“Ain’t that the truth.”
Chapter Nineteen
King
I was jittery as I walked away from the last scene of the day. It was probably why we’d had to reshoot so many takes. I couldn’t get my upcoming reunion with my mom and Phoenix out of my mind. I might’ve even called my costar Mom once, in the middle of a scene.
Fun times.
I hadn’t been this distracted and unprofessionalever, in my entire career. Even the director had noticed. That had been a fun conversation.
I just wanted to go home, hug my daughter, and lose myself in Briar—but I couldn’t. First, I had to introduce my daughter to her (maybe) evil grandmother. And I had to do it in a way that wouldn’t freak out my kid but would also not let my mom get away with any of her bullshit.
Why did I think this was a great idea again?
“It’s not that bad, boss,” Adam said as he sidled up next to me, handing me my cell phone. “Pretty sure that last take was money.”
“Thanks Adman.” I thumbed through my texts but didn’t see anything urgent. “Hey, I’m going to need you to take the car home tonight.”
“You’re actually going to let me drive us home?” Adam all but rubbed his hands together. He would caress my Shelby GT 500 when he thought I wasn’t looking. I couldn’t blame him—she was gorgeous. And expensive.
“Nah, I want you to take her home. I’m gonna ride with Zoe and Briar, so I need someone I can trust to treat my baby right.” And no, it didn’t escape my notice that I called both my car and Briar baby. They were both precious. “You got the keys?”
Adam’s eyes lit up. “Right here.” He pulled the keys out of his knapsack. “Are you serious? You’re trusting me with Eleanor?”
“You really gotta stop with that Eleanor shit, Ad. She’s Shelby or my baby, but this isn’tGone in 60 Secondsand you’re not Kip Raines.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Can I go?” Adam all but danced in place.
“Treat my baby right, or your ass is grass. I’m serious, Adam. Do not reenact any scenes from that goddamn movie with my baby. We clear?” The last thing I needed tonight was a call from the police that they had my car and my assistant in custody. Or even worse, smashed against a cliff somewhere along the PCH.
Some of his excitement drained away, and I could’ve sworn he glared at me. “Clear,Sir.”
I sighed. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
Adam turned on his heel and walked away muttering to himself. How he could go from the highest of highs to a petulant punk in a blink—it gave me whiplash. No doubt he was just as tired as the rest of us. I couldn’t wait until this job was over. We all needed some time off.
I was ten feet away from my trailer when my cell rang. Seeing my brother’s name, I stopped and answered. Honestly I was thankful for the distraction.
“Hey, Rome.”
“King! I didn’t think I’d get you.”
I had to laugh at that. “Then why did you call?”
“Eh, why not? Listen, I wanted to talk specifics about our visit. I think we can be there next week if everything lines up.”
Dammit, with everything going on I’d forgotten about Rome’s visit. I should’ve thought through how to break the news to him. My mind raced.
When I didn’t say anything, Rome huffed an annoyed breath. “I thought you’d be happier about seeing me, bro.”
I cleared my throat. “I am. And Zoe is too. Or will be when I tell her. I, uh, I just want to give you a heads up about something.”
“That doesn’t sound ominous at all.” Rome barked out a laugh.
I sighed and stared down at my shoes. “Ah, shit.” Quick like a Band-Aid. “Phoenix showed up at my place last night with Mom. They’re staying in the guesthouse.”
“Right. We’re not coming then.”