Page 110 of Under Ground

Taking a deep breath, I rap on the door.

It takes a few moments, but my heart races at the sound of footsteps.

The door swings open, and Reece is there.

“Lana? What are you doing here?” He leans out the door and looks around. “It’s just you?”

“Alex isn’t with me. I want to talk.”

He shrugs. “Sure. Come in.”

I follow him inside. For all the time I’ve been staying with Delaney, I’ve never been inside Pania and Reece’s house. It’s just as beautiful as Delaney and Josh’s home, and it’s all a little overwhelming.

“What’s up?” he asks, taking a seat in an armchair in the living room and indicating I should sit on the couch.

I take a seat. “You need to sort this thing out with Alex.”

Reece frowns. “I think that’s between me and him.”

“It would be if you would just talk to him.” I narrow my gaze. “None of this is his fault. He didn’t know either. And I’ve just about had enough of him coming home miserable because he wants some kind of relationship with you—even a decent working one.”

He leans back in his seat. “We’re making a movie together.”

“And you won’t talk to him outside of your scenes.” I sigh. “He looks up to you, Reece. Always has. This movie isn’t just his big break. It’s been the opportunity to work with two of the best in the industry, and his mother’s announcement just screwed everything up.”

Reece’s lips curl into a lopsided smile. It’s so Alex-like that for a moment, I’m left speechless. The casual observer might not notice anything beyond a vague resemblance, but I know the truth. “He said that?”

“He’s probably said that to you. Maybe you should listen.” I bite my lip, unsure if I’ve overstepped, but Reece chuckles.

“I like you. I’d say I’d forgotten how upfront Kiwis can be, but Pania never holds back. Alex is a lucky guy.”

That wasn’t what I expected to hear. “Well, I think so, but I’m biased.”

That just makes him laugh harder. “Look, Lana. I don’t mean to be hard on Alex. He’s a good guy. I just don’t know how to process this news. I spent my whole life thinking I was alone. And then, boom.”

Knitting my fingers together, I lean back. “Yeah, well. You also get me and Casey with that.” I lick my lips. “Oh, and we’ve got a baby on the way, which is making me really hormonal and pissed off.”

Reece’s mouth falls open. “No way. Congratulations.” That smile’s back again. “I guess that makes me Uncle Reece?”

“I’d appreciate it if you could keep it to yourself. Only Alex knows so far. And you. But get your shit together and sort things out with Alex.” I stand. “It’s hard to have a relationship with someone who’s acting like a dick.”

He rises to his feet. “Just give me a little time to work this out. Things have been busy lately, and I’ve had Pania in one ear, Josh in the other. And now I have Alex’s little firecracker going at me.”

I try and stop myself from smiling, but I can’t. “He’s a good man, Reece. And he doesn’t deserve the extra stress this is causing him.”

He nods. “That’s fair.”

“At least think about it, because I want this sorted out as soon as possible.”

Holding up his hands, he smiles. “Okay. Okay. Has anyone ever told you how bossy you are?”

“Not recently. We move in a couple of days too. In case you don’t know.”

His brows knit. “Move? Where?”

“Not far. We bought a house. So we won’t just be across the road for long.”

He nods. “Delaney and Pania will miss you.”

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