Hollywood Ever After

by Sasha Summers

  My cell phone hit the hard tile floor before it could be saved. It flashed, beeped, and then went dark. It was dead, broken. I sighed, put it in my pocket, and decided to worry about that later. We shoved everything back into my purse and moved on to the baggage claim.

  Collecting my suitcase and Shannon’s loaner was easy. Deciphering the buzz of overlapping conversations was not. They’d decided that they would take turns telling me about their week. But Will would think of things as soon as Natalie started, so there was a good deal of story re-telling.

  All in all, Will had an uneventful week at school but had decided he hated social studies because it was boring. And one of his substitute teachers smelled funny.

  Natalie took much longer. She didn’t spare details and it had been a long week.

  We were halfway home when Will asked, “What was your favorite part of this week?”

  The flash of Josh’s face, demanding a promise from me this morning, made me flush a little. It made my heart thump in protest. I looked into the back seat, precious faces waiting eagerly. It was close.

  “Right now, coming home,” I said to them.

  “Oh, please, Mom. You met famous people. I mean, not Jake Gyllenhaal or Taylor Lautner, but Josh Wiley! Met him…actually talked to him.” Natalie’s voice rose a bit with each word.

  And kissed him, spent the night talking to him, listened to him sing by firelight. I’d fallen in love with him. But I said only, “I did, yes. And we went to the premiere of Stellar Siege and the premiere party, too. It was a really…amazing night.” More amazing than they’d ever need to know.

  “That’s when Aunt Shannon sent me your photo, right?” Natalie was all ears. “Come on, Mom, details.”

  “The rest of my trip was great too. Spa treatments, shopping, and dancing. Oh, and I met Aunt Shannon’s husband.” Shannon figured it would be easier to explain it to the kids that way.

  “Shannon’s married?” My mother cocked an incredulous eyebrow.

  I wrinkled my nose at her and stared at her pointedly. “He’s a wonderful man. They’re just precious. Anyway, there were lots of shopping trips and some neat places for lunch and dinner. We went dancing one night and had a bonfire on the beach another.”

  “It sounds like the perfect vacation, sweetie.” Mom looked like she had more to say.

  I continued to answer questions as we drove. Natalie was relentless.

  I couldn’t help the familiar anxiousness that crept into my stomach as we pulled into our subdivision. My eyes narrowed as I scanned the streets, but his truck wasn’t there. Because he’s in India, remember? Repeating that made it easier to breathe.

  As the car turned onto our street, my eyes wandered along the familiar houses, streetlights, and basketball hoops. It looked exactly the same—while I felt completely different.

  We pulled into the garage and began unloading my things. I helped the kids get the suitcases from the car and into my bedroom. Will began bouncing on the bed, waiting for me to open the suitcases.

  “Okay, give me a little bit of room.” I laughed, unzipping Shannon’s suitcase and catching it before it slid to the floor.

  Will landed on the bed and crossed his legs. “Criss-cross, applesauce…” he sang.

  I pulled their packages from the suitcase. Will was entranced with his new Stellar Siege laser guns. Natalie loved the rhinestone Hollywood shirt and map of the stars’ homes. Mom was pleased with the purple ensemble I’d found for her. Shannon had sent her a film press bag too.

  A manila mail envelope labeled “Natalie” caught my eye at the same time Natalie saw it.

  “What’s that?” Natalie grabbed it up. Everyone watched as she squealed over the envelope’s contents. “Oh, Mom.” Natalie smiled brightly. “This is so getting posted on my Facebook page. I’m going to have to make a copy, too. I can’t believe he touched you, Mom.” Natalie was talking ninety to nothing, offering the photo to her grandmother.

  My mother read: XOXO to Natalie—Josh. She tilted it so that Will and I could see it.

  Natalie continued. “Wow, Mom. Seriously?”

  In a thick black frame, signed with his wild scrawl, was a picture of Josh and me on the beach. We were both laughing a little, his arm casually draped over my shoulder. He was so beautiful, with his carefree crinkling smile.

  My heart twisted sharply and I looked back into my suitcase. It didn’t surprise me that he would think of Natalie. I missed him.

  “Get your homework done while your mom unpacks. I’ll get dinner ready.” My mom took the picture from Natalie, but didn’t say anything.

  I didn’t look up as I started hanging clothes and unpacking into my dresser. “Thanks for everything, Mom.” I smiled at her.

  My mother was still looking at the photo. I looked away, tearing my eyes from the picture before I could see him again, before my feelings became obvious.

  She examined my face, curiosity evident. “I’m happy to give you a break.”

  Will came bouncing back into the bedroom. “I know what we should make for dinner!”

  I picked him up and hugged him to me. “Did you vote on it?”

  Will shrugged. “I dunno. I want corndogs!” I laughed as he rubbed his hands together. “I love you, Mom.”

  “I love you, Will.” I gave him a kiss on the cheek and carried him out into the dining room where Natalie was setting the table.

  Dinner was nice. I was content to sit back and listen. Then we cleaned off the table, followed by the hour-long bedtime routine.

  As I was closing Will’s bedroom door, I ached for warm hazel eyes.

  Chapter Eight

  At nine-thirty, I sat in my favorite overstuffed purple chair, preparing to sift through a week’s worth of mail. Mom was sitting on the couch with a blanket over her lap, watching the news while working the paper’s daily crossword puzzle.

  I flipped through the envelopes but didn’t really see any of them. I sat there for thirty minutes, my mind in California: his laughter, his embrace, that night on the beach and… I shifted in my seat, trying to focus.

  The news ended and an entertainment show came on. I turned it up a little bit and began to open envelopes. There was a story on the line-up of spring and summer movies. I watched as they flipped back and forth from various premieres.

  And then I saw him. I froze.

  A bubbly voiceover narrated the montage of clips. Josh walking, Josh shaking hands, Josh smiling and signing autographs. I ignored the pull on my heart and focused on what the irritating voiceover said.

  “Earlier tonight, stars Josh Wiley and Jennifer Fleming were promoting the new action flick Stellar Siege. The film’s opening weekend is breaking box office records. Many credit the success of the film to its star, Josh Wiley. However, the real news seems to be surrounding Josh Wiley, the man. As all of you female fans know, Josh keeps his private life private. Tonight, the young star made a startling declaration at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, catching his co-star and our reporter by surprise.”

  The screen cut to footage of the premiere, fans screaming, lights flashing. He was there, his hair on end, with Jennifer at his side. He looked gorgeous, with his ruddy complexion and velvet eyes.

  My chest tightened briefly before my heart picked up. How could I miss him this much? It had barely been eight hours since I’d left him at Shannon’s.

  The two of them looked chic and glamorous. I could envision the line-up of reporters and the endless cycle of questions and answers they would be led through before they’d make it inside to watch the film, again. I imagined Josh squirming through it.

  “You must be pleased with the film’s success?” the reporter asked.

  “Oh, we are. It’s always so rewarding to have this kind of support from the fans.” Jennifer Fleming tossed her strawberry blonde hair as she spoke.

  Josh looked at her, an amused look on his face. He fidgeted, smiling and waving at a group crowded behind the barriers screaming his name.

  “What abou
t you, Josh? Do you have anything to add?” The female reporter turned to him, flashing a sparkling smile.

  Josh ran a hand through his hair, sending up a shriek from the crowds lining the red carpet. He shook his head at the sound, his smile uncomfortable. “I’m very happy.”

  My heart thumped loudly and I felt myself smile as he spoke.

  “Over the success of the movie?” the reporter asked.

  “That’s nice too.” He nodded. He sounded amused.

  The reporter jumped on it. “There’s something else other than your record-breaking openings making you happy? Wow, Josh, that’s pretty amazing. Care to share what it might be?” The reporter was leaning forward, waiting.

  He shook his head, then stopped, a slow mischievous smile spreading across his face.

  My eyes narrowed as I watched his face change. What are you up to?

  He stared at the microphone for a moment, then leaned over it and spoke directly into the camera. “I’m in love, actually, totally and absolutely.”

  I felt light-headed, completely stunned by his declaration and the sheer happiness on his face.

  Jennifer stared at him with huge eyes.

  There was a long pause before the reporter responded. “Well… Wow. Would you care to tell us who the lucky lady is?”

  I couldn’t breathe.

  He laughed. “No. I’ve said too much already.”

  Jennifer continued to stare at him open-mouthed.

  “Well… Congratulations! On the film and the relationship,” the reporter said.

  “Thank you.” His smile was huge.

  A scream went up from the crowd and he waved, his smile in full force.

  “Who is the lucky woman? Is it a co-star? His old flame Fiona? Or is this a studio publicity stunt to promote the film?” The show’s host was standing in front of a giant picture of Josh, his smile crinkling the corners of his hazel eyes. She continued, but I was too busy staring at him to hear what she was saying.

  “Nat’s going to be excited,” Mom said.

  I jumped at the sound of my mother’s voice. All of the mail in my lap fell to the floor.

  “Sorry, sweetie.” She laughed. “Any idea who he’s talking about?”

  I felt myself flush and stooped to pick up the mail from the floor. I wasn’t up for this conversation, not yet.

  “Claire?”

  I shook my head quickly, carefully avoiding her eyes. “Not really.” I peeked at her, hoping she’d drop it.

  Her eyes narrowed and a small smile tugged at her mouth, but she turned her attention back to the TV.

  What had possessed him to declare himself so very publicly? The last thing he needed to do was stir things up, not when he was going to be in the limelight for the next few months.

  And what if someone else came along? My chest tightened at the thought. If our time together was just that and nothing more, I didn’t want him to have any negative backlash.

  At the same time…I was hopelessly afloat and ridiculously happy. I was very aware of how far apart we were at that moment and that my damn phone was broken if he tried to reach me. But that was the way it was for now.

  I needed to find something else to focus on. I reached for my computer and flipped it open.

  My mailbox had some new additions. Frank Graham had sent an appreciation email with a finalized copy of the contract. He asked me to call him with possible book tour dates as soon as possible. They were hoping to release the book next summer. Next summer? That was quick.

  There was a message from Shannon as well. After witnessing my meltdown this morning, she’d decided that a trip to London was what we all needed for Spring Break. She could get us all passes to the London premiere and discounts on everything since she was with the studio.

  She’d been busy. Her email contained the links to several hotels in London and flight information. All I had to do was click the button to accept them. I closed the email, then the computer.

  “I guess I’m going to bed, Mom,” I said, still fidgeting.

  She smiled up at me as I kissed her on the cheek. “I’m glad you’re home, sweetie. Get some sleep.”

  I walked into my bathroom and turned on the hot water. A long hot shower was my first priority, then assessing the kids’ week and making sure everything was on track. I lathered my hair, my thoughts rambling as I finished my shower, somewhat refreshed.

  I wrapped a towel around myself, ran some leave-in conditioner through my hair, and began picking out the tangles. I searched through my toiletries bag for some lotion and found a long slim black box.

  I pulled it from the bag and walked into my room, sitting on my bed. My fingers shook slightly as I flipped open the lid, revealing a beautiful gold locket on a black cord. I pulled it from its box and let it spin.

  Only it wasn’t a locket. It was a compass.

  A beautiful golden compass with a small light blue topaz indicating north. It was inscribed:

  Follow your heart

  May it guide you home

  And bring you back to me

  Always yours—Josh

  I held it to my heart before slipping it around my neck. I read the inscription again. Then looked at the photo of Josh and me atop my dresser.

  Two weeks seemed like a very long time, but I could make it.

  ***

  I stared at my mother. After a night of serious introspection, this was the conversation I was most worried about. Since Dad had died she’d been lonely, which I understood. My brothers were off living lives that were anything but stable. They were great brothers, but they weren’t around very often. I didn’t want her to be forced into anything by my decisions, and as much as I wanted her to come with me and the kids, I would understand if she didn’t want to start over again…again.

  “Morning, Mom.” I wrapped my arms around her waist.

  She kissed my cheek. “Morning. Already go for a run this morning?”

  I nodded, pouring her coffee while she sat at the small kitchen table. “I have a lot to tell you.” I stared into my coffee, not sure where to start.

  She set the paper aside. “I imagine you do.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Something has changed.” She reached out for my hand, regarding me thoughtfully. “You’re glowing.”

  I took her hand. “First, we’ve been invited on a trip, you, me, and the kids. We’d be gone the week of Spring Break. To England.”

  My mother’s eyes were saucers now. “Oh? That sounds great. I could visit Maureen and Janine.”

  “That’s true, though that sounds potentially dangerous,” I teased. My mother had received a written warning for public intoxication last time she’d visited her fellow ex-military friends. I’d been expecting Will at the time.

  She didn’t miss a beat. “A girl deserves the right to have fun now and then.”

  “I’m not going to touch that, Mom.” I laughed. “Shannon and her new man Arthur are going to England to celebrate the film’s international release and we get to go, too. A combination work and play kind of thing. So you know, they’re just moving in together, but let’s just stick with the married explanation for the kids’ sake. It’s what they wanted. They’re happy, really happy.”

  “Good for her.”

  “You’ll really like him. Arthur, I mean.” I looked at her. “Do you still have a passport? Thank goodness the kids have them from the trip that we’d planned for Mexico.”

  “I’m good.” She nodded, waiting.

  “And my book will be getting published, probably next summer.” I smiled as she squeezed my hand in hers.

  “Oh, Claire, I am so proud of you. My baby girl will be a published author!”

  I flushed a little. “I’m not sure that everyone is going to react like that. But it’s starting to become real, and I’m excited about the opportunities it gives us.” I took a deep breath. “Which kind of brings me to my last revelation. Mom, I can’t stay here. There’s just too much for me to get past
.”

  She squeezed my hand, nodding. “It’s time, sweetie. I guess the only question is where?”

  I stood and hugged her. “I know it’s a lot, since you only moved in with us last year. But I want you to know we want you to come, if you want to.”

  “Of course I do. You and the kids are my family. I love your brothers, but they’re not putting down roots anytime soon, so you’re stuck with me.” She patted my hand, winking. “Have you been thinking about any place specific?”

  “No. I want us to carefully consider our options.”

  “Lots to think about. You drink your coffee and I’ll start making lists. We’ll need to pick up some stuff for the trip. I think Will needs a new jacket, so I’ll start in his room.” She took her coffee cup and went upstairs. Mom hated to be idle.

  I started a load of laundry and emptied the dishwasher. I put the detergent away and turned.

  Daniel was standing in the kitchen.

  “Hi,” he said, pulling a bottle of water from the refrigerator.

  I almost dropped the mug I was holding. “I thought you were in India.” It took some effort to prevent myself from running out of the room.

  “I’m heading to the airport soon.” He watched me carefully, a smile on his face.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “This is the longest time we’ve ever spent apart, you know, without seeing each other at all. I couldn’t leave knowing it would be even longer before I’d see you again.”

  I continued to stare at him, aware that my composed-and-careful face was not effectively in place.

  “Did you get my flowers?”

  I tried to sound calm. “Daniel, you shouldn’t be here.”

  He smiled, arching an eyebrow. “I’m sticking with the counseling, Claire.” He used his most cajoling tone. “I’m being a good boy now. And I really miss you. I didn’t think I’d miss you this much.”

  I felt sick, my throat tight and dry. I hoped he was sticking with counseling, I hoped he was getting himself back. I wanted that for him. But I knew better than to say anything like that to him. He was very good at hearing what he wanted to hear.