Chapter Text
“So, how long is this vacation going to be?”
“A week,“ the curly haired brunette sighed, zipping up his luggage where he had just retreated a blazer to match his maroon suit and tie. “I told you I’m helping my best friend set up everything. Nini still has no clue what to wear, and the wedding is just days away.“
“Couldn’t they have other people do it? We’re running on tight schedules here, Bowen.”
“No, I promised,” Ricky shook his head, patting down the front fabric of the blazer. He was getting ready to go downstairs for dinner with Nini and some of the guests that have arrived early, which were also supposed to be helping with the wedding. Nini didn’t exactly tell him who, but he figures it’s just her moms and probably some bridesmaids. “This is important to her. She has been dreaming about this day since forever. I can’t not be there for her.”
When he got the safe the date card from the couple, he was surprised to see it took place a week until Valentine’s Day—not to mention, all the way in Turks and Caicos. He tried to bargain with them, saying who the hell thinks a wedding on Valentine’s Day is remotely convenient with all of their tight schedules and events around these types of holidays. Though, then something about how they proposed at a concert in Turks and Caicos, and tropical themed decorations were thrown in explanations over FaceTime calls and he just had to accept it. Nini and Maddox were having a last minute wedding in Turks and Caicos because they were so in love it couldn’t wait any longer.
“I hope you know we cancelled a live televised performance because of this,” he replied bitterly over the phone. Ricky couldn’t see him, but he knew he was most likely rolling his eyes.
Ricky shrugged dismissively. “My friends and family come first, always.”
“I also hope you know that you better behave because cameras and paparazzi’s are everywhere and your album comes out soon. We don’t want another album delay.”
To the world, Ricky was considered a struggling musician that’s been in the industry for five plus years, yet only has one album out. An album which he released when he still had the Disney plus name backing him up due to the frozen documentary he starred in at eighteen. He’s working on releasing another one soon, or has been trying to, but his reputation hasn’t been the best if you bothered to search his name. Though he was Nina Salazar Robert’s best friend and frequent co writer, which with her pop-star status helped him get plenty of attention. Has he used that attention the right way? Well, that’s another story.
Life could be worse… he tells himself every morning when his agents blow up his phone because he’s late to another meeting once again.
But this was the album that was going to push him out there, he knew it. Ashlyn told him she felt good spiritual vibes coming with this upcoming release—whatever that meant, he was still learning what his moon rising was.He just hopes it was a good thing and he doesn’t mess up this release. Not again.
“Very aware,” he nods, grabbing the card to his hotel room and walked over to the door. “There’s no drama to capture though. Unless they want to see me tasting cakes and looking at racks of wedding dresses for the next week they’ll be very bored.”
“You know they don’t care about that, they’ll find anything to make a headline.”
Ricky proceeded to open the door, letting it shut behind him. He was too occupied by the voice over the phone against his ear to see the figure passing by him in a rush.
“Trust me you have nothing to worry about I humph —“
The phone dropped on the floor at the collision, his conversation with his agent ending. He heard a slight squeal that made him bring his arms out to wrap around whoever he accidentally tripped.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t see—“
“No, it’s my fault I—“ words were left hanging in the air when the curly haired boy finally looked up at the person in his arms. His mouth hung open and his heart was suddenly beating way too fast than should be normal, a million thoughts racking his brain.
He felt the air leave his lungs and all because his ex girlfriend was right in front of him and he couldn’t think properly anymore. She intoxicated his senses still.
“Bowen,” she spoke up, her voice still sounded the same just a little deeper—it still made his knees weak. She pushed his arms away, taking a step back clearing her throat, choosing not to ponder on how her skin now felt like fire where he had touched her. Her eyes took him in, from the bottom up trying to see if something has changed over the years, or if he was still the same. Different shoes, outfit, but still, the same face and eyes she fell for at seventeen.
“Porter,” he cleared his throat as well, his hands trembled as he nervously fiddled with the gold rings on his fingers. Scanning his eyes up and down taking in her designer red dress, he nodded. Cracking a smug smile on his lips because he prides himself about trying to seem unbothered by her presence whenever he could, even if it’s the farthest from the truth. “Took a break from your show series to stop by I see.”
“Keep tabs on me?” She arched her brow, her tone of voice teasing.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Ricky scoffed, before giving in because her eyes seem to have some sort of spell that has him confessing every single thing about himself. “I have social media. It’s hard to avoid an Emmy nominee actress sometimes.”
She smirked at the words leaving his lips. “So you’re up to date.”
Ricky hated how honest he always felt like being around her. He should’ve lied, he should’ve said something out of spite. “I’m sure you can say the same about me.”
Gina’s bottom lip stuck out and his eyes followed the gesture in a trance. He’s sure she noticed because she tilts her head to the side and her smirk lets him know she’s won this round. “I’m afraid I don’t share that sentiment.”
“What?” His voice came out weak, his eyes flicker back to her eyes, offended. “I mean, not to brag but uh, some of my songs were under the bubbling hot one hundred at some point, and I’ve made multiple headlines over the years. Actually, my last one was when I was leaving Nini’s after party and threw up on a paparazzi’s shoes—“
She grimaced and his face winced with embarrassment, realizing what he had just said out loud as he trailed off his words with a flushed face.
“Oh, yeah, of course! The Frozen; The Musical; The Documentary star, Ricky Bowen, now keeps the gossip sites in employment and his agents in an uproar.”
“Well, when you put it that way,” he wiped his hands on his pants that were suddenly sweaty, as if her eyes were burning him with her gaze. ‘Can she not look at me like that?’ He thought. ‘It’s like she wants me to kiss her.’
“Word of advice Bowen, a clean image grants you a long and prosperous career in the industry.”
Ricky let out a frustrated sigh at her words, feeling as if he couldn’t roll his eyes anymore without them getting stuck. “I like to keep the people talking.”
“Your work should speak for itself.”
“Something I’ve heard before,” he snapped back. “But I still seem not to really care.”
“Hmm,” Gina mumbled under her breath, her teeth biting her lower lip slightly and God, can she stop that? “You haven’t changed.”
“I have, I just stay true to myself. I don’t let people walk all over me, like some others.”
She took a deep breath and suddenly stood straighter, her defenses building up. “What are you implying?”
“That you haven’t changed princess.” He knew he was starting to get under her skin and she knew that too. He was leaving this conversation with one win.
“Don’t get me started,” she huffed, clutching her purse harsher in her hand. It was velvet and matched the color of her dress; crimson. He wonders if his face was flushed that color, he swears he feels smoke coming out his ears at his rising temper.
“I think I already have, Porter,” he replied tauntingly, walking past her and bumping her bare shoulder on purpose on his way. (It was not because he felt sparks when they touched, certainly not.)
“Aren’t you coming?!” He called out once he reached the elevator. Gina stood back staring at him with a stern look on her face he knew was because of him.
“I’ll take the next elevator,” she replied stubbornly. “Thanks.”
Taking a step inside the elevator, he turned around yelling, “Suit yourself!” as the doors closed in on him with a wide grin on his lips she wanted to wipe off so terribly. (Not by kissing him…obviously not, why would someone think that? He’s insufferable, annoying and handsome—and yeah, she should probably take the stairs instead to clear her head.)
“Neens!” He hissed once he reached the long haired brunette by the hotel’s restaurant that was secluded from the public specifically for the pop star.
Nini grinned back innocently. Her cheeks were sunburnt from the bright sun that morning and she wore her hair in two braids. She then threw one braid behind her shoulder, her eyelashes fluttering. “Whatever are you so upset about Richard?”
“She’s here,” he grumbled, his thumb pointing behind him.
“Who?” Nini tilted her head, still putting on a clueless facade. A waiter walked by with a tray of champagne glasses and she took two with a gentle smile of gratitude.
“You know who ,” he bit back, grabbing her forearm and pulling her to a more private area away from the eyes of people scattered around mingling in groups. She hissed at the glasses in her hands almost falling at the sudden movement.
“What did you expect? She’s Maddox’s best friend. They’re basically sisters or whatever. Something about honeycomb, cabins, camp nicknames and whatnot,” she rambled, handing one of the glasses over to the curly haired boy.
“And you didn’t think to let me know my ex would be here?”
“Why would I? If I did you wouldn’t come because you’re still hung up on—“
“Shh!” Ricky hushed his friend with a finger to his lips. His eyes frantically looking around for anyone near who could’ve heard. “And that’s not true! I’m completely over her. It’s been years.”
It’s actually been 5 years, 12 months and 19 days, but it’s not like he’s counting…
“Years of writing your heartbreak into songs.”
He grumbled, hiding his frown behind his glass cup. “I don’t want her here.”
“Too bad Richard, she’s our best friend.”
“Is she?” He pressed, taking a small sip, hoping to drown his sorrows somehow. “Best friends don’t break your heart.”
“Ricky, you can’t still be mad at her, it’s been years,” she nudged him with her elbow in irritation. “You need to heal.”
“She hurt me, Nini,” his voice faltered and the brunette frowned sympathetically. Though that only lasted two seconds before she saw him start to get emotional. His eyes grew droopy and he looked just like he did the first year of the unforeseen breakup. She was not going to relive a heartbroken Ricky Bowen today.
“Richard, please don’t cry right now, you’re going to embarrass me in front of everyone,” The singer said through gritted teeth.
“Make her leave!”
“No! You need to grow up!”
“Ricky and growing up? I agree,” Maddox’s voice now ringed in their ears, making the duo jump and drop their previous conversation instantly.
“I’m afraid he’s not capable of doing so,” Gina grinned beside the redhead. She held her own glass of champagne between her fingers, the brim already marked with her red lipstick.
“I see you’re still capable of giving opinions where it isn’t needed,” Ricky retorted, finally turning around completely to face her.
“You thrive off my validation. That’s why you haven’t changed your hair in five years.”
“It suits me,” he mumbled with a pout on his lips, unconsciously bringing his fingertips to the top of his head and fiddling with the few strands of curls drooping on his forehead. Maybe he does need a haircut—
“And who told you that?”
He huffed at the smirk edged on her lips, heat rising through his veins. She told him that. Of course she did. Once that compliment left her lips one day he never looked back.
By the look on her face he’s sure he doesn’t need to answer her. She was still determined. Her eyes still sparkled the same shade of brown, familiar and intoxicating, like coming home, and he absolutely hates it.
“Okay,” Nini interjects, feeling slightly awkward and suffocated by the tension surrounding them. She cleared her throat, wrapping her arm around Maddox’s. “Maddox and I are so happy to have you both here. This means a lot to us.”
“This week is going to feel like old times again, like summer camp!” Maddox gushed, heart eyes looking at Nini with love.
Ricky choked on his drink at the mention of camp, the place where Gina and him got together all those years ago. Flashbacks of summer plays, sunscreen, campfires, bucket lists, and life changing kisses flooded his brain. He needed to lay down…
“Less mosquitoes I hope,” Gina hummed, bringing the glass up to her lips.
“I have a schedule written for this whole week leading up to the wedding,” Nini informs them, slightly bouncing on the balls of her feet, her long white satin skirt flowing at the action. “Hopefully everything will go by smoothly. Especially with both of you here.”
“Wouldn’t miss being a part of this special moment for you both,” Ricky smiles with a nod, holding up his glass in salute. This is the moment Nini would talk his ear about for years and years since they were five, and even if he wanted nothing to do with love, he’ll bare it for his best friend.
“Same here,” Gina agrees, mindlessly twirling the champagne around the glass cup.
”That’s shocking, considering you chose to miss out on other things,” he mumbled under his breath, earning a deadly glare from the singer in front of him.
If Gina heard him she pretended not to, choosing a bit of peace for the sake of the couple.
“Carlos and Kourtney are also here by the way,” Nini added to ease the dynamic once more. Trying not to slap the curly haired boy who’s grabbing unto his blazer and looking everywhere but the actress a few inches away from him. “I needed their fashion expertise!”
Ricky looked over to the side of the room and caught sight of two familiar faces. He waved at the duo whom were talking to each other, most likely sharing gossip by the amusing smiles on both of their faces. Kourtney was the first one to notice him from the side of her eye, and nudged Carlos next to her to make their way over.
“Everyone else will be coming the day after the wedding,” the redhead continued speaking as they waited for their friends to approach.
“How many people?” Gina asked.
“Everyone.”
“Yay,” he said dryly as Carlos and Kourtney finally reached them.
“Gina Porter!” Carlos gushed, his mouth dropping exaggeratedly and gesturing his arms out towards the actress. “You look amazing as always,” he took her hand and twirled her around, gawking at her designer dress. Ricky would be lying if he said he was keeping his eyes to himself. “Is this Dior?”
“I am their new ambassador,” Gina squealed slightly, but then waved it off with a flick of her hand like it was nothing.
“Yes! I saw the new campaign. It was on a billboard on the way here and I was like, that’s my sister!” Kourtney cheered, their screams echoing through the room as they grabbed unto each other’s arms with grins.
“Uh, hello,” Ricky cleared his throat, grabbing their attention. “I was almost cancelled twice this year but ha, those screenshots of Taylor Swift hate were fake!”
“Bro!” Carlos nodded, fake excitement edged on his voice. He brought up a fist and bumped Ricky’s shoulder. “That’s…uh, great!”
“Not everyone can get to be a designer’s muse you guys,” Gina said with a smile directed at him, which Ricky knew was all too fake. “Let’s be nice.”
“I know plenty of designers,” he replied back, and everyone around them shared knowing looks, mentally rolling their eyes at the banter that was about to come.
“I’m sure the worst dressed list will disagree with you.”
Ricky ignored her. “And I’ve also been in many campaigns as well, princess. I actually have a campaign with Dunkin Donuts for this Valentine’s season. The commercial was a throwback of me as Kristoff because y’know, Kristoff and Ann—“ he then trails off, the words seeming more like wounds to him. He now understands why his agent was so adamant about this partnership, because it definitely got the people talking that month. Maybe he needs to double think about things more before agreeing.
“Wouldn’t know,” she shrugged, her nose scrunching very adorably may he add. (Not that he would ever admit that out loud.) “I go to Starbucks.”
“Enough about work! Why don’t we just sit down to eat?” Kourtney interrupted and Nini immediately agreed, all of them thankful to put Ricky and Gina’s banter to rest for the night. They all started walking towards the dinner table reserved for them, desperate to move on from the conversation that was becoming insufferable.
“If it makes you feel any better, I saw the commercial when I was watching the real housewives, you did great!” Carlos told him with a gentle pat on his shoulder before following everyone else.
Ricky stayed back for a moment, watching them all walk away, but mostly Gina, finally allowing himself to let out a deep breath he was holding in. She just shook him up entirely with her presence and she has absolutely no idea he was driving himself crazy.
It’s not like he hasn’t seen Gina since they broke up. She’s skyrocketed in the entertainment industry and he’s been trying to keep up chasing his dreams too, with less luck than most people…
He’s seen her in magazines, commercials, fashion events and she seems to be in every single movie he ever wanted to watch. What isn’t she cast in seriously?
Interviewers also seemed to never want him to forget his previous relationship, with their pestering questions just for views, because the thought of Ricky Bowen once dating someone like Gina Porter seemed unfathomable to the rest of the world.
She’s been a shadow following him for the past five years, and maybe that’s why no one ever really wanted anything serious with him since. He can’t even blame them, because ‘till this day, he would still call Gina Porter the love of his life. The way his heart skipped when she caught his eyes for a moment from her spot at the table spoke for itself.
The only times he got to have a slight interaction with her were in those awkward moments once a year in the old East High group-chat that Seb was persistent on keeping alive after graduation. Which was honestly only ever really used around the holidays for party invitations to catch up on everyone’s life’s.
SEB: carlos and i are throwing a new years party next weekend
all of you are invited!
NINI: i have some concerts planned but i’ll see if i can fit it in my schedule somehow <3
ASHLYN: yes! i’ll bring a casserole over
MADDOX: i’ll be wherever nini is
NINI: i love you ^
JET: you two are sickening
KOURTNEY: jet and i will be there!
ELTON JOHN: sign me up!
and my boyfriend too!
BIG RED: i’ll bring the pizza!
CARLOS: ricky you coming?
RICKY: is she going to be there?
if she is i’ll pass
CARLOS: dude!
she’s in the chat!
RICKY: oh…
i thought this was our other groupchat…
GINA: can’t go
sorry guys
filming!
RICKY: great!
seems like i’ll go
GINA: sorry you'll have to see #his presence everyone
my condolences
RICKY: get back on set or something
GINA: at least i have a set to get back to
Ricky Bowen has left the chat…
JET: ugh you two being there would’ve been more entertaining for my vlog
CARLOS: clout chaser!
A dinner filled with a couple of digs and petty remarks embarked the night ahead with the ex couple whom threw glares at each other across the dinner table.
For Ricky, this was a beautiful nightmare. A nightmare because he’s stuck with his ex that he may or may not still be in love with. (He rather not dwell on his confusing feelings on the girl who broke his heart at the moment.) The beautiful part was just because no matter how hard he tried to deny it, she was still the most beautiful girl he’s ever seen. Being in awe of her is something that will never change for him no matter how hurt and mad he is by her. So all in all, a beautiful nightmare sounds about right.
He ate his food rather quickly, downing it in champagne in hopes he could hurry up back to his hotel room and get out of this tension filled room, he wonders if she felt it too. Though, he wonders many things when it came to Gina Porter nowadays.
Carlos sent him a questioning look during their dinner, but Ricky pretended not to notice, his grilled chicken looking more appetizing as he took a large bite instead and ignored him.
The moment everyone started leaving the table and talking over the dessert buffet, Ricky thought he could sneak back to his room without anyone noticing.
Though he failed to think Gina was also thinking the same. He stopped in his tracks when he saw her walking near him by the side of the lobby where the elevator was.
He drew on a smirk. “Can’t get enough of me?”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” she rolled her eyes at him. She had her heels in her hand dangling from her fingertips, her other hand clutching the fabric of her dress from touching the floor and tripping on her feet.
Before he could reply with a smart comeback the ding of the elevator ringed and the doors opened. He snuck a glance beside him unsure of what do do next, but she walked right past him, bumping his shoulder and he would be lying if he said he didn’t feel goosebumps running up his neck at the contact.
With a sigh, he shook his head trying to get back to his sense. Closing his eyes only briefly, preparing himself for the next two minute elevator ride which will probably feel like two hours.
Stepping inside he noticed he did not have to press the button to his floor because Gina already did. He raised a brow at her, but kept quiet, staring at the wall instead. It was probably a coincidence.
If anything she was probably at the end of the floor faraway from his room. Yeah, that sounds right, he thought, as he swayed slightly.
The elevator music made him tap his fingertips on the side of his thigh, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths because there was currently a scent around him that smelt so familiar. Vanilla, musk, and marshmallows.His eyes snapped opened as he trailed his eyes besides him to see Gina tapping her foot on the floor with her arms crossed, blinking back at her reflection in the elevator mirror. It was her perfume. He’d recognize it anywhere.
The doors then opened and they shared a glance before quickly snapping their heads back around when they caught each other’s eyes.
The musician let her walk out first, following behind her. The more steps they took he noticed she was still walking and hadn’t stopped—
They were still going in the same direction.
When they both halted simultaneously, Ricky abruptly turned his head besides him and grunted. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Playfulness dripped from her voice and a smirk drew on her lips. “So obsessed with me you had to get a room next to mines?”
“I didn’t even know you were going to be here.”
“Oh really?” Sarcasm laced in her tone as her eyes exaggeratedly grew wider. “Couldn’t tell with your warm welcome.”
“Didn’t know I had to greet my ex with open arms.”
“If you can’t be formal, it seems like you’re still not over me.”
He felt heat rush through his neck at her words. “You love coming up with delusional conclusions Porter.”
“I hope this next week doesn’t have you loosing sleep then,” she shrugged her shoulders.
“Should say the same for you,” he said as he took out his hotel card from his front pocket. “I know your pr management is rolling in their graves at the thought of their goody two shoes client being around her troubled star ex boyfriend for a week.”
Gina scoffed, opening her purse to rummage for her own card. “I can be civil and professional unlike you.”
“Sure,” he murmured, finally sliding his card and opening the door of his room. “Dream of me!” He sent her a wink with a humorous glint in his eyes. He wanted to get under her skin so bad and Gina knew that.
“I rather not have nightmares!” she snapped back, opening her own door and letting it shut loudly behind her. She just had to get the last word in and Ricky knew that.
And if that night he played the tv a bit too loud and heard an annoyed bang on his wall coming from her room followed by a string of curse word to his name, he may or may not have chuckled himself to sleep.