Even Ground (Hollywood Kiwis Book 2), page 12
“Miss you too.”
“One day I’ll convince you to move over here with me.”
I laugh. “Maybe.”
“Anyway, I should go. Josh just walked in the door, and we’re due some mummy and daddy time.”
I screw up my nose. “Ew. I don’t want to know.”
“That’s why I told you. I’m leaving you with that image.” She chuckles. “Oh, by the way, Reece asked for your number.”
I swallow hard. “Why?”
“Someone asked him about my wedding dress. He wants to put you in touch. I didn’t think you’d mind, but now I’m thinking that I shouldn’t have done it.”
I close my eyes. I’m not sure I want this—we shared a kiss that’s not likely to mean anything to him, and I’m not interested in getting hurt. But then again, he wants to contact me …
I can’t read anything into it.
“That’s fine. I mean, it’s all good if I can pick up some work.”
“I thought it would be. And it’s way better to go through him than someone randomly contacting you. Let me know if it turns into anything.”
Clamping my lips together, I shift my gaze to the ceiling. “Sure will.”
“Talk to you soon.”
Once the call disconnects, I stare at the blank screen for a moment. It’s so tempting just to throw it all in and go back. Delaney would let me stay while I found my feet, and if there are people asking about my designs …
My phone buzzes, and I shake my head to get me out of my stupor.
Reece: Hey. It’s Reece. Delaney gave me your number.
I raise an eyebrow. Looks like that didn’t take too long.
Me: She told me. I was just on Skype with her.
After dropping my phone on the table, I head to the cooktop. I fill a pan with water and place it on the element, flicking on the gas.
My life would be so different if I moved to stay with Delaney—even for a little while. But I always looked up to the way she lived her life when she started her own business. She went for what she wanted, and while she had to make sacrifices, she never gave up.
I want to follow my dream and not take shortcuts. That means three years of study and building my own little empire. Delaney had her diner, and I’ll have my own fashion business one day.
After wandering back to the table, I pick up my phone.
Reece: I never got to say goodbye. You cheated.
A smile tugs at my lips despite me not wanting it to.
Me: We both know it’s for the best.
Reece: Probably, but I’m going to pester you from time to time.
Me: Until I change my number.
I laugh and put my phone back down. This isn’t getting my dinner cooked. But it’s a pleasant distraction.
Reece: You wouldn’t do that to me.
Me: Probably not. I have to cook my dinner now. Talk to you later.
It’s not easy to ignore the phone while I peel the potatoes and put some sausages in the oven. Even when it buzzes again after I’ve left it there.
But my stomach no longer gurgles, instead grumbling. And when everything’s cooking away, I return to the table and pick up the phone.
Reece: Just wanted to make sure you were okay. If you’re responding I know you’re alive. Talk soon.
I smile and save his number into my phone. God knows if I’ll hear from him again, but it can’t hurt to have his contact details—just in case of an emergency.
I’m not sure what kind of emergency I’d have to contact him for, but that’s what I tell myself as I put the phone back down.
Makes perfect sense to me.
14
Pania
The past three weeks have been a fairy tale, but as my alarm blares in the morning, I come down to earth with a bang.
I rub my face with my palms, trying to wake myself up.
Maybe a cool shower will help.
Yawning as I climb out of bed, I then make my way to the bathroom and turn on the shower before adjusting the heat a little.
Ten minutes later, I’m refreshed and wide awake.
I scrape some butter and Marmite onto toast and wolf it down before making my way out to the car. If I don’t get to my favourite parking spot early enough, it’ll be gone. It’s bad enough that I then have to catch a bus into the city, but city carparking is ridiculous, and I like the freedom of having my car nearby.
It would be a great idea if it weren’t for the fact that so many other people do the same thing, and the quiet little side street I found last term fills pretty quickly, so I can’t afford to run late.
An hour later, I walk into the building and take my seat in my class. Back when I started taking an interest in fashion, Judith Brookes was at the top of her game. She had stores throughout the country, and while not quite cracking the international scene, there were some stores in Australia.
Very exclusive, very expensive, and everything my teenage-heart desired.
When I had an inkling that Delaney would want to go to Josh in LA, I looked at my options, and my heart leapt when I saw Judith was teaching fashion design. A few years ago, her business tanked and most of her stores closed, but she still has one in Auckland.
Now looking up, I see her glaring right at me. She reminds me of Edna Mode in The Incredibles, only blonde and with a ton of red lipstick.
“Miss Wilson. It’s so good of you to join us today.”
The venom is dripping in Judith’s tone. I knew she’d be pissy with me missing a couple of days class, but most of my time away was Easter followed by the holidays. So overall, I haven’t really missed much.
“I’m glad to be back.”
“Congratulations.”
I swear she spits the word out as if it’s an insult. She’s well known for her frosty demeanour, but she’s going real ice queen on me now.
“I’m not sure—”
She smiles, but it’s so fake I’m half expecting her face to crack. “Your name is in all the magazines this week.” Holding one up with Delaney and Josh on the cover, she flicks through some pages.
The penny drops. It’s something I knew would happen, but I was so invested on seeing my best friend marrying the love of her life, I’d pushed it to the back of my mind. Of course Delaney told people who made her dress. I’m so grateful to her, but right now I’m thinking I could have done without it.
“Thank you.”
“It’s a shame they couldn’t mention that you’re doing this class with me.” Her grip tightens on the magazine.
“I didn’t really have any control on what they reported. I made a dress for my bestie.”
“It’s not what I would have dressed her in.”
“She loved it, and so did Josh.”
Her eyes widen at the mention of Josh’s name. I should use it more often.
She smacks her lips together. “I suppose that’s what’s important.”
I let out a sigh of relief when she drops her focus on me and turns to someone else.
“Welcome back.” Sam, the woman who sits beside me on class nudges my arm. “I saw the dress. It’s beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“And ignore Judith. She’s just jealous. She’d kill for the publicity you got.”
My cheeks burn. I know Delaney’s life is a far cry from mine—from the life she used to have—but this whole Hollywood thing is like a different world. Coming home from that hasn’t been easy. I miss my friend, but I’m not sure I miss the craziness.
“So, who else did you meet over there? I saw the wedding photos. Reece Evans was the best man, wasn’t he? He’s so gorgeous.”
I swallow hard. “He’s a good guy,” I croak.
“I read he’s about to start making a movie with Josh Carter. Coming Home? I would have killed to be Gabby Reynolds getting to kiss both of them. What’s he like in real life?”
My nostrils pick up the scent of sandalwood out of nowhere, as if Reece is right there. I drop my gaze and shrug. “He’s a guy.”
She giggles. “Yeah, but what a guy. Those pictures of him on holiday in Hawaii …” I look up, and as our gazes connect, her eyes widen. “Oh. You were there, weren’t you?”
I nod slowly. “I was.”
“You’re so lucky. I’d kill to get that close to him. I mean, Josh Carter is gorgeous too. It must be crazy hanging out with them.”
“To be honest, I was really hanging out with Delaney.”
Her expression blanks for a moment. “Delaney? Josh’s wife.”
“The one in the beautiful dress.”
Her wistful smile makes me clamp my lips together. I’ve seen enough reaction on social media to the wedding. It’s a mix of people who are supportive, and then there’s the crowd who hate Delaney with a passion just for being the one to snag Josh.
But they don’t know those two—they were made for each other.
I’m not sure which category Sam fits into.
“Anyway, I’m really glad you’re here. I’m sure you have a ton of stories about the wedding.”
I do. And I’m not sharing them with you.
My phone buzzes in my jacket pocket, and I pluck it out.
Reece: Just checking in. I wanted to make sure you got home okay.
I bite my bottom lip and smile.
Me: I’m back at school today. Thanks for checking up on me.
“Pania?”
Dazed, I meet Sam’s gaze. “Sorry?”
“Stories about the wedding?”
“Oh.” I shrug. “It was beautiful, and there were so many famous people, but I mainly stuck around Delaney and her daughter. I don’t really have any stories.”
Sam screws up her nose. “Stink. Never mind. Want to go for lunch together? If you’ve got any close-ups of that dress, I’d love to see them. My sister’s getting married in a few months, and she’s got a similar figure to Delaney. And she’s got a big thing for Josh Carter.”
I’m not sure this is really a good idea. But my best friend is half a world away, and after my run in with Judith, maybe lunch with a friendly face would be a good idea.
“Sure. Sounds good. I have a ton of photos of the dress.”
Judith says nothing more all morning, but she’s not an easy person to read.
I’m still relieved when it gets to lunchtime, and Sam and I make our way across the road to the seats on the berm opposite the building. It’s not the ideal lunch spot, but it gets us outside for a while.
I eat my leftovers from last night while Sam polishes off her sandwiches, and then I pull out my phone to show her the photos.
I flick through the pictures of the dress. I took photos well before the wedding, so there aren’t any personal moments in them. And I know to stop when I hit photos of my own dress.
“Wow. Looks amazing. They just look so much in love. It’s so sweet.”
I lock my phone and put it down. “They really are.”
She smiles wistfully. “That’s awesome. It’s so weird when you see celebrities and there are stories about them, and you never know what to believe.”
I rub my forehead. “Probably none of them.”
Sam laughs. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
My phone buzzes. I pick it up and swipe to open.
Reece: Hope your day goes well. I’m on the set of our new movie and bored.
My lips twitch.
Me: Bored enough to text me.
Reece: You answer. Josh and Delaney might have finished their honeymoon, but they’re still tucked away together. So boring.
Me: Nice to know I’m third on your list to contact, then.
Sam nudges my arm. “We should get back.”
I look up and blink a few times. “What’s the time?”
“Nearly one. I don’t want to get the evil death stare.”
Laughing, I drop my phone in my bag and stand. “Fair point. Though I’m told I’m pretty good at those too.”
She shivers. “Judith scares me.”
“She’s just a person. Don’t let her intimidate you. We’re paying to study here.”
Her eyes widen. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”
“We’re all adults. If she wants to be petty, then whatever. I’m here to learn.”
Sam laughs. “I like you, Pania.”
“I’m glad to find a friend in class after this morning. I’m sure she’ll forget about it.”
She pushes herself off the bench. “I’m not so sure she will, but I guess we can hope.”
There’s still a few minutes left after we get back to class, and I pull my phone back out of my bag.
Reece: You’re not third on my list. You’re right at the top.
Heat floods my body. But I know him and his reputation. He says that now, but he’s bound to pop up in a magazine with a beautiful woman on his arm.
Me: Glad to hear it. I pause, sucking on my bottom lip. It’s really nice of you to text me. I know you’re busy.
His reply takes my breath away.
Reece: I’ll always have time for you.
15
Reece
It’s been three months since I last saw Pania, but we’ve kept in touch. I know I probably shouldn’t, but nearly every day we’ve exchanged text messages or used Skype. We joke with each other, and there are times when we both open up about things happening in our day-to-day life.
Mine’s not really that exciting right now, even though there are a lot of men out there who would kill to be me today.
“Is it weird getting naked on screen?” Pania asks. She takes a sip of the tea she brewed while chatting to me on Skype.
“Someone has to see all the work I’ve put into myself.” I grin. “It’s not my favorite thing to do, but it’s okay. Gabby’s pretty relaxed about it, which helps.”
Pania screws up her nose. “I don’t know if I want to see this when the movie comes out. It’s weird knowing both of you.”
“No excuses. You have to see this. It’s going to be amazing.”
I jump when someone taps on my trailer door. “I’ve got to go. Talk to you later?”
She claps. “Have fun.”
“That’s so not appropriate.”
She grins as I terminate the call. I hadn’t planned to call her, but when I’m tense, her down-to-earth manner calms me. It’s impossible to be egotistical around her, and for the first time in a long time, I’m able to relax and just be myself.
I make my way out of my trailer and toward the set.
Gabby Reynolds is easily one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, and she’s standing in front of me in a bathrobe, ready and waiting for our big sex scene in the movie.
These scenes always make me nervous, but I’ve spent hours working out to get my physique as toned as possible. Especially when it comes to women like Gabby who are just spectacular.
She smiles. “Ready?”
“No. Never. But I guess we get this done?”
She laughs. “These aren’t my favourite scenes either, but I love the way it works in with the story. And I guess I’m lucky enough to have one scene with you and another with Josh. I’m going to get so many bitchy comments on my social media because of it.”
I raise my eyebrows. “You don’t mind that?”
“I think it’s hilarious. I know how lucky I am to work with amazing actors such as yourselves. And I’m really honoured that you two thought of me when it came to casting this role. I guess I met the Delaney seal of approval.”
At that I roar with laughter. “I think she really just loved the idea of shopping with Antonio while we worked.”
“That’d be right.” She rolls her eyes. “Our credit card bill since we started this movie is sucking up the money you’ve paid me to be here.”
I swallow hard. At the mention of his name, her whole face lights up. I want that. I’ve spent so long avoiding commitment, but I want someone who I’ll make shine like that. Not because of anything else but her loving me.
And all I can think about is kissing Pania.
Now is not the time to think about that.
We’ve practiced this scene fully-clothed all week with the help of the intimacy choreographer we hired. She’s a genius. Gabby and I are ready to do this and are completely comfortable with each other and the scene.
I’ve done these scenes before, and I don’t know if it’s because it’s our movie, but I’m particularly proud of this. Josh’s character is on deployment, and I’m his best friend who crosses a line with his wife. There’s been so much lead up to this, and this is the only time our characters have sex, so getting it right is really important to all of us.
Once we’re on set, I slip off my robe and climb into the bed. I’m in my boxers, and Gabby’s wearing a pair of leggings, but there’s also additional padding to make us both comfortable. There’s enough skin revealed to make it sexy, and even though we both hope there are no slip ups, any clothing revealed will be removed in post-production.
Gabby’s the one with the most on show. She’s topless, and there’s a point where I touch her breasts. But it’s not as explicit as some scenes I’ve shot, and Gabby’s not shy, which is a huge advantage. Although, if she had been, we would have made the changes to make her comfortable. This was her suggestion.
She straddles my hips and looks down at me. I keep eye contact because the last thing we both need is for our performance to cross into real life.
“Ready?” she asks.
“As I’ll ever be.”
We start when the director tells us to. Gabby leans over to kiss me, and once that’s done, she pushes back up and starts moving against me.
I close my eyes.
We follow the directions, but instead of blanking like I usually do, all I can picture is Pania.
I’m not sure if it’s because Gabby’s grinding against me, but that can’t be helping. I’m not even sure what Pania looks like naked. I do not want my mind to wander, but …
Gabby leans over to kiss me. Again, it’s all scripted, but my eyes are closed ,and all I smell is the vanilla scent that Pania seems to always smell of.
