I lift my head, brushing his tears away. “You’re all that for me too, Reeve, but I need you to promise me something.”
“Anything, babe.” He traces his fingers up and down my spine.
“If that changes, I need you to be honest with me.”
“Always, Viv, but I know my heart, and nothing will change.”
I place my hands on his chest, looking him straight in the eye. “This is going to be a true test of our love, Reeve, and let’s not pretend like the last three months have been smooth sailing. We both know it’s been anything but. We won’t survive unless there is total transparency between us, especially if I have to pretend I’m not your girlfriend.” I almost choke on the words. “I don’t like it, and I still think you should stand your ground, but it’s your career, your decision, and I’ll do my best to support you, but you need to be truthful with me.”
“I will. I promise.” He kisses me softly. “It’s going to be okay, Viv.”
I wish I shared his optimism.
* * *
The rest of the summer passes in blissful peace, and it’s just like old times. We spend most days at the beach or hanging out by the pool. At night, we go to the movies or head out for dinner, and there are always several parties to attend. Some paparazzi show up, on occasion, but, for the most part, they seem to have forgotten about Reeve for now. I know it won’t last. I know as soon as the promo starts, things are going to ramp up overnight, but I’m trying not to think about it. To just enjoy being with Reeve and our friends. We have slotted seamlessly back into our easygoing relationship, as if the pain of our separation was a figment of our imaginations.
In the end, Audrey and I decide to take a dorm on campus, and I’m grateful I’ll get to share the college experience with my bestie. It helps to soften the blow of Reeve’s absence.
Most of the undergraduate dorms are in the northwest part of UCLA, called the Hill, and we manage to secure a two-bedroom suite with a private bathroom and living space. It’s not huge, by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s got everything we need. Reeve and Alex came shopping with us, and we picked up lots of things that will help to make the space homey. Reeve will be gone filming reshoots—starting from next Monday—but he’ll be back in time to help us move into our dorm in three weeks.
The guys surprised us this week with a mini vacay to Laguna Beach, renting a fabulous five-bedroom house that is right on the beach. The four of us arrived four days ago, and we’ve spent our days exploring the different beaches, coves, and tidal pools and filling our days with sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. At night, we’ve dined out and returned to our place to enjoy some drinks on the gorgeous deck facing the beach, sipping cocktails under the stars while the gentle ebb and flow of the ocean provides a soothing backdrop to our conversation. It’s hella romantic and just what the doctor ordered.
Reeve and I have taken midnight walks on the gorgeous sandy shore each night, holding hands and stealing kisses, and it’s exactly what we need to remind us of what we have before we are forced to go our separate ways again.
It’s Thursday night, and the guys are grilling steaks and chicken out on the deck while Audrey and I prepare salads in the large fully-equipped kitchen. “What’s this Rudy guy like?” Audrey asks, while we slice tomatoes and dice onions side by side at the counter.
“He seems like a good guy, but I’ve only spoken to him a few times. I know Reeve hit it off with him almost immediately and he’s his closest friend on the set.” Rudy is due to arrive soon along with Nate, and he said he might bring a couple of others from school. Reeve wasn’t keen on Nate joining us, but his parentals just announced they are getting a divorce, and Alex says he’s really messed up and he could use a few days away. It sounds like a recipe for disaster, if you ask me, but he has been on his best behavior since the night of my eighteenth birthday, and like it or not, he’s Alex’s friend.
The doorbell chimes, and I set my knife down, padding to the front door in my silver flip-flops. I quickly check my reflection in the hallway mirror, to ensure I’m presentable.
Unlike the nights we glammed up for dinner on the town, I haven’t made much of an effort with my appearance tonight. There didn’t seem much point since we’re just entertaining at home, but I still want to look nice. So, I’m wearing a short white summery dress with thin straps, my hair is wavy and running loose down my back, and I’m only wearing a touch of lip gloss and mascara. Satisfied I’ll do, I march to the door and swing it open.
I’m immediately swept up into a set of strong arms and twirled around. “Hello, beautiful,” Rudy says, swinging me around once more before planting my feet on the ground. “Wow. Reeve wasn’t exaggerating. You’re gorgeous.” He dazzles me with a stunning smile as he rakes his gaze over me.
Warmth spreads up my neck as I return his smile. “And you’re every bit as charming as Reeve told me you would be.”
“Don’t believe everything those two tell you,” an unwelcome female says. “They are thick as thieves on set and always up to mischief.” I work hard to keep the smile plastered to my face when Saffron—carrying two large suitcases—appears behind Rudy, but it’s difficult when your arch-nemesis shows up without warning.
What the fuck is she doing here? If Reeve knew about this and purposely didn’t tell me, there will be hell to pay.