After fighting traffic, I arrive at Archie’s apartment in Venice after the sun has disappeared, so at least I don’t have to face a beautiful sunset after the day I’ve had. But the Pacific reflects the light of the full moon in a vision of blue and silver that rivals any sunset I’ve seen.
I send them both a wicked glare. I’m in no state of mind to appreciate the picture painted across the sky and the ocean below. It’s there to mock me, reminding me of the something beautiful I’ve left behind.
Cal said he and Junie would be there waiting once I figured things out, but he also said he didn’t want Junie to be caught up in the chaos of my fame. He doesn’t understand he can’t have one without the other. I’ve lived most of my life in some kind of spotlight, whether as Malcolm’s daughter, a pro-surfer, or an actor, fame has been a constant in my life. Yeah, I hid from it for years, but only with the help of an entire community.
They can’t protect me anymore.
More importantly, I don’t want them to.
I’m ready to step into that spotlight again. Have been for awhile, but being back in LA a few weeks ago for the launch of Bombora really brought it home.
I should have told Cal that was part of the tug pulling me back here, not just Malcolm. But the realization only just hit me, along with the understanding that courting fame again could make our goodbye more than temporary.
I sweep my fingers under my eyes and check them for mascara. I didn’t ring Archie I was coming. I didn’t want to cry over mobile. Don’t want to cry in person either, so I put on a smile before I knock. Seconds later, it’s Piper, not my brother, who swings the door open.
“Frankie!” Her excitement disappears with one close look at me. “What happened?” She asks while pulling me inside.
I burst into tears before she’s shut the door behind me. “It’s that obvious something’s wrong, yeah?”
“I mean, this afternoon you were texting how great the Holloways are, and you had a place to stay for a few days while you figured things out. Now you’re here, red eyed, with a smile more plastic than a Kardashian.” She pulls me to the couch and makes me sit.
I sniff and break into a staggered laugh-cry. Piper wraps her arms around me, and I rest my forehead on her shoulder.
The door opens, but we don’t break apart.
“Oi, what’s happening here?” Archie asks before joining us on the sofa to encircle us both in his long arms.
“Frankie’s home,” Piper says, which makes me cry harder. In turn, Archie squeezes tighter.
I don’t know how long we stay like that, and when we break apart, it’s still too soon for me. But the fact that two people who used to want to kill each other are now working together to comfort me brings out a laugh between my sniffling.
We sit down on Archie’s couch, me sandwiched betweenthe two of them.
“You heard about Dad being sick?” Archie asks.
I nod. “Brandon told me.”
“McVey? Where did you see him?” He sits up straight, a low growl coming from the back of his throat.
“My apartment in Serenity Cove.” I’m happy to let Archie assume Brandon’s the reason I’ve shown up crying on his doorstep. I don’t think I’m ready to talk about Cal.
“How did he find you? Are you alright? Does he know where you are now?” Archie springs from the couch, looking ready for a fight.
“I’m good. And I have no idea where Bran is, but I don’t think he knows I’m here.”
“I’ve warned him to stay away from you. If he shows up?—"
“Hey. I swear, I’m alright, Arch. Sit down.” I pat the spot next to me.
Archie glances at Piper, who nods. He sits down again, wedging his way between Piper and me.
“What did he tell you?”
“Malcolm’s sick. Really sick. He wants to see both of us.”
Archie nods like he already knows.
“What have you heard?” I ask, trying to sus out what he knows and how he feels, worried he’s caught between protecting me and pleasing Malcolm.
