Alvin and I both declined. There were no hard feelings. I’ll be first in line at Tower Records to pick up a copy of their album—if they ever record one.
Slowly, I started returning phone calls, beginning with Mark Cutter. He sets me up with several artists. Writing songs. Contributing guitar solos. It’s lucrative. I don’t have to go out on the road and be away from Mallory for extended periods of time. And I’m finally having fun creating music again.
By the time the last week of filming for Ocean Ave starts, it’s time to set new plans in motion. The show’s been picked up for another season, so I only have a few months to work with. It hasn’t escaped my notice that Mallory’s turned down all offers to work over her summer break.
Maybe she knows what I have planned.
Mallory
“Bye.” Madeline hugs me in front of my car. “I’m going to miss you! We have to get together and have lunch or something, okay?”
“Sure. You have my number.”
“I’m filming up in Canada, but I’ll definitely call you when I get back.”
She hugs me again before taking off. I’d been offered a small part in the made-for-television woman-in-peril movie Madeline was starring in but turned it down. I can’t shake the feeling that I somehow abandoned Chaser when he needed me by starting filming so soon after Jacob’s death. He’s never hinted that he feels the same.
It seems like Madeline stars in one of these low-budget films every couple of months, so I’m sure I’ll have another opportunity. If not, that’s okay too.
Some things are just more important.
Chaser’s bike is in the driveway. A grin the size of California stretches across my lips. I shove the car door open and jump out.
He steps outside to meet me, grinning from ear to ear.
“What’s that look on your face?” I call out, running up the sidewalk so fast, my feet barely touch the concrete.
Without answering, he sweeps me into his arms, smashing his lips against mine. “Missed you today,” he murmurs. “How’d it go?”
“Great.” I open my mouth and fake a wide-eyed, shocked expression. “We left it on a cliffhanger. Will they or won’t they leave sunny San Diego and move back to Nebraska?” I gasp and pretend to bite my nails.
Chaser’s rumbling laughter warms me all over.
“I kind of feel bad for our fake dad,” I continue. “He has this great job opportunity back home and all my ‘brother’ and I did was nag him about staying in L.A. to work on our tan lines.” I scrunch my nose. “It was shameful.”
“Can’t wait to see it.”
He’s vibrating with an electric energy I haven’t seen in months. Once we’re inside the house, he can’t contain himself any longer. “Pack your bags.”
“Why? Where are we going?”
“You’re done filming, right? Today was the last day?” Concern creeps into his questions.
“Yes.”
“Good.” He picks up an envelope off the entryway table and hands it to me.
Slowly, unsure of what’s happening here, I pull open the envelop and slide two tickets out. My heart pitter-patters. “Kapalua?”
“White sand beaches, sparkling blue water, exceedingly private.” He hands me a brochure featuring stunning photos of everything he described. “Will you run away with me? Vow to love, honor, and fuck me until the day I die?”
“Yes!” I give his rock-hard shoulder a little shove and the corners of his mouth twitch.
“I’m sorry to spring it on you, but I couldn’t wait. We can pick up a bathing suit and whatever you need when we get there.”
It’s time for my own sly smile. Disengaging from our embrace, I hurry into the bedroom. Quickly, because Chaser’s bound to follow me in here, I pull out the pink satin pouch tucked at the back of my top dresser drawer and peek inside. The fanciest swimwear I’ve ever seen, let alone owned is neatly folded inside. I’ve been saving it in anticipation of our beach wedding. Hopefully, I’ll be able to figure out how to get myself into it without Chaser’s assistance.
“Ready?” Chaser asks from outside the doorway.
I jump and shove the pink pouch into my suitcase.
Curiosity piqued, he strolls into the bedroom. “Whatcha hiding?”
“Nothing.”
I stop him with a hand against his chest as he reaches for my suitcase. “It’s rude to go through your wife’s clothes, Chaser. Let there be some mystery.”
A smirk flirts with the corners of his mouth. How I’ve missed his playful, teasing expressions. He curls one hand over my hip and tugs me closer. “No mystery. No secrets