Page 97 of Even Ground

“I feel really bad.”

“You should. I’ll sort it, but don’t you ever do this to me again or that’s it. I’m not doing this anymore.”

I swallow hard. “Let me know what I need to do and I’ll make it happen.”

“You had better.” She pauses. “Are you seriously telling me you flew across the planet for a woman?”

I blow out a long breath. “Sure did.”

“Wow. That is insane. You are insane. And you’re very lucky I adore you.”

“Now you tell me.” I run my fingers through my hair.

“Not enough to sleep with you, but yeah. And it sounds like you’ve finally worked out what you want.”

I clutch the phone to my ear and look up at the clear blue sky. “I have.”

“Leave it with me and I’ll see what I can do.”

By the time I’ve sent a text to Pania asking for her address, there’s a message from Sara.

Sara: You’ve got two weeks. The shoot’s being rescheduled, and they’re not happy. But, thankfully, they have to wait for the site to be available again. I had to sweeten things a bit so your deal isn’t quite what it was, but it’s workable. And I did it on the assumption you’ll be fine because you screwed up.

Me: Thanks, Sara. I owe you everything.

Sara: You’d better get the girl, then.

I grin. Yes, I’d better.

23

Pania

“I’m so glad this term is nearly over.” Sam nudges my arm, and all I can do is nod.

“Me too. I’m so tired. And I’m not sure I can do the rest of the year.”

She laughs. “If I can, you can.”

My phone buzzes in my jacket pocket, but I do my best to ignore it. I shouldn’t be texting during the day, but it’s early evening in LA and the best time for Delaney or Reece to talk.

I wait until Judith’s got her back to me and slide my phone out of my pocket.

Reece: Where are you?

I look up. Judith’s busy talking to one of the other students.

Me: In class.

Reece: Send me the address. I’m coming to see you.

I gasp and slide my phone back into my pocket.

“Pania?”

I turn toward Sam, who’s looking at me with a crooked eyebrow. Feeling more eyes on me, I look around the room, plastering a faint smile on my face.

“I’m fine,” I say quietly.

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