Page 74 of Under Ground
“My only advice is to do what feels right. And know you’ve got us if you need us. We’ll just be so pleased to add to our little group. Kiwis taking over Hollywood, one leading man at a time.”
I giggle. “I like the sound of that.”
“And, in the unlikely event it goes wrong, you can sue him for every penny he has.”
“Who on earth are you talking to?”
I’d recognise that voice anywhere. Reece Evans. I might have watched more than one of his movies late at night with a bottle of wine. The man is gorgeous.
“I’m making friends with Lana, Alex’s girlfriend,” Pania says.
“Hi, Lana,” he calls out.
My cheeks flush again. Thank goodness he can’t see me.
“She says you suck.” Pania’s words make me laugh some more. “Anyway, Lana. I should go. I’m sure Reece is about to cook me dinner. Feel free to call me if you need to, and if you do come, let us all know when the flights are so we can meet you at the airport.”
“That would be wonderful. Thanks, Pania.”
I hang up the call and smile. I’m still scared—this is a big step. But I feel like I already have friends waiting at the other end, and Alex is a good man.
And he’s right. We can take this journey together. Maybe he ends up a big Hollywood star being paid millions to act in movies, or maybe we settle down somewhere working office jobs and raise Casey together.
I tap out a text.
Me: How far away are you?
It takes a few minutes, but my phone’s still in my hand when it buzzes.
Alex: I’m on my way back now.
I grin as I stare at the screen. For so long, I didn’t know where my life was headed. I had my job and Casey and that was it. It’s been so tiring being alone, and for the first time, I don’t feel that way.
Alex is more than just the man I love. He’s on my team, and I don’t think he’d ever ask us to make this move if he wasn’t committed.
I’m not really sure if I’m making this decision or if I’m so ill I’m being irrational.
But I want us to be together. All of us.
The front door slams and Alex comes running in. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I shrug.
He walks toward the bed. “Is everything okay?”
I cock my head. “I spoke with Pania.”
He grins. “Awesome. She seemed really nice when I met her. I wish, now, I’d taken you out that night.”
“We still barely knew each other then.” I reach for his hand. “Besides, it was as if I already knew her just talking on the phone. She gives Reece a hard time.”
Alex nods. “She sure does. He can take it.”
“Anyway.” I draw in a deep breath. “It’s helped me make up my mind. I want to go to the States with you.”
His nose twitches, and his eyes widen as if he’s surprised. “You do?”
“I love you, Alex. And I know how you feel about me. Casey adores you, and maybe we didn’t meet in a conventional way, but all my roads lead to you.”