Page 17 of Reel Love

His face grows serious. “Give it some thought, Layna. You could use a day out with the little people. It’s not healthy for a woman your age to live like Rapunzel in her tower.”

“I have people in my life.”

“I’m sure you do. But you haven’t lived until you’ve danced theCupid Shuffleon a crowded dance floor with this guy. Some men have moves like Jagger. I’ve got moves like Psy.”

“The guy who made up Gangnam Style?”

“That’s the one.”

I chuckle. “This I have to see.”

“Then come out. I’m just asking as a friend. You know that. You’re so far above my pay grade and we don’t have that kind of chemistry. Sorry for you, but it’s true. Besides, I have my eye on someone, as you know. She’s not a rich starlet who keeps herself locked in a tower, but hey, sometimes a guy’s gotta settle for second best.”

He smiles that playful, carefree smile of his. It’s like medicine. Being on the water, having him treat me like I’m just another person, it’s always so good for me. What awaits me on the other side of this boat ride, well, that’s another story.

“How’s that going?” I ask, hoping to drag my thoughts back to something more light than picking my next script.

“With the woman of my dreams?”

“Yes. Any progress there?”

“If I could introduce her to my influential friend, maybe she’d see what a catch I am—by association. But, alas, I signed an NDA so I can’t even mention that I know you, let alone the fact that you pine for me so deeply it wounds you.”

“Yeah. That is a bummer. You’ll just have to rely on your good looks and charm to win her heart.”

“Well, then I guess it’s hopeless before it’s begun.” He winks again.

Joel knows he’s good looking and charming. I hope thiswoman figures it out. Joel feels like the brother I never had. The ease between us is unexpected—and necessary. I guess I could have a water-taxi pilot who was stoic and responsible—someone who was more like a human vault. I’m glad I have Joel instead.

“Oh! I forgot to tell you.” He looks over at me. “I’m going to Wisconsin for a family wedding all of next week. I won’t be here to drive you. But your girl, Brigitte, has things in hand. She asked me if I know anyone I’d trust with my life who also can captain a boat. Turns out, I do. So I’m going to approach my buddy and he’ll sub for you while I’m gone.”

“Are you sure you can trust him?”

“With my life. He’s a bit quirky at times. Smartest guy I know. And kind. He’d do anything for anyone. Keeps to himself mostly, but not in a weird way.” He pauses. “Like some people we know.” His smile is big and teasing.

“I don’t keep to myself in a weird way.”

“Who says I was talking about you? But now that you mention it …” He laughs.

We chat the rest of the one hour boat ride, and far too soon, we’re pulling up alongside the dock in Ventura.

Ken, one of the bodyguards who works for our family, is standing outside the metal gate, waiting for me. He’s the embodiment of the ex-military man he is: built like a tank, rigid, unyielding. I wouldn’t mess with him, though, I do. He’s an easy target for teasing. But I’m on his good side, if you want to call it a good side. I’ve never seen Ken smile in all the years I’ve known him. Not even a twitch indicating he’s suppressing a grin. It’s a secret life’s mission of mine to get Ken to break down and actually smile.

Before I walk down the dock to where Ken is waiting for me, I catch Joel’s eyes. “I actually know that dance.”

“That dance?”

“The Cupid Shuffle.”

“See?” He smiles at me. “Destiny.”

I spontaneously start humming the tune and Joel startssinging thedown-downbackground line and then he’s rapping, “The Cupid. The shuffle,” over and over to a beat we’re both hearing even though there’s nothing but the sounds of shorebirds and boats in the water around us. I start doing the moves on the dock and Joel mimics them inside his boat exaggerating and adding ridiculous swagger. I turn when we say “walk it …” and Ken comes into view. His face is set in the typical unreadable expression of what I affectionately callresting bodyguard face. He raises one eyebrow and crosses his arms over his chest.

Joel and I both stop dancing and singing. The power Ken wields with the small patch of hair over one eye. It’s remarkable.

“I think your babysitter is getting restless,” Joel beams at me like the Clyde to my Bonnie. “Better go ask him to join us at Club Descanso before he makes other plans that won’t be half as fun.”

My tone drops to something more serious. “I can’t, Joel. You know that.”

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