hurry up Bambi,” He called out as he strode away. "I don’t have all day.”