Page 59 of The Final Rose

“Very well.” She dips her chin.

I know I need to leave it alone. I do not know what I accomplished during this conversation. I want Anya’s trust. I want to figure out if she’ll crucify Callie or if she’ll understand. But as it is, I’ve learned nothing.

“I thought you believed in love,” she calls after I turn my back.

“I do.”

“I have horrendous stories about Sebastian if you ladies want to hear!” Maverick booms like the king of the party.

“Don’t you dare,” I say, but with an affectionate chuckle.

The girls swarm him with questions. They want to know about my childhood, my family, and everything in between. Maverick tells them all the pre-approved stories about my childhood, and I’m happy to take a step back.

In front of the cameras, my friend flourishes. All the girls love him, and it’s the first time I’m completely relaxed around them.

A small marquee was raised in the garden, complete with a barman and refreshing cocktails. And even though there’s a bitter wind, the skies are clear, and I almost believe it’s a summer garden party.

“You lot ready to move to England?” he asks.

While most of them nod agreeable, Vera tsks. “Well, it’s a serious conversation to have.”

I nod. “Some people have very important jobs.”

Vera swats my shoulder. “And it’s cold here!” she says and the other girls agree and talk about their experiences since their arrival.

Where to live is a great discussion that I’ll happily have with Callie and Callie alone.

I let Maverick entertain the girls as I nurse one drink. By ten at night, they are tired, and the shooting officially stops. We say our goodnights and they all hug Maverick like old friends.

The cameras are down, and people are still moving about, but Maverick puts a beer in my hand before I say anything.

“They are lovely.”

I nod, almost melancholically. “They are great.”

He inhales and turns off his microphone and I follow his lead. Looking around, he asks, “Where’s your girl?”

“Shut it,” I say, without looking for Callie.

“Nah, they are all busy. Point her way.”

My elbows are resting on my knees, the longneck dangling between my fingers. I let my gaze wander and find Callie in the crowd.

There she is.

Talking fast on the walkie-talkie, pointing in different directions, and answering many questions at the same time. The girl thrives every time she’s on set. An invisible hand squeezes my heart.

“I can’t fuck this up,” I say so low even Maverick has trouble catching my words.

After a second of looking at Callie, he turns away, his eyes wide open like he’s seeing me for the first time.

“I wasn’t dooming you.”

I clear my throat instead of responding.

“I just wanted you to see how much of a big deal this is.” He keeps talking. “Mate, if you say she’s your girl, she’s your girl. And we can think of ways to get her for you.”

I stare at my friend and force a small nod. His hand lands with a powerful slap on my back. “Here’s a lad. Now,” and to the surprise of everyone, especially mine, he bellows. “Callie!”

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