Page 89 of Bargain with the Bachelor
At the moment, Hap and I were the only ones in the theater.
The show had been officially picked up by a network and was scheduled to start filming—for real this time and with a whole new cast—within the next few weeks. Thus, tonight’s party.
Hap was obviously in a celebratory mood, and for good reason.
As the show’s “creator” and director, he’d gotten a sweet contract and was already fielding a slew of other directing offers. It appeared his Hollywood comeback was a success.
My role in the project, thankfully, was now reduced to simply being listed as an executive producer. In fact, I was moving out of the house altogether in two days.
Since Kristal had left a couple months ago, it had been decided that my unit would be used for filming as soon as the new Tech House cast was selected.
Rachel had moved into an empty suite in Hap’s unit. Everyone seemed happy with the arrangement so far, especially Hap.
“Sure you don’t want any food?” he asked.
I shook my head. I didn’t feel like eating.
Idefinitelydidn’t feel like socializing with the crowd I could hear talking and laughing downstairs. I didn’t even feel like working, which was a first.
It was a good thing my company had already successfully launched, and I had partners and co-workers to pick up the slack because I hadn’t exactly been pulling my weight lately.
I just couldn’t seem to drum up any interest in anything—except for maybe the drink in my hand.
Lifting it to my mouth, I took another swallow, feeling the mellow burn on my tongue and anticipating the blessed numbness that was coming.
Hap put a hand on my shoulder.
“You know, I’ve been meaning to mention that ‘liquid diet’ you’ve been following the past few weeks is probably not the healthiest. And what are you doing up here all alone? You’re turning into a bigger recluse than your brother ever was. It’s a party, man. Half of Eastport Bay is downstairs. You’re the producer—this is your victory lap too. You should be down there having a good time.”
“I’mhavinga good time,” I deadpanned.
My eyes went back to the screen, which now featured a scene with all the “dwarves” and Kristal piled up together in this very room watching a sappy animated film.
It shifted to a tight shot of Kristal. The tip of her nose was red, and her beautiful green eyes glistened with unshed tears.
Noticing it, Josh and Tuck teased her for crying at a “kiddie movie,” and she laughed, dabbing at her eyes in embarrassment before laughing again when she realized she wasn’t the only one sniffling. Reid had teared up at the emotional scene as well.
Hap sighed, and the tone of his voice softened.
“You gotta move past it, man. I know it sucks. You loved her, and she left. I’m sure I’d be miserable if I—God forbid—ever actually fell in love with someone, and she took off for another state. But what are you gonna do? Hide away up here for the rest of your life?”
“I’m not hiding.”
“You kinda are. And not just tonight. You don’t go anywhere or do anything. You don’t run or work out anymore. I’d say you’re gonna get fat, but you barely eat. We’re all worried about you, man.”
Now I took my eyes from the screen and looked at Hap.
“Don’t be. Okay? I’m fine. I’m just going through… a rough patch, that’s all.”
Hap studied my face. “Okay. I’ll let you work through it at your own pace.” He leaned forward in his chair and started to rise, but then fell back into it. “No. I gotta say it…”
“What?”
“You’re not your dad.”
I snorted and started to take another swallow from my glass, which just so happened to contain my father’s poison of choice.
Little do you know, friend.
