Common Ground

by Wendy Smith

I pick up my phone and FaceTime the only person I know I can talk to.

  Reece answers almost straight away with a big smile on his face. “Hey, what’s up? Enjoying the house?”

  I nod. “It’s great.”

  “Is your lady with you? I need to meet the woman who has you tied up in knots.”

  I don’t even need to say anything.

  “What happened? You look like the sky is falling.”

  Letting out a sigh, I shrug. “It might be. We had a fight this morning.”

  He frowns. “Didn’t she only just get there? What on earth did you argue about?”

  “Mac.”

  Reece rolls his eyes. “Dude. Don’t let that asshole come between you two. What did he do?”

  “He offered Delaney money to leave me.”

  Reece’s eyes nearly pop out of his head. “Woah. That is a huge line to cross. Isn’t your contract coming up for negotiation soon?”

  I nod. “Sure is. The new one’s with my lawyers.”

  “Don’t you dare sign. He’s trying to get rid of anyone who might see through his bullshit.”

  “Do you think so?”

  His brows twitch. “Do you not believe it happened?”

  “I do. Delaney wouldn’t lie to me. But I owe Mac so much.”

  Reece grunts. “You owe him jack shit. He might have got you the first audition, but your success sells you. Not him. He’s flying around the world on your dime, and wants to interfere enough to drive the mother of your kid away. Don’t let him.”

  I nod. “I won’t. I guess I just needed to hear that.”

  “You spent years wondering what happened to Delaney. Now you know and you have her back. Don’t let anything get in the way of that.”

  I smile. “When did you become such a big advocate for love, Mr. Love-Them-and-Leave-Them?”

  Reece grins. “I always figured she must have been something special from the way you were hung up on her. Never thought you’d get another opportunity with her. I’d never let a woman go who had that kind of impact on me.”

  I give a little sigh thinking of Delaney. Reece stood by me when I was so miserable over her leaving, and our friendship was one of the reasons I kept going.

  “Don’t give her a reason to walk away again. She clearly doesn’t give a shit about money or she would have been after you years ago for child support.”

  “I never had any doubt about that. She loves me for me.”

  “Then kick that asshole to the kerb and start your life with her. And give Sara a call.”

  I chuckle. Sara’s Reece’s agent. She’s solid, and she doesn’t take shit from him. He’s been trying to get her into bed since they met, but she’s focused on his career and her other clients. And she’s the perfect person to sign up with. “Even if I do, she still won’t sleep with you.”

  “Maybe not, but it’d be worth some brownie points. She’s good at her job and she won’t rip you off.” He pauses. “Anyway, where is Delaney? I need to meet her.”

  “She went for a walk this morning to the markets. She was pretty pissed at me.”

  “At you? Why?”

  I hesitate for a moment. Just like I did this morning. “She told me about Mac and thought I didn’t believe her. I did, it was just hard to hear.”

  “And you let her go?”

  “She was steamed. I couldn’t forbid her from going.”

  “Yeah, but she thinks you think she’s a liar.”

  I shake my head. “I told her I believe her.”

  “You’d better sort things out. I’m living vicariously through you right now.” He laughs.

  “I will. But I need to give my lawyer a call and catch up with Mac. While Delaney’s cooling down, I need to get this fixed.”

  “Huh,” he says. “You really do love her. I’ve been trying to talk you out of staying with him forever.”

  I nod. “I know. Sometimes you just need the right wake-up call.”

  “I’m glad you had it then. Talk to you later, dude.”

  “Speak soon.”

  I terminate the call and stare at my phone for a moment. There’s another call I have to make first—one that I should have made last night when alarm bells began to ring.

  Dialling Mindy, I take a deep breath. I’ve never had any reason to get angry with her before, but her personal relationship with Mac is about to make our working relationship very difficult.

  “Hey, boss,” she says when she answers. She’s so cheery, which just makes this more difficult.

  “Hi. I have some questions around Delaney’s plane tickets. I gave instructions that she was to fly at least business class.”

  She laughs nervously. “Mac told me to book economy.”

  “Who pays your wages?”

  “You do.”

  “Did you not think that maybe you should have done what I asked you to do? I know you’re Mac’s sister-in-law, but I’m your boss.”

  There’s silence for a moment. “I just thought—”

  “My personal life has nothing to do with Mac. It’s none of his business. Is that clear?”

  “Yes,” she whispers.

  “If Delaney’s ticket is economy for the trip home, I want it upgraded. And I want the updated ticket sent to me.”

  “I’ll do it now.” She sounds stunned, but I wonder now how often I asked for things to be done only for them to be run past Mac. How many commitments have I missed when I’ve promised people things? What else don’t I know?

  I end the call with her, and flick through my contacts. The next call will be to my lawyer, and then I’ll probably give Sara a call.

  Last, but definitely far from least, I’ll confront Mac.

  I start with the wing of the house that Mac’s sleeping in. He arrived here not long after I did to catch up and go over upcoming opportunities while I had some downtime. There’s no sign of him inside.

  I find him out the back, sitting by the pool and finishing up a meal.

  “Josh. Good meeting yesterday?”

  I nod. “Yeah. Hey, Mac. Did you fly first class out here?” I ask as I take a seat.

  He nods. “Might have been business class. I’m not completely sure. Why do you ask?”

  “What about Delaney?”

  His eyebrows rise. “I’m not sure. Whatever Mindy booked.”

  “Mindy booked what you told her to book.” I pause. “When you offered to pick Delaney up from the airport, I thought you were helping me out. Is she really that much of a threat to you?”

  Understanding crosses his expression. “I just wanted to make sure she was loyal. You don’t even know for sure that the kid is yours.”

  “Amelia’s mine.”

  “You haven’t had a DNA test done. Are you really going to take that risk?”

  I draw in a deep breath. “She’s mine. I have zero doubts.”

  He shrugs. “Well, if you’re prepared to take that risk.”

  “The only thing I have doubts about is you.”

  Straightening up in his chair, the icy look he fixes on me would have stopped me in my tracks early on in my career. But Reece is right. It’s time to cut myself loose from Mac.

  “I’ve just spoken to my lawyers, and I won’t be renewing my contract with you.”

  In all the time I’ve known him, Mac’s never been angry with me, and now I know for sure why. I’m his meal ticket, and he’s trying to plant a seed that that’s how Delaney sees me.

  But I know better. I have faith in what Delaney and I have.

  “Josh, I know you’re pissed with me. But …”

  “I’ve already found new representation. The way you treated Delaney crossed a line, Mac.”

  He hesitates. “You’re really going to cut your most important business relationship for a piece of pussy?”

  I fist my hands, but I won’t be taunted into punching him. I’m sure that’s exactly what he wants. “If that’s the way you’re going to refer to Delaney, then all you’re doing is confirming my decision for me
. Get the fuck out, Mac. My lawyers will be in touch.”

  “You’d better believe I’ll be consulting my lawyers.”

  “Go for it. Just get the fuck out of my face. And you need to find a new job for Mindy too. I can’t have her working for me anymore.”

  Six years ago, Mac had seemed like a god to me. But now, when he stands before me, he’s a mere mortal. But he made a big mistake thinking he could get rid of Delaney.

  She’s the one woman I’ll never let go of.

  Thirty-Four

  Delaney

  Leilani fussed when I left.

  She wanted the driver to take me, but I wanted to walk.

  The directions she gives me are easy to follow, and I set off. The guard lets me out the gate, and I walk down a long road that leads toward the markets. The road is lined with trees in parts, that give way to show the impressive houses on either side.

  Warm sun on my face makes me smile. While the weather is changing back home, it’s nothing like this. Despite what happened this morning, I’m glad I came.

  Josh and I will survive this. I know it. But he needs time to process what I’ve told him, and I need some fresh air after that plane trip and then dealing with Mac.

  Mac’s bullshit won’t tear us apart.

  Leilani said the walk would be about half an hour, and the sun makes me glad I lathered myself in sunscreen before I left.

  I walk until I reach the end of the road and then turn right until I see the market stands, just as I was told.

  Bright stalls fill a large carpark, and even at a distance it’s clear there’s a huge variety of things for sale. The scent of hot dogs and chips fills the air, and pop music plays which gives it a party atmosphere.

  I’m not really sure where to start, but it’s a wonderful distraction.

  I’m not there long when I hear a voice behind me.

  “Delaney.”

  A familiar voice with an English accent comes from behind me. I don’t know anyone here, so God knows who it could be.

  I turn.

  Gabby Reynolds, as large as life, comes swaggering toward me. As she draws closer, it’s clear she’s even more beautiful than her photos would suggest. Her brown hair shines in the bright sunlight, and her blue eyes dance. She smiles.

  “I’d have recognised you anywhere. I’m Gabby.”

  “I … I …”

  She nods. “You’re surprised I recognised you. It was easy. I’ve seen a million photos of you. Josh is a very proud boyfriend.”

  I beam. “Really?”

  “He has so many photos of you and your daughter on his phone. I think I saw them every chance he got.”

  I blush, and her smile widens.

  “Are you out shopping?”

  “I came for some fresh air. It was a long flight yesterday.”

  “I can imagine.” She grimaces. “I hate flying. If I could film everything in the UK, I would just stay there.”

  There’s silence for a moment, and she seems to study my expression. “Do you want to sit down and talk somewhere? I’m waiting for Antonio to finish his shopping. That man is worse than I am.”

  Nodding, I take a look around. No one seems to be paying much attention to us, which makes me feel a bit better about being seen with Josh here. There are picnic tables and benches all around the market, and I could do with being off my feet after that walk.

  “Here.” She points at a nearby table. I follow her, and as we sink onto the seats, she lets out an audible groan. “My feet were killing me.”

  “Mine are a bit sore too.”

  “It’s a decent walk from Reece’s house. Do you need a ride home?”

  I shake my head. “I really just wanted to get some fresh air. I’m going to take a look around the markets before I go back.”

  She gives me a knowing smile. “Make him sweat it out.”

  “Something like that.”

  “Are you okay?”

  The pain of Josh’s disbelief comes rushing back at me, and I blink away tears. “I will be. Josh and I had some words, and I came out to clear my head.”

  Her eyes are full of empathy. “I’m so sorry to hear that. I know he’s been so anxious to see you. But I’m sure the separation has been hard.”

  I nod. “It certainly hasn’t helped.”

  “And I’m also sure those ridiculous articles saying we were fooling around didn’t help either. The media can be arseholes.”

  Despite my hurt, I smile. She’s clearly not backward in coming forward.

  “What’s really stupid was that Antonio was with me the whole time. We’d never been to the Philippines before, and we wanted to share the experience. When the air-conditioning broke in my trailer, Josh gave up his for the two of us. There’s never been anything between Josh and me except on-screen.”

  I blow out a breath. “Despite what it sounds like, I do trust him. But it’s hard.”

  She nods, reaching across the table and placing her hand on mine. “I know. Antonio was separated when we met, and the media ate it up, making out I was sleeping with a married man. But him and his wife were well and truly over before I came on the scene. Try not to let it get to you.”

  “I will.”

  Gabby’s face lights up. “Do you want to meet Antonio? He’s walking this way.”

  I turn my head to see a ridiculously hot man walking toward us. He’s dressed in white shorts with a white shirt that only highlights his deeply tanned skin and dark hair. And his eyes are trained on Gabby.

  Turning back, I can’t help the little smile that crosses my lips at the dazzled way she’s looking at him. That’s love.

  “Every time,” she mutters. “He just looks so good.”

  “I’m glad you found someone to talk to,” he says in a thick Spanish accent. “Sorry I took so long.”

  She beams. “It’s fine. Delaney, this is my Antonio.”

  He extends his hand, and I reach out thinking he’ll shake mine, but he raises it to his lips. “I would have recognised you anywhere. Josh has a million photos of you.”

  “So I hear.” I grin.

  “We’re going to get some lunch and then go to our rental. Want to join us?” she asks.

  I pause before shaking my head. “Thank you, but no. I think I’ll just have a bit more of a wander and then head back to see Josh.”

  We stand, and she rounds the table to hug me. It’s familiar, but she clearly feels like she knows me, and I have a whole new appreciation for her. She’s not just some random woman I’ve seen snuggling up with my boyfriend in a magazine, and she very obviously adores her man.

  “I hope we see each other again, Delaney. I’d love to meet your little girl sometime.” She smiles.

  “I’d like that.”

  Antonio winks at me. “She’s so clucky.”

  “Hush, you.” Gabby shrugs. She raises her palm so that she’s talking to me behind her hand. “He’s not wrong, though.”

  I grin. “It was really nice to meet you.”

  “You too. Maybe we can meet up for dinner before we go back to filming.”

  “That sounds really good.”

  They walk away, hand in hand, and even my heart skips a little just watching them. There’s no doubt about the state of their relationship, and now I’m even more sad about those stupid articles. How must it feel for Antonio to read that while he’s right there seeing there’s nothing going on?

  It’s so not fair.

  I spend the next hour walking through the market, picking up a crocheted doll and running my fingers through the feathers of dreamcatcher. I could spend a fortune on Melly here, and I’m glad she’s not with me. Everything would be catching her eye.

  And then I spot it.

  It’s a white summer dress with large purple hibiscus flowers. It’s similar to the one I’m wearing, but I couldn’t find anything like it in a child’s size back home.

  She’d love it.

  I open my bag, and dig my hand around in the cluster of receipts. I
t’s not there.

  Shit.

  Closing my eyes, I see myself yesterday sliding my purse, my passport, and my phone into my pockets. Where they’ve stayed. I was so flustered this morning that I have nothing on me.

  “Did you want me to gift wrap it?” the smiling lady behind the table asks.

  “I’m sorry. I’ll have to come back. I’ve managed to leave my money at the house.”

  She nods. “It’s fine. I can put it away if you want me to? We’re here tomorrow as well.”

  “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

  My cheeks burn as I walk away, and not just from embarrassment. I need to get back to the house and out of this sun. There’s not a cloud in the sky, and very little respite from the heat until I do.

  Retracing my steps, I’m relieved to reach the point where I turn, but I know there’s still a long way to go.

  I come to a stop at the side of the road. I’m lost without my phone. I can’t even summon an Uber. Which would be pointless anyway as I’m not sure of the actual address of the house.

  Rubbing my forehead to try and ease the headache that’s building, I sigh.

  The only way is forward, so I take a deep breath and plod toward the house. What the hell was I thinking?

  But the image in my head is of Josh’s expression this morning. The one that screamed how uncertain he was when I told him the truth. It was hurtful after we’ve come so far, and I’ve been the one who’s needed to trust him. He needs to trust me too.

  Hot tears sting my eyes, and I’m sure this walk is much longer than the one I went on this morning. The temperature’s risen since I left the house though, and it’s a dry heat. I’m glad I put sunscreen on, but not so happy about not having a hat.

  My headache grows as I get closer to the house. There’s foliage at least on both sides of the road to give me some shade. But it’s not enough.

  I’ve never been so glad to see anything in my life as I am at the sight of the gates.

  The guard’s different to the one that let me out this morning.

  “Hello. Could you let me in, please?”

  He narrows his eyes. “Do you really think it’s that simple?”

  His voice. This is the guy who was on the gate yesterday who spoke to Mac. I breathe a sigh of relief.