by Alexa Aston
Spongebob was playing in the den. Herc’s eyes were glued to the screen. Tim glanced up from his book and grabbed the remote. He froze the screen.
Herc looked up. “You’re going somewhere, Dash. You’re wearing your hiding costume.”
“I am, Herc. It’s like a superhero and his secret identity.” He thought his brother could relate to that.
“Are you gonna see Sydney?”
“I am.” Dash bent and kissed the top of Herc’s head. “I’ll tell her you said hi. Remember to brush your teeth.”
“And scrape my tongue,” Herc added.
“Definitely scrape.” Herc’s dentist had recommended a tongue scrapper at his last dental appointment and the tool had become his brother’s favorite new thing.
“I’ll see you in the morning, buddy. Goodnight.”
“’Night, Dash.” Herc went back to his program, which Tim had re-started.
Dash waved at Tim and left the house. He sniffed but couldn’t detect any perfume so he raised the top and drove to the Revere house. Sydney came out before he could exit the car. Her hair was held back with some kind of hair accessory. It put the emphasis on her fine bone structure. She wore a strapless, copper maxi dress and had a bunch of gold bangles dancing on one arm.
He jumped out and opened her door. As she reached him, he inhaled the light, floral scent of her perfume—a stark contrast to the heavy cloud that surrounded Marlyn.
“You look amazing. And you smell even better.”
“Thank you. I’d say thank you, Dash, but I have no idea who I’m going out with tonight.”
He shrugged. “It’s one of my going out in public looks.”
She got into the car, hiking the dress up some. Dash caught sight of her trim ankles and one curved calf. He swallowed the lust that sprang from nowhere. He’d take one Sydney over a million Marlyns.
“I assume we’re going to a movie,” Sydney said when he slid under the wheel.
“I guess the popcorn comment kind of gave it away.”
“Are we seeing a Dash DeLauria movie by any chance?” she teased.
He groaned. “That would be way too embarrassing. No, this is an oldie but goodie. That’s all you’re getting out of me.”
Minutes later, he parked the car. He’d already ordered the tickets online and printed them out, wanting to make sure they had guaranteed seats. Dash put his hand on the small of her back and escorted her inside the theater.
“I have no idea what’s out right now,” Sydney admitted. “I hope to get back into the movie-going habit, especially if I’m going to be working in the industry.”
“I’m betting this is one you’ve already seen. Multiple times.”
Sydney gave him a sideways look. “Hmm. You’re taking me to a movie I’ve probably seen.” She grinned. “I know. You want to sit on the back row and make out.”
“Not a bad idea. We can do that after.”
Dash bought the largest tub of buttered popcorn they had and two waters. Sydney grabbed a handful of napkins. He gave the ticket taker the pair of tickets.
“Number eight on your right. Enjoy your show.”
Sydney paused as they reached the entrance to the theater. She looked up at the marquee and read aloud, “To Kill a Mockingbird.” She rewarded him with a smile that Dash wouldn’t forget anytime soon.
“They’re doing a Gregory Peck retrospective,” he explained. “I thought with your mom naming you Harper, this might be something you’d enjoy.”
She slipped her hand through the crook of his arm. “I will. Because I’m with you.”
The theater was crowded but he found their reserved seats in the middle. He placed their drinks in the cup holders and rested the popcorn in his lap. The lights dimmed. Dash placed an arm around Sydney. Her head tilted to rest on his shoulder.
As the screen credits rolled, Dash oozed contentment.
◆◆◆
Dash gave Sydney a long, satisfying kiss. She loved the feel of his hands on the back of her neck and his fingers pushed into her hair.
“Thank you for last night,” she told him. “Everything about it was special, from the movie to our sleepover.”
He laughed. “We didn’t get much sleep, did we?” His fingers still played with her hair, giving her warm fuzzies inside. “Do you have a busy day today?”
“Working with Dad to start. Then I’m going to scout some locations. Meet with the intern again about the schedule and his duties on the shoot since he’ll split his time between me and Jayla. If I have any time after that, I might stop by and check with Regina to see how casting is progressing.”
He gave her another deep kiss and then pulled away. “I’ve got a workout with Leo in a few minutes. I’ll call you later.” He threw on a T-shirt and Sydney admired the broad shoulders and bare butt as he searched for a pair of gym shorts.
How did she get so lucky?
Dash had proved to be the perfect lover. Tender. Fierce. Passionate. She couldn’t get enough of his lean, athletic frame but found it wasn’t just a physical attraction between them. Dash was smart and very funny, always keeping her laughing. She hoped working on the set together wouldn’t cause any problems in their relationship.
“See you later,” Sydney said. She left as he slipped into tennis shoes and began lacing them up.
As she reached the front door, Tim entered the house with the morning newspaper in hand.
“Good morning, Sydney.”
“Hi, Tim. What do you and Herc have going on today?”
“It’s his center day. Once a week, I drop him off for the day so he can socialize with others. They do arts and crafts. Play sports. Watch movies. It gives me a little time off to run some errands for Dash although Brenda has said she’ll take that over.”
Tim blushed when mentioning Brenda. Sydney already liked Tim a great deal and would encourage any relationship between the two.
“I adore Brenda,” she confided. “She was a terrific administrative assistant to me but we quickly became friends outside of work.” Sydney left out how the women had bonded over the rotten relationships each had suffered through with worthless men. “I’m glad Dash decided to hire her.”
“I’m glad, too.”
The look in the caregiver’s eyes told Sydney all she needed to know. Something was there and it would be good for both Brenda and Tim.
“I’m off.”
“Want any coffee before you go?” he asked. “I brewed a fresh pot a few minutes ago.”
“No, thanks. I’ll grab some at home.”
Sydney let herself out and almost tripped over something on the bricked porch. She glanced down.
A vase of white roses stared back at her.
Her stomach dropped. This was the arrangement Wake always sent to her. They’d once been Sydney’s favorite flower. Now, she couldn’t stand the sight or smell of them. Wake had sent white roses to her office in New York after their separation and again several times once she took the job in Boston. They’d arrived on her birthday and their anniversary. No card had been attached but she’d known they were from Wake.
The arrangements’ appearance on Dash’s doorstep meant Wake knew she was in LA and seeing Dash, but why here? Why not at home? Maybe Wake didn’t know where she was living. She’d never told him anything about her past. He had no idea who her parents were or anything about her Hollywood lineage.
Sydney figured that her ex-husband had somehow tracked her through Brenda. That was the logical explanation for the flowers appearing here since Brenda worked out of Dash’s house. Sydney scanned the neighborhood before her. Tim had just collected the newspaper and hadn’t mentioned the arrangement. He would’ve brought the roses in if they’d been on the porch when he went outside. Her heart began beating wildly in her chest.
Was Wake watching her now?
She didn’t think so. In fact, she hadn’t laid eyes on him since their divorce. It was more his style to hire someone to find her—and awful not to know who that someone m
ight be.
Sydney bent and picked up the vase. Getting rid of the flowers was priority number one. She looked to see if any trashcans were set out for trash pick-up at the curb but didn’t spy one. Taking them home was the last thing she would do.
A car pulled up into the driveway and Leo got out, giving her a friendly wave. She started toward him.
“Hi, Leo.”
“Lover Boy giving you flowers?” The trainer laughed. “That’s so not Dash.” He grinned. “That’s why I know it’s real between you two. Dash is a new man these days.”
Sydney gave him a weak smile. “Enjoy your workout. Nice seeing you, Leo.”
She walked to her car and watched Leo enter the DeLauria residence. Holding the vase brought a feeling of nausea over her. Where could she dump them?
Then an elderly gentleman appeared with a golden retriever, out for their morning walk. It gave her an idea.
Sydney hurried to the end of the driveway. “Hi, I’m Sydney. Could I ask if you’re married?”
The man had the dog heel and gave her a quirky smile. “I’m Bob and I’m very married. And way too old for you, Sydney.”
She held up the flower vase. “I just found out I’m leaving town and won’t be able to enjoy these beautiful roses that were just delivered. Would you like to take them home to your wife?”
Bob beamed. “I think that’s a splendid idea. She’s always been fond of roses. Thank you, dear.”
“You’re the one doing me the favor, Bob.” Sydney handed the vase over. “Nice meeting you.”
Her hands shook as she returned to her car. She started the vehicle and turned the air conditioning on high, letting it hit her directly in the face. Pulling out her cell, she texted Brenda.
Need to see you ASAP. Coming over now. Wait for me.
CHAPTER 20
“How could The Creep know?” Brenda asked, exasperation in her voice. “I told no one at work and only mentioned to my parents that I was moving across the country. I didn’t even bring up California, much less LA.”
“I hate to think this but could your phone be bugged? Or what if something was slipped into your purse or luggage back in the Boston airport? It’s the only thing I can think of,” Sydney said.
“That really freaks me out,” Brenda said, unease on her face.
“Me, too, but I know how clever Wake is.”
“I never saw him at the airport. You know I have his face memorized, Sydney.”
“Wake’s smart enough to pay somebody to do his dirty work. In fact, I doubt he’s in LA. Someone put those flowers on Dash’s porch, though.”
“It gives me the creeps.” Brenda reached into her purse and pulled out her phone. “I don’t know how to open it to check and see if it’s been bugged. I guess I should get rid of it like you did.” She walked to the kitchen sink and put the stopper in and then turned on the water to let it fill. After dropping the cell in the water, Brenda reached into the dishwasher and pulled out a heavy skillet. She rested it atop the phone to keep it submerged.
“Dash provided me a phone already. I’ll start using it. I’m going to grab my suitcase and carry-on for us to search. You check my purse.” Brenda went into the bedroom and returned a moment later with a rolling suitcase and matching carry-on.
Together, they scoured for anything out of the ordinary. Sydney dumped the purse upside down and ran her hand along the inside and outside while Brenda did the same with her suitcase and then carry-on.
“Bingo!”
Brenda held up a tiny black chip between her thumb and index finger and set it on the counter. Sydney took out her phone and snapped a picture of it.
“I’m not sure who we can show this to but I’ll figure it out,” Sydney said. “In the meantime, put it back inside your carry-on and leave it here in the apartment. We don’t want Wake to know that we found it.”
“I hate that he knows where I live and work,” Brenda said, crossing her arms protectively in front of her.
“Wake would never hurt you. You were simply a means to find me. Don’t let this device leave here. He may know I’m seeing Dash but he doesn’t know Dad’s address.”
“You need to tell Dash right away.”
“No!”
“Sydney.”
“Don’t Sydney me.”
“He needs to know,” Brenda pleaded.
“That I have a crazy ex-husband who probably hired a professional to track me three thousand miles and leave flowers on my new lover’s doorstep? Uh, no,” she said firmly.
“You need protection,” her friend insisted.
“I need to protect those around me. Wake doesn’t know my real name or where I’m staying, or else the roses would’ve been sent to Dad’s place. I know him, Brenda.” She took a deep breath. “For now, I’m going to end things with Dash, just to play it safe.”
“No, Sydney, don’t do that. He’s crazy about you.”
She sighed. “I feel the same way but until I know what’s going on, I need to protect him the best way I know how.”
“Dash won’t like it, especially if you don’t give him any kind of excuse. He’s a smart man, Sydney. One deeply in love. He’s not going to let you go without a really good explanation. Even then, I doubt he’ll back off. What will you tell him?”
She hesitated. “I’ll think of something.”
Brenda gave her a badly-needed hug. Sydney had to keep from bursting into tears and collapsing into her friend’s arms.
“Don’t say a word to him about this, Brenda. Promise me.”
Brenda gave her a skeptical look. “Okay, I’ll promise. For now. If the time comes when I believe he needs to know, I’ll spill the beans.”
Sydney left after extracting Brenda’s word, looking around the parking lot as she walked to her car. Nothing aroused her suspicions. She pulled out into traffic and weaved her way through several neighborhoods until she was certain no one had followed her, then she drove home. Thank goodness she hadn’t rented a car with her Sydney Brown driver’s license. She would keep driving the car her dad had provided until her name had been legally changed and she could receive documentation as Sydney Revere. As she went inside the house, she put all thoughts of Wake—and Dash—out of her mind. Work needed to be her priority. She would deal with Dash later.
◆◆◆
Frustration bubbled from Dash. All his texts to Sydney—and two phone calls—had gone unanswered throughout the day. Surely, she couldn’t be that busy. Worried, he drove to Monty Revere’s place.
A friendly Diamond answered the door. “Come in, Mister Dash. Do you need Miss Sydney or Mr. Monty? If it’s Miss Sydney, she’s been out all day scouting locations with Bernie, that skinny, little intern.”
That information caused Dash to relax. He’d forgotten part of her day was taken up checking out locations. Maybe Sydney had no cell service wherever she was. That would explain why she’d been out of touch. From reading the script, the shoot would include a few isolated places.
Diamond searched his face. “Why don’t you come to the kitchen for some fresh lemonade and warm chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven?”
He grinned. “I thought Sydney won my heart, Diamond, but you’re giving her a run for the money.”
The housekeeper cackled and ushered him inside. After leading him to the kitchen, she plied him with treats and told a few stories about Sydney growing up. It was obvious Diamond thought of Sydney as one of her own children.
Then the housekeeper grew serious. “After she lost her mama, Miss Sydney lost her way. She’s a good girl. Very smart. Working for Mr. Monty will be the best medicine for both of them. He’s so happy that she’s finally come home.”
Sydney entered the kitchen at that moment. Dash saw the surprise on her face the moment she spotted him. It wasn’t a good, light up her face, I’m happy to see you kind of surprise. Instead, he saw more of an oh, no, I’m caught off guard because this is the last person I want to see look on her face.
Diamond
stood. “It’s time for me to go. You two be sure to put the leftover cookies in the cookie jar for me, will you?”
“Will do,” Dash assured the housekeeper when Sydney remained silent.
Diamond left and Sydney took a seat at the table beside him.
“What’s wrong?” he asked. Dash wanted to take her hand but she’d crossed her arms in front of her, reminding him of the skittish Sydney when they’d first met.
“Nothing. I’m surprised to see you here, that’s all.”
“You didn’t answer any of my texts. I got a little anxious being out touch with you.” When she didn’t say anything, he added, “I know, that sounds stupid. Like some overprotective parent. I’m sorry.”
“Dash.” Sydney paused. “I think we’ve gone too fast.” She licked her lips nervously as she placed her palms against the table’s surface, as if to steady herself.
He placed a hand over hers. She looked away. “I knew I should’ve waited to tell you that I loved you.” He kicked himself mentally. “I figured we felt the same way about each other. Why not share our feelings?”
“I think we need a break.” She continued to stare off in the distance, not meeting his eyes.
“Why?”
“I’m starting a new career. Really, a new life. I want to be taken seriously. It’s bad enough that I’m Monty Revere’s daughter and will be working as first AD on his film with literally no paid film experience under my belt. I can already hear the cast and crew talking about that behind my back.” Her eyes finally met his. “To also be sleeping with the star of the film? That’ll ruin any credibility I can build in pre-production.”
Sydney placed her free hand atop his. “Can we get through this shoot and maybe pick up where we left off?” she pleaded.
Her words were like a two-by-four slamming him directly in the face. “Maybe? Maybe pick up? That’s bullshit, Sydney. I love you. I want to be with you. I’m crazy for you. You’re talking being apart six months or more, between fittings, the table read, rehearsals, then filming.”
