Page 5 of The Stars Over Hollywood

“You know I’ve always happy to see you,” Lara said as she jogged over to Charlotte and stepping into her arms. “But please tell me you didn’t do anything stupid to get here.”

“I promised Ada I wouldn’t.” Charlotte turned to Kerri, extending an arm. “You know she likes to pull strings. Even if she isn’t my agent.”

Kerri tucked a lock of black hair behind her ear. “I just made a phone call to the director who happens to be a very old friend and explained the situation. If she’s back on set in seventy-two hours, there’s no problem.”

Ada followed Sydney outside, still in her cream silk robe, sharing a long hug with Charlotte while Tracy said hello to Kerri.

“It’s good to see you,” Kerri said, her arm around Tracy’s waist as they carried the bags from the trunk inside, and Tracy slung Kerri’s garment bag over her shoulder.

“Are you nervous about tomorrow?”

“No. I think I was for the last ten months, ever since they asked me if I would officiate, but now? I honestly can’t wait. It’s such a privilege.”

“I heard you were the one that recommended this place,” Tracy said as they followed Lara inside.

Kerri lowered her voice as they went down the hall. “I had to call in a few favors, but I think it’s worth it. Sydney was pretty sure what she wanted for this week didn’t exist. Maybe the location and the view but not the right dates or not enough space to have everyone stay. I knew this was what they were looking for. It’s so private.”

“And Rachel?” Tracy asked as she hung up Kerri’s garment bag.

“She couldn’t leave the horses. The two people she would ask to cover for her are both away, so…”

“Is she good?”

“Great.” Kerri’s smile said it all. “I still have to pinch myself sometimes. You should come back again. I know your schedule’s busy too, but you know you’re always welcome.”

“I know. And thank you. Although, I wish you’d let me teach you have to surf.”

“I’m too old for that.”

Tracy rolled her eyes. “You know I hate that excuse.”

“I know, but it’s true. The horses keep me in shape, plus I don’t want to get into something that I can’t do more than a few times a year. I don’t exactly have an ocean nearby.”

“True.”

“What about you?” Kerri asked as they went back out to the front of the house and took a seat at the glass table that was surrounded by pink and white flowers, the sound of birds chirping all around them.

“What about me?”

“Are you seeing anyone?”

“No.” Tracy reached for her mug, the coffee still warm. “No. I’m not really looking so…”

Lara and Charlotte joined them with their own coffees, bringing one out for Kerri.

“Thanks,” Kerri said, taking a sip before she spoke. “Do you think we ever would have caught up again if Lara hadn’t spotted you in that coffee shop?”

Tracy sucked in a breath, completely taken aback by the question. “Honestly? No. If we haven’t stayed in touch all those years, there’s no reason to think that anything would have changed.”

“Well then, thank you Lara for being a student of television and going back to watch our little old show, because I am so glad to call you a friend again, Trace. I mean it.”

Charlotte chuckled. “I wouldn’t exactly call drooling over me being a student of television, but—”

“Hey,” Lara said, playfully hitting Charlotte’s arm. “I loved that show. I just also happened to develop a crush on one of the actresses.”

“Thank you, Lara,” Tracy said. “I was a bit of a diva that day too, but I’m glad that you recognized me and didn’t let me just walk away. I was thinking about it last night, about how lucky I am to be here this week. And it’s really because of you,” she said to Lara. “Even if you were just trying to sign me on as a client.”

Kerri laughed. “I taught her well.”

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