A Changed Life Read online

  Mary Wasowski

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  This book is dedicated in loving memory to my big sister, Jeanie,

  who departed this world, three years ago.

  You are always in my heart sis, and I love, and miss you every day.

  The sun was shining through my room on this Saturday morning, in Beverly Hills. I was kicking myself that I didn’t close the drapes the night before. I hit the snooze button again as I hear my mom shouting up the stairs, to wake me up. I had been awake for a while, dreading the party today. It’s been a lonely two months since I have arrived here in California. I’ve stayed close to home, so I haven’t met anyone. My parents are really excited for the party and they think it’ll be my chance to meet some new people. I hear my mom once more call out for me. That’s my cue to get up or I know she will be walking through my door at any moment.

  I made my way downstairs to the smell of delicious coffee and banana muffins waiting for me to devour. My parents were already seated at the table, going over the paper and the entertainment news.

  “Good morning, Daddy” wrapping my arms around his neck.

  My father replied, “Good morning, princess,” and hugged me back. My mother greeted me, but with a glare.

  “Did you forget what today is?”

  Rolling my eyes. “How could I forget, Mother? You’ve been reminding me for over two weeks.”

  “Don’t be a smart ass today, Nicolette! You know how crucial today is for your father and I.”

  “Oh, yes! A party with the plastics of Beverly Hills.”

  “We have been invited to Clayton St. Clair’s home for his annual Fourth of July party. We will be surrounded by musicians, movie producers, studio heads, you name it, and they will be there.”

  “Why do I have to go? I’m seventeen…my days are supposed to be spent doing nothing. It’s my summer vacation. I don’t even understand why I‘m even here in sunny California? I should be back in Chicago with Uncle Jack and Aunt Sara.”

  “Mason,” my mother screamed. “She’s your daughter. Please talk to her.” It’s funny how I was always my father’s daughter when my mother and I reached an impasse in our arguments.

  “Mason, I have to go down into the studio to work. Will you speak to her?” and with that, she was gone.

  At least now I was able to enjoy my coffee, and eat my breakfast in peace.

  “We need to talk, Nicolette,” my father said. “Sweetheart, we have had this discussion over and over again. Don’t you think we have exhausted it by now?”

  “No, I don’t, Daddy. If you would have let me stay in Chicago with Uncle Jack, everything would’ve been okay. Did you ever consider how this change would affect my life? Being removed from my school, my friends, and our family by moving out here?”

  “You are exaggerating once again, darling daughter. We didn’t kidnap you and bring you here against your will. Before making this decision, we did discuss it as a family.”

  “Yes, but, Daddy, after all the valid reasons I gave to you and mom, it was you who made the decision for me. I wanted to finish out my senior year with my friends. You and mom have ruined everything for me.”

  “Do you honestly see it that way?”

  “I will be eighteen in a few months. I could have stayed with Uncle Jack!” I raised my voice higher

  My father slammed his hand down on the table and just looked at me with a disappointed look only parents can manage. I had pushed too far.

  “Uncle Jack is not your father, I am. I make decisions for you. You are our daughter, and we wanted you with us. We do not work as a family if we are apart.”

  I know I had hurt my father by constantly bringing up his brother Jack. I loved him so much. He is my godfather and the best uncle a girl could have. He and my Aunt Sara own a bar and grill called the “Neighborhood.” Aunt Sara is the head chef, and her Rooftop Burger Buster is phenomenal.

  My parents’ are both song writers and started their own independent label and began to find success with it. They struck gold last year and was presented with a chance of a lifetime opportunity.

  My mother had written a song for a musician they had on their label, and it was to be performed at Uncle Jack’s restaurant for an open mic event.

  My uncle held these events for my parents all the time to help promote their name and new artists. Uncle Jack was always happy to help. My parents had a few artists who were being heard throughout Chicago, and getting their fair amount of air time. The song that mom had written for Zoe Madsen exploded. A scouting rep for Dax Records happened to be in the bar one night, and got a chance to hear Zoe knock out the song that would change my parents’ lives. For Zoe, her dreams were about to come true.

  Zoe finished her set, and the crowd erupted with applause. Zoe’s sound was on the lines of Norah Jones, but unique in her own right. Dax Records was a sub division of Sony Entertainment; the rep knew he struck gold after hearing Zoe sing. As they say, the rest is history. My parents were on their way to California to further build on the success they found in Chicago. My parents sold their label and focused on songwriting and producing. With the opportunity to work on a major motion picture musical score, my parents decided California was the best place to be.

  “Are we clear on this matter once and for all, Nicolette?”

  I rolled my eyes at my father.

  He let out a long drawn out sigh that told me that I had hurt his feelings. “Uncle Jack always said that if he saved a nickel for every time you rolled your eyes, he would be an extremely rich man. Uncle Jack had shortened your name by calling you nickel in place of Nicolette. Do you remember him keeping a jar and adding a nickel every time you rolled your eyes?” Now my dad was smiling.

  “I guess I tend to roll my eyes a lot.”

  My father laughed at my comment.

  “Daddy, I’m sorry for not being supportive with this whole move. I just don’t think I can be happy here.”

  “You feel that way because you haven’t given it a chance. Please go to the party with us today? Talk to people. Many kids your age will also be there with their parents. You have to try, Nicolette, please, for me?”

  “Okay, Daddy, I will. Can I wear what I want?”

  “Absolutely not!” screeched my mom as she entered the kitchen.

  “I am not wearing the dress you picked out for me, Mother!”

  “Yes, you are wearing what I have chosen for you. You will also wear the strappy sandals that match. End of discussion!”

  Why does she always seem to get her way? I asked myself as I felt my eyes roll!

  Three hours later, I was finally ready to go. I had officially been transformed into a California Barbie doll. My mom made me get a manicure
and pedicure. My generally out of control waves were trimmed and styled into long layers instead of my normal bun. I actually liked the new hair, but what I didn’t like was the eye-brow waxing. Mom had chosen a Zac Posen sundress for me to wear. I have to admit, the dress was pretty. Mom completed my ensemble with a new wristlet for me to carry, she always thought of everything.

  My parents had their game faces on as we arrived at the St. Clair home. We were not poor, but this was just obscene money. An assistant to the event planner greeted us, and we all received badges with our names on it and were directed to the main tent. My dad pulled me aside and asked me to mingle with the other kids that were already present. I refrained from rolling my eyes, and he just smiled and kissed my cheek. “Thank you, baby, I love you.”

  “I love you too, Daddy.”

  “Tell me again, why I’m here? This party is going to pale in comparison to what I had planned. I’d rather be on my boat with friends, having a better time than this. I wanted to celebrate the Fourth of July on the ocean.”

  “Michael, you are here today, for one reason and one reason only. I want you to stand beside me and—”

  “What, Dad? Show a united front? Me, the perfect son, and you, who we all know is not the perfect dad. I love how we have to pretend in public.”

  “That’s enough out of you, son. You will work the crowd today; engage in conversations, Oh, and son—”

  “Yes?”

  “Don’t forget to smile.”

  “I get it, Dad. You want me to fake it.”

  “You are exasperating at times, Michael.”

  “So I can leave then?”

  “No, you may not!”

  As my father droned on about my responsibilities, I stared down over the balcony to the fountain below. I had never seen such a beautiful girl in my life. I was mesmerized. “Dad, who’s that girl standing near the fountain?” I asked with my curiosity now piqued.

  “Honestly, Michael,” my father grunted and looked down below at the girl who I was referring to.

  “That would be Nicolette Vanelle. She’s the daughter of the new songwriting team we just hired to write the score for No Surrender.”

  “Well, since today is about being fake and working the crowd, I think she’s just the person to start with.”

  “Listen, Michael, you behave and keep your hands to yourself!”

  “Oh dad, don’t I always?” I said with a smirk.

  I was left on my own to walk around and then someone tapped me on my shoulder. Startled, I turned around to see piercing brown eyes staring back at me.

  “Hello…Nicolette,” he said with a cool manner in his voice, sending shivers up my spine. His eyes perused over my body and landed on my name badge, before saying, “I’m Michael St. Clair. Welcome to our home, and our annual Fourth of July celebration.”

  “Nice to meet you, Michael.”

  “Will you dance with me? I love the song the band is playing.”

  I was a little unsure, but I did promise my parents I would mingle. I could feel his piercing brown eyes staring back at me, waiting for an answer.

  “Please, Nicolette…one dance? I will be a perfect gentleman.”

  Silently thinking to myself, Sure you will, as he is winking at me.

  “Okay.”

  “So, what’s your deal, Nicolette? For such a beautiful girl, why the sour face?” Michael had asked me as he twirled us around the dance floor. I felt as if people were staring. I wasn’t comfortable with being the center of attention.

  “Not to be rude, Michael, but I didn’t want to be here today.”

  “Why ever not?” he asked. “It’s a party with lots of fascinating people, good food, and of course, me.”

  I burst into laughter. Michael laughed, too.

  “Now that our awkward moment has passed, tell me about yourself.”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “Anything you’re willing to tell me.”

  I honestly didn’t feel like giving a complete stranger a play by play on myself or my life. I tried to keep it as uncomplicated as I could.

  “I’m seventeen…Starting my senior year at a new high school. The best part, I won’t know a single person.”

  “Starting over is not so terrible. I’m sure you will meet new friends sooner than you think. You already know me, and I’m awesome.”

  “Wow. You are full of yourself, Michael St. Clair!”

  “Well, what can I say? It’s in the California water.” He laughed.

  “What’s your story, Michael?”

  “I’m nineteen and ready to start my sophomore year at Stanford University,” he proudly tells me.

  The song had ended and he thanked me for the dance. I excused myself from Michael’s company and walked over to the bar for some water. Michael was quickly at my side again.

  “Would you like something a little stronger than water?”

  “No thank you, I don’t drink.”

  “How about some champagne? One glass is not going to hurt you.”

  “I’ll stick to water, but thank you.”

  “Ok then. I will get myself a glass and be right back. Please wait here, okay?”

  “I’ll be around, Michael.”

  “Oh, I hope so, Nicolette.”

  I didn’t feel like standing and waiting for a guy I had just met, so I decided to walk down to the beach. I couldn’t resist the beautiful ocean.

  “Sam, I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.”

  “Will you stop complaining? Since when do you miss an opportunity to mess with that jerk-off, St. Clair?”

  “Who are you referring to, Sam?”

  “Ha! I knew you couldn’t resist, dude! Get your ass up here now and take a look.”

  I grabbed the binoculars and scanned the crowd. Of course, the usual blondes were in attendance. I saw Alexis and Bailey, twin robots. I scoffed and then continued on to the other mindless beauties.

  “Simon, don’t you think it’s time to saddle up again, my friend?”

  “The last time I checked, I wasn’t a cowboy, Sam.”

  Sam laughed but said, “Hey, just saying, dude. It’s been months since the accident, Simon. Don’t you think it’s time to move on with your life? Jennifer is gone.”

  “It’s not like I have forgotten, Sam, but thank you for the reminder. She was my first real girlfriend here in California, and I cared about her. That is something that you just don’t forget. I wouldn’t be telling you I was okay if I wasn’t.”

  “Okay, fair enough man. Now get back to scanning the crowd. I’m sure there has to be someone who appeals to you.”

  I was ready to give up when my eyes find someone who wasn’t familiar to me. For some reason, I feel drawn to her. What the hell? That’s never happened to me before, not even with Jennifer.

  “Hey, Sam, do you know that girl?”

  Sam took the binoculars from me to take a look.

  “No, never seen her before.” I scaled my way down the wall, jumping onto the sand, as Sam called out to me.

  “Hey! Where are you going dude?”

  “To meet someone new.” I was sprinting off to meet the mysterious beauty.

  The warm sun and breeze coming off the ocean felt so good on my face. Removing my sandals, I bury my feet in the sand. I lean back on my elbows and scan the beautiful beach. Taking it all in, something grabs my attention. I notice a hot boy walking over to me. Trying not to stare, but he was shirtless and his stomach was ripped with muscles. His sexy, beach tousled hair was blowing in the breeze…the perfect hair I easily could rake my fingers through. Where did that come from?

  “Hi, how are you?”

  “I’m okay. How are you?”

  The handsome stranger smiled at me and said, “Lucky.”

  “Why lucky?” I asked.

  “Feeling lucky because I picked the right time to walk on the beach.”

  I giggled and now my cheeks were red from blushing. “Hey…you stole that line from a mo
vie!”

  “Yup! And it worked!” As he smiled back at me and laughed. Extending his hand, “I’m Simon…Simon Paulson.”

  “I’m Nicolette Vanelle, nice to meet you.” As if he was reading my mind, he answered my unspoken question.

  “I’m a party crasher, if you must know. My friend lives on the other side of that retaining wall. If you sit on the top of it, you can see everything that is happening over at the St. Clair estate.”

  “Oh…I see. Seems more like a peeping tom to me. Do you know them?” I asked.

  “Unfortunately I do, but I try to keep my distance.”

  “Why don’t you get along with them?”

  “Too complicated and too long to explain,” he replied.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”

  “You didn’t. I would rather sit here and get to know you, then to talk about them. Why are you here, if you don’t mind me asking?” Something in his voice gave me a safe and comfortable feeling.

  “I’m here with my parents, who are working with Mr. St. Clair.”

  “Do they work at Paramount?” Simon asked.

  “No, they don’t. My parents are songwriters, they are writing the score for Paramount’s new movie.”

  “Writing songs sounds like a cool job.”

  “I guess it is. They love what they do.”

  “You don’t seem too happy about it.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for my parents. It’s just taking some time getting used to living here.”

  “Where are you from?”

  “I just moved here four months ago from Chicago.”

  “That explains it then.”

  I was confused by his comment. “Explains what?”

  “I knew you couldn’t be from around here, not with that accent of yours and the color of your hair.”

  “Wow, you figured all of that out with just looking at my hair and listening to how I talk.” Now I was teasing him.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. Most of the girls around here either have natural blonde hair, or they color it blonde. Your hair is beautiful…natural.”