Page 2 of Even Ground

I run my fingers through my hair. “Uh … sure. I can’t be there long, but I can stop by.”

“Thank you.” She sniffs.

I never thought it would come to this. Josh, Jessie, and Clarke were my instant friends when we all started the same acting class together. Josh and I were tight and soon became roommates. Jessie always had a crush on Josh, but it seemed harmless.

It’s not like she’s spent the years in between pining for him. It just becomes an issue when she realises he’s out of reach. For good this time.

I’ve known people who have married and known ahead of time that it won’t last. But that’s not the case with Josh and Delaney. Those two are true soulmates.

“Gotta go, we’re nearly there. See you when I reach LA.”

“Okay.” She sniffs again, but I disconnect the call. I feel bad even thinking about it, but I’m never sure with her whether she’s faking it or not. But at the same time, I know I need to go and check up on her.

I’m not sure anyone else will.

* * *

Apart from a little turbulence roughly halfway there, the flight is fairly uneventful.

It’s simultaneously too long and not long enough as I think ahead about going to Josh’s place versus knowing I need to check on Jessie.

I don’t think she’d do anything stupid, but she’ll be a mess as this wedding draws closer.

Why me?

Because she has no one else.

I’ve enjoyed a lavish lifestyle these past few years, but after I was raised in a house without much money, I’d like to think my feet are actually on the ground. Josh is the same.

But Jessie? She was the one in our group who let fame get to her. It’s impacted her career in so many ways—I’m not even sure she realises there are people out there who will never work with her. And it’s partly behind this fracture in her relationship with Josh, who went out of his way to try to help her out.

I still care about her, and I’m sure Josh does too. But right now, I’m the one friend she probably feels she can call on for sympathy.

My BMW i8’s waiting for me at LAX in long-term parking, and I’m relieved to sink into the leather seats. It’s good to be home again.

Jessie’s place first, and then onto see Josh. I can do this.

Even though there’s a part of me that wants to skip the visit to Jessie, I won’t—she needs someone.

Her place isn’t that far from Josh’s home. She’s in an apartment similar to mine. And I make my way there, enjoying the quiet of the car ride. It’s been a hectic few days, and I’m glad to have a little downtime before the wedding madness.

Thankfully, there’s a car park right outside her building, so I swing in there and jump out of the car.

Taking a ride in the elevator to the fourth floor, I do my best to brace for Jessie’s inevitable tears. This isn’t the first time I’ve comforted her, and no doubt it won’t be the last.

She needs to move on.

The elevator comes to a stop, and I take the short walk to her apartment.

I take a deep breath and knock on the door.

“Who is it?”

“Jess, it’s me. Reece.”

She flings open the door. Her red-rimmed eyes tell me the whole story, and my heart sinks seeing her so miserable.

Before I know it, her arms are around my neck, and she’s pulling me back into her apartment. Once the door’s closed, we stand there for a minute while her hot tears soak the front of my shirt.

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