Turn To Stone (The Stone Series Book 1) Read online

  Copyright © 2018 by Ariana Rose

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, distributed, stored in or introduced into any information storage or retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic, photocopying, mechanical, or otherwise, without express permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, story lines, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners. Any resemblances to actual persons, living or dead, events, locales or any events or occurrences are purely coincidental. This book is for your personal enjoyment only. Please respect the author’s work by not contributing to piracy and purchasing a copy for those you wish to share it with.

  To E.L.J. – Thank you for the inspiration and raising the ordinary

  to the extraordinary.

  To Emily – My number one cheerleader, confidante, editor,

  idea bouncer, task master and, most of all, friend.

  This book would not have been half of what it is

  without you.

  Love IS infinite

  PLAYLIST

  FANTASY

  APRIL 8, 2016

  MAY 13, 2017

  MARCH 11, 2018

  MARCH 16, 2018

  MARCH 31, 2018

  APRIL 1, 2018

  APRIL 2, 2018

  APRIL 5, 2018

  APRIL 6, 2018

  APRIL 13, 2018

  APRIL 15, 2018

  APRIL 16, 2018

  APRIL 20, 2018

  APRIL 21, 2018

  APRIL 22, 2018

  APRIL 23, 2018

  APRIL 30, 2018

  MAY 1, 2018

  MAY 4, 2018

  MAY 5, 2018

  MAY 6, 2018

  MAY 7, 2018

  MAY 8, 2018

  MAY 12, 2018

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  FOLLOW ARIANA

  “Hold On” – Jet

  “I’m Yours” – The Script

  “Gravity”- Sara Bareilles

  “Perfect For Me” – Ron Pope

  “I Was Made For Loving You” – Tori Kelly feat. Ed Sheeran

  “Forever Like That” – Ben Rector

  “Fire And Rain” – James Taylor

  “On A Night Like This” – Dave Barnes

  “Why” – Annie Lennox

  “You And I” – Michael Buble

  “Seduces Me” – Celine Dion

  “Run” – Matt Nathanson feat. Sugarland

  “La Vie En Rose” – French Accordion

  “The Worst Way” – Donovan Woods

  “Lovely” – Billie Eillish with Khalid

  “The Very Thought Of You” – Nat King Cole

  “You Are The Reason” – Calum Scott and Leona Lewis

  FANTASY IS THE best kind of hope and the worst kind of evil. It can take you so high that you have to look down to see heaven. It can also take you so deep that the quicksand will swallow you whole. I’ve had both. I’ve had both at the same time. Is it the worst kind of sin? You want what you can’t have and may even be looking beyond the things you should be grateful for.

  I’ve been in love twice in my life. The first?

  Toxic.

  I thought it was everything I needed and wanted. I felt safe and secure at first, but it quickly deteriorated. I was his arm candy; a prize he could show off, and nothing more. Hearing the words “I love you” from him always had a price. It usually meant my body. Whether it was my mind or sex; he always took from me. He never gave.

  The second…

  The second is trickier.

  He was everything I could have ever wanted. Beautiful inside and out, brilliant and funny… did I mention sexy? He put a wall up, though. The typical person would never know his insecurities, but I saw them. I saw every flaw and imperfection, and it only made him… more.

  I could never tell him that, though. It’s not because I couldn’t find the words or wasn’t brave enough. It was because of her. They were together. That’s the way it appeared to everyone anyway. The way she smiled at him and hung on his every word. She seemed to breathe for him, and I could never compete with that.

  I wasn’t cultured, or from an extravagant family. I had a father who worshipped the ground I walked on, for better or for worse. I had many friends who would go to the mat and beyond. Some of whom held all my deepest and darkest secrets. I was even more scarred than he was, more flawed and more complex than anyone would ever be ready for. I could never destroy what he had, nor would I want to, but…

  I can’t stop the thoughts.

  So here I sit, on the bench right outside my tiny apartment off Piedmont Park. I’m a stone’s throw from where we first collided… Stone…

  See? Even my subconscious knows.

  My journal is getting an earful because it’s the only place I can be honest. I write the three words over and over again, the words that both terrify and excite me.

  I love you.

  I love you.

  I love you.

  One day, I hope he’ll know how much.

  IT’S ONLY A month before finals, but I’m studying already. I need to ace all this classroom bullshit, so I can get to what I came here for… the filming processes. I’ve written, rewritten, and written again the script and concept. I dragged out an old idea from my journals, which I didn’t think it was all that great, but my professor has been relentless and wants to see it live. He has such faith in me. I wish I could say the same. It’s a huge leap of faith to have your words turned into something visual. I mean, you’re giving anyone who watches a key to your innermost thoughts and feelings. That isn’t something I’ve ever been comfortable with. It’s too raw and real.

  What if they don’t like what I write?

  That would be like them not liking me, and that’s something I’ve never been able to handle. My mother used to tell me, “Just be yourself and everything will be fine.” I wish I believed it. I wish she was still here to tell me. It’s been nearly eight years to the day she’s been gone. Every day something happens, I wish I could call her up and talk to her about it. I think that’s one of the reasons why my journals mean so much to me. They are filled with things that I have to hope she is somehow hearing and reading.

  I get up from my desk to stare out the window. Everyone has spring fever. I think I’m the only idiot still inside on a seventy-five-degree afternoon. It’s not often it’s this warm in Minneapolis; especially not in April. I crack the window a bit in the hopes of getting a fresh perspective.

  The apartment I share with my best friend Shana Lucas is near the University of Minnesota campus. I get lost in the honking horns, and shouts and laughter from the people passing by, not to mention the sweet smell of the couple of patches of lilac bushes near our building. The next thing I know, Shana is attacking me from behind, her arms wrapping around me tight.

  “If you think you’re spending the entire weekend in this apartment, you’re crazy,” she playfully scolds.

  “We’ve already established I’m crazy, so what would be new there,” I retort.

  We both laugh as she lets me go. “Lex, there’s a party over at Gamma Eta Gamma tonight. You know, the law school frat. It’s sort of exclusive and I got an invitation from the President himself. We can’t turn this do
wn. You haven’t been to a party since Christmas, and I need to meet some new humans. The current douchebags will not make the cut. So, you can’t say no.”

  I know without a doubt, I’ve already lost this battle, and I sigh. “Okay… okay, Shan. You win, you win. I’m not going to be the reason you don’t find a love connection or at least some marginal, if not mind-blowing, sex.”

  She scoffs, shoving my shoulder. “Bitch! We should be ready by, like, ten. We can’t be early but wait too long and all the good ones will be in conversation already.”

  I point at her. “You’re picking out my clothes and doing my makeup. My attendance at this event is all I have the strength for.”

  Shana hugs me this time. “I saw the calendar, Lex. Your Mom’s birthday. Are you okay?”

  I cover her hands with mine, turning my head a little bit to see her face. “It’s just sort of there now, you know. I miss her so much, especially today. But when I can smell the lilacs, or wrap up in the blanket she made me, it’s not quite as bad. I just need to check on my dad… make sure we go out to dinner tomorrow. More than anything, if I do go out and laugh a bit, that’s the best way I can honor her. She’d want to know I’m succeeding and happy. I have the one, so I guess I can finally try to work on the other.”

  Shan sets her chin on my shoulder. “We’ll put you in your favorite color tonight, and mix it with your mom’s diamond pendant, so you feel like she’s with you. Deal?”

  I turn my head with a smile. “Thanks. Now… let me finish this bit of studying, then I can turn into your mannequin for the evening.”

  ***

  I feel like me, but not me, wandering through this party. I’m me on the inside, but the outside is a little more glam than I’m used to. Shan’s dressed me up in ankle-length jeggings, a flowy floral top, and my favorite lilac leather jacket, with some too-high-for-me heels. I fidget with the simple diamond pendant around my neck… my piece of Mom, as promised. It’s not overly crowded, definitely not your typical frat party. This one has a bit more wine than beer, which is fine with me. I’m filling up with another glass of liquid courage when a husky voice sounds from behind me. “That red is a good choice. Is there enough left in there for you and me?”

  I turn and say, “Sure,” pouring before I even look up. “Good enough?” Then I finally meet his brown eyes. Good God! He looks a bit like Thor, only with short hair.

  “More than good enough. Hello, I’m Hunter Mackenzie.”

  He takes the bottle from me and pours mine.

  “Hi… I’m Alexandra… Taylor. Everyone calls me Lex.”

  “Well Alexandra, I don’t think I’ve seen you on campus before,” he states.

  I take a slow sip. “I don’t go to the U. My roommate does.” I motion over in Shan’s direction. She’s deep in conversation with Aaron Downs, someone she’s had her eye on for a semester. I give her a wink for a job well done. “I’m a third year at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. I’m finishing my course work this semester, so I can work on my thesis film project next year.”

  The expression on his face is one of surprise. “That sounds ambitious. I like that.”

  I give him a bit of my sass. “Well I’m glad I meet your approval.”

  I’m not sure if my attempt at humor was well-received; I can’t read his expression at all. I don’t know if that scares me or makes me want to know more. The people you can’t read are often the ones that are the most interesting to me.

  “No fear in a new room. Where does that come from?” he says.

  “My dad is a practicing attorney. He was in the DA’s office for years and now is in private practice. I guess I’ve picked up a few things from him over the years. I’ve been to more events and parties with Juris Doctorates than I can count.” I smile at the thought of my dad.

  “Taylor? Wait, is Colin Taylor your father?” he quizzes.

  “Yep, that’s Dad. Why? Do you know him?” I ask.

  “He was a guest speaker in my Torts seminar last year. I’ve studied his trial prep strategies. I really admire him. What are the odds I’d meet his daughter?”

  “I could see if he has time for an informational meeting, if that’s something you’d want. I assume you’ve got summer associate on lock already for this year.”

  “I do, actually. Your father’s firm.” Hunter smiles, and it’s the most interesting smile. It’s brilliant and dazzling, but doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

  “I guess you don’t need my help then,” I quip.

  “Not with that, but you can help with something else. I need a dinner date for next Friday. I’m a hopeless cook, and I’d really like to get to know you better when we’re not surrounded by dozens of people.”

  I’m stunned. He’s asking me out? “Friday… like, next Friday?”

  “Do you already have plans? Could you change them… if you’re interested, that is.”

  I stammer, “I am. I mean, I do. I mean—” I stop and take a quick breath. “Yes, dinner sounds great.”

  ***

  I usually enjoy this process. The parade of potential acting partners being brought in. I look at it as opportunities… times to make connections or try on a new mask. This time has been painful. Generally, I’m on the other side. I’m not usually the one cast first.

  In a rare opportunity, my agent was able to get me connected to a new television drama they are trying to get off the ground, as a spinoff from a long-lived current series that’s been successful. These can be extreme gambles. You’re either going to really fly or you’re going to really fall. I have a lot riding on this project—I asked for this project. I plugged and pushed myself, nearly to the annoyance of some. It was a relentless campaign.

  The draws were two-fold. One, the opportunity to work with director Jordan Nash. His name has been synonymous with Emmy for nearly two decades. Most things he touches turns to gold. The other is a change of scenery. I’ve been in New York too long. I can’t take that fast-paced, kiss-ass, fake fucking bullshit anymore. I’ve modeled since I was fourteen, then Julliard, and then straight to pounding the pavement for any shoot or read.

  I needed out.

  I’ve been travelling back and forth to Atlanta now for six months, and I’m starting to really enjoy the vibe and energy I get from the area. I want to make the move permanent and gain some distance from my family… mainly my father. I’ve narrowed my contact with him to a call a week, for updates and the guilt trip that I should be consistently working instead of “between jobs.” He’s never understood the business, or my draw to be in front of the camera.

  He’s never understood me.

  I take my place on the back side of the table, next to where Jordan would be. He needed to take a call first. From what I can gather, the call was not a fun one. He came back to the table, mumbling first about writers, then his divorce. He was married to one of the writers from the original series, Camryn Price. She’s a legend in her own right. If there is one absolute truth, it’s that usually a marriage between two highly-motivated, passionate industry professionals rarely works out. I try to make conversation and ask, but the look I’m getting tells me I need to back the fuck off, and quick.

  He barks out that he’s ready and to send in the next actress… Elaine Davis. I’d never heard of her before today. I pull her resume over to me. Damn… mostly theater, but she has the street cred for sure. I set to flip over to her headshot when I hear a voice that I could have only dreamt of.

  “Hello, Mr. Nash.” She extends her hand to him, then to me. “You must be Julian. It’s very nice to meet you.”

  I take her hand. The instant we connect, it’s like my black-and-white life suddenly hit fast forward straight into color. “The pleasure is mine, Elaine.”

  “Lainey, please.” Her hands are so soft, warm, and I really don’t want to let go. I think Jordan senses what I’m feeling.

  “Julian,” he says, “if you’re quite finished with your introductions, can get to the actual audition?”

>   The next ten minutes were a complete blur. She was speaking the words, I was speaking the words, but I don’t remember anything except her. She had this way about her… an ease. We finished, and I stood, silent.

  “Was I that bad?” she asks.

  I look into her smile, taking in the dark blonde waves of her hair, and her dark brown eyes that are glowing, even in the dim light we’re in.

  “What? No! Oh, hell no!” Fuck, I’m stammering all over the place. “Wait.” I hold up my hands. “Don’t move. Jordan, can we…?” I motion with my head to meet me outside. He huffs in protest, but he also wants to keep me happy since we both want this project to succeed.

  The minute the door latches, I fight for what my heart knows is right. “Jordan, she’s it. I want her.”

  The shock on Jordan’s face says it all. “Julian, there are several criteria we have to consider. We should send the test to the producer and our—”

  I cut him off immediately. “J, if she isn’t part of this project, you lose me too.”

  The heat rises in the space between us. He knows I need this job, but he also knows this pilot has to grab. “This is not going to be a constant concession, Julian. I saw what you saw. There is… something there. I’m willing to take the risk.”

  I finally exhale. I’ve never done that before, give an ultimatum.

  Something tells me he’s not the only one willing to take a risk.

  WALKING TOWARD THE stage at the Children’s Theater Company, a million thoughts run through my head.

  Holy shit, I made it!

  I wish Mom was here.

  Please God, don’t let me fall in these shoes.

  Remember to smile at the camera.

  Dad, Hunter, Shana, and Aaron are on the right side, about halfway back.

  I can’t believe how quickly everything is changing. Just over a year ago, I was trying to get to my film thesis started, and now it’s finished. I met Hunter about that same time and we haven’t left each other’s side. I even moved out of my apartment with Shana and in with him. I don’t know if I was really ready, but this is a time for big leaps, and change. That, I’m ready to welcome with open arms.