Page 41 of Undefeated Love
Barry nodded his head. “Exactly.”
Alex smiled. “Well, partner, how do you feel about transferring Katlin’s portion back to her?”
“Legally, I would have to notify her…and I have no idea how to contact her.” Barry truly seemed regretful.
Alex shrugged. “Then she’ll find out when she returns.”
“Do you really think she’s coming back?”
“Yes. I have to believe that. It’s the only way I keep going every day.” Alex looked at the papers that had shifted to his side of the table. “I think we deserve a drink after all this.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Barry stood and handed Alex a stack of papers two inches thick. “By the way, I’m only here overnight. Since I own part of this company, do you have a spare bedroom for me?”
Alex grinned and slapped his old friend on the shoulder. “Always.”
They went to the penthouse apartment where Alex poured them both two fingers of scotch from the wet bar. He gestured for his longtime friend have a seat in the living room.
“Thank you for believing me about the whole engagement bullshit,” Alex said as he sat down in one of the big, overstuffed chairs.
Barry sat in the corner of the couch, looking out the windows onto the D.C. skyline. “I watched the videos. And then I called JJ. Thanks for including her phone number. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t convinced until after I spoke with her. We all know video can be changed.”
Alex gave him a small smile. “I take it JJ admitted that it was her ring and it’s nothing more than a publicity stunt.”
“A charade that you have to continue with until the Oscars.”
“Fuck. Don’t remind me.” Alex stared at the amber liquid wondering how to ask. “Fuck it. I’m just going to ask you. How am I going to get Katlin back?”
Barry let out a long slow breath. “I haven’t a fucking clue. I’ve been married to my wife for…hell, I can’t remember how long.” He took a sip and pinched his eyebrows together. “It doesn’t matter. I’ve never been in any position close to what happened to you. I have no idea.” He sipped again. “Doesn’t her brother live here in D.C.? Ask him.”
“I already did. And all her friends. They suggested I try to talk to her at Grace’s wedding three weeks ago. Daniel was the one who kept me from her. He later told me that she’d texted him the day before, asking her brother to keep us apart.” Alex sipped his favorite imported beverage. “She took off right after the ceremony.”
“Sorry, man. I haven’t a clue. But I’ll promise you this, if she gets in touch with me, I’ll encourage her to call you.”
That was probably all Barry could do for him.
* * *
Alex only had one more day in Washington D.C., so he chanced calling Daniel. When he got his voicemail, Alex decided to leave a message. “Hey, Daniel, I’m in town and would appreciate it if you could spare a few minutes to talk to me.” As far as he knew, her brother was the only person she’d gotten in touch with since she’d left. He’d also known at the meeting of all his friends that Katlin was safe. Maybe he had answers.
An hour later, he received a text from Daniel:
I can give you fifteen minutes at 5:30. Meet me at O’Henry’s Irish pub. You’re buying.
Alex had several hours to think about everything that had happened with Barry. On some level he understood what Katlin was trying to do—cut all ties with him. But that’s not what he wanted.
He wondered where she’d gone. He was sure that if she’d watch the videos, she’d see that he was as much a victim in this as she was.
But was he?
He’d agreed to work with JJ on that movie, take her to the premiere and after parties, and even work with her on the next movie. He’d tried to hide the fact that he was escorting JJ that night, not acting as a bodyguard. Why had he done that? Why hadn’t he been honest with her that night? She’d flown all the way across the United States to be with him and he’d been an ass. When had JJ’s feelings become more important than Katlin’s?
That realization hit Alex hard.
He’d been hurt at the wedding when Daniel had blocked her from him and then she’d disappeared, again.
Alex walked into the pub ten minutes early and secured a quiet table in the back. He’d ordered Irish whiskey and had one waiting when Daniel showed up at five-thirty.
Standing to greet the man who should have been his brother-in-law, Alex said, “Thanks for coming.” He pointed to the low-ball glass on the table and named the expensive whiskey.
