Faded (Rock Star Trilogy)

opens the door for us, and we all get out.
    “Wow,” Stephan and Bridgett both say.
    Alec has been to my home before, but it's really nothing compared to the home his dad owns in Italy.
    “This house is massive,” Bridgett says. “Seriously. It makes your house in Florida look like a shack.”
    I laugh. My home here is large. It's three stories and even has a tower, so it looks like a castle. I love it. “We can live here if you want. I can speak French.”
    Alec laughs at this. “She's lying. Her French is terrible.”
    I stick my tongue out at him. “I'm willing to learn.”
    “The French hate Americans, so I think I'm cool with staying in Florida.” Bridgett sighs happily. “But I'll vacation here anytime .”
    I open up the double doors that lead into the house, and my mother's maid, Agnes, lets out a frightened scream. She quickly calms down when she sees me, and then covers her heart with her hand.
    “Miss Ryan, you scared me. I don't think your mother is expecting you.” I love Agnes. She's one of the sweetest people I've ever met… Obviously, she has to be to put up with my evil mother.
    “It's a surprise visit.” I step out of the doorway, letting Alec, Stephan, and Bridgett step inside.
    Agnes's eyes get big as she looks between Bridgett and me.
    “This is my twin sister, Bridgett, and my boyfriend, Stephan,” I tell her. She already knows Alec. “We just decided to surprise mom. Is she here?”
    Agnes pulls me into a hug. After she pulls back she tells me, “Your mother went on a trip to Greece with Mr. Jack Michaud, but she is going to be back later today.”
    I want to sigh in relief. I'm glad I have a little time to prepare before my mom gets here.
    “Do you want me to help you carry your stuff upstairs?”
    I want to laugh at Agnes. She is one of the few people I've met that is actually shorter than me. She’s in her early sixties but works harder than most twenty year olds. I shake my head. “We've got it, but thanks.”
    “It's good to see you again, Mr. Torch. It's been far too long,” she tells Alec. “It’s good to see you two as well, Mr. Stephan, and Miss… Ryan?”
    “Evans,” she informs her. “I'm Bridgett Evans.”
    Agnes shakes her head and looks at me. “You two are identical. Except Miss Evans doesn't have that mischievous look in her eyes that you do.”
    Stephan laughs at that.
    “I'm going to show everybody to their rooms,” I tell Agnes, and then head up to the second floor.
    “I know where my room is,” Alec says, lugging his suitcase up the stairs. I'm surprised he doesn't complain about having to carry his own luggage.
    As we get upstairs, I put Bridgett in the first room on the right, and I put Stephan across the hall from me.
    “Would you be mad if I snuck into your room in the middle of the night?” Stephan flirts.
    I raise my eyebrows at his comment. “I guess you will just have to be sneaky and see.”
     
    8:21 AM
    Life is about to get crazy.
     
    We all unpack and head downstairs. Agnes is in the kitchen cooking us breakfast. She's made my favorite — French toast. There are also fresh strawberries and whipped topping. My mouth waters at the sight.
    “Your favorite.” Alec smiles, sitting down at the head of the table. He always sits there. He grabs a plate and starts digging in as the rest of us take a seat.
    “You have no table manners,” I tell him, and I grab a handful of strawberries for my French toast.
    “Me?” he asks with his mouth full.
    I roll my eyes and take a bite of my own food.
    “This is amazing.” Bridgett shovels a huge bite in her mouth. “Screw table manners.”
    “Agnes does make the best French toast ever ,” Alec tells her. “One time Scarlett and I flew all the way here just to have breakfast.”
    “That's not true,” I argue. “We stayed two days.”
    Alec laughs. “Yeah, so we could have French toast two days in a row.”
    I can't help but smile at the memory. “We have had some good times.”
    Maybe having Alec around won't be so bad. He is my best friend. Everything that he is doing, he is doing for my career. He is looking out for me the only way he knows how to, and I love him for it. If it weren’t for him, I don’t think I would be the person I am today.
    “I've been thinking, Scar,” Alec starts out, and I know whatever he says is going to be bad. He is using his soft don't be mad at me voice. “I know that this is a very personal matter for you, but I think you should let me