Page 86 of Reckless Storm
Hayley
Not one magazine publishes the photos of me and Reed from the mall, and I have to laugh at myself or I just might cry. Does it mean we’re not famous enough for a sale? Or is it just me? God knows, Reed’s plenty famous.
It’s safe to say, I’ve been analysing it to death.
With only a week left before the publicity tour forJaded Beginningsramps up, and no family to spend Christmas with, I switch over to hermit mode, disappearing on everyone in my life, including Reed and Amelia, giving me plenty of time to myself.
So, on top of overanalysing every aspect of my life, I spend the week reading or binge-watching TV, relaxing on my balcony, and…I even try meditating a few times. Not that it works for me. The silence has my mind running rampant with plans and worrying about the future, when I’d much rather be a take-each-day-as-it-comes kind of girl.
The week passes relatively quickly. While alone time usually wreaks havoc on my mind, it turns out to be exactly what I needed and I could have gone longer—if I didn’t have to comeout of hiding to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Allone hundredof my friends.
Since Reed flew his family to San Francisco for Christmas, I wait until I know they’re gone to call him. But before I get the chance, my phone rings in my hand, withReed’s name lighting up the screen.
“Hey, Baby,” he greets me when I answer, bringing about an immediate smile. Is this our thing now? “How was isolation?” he asks, his voice holding a hint of mockery.
“Amazing,” I say honestly, ignoring him. “I needed it before the chaos. What have I missed?”
“Christmas,” he states matter-of-factly, and I jokingly cringe even though he can’t see me. “You missed the biggest holiday of the year, Hayls.”
“I did.” I giggle, picturing his fake frown. “But there’s no rule against celebrating a few days late.”
“You’re right. And I have your present for you.”
“Still keeping it a secret?”
“You bet. Is that why you went into hiding? Couldn’t stand facing me, knowing I was holding this back?”
“Yes, Reed. It wasallabout you,” I deadpan and he chuckles.
“Damn Luke. You’re right. He’s rubbing off on me.”
“You're forgiven. When are you free? I can come over right now…or you can come here. But it has to be now. Now.”
Reed chuckles again, clearly thinking I’m joking. But I’m not. I love spontaneity. I love living life to the fullest. I don’t love surprises that I know about ahead of time. If he’d sprung it on me when I next saw him…brilliant. But telling me about it, whilenottelling me about it, is pure torture.
“I won’t see you until you get back, will I?” I pout, remembering he has an away game this week and they leave tomorrow.
“No. Sorry. But on that note… What are you doing for New Year’s Eve? There’s a party at the Westerly Hotel and the guys are—”
“Our first party as a couple?” Holding the phone away from my mouth, I squeal, my mood instantly lifted. “I’m there. It can be our dress rehearsal.”
“Our dress rehearsal?”
“Yes. For my premiere. If you can come, that is. It’s a Wednesday night so I’m not sure how that works with your practice schedule and—”
“I’ll be there,” Reed’s quick to confirm, making me smile. “When is it? I’ll make it work.”
“Three weeks?”
“Perfect, the season’s over by then and we’ll get a week off before the playoffs. The timing couldn’t be better.” The excitement in his tone has my heart fluttering and my nerves easing a little. I’ve been stressing about the premiere and following release, but having Reed there will make it a lot easier to get through.
“It’s meant to be.” I laugh, bouncing on my toes. “Do you have a tux?”
“Do I have a tux?” he scoffs. “What kind of question is that?”
“Sorry, I’ve only seen you in suits. I didn’t—”
“I don’t have a tux,” he admits before chuckling to himself. “But I’m sure I can get one easy enough, right? Maybe I could ask the stylist you rejected.”
