Page 132 of Even Ground
“Well, we have had a long-distance relationship for two years,” I say.
“Kind of.” Pania laughs.
“There’s a story there somewhere.”
Pania’s smile warms my heart. “My best friend is married to his best friend. We met at their wedding a little over two years ago.”
“And your best friend is Josh Carter.” He points at me. “Didn’t he marry a woman from New Zealand?”
“Delaney,” Pania says. “She’s my bestie.”
Alex nods. “Gotcha. It’s so nice to meet both of you. I really appreciate you delivering that news in person, Reece. My agent called me this afternoon, and he laughed when I told him I’d already spoken to you.”
“You’re welcome. It was actually pretty cool to be able to do that. I look forward to working with you.”
He grins, and I’m reminded again at how perfect his casting is. We’ll look great together on screen as brothers.
“Me too. I can’t wait.” He runs his tongue over his upper lip. “My mom is going to freak out. I told her I was auditioning for the role, and she was pretty excited. She’s a big fan of yours.”
“Mine?” I run my hand down my face. “That’s awesome. Maybe you can bring her on set to meet all of us.”
“She’d love that.”
“And when you’re back in the states, come and see us. We’re a pretty close-knit team, and it’d be good for us all to get to know each other before we start filming.”
I shift my gaze to Pania. Her expression is blank, and I could kick myself for inviting Alex like that, even if it’s the right thing to do. She’s still determined to see out the rest of her studies, and I don’t have to be a mind reader to know she’ll also be sad to miss out.
“By the time we start filming, Pania will be setting up her business in LA and we’ll all be able to hang out together.”
Her lips twitch, and the sparkle in her eyes is enough to show me I’ve made things right.
I’m not sure what our future brings, but we’re on the right track.
* * *
After dinner, we part ways, promising to keep in touch, and Pania drives us back to the hotel. It’s a quiet ride home as I reflect on my own career path.
Alex’s career is still in its infancy, but there’s a lot of expectation around our new film after the way the last one performed.
Once we’re inside the hotel room, Pania drops her car keys into her bag. I squeeze her shoulders as she rolls her neck.
“Let me drive tomorrow. You must be over it.”
She turns. “Do you really think I’m going to trust you with my baby?”
I laugh. “I’ll let you drive my car when you come see me in LA.”
Pania purses her lips. “You’ve got a deal.”
I press a kiss to those lips, then nuzzle her neck. “Did you enjoy yourself this evening?”
“Alex is a really nice guy. He’ll make a nice addition to our group.”
I raise my head. “Our group?”
“Are you jealous?” Her eyebrows practically talk to me themselves as they rise. “Oh my God, you are.”
“You said he was cute,” I mumble.