Page 66 of Even Ground

“It’s a shame they couldn’t mention that you’re doing this class with me.” Her grip tightens on the magazine.

“I didn’t really have any control on what they reported. I made a dress for my bestie.”

“It’s not what I would have dressed her in.”

“She loved it, and so did Josh.”

Her eyes widen at the mention of Josh’s name. I should use it more often.

She smacks her lips together. “I suppose that’s what’s important.”

I let out a sigh of relief when she drops her focus on me and turns to someone else.

“Welcome back.” Sam, the woman who sits beside me on class nudges my arm. “I saw the dress. It’s beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“And ignore Judith. She’s just jealous. She’d kill for the publicity you got.”

My cheeks burn. I know Delaney’s life is a far cry from mine—from the life she used to have—but this whole Hollywood thing is like a different world. Coming home from that hasn’t been easy. I miss my friend, but I’m not sure I miss the craziness.

“So, who else did you meet over there? I saw the wedding photos. Reece Evans was the best man, wasn’t he? He’s so gorgeous.”

I swallow hard. “He’s a good guy,” I croak.

“I read he’s about to start making a movie with Josh Carter. Coming Home? I would have killed to be Gabby Reynolds getting to kiss both of them. What’s he like in real life?”

My nostrils pick up the scent of sandalwood out of nowhere, as if Reece is right there. I drop my gaze and shrug. “He’s a guy.”

She giggles. “Yeah, but what a guy. Those pictures of him on holiday in Hawaii …” I look up, and as our gazes connect, her eyes widen. “Oh. You were there, weren’t you?”

I nod slowly. “I was.”

“You’re so lucky. I’d kill to get that close to him. I mean, Josh Carter is gorgeous too. It must be crazy hanging out with them.”

“To be honest, I was really hanging out with Delaney.”

Her expression blanks for a moment. “Delaney? Josh’s wife.”

“The one in the beautiful dress.”

Her wistful smile makes me clamp my lips together. I’ve seen enough reaction on social media to the wedding. It’s a mix of people who are supportive, and then there’s the crowd who hate Delaney with a passion just for being the one to snag Josh.

But they don’t know those two—they were made for each other.

I’m not sure which category Sam fits into.

“Anyway, I’m really glad you’re here. I’m sure you have a ton of stories about the wedding.”

I do. And I’m not sharing them with you.

My phone buzzes in my jacket pocket, and I pluck it out.

Reece: Just checking in. I wanted to make sure you got home okay.

I bite my bottom lip and smile.

Me: I’m back at school today. Thanks for checking up on me.

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