Page 41 of The Backup Bride Proposal

“And how do they feel about you being an actor?”

“They said as long as I’m happy doing what I do, then they’re happy for me. But they don’t pay a lot of attention to it, honestly. They kind of live in their own world, ya know? Sometimes it’s hard to get them to even answer the phone when I call them. At least recently.”

She frowned. “Is everything okay?”

“I don’t know. I mean, I’m sure it is. For all I know they’re on a cruise and don’t have cell service. It’s just…well, nothing.”

“No, go on. Tell me.”

“I don’t know. It’s a gut feeling that something’s wrong?”

“Have they told you something?”

“No. That’s the issue. They haven’t said anything. I can barely get them to talk to me.”

“I’m sorry. That must be frustrating.”

“Yeah. Kind of. But like I said, they’re both very independent and our lives are very separate. Which is okay. Idon’t need to know everything going on in their lives. Just like they don’t need to know everything about mine.”

“That’s probably a good thing for them, not to be so invested in what you do.”

He almost sighed in relief when she didn’t push about the “problem” part he’d brought up about his parents. He didn’t even know why he’d said anything, other than because Mae was easy to talk to.

“I think so. They celebrate my successes but otherwise they’re totally removed from this crazy business. I invite them to all my premieres and they’ve been to a couple, though they mostly save their vacation time for trips abroad.”

“Does it bother you that they don’t come to see your movies?”

“Nah. They see the movies, just on their own timetable. The glitz of premieres isn’t their thing.”

“I can understand that.”

He pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. He’d chosen this place because it looked like a fun location to walk around after dinner. There were several restaurants, walking paths, even a pumpkin patch since it was nearly Halloween, and there was a pond with lights and waterspouts. Plus, he liked the ambience of the restaurant and the menu looked amazing.

They walked in and he gave his name. Not his real name, but a made-up one. Fortunately, it was dark inside and crowded and the hostess was busy so didn’t pay them any attention as she led them to a table near the back of the restaurant, just as he’d asked. She handed them menus and promptly disappeared.

“Perfect spot for dinner,” Mae said.

“It looked good. Have you eaten here before?”

“I have, but it’s been a while. I think you’ll like it.”

He studied the drink menu. “Would you like some wine?”

She studied the menu thoughtfully. “You know, I think I’ll have a cocktail tonight.”

“Okay, sure.”

When their server returned, he ordered a whiskey on the rocks and Mae ordered a flavored martini. She took a sip and he saw the delight on her face.

“Yum.” She held up the glass. “Want a taste?”

He shook his head. “All for you.”

“Fine, then.” She took another sip, then studied the menu. “The salmon looks good to me. How about you?”

“Steak, of course.”

“Of course.” She laid her menu to the side and took another sip of her cocktail. “How did filming go today?”

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