Even Ground (Hollywood Kiwis Book 2), page 15
“I’m going to try and keep Delaney off her feet as much as I can. She’s had swollen ankles the past few days, and I know she’s putting on a brave face. But I think we’ll be good.”
“This must be unreal for her.”
He laughs. “It’s unreal for me. But I want her to have the night of her life.”
“You’re a good husband.”
“That’s what she tells me. I’ll let you get back to your call, and finish getting ready.”
“See you later.”
After the call’s ended, I pause for a moment to take a breath before heading back into the living room.
“Back.” I smile.
“Don’t you have to go?” I check the clock. If I give myself another fifteen minutes here, I’ll still be there in plenty of time. “I don’t have to leave for a while. And talking to you is calming my nerves.”
Pania’s lips twitch. “Since when do you have nerves?”
You still have no idea.
“I know you think I’m an overly confident asshole, but underneath is a pretty sensitive guy.”
She leans back in her chair, and her tongue slides across her bottom lip, making me draw in a deep breath.
“It’d be good to see more of that.” That adorable dimple on her left cheek pops up as she smiles. “Show the world who you really are. And for the record, I don’t think you’re any kind of arsehole.”
“Not arsehole. Asshole. There’s a difference.”
Pania clasps her hands together as she leans forward again and laughs. “What’s the difference? Apart from your terrible pronunciation.”
“I’ll have you know I once made an entire movie with an English accent. I know my arseholes from my assholes.”
She flicks her long hair back, amusement all over her face. “I remember that movie. Your accent wasn’t that great.”
“Okay. Now I’m offended and I’m hanging up the call.”
She does that thing with her tongue again, and I know it’s an empty threat. I don’t want to disconnect. If tonight wasn’t so important, I’d sit here and talk to her till I fall asleep.
“I really love our friendship, Pania. I hope you know that.”
She grins from ear to ear. “Me too. You’re a good guy, Reece. Better than I think you realise.”
“I’m glad you think so.”
“Good luck.” She grimaces. “Is it bad luck to wish you good luck?”
I fiddle with my bow tie. “I don’t think so. I do appreciate it.”
“Knock ‘em dead, Reece. I’ll be watching on TV. Gotta look out for my girl.”
I grin. “I’ll be sure to give her a kiss from you. And a hug. And maybe another kiss.”
Pania rolls her eyes. “You’re such a dick. Go and have some fun.”
After the call disconnects, I sit and look at the blank screen for a minute. I’m never sure how I feel when I’m not with her, but even when we’re talking on the phone, Pania has this way of making me feel good.
She’s got just as smart a mouth as Delaney, but that helps me keep my feet on the ground.
I used to envy Josh that he had Delaney. We used to try and keep each other from getting big-headed, but she keeps him grounded in a way no one else ever could. Pania does the same for me, although I don’t even know if she realises.
Delaney’s now six months pregnant, and it’s brought her and Josh closer than ever. I want what they have so much I can taste it, and for the first time in my life, I can see a path forward for me.
It’s been easier than I thought it would be.
For so long I was hooked on the good life, cruising with no responsibilities. Now I want more, and I’m so close to feeling good enough about myself to reach it.
I look at the clock again.
Better get this show on the road.
Delaney glows. She has this radiance about her tonight, and it’s hard to look away. Josh was always my best friend, but his wife is right up there with him. Her calmness soothes my soul even when it’s not aimed at me. Delaney asked Pania to attend, but it’s mid-term for her. I just wish more than anything she was with us.
I’m not even sure I should be here.
I never thought I’d be an award-nominated actor. Sure, maybe Teen Choice or something like that, but an Academy Award?
This is an event I might never get to attend again. But then again, this is a movie unlike any I’ve ever made before. Sure, I messed around in the beginning, but once we started filming, we all put our heart and soul into it. I’ve never believed in anything so much.
“Delaney, you look amazing.”
She turns and meets my gaze. “You don’t scrub up too bad yourself.”
I peck her on the cheek. “Excited?”
She beams. “Terrified. But I’m here, and everything seems to be going well. We’ve stopped about five times for Josh to be interviewed, and my ankles will be mega-swollen by the time we get inside. But it’s a wonderful night. Good luck.”
I adjust my bow tie. “It’s crazy to think we’re even nominated. You’re our good luck charm.”
She laughs, shaking her head. “No way. You guys just needed to get your shit together.”
I squeeze her arm. “That’s why I love you. You’re so upfront with me.”
Blushing, she drops her gaze. “Always.”
“Reece.”
I shift my gaze to Josh, walking toward us. He slips an arm around Delaney, and she gives him that look of absolute devotion that I envy so much.
“It’s good to see you, man. Let’s head in,” Josh says.
We get shown to our seats which are right near the front, close to the stage. Josh, Delaney, and I are at the end of the row, with Gabby and Antonio on the other side of the aisle. There are other production staff seated around us, and it feels so good to be part of a solid group that made such a wonderful movie.
We’re up for a host of awards—our movie didn’t just kill at the box office, but it got the critical acclaim we craved for it.
Even if we win nothing, we’ve achieved so much more than we ever thought possible.
My category is first up, and I feel as if I’m holding my breath while they go through the nominees.
“And the Oscar for best supporting actor goes to …”
I clench my fists. There’s no way I’ve got this—not with four other amazing actors who turned in brilliant performances. I’m in what’s basically an indie film I made with my best friend.
“Reece Evans in Coming Home.”
I lean back in my seat.
Beside me, Delaney lets out a yell and grabs hold of my arm. It takes a moment for my brain to register what I just heard, and I grin, leaning over to hug her.
Standing along with Delaney and Josh, I manoeuvre past her heavily pregnant bump and grip Josh’s arm, pulling him into a hug.
“We did it,” I whisper.
“This is just the start.” He pulls back, his eyes so full of joy, and we’re just at the start of the night.
On the other side of the Aisle, Gabby’s clapping for me, tears glistening in her eyes. She’s nominated for best supporting actress, but they’re not presenting that until about halfway through the ceremony. And she deserves to win because I cry every time I watch our film. Although, that might also be because I was in the best condition I’d ever been in for our half-naked sex scene.
I head straight for her. She’s the one who kills it in our scenes, and while she’s up for her own award, I owe a lot to her for being such a great scene partner.
“Congratulations.” Antonio slaps me on the back, and I give Gabby a quick hug before heading to the stage.
Accepting my golden statuette, I look over it in awe. “Err …” I shake my head. “I never thought I’d ever be doing this.” I run my fingers over my chin. “I was sure one of the other guys would win.” There’s a lot of laughter, and I focus my gaze on Josh. “From the first acting class we were in, I knew Josh Carter was special. He had this way of holding the audience in his hand, and we were immediately the best of buddies. I owe way more to that man than anyone will ever know, and, Josh, you are the person I have to thank for this. You pulled us all together, and you made this happen, and now look at us.”
I shift my gaze to Gabby. “And to Gabby Reynolds for just being the best scene partner and making me look good.”
She kisses her fingers and blows the kiss to me.
“I’d also like to thank the academy, and all those friends and family who have supported my career. You know who you are.”
Waving the statuette in the air, I walk off the stage, my chest swelling with pride. I’d never been nominated for an Oscar before, and it took making a movie with my best bud to get this.
It’s the best night of my life.
I’m going to get drunk. Very, very drunk.
I’m going to celebrate like I’ve never celebrated before and have so many regrets tomorrow.
“Give me that.” Delaney grabs my statuette from me and shoves it into a bag.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m holding onto them because you’re all drinking and I don’t want any lost.”
I grin. “You’re the best.”
“I know. It’s why you love me.” She waves me away. “Now, shoo and have some fun.”
“What about you?”
She tilts her head to the side. “Josh is just securing a table.” She looks down at her baby bump and runs her hand over it. “I need to get off my feet.”
“Good thinking.” I kiss her on the cheek. “Thank you for everything. I couldn’t have done this without you and Josh.”
“Bollocks.” Her eyes shine.
“I’ve got a table,” Josh says as he approaches us. “Let’s go over here. Any sign of Gabby and Antonio?”
“I think they’ve gone to have a private party.” I shrug.
He shakes his head. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?”
Leading us through the crowd, Josh takes us to a table tucked in the corner and near the bathroom. For a moment, I wrinkle my nose before Delaney grabs his arm and kisses him.
“Thank you. It’s perfect,” she says before taking a seat.
“I thought you’d gone mad.” I laugh.
“So does anyone when I say I want a table near the bathroom. But it makes it easier for Delaney, and it’s worth the odd looks.”
For the rest of the evening, Josh and Delaney hold court at the table. Josh watches over her like a hawk, and even though he’s drinking, he keeps it to a minimum.
I’m not under any obligation to behave.
And the only thing I do is drink. I get at least two blatant propositions, and one that tries to be subtle, but I’m not about to throw nearly two years of good behaviour away. That’s the life I used to lead.
Eventually, I stumble back to the table, and Delaney rolls her eyes as I sit beside her.
“I love you,” I croon, leaning my head on her shoulder.
“I love you too.” She leans her head against mine.
“Josh is such a lucky bastard,” I slur. “I wish I had a woman like you in my life.”
She chuckles. “I am in your life. Just in a purely platonic I-love-you-like-a-brother kind of way.”
I raise my head. “Oh, I’m not coming onto you, Delaney. I respect you and Josh too much for that. But can we clone you?”
Delaney sighs and shakes her head. “That’s a little creepy.”
“Probably, but when has that ever stopped me?”
She’s got that caring look on her face, where her expression’s all soft and it tells me she’s slipped into Mom mode. “One day you’ll find the right person, Reece.”
“Do you think Josh would be open to a time-share arrangement?”
“A what?”
“Come on, dude. Let’s go home.” Josh lays a hand on my arm.
“I think I might stay and have a few more drinks.”
Delaney nudges my other elbow. “Come with us and I’ll make mac and cheese for lunch tomorrow. You can have a whole dish for yourself.”
“Really? I’d go anywhere for your mac and cheese.” I smile. This is why she’s perfect. She knows the way to my heart is through my stomach. So does Pania. Pania.
I want more than just friendship with her.
I want her.
Swallowing hard, I look at Josh. “I think I’m in love.”
“Sure you are. Let’s get you back to our place.”
I sit between them on the limo ride home. Not that I remember much of the journey.
The cool night air bites when Josh helps me out onto the steps at the front of their house, and I’m not even sure how we make it upstairs.
Josh supports me, as I’m a bit loose on my feet. Reaching the bed, he pushes me onto it and shakes his head as I kick off my shoes and let them drop to the floor.
“We won. Come here you gorgeous hunk of a man and give me a hug.” I lurch for him.
Josh laughs. “Now I know you’ve had too much to drink.”
“Not enough if you ask me.”
“Get some sleep. I’m going to go to bed with my wife. Sleep it off and she’ll cook whatever you want tomorrow, I’m sure. I’m just glad you’re here and safe.”
I undo the top button of my shirt. “We won.”
“We did. Get some sleep.”
He walks to the door, flicking off the light before he walks out and closes the door behind him. I pull my phone out of my jacket pocket, then strip off the rest of my clothes, throwing them on the floor before climbing into bed and pulling the blanket over me.
I pick up the phone and squint at the bright light.
Me: I wish you were here. We won … everything. I fucking miss you.
I toss the phone down beside me on the bed and close my eyes to try and stop the room from spinning. Tonight would have been so much better with Pania here. She’s buried deep inside me now, and I don’t know if she wants something more serious, but I know one thing for sure.
I do.
“You know, if it wasn’t my house, I’d throw a bucket of water over you to wake you up.” Delaney’s voice breaks through my dreams, and I reluctantly open one eye.
She places a tray on the bedside cabinet, and I moan at the scent of pancakes.
“Take it easy on me. I’m delicate.”
The sound of her laughter penetrates my brain. “You’re hungover, that’s what you are. I brought painkillers.”
I open my other eye, wincing as my head thuds. “You’re an angel.”
The bed sinks as she sits on the edge, and I push myself up to grab the tray. Perfectly cooked pancakes are piled high on the plate, and there are side dishes of butter, syrup, and bacon. Two small pills sit beside the large mug of coffee.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. We all had a pretty big night last night.”
I blow out a breath. “It was one of the best nights of my life.”
Her eyes dance. “Josh’s too. I’m so proud of all of you.”
I move the tray from my lap to the other side of the bed and clasp my hands above my head, stretching out.
“Can you please put your abs away?”
“Why? Do they do something for you?”
Delaney rolls her eyes. “I’ve got my own set out there, thanks. Yours are just distracting when I’m trying to talk.”
I pull up the blanket and grin. “Sorry.”
“You’re trouble, Reece Evans.”
“That’s why you love me.”
Delaney’s cheeks pink up, and she meets my gaze head on. “I do love you. You were an unexpected bonus when Josh and I got back together. You’re one of my best friends.”
I grin. “How do I get that number one spot?”
“That’s reserved for Pania.” Delaney cocks her head. “But you’re right up there.”
Letting out an exaggerated sigh, I move the tray back to my lap. “Always second best.”
“That won’t always be true. You’ll work yourself out one day.” Delaney pushes herself to her feet and rubs her baby bump. “You’re a better person than you think.”
She turns and walks to the door.
“Delaney.”
She pauses and looks back at me.
I swallow hard. I do love her, but not in a romantic way. In an I-always-wished-I-could-have-a-sister way.
Her brows knit. “Are you okay?”
“I just wanted to say thank you. For everything. You feed me, and you let me crash here when I need to, even though my apartment is five minutes away.”
Her gentle smile warms my heart. “There will always be a bed here for you, Reece. Whenever you need it.”
She winks and leaves the room, closing the door behind her.
Josh gets to wake up in the mornings with the one woman who will always be there for him. She laughs at my sometimes hare-brained ideas, but in her own gentle way, Delaney backs me, too, and I appreciate that more than I can say.
But I want that backing for myself with someone I know I can always rely on.
Pania.
Shit. I grab my phone from the bed. A new message notification sits on my screen, and I close my eyes. What did I send her?
I take a peek at the screen.
Pania: Have you been drinking? Miss you too, doofus. Congratulations.
I grin.
She misses me.
My head’s still pounding, but it doesn’t matter. Pania misses me. I’m such a pussy when it comes to her. What I should do is just tell her how I’m feeling, but I’m scared she’ll laugh.
Tomorrow, I start work on another movie—there’s no downtime for me for the next three months. When that’s done, I’m due a break.
And then I can plan for my future.
19
Reece
Three months after our Oscar win, and I’m about to wrap another movie. Being here is hard. What I want to do is take off to New Zealand and put it all on the line for Pania. But I’m also well aware of all my flaws. Including the fact that I’ve never put down roots, and she’s the kind of woman who would want that.
I need to know I can do it before I make a move.
But that doesn’t mean I can’t still pursue whatever this is between us.
