Page 66 of Blame It on the Bikini
"He's all that and more. I just wish things were different," she said with a sigh.
"I still have hope it will all work out, but if it doesn't, then we'll do something else. We'll figure it out." She paused. "How was Joshua Tree?"
"The park was magnificent, the landscape mind-blowing. I hope my photographs match what I saw."
"I'm sure they do. I can't wait to see them."
"Is there anything else going on around here? Any sign of our mysterious tenant?"
"He's not mysterious; he's just private," Josie said with annoyance. "And as someone who ran from the media a long time ago, I know how important privacy can be."
"Does that mean he's famous? Is he an actor?"
Her aunt rolled her eyes and shook her head. "I am not telling you anything. When he's ready to tell his story, he will."
"Fine. Keep your secrets. I'm too tired to be nosy."
"Maybe you should tell me why you're so tired," Josie said with a laugh.
"I'm not ready to tell that story," she said, smiling back at her aunt as she got up from the table.
"I didn't think you were."
After leaving her aunt, she walked into her apartment and set down her things. There was a lot she could do, but she felt suddenly exhausted and emotionally drained. She also couldn't stop thinking about what Grayson was dealing with.
On impulse, she picked up her phone and sent him a text. Maybe he wouldn't appreciate her concern, but she still wanted to say something. Hope it all works out in Singapore, she texted. Thanks again for going with me. I had a great time.
He didn't reply, and she stared at the phone for far too long. She told herself he was just dealing with his crisis. And whether he responded or not, at least he would know she cared, and maybe that's all that mattered.
She went into her bedroom and changed into some comfy shorts and a tank top, then curled up on her bed with her phone. She looked through some social media sites and impulsively typed in Jax Ridley's name, but nothing came up, at least not for anyone famous. Maybe his name wasn't really Jax Ridley. On the other hand, that was an unusual name. It didn't sound like an alias, and she remembered seeing it on his check on Josie's counter. But maybe his real name wasn't his famous name…
She smiled to herself, knowing she was making up a story that probably wasn't anywhere close to the truth, but it was a distraction. Then a text flashed on her phone, and her pulse jumped. It was from Grayson: I'm trying to salvage the deal, but I'm not sure that's possible. I may be out of touch for a while.
She was glad he'd answered, but she wished she could do more: I can't help you with your deal, but I'd be happy to bring you dinner later.
Thanks for the offer, but I need to focus on this. I'll talk to you soon.
There was really nothing she could say to that except: Good luck.
He texted her a thumbs-up, which was the least romantic emoji she could have gotten. She had a feeling the romance was probably over, even though it had barely gotten started. But Grayson's failing deal had just reminded him that this trip to Ocean Shores was a waste of his time. He'd basically said that when he'd first gotten the news. While he'd apologized immediately, saying he didn't mean it like that, she had a feeling that's exactly what he'd meant.
Chapter Sixteen
Grayson had said he would talk to her soon. That had been on Monday afternoon. It was now Thursday evening, and Lexie hadn't heard a word from him. Nor had she seen him around the building, although she had seen the light on in his apartment late into the night. Clearly, he was consumed with work. She'd thought about checking in a million times, but he hadn't been open to her help the last time she'd asked, even if it was just bringing him food. She needed to let him be. She just didn't really want to.
After finishing up her shoot at an anniversary party, she stepped into the courtyard just after seven and spotted Kaia sharing a pizza with Ben and Serena. Baby Amanda snoozed nearby in her stroller.
"Well, look who's here," Kaia said. "My long-lost friend, who has had no time to chat since her trip to Joshua Tree."
"Sorry, I've been busy," she said.
"Well, you're not busy now, so sit down. We have plenty of pizza if you're hungry."
"I already ate." She leaned over the stroller. "Amanda is an angel."
“Only when she’s asleep,” Serena muttered, dark circles under her eyes. “The rest of the time she screams like she’s auditioning for the opera.”
She smiled. "If you ever need a break, I’d be happy to babysit."
