Page 2 of Hollywood

I stepped inside and noted all the homey details from the plush furniture, the family and school photos that lined the walls and shelves. It smelled like pine and apples and the sun streamed in through every window. “Nice place.”

“Thanks. I bought it about three years ago. The price was good, and we needed a new neighborhood.”

“That’s because Dad didn’t like all the college kids who rented houses on our block. I had no problem with it,” she added with a saucy smile before she left the living room.

When she was gone, Winston turned to me, still smiling. “When did you get out? I thought you had a few more years to go.”

“I did but good behavior time racks up quickly and they freed me early. Been out a couple of weeks and now that I’m adjusted, I wanted to see you.”

That made him smile even bigger. “I’m glad you did. It’s been too damn long, man.” He shook his head. “It wasn’t too horrible in there for you, was it?” That was Winston, he was still the same freckle-faced redhead with the biggest damn heart. He worried about me in school, thought I wasn’t living up to my potential. At first, I thought it was just gratitude because I’d saved his ass from bullies, but even after school he said the same thing.

“Other than shitty food and the distinct lack of women, it wasn’t too bad. But I wasn’t keen on staying one day more than I had to.”

Winter returned with two beers and set them on the table. “How does freedom feel this time around?”

I laughed and accepted the beer. “About as good as you look Winter.” My gaze flicked to Winston. “You freaking out yet?”

He sighed and nodded quickly. “Since she turned fifteen and stopped looking like my little girl.”

“Dad,” she rolled her eyes. “I’m a grown woman and who knows what kind of men I’d attract if I dressed like a little girl.”

“Stop it, please,” he groaned. “And thank you for the beer.”

“Yeah, thanks Winter.” I kept my gaze on her face because I had to, she was my best friend’s daughter, which made me old enough to be her father.

“I’m sure your MC is happy to have you home.” Winston never spoke of my club with disdain, and I appreciated that shit a lot.

“Yeah, there was a party and everything after the shit was over.”

He was quiet for a long minute. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just that my homecoming coincided with a bit of trouble. It’s over now and that’s why I’m here.”

“I’ve been to Demon Head Guns,” he offered with a proud smile. “Figured it was time I learned to shoot. I liked it. In fact, I made a game because I liked it so much. It’s doing pretty well too.”

“I bet it is. I think you suck at failing, Win.”

He laughed. “Maybe but I’m still a mess when it comes to women.”

“I’m happy to be your wingman, just say the word.” I finished my beer and sighed. “You free to grab some lunch?”

“I was just about to toss some steaks on the grill, stay. We can catch up properly.”

“Sounds good.” Spending the afternoon with Winston was just what I needed. I loved my MC brothers but when I was here with my oldest friend, I wasn’t just Hollywood. With Winston I could just be Greg and I needed that sometimes.

Like now.

Chapter Two

Winter

“Holy shit Luisa, you will never believe who I just saw!” After dropping the beers off with Dad and Hollywood I rushed to my room to call my best friend.

“Hey Winter,” Luisa began in a casual voice. “I’m good, thank you for asking. How are you?”

“Never mind all that,” I whispered into the phone. “You’re good. I’m good. Everybody is good. Now guess who just landed on my doorstep?”

There was a long pause because my friend was making me suffer. “Okay fine Winter, I’mdyingto know who landed on your doorstep today. Tell me everything.”

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