Page 33 of Hiding Hollywood

“And now she’s not. Cam, I think you’ve always been attracted to Addie. Felt protective over her.”

His dad crossed his arms. “Tanya, he’s putting his career at risk by pursuing this.”

She rolled her eyes. “How did I marry such an unromantic soul? Honey, falling in love is risky. There’s no guarantee that it will work out.”

“I think I know that better than anyone.” Cameron shoved his hands in his pockets.

“No, you don’t. Jennifer was safe. Addie is a risk.”

He didn’t argue with her. Addie was a risk. Like his dad had said. She was his responsibility. She had a boyfriend. She lived across the country. Hell, the odds of a relationship starting in the next week and lasting were slim to none, anyway. It might suck afterward, but even if he couldn’t have her in the end, he’d make sure she knew she was worthy of someone better than Brian.

Addie heldup her phone and pressed Brian’s number.

“Baby girl! How’s it going?”

Seriously? “Well, your baby girl broke out of the pen, narrowly escaping from a woman named Big Linda who tried to tattoo a six-legged starfish on my shoulder until I fought her off with my Gucci heels.” Addie paused, but the line remained silent. “Geez, I was in jail, Brian!”

“About that…” Brian’s voice became muffled before he shouted something and began laughing.

Addie took a deep, partway calming breath.

His laughter died down. “Sorry. Where was I?”

“You got me.”

“Look, baby, I’m sorry about that mix-up. My other car was stolen from the airport parking lot. The insurance company reported the wrong one stolen.”

“Why didn’t you call me sooner? Did you get any of my messages?”

“Honey, I’ve been busy networking. I saw I had some missed calls, but I knew you’d rather I concentrate on landing my big break than chit-chatting with you. I didn’t even know about the mix-up until Trevor showed up at the ski resort yesterday.”

“So, he found you?”

“Yeah. I get the feeling your bro doesn’t like me very much. I mean, I am taking care of his baby sister, so you’d think he’d have a little more respect. Be thankful or something.”

Taking care of her…thankful…were they living in the dark ages? Working the perfume counter didn’t pay much, but she contributed to the bills what she earned. Helped out around the house. Supported his career. What she earned fromWhite Rabbitsat in a separate account, over seven figures by now. She held zero qualms about notcontributing it.

“Sweet cheeks, I think you should talk to Trevor. Tell him to chill out.”

“You can’t blame him for being a little mad. Brian, I ended up in jail and you never even called.”

“Well, I’m calling now. How was jail? Aside from your Big Linda joke. You do crack me up.”

“It wasn’t the best, but I managed.” Like she managed not to fly out to Vail right now and explain how a man should act now that she’d been around one.

“I knew you were a trooper. I gotta run. One of the assistants to the V.P. at a network is going to take some private lessons, and I am going to get in good with him. I heard they’re about to start shooting a new pilot about zombies. I think I’d make a pretty good zombie, don’t you? It’s all about who you know in the biz.”

“So, you keep telling me. You need to come here and clear this up at the court date next week.”

“Yeah. I’ll try to—”

“Brian! They’ll sentence me for stealing your car. Come here and tell them what happened.”

He chuckled sounding more annoyed than amused. “I already gave a statement to the lawyer, but I’ll make it. You and your brother sound the same when you get upset, did you know that?”

“No, I didn’t.” She suspected Trevor’s language might be a little stronger.

“I’ll give you a call later.”

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