Page 32 of Sunset

I make it to my room safely this time. I don’t think the next time that I will be so lucky.

Chapter 14

Jasper

Tonight, is Kade’s bachelor party. By party, I mean a night at The Hummingbird Bar and Grill. This is the other place my family owns, and it has an island feel to it. My dad had fun building this restaurant. We visited many island bars up and down the coast, taking notes of decor and food. He wanted it to be different.

There’s a traditional Tiki Bar, but then, there are lots of blue and white painted wood and relaxing chairs around a dance floor. This place has the best burgers in town. The last seven years in a row, it was voted best burger place, so it’s not just me saying it. Best of all, if you sit upfront, you get water views. There’s some outdoor seating, too.

I thought for such a popular Hollywood movie star that Kade would have a bunch of guys here tonight.

Nope, it’s just him, me, and his dad.

“So, are we waiting on the rest of the groupies to get here?” I ask, once we order our drinks.

“Nope, this is it. I know a lot of people, but I don’t trust a lot of people. Once I left that life, even my manager dropped contact with me. I can’t blame him after walking off a major movie set and breaking my contract to come back here. I told myself to find what made me happy, and this is it. Making money makes him happy, so good for him.” Kade says.

“Do you miss it at all? Hollywood, I mean.” I ask, as we order our drinks.

“I miss the Mom and Pop Italian place near my house, and I miss some of the shops, but no. When I was there, I missed Lin so much more. I also missed the quiet, the beach, and everyone here.” He says.

I can’t say I blame him. It was the same way, when I was in New York City. It was too loud and too busy. I missed home, but I had it in my head that to make anything of myself as a chef, that’s where I had to be, and where I had to work. Now, the only people’s opinions I care about are right here on The Island.

“As much as I wish you’d come home and run the ranch, son, I think you’re where you belong. Watching you the last few days, it suits you, and you’re happier than you ever were in Hollywood.” Kade’s dad says.

I shake my head, as I still can’t picture Kade growing up on a ranch in some small Midwestern town.

“Plus, now you have no excuse not to come to visit more.” Kade jokes.

Kade’s parents hated Hollywood and rarely visited him there. They would visit him on set, when he would film on location, and only go to Hollywood for movie premiers or award shows to support him.

“So, what’s good to eat here?” Kade’s dad asks.

“I don’t know, never been here. Ask Jasper, he owns the place.” Kade says.

“Is that true?” Kade’s dad looks up at me.

“Yeah, my dad opened this one and Samuels Southern Seafood. He was a chef, too. When he passed, my mom ran them for a bit, and I came home to help. Then, Brynn needed help, so I’ve been there, helping her out. Dad had these places running themselves, but I like to pop in now and then to check on them.” I shrug.

“Okay, then you order for us.” Kade’s dad nods.

“Go with a burger, any burger. It’s what I get, when I come here. My dad used to experiment with burgers, and the best ones made it on the menu.” I tell them.

We place our order, and then I turn to Kade again.

“So, do you think you will ever do another movie?” I ask.

“Never say never, but I have no plans, too. I’ve never been happier than I am here. Even when Lin and I fight, it’s still better than my best day in LA. Making movies was never my dream. I enjoyed it at first, but not really at the end.” He says.

“Good answer. I guess, I should warn you now, since her dad isn’t here, and I grew up with the girls, I feel it’s only right I give you a hard time. Make sure you’re ready to commit.” I tell him.

“Bring it on. I’ll gladly take anything you can throw at me, because that means Lin has a support system behind her.” He smiles.

I don’t doubt his feelings for Lin, and I don’t doubt how Lin feels about him. I can see how much they love each other, but I don’t want to let him off too easily either. He broke her heart, when he left, and I know she has forgiven him, but he still has to pay for that.

“Good. You know it won’t stop just because you get married either. The moment you get married, it’s like the town will suck you in. You’re one of us, but you mess up, and they’ll still take Lin’s side every time, even if she’s wrong.” I level with him.

“I’ve seen the special bond this town has with her. They rally behind her and want what’s best for her. I’m okay with that.” He smiles and shakes his head. Then, he tilts his head towards the pool table. “Play a round?” He asks.

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