Page 129 of Even Ground

Peter’s laugh is deep and loud. “Sorry. What can I do for you?”

“Reece has a message to pass onto one of the actors. Can we do that?”

He frowns. “I can ask. You’ll have to wait out here, though. Who did you want to talk to?”

“Alex Stone.”

His frown turns into a grin. “I know he’s a big fan of yours. I’m sure it won’t be a problem, but I’ll go and check first.”

I nod. “Understood.”

“Are you okay?” Pania asks as he walks away.

“Fine. Why?”

“You just seem a little … off.”

I shake my head. “Apart from the weirdness that is running into your cousin here, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

She laughs. “Welcome to New Zealand.”

“Did you know he was here?”

“No, I haven’t seen him in forever. Last I heard he was working up north. But I guess it depends on where the work is.”

I look around. The view is stunning. Lush green fields surround us, the long grass rippling in the gentle breeze. It’s a great place to be filming a movie.

“Reece.” Pania nudges me with her elbow.

I look back in the gate.

It’s a little unnerving to see someone who could easily pass for my younger brother walking toward me. I haven’t been part of the casting process—we have a casting director for that, but given that I need a sibling for the movie, even I can see he’s a good choice.

Pania’s cousin opens the gate to let him through.

“Reece Evans.” Alex grins. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to offer you a job.”

He extends his hand, and I shake it. “Really? You came all the way here to do that?”

“I was here for other reasons, but Josh thought it’d be something special for me to deliver the news in person.”

He nods. “Sounds great. Have you spoken to my agent? I haven’t heard anything from him yet.”

“Josh is handling all that. I’m guessing no, or maybe he’s told them I’m delivering the news personally. But we’re not really good at doing things the traditional way.”

Alex laughs. “So I hear. I look forward to working with you guys.”

“You want the role?”

His mouth falls open. “Does a bear shit in the woods? Hell yes, I want it. The chance to work with you and Josh Carter after your Oscar clean-up is mind boggling. I’d be an idiot to say no.”

“Ahem.”

I side-eye Pania. “Oh, Alex, this is my girlfriend, Pania. Pania, my future co-star Alex Stone.”

She blushes. She actually has the nerve to blush as he shakes her hand. I raise my eyebrows as I meet her eyes.