Page 120 of Reel Love

“Did something happen, or are you just freaking out that she’s an internationally famous movie star?”

“Thanks for that reminder. No. Yeah. Something happened.”

I fill Kai in on the whole parrothead debacle. He laughs at times. Which helps, in a weird way. We’re both laughing by the time I get to the part where I struck an impromptu yoga pose.

“Man. That is not what I expected when you said you were up in your head.”

“I know, right?”

“So where’s your head at now, besides feeling appropriately mortified?”

“I guess after all was said and done, it wasn’t just the fish suit that set me apart.”

“Though, it did set you apart.”

“For sure.”

We both chuckle.

“I mean, usually I see her in this setting. Here on Marbella. In her house. The beach. Out on the water together. She’s more … normal … here. But last night I saw her in that element. And she was at home—she just fit.”

Kai nods. Then he sits back, obviously considering me and my situation.

After a few moments of Kai’s silence, I say, “My parents used to have this St. Bernard. The dog was lethargic and sweet. But, honestly he spent a good portion of the day lying around panting, and on hot days it was worse. We took him with us to my uncle’s cabin in Mammoth one winter. He came to life. It was such a lesson in creatures and their habitats.”

“That would be the lesson you took out of that.”

“Is there another lesson?” I ask.

“Maybe adaptability. That dog had a good life. Sure, he was more lethargic at times here, but he was loved by a family. He could make a life in both climates. He adapted.”

“Well, seeing Alana in that ballroom in that dress …” I shake my head, remembering what she looked like. “That’s her habitat.”

“Are you sure? Because I’ve seen her here—and the othernight, on the beach with you? She looked so at home. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her smile like that.”

“Rex,” I mutter.

“What’s that?”

“Rex. He’s her species. I’m not. She’s out of my league. I honestly never saw so acutely the reality of how much they are made for one another until last night. And now I can’t shake it. Up until now she was just Alana, my SaturdayIslandGirl, the one who also acts for a living. But last night—last night she was Alana Graves and I was a guy who has feelings for her, standing there in a fish suit doing yoga.”

Kai studies me. “You think Alana’s out of your league? Does that make you unique? As if Mila’s not out of mine?”

He stares at me.

“You’re an ex pro surfer,” I remind Kai.

His answer is swift. “She’s a better person than me.”

“That’s not the same. And, as awesome as Mila is, I don’t think she’s a better person than you. You two are well matched.”

“What about Ben and Summer?” Kai suggests.

“Ben with anyone.” I laugh and Kai does too.

In reality, Ben is a great guy. I’d tell that joke in front of him and he’d jab back in good fun.

“Summer was just starting out as an actress when they first dated,” I point out. “Alana … she's Alana Graves. It’s not the same. If we had met when we were younger, before she skyrocketed, maybe. But she’s always been destined for this life of superstardom. Her parents are in the business. They predetermined and groomed her for it.”

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