Page 63 of Even Ground

She stifles a yawn. “Melly went back to school today. It was such a mission to get out of bed on time, but we made it. Reece is thinking about buying a house, which is just bizarre, but Josh thinks it’s because he’s watching us settle down and maybe he’ll do the same thing.”

My heart stops. “Really?”

“He’s lived out of a suitcase forever, and he has an apartment even though he spends most of his time living at our place. It’ll be good for him.” She blows out a breath. “Though, he’s staying with us full-time while they film their movie.”

My eyebrows rise. “Are you okay with that?”

“I’m used to him, but I didn’t think we’d have a flatmate at this stage in our lives.” She facepalms. “I think Josh just wants to make sure he stays on the job. He missed some days of work at the start, and then he was away for those two weeks filming.”

“Fair enough. He seems to be serious about their movie. He talked about it a little when I was there, and he was pretty proud.”

Her lips curl. “They both are. It’s so cool. They started filming today, and Antonio and I are going shopping tomorrow. I wish you could’ve spent another week here.”

I chuckle. “I would have loved to, but I’m also glad to be home. This term should be more of a challenge.”

She flaps one hand as if waving that away. “Screw that. Just come back. You can start a business. I could be your manager. Except you don’t have to pay me. Seeing you do well is payment enough.”

I roll my eyes. “I don’t know …”

“You’re so talented. You always have been. I know you want to finish your studies, but whenever you’re ready, my home is always open, and you know I’ll help you in any way I can.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

Delaney cocks her head. “You studied cooking with me when it wasn’t really your first love. You set up the diner with me in the middle of nowhere because we’re family. Supporting you to live your dream is the least I can do.”

I shake my head. “I love you.”

Her face lights up. “Love you too.”

“Where is Josh? Isn’t it late over there?”

Delaney screws up her nose. “Yeah, but I knew he’d be working late tonight. He had a night scene to shoot.”

“Stink.”

“It’s so boring. Reece is there, too, so I don’t even have him around to keep me entertained.”

“So you called me?”

She shrugs. “I was planning to regardless. The house feels weird without you.” She glances off screen. “I even spent some time looking up stories about the wedding. Probably not the smartest thing to do.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Josh has some … I’m not even sure what to call them. He has some rather obsessive fans who make stuff up.”

I narrow my gaze. It’s bad enough they say shit about her online. “Like what?”

“Oh, there are all kinds of random stories about his life that they’ve made up. They’re like amateur detectives looking for clues that we’re not really together.”

I close my eyes, shaking my head. “What? Why are you reading this stuff?”

“I can’t help it. Josh tells me not to look, but it’s so funny. They get so agitated that he’s not telling the truth, and they hate on me, but the only people I care about know it’s all shit.”

I chew my bottom lip. “I’ve seen the public stuff. You mean there’s worse?”

“I’ll send you some links. To be honest, part of the reason I bother is that there are posts about Melly, and it’s her safety I worry about the most. It also helps pass the time.”

I laugh. “You have the world at your feet. Are you really that bored?”

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