Twist of Fate (Taking Chances #2) - Tia Louise Page 0,82

and I step up. “I’m actually pretty good at making mac and cheese. I can whip up a little for her.”

“You are spoiling her rotten.”

“I’m making up for lost time.”

She points me in the right direction, and I take out a small boiling pot, elbow noodles, a block of sharp cheddar, and a carton of half and half.

Melody climbs up on a stool beside me, and she watches as I season the water. She makes me tell her everything I’m doing, and she’s so cute in her getup, I put a hand around her waist and kiss the top of her head.

Daisy puts the lids on our dinner and slices a loaf of French bread into bite-sized pieces before coating them with butter and popping them in the oven.

“What were you trying to say when the little boss marched in?” She leans against the counter watching us.

“It can wait til later.” We exchange a smile, and her eyes are so warm.

I’m pretty sure I know my decision.

We have a lively dinner in which Melody declares my mac and cheese almost as good as Mr. André’s.

“Almost as good?” I pretend to be offended, until Daisy explains André invented a New Orleans style mac and cheese poboy specifically for Coco and now Melody.

I decide I’ll have to try it next time I’m in the store. “Sounds like I’m not the only one doing the spoiling around here.”

Daisy just shakes her head, and again I note how seamless their life is here. People know them and love them, customers come specifically to Daisy for vintage finds, and she’s so serious about helping them, she’ll drop everything and drive an hour to try and convince a reluctant seller.

I’m sitting on the sofa in the living room, turning these thoughts over in my head as I gaze out the open French doors at the starry night sky. Daisy is putting Melody to sleep when my phone buzzes, and I slide it out of my pocket.

A text is on the face from Lorraine. Big news. Good time to chat?

I touch her name to place the call and walk out onto the balcony. “Lorraine? It’s Scout, what’s up?”

“Scout!” She cries out my name, and I hold the phone away from my ear. “Where have you been? I’ve been looking all over town for you.”

“I had a little break. I’m in Fireside visiting my family.”

“I need you in L.A. tomorrow! Bob Donner got a screener of your movie, and he loved it. He said you’re like a young Paul Newman!” She takes a breath, and I’m thinking I’ve heard that before. “I’m telling you, it’s those baby blues. They’re your meal ticket. Anyway, he’s beating down my door. He wants you in his next film Fight for Justice, and get this… It’s the lead role!”

She emphasizes the last bit, and my chest squeezes. “What’s Fight for Justice? I haven’t heard of that.”

“It’s new!” She’s shouting like it’s the greatest thing since Titanic. “He’d wanted Bradley Cooper, but no one can touch him since A Star is Born.”

“What is it? A legal thriller?”

“No!” She exhales loudly, which means she’s smoking. “It’s an action movie. It’s about an MMA fighter who gets jumped at a bar. You kill the guy, but then you’re accused of murder because of your training. So you have to fight… for justice!”

She says it with so much drama, her enthusiasm is contagious. Daisy enters the living room carrying a glass of red wine, and I turn to face her, pointing to the phone as I repeat, “You said it’s a low-budget action film?”

“With tons of potential. This could lead to big things. Bob is a very prominent director. And did I mention it’s the lead role?”

“You did say it’s the lead.”

Daisy’s eyebrows rise as if she’s impressed, but her eyes drift away from mine.

“Tell you what, let me think about it, and I’ll let you know.”

“Scout, my boy! This is not a ‘let me think about it’ situation. This is a yes, please and thank you situation. It’s your big break. After all we’ve been through, this is it!”

“I hear you.” A knot is at the base of my throat. “I’ll give you my answer first thing.”

“I’ll send you the link to a plane ticket.”

We disconnect, and I enter the living room. “Sorry, it’s only five in L.A.”

“That was your agent?” Her smile is quiet, and I shift uncomfortably.

“Lorraine. She’s one of the best in the business. She sounds like she’s straight out of Brooklyn.