The L.A Princess

jake text her and told her there was a party and there was no party without roni ravenwood. she was promised a flamingo and a good time and by god was she going to get both. she was walking through the hamptons home with some other friends while they looked for the aforementioned jake hunter when she had come across the ghost of best friend past.

Juliette's stomach dropped as she heard Roni's voice. She had been avoiding this for a while. Whoever invited her was definitely going to get talked to. But Juliette was not about to let Roni see her sweat. "Gotta be when you are a supermodel, babe." She turned to face her former bestie. "Crashing my party?"

"You totally masterminded it," Sapphire grinned before letting out a delighted laugh. "Only to thrive," she joked, looping their arms as Juliette led them to the tequila. Truly the best way to kick off the party season. "Is everyone here, do we know? I heard Latife was running late so... hopefully her car will get a flat tire and I can live the rest of the night in peace. Tabby's definitely here. I don't know if Jesse's ready for her but I bet it'd be fun to find out."

Juliette was happy to mastermind it all. Everyone was having fun, and they had managed to pull it off with ease. She led Sapphire into the study, where she had set up a private bar. "I think all the girls are here. I am still waiting on a few people." Namely William, he had ignored her last text, but he said he would try. "Don't worry about Latife, if she starts to act like herself, I will take care of her. He definitely isn't, but I mean maybe a little time with Tabby will be just what he needs." It definitely wasn't, but it would be fun to watch.

"you go travelling for work and you miss everything these days. some things never change with the upper east side"

"You did miss a lot. But don't worry, one thing that will never change is my kick-ass parties.

Jake done the math in his head before replying, "Five flamingos, three swans, and a duck." Honestly, there might have been more, but they weren't worth counting if they weren't floating on the back of a bird. "She's a genius, Juliette. Twizzler?" He grabbed the pack from the side of the hot tub and held it out to her.

"So you are having some fun tonight. I love to see it." Juliette was sure there had been more, but she was happy for Jake. She knew he needed it. "She is, I knew that before tonight. Thank you, so generous." She grabbed a few Twizzlers.

"Damn right," Logan laughed, holding his drink up to her. Juliette had this way of making him feel totally comfortable. He'd always appreciated that about her. "Oh man, that's so true. My mom has everything planned like, two years in advance. She's non-stop. You can run but you can't hide from Lexa Logan Vandervort. How's Jesse doing, anyways?" Logan had only been without Isobel for a few weeks and he felt like he didn't even exist. Jesse and Sophia... Well, everyone knew what had happened there. "Thank you, Juliette. I do appreciate it, I just... it's too big, you know? If I think about it then I'm not going to be able to stop. And- And there are too many ice sculptures for me to bring the vibe down. We've come a long way, huh? You're doing awesome."

It was always easy with Logan. They had been one of the first new people she had connected with when she came to town. "I respect it, I wish I was type-A enough to plan even into next month. I would never run for her, it's pointless at this point. I think, okay, he has a good distraction with Lexa and Alex. But I mean you can't hide from your feelings forever." Juliette knew she had to wait for Jesse to process his feelings before it all hit him. She just wanted to be there whenever it happened. "I get that for sure. Sometimes it's better to wait and break down at a better time. If you need anything, just tell me. I love you." She grabbed a glass of champagne. "We are both doing awesome, to both of us."

Sam couldn't help laughing, it had always been easy around her to do that. "Yeah, I'd hate to have to call any one of our parents. Or your cousin, Slick Nick," he added with a wry smile. If Nick had never arranged a body to be dissolved in acid, he certainly knew where the goop would have been dumped. When she mentioned Sapphire, he nodded along. "We all have our vices, right?"

Juliette nodded her head. "If not him, Atticus and Gabriela are great options for that too." She smiled at Sam. This was normal, right? They had dated for years and had been broken up for as long. They could be friends like they were before. "For better or worse."

It had been well over a year since Alex had drank even a sip of alcohol and now it was going straight to her head. With El–Jesse's mom–watching Lexa, her intention had been to have the best time at this party, but with every drink her mood seemed to drop and she couldn't quite place her finger on why. Maybe it was still the hormones?

Juliette had plans for tonight. She wanted to get Jesse a date; that was the main goal, but if it was only a hookup, she would settle. But she had plans for other people, mainly Sapphire and Alex. Part one of the plan for Alex was complete; the hardest part was getting her here. She smiled as she walked over to find Alex dealing with one of her guests. "He's over by the pool bar; go get him before Tabby circles back."

Juliette was talking to someone else as she passed by the sofa Freddie was draped across, and in one swift motion, he had caught her by the hand and pulled her on to his lap. "Hey hostess." He leaned in close to her, definitely having found his confidence again after everything with William. "You think you can spare a minute for me and let those guys find their own beer?"

Juliette had not been paying attention while walking through the party when all of a sudden she was sitting in Freddie's lap. She smiled down at him, relaxing for a moment. "Hello, handsome." She rested her hand on his chest, looking around the party. Everything was going well so far. "Let's say ten minutes. You deserve a little more attention."

William felt himself relax when she agreed to go if only for a little while. That should be long enough, shouldn't it? He could handle Slater and she would be safe. Maybe nothing had to change. Maybe he could still have what he wanted without having to hurt anyone. When she mentioned the party, he couldn't help chuckling. "Does Jesse know it's a party for him?" He kissed her back, lingering perhaps a little too long when she spoke again. His chest gave a squeeze then. This was dangerous territory. "Who could hide anything from you, Juliette Vanderbilt? You're far too smart. I- I will be," he answered, looking down at the non-existent space between them. "I just like to know that you're safe."

Juliette had avoided falling for anyone since Sam. She had flings like Logan and Bella. But not anything serious, no hard feelings when things didn't work out. And while she told everyone that this was just fun, that wasn't totally true. Feelings had developed; it's not like she thought they could date. But still she found herself here, ignoring her many options. "Now, where would the fun be in that. But it's not just for Jesse, I am trying to help a few people get their love life together." She had ideas, ones that involved one of her co-hosts. She rested her hand on his chest. "Smart man." She nodded her head. "Well, with those big arms, how could I ever be in any danger with you around?"