“Oh.” Aly blinked. She could be around for Andy. But her thoughts went back to Will, and pain echoed through her. She swallowed, but before she could respond, the show’s director went on.
“We’re not asking that you lock in all the details today. Just a letter of intent to iron out the specifics with your agent over the next few weeks.” Garry handed her the letter. “We sent it over to Doug already. He’ll be reaching out, but we hoped an in-person plea might sway you.”
Lily cleared her throat.
Garry sighed. “Yes, Lily. You’ll get your contract extension too. I can’t imagine anyone would have the balls to split you two up.”
“That’s right.” Lily smiled.
Logan flinched when Garry landed another elbow to his ribs, then he cleared his throat and said, “You can tell that guy, Bill or whatever—”
“Will.” Aly glared.
“Right. Tell him that I’m in agreement. Your ass belongs to him, and I won’t touch it.” He rolled his eyes and huffed.
Lily snickered, but Aly only pressed her lips together to keep the pain from flaring. Because that sentiment wasn’t true anymore.
“But it’s more than that.” The words surprised Aly as they left her mouth, and everyone turned, wide eyed, to her. None of them expected her to stand up to Logan. The last month with Will ran through her mind. “I don’t want your role on the show, Logan. You’re the face, and your personality and mine are like night and day, but that doesn’t mean our talents aren’t equally important. That you and I aren’t equals. Because honestly, I think the show needs us both. And if I sign this contract, you need to start respecting that. Different but equal.”
Lily couldn’t contain her smile, but Garry just nodded. “That’s what we’ve been trying to say. Maybe not in those words, but Aly, we, the network and the producers do see that.”
Logan narrowed his eyes.
“You’re the star, Logan, but I’m the designer and the talent.” Aly met his gaze until Logan finally nodded.
“Fine. We need each other to make it work.”
“So life won’t revolve around your schedule?” She might have worded it like a question, but there was only one answer he could give that would get her to sign the contract.
“We can all agree that it has to work for you too.” It was begrudging, and he frowned while rolling his eyes. But it was a start, and that was enough.
She nodded and let them out, promising to reach out to Doug. And when they were gone, she flopped back on the sofa and took a gulp of her drink.
“That sucks.”
Aly raised her brow, shocked by the statement.
“Not for me. My family lives here. And now that I know this is home base, I can get an apartment. But for you.” She shook her head and studied the ceiling. “I wouldn’t want to be stuck here having to see Will all the time. What if he starts dating someone?”
Aly’s heart squeezed at the thought, and she groaned. “Stop it.”
“I’m just saying.” Lily picked up her drink and smirked around the straw.
“Lil—”
But she was cut off whenanotherknock sounded on her door.
“What now?” Aly asked as she pulled the door open, expecting Garry and Logan to be back with more promises. Only the man standing on the porch was a huge blond. “Oh-oh, uh.” She cleared her throat. “Come in.”
`Luke Evans towered over her, studying her silently. He was taller than Will, with much lighter hair. Really, they didn’t look like twins. He wiped his work boots on the rug before stepping onto the hardwood floor and ambling past her without comment.
He took in the room, then finally turned to her friend and asked, “Lily?”
Lily cocked her head to the side and gave Aly a wide-eyed look.
“Will’s brother, Luke.” Aly explained.
A slow grin spread over her friend’s face. “You Evans men are all something else. But I’m going to use the bathroom.” She pointed to the stairs. “The master. Far away. I’m going to turn the fan on because I’m weird about peeing around people.” She hopped up and practically skipped up the stairs.