Page 24 of Come Back to You

Mm. Delicious.

Grace’s soft laugh rang out across the table. “I didn’t think you Hollywood types ate anything with carbs or fat.”

“Oh, Hollywood types don’t,” I assured her. “But I’m not one of those anymore. I’m an unemployed former actress who’s allowed to gain a few pounds if I want to.” And I had. It was a relief, actually. I didn’t mind a little extra padding on my hips and breasts if it meant I no longer had to feel constantly hungry.

Grace shook her head. “I don’t know how you did it.”

I shrugged, a little self-conscious. “Honestly, when you’re surrounded by the constant pressure of everyone saying you need to look a certain way, it doesn’t feel that difficult. It’s just how it is.” I offered up a small smile. “I’m glad for the change though.”

“Me too. It’s nice to see you smile. You haven’t done much of that since you’ve been back.”

The observation disquieted me. I’d forgotten how perceptive Grace could be.

“I guess I haven’t felt like I had much to smile about.” It was nice to be here, but it was obvious most of the locals didn’t want me around. It seemed like the past couple of days had made a difference though.

“That might be changing. I saw Liam out at your cottage the day before last.”

I smiled softly. “We have a long way to go, but at least he doesn’t shut down at the sight of me anymore.”

“That’s good, Kenz.” Grace sliced a strawberry into quarters and dropped it into a small bowl of yogurt. “What are your plans for Christmas?”

There was a pinch in my chest. This would be my first Christmas away from my family in eleven years. My throat clogged. We wouldn’t even be celebrating on the same day. By the time Christmas was over here, it would only be starting for my siblings.

“I’m having a quiet one,” I managed to say, feeling her eyes on me but refusing to expand on the matter.

Her hand landed on mine. I glanced up. Her expression was kind.

“Why don’t you have breakfast with us?” she asked. “Here at the house.”

“Really?” I bit my tongue, repressing a surge of emotion. “Are you sure?”

“I wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t.” She diced another strawberry and wiped her fingers on a napkin. “It’ll just be Desdemona and me. We’re going to have pastries. You’d be more than welcome.”

“Okay, thanks. That sounds lovely.” A thought occurred to me, and I added, “Nate won’t be here?”

“No.” She scooped a mouthful of yogurt and berries. I reached for a berry myself, figuring I probably should have something at least halfway healthy. “I’ll be visiting the Braddocks later. In the morning, it’s just us.”

“Then I’d love to. Thank you so much for the invitation.”

* * *

When breakfast ended,I returned to the cottage and was assembling the photography equipment I’d ordered online when my phone rang. I glanced at the Caller ID, which said “Blair”, and picked up. “Hi, Blair.”

“Hey.” He sounded cautious. “How is everything?”

“Pretty good, actually.”

“Is it really?” He hesitated. “I just read an article online reporting on the traffic accident you told me about. You never said the paparazzi were there.”

I winced. I’d intentionally held back that detail because I’d known it would make him anxious. “It was just one guy.”

He grumbled something unintelligible. “Why was he even there? Was he from a Kiwi news outlet?”

“I don’t think so.” I’d done some investigating on the matter after seeing the article. “Since the story originated fromHL Online Magazine, and they have a history of following me around, I assume the photographer was on their payroll.”

“Oh, great,” Blair said sarcastically. “So some guy followed you all the way from L.A. That’s really reassuring.”

“He could be a local contractor,” I pointed out, but a tingle of dread ran up my spine anyway. Blair was right. If they had followed me, it was a bit on the creepy side.

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