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He bought his way in? Evie cocked a brow. No way.
“I applied months ago—on a whim.” Nick pulled out his phone and paused, his expression pensive. “Mind you, I never thought I’d actually go.”
Evie’s eyes locked on his phone’s fruity logo. What?! Her mouth fell slack. Nick’s got one of those Apple iPhone thingies?!
Sunita waggled her head back and forth. “Blah, blah, blah! Does he always talk this much about himself?”
Evie ignored her. She also parked her curiosity about Nick’s phone despite dying to ask if he’d lined up for it. Temptation twitched inside her, but unleashing it might catapult another snide remark from Sunita about Nick’s wealth. “So, you’ll study drama?” she asked instead.
“No, television and radio production.” Nick checked something on his phone then tucked it away. “I figured I should learn what goes on behind the scenes. Can’t hurt, right? If anything, it’ll be backup in case acting doesn’t pan out.”
“Like you have to work,” said Sunita.
Nick raked a hand through his hair. “I don’t have to. I want to.”
“Hey, it’s always smart to have a plan B,” said Evie, playing peacemaker as she pressed the bottle into Nick’s hands.
“Exactly! This way, I can earn a degree and audition on the side. It’s all good. I just hope the industry doesn’t forget me before I graduate.” He downed a generous swig of champagne.
“So, in other words”—a hiccup jolted Sunita midsentence—“you didn’t land any parts during your gap year.”
“No. Not for want of trying, though.” Nick passed the champagne back to Evie. “Work’s been scarce since Dalston. Seems I’m either too young or too old, too tall or too Jake.”
“I hate that,” said Evie as Sunita dragged her purse closer and plowed inside. “Being judged for things you have zero control over.”
“And while we’re on the topic,” said Nick, “I didn’t book the young Han Solo role.”
Evie pouted. “Nooo. I’m so sor—”
“Dammit!” Sunita wailed, sloppily chucking her bag on the blanket. “I knew I forgot something…”
“Like what?” Evie motioned toward her backpack. “Maybe I have what you need.”
“Oh yeah? I’m looking for…the world’s tiniest violin?!”
Evie’s jaw fell. “Sunita!” Hugging the champagne, she turned to Nick. “Sorry. Ignore her. She’s—”
“Calling out Nick’s bullshit,” said Sunita.
Drawing back, Evie narrowed her gaze. “You’re what?!”
“Sunita, have I done something to piss you off?” asked Nick.
“Yes, Nick—yes, you have—but where to start!” she bellowed. “You can’t fool me, Mr. TV Tales Hunk of the Year. Evie and everyone else might be charmed, but I know what you actor types are really like.”
“And what is that exactly?” he batted back calmly.
“Self-obsessed, two-timing users who don’t give a toss who they hurt.”
“He’s nothing like that!” said Evie as the sun finally surrendered to the sea. “I should know. We talk all the time.”
“I KNOW!” Sunita’s sneering glance rolled over his bowling shirt. “And I really take issue, Louis, when you message Eves for months, stringing her along, then you show up with your pricey plonk and your come-to-bed eyes and make her doubt her choices.”
Nick snickered. “Come-to-bed eyes? That’s a first!”
“I don’t doubt my choices,” said Evie.
“Nice try, Pinocchio!” Sunita snorted. “Should I remind you of what you said earlier—”
