Page 1 of Even Ground

1

Reece

“And that’s a wrap. See you all at the party.”

I drop my arms to my side, letting go of Sigourney and blowing out a long breath.

“Are you going to the wrap party?” She flutters her eyelashes at me. Ordinarily, I’d be taking up her unspoken offer. But, today, I’ve got other places to be.

“No. I’m heading back to LA.”

“Today?”

I nod. “Josh’s wedding.”

Her eyelashes flutter again. “Need a date?”

“I’m the best man, and I’m giving the bride away. I’m not taking a date, but thanks.”

After changing and saying my goodbyes, I head out to the car waiting to take me to the airport. I knew making it to the wedding after filming could be cutting it fine, but the role was only minor, and the movie only took a couple of weeks to film. In any case, finishing now gives me two days to prepare for the wedding, which is more than enough given I already have my suit, and Josh is being a control freak about everything.

Me: I’m on my way back

I flick a quick text to my best friend just so he knows what’s going on. His head is full of wedding things, as most of the planning has been done by him.

Josh: See you soon

The car makes its way through the streets of Atlanta, heading toward the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to where the jet I chartered waits. I usually fly commercial because I think private jets are a bit too over the top—even for me. But I wanted the ability to leave when I needed to, given the wedding is on the other side of the country.

My phone vibrates in my jacket pocket, and I pull it out to see who’s calling.

Groaning, I roll my eyes. If I don’t answer it, she’ll just leave a voicemail and then call back again. And again.

“Jessie.” I take a deep breath. There are only two things that Jessie Lane has ever called me for: booty calls, and to complain about Josh.

“What are you doing?” she asks.

“I’m on my way to the airport. Why?”

“Airport? Where are you going?”

I clench my fist. She wouldn’t be calling if she didn’t know what was going on. “I’ve been working in Georgia, and now I’m heading back to LA for the wedding.” There’s no point in beating around the bush.

“Do you need a chaperone?”

I bite down a smile. Even if I did, Jessie would be the last person I’d take to this particular wedding.

“Unfortunately no. I’m the best man, and I’m giving the bride away, so I’m not taking a date.”

“I can’t believe he didn’t even invite me.”

She lets out a sob, and my heart sinks. If Josh were marrying literally anyone else on the planet, he would have probably invited Jessie—she’s been his friend for as long as she’s been mine. But there’s no way he’s going to let her anywhere near Delaney. His soon-to-be-wife will chew her up and spit her out after the way Jessie treated her when they met.

Jessie turned up in Delaney’s Diner when she and Josh shot a romantic comedy in New Zealand and was a full-on diva. She treated Delaney so badly that I don’t think Josh will ever forgive her.

“I’m sorry, Jess. Maybe we can go for a drink one night and catch up?”

“Can you come and see me when you land in LA?”

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