Page 13 of Out of the Shadow

I nod. “So, I was just at Hit It Gym. Pretty nice, but who named it?”

She giggles. “I like it there, but I’ve been going to Cycle Nation lately. And to answer your question, I think it was some MMA fighter who started it.”

“Good to know.”

The bell dings, indicating we’ve arrived on our floor. I let her precede me because I’m a gentleman—and because I really want to check out her ass.Damn. The bike’s doing something right for her.

Callie stops ahead of me. “This one is me.”

I point to my place, three doors away. “I guess we’re neighbors. That one’s mine.”

“It was nice to meet you, King.”

“Likewise, Callie.” I take two steps and stop. Turning back to her, I catch her checking me out. I tip my chin toward her. “Want to catch drinks sometime?”

“I’d love that. Actually.” She pauses as I approach her. “The complex hosts a party every Thursday night. It’s pretty good, with lots of booze and music. Would you like to join me there tonight? I could introduce you to a few other neighbors.”

I tap my lip as if trying to remember what’s on my empty schedule. “I think I can swing that. What time should I pick you up?”

“How’s nine?”

After exchanging numbers, I return to my own apartment and drink my protein shake before hitting the shower. Things are really looking up. Aroostook may be the perfect place for me to lay low the next three months.

I’m getting ready to leave for Russo Real Estate when my phone rings. Diego’s face lights up my screen. “Hey there, buddy. How are you doing?”

“Hi, King. I’m doing great.” We chit-chat for a bit.

“So, I got a letter in the mail from NYU, and it turns out I’m going to need your money sooner than the beginning of the school year. Would it be possible for you to send it by the beginning of next month instead?”

Before my stupid father cut off my trust fund, his request wouldn’t have been an issue. My eyes wander over to the dining room table, where my signing bonus sits, waiting for me to deposit it. It’ll hurt to give up that money, but I made a promise to my Little Brother, and no way am I going to renege. I take a deep breath. “Sure thing.”

“Thanks, King. This means the world to me.”

My eyes flick once more to the check. “I’m happy to do it. I’m proud of you for getting into NYU, and for earning that scholarship.” I mean that. Every word. They’re words I wish I had heard at any point in my life from either of my parents. Well, Dad did make an effort sometimes, but it was always half-hearted. Case in point—I won a trophy for my science project in sixth grade. Dad called me, and when I told him, he sent me a whole huge bio lab for my bedroom. Too bad my project was about earth science.

For the next ten minutes, Diego talks excitedly about his upcoming move to New York City, which requires little more than an occasional grunt from me. College wasn’t my thing, but he’s into it. We end the call by discussing his course selections.

The alarm on my cell goes off, indicating it’s three-thirty. I have thirty minutes to get my butt to Angie’s place. Oh, joy. Standing, I grab my wallet, phone, and keys and look at the ten grand check waiting for me—the exact amount I promised Diego. I’ll find a branch of my bank out here and deposit it tomorrow.

I head back down the hall, Callie not making an appearance this time, and hop into my Audi convertible rented for me by the studio. At least Let’s Do It! covered all my expenses here. And since I’ve agreed to “work” during dinner, I bet there will be food in the office. Damn right. I deserve that much for agreeing to Angie’s ridiculous terms—as if I had a choice.

While I’m driving my phone rings. Trevor. Clenching my jaw, I accept it through the car’s Bluetooth. His voice filters through. “Hey, man. How’s the filming going?”

I put my blinker on to switch lanes. “We’re starting next week. Getting the lay of the land out here now.” I keep the info about studying for my license to myself.

“Aroostook’s a nice place.”

I tap the steering wheel. Why did he call? We haven’t talked since the auditions, and that wasn’t exactly friendly. “Actually, I’m on my way into the office right now.”

“Well, I wanted to catch up with my old buddy.”

He snickers, tipping me off that he’s high. Again. No matter what, we’ve been friends forever, so I have to try once more. “Hey, Trev. Remember what we talked about in Mexico?”

“We talked about a lot of shit out there. God, that was a blast. The women. The ocean. The blow. I know I’ve said it before, but thanks again for inviting me along.”

His next-to-last statement is what catches in my throat. “I was referring to our discussion about your going to rehab. I think you need help.” I exit onto the road for the agency.

“Nah,” he laughs. “I’ve got this in the bag. It’s not a problem.” He clears his throat. “I was actually wondering if you could spot me a couple of Benjamins until my next paycheck?”

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