“It feels like the end of an era,” I truthfully admit. “It’s always been the four of us, and now we’re all separated.”
“I know, but I prefer to look at it like the start of a new era.” She stabs a piece of chicken with her fork, popping it in her mouth.
“Do you think Reeve and I should break up if he gets offered the other two movies?”
Audrey almost chokes on her food, and I pour her a glass of water from the jug on our table, handing it to her. She gulps back a few mouthfuls and composes herself. “Jesus, Viv. Don’t do that to me while I’m eating!”
“Sorry.”
“I can’t answer that. Only you and Reeve can decide what to do about your relationship, and we don’t want to influence you guys. Your relationship is different. You’ve been in each other’s lives forever, and you have this unshakeable bond. If anyone can weather a few stormy years, it’s you two.”
I squeeze her hand. “Thank you for saying that, but it really doesn’t feel like that right now. To be honest, I’m upset at how quickly we seem to be drifting apart.”
“No one said love was easy, and I bet everything will be okay the minute he gets home.”
I’m mulling over Audrey’s words when she goes to the bathroom, so I don’t see the woman with the pink-tipped hair approaching until she’s slid into the booth, occupying my best friend’s seat.
I jerk my head up, shock splaying across my face. “Bianca! What are you doing here?”
“I was in the neighborhood and thought we could have a little chat.”
Bullshit. She obviously tracked me down. I purse my lips and fold my arms across my chest, already knowing I’m not going to like this little chat. “Say what you came here to say.”
She offers me a tight grin, and her skin is stretched so taut it’s a wonder her face doesn’t split in two. Gossip sites put her at mid-forties, but I’m betting she’s older. It’s hard to tell under all the cosmetic surgery and thick makeup. Not that it’s uncommon in L.A. My mom is the anomaly, while someone like Bianca Remington is more the norm. In a city full of fake women, my mom truly stands out. Lauren Mills has chosen to grow old gracefully, and the surgeon’s knife has never touched her flawless porcelain skin. It’s just another reason to admire Mom.
Reeve’s hard-ass agent is wearing one of her signature power suits in black with a rich red silk blouse. A string of pearls rests around her smooth neck, and I briefly imagine choking her with them. If she gives me shit, I might very well be tempted.
“You’re a smart girl, Vivien. You’ve grown up in the industry, and I’ve no doubt your mother has told you how things work. To put it bluntly, you’re holding Reeve back. He’s spending too much time worrying about upsetting you and not enough time focusing on his career. If you truly love him, you will let him go.”
“Loving Reeve means I will be there to support and encourage him every step of the way. I will ensure he isn’t manipulated by people who profess to have his best interests at heart, when all they care about is lining their own pockets on the back of his success.” Take that and shove it up your bleached asshole.
Her haughty smile aggravates the hell out of me, and I’m having a hard time containing my anger. “I don’t care what you think of me. You’re insignificant.” She flicks a piece of lint off the sleeve of her jacket before standing. “I came here as a courtesy, but I couldn’t care less if you get your little lovesick heart broken.” She leans down, and the overpowering scent of Chanel almost knocks me out. “Reeve is going to be a huge star, and he has no room for a girlfriend.” Her gaze rakes over my bare face, my tight ponytail, colorful workout clothes, and sneakers. “At least, not one like you.” She straightens up before delivering her closing shot. “Act like a stage-five clinger if you want, but mark my words, by this time next year, you will be nothing but a distant memory.”
14
“Well, what did she say?” I ask when Reeve rejoins us at the pool. His dad is away again, so we’ve spent the first week of summer break hanging out at Reeve’s house. Reeve is recharging his batteries after an intense three months of nonstop work, and I’m enjoying chilling out after exams and graduation and just being with Reeve. Waking up every morning wrapped in his strong arms is the best remedy, and gradually, all the frustrations of the past few months are slipping away.
Audrey and Alex are presently frolicking in the pool, while I’m stretched out on a lounger, sipping the homemade lemonade Mrs. Thompson, the housekeeper, left in the refrigerator for us.