“Shit, I forgot.”
“Sounds like you have a lot going on. I’m just praying no one calls in tears begging to leave. What can I say? I kinda like it here.”
“You and Vanessa are getting down and dirty,” Knox says. “I like it. Alright, people. I’m off. Got a call time in twenty.”
“Jennifer, you have a wardrobe fitting today, don’t you?” Tyler asks. “If you’d like, I’ll escort you down.”
“As long as you escort me by some donuts and get me a cup of your amazing coffee on the way,” she says, taking his arm and letting him lead her out of the room while Tyler beams.
Dawson moves from the couch to a chair in front of my desk.
“How are you doing?” he asks sincerely. “I remember how shocked I was when Whitney told me she was pregnant. At first, I didn’t believe her.”
“I didn’t believe Shelby either. But I watched her pee on a stick. Watched the line turn pink. She’s definitely pregnant. Just don’t know for sure if it’s mine, but I’m pretty sure that it is.”
“Well, then, congrats, bro. Having children is a wondrous thing.”
“I’m getting Shelby an apartment. Do you think that’s stupid of me, not knowing for sure?”
“No, I don’t. If she is the mother of your child, you want to treat her with respect, Riley.”
“And if she’s not?”
“Then you say goodbye and wish her the best.”
I smile. “Thanks. I needed to hear that.”
Asher Vineyards — Sonoma County
ARIELA
I’m outside checking the progress on the brick path Keatyn wanted installed when I notice a black town car pull up to the house.
Kyle gets out of the car and waves, so I go down to greet him.
“Asher Vineyards, huh? This looks like a pretty swanky place,” he says, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “So is this really the land Keatyn gave to Aiden at the end of the movie?”
“Yes, they actually filmed that scene here.”
“Can I see the spot where they stood?”
“Sure, come on. We can drop your bags off in one of the guest houses on the way.”
“There’s more than one guest house?”
“There are four on this property here. You’ll be staying in one with me.”
He gives me a devilish grin. “Are we sharing a bed?”
“No.”
“Oh, I get it. You’ll pretend you’re sleep walking and accidentally fall on my dick.”
I laugh. “I don’t think so. But the other guest houses are being prepped for the family and friends who will be staying on site.”
As we walk toward one of the little casitas, he says, “This looks like a normal house. I thought guest houses were supposed to be small.”
“These aren’t. Each one is about fifteen hundred square feet and feature two bedroom suites along with a small kitchen, living, and dining room. The one across the way there is larger and has three bedrooms.” We drop his bags off and then continue to the spot.
“Is that an altar? I thought the party was a fundraiser.”
“It is,” I say carefully. “But there’s going to be a wedding at it.”
“Keatyn and Aiden got engaged recently,” he says.
“Yes, they did. But the wedding is a vow renewal for Maggie and Logan.”
“Logan was Aiden’s best friend, played lacrosse, and was the Bad Prince in the school play, right?” he asks, citing what he knows from the movie.
“Yes, he and Maggie—”
“Dance team. Funny as shit. She and Logan got back together on the play stage,” he interrupts.
I narrow my eyes at him.
He rolls his. “Fine. I went and saw the movie again and took notes. I figured I’d need to know who all the players are. So Logan and Maggie are married and they want to renew their vows and you have to plan not only a fundraiser but a wedding, too?”
“Exactly.”
“Sweet. So what do you want me to do?”
I hand him a notebook filled with lists. “Start at the top and work your way down. Make sure everything is getting done. If it’s not, come find me.”
He leans in close to me. “Oh, don’t worry, tonight, I’ll come find you. Especially now that I know where you’re sleeping.”
“I lock my door,” I tease.
“Won’t matter. You’ll be coming to me.”
Vanessa’s Estate - Holmby Hills
VANESSA
I’m just pulling into my driveway when I get an unexpected call from Bam’s mother.
“Vanessa, darling. How good it is to hear your voice.”
“Thank you. Are you and Mr. Martinez well?”
“That is why I’m phoning you. My beloved husband is on death’s doorstep.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. When did he become ill?”
“The doctors found cancer just a few months ago. It is aggressive and too advanced to do much other than keep him comfortable until he passes.”
“Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Actually, there is. You and Juan must reconcile immediately.”
“He’s dating some model.”
“They broke up.”
“They did have quite an age difference,” I say, trying my best to keep the snark out of my voice.