Page 86 of Even Ground

She misses me.

My head’s still pounding, but it doesn’t matter. Pania misses me. I’m such a pussy when it comes to her. What I should do is just tell her how I’m feeling, but I’m scared she’ll laugh.

Tomorrow, I start work on another movie—there’s no downtime for me for the next three months. When that’s done, I’m due a break.

And then I can plan for my future.

19

Reece

Three months after our Oscar win, and I’m about to wrap another movie. Being here is hard. What I want to do is take off to New Zealand and put it all on the line for Pania. But I’m also well aware of all my flaws. Including the fact that I’ve never put down roots, and she’s the kind of woman who would want that.

I need to know I can do it before I make a move.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t still pursue whatever this is between us.

Me: Still miss me?

Pania: Are you still going on about that?

“Reece.” I look up into Jessie’s green eyes. She’s got a small part in this movie, and has been driving me nuts wanting me to somehow influence the director and make it bigger.

“I’m sorry. What?”

“I asked if you wanted to sneak off to your trailer. I’m only here for a couple of days and I could do with getting laid.”

I shake my head. “Sorry, Jess. I’m not in the mood.”

One of her perfectly curved eyebrows rises. “Since when?”

It’s been about three years since we last hooked up. I hadn’t thought of just how long it had been until this moment. And I smile to myself at the pride I feel in not hooking up with anyone in that time.

It’s not even been as difficult as I once thought to focus on myself for a change.

“Reece?”

I blink and refocus. “Since I decided to take myself more seriously. I’m not screwing around anymore.”

She scowls. “Let me guess. That’s Josh’s wife’s influence.”

“Her name is Delaney.”

Jessie flicks an auburn curl over her shoulder. “Whatever.”

“No, not whatever. She’s a good friend, and I’m not going to let you disrespect her.”

Her eyes widen. “But it’s okay for her to disrespect me?”

“When did she ever disrespect you, Jessie?” I stand and turn to face her. “The only thing she ever did wrong in your eyes was exist. Josh loves her more than anyone or anything else on this planet. And you know what? She’s such a good person and doesn’t deserve your bitchiness.”

Jessie clamps her lips together and looks away. “So, she’s got you too.”

I run my fingers through my hair in frustration. “She’s a good friend, and her and Josh inspire me to want to be a better person. I owe it to myself.”

“And being a better person means we don’t hook up?”

“I’m not hooking up with anyone.”

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