“Glad to hear it.”
I popped my head outside where two people were finishing setting a table beneath a shade structure on the deck. From there we’d be able to see the waves of the Pacific as we ate, and I felt lucky every single time I stopped to think about that being a reality of my life.
On a whim, I swung by the wine fridge to grab a bottle of Malbec I was sure would blow Elena’s mind, pouring it into a decanter and leaving it to breathe. We only had a week and a half left, but I could spoil her in little ways.
When I glanced at my watch and saw it was about time for people to start showing up, I went in search of my nosey girlfriend.
I found her perched on a wingback chair in an upstairs sitting room, so engrossed in whatever she was reading, she didn’t even notice I was there until I was standing in front of her.
“Find something juicy?” I asked, making her stop reading and look up at me.
“Have you fucking read this?” She didn’t even pretend to be guilty. She waved a script at me.
“I have.”
“You’re doing it, right? This is the greatest spin onPride and PrejudiceI’ve ever seen. You would blow this Darcy out of the water. You’re an idiot if you’re not doing this.”
“It conflicts with shootingCrown of Swords, so I had to pass.”
“You’re definitely an idiot. This is way better than whatCrown of Swordsis going to be in the hands of those dudebros. This still has BDSM undertones. Darcy is so clearly written as a dominant. And it’s the raunchy version ofPride and Prejudicewe all deserve. And did I mention you’re an idiot?”
I huffed a laugh. “I agree, butCrown of Swordsis way higher profile and Steel is a coveted role I had to fight for. I’m even willing to put up with you for a month to get it.” I kissed the tip of her nose, but she wouldn’t be deterred.
“You need to fire your dudebro agent. You in this role would be iconic. I know nothing else about it, but you as this Darcy would give you a cult following.”
“Steel already has a cult following. It’s a sure thing,” I said.
“You’re—”
“Yes, an idiot. Come on. This idiot’s family is about to be here.”
She set the script down then hesitated, looking like she wasn’t quite ready to part with it, but she did, then followed me downstairs.
“What’s the strategy here?” She smoothed her already smooth skirt. It was almost like she was nervous.
“We’ll let them come in, make some small talk, get settled at the table, and then I’ll casually mention it.”
“Casually, huh?” She was fighting a smile. “I’ll just follow your lead, then.”
From the kitchen, I heard, “No. Freaking. Way!” Elena whipped her head around.
“Maia?!” The two women ran to each other, embracing in a tight hug before pulling back to study each other. I wasn’t even going to ask how they knew each other. Everyone Elena knew wasn’t necessarily from the scene. I didn’t need to pry into Maia's private life.
“I’ve missed you,” Elena said, pulling her back in for another hug. “That must be your amazing food I’m smelling.”
“Andyou’rethe girl Alex is introducing to his family? You’re way too good for the likes of him. How did he get that lucky?” She laughed as she said it.
“I’m standing right here!”
Elena shrugged. “He’s pretty. It’s distracting. Now I know who to thank for those beautifully sculpted muscles.”
“My trainer?” I asked, deliberately ribbing Maia. They worked closely together, but she felt like trainers always got all the glory when it was the nutrition that makes or breaks a fitness regimen.
Maia shot me a glare and led Elena into the kitchen, leaving me standing alone in the hallway when the doorbell rang. I swung the door open, revealing my family.
I greeted everyone, hugging my mom gingerly to avoid the arm that was in a sling. When I brought them to the kitchen, she hugged Elena. “It’s nice to meet you in person. I’m glad you could join us for dinner.”
Zane shook Elena’s hand and introduced himself, but she glanced at me and cocked an eyebrow. She obviously recognized him. “Typical Alex. I ask what does your brother do…his answer? ‘He’s in a band.’ He neglected to mention you’re the lead singer of Travesty. I’m a big fan.”
