AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“In ten minutes.” Smith stalks away.
I look at Maddox. “What’s that about?”
“No idea.”
“I hope he’s not trying to push us off the edge.”
Maddox’s face pinches. “He was pretty disgusted with my blocking today.”
It’s Friday, so I’m ready for the weekend as I go to my dressing room and gather up my things. After we meet with Smith, I’m headed home—or to Maddox’s—for the evening.
When I step out of my dressing room, Maddox is there, waiting for me. After yesterday, he’s barely left my side, which means everything to me.
I also appreciate that Maddox had Iris put out a statement about last night, stating Duncan was a lawyer with my grandmother’s estate, and the paparazzi acted inappropriately. The studio arranged to have security escorts every night. And I’m beyond grateful for how everyone has stepped up for me today.
Maddox and I walk to the elevator before we head up to the top floor of the building. From there, we take the stairwell to the roof.
When we open the door, a group of voices yells, “Surprise!”
I gasp, taking in the scene in front of me.
The entire cast and crew and several other people are up here—Billy and Skye, my dad, and my friends among them, and I fight back the wave of emotions that hit.
This isn’t real, Riley.
I focus on the decorations of gold streamers, tea lights, and a sign that says, “Happy Engagement.”
I put a hand over my mouth. “What isthis?”
Skye had brought up a party when we first “got engaged,” but nothing was mentioned since. She steps in front of the crowd and says, “You’reengaged. You didn’t think we would let you get away without a party, did you?“ She shoots me a wink that tells me there’s more going on than that, but I roll with it.
“Congrats to both of you.” The words come out of Smith’s mouth, but he’s not doing a great job of acting like he cares. Because, of course, he doesn’t. He knows this is fake. I guess that’s why he’s the one in the director’s chair, not the actor’s. And I can guarantee this “celebration” is the last place he wants to be.
And that makes me smile. “Thanks, Smith.”
Skye ushers Maddox and me to the poolside bar where we’re handed glasses of Champagne for a toast.
It’s Billy who raises his glass when he says, “Congratulations to both of you. To my son, Maddox. I thought I’d never see this day.”
I look around for Maddox’s mom, but she’s not here. Maybe Skye didn’t invite her?
The crowd breaks out in chuckles and whistles. Then Billy continues. “I see the way you two look at each other. I’ve had the privilege of watching how you make each other laugh. How you make each other smile. How you lift and challenge one another. I love watching how, well…you just fit. And if there was one thing I would’ve hoped for in this world, it’s for my children to find their soulmates. My daughter found hers, which fills my being,” he says, shooting Sophie a grin, “and now, to see my son finding his fulfills me in a way I couldn’t have imagined.” Billy’s eyes go glassy, and it seems like he truly means what he says.
Maddox’s eyes twinkle too. I don’t know what’s going on, but this feels like a very real moment at a very fake event. But it brings the mist to my eyes as well, and Maddox pulls me in for a sweet, heartfelt kiss.
Then my dad steps forward, smiling at me when he says, “I’ll make this short and sweet. Riley, I’m so proud of you. Of the woman you have become, and more than anything, I’m thrilled to be here tonight to celebrate with you and Maddox. I love you.”
I tear up, and I can’t believe my dad is here saying those words. I squeak out a, “Love you too, Dad.”
Appetizers are served, and we eat and drink with a view of the sun sinking behind the horizon in early fall, the most beautiful time of year in Atlanta with the explosion of rusty colors. I’m honestly not sure what’s going on tonight, if this is real or fake, but it feels magical. Maddox and I sit arm in arm and talk and laugh as our coworkers, friends, and families celebrate us. I miss my grandmother, of course, but somehow the feeling is only a dull ache instead of a piercing sense of loss.
Sophie and Lucas come over to us and give us hugs, and Sophie says, “Welcome to the family, Riley.” She winks. “Well, welcome to the familyagain.”
Lucas laughs. “I know, it’s weird, right? I was welcomed to the family several times too. It’s like there’s an unofficial and official welcome.”
They know this isn’t real, but they’re acting like it is. I take a sip of Champagne, responding with the truth. “I guess that’s what happens when you have friends who just treat you like family. You’re the best.”
“Aww, love you, girl.” Sophie rubs my back.
