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“All equal and up to code,” he said.
Nodding, she smiled asa tender swell of pride lit her face. “You do nice work.”
Though deflated, he managed to smile back and wink. “I have a thing for my client.”
She blushed scarlet. “Go on with your flirting.”
Eric loped over to where he planned to dig a drainage ditch with Ina trailing after. “You plan on watching me all day?”
“If I’m in your way just say so, but it looks like you could use some company.”
Removing his baseball cap, he slapped it against his leg and a shower of sawdust fell to the ground. His hands were calloused, and his overalls caked in dirt. Brand new work boots already showed wear. “I’ve had better days. I’ve had worse.”
Ina eyed him head to toe. “I don’t imagine this is how a movie star typically spends his days,goodorbad.”
“I guess I’m not a typical movie star.”
A bit of warmth filled him. While still in a funk over Jenna’s hasty departure, Ina’s comment reminded him of how happy he was to be away from L.A. and anywhere else celebrities congregated. A-List clubs and events were asylums of bad behavior, and he’d viewed it from both sides. Most luminaries balked at paying for anything, bitched if they weren’t seated at the right table, and treated staff like indentured servants. Now, as a part of the elite, Eric would sooner break his fingers than be a typical star and snap them for attention.
“Earth to Eric,” Ina called. She was still standing next to him, a shovel in hand. “Where did you go? You looked lost in thought.”
“Lost.” He shrugged. “I suppose I am.”
“Well then, knock off for today. You’ve earned a good meal.” She laid the shovel down and reached over and gently placed her hand against his back. “And maybe a bit of advice from someone who’s of an age to have some to spare.”
****
“Is he packing his bags?” Randi was quick to ask as Jenna inched through the doorway of the store.
“No.”
“Did you tell him about Janie?”
“No!” On the verge of tears, Jenna shook her head. “He thinks I’m crazy. Every time we come close to having a rational conversation I freak out and—”
“Hmph.” Tapping a foot on the tile, Randi crossed her arms in a show of anger. “Maybe if he hadn’tfreaked outthe night Janie was born, the two of you would still be—”
“All right.” Jenna retrieved a bottle of ibuprofen from behind the counter and popped it open. She tossed two tablets into her mouth and swallowed. Looking bewildered and somewhat repulsed, Randi asked how she could swallow the pills without water.
“Ten years of tension headaches,” Jenna answered while rubbing her temples.
“Why don’t I run next door and get you some coffee.”
Jenna waved the offer away. “I’ve had enough caffeine.”
Randi flipped the “Closed” sign and locked the door. “Then let’s talk.”
The two friends went in the back and sat on the small couch in the office. Jenna’s legs were curled beneath her, while Randi’s were stretched out on a carton, recently delivered and unopened. “I’m going home for the weekend to see my husband and kids, then I’m coming back and staying until this mess of yours is resolved.”
“Then you’ll be staying with me forever.”
Randi snorted. “As much as my mom loves my boys, I don’t think she’s up for that.”
“More guilt. Thanks.”
Jenna sank into the cushions. Her gaze wandered from the brass coat rack covered with boas and hats, to her desk piled high with boxes of makeup. Handbags and headbands, all covered with a rainbow of glass beads, were in cartons stacked against the wall. She had her own personal wardrobe department, all the trappings of a little girl’s fantasy. Ten years away from the frames of celluloid and bright lights, and she was still surrounded by make believe. She dropped her face into her hands.
“Oh, Jen.” Randi put her arms around her and hugged. “It’ll be all right.”
