Page 91 of Take Hold of Me

“Merci. I did not know that Rinaldo was going to—”

“Shhh, Angel. It’s all good.”

“What did I do to deserve you? You are amazing. All this time, I was worried that you would be upset about the kiss.”

“You’re just doing a job.” He kisses both of my cheeks. “C’mon, let’s get some food in you. You didn’t eat breakfast and it’s already past lunchtime.”

My stomach rumbles at his suggestion, making me giggle. We head toward the tables where Rinaldo and Brandan already are sitting, facing each other. Wills arrives first and motions for me to put my plate down. I choose to sit next to Brandan and diagonally across from Rinaldo.

When both Wills and Brandan head back for seconds, Rinaldo rubs an apple on his jersey. “I could get used to doing this movie-making stuff.” He takes a big bite out of his fruit.

I take a final bite of my sandwich and reach for my water bottle. “It is fun.”

“Hey, did you know that I’m doing a Calvin Klein underwear commercial, Emmie? That’s why I was flown out here originally, and then one thing led to another, and here I am.”

“Oui, here you are.” Lucky me.

He continues to devour the apple. “I think we should go out while I’m in town. Catch up, for old time’s sake.”

I choke on my water, wishing it was something stronger. I point to the seat vacated by Wills. “I am dating him, remember?”

“Of course, I didn’t mean it that way.” He looks all innocent. Maybe I overreacted? “All I meant was that if our people set up a publicity outing for us, the paparazzi would go crazy and conjure up a love triangle among you, me and my recent fake flame Geonna.” Dropping the apple core on this plate, his fingers make a triangle to emphasize his point. “It could help you, as I’ve been led to believe that Geonna’s stealing some contracts from you.”

I wonder who told him that. Was it Geonna herself? “I am booked up. The Agency has me going out every night.” For once, I can use this fact as a shield.

He waves his hand. “We’ll see.” He picks up a cookie.

My curiosity comes to the fore. I cannot stop myself from asking, “You know, I have never met Geonna. What is she like?”

Rinaldo smiles like the Cheshire Cat. “She’s young. And innocent about how everything works in our world.”

“Do you like her?”

He shrugs. “She’s beautiful. And she brings me good press. What’s not to like?”

His response brings me up short. “Is that how you felt about me?”

Rinaldo puts the half-eaten cookie down on his plate and grabs my hand. “No way. We were the real thing, not just for show. If only our schedules didn’t keep us apart, I’m confident you’d still be with me right now.” He squeezes my hand for good measure.

I pull my hand away, dropping it into my lap. That is exactly how I felt about him for so long. Until I met Wills. My connection with him is so much stronger than anything I ever felt for Rinaldo. “You are a good guy. Maybe you should give Geonna more of a shot?”

He picks up the cookie again and finishes it in one bite. “Well, she does like going out to all the right places.”

How did I miss his shallowness before? I change tacks. “So,Mamantells me that your football season is going really well.”

Rinaldo smiles and launches into stories about his team. Sounds like they are on their way to the World Cup. I am happy for him. When Wills and Brandan retake their seats, I realize I am even happier for myself and my new life. At least my personal life.

Rinaldo’s phone rings and he excuses himself from the table. The director calls Brandan over to her, leaving Wills and me alone. Finally.

I reach across the table and offer him my hand, which he takes. “All good?” I hope seeing me with Rinaldo does not bring up any PTSD issues for Wills. If only he would agree to go to therapy.

“Yeah.”

I tap my index finger to his palm. “You are such a good man.” Perhaps if I repeat this often enough, he will believe me one day. Anger toward his father resurfaces. I shove down my praise for therapy, knowing now is not the time.

His eyes close. Clearing his throat, Wills asks, “So, am I going to be dating a supermodel slash movie star soon?”

“This is fun,” I look toward the set. “And the director said I am a natural.”

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