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She rests her chin on her palm. “I’ve been meaning to ask you. You seem lighter. Happier. Something’s different about you. Are you seeing someone?”
“No!” I say too quickly and spin around to face her. I want JJ to be my perfect secret. Like Rose and Jack from Titanic. “I’m just being low-key. It’s the first time in forever I’m doing something for myself. It makes me happy.”
She cocks her head. “Try again.”
“Honestly, I’m waiting for this shit with Harrison’s indictment to die down before I start dating again,” I lie through my teeth. “I’m sure you know he lost his entire company a couple of months ago to a media venture capital firm that seems to be scooping up a bunch of entertainment-related businesses.”
“His shit is not your shit. You know that don’t you?” Ronni tracks my movement around the room.
I slump in my vanity chair thinking about the one remnant of my time with my ex that’s bringing me down. “I know, but I was married to him for so long. I see my name pop up in blogs. Linking me. Speculating. It pisses me off when they think I was part of it. For fuck’s sake, the house we lived in was bought with the money I earned from my music.”
“Women always take the brunt of it.” Ronni shakes her head sadly. “Men always get off easy.”
“Facts.” I sigh heavily. A guilty man blaming the victim. Same story. Different day.
“But, back to you. When you’re ready to date…” Her eyebrows knit. “Connor has a couple of cute brothers that are still single.”
Since the sex marathon, I’ve thought a lot about what I want and when I want it. The first year of my marriage, I was on tour. Supporting the singles that were charting while trying to find new acting opportunities. Harrison hated it. He belittled my career. Insisted I didn’t need to work. Begged me to quit and support him while he built his company, which he insisted would be more stable for the family we were going to have.
The family that never materialized.
“I was a fool to get married to a man like Harrison.” I stand and grab the wardrobe bag to get dressed. “The red flags were all there, but I know better now. I’m sticking to my guns. My next relationship will be with someone who is loving. Kind. Creative. A true partner. Someone I can trust. No more emotionally stunted CEO-types. Every one of them I’ve met have egos so big there’s no room for me.”
“I wouldn’t know..” Ronni laughs and takes the empty bag after I pull out my outfit. “I’ve only been with actors and musicians. Although, they come with their own special type of ego.”
I can’t help but laugh. If only the public knew that most of Ronni’s public relationships were not what they seemed.
A serious but poignant thought consumes me. “God, Ronni. You know what? No matter what, I’ll never give up what I love for a man. Ever again.”
“Good. I always thought it was such a shame you quit acting. You’re one of the most talented women I know. You have no idea how happy it made me when you agreed to do my show, Clover. It means the world.” Ronni gets up and hugs me.
I hug her back tightly. “Your offer came at the perfect time. I always loved acting but hated auditioning.”
“Same.” Ronni looks at me knowingly. The auditions for Hawaiian High were traumatic. Abusive. Exploitive. It’s why Kircher is in jail.
“Well, on a lighter note, I better get ready to fake-kiss your husband.” I give her a goofy grin, complete with googly eyes. No need to dwell on a shitty time in both of our lives.
Ronni moves toward the door. “Have fun. Don’t worry about me, I’m being serious. You guys will be great.” She waves and slips away.
Four hours later, and we’re wrapped. Connor was professional and amazing. The scene went off without a hitch. Ronni seems happy.
I’m not released to leave the city just yet, but I’ve decided to pack up while I wait. Pax and I are having goodbye drinks tonight, so I have that to look forward to.
“Thanks for letting me borrow your man, Ronni. If you don’t need me this afternoon, I’m gonna head back to the hotel.” I sneak up behind her for a side hug. “Wouldn’t it be great if they cast your hubby opposite my character next year?”
She bites her lip. “Oh, I’m not so sure he’d be down.”
We chitchat for a bit until her business partner, Kris, interrupts and she excuses herself. Perfect timing, I cannot wait to pack. I’m ready to go home. I give the two of them a wave, spin around and make a move toward the exit.
I nearly don’t recognize him because of the perfectly tailored, expensive gray suit he’s wearing.
But the violet eyes are a dead giveaway.
“Clover.” JJ smiles and holds his hand out to me, revealing a five-hundred-thousand-dollar Patek Philippe 5078G-010 Grand Complications watch.
A watch I’d recognize anywhere.
Because it’s the gift I gave Harrison on his fortieth birthday.
