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“I’m a huge fan too, which is why I had to own it the minute it came on the market.” Tobyn beamed. “Maybe you can bring him to see it sometime.” He gestured to the table as a man and woman set plates down at each seat.
“He’d love that.” It was hard to contain the rush of excitement. While I was sure his offer was just politeness, it still meant a lot.
Chance put his hand on my lower back, escorting me to our seats. After we sat, he propped his arm on the back of my chair, crossing his ankle over his knee. Taking a sip of his glass of red wine, he cleared his throat.
“How are you feeling?” Tobyn took a bite of his Mediterranean salad.
Chance withdrew his arm, placing his hand on my thigh under the table. “Much better.”
“I can see that.” Tobyn glanced back and forth between us before nodding toward my engagement ring. “And should I say congratulations?”
Chance and I exchanged a smile.
“Yes.” Chance grinned. “We’re engaged.”
Melanie gasped, reaching her hand toward me. I stretched toward her as she wrapped her fingers around mine. “I have to see it closer!” She admired my ring. “Congrats to you both!” She held her glass up cheerfully before chugging her wine and pouring another. “I expect an invite!”
As we dined, Tobyn asked about Chance’s car accident. He kept the story, never leading on that it was a gunshot wound. He even stayed true to himself, adding a few sarcastic remarks into his story.
Melanie and I chatted amongst ourselves. She was such a humble woman, which impressed me. I got to know about her life back in France. She was a model before she met Tobyn at Fashion Week in Paris. He immediately took a liking to her. She left her entire life in France, moving to California to be with him. Once in a while, she traveled back for shows but preferred the more laid-back life these days.
I told her about my job and how Chance and I met. I giggled to myself every time she poured herself another glass of wine. She made sure to top off my glass each time she did. She loved to drink. I loved wine more than anything, so I’d met my match, but I was sure she drank her own bottle during dinner.
Once we were finished with the meal and the table was cleared, dessert was placed in front of us. A gigantic slice of cheesecake with berries and a drizzle of chocolate. I loved cheesecake. In fact, it was my favorite dessert, but we’d just eaten a four-course meal.
Tobyn rolled his eyes, sliding his to the side before propping his elbows on the table. Clasping his hands in front of his mouth, he narrowed his eyes on Chance. “Let’s talk future business for a moment. I have a new project coming up and I need you for it.”
23
CONNECTIONS
CHANCE
I knew when Tobyn called, he’d want to discuss a project with me. I listened as he described the film he was shooting in January of next year, asking me to work on it with him. I was looking forward to it. Amber was excited she’d get to come to work with me and see me on set.
As much time as I’d spend filming, I’d never move away from Boston again. It was our home. It was where we wanted to raise a family one day, though I was still struggling with bringing children intomyworld. I knew I needed to let go of my fear. Plenty of celebrities raised kids both in and out of the spotlight. Most turned out just fine.
It was Monday afternoon, and I paced the green room backstage in the Late Night studio before filming tonight’s episode. I was still in a little pain, but my nerves were helping distract me and I was too stubborn to continue using the cane. Amber was in the audience, so I didn’t have her to comfort me before I went on to defend my previous actions. I know I owed Cameron Wolfe and my fans an apology for months ago, but apologizing never came easy for me. He’d already come backstage and asked for forgiveness again for provoking the outburst at my last visit.
“Mr. Hardwin?” A staff member stuck her head into the open room. “He’s ready for you.”
Nodding, I followed her through the backstage area. I waited behind the curtain next to the woman wearing a headset. I felt a vibration in my pocket. Slipping my phone out, I read the text from an unknown number.
You chose poorly. Soon, God will choose for you. Say goodbye to Tyler.
“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath, glancing around, seeing no one but the few crew members. I had to call Ian.
…so please welcome, Chance Hardwin!
“What?” I looked up. “Oh, no.”
“Put your phone away and go.”
Maybe I could send him a quick text when Cameron went to commercial.
The band played a song. Plastering a fake smile on my face, I entered the studio, waving at the audience before shaking Cameron’s hand. He playfully winced, and I rolled my eyes, teasingly holding up my fists.
The music died when I sat in the chair next to his desk. The crowd cheered louder than they ever had. Pressing my palms together, I bowed my head at them, then waved again. “Thank you.” Finally, they calmed down, a few short screams followed by silence. I took a deep breath, nervous about the interview, anxious about the text. The more I thought about it, I was worried for the safety of my fiancée, but she was safe in the audience, and I could see her.
