Page 60 of Hiding Hollywood

“Then, my break-up with Brian, which was long overdue, isn’t a consideration in what we do.”

He squeezed the steering wheel with both hands. He was like a computer whose security was superficial. He had a bunch of reasons and excuses trying to block her from getting too close, but she’d break through the barrier he’d built after Jennifer.

The truck bumped over the curb and into the crowded, gravel parking lot. A long line of motorcycles sat parked in front of the building. Dozens of trucks and a few small cars filled the parking lot. The people walking into Rhonda’s wore jeans and casual shirts. She’d have to thank Mrs. Dempsey again.

18

Rhonda’s Roadhouse played loud, Southern rock music that had everyone singing along whenSweet Home Alabamablasted through the speakers. Cameron laughed at Addie’s confusion as he handed over his tickets to enter the bar.

“I thought we were in Georgia,” she said.

“Doesn’t matter. Everyone in the South knows that song.” He risked the questionable glances from people who knew him and kissed her temple. No one in Statem knew she was in custody, but they all judged him because of Jennifer. Or pitied him. He hated both.

A thin layer of sawdust covered the rough wooden dance floor erected for the night. The pool tables were pushed against the far wall, giving everyone plenty of room. Christmas lights hung from the ceiling and a disco ball’s tiny silver lights swung around the room. A mix of beer and a faint smell of French fries filled the air.

“Cam!” Becky bounced up and down from a corner booth, waving her hand.

Becky had come through. He pressed his hand along Addie’s lower back and guided her around the crowd in the direction of the booth. Men and women both turned to watch her walk by. Cameron stood a little straighter.

He stopped at the table, surveying his audience. “I think she knows everyone except Nash.”

Dewey toyed with the wrapper on his bottle of water. “Not everyone. Our group is pretty scarce tonight, I’d say.”

“Aw, are you missing your big sis?” Becky pinched Dewey’s cheek.

He jerked away. “No. I was talking about Juliana not being here. Give you someone else to harass instead of me all the time.”

Nash stood up and shook Addie’s hand. “I’m Nash. Went to high school with these jokers, but don’t let that influence your opinion of me.”

“Got it,” Addie said, not seeming the least bit intimidated. She slid into the booth beside Becky. Cameron followed, his body pressed up tight against Addie’s side.

Nash settled back down, finishing his beer and signaling for two more. “Anyone talked to Juliana lately?”

“I’m surprised Becky doesn’t walk around with Juliana on speaker phone all the time. They’re still connected at the hip.” Cameron ducked before Becky’s hand smacked the back of his head. “That’s not a joke, and you know it,” he said, laughing the way he always did when he and his friends got together. Life slid back to a more relaxed pace around them.

Becky sat back in her seat, sipping on her typical white wine. “I spoke to her on the way here. She’s excited to graduate college. Said she’s tired of being the oldest person in the dorm.”

Nash shrugged one shoulder. “At least she got to finish college. Her mom’s death hit her hard.”

“One daughter runs out of town as quick as possible, and the other refuses to leave,” Nash said. He grimaced and looked at Cameron. “Sorry.”

“Don’t worry. Eliza’s crappy husband is safe for now. She’s trying to get a divorce and get out of there.”

Dewey sat back, his gaze locked on Cameron’s. “Divorce? You didn’t mention that.”

He shrugged. “You know how Eliza is. She won’t take our advice. Juliana has offered her money to help with the divorce and custody over Carrie, but she refused. Eliza has to do everything on her own. She’s always been so damn independent. That’s what got her into trouble in the first place.” Cameron took a sip of the beer Nash ordered for him, swallowing down his frustration for his cousin’s situation. He couldn’t help Eliza tonight.

“Who is Juliana and Eliza?” Addie asked the table in general.

Becky, always ready to talk, answered before Cameron had a chance. “Both are Cameron’s cousins. Juliana’s my best friend, despite the direct bloodline to him. She’s off finishing her degree. Better late than never. And Eliza’s her little sister. Lives in Alabama with a piece of shit husband that’s never home.” Becky rubbed her hands together. “But we’re bringing her home. That’s our latest conspiracy.”

“Oh,” Addie said. He didn’t blame her. Becky talked a hundred miles per hour, and if you didn’t keep up, she only made sense fifty-percent of the time.

Cameron took another sip of beer, half empty in no time. Two beers were his limit for the night. Any more and he might not be able to ignore the stroking motion Addie’s fingers made along the inside of his knee where her hand rested. Sex with her would lead to trouble. Complicated, pleasurable trouble.

Nash knocked his knuckle on the table three times. “Next question is for Dewey. How in the world can your sister stand to live in Atlanta?”

Dewey, still curiously staring at Cameron, blinked before smiling at Nash. All his friends considered Eliza like a little sister, so it made sense that Dewey would be concerned.

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