Page 27 of Catching Our Moment
“When we were in LA, all that networking and stuff we did…someone mentioned me to the producer of A New Adventure—you know, that reality travel challenge—and they called my agent!” She began pacing around his bed.
“Oh. Did you try out for it or something?” Grace asked.
Riley didn’t turn to acknowledge who asked but just waved her hand, dismissing the ignorant question. “No, no. I guess it’s all about who you know. They want celebrities on these shows to get people to watch them.”
Was she a celebrity?
Ok, that was unkind. She was an influencer and, you could say, a model. I guess they were automatically celebrities.
“Well…um…that’s wonderful,” Grace responded since no one else seemed in a rush to say anything.
Shaw ran his good hand over his face again. Poor guy. His world seemed to be changing every five minutes. Being doped up on pain medication probably wasn’t helping him process everything.
I stepped up next. “Congratulations, Riley. How exciting.” I threw in as much excitement and joy for her as I could because…good for her. This obviously meant a lot to her. There was a fair amount of envy on my part, not just because she was beautiful, and not just because Shaw loved her, but because she was passionate about achieving her dream.
She tossed her hair over her shoulder and said, “Thank you, Kelly.”
Okay. I tried.
A slight noise came out of Grace, and I glimpsed over to see her covering her mouth, hiding her amusement.
Shaw shook his head, blinking his eyes slowly, but caught up enough to take my cue. “Yes, honey. Um…congratulations.” He reached over to beckon her down and kiss her gently on the cheek. “I’m very happy for you.” Was it just fatigue or medication that held back his legendary enthusiasm? Maybe his own dilemma was overshadowing his joy for her. This lack of excitement wasn’t like him.
We all went around offering our congratulations.
“So, when does it start?” Dylan asked, leaning against the sink.
She stilled, her head dropping as she hesitantly walked over to Shaw and took his hand. “Well, that’s the thing.” She cupped his hand in both of hers. “They want me in LA tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” His brow furrowed, confusion returning.
“Yeah. I’ll be gone for three to four months of shooting.”
“Three or four months?”
“Yes. We are going to be traveling all over the world. A new adventure each week. New challenges and things to do, tasks for them to film…” It was clear she already had one foot out the door. “And since it’s a contest…”—she winced—“we can’t communicate with people at home.”
“Riley…” Shaw’s voice faded. “This is awfully sudden, isn’t it? I mean, you aren’t even packed.”
She became more animated. “I know!” She paced around the bed. “I need to run back to Charlotte and get a few things.” She plowed around everyone in her path as she paced. “My agent booked me on a flight this afternoon. I have a few hours in Charlotte before I get on a late-night flight to LA.” She walked away from his bed, her fingertip to her lips. “This is crazy, isn’t it?”
Silence fell in the room.
Shaw studied Riley.
Riley studied the floor.
Dylan, Grace, and I studied Shaw.
Aaron voiced the question we were all wondering. “But who will take care of Shaw?”
Riley’s head popped up, and she rushed to sit at his bedside. “Oh, baby…what about you?”
And there it was. She finally thought about him and the fact that he was currently lying in a hospital bed.
“If I leave, who will take care of you in Charlotte—take you to your PT appointments and make sure you are eating and feeling okay?”
She turned to Dylan. “Can you take care of him?”
