Page 96 of Sawyer
He kissed her swiftly again. “Yeah, lucky me. Because you agreeing to go to my first showing under these circumstances is one of the most meaningful things to ever happen to me.”
“Thank you.” She blew out a harsh breath. “I’m still mad,and I’m going to apologize for being a little surly from time to time as I figure out my next steps. Because I’m not working with my mother anymore. Which means I’m starting over.”
“We can do that together.” His chest was hurting again—for her. “I’m going to help you. Any way I can; you know I will.”
Except he couldn’t in the one way he longed for—with his first show—and he found his heart was still broken because of it.
She seemed to sense his turmoil, giving him another quick kiss. Then she was wiping her lipstick off the side of his mouth with a soft smile. “I appreciate that. But you need to listen to Beverly, because even my mother listens to Beverly. She’ll steer your career right. And don’t worry. I’ll figure out mine.”
Sawyer heard a bottle of champagne pop and then another as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a treasured keepsake, one she’d given him on their first date. “I know you will, and as someone who has a lifetime ticket to the Phoebe Theater, I can’t wait.”
“God, you are such a romantic, and I love you for it so hard.” She took a glass of champagne from Jacqueline with a smile. “Seems we’re drinking.”
Brooke fitted a flute into his hand after giving a rueful snort. “We’re toasting to you two, in case it wasn’t obvious.”
“To the next Plus One of the Paris Roommates,” Dean finished with his usual elan. “And Doc, of course. Glad you crazy kids worked everything out.”
Phoebe lifted her glass and gave a dramatic bow. “Thank you from us crazy kids.”
They shared a smile as everyone criedSantéand drank. “I did talk to myself in the studio earlier and thought I was joining the Old Masters in insanity,” he confessed.
“Then you’re with the right partner because I celebrate your crazy.” She gave him a squeeze before turning towardthe right. “My turn. I would like to toast Madison for breaking into my apartment and putting my head back on straight.”
“You did what?” Dean cried out before dissolving into laughter. “God, I need to hear this story!”
“Enough!” Madison shot him a look before lifting her flute. “We’re toasting here. Phoebe, thanks for listening and not calling the police.”
“The soup was really good, by the way,” Phoebe shot back with a grin.
Madison only gave that smug smile Sawyer had just painted. “Of course. I made it. Now, everyone on three. To Operation Sawyer being a success.Santé.”
The entire room erupted with the happy chimes of champagne flutes being touched as everyone echoed the toast.
His hero’s journey of mind, soul, and heart was at last complete.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-EIGHT
Kyle didn’t like unfinished business.
Right now, he had two pieces of it on his plate. The never-ending one—Madison—who topped the list of his New Year’s resolutions.
And the recent one—Phoebe Anderson.
He couldn’t stop thinking there had to be a better play for Sawyer’s first show where everyone could win. Checking the time, he thought about texting Brooke. Yeah, they’d all stayed up late partying with the happy couple until they’d given each other “the look” and left for Phoebe’s, but Brooke was a habitual early riser. Even with New Year’s Eve tonight, she’d be working. Years of Type A discipline in that one. He was the same, awakening at his usual time this morning, checking email, and putting in a little work on PRG business matters. He finally shot her a text:
Morning. I’d like to talk to you and Axel about something. Do you have time today?
Her response was immediate:
Come for breakfast. Axel is making smoked salmon and scrambled eggs and porridge.
His stomach growled. Axel was a fantastic cook, and he enjoyed being introduced to Nordic dishes. Because when did he ever have the chance to try those? Especially coming from Austin, Texas.
Which made him think yet again about the holiday text he’d gotten from his parents. Sent by his mother, who’d always had the communications role in the family.
Kyle, we’re thinking of you and wishing you a merry Christmas. Hope to hear how you are faring soon.
