InHap*pily Ever After (Incidental Happenstance)

by DeSalvo, Kim

  “It all started to make sense to me then—the lost phone number, the computer crash, the change of assistants—and I called the director immediately, and told him to call the police. I had him wait with her while I barged in to Angela’s trailer—I just knew she had to have had help keeping the whole thing together. She caved pretty quickly and told me everything I’ve told you; of course saying that Penelope forced her into the whole mess. I found out that night that Tia hadn’t dumped me at all—in fact, even though she’d been told to burn them, Angela had kept Tia’s letters to me in a shoebox, and she finally handed them over. I tell you, it was like holding a treasure when she gave me that box. I realized, of course, that Tia had been going through the same kind of hell, and that she was still in the dark; thinking I’d dumped her. The only thing I could do was to find her right away. I spent most of that night in the police station, giving statements, and the rest of it reading all of Tia’s letters. I met with the director the next day, and refused to do one more scene with that horrid woman. We filmed a few scenes with a double the next morning, after I got in touch with Jessa and begged forgiveness. Thankfully, she’d suspected all along that Penelope had been behind the whole mess, and said that she’d be thrilled to make her first order of business helping me and Tia get back together, and she worked on tickets to get me back here. I just arrived yesterday morning.”

  There was a collective quiet at the table as each tried to assimilate the information. Danielle looked at Tia with pity in her eyes.

  “This is the first time I’ve heard it, too,” Tia said. “We didn’t want to talk about it yesterday…we were just so happy to be together and didn’t want anything to spoil the only private time we’re going to have for a while.”

  “I can’t believe that anyone could be so…damn, I don’t even know a word for it!” Will growled.

  Danielle took in the look on her daughter’s face. “I shouldn’t have even asked. I’m so sorry, sweetie.”

  Tia reached over and took her mom’s hand. “I’m the one who’s sorry! None of this bad stuff matters now… we have a happy ending—a happy new beginning—and today is for celebrating! I can’t tell you how horrible I felt keeping all this from you guys. I’m just sorry I never told you!”

  “What?” Danielle asked. “You mean about who Dylan really is?”

  “I wanted to tell you so badly at least a million times,” she said. “But I was afraid of how people would react and how my life would change, and Dylan was so far away, and then I thought we’d broken up…”

  “Oh sweetie, you’re absolutely right!” her mother quickly agreed. “Don’t you feel guilty for one minute—I can’t even imagine what a struggle that was for you. Of course you did the right thing. Now no more talk about that horrid woman… let’s change the subject to happier things, OK? Let’s start at your beginning. This is all new news us, so you have to tell us everything! How in the world did you two meet, anyway?” her mother asked enthusiastically. The tone at the table changed completely as they spent the next hour talking about their relationship, the places they’d visited on the tour, and their love. Tia felt so relieved to be able tell her parents the happy things, and was thrilled as they fell into an easy conversation. She knew that her parents would love Dylan, and soon they were laughing together and sharing stories like old friends. They could all feel the presence of the people who looked on—Tia couldn’t help put peek over the barrier once to see that every table in the restaurant was full and many others stood around the edges, but as anxious as the atmosphere was in the room, no one trespassed on the sanctity of the DND.

  They all scooched around to the same side of the table, lining up their chairs so Tia could share some of the pictures and videos that she hadn’t been able to show before. Her throat tightened as she sat with the people she loved the most; sandwiched between Dylan and her mother. She hadn’t felt so much peace in a long time, and she was overcome with emotion. This was ending up to be a great day.

  When they got back to the present and had answered what seemed a million questions, they all stopped and took a collective breath. It was a lot to absorb in one sitting, and Dylan could almost see their minds spinning. In a normal situation, they would have gotten this information over the course of months. However, he thought wryly, introducing a popular celebrity at the middle of an international scandal as your boyfriend would never qualify as a normal situation. He needed to give them some time to catch up with it all; and to catch up with each other. He took advantage of a lull in the conversation to give them just that. “I’m sure you have a lot to talk about as a family,” he said, standing, “Tia told me that there is a back entrance here—do you think I could make it to the men’s room without being noticed?”

  Will pulled out his wallet and handed him a card. “You can head outside through that door,” he said pointing, “and turn left. You’ll see the outside entrance for the locker room a few doors down and you can swipe the card to get in. Considering half the membership of the place is in the dining room and it’s only twelve degrees outside, I doubt you’ll run into anyone.”

  Dylan pressed his lips to the top of Tia’s head. “I’ll give you all some time to catch up, and be back in a bit.” He donned his coat, pulled a hat over his head and slipped out into the December day.

  Chapter 5

  The entrance to the locker room was well marked, and Dylan stepped inside. The room appeared empty, and he took a seat on a long leather couch that spanned the back wall across from a marble vanity top that held four basin sinks. He picked up a magazine, disappointed that there wasn’t a copy of Person to Person on the coffee table—he hadn’t yet had a chance to see his story in print—and settled in to wait.

  He flipped mindlessly through pages filled with yachts, exotic cars, private planes and other indulgences, but he stopped and stared at a Harry Winston ad toward the back of the magazine, finally tearing it out and folding it into his pocket. As he reached for another magazine, he heard the whoosh of another door opening and then voices and the slam of locker doors. A short time later a shower went on, and then a man about his age walked over to the counter and spread shaving cream over his face. He took one swipe with the razor before catching Dylan’s reflection in the mirror. He jumped, startled, and turned toward Dylan.

  “Whew,” he said, “you scared me, man!” Dylan watched the recognition dawn on the man’s face as his brows furrowed. “Oh shit, aren’t you Dylan Miller?”

  Dylan stood. “I am. Good to meet you.”

  “Wow! My pleasure, man. I’m a fan of your music!” He extended his hand, and Dylan shook it.

  “Thanks a lot—I appreciate that.”

  He shook his head. “This is too crazy! Do you have a show in town tonight or something? I don’t remember hearing about one.”

  “No, not tonight,” Dylan said. “I’m in town on personal business.”

  “Wow,” he said again, “this is too weird to be standing here talking to you!” He stroked his chin and realized his face was still covered with shaving cream. He reached behind him and grabbed a towel, swiping his cheeks. “Are you thinking of joining the club? It’s a great place; I’d be happy to sponsor you!”

  Dylan could almost see the wheels turning in his head. It was the same story—this guy didn’t know anything about Dylan except that he was a celebrity, but he’d be “happy to sponsor him.” The guy figured that being Dylan’s friend would mean invitations to parties, celebrity outings, access to lots of women…he’d been down that road before.

  “I’m sorry,” Dylan said. “I didn’t get your name…”

  “Oh shit, I’m sorry,” he chuckled. “I just freaked out a little bit—I’m Jace. Jace McIntire.” He reached out his hand and shook again by way of introduction.

  Dylan’s eyes narrowed as the name registered in his mind. What were the chances? First, that there was more than one Jace in this particular club, and second, that he’d run into him like this, when there was no one else around
except for someone that just turned on a shower somewhere out of his sight? Incidental happenstance, once again, perhaps? He clenched his teeth and forced calm over his features. Part of him wanted to flatten the guy; Dylan knew that he’d tried to make Tia doubt his own intentions; but that wasn’t his style. It didn’t mean he couldn’t have a little fun with him, however.

  “I’m not sure if I’ll be looking to join,” Dylan said, contemplatively. “I’m just here as a guest today. It seems like a nice place, though.”

  Jace nodded enthusiastically. “Oh, it is! We’ve got a great golf course—do you golf? I’d love to get you out there sometime. We’ve got a great restaurant, a full service spa, an Olympic sized pool, racquetball, tennis…you name it. Has anyone taken you on a tour? I could show you around, if you have some time. It’d be great to have you as a member, so if you need anything—want to play a little racquetball, need a dinner reservation, anything at all—I’ve got some pull around here, and I’d be glad to help you out with anything you need, brother.”

  This had to be the guy, Dylan thought. His arrogance was obvious, and he was blatantly sucking up for his own advantage. “Well, now that you mention it,” he said casually, “there is something you could help me out with,” Dylan said.

  “Just name it,” Jace replied eagerly. “Anything at all!”

  “I appreciate that, mate, thanks. I’m looking for a person, actually; a member here, but I think it’s only fair to tell you that I’m not looking for him because he’s a friend.”

  Jace nodded, contemplating. “OK by me,” he said. “I know pretty much everyone here—what’s his name?”

  “That’s the problem see; I don’t know his name,” Dylan said smoothly. “What I do know is that he’s some sort of hot shot lawyer who thinks the world revolves around him—a serious prick from what I understand.”

  Jace laughed. “I’m an attorney myself. Believe me, I know a few guys like that. Why, do you need representation for something? If so, I’m your man. Seriously. I dabble in a little bit of everything.”

  Dylan smiled. “That’s not it, but thanks. No, it’s purely a personal issue. This particular asshole was trying real hard to steal my girlfriend, and I’d love to have a few words with him, if you know what I mean.” He tilted his head conspiratorially and Jace returned the gesture, nodding. Right where I want you, Dylan thought.

  “Why would anyone think they could take a woman away from you?” he joked.

  “Well, that’s where it gets interesting, Jace—you see, he didn’t know that I was her boyfriend, only that she had one. But what difference should that make, right? What kind of wanker would try to steal anyone’s girlfriend?” He glared directly into his eyes, making sure his displeasure was coming through loud and clear.

  Dylan’s lips curled up slightly when he saw the quick drop of Jace’s eyes, the slight falter of his perma-grin. But so far, he was doing a passable job of maintaining his cool.

  “I agree,” Jace nodded, “that’s pretty low, man.”

  “Damn fucking straight it is.” Dylan gave him another hard stare, and waited just a beat too long before continuing. “Obviously, I travel a lot for work,” he smiled, “and for the past few months I’ve been filming a movie in New Zealand…” he paused for effect, and smirked inwardly when he saw the realization sinking in. Jace swallowed hard, and his expression did more than falter; it started to visibly crash. His eyes widened, and the corners of his lips started to quiver.

  “This bastard knew she was in love with someone,” Dylan continued, his voice more menacing, “but he had the fucking audacity to tell her that because I was a musician I wouldn’t be faithful to her, and probably wouldn’t ever come back. Then, the asshole actually suggested that she give him a shot since I was so far away and would never know the difference. Can you believe the nerve?” He tried to keep his face serious, but inside he was having incredible fun watching the man start to squirm.

  Jace just shook his head, and tried to paste a look of disgust on his face. Shit. Tia was fucking dating Dylan Miller? No wonder she rejected him! Who could compete with that? He couldn’t blame the guy for being pissed off, either, but he was becoming increasingly aware of the look in the dude’s eyes. Did he know—was Miller just toying with him?

  “That sucks, man,” he replied nervously. “So, you want to have it out with this dude, or what?” His fight or flight response was starting to kick in as adrenaline pumped through his veins and he was feeling particularly edgy. He needed to know what to expect. He rolled his weight to the balls of his feet and shifted his center of gravity back and forth while willing a look of composure to cover his nervousness.

  “I’m not entirely sure yet,” Dylan said. “The gentleman in me just wants him to see us together, so he has a face to put with my girl that isn’t his.” Jace exhaled slowly through clenched teeth. “But I have to be honest with you mate, the gentleman in me is kind of taking a back seat. The caveman in me wants to wrestle him to the ground, put my hands on his cocky little throat, get right up in his face…” he took a step closer to Jace, just a touch into his personal space, and glared into his eyes. He had a couple inches on the prick, and the fact that Jace was cowering just a bit, unnerved by the lack of comfortable distance between them, gave Dylan the definite advantage. “…and tell him, ‘Never again, asshole. Never. Fucking. Again. You never stood a chance in hell, but you made my girl uncomfortable, and if you so much as go near her again, I will take extreme pleasure in seriously kicking your ass.’” He waited a couple beats and smiled warmly, then took a step back, relaxing his posture. He patted Jace on the arm and he jumped back nearly a foot. “As you can imagine, there’s a pretty big part of me that does just want to kick his ass and be done with it. I’m trying real hard to keep that part under control, but who knows?” He shrugged his shoulders and smiled again. “I’m not entirely sure what I’ll do until I’m face-to-face with him, I guess, but I’d like to have the opportunity to find out.”

  Jace tried to keep his face calm and his voice steady, but he was failing miserably at both. His hands were shaking—he saw the malice in Miller’s eyes and was positive now that the dude knew exactly to whom he was speaking.

  Jace looked down at his watch with an exaggerated motion. “Shit,” he stammered, “I’m sorry, but I’m meeting my girlfriend for lunch,” he said, emphasizing the word girlfriend, “and I’m already late. I’ve…got to go. I, ah, I’ll see what I can do about your…um…situation.” He didn’t ask for the girlfriend’s name or how to get in touch with him if he did find something out, and Dylan smiled, knowing the message was received loud and clear.

  “Oh, sure, I understand. I hope you do, as well. I am glad I met you, Jace,” Dylan said in a much less pleasant voice, drawing out his name with a snake-like hiss.

  Jace turned once more, the discomfort clear in his eyes. “You too,” he managed, but the door was already swinging shut.

  “Hey Jace,” Lexi said as he rushed past her on his way out the door. “Is Ryan in there?”

  He glared at her and kept walking, his cheeks still smeared with shaving cream and a towel hanging around his neck. “What’s up with you?” she called to his fleeing figure.

  Then the locker room door opened again, and Dylan walked out, a huge smile on his face.

  “Dylan?” she asked incredulously, stopping and staring. “Holy shit! It is you!”

  “Hey, Lexi!” he smiled. “Great to see you!” He pulled her into a friendly hug.

  “Oh my God, Dylan, what are you doing here? So you’re what all the buzz around here is about—that explains a lot,” she continued, without waiting for an answer. “Wait a minute, are you and Tia…?” She couldn’t seem to find the rest of the words.

  “We are!” he said, his smile growing. “She rang you last night—didn’t you get the message?”

  “Shit, I had to go to a freaking opera, and I lost my phone in a taxi, and I…but who cares, you and Tia are back together? For real?” She
squealed the last words, her excitement mounting.

  His smile said it all, and she threw herself into his arms and gave him another huge hug. “You have a hell of a lot of explaining to do, but I’m so happy for both of you!”

  The door opened again, and Ryan stepped out. The first thing he saw was Lexi, his fiancé, in the arms of—holy shit, Dylan Miller? He stopped, frozen in place, watching her jump all over the guy. They obviously knew each other better than a backstage meeting at a huge festival somewhere, which was the story he’d been told. Anger and jealousy boiled up inside him, and he finally found his voice.

  “Lexi, what the fuck?” he exclaimed, raising his palms in disbelief. He couldn’t believe she was actually standing right there, her arms around his neck! Ryan sucked a breath in through his teeth and tried to keep his head from exploding. He knew that Lexi’d met Miller when she was over in Europe in July—Tia’s boyfriend’s band was playing at some festival; or so he’d been told—and the girls had all access passes. Dylan Miller was her fantasy...”Mr. Sexiest Man in the World”…and Ryan had basically given her carte blanche to sleep with the dude—‘without guilt or repercussion,’ they’d declared one night while watching a bad horror flick over even worse wine. “My pick is definitely Dylan Miller!” she’d said without a second’s hesitation, her smile lighting her face in the most lascivious of ways. “That man is so hot that hell wouldn’t be able to hold him,” she’d added.

  Ever since she got back from that damned trip with Tia she’d been secretive and elusive; but really? She brought him here, to his country club, and was rubbing it in his face? The edges of his vision went white, especially when she untangled her arms and laughed right at him.