Page 89 of Until the Last Star Fades

“Oh no, I last saw him…a year back? April, I think. Yeah, we went for a quick pint in London. He’s never home, the bastard.” He glanced over at Maggie. A smile lit up her face. “His career has exploded, makes staying in touch tricky.”

“Right…” With a barely visible squint, Casey lifted his chin and nodded knowingly.

“I lose track of where he’s filming these days.”

Riley tilted her head. Hmm. Doesn’t sound like they’re close.

Casey played with his straw, plunging the ice in his drink. “I thought I saw something about him joining Full Throttle 3.”

“I saw that, too.” Piper jumped in. “Filming starts in August.”

Ben nodded. “Ah, well, like I said, he’s never in one place for long these days.”

“I hate-watch that franchise. Car chases are so dumb.” Piper chewed her martini’s olive. “But with Keegs? Sign me UP.”

Casey grinned as servers arrived with food for their table. “Ah, better get back to the folks. Just wanted to say hi.”

“Thanks, mate. Good to meet you.” Ben sat down and Casey returned to his parents at the far end of the table.

Okay, now that we’re on the topic—how well does Ben know Mark? Riley smiled. “Have you met Mark’s girlfriend?” If they’re close, you’d think Ben would’ve met her.

“Alice? No, I haven’t, actually.”

Alice? “No, I think her name’s Alex—she’s a playwright? But there were rumors on social media they broke up, so—”

“Oh, nice one!” He leaned away from her, allowing the server to place a smoked turkey panini and fries in front of him. “Thanks. Mmm, this looks gorgeous!” He shifted the plate toward Riley, their plan to share the meal and its cost.

Well, Ben did say he’s not best friends with Mark, and guys don’t take their girlfriends with them everywhere. Riley smiled at him.

“I’m just gonna nip to the men’s room.” Ben stole a fry and excused himself from the table.

Maggie watched Ben disappear up the stairs and leaned over her small salad. “Sweetie, he’s lovely! We had a nice chat earlier.”

“He said you talked eighties music. He’s such a goof.” She giggled, glancing sideways at Piper.

“Must be hard being away from family.” Maggie unfolded her napkin. “I’m glad he came out with us.”

“Yeah, give him a pint, fries”—Riley picked up her half of the panini—“the promise of cake for dessert and he’s a happy guy.”

Maggie checked the stairs, ensuring Ben wasn’t in sight. “I think he likes you.”

Half-listening to Casey’s sister, Piper jumped in, lowering the fried calamari skewed on her fork. “Yeah, get on with it, will ya?”

“Get on with it?” Riley mumbled, staying quiet so Casey’s sister couldn’t hear. “How about you and Casey get on with it?”

“Ew! I’m eating here.” Piper lost her chin.

“Well?! It’s no different. We’re just good friends.” She lowered her panini and turned to her mom. “And before you say, Oh, but he’s lonely, believe me—he’s not. He’s a cute Brit in New York. He’s not wanting for admirers.”

“But does he buy them all gifts?” Sitting back, Maggie’s eyes darted over Riley’s head.

“Hey, don’t wait for me!” Ben swooped down into his chair. “Get in, Riles.”

Avoiding her mom’s gaze, she bit into her sandwich.

Thirty-Nine

One month later