"It's wonderful to meet you." Pearl stammered and barely was able to get out without showing her complete shock. "You as well." Erik replied, smiling and offering his glass to toast. "So you wanted to meet ME?" Pearl asked, still unsure of how to handle the situation. "Yes. I'm a fan. Your song and band are fantastic. Your look is unique. Your face. Your style. I was wondering if you'd be interested in a photo shoot. For starters." For starters? Pearl thought. "Of course. I'd be honored to have you take my picture." Pearl said, her words sounding as shaky as she felt. "Your husband won't mind then." He asked, giving her a smile. "I highly doubt he would." Especially after tonight, she thought. He may not even want to be my husband anymore. Pearl couldn't believe that taking her picture was the only reason he walked over. She decided not to prod, it wasn't her place. But she did have one question

Fi took her to the Chateau Marmont for dinner and drinks. As soon as they stepped out of the car, photographers were taking pictures. Pearl shielded her eyes, still not used to it yet. Fi kept her head down and plowed right through them. "Why are there so many?" Pearl asked as they walked into the bar. "Some royal birthday party or something. I don't know. I never have a problem getting in. I have won an Oscar you know." She winked at Pearl and laughed. Royal? Pearl wondered if Erik was there. It was crowded and Pearl saw several familiar faces from movies and television, but hadn't noticed him anywhere. Fi asked for a table and they were sat immediately. "We'll have two vodka tonics with a shit load of limes and keep them fucking coming." Fi said to the waiter, handing him back their menus. "I thought we were having dinner?" Pearl asked, feeling her stomach growl. "Nonsense. We are here to talk. And drink. And to get you out and give you a night in the city. R

"I'm so glad it is finished." Ian said to Pearl as they sat at the large table reserved for their wrap party. "Same. What a long day." Pearl said, feeling rough from drinking so early and having to do as many takes as Rhys put her through. "I'm starving and if I don't order a drink, I'll fall asleep right here at the table." Pearl said. "On it" Ian told her. They were the first to arrive. Ian whisked her away after Rhys yelled "cut" and Dylan helped by creating a distraction. They wanted them apart to cool off. It was needed. Ian came back with a waitress and a menu. Dylan and Blake arrived next and sat down. "How are you?" Dylan asked Pearl. "I'm fine." She said, avoiding eye contact. Everyone else started showing up and Rhys arrived last with Matt. He kept his eyes locked on Pearl as he sat down and ordered a drink. Pearl was on her second drink and was feeling better after the appetizers came. "Pearl darling!" Fi called out as she arrived. She gav

Pearl looked at Erik sitting across from her and though she should have felt guilty for confiding in another man, she didn't. She felt that he was there when she needed someone, he was so easy to talk to. It could have been anyone but it just happened to be him and she truly was grateful. The place she was in the night before wasn't good and who knows what could have happened, would have happened if it was anyone else that found her at that bar. He was a gentleman and she was lucky. "Ok. I'm ready to hear it." Pearl said, nervously shifting in her seat. "I wasn't completely honest with you the night we met. There was more to me wanting to talk to you. I've been a bit of a stalker over the last year." Year? Pearl thought. That was before any of this happened. How would he know anything about her?"There was a charity event that I was involved in with Trigon industries last winter. My charity, New Hope, provides housing, grant money, vehicles and cell phones to battered women leaving

The plane touched down in Pisa, Italy and Pearl breathed a sigh of relief. She was away from it all, alone and ready to take some time for herself. Her attorney called her while she was in the airport to let her know the probate part of the company was almost concluded and soon she would take full ownership. Iris had let her know they Paul was doing an excellent job with the bookshop and Pearl gave her the ok to inform him about the company she was soon taking over and what his role could possibly be. Things were covered there. John, Matt and Rhys were working on the video editing and the release would hopefully be the following week. Their next appearance was a late night show the weeks after Pearl returned from her trip. She had two full weeks for herself. Rhys had texted her and told her he was flying back to LA to stay until he needed to return to Canada to wrap the filming of his show. He didn't win the golden globe, which she texted and told him she was sorry for. It's amazing h