Page 38 of Breaking Hollywood

I hand it back to him. “Call me if you, I don’t know, fall down or something. Or just need me for anything. And I’ll come right away. Just try not to move too much. Rest as much as possible.” I pick up his crutches from the floor and stand them by the bed for easy access for him. “And just leave the tray on your nightstand. I’ll clear it away in the morning. I’ll be back first thing.”

“Speedy, I plan on finishing my soup, drinking my beer, and then watching sports on TV until I fall asleep.”

“Okay, good.” I turn and head for the door.

“Ava?”

This is only the second time he’s said my name today. And my body has the exact same reaction as it did the first time.

I turn back to him. “Yeah?”

His eyes are warm and serious on me, and my insides heat.

“Thanks for all your help today.”

“Gabe, you really don’t have to thank me. You wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for me. This is the least I can do.”

“Well, either way, I just want you to know I appreciate it.”

“And I appreciate you not calling the cops on me.”

I smile, and he laughs.

Then, his face goes serious. “Can I ask…why did you get fired?”

I wrap my arms around my chest. “Cutbacks.”

“You worked for the studio?”

I tilt my head in question.

“I was in the building for a meeting and saw you coming out.”

“Oh, right. Yeah, I worked in wardrobe.”

“That’s how you know Charly?”

“Yeah, we worked together in New York first. That’s where I’m originally from. Then, I moved here to be with Jeremy.”

“He’s your ex?”

I nod. “I got a job with the studio as a wardrobe assistant but got promoted to wardrobe mistress. I was working on Vaughn’s film, and I hired Charly to come work with me.”

“So, because of you, they met.”

“I guess.” I shrug. “Anyway, I should go.” I thumb over my shoulder.

“Sure. See you tomorrow. And don’t worry about the job front. Someone will hire you in no time.”

“Yeah.” I smile, but it feels weak. “Okay, see you in the morning.”

I order an Uber before I leave Gabe’s apartment. I wait only a few minutes before it turns up.

The Uber drops me back at my car.

I get in, start the engine, and drive toward my apartment, stopping at the deli on the way. I grab a sandwich and a bottle of wine from the liquor store next door.

I let myself in my apartment, and Gucci is at the door, waiting for me.