“That’s not what I’m doing,” I protest.
“Bull-fucking-shit.” An ugly sneer slides across his mouth. It’s one I haven’t seen since the early days. “You’re pathetic. Crawling back to him after he’s probably spent months fucking his costar.”
“Reeve has nothing to do with this. He won’t even be in L.A.” I actually have no clue what his schedule is like, but I’m pretty sure that’s the truth. He’s in hot demand, and his schedule is usually jam-packed.
He jabs his finger in my face. “You can’t even admit it to yourself.”
“Dillon, my entire life is back in L.A. My classes are starting in ten days. I’ve signed up for an evening costume design course. I have taken out a lease with Audrey on an apartment near UCLA. My parents are there.”
“You could transfer to Trinity permanently, but you never even tried, did you?”
“The thought did cross my mind.”
He harrumphs. “Yet you did nothing about it.”
Anger simmers under my skin. “Hang on here a second. You never gave me any indication until right now that you wanted me to stay! Do you think I’m a mind reader?”
“Cop the fuck on, Hollywood. We both know what we’re feeling. Or maybe I was the only one who fell.” He purses his lips in disgust as he buttons his shirt.
“You know that’s not true, and what difference would it make anyway, Dillon? You’re not going to be in Dublin for much longer. The band will take off, and you’ll go with them. You’ll be gone for years, and there’ll be groupies and women coming out of the woodwork, and I’ll be pushed aside. We’d try to make it work, but it wouldn’t. I know. I’ve already been there.”
His fists clench at his side, and a muscle pops in his jaw. I have never seen him so angry, and I’m a little bit scared. “Know one thing, Vivien. I amnotReeve Lancaster!” he yells, and I wrap my arms around myself. “I wouldnevercheat on you.Never.”
He walks toward the door, and I stand rooted to the spot in so much pain I can barely breathe.
How did a perfect night become such a nightmare?
His shoulders slump as he turns around in the doorway. All the fight has left his face. “I would have stayed for you, Vivien. I would have fought for you. No matter what happens, know it was real.” He shakes his head sadly. “Goodbye, Hollywood. I hope everything works out for you.”