We arrived at the Malibu house close to 2 a.m. The gates opened automatically as our cars pulled into the driveway.
"Welcome again to Malibu beach house. Best place to cure a hangover," I said to the three of them. Though, truthfully, only Paige really needed it.
"Come on in," I added...
2025-06-13 12:25:44 +0000 UTC View PostI saw the incoming call—it was Missy. I picked up.
"Hey Jake."
"Hello Missy."
"How you doing?" she asked.
"Great, but not better than you, from what I can hear on your side." I could hear music in the background—it sounded like she was at a party.
"Yeah... but I ...
2025-06-12 10:35:58 +0000 UTC View PostBritney and I kept exchanging messages. In just a few months since we met, we’d become good friends.
She’s funny and genuinely nice—a far cry from the chaotic image I had of her in my past life. Maybe it’s because she hasn’t yet run into the tabloid storms (I’m still not sure ho...
2025-06-11 12:03:23 +0000 UTC View Post"By the way, what do you prefer as a birthday present—Porsche 911 or Lexus SC430?"
She had that thoughtful look she wore when picking outfits—or plotting.
"That is a difficult choice," she finally said. "Love Porsche, but Lexus is also good and more useful for day-to-day."
"...
2025-06-10 13:00:50 +0000 UTC View PostIt was the beginning of October, and little by little, the world began to find its rhythm again.
That morning, the five of us were gathered in the school cafeteria: Cher, Regina, Carly, Freddie, and me. Sam had gone to get food.
Pippa walked past the cafeteria entrance and spotted us....
2025-06-09 12:22:39 +0000 UTC View PostIt was September 16th, just five days after the attack that had shaken the entire world. The atmosphere everywhere was still heavy. And yet, life kept moving.
We were having a secret meeting at Pepper’s house—me, Pepper, Anthony, and Harvey Spencer.
I looked at Anthony and said, "...
2025-06-08 12:50:22 +0000 UTC View PostJust as the murmurs and side conversations began to fade, the classroom door swung open and Ms. Ackerman stepped in, carrying a clipboard and her usual warm smile.
"Good morning, everyone," she said as she walked to the front. "I hope you all had a restful summer. Now, let's get started. As...
2025-06-06 13:09:19 +0000 UTC View PostAfter a few days in Japan, I returned to Malibu. The jet lag was hitting, but home was home.
When I walked into the house, I found Alan and Charlie sitting at the kitchen table, both with mugs in hand.
"Hey," I said, tossing my backpack near the chair.
"Look who's back," Charlie...
2025-06-05 14:00:43 +0000 UTC View PostScarlett and I found a more secluded spot to continue our interaction.
The next day, we went out to explore Tokyo. We walked through the busy streets, pausing at little shops and food stalls, laughing at random things and pointing out quirky ads. Since neither of us is famous, we didn’t h...
2025-06-04 13:54:03 +0000 UTC View PostThe descent into Tokyo was smooth, the city slowly unfolding beneath the clouds like a neon-lit mosaic.
Pepper and I were seated side by side, accompanied by three bodyguards who had traveled with us from L.A.
We arrived at the hotel not long after. The lobby was sleek and modern, all...
2025-06-03 15:02:56 +0000 UTC View PostAugust flew by in the blink of an eye. First, I traveled with Carly, Sam, and Freddie. Then came another trip—this time with Regina and Cher. And finally, one with all of them together.
Now, it was just me and Pepper, flying across the Pacific. Destination: Japan.
The plane hummed s...
2025-06-02 13:00:54 +0000 UTC View PostA few days had passed since the party. Laura had already flown back to Canada.
Now it was just me, sitting at the kitchen table with Dad at the Malibu beach house. We were both eating toast and scrambled eggs. Berta was moving around the kitchen.
Dad looked over at me and asked, "Are ...
2025-06-01 14:34:05 +0000 UTC View PostThe dance floor was already set up when we arrived—bright lights, speakers booming, and five Dance Dance Revolution arcade machines lined up side by side. A woman stood nearby with a clipboard, marking down each winner and updating a scoreboard on the wall. A crowd had started to gather, formin...
2025-05-31 14:33:23 +0000 UTC View Post"Wow, I knew you were smart..." Carly said, still blinking in disbelief. "But seriously—wow."
Judith clapped her hands with a gentle smile. "I think it's time we sing happy birthday."
Everyone gathered closer, forming a loose circle around the small cake as Judith carefully lit the ...
2025-05-30 14:39:54 +0000 UTC View PostLaura tapped through the messages on my phone, her mouth slightly open.
"She’s... funny," she said, raising an eyebrow. "And actually, really sweet."
I nodded. "Yeah, I was surprised too. She’s more down-to-earth than I thought."
"But what do you think?" I asked.
Laura...
2025-05-29 15:39:20 +0000 UTC View PostEveryone turned back toward Britney, who paused for a second, slightly amused by the awkward silence that followed Alan's outburst.
"It’s okay," she said with a polite smile. "I’m used to... enthusiastic welcomes."
Alan nodded nervously, Judith gave him a sideways glare, and Charl...
2025-05-28 13:01:18 +0000 UTC View PostThe next day, Laura, Carly, and I were at my place in Santa Monica.
"I can’t believe you didn’t go, Carly," I said, referring to the party last night.
"I was with Sam..." Carly replied with a shrug. "And Sam didn’t want to go to the same place that Melanie was."
She murmur...
2025-05-27 14:07:45 +0000 UTC View PostAfter the call with Pepper ended, I stood still for a moment in the hallway.
I pocketed my phone and walked back into Carly’s living room. The girls were still lounging, Bella quietly resting in her spot.
"Good news!" I said, while patting Bella's head.
But the reaction wasnâ€...
2025-05-26 13:54:16 +0000 UTC View PostIt had been two days since Marshmello’s album dropped. The morning sun was coming in through the windows, casting a soft light over everything.
That morning, I was at Carly’s house. The four of us—me, Laura, Carly, and Sam—were sprawled out in the living room watching TV. Bella, Car...
2025-05-25 13:57:25 +0000 UTC View PostI raised both eyebrows.
I looked over my shoulder and thought, Yep, Modern Family again. Just a few feet away were three very familiar faces—Jay, Gloria, and Manny.
I lingered a second longer on Gloria. Wow, she really is stunning.
Then I turned back to face forward.
The next day, I was having breakfast with Charlie when Dad walked in and greeted us.
"Good morning," Alan said, stepping into the kitchen.
He sat down, grabbed an apple, and glanced around casually.
"Hey, did you know that Rose has a master’s degree in psychology?" he asked, t...
2025-05-23 12:56:24 +0000 UTC View PostThe air was filled with the sound of waves rolling in gently from the ocean, blending perfectly with the soft laughter coming from the group gathered outside.
Carly, Sam, Freddie, Cher, Laura, Regina, and I were all sitting on the deck, scattered around a mix of lounge chairs and wooden ben...
2025-05-22 14:14:49 +0000 UTC View PostOne month had passed since the premiere of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It was now July, the heat of summer wrapping Los Angeles in its usual buzz.
I was sitting in a modern but cozy meeting room at one of our office buildings, sipping an iced tea as I looked across the table at Peppe...
2025-05-21 15:49:05 +0000 UTC View PostI was still finishing my breakfast when Monica and Chandler appeared in the kitchen, looking almost identical to how Rachel had arrived earlier. Monica was moving carefully, as if any sudden noise might shatter her. Chandler looked equally miserable.
They both groaned a greeting and collaps...
2025-05-20 14:46:48 +0000 UTC View PostWe all laughed after giving Ross the most deadpan looks possible.
"Seriously, man?" said Chandler, shaking his head.
Ross shrugged innocently. "It was a legitimate question!"
"How could you not know it was Jake?" asked Monica, incredulous.
"How would I know?" Ross asked ba...
2025-05-19 15:37:43 +0000 UTC View PostThey arrived on Friday afternoon.
I opened the door, and there they were—Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, and Phoebe. Each of them carried at least one bag, looking excited but also a little tired from the trip.
As I welcomed them inside, I couldn't help but think about what Pepper h...
2025-05-18 15:15:10 +0000 UTC View PostLaura turned to me, curious. "By the way, what about those Marshmello products you mentioned? Can we see them?"
I lit up at her question. "Sure!" I said, already getting up.
"Freddie, come help me," I added, waving him over.
Freddie put down his soda with a grin and followed me ...
2025-05-17 13:42:16 +0000 UTC View PostI was walking down the school hallway with Carly, Sam, and Freddie. As we moved through the crowd, several students greeted us with waves and smiles. I could see some people pointing in our direction, whispering excitedly to each other. I just kept walking normally, sharing a few nods and smiles ...
2025-05-16 14:37:35 +0000 UTC View PostLaura sat on the bench next to me, still looking a little skeptical but smiling.
"Alright, alright," I said, laughing lightly.
I placed my fingers on the keys and started playing "Let Her Go" (Passenger).
I began to sing, my voice soft but steady:
♪Well you only need the...
2025-05-15 14:41:14 +0000 UTC View PostFreddie quickly picked the check up from the ground, his hands trembling a little.
"What the heck, Jake?!" he exclaimed, staring wide-eyed at the numbers written on it.
Carly finally unfolded hers and gasped.
"Two million dollars!!!" Carly screamed, clutching the check like it m...
2025-05-14 15:03:02 +0000 UTC View Post