There wasn’t room for a relationship in his life. With the amount of work he committed to and months at a time away filming at different locations, stopped him from perusing anything serious. In the beginning of his career, he’d found a woman he could see a future with. Thought it possible to do both. He’d been wrong. Unable to sacrifice the workload and commit more time to his girlfriend it’d caused a rift and they had split. He hurt someone who loved him because making movies was more important to him. After all, it gave his family a better life and even though they were more secure now, he couldn’t risk losing it all again.
“I want to go to the fundraiser,” Ethan said. “I want to talk to Ralph and he should be there tonight. The script he told me about didn’t get delivered.”
Victoria sat back in the seat with a huff. “I don’t know why you’re still with him. Your sister could do a better job.”
His fingers gripped the steering wheel for a beat. Chloe was the agent for some A list celebrities but she refused to represent him. “I’ve asked her more than once and I keep getting the same answer.”
“She’d make a fortune out of you and Aiden.”
“She thinks we’ll boss our kid sister around. And that there’s not enough money in the world that will make her put up with us.”
Victoria laughed, “She’s probably right.”
Pulling up to the valet parking in front of The Runaway Club, Ethan ran his fingers through his hair and blew out a breath. A bunch of paparazzi were outside with their cameras ready. He had to keep reminding himself that these people helped him get paid. Acting, pulled his family out of a hovel and without them, he could very quickly end up back where he’d started. And there was no way, he’d let that ever happen. So, if it meant turning up to clubs to have his photo taken, no matter how tedious, he’d do it.
“Show time,” he said as he got out of the car, handed the valet the keys and took Victoria’s hand. Smiling, he greeted the media.
Once inside, he shook some hands, posed for selfies with fans who’d won a competition to attend the night’s fundraiser, and greeted whoever walked past. All with Victoria plastered at his side doing the same thing. Did she find it as monotonous as he did? Probably not, she craved the attention and basked in the spotlight.
Tables with cream tablecloths and flower arrangements were set out in front of a stage for people to sit and watch the singers. An 80s TV star was dancing and singing out of tune to a Justin Bieber song.
A tray of drinks materialised magically out of thin air. Ethan took a whisky and Victoria, who rarely drank because of the calories, chose sparkling water and then made her way to rub shoulders with whoever was theitperson of the month.
He went in search of Ralph, he needed to know more about this role he had for him. Instead of finding his agent, his gaze locked on Holly sitting at a table in a dark corner with Shaun whispering in her ear.
Holly frowned and pulled away not looking at all like she was enjoying his company. Well, he’d tried to warn her. It was her life; she could go out with whomever she pleased. So why did a tightness squeeze his chest at the sight of Shaun leering at her like he was ready to find them a room?
Shaking his head, he tossed back the whiskey and spun away hoping the burning liquid would fix the unexpected feelings he was having. Across the room, he spotted the man he wanted to talk to, chatting with a young soap star. He caught Ralph’s attention, and his agent waved him over.
Before he took a step, a loud gasp sounded behind him and he turned around. Shaun had red wine dripping down his face and a dark stain spread across his white linen shirt. Holly shot up from the lounge with a thundercloud expression and jostled her way through a laughing crowd.
Before Ethan could go to her to check if she was okay, a heavy hand landed on his shoulder and he turned to see Ralph by his side. “I bet he deserved that,” his agent said tilting his chin toward Shaun. “Sorry, I missed your call. I’ve been in meetings trying to get you cast for this movie. I’m getting positive feedback. There’s a good chance you’ll still have to audition.”
“I thought the director was already on board?” Ethan said as he searched the crowded room to see which direction Holly had gone.
“Yes, yes, he is. You know he’s not the only one we need to impress. Come and have a drink and we’ll talk about who’s having doubts.”
“Ralph, send me the script. We’ll talk later.” He should really stay and discuss this with him. But he needed to see if Holly was okay.
“But—”
“I’ve gotta run,” Ethan said and made to go down the stairs in search of Holly. She’d looked upset—or more like, ready to kill someone—and he wanted to make sure she got home safely. Then he remembered Victoria. “Dammit.” He spun back around. Thankfully it didn’t take long to find her.
“Are you able to find a lift home?” When an eyebrow rose, he added, “If not, I can swing back and get you when you’re ready to leave.”
“Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Yes, I just need to see someone gets home safely.”
“I’m sure Lucas will be happy to offer me a ride.” She gave a seductive smile to the man standing next to her, whom Ethan assumed was Lucas.
With that, he raced down the steps doing a quick scan of the dance floor and surrounding areas. Unless she was in the bathroom, she wasn’t in the club. On his way out, people tried to stop him to talk. He ignored them and kept moving until he stepped out into the crisp evening air.
He didn’t need to go far to find Holly. A couple of metres away, she glared daggers at the valet. With arms crossed and toe tapping she spat, “You’ve got to be freaking kidding me?”
Chapter 11
When would Holly learn to stop making dumb decisions? Going on a date with Shaun had disaster written all over it from the beginning. He couldn’t keep his hands to himself and kept calling hergorgeousthe moment she stepped out of the trailer. And he didn’t introduce her to anyone in the film industry nor did she see any crew around. He just picked a dark corner and went all octopus-hands on her. Deep down she knew this would be a mistake. Seeing Ethan with Victoria did something weird to her insides and it affected her decision making. Now look where that had left her… Now she wanting to take down the valet because he wouldn’t get her bag out of Shaun’s car. Stupid mistake number two, bringing her luggage and leaving it in his Benz.
