Page 71 of Valentine Nook
No one’s ever asked me this before. Not one person has asked if I enjoy what I do. Or even if I wanted to do it in the first place.
I am the eldest child. Therefore, it’s my birthright.
There’s a burning sensation behind my eyes that I need to blink away. “It is hard, yes.”
Holiday sits back and pushes her plate aside. “It’s why I’m here.”
“Because your industry is hard?”
“It’sexhausting. Before I arrived, I honestly thought I could leave acting for good.”
I pick up the bottle and fill our glasses. “And now?”
“I earn a lot of money.” She peers at me over her wineglass, and her eyebrow rises again. “Not as much as you, obviously, but it’s hard to walk away from it. This new contract will enable me to pursue other projects, such as theater. But on the flip side, I still need to work to stay relevant.”
I nod. I know exactly how she feels, which is surprising because a month ago, I would never have thought I’d have anything in common with a Hollywood actress. However, Holiday is the first person I’ve talked to in a long time who has made my life seem less lonely.
That someone else understands the pressure.
“How do you deal with it?”
My mind drifts to the waterfall, which reminds me of the last time I was there, and a chuckle escapes.
“What’s so funny?”
“Remember the day we first saw each other?”
Her expression flickers, and then her cheeks tint. I wonder if she turns that shadeeverywhere. “Yes. The waterfall.”
“I go there to think. Something about that place clears my head. I also take Thunder out for a ride, and I remember the many reasons I love Burlington so much.”
“Maybe I need to borrow Thunder.”
“I’m sure he’d love that.” I laugh. “And if that fails, I tag along on one of Alex’s overseas trips.”
We both glance up at Eddie as he collects our plates.
“Thanks, Eddie. That was the best steak pie I’ve ever tasted.” Holiday beams up at him, and one more victim succumbs to her charms.
“Shout if you want anything else,” he gruffs out as he walks off.
“Does he have a girlfriend?”
“Eddie?”
“No, Alex.”
I shake my head. “Nope. He’s hung up on a girl he met last winter in Aspen on a family ski trip.”
“They’re dating?”
I shake my head. “No, again. He’s tried to get in contact with her, but she’s ghosted him.”
“I love Aspen. It’s so pretty.”
“Then we shall go.” The words are out of my mouth before I even think about what I’m saying.
That I’m planning any trip with Holiday is preposterous, especially since I have no idea where she’ll be in December, because it won’t be Valentine Nook.
