“No, that’s not what I meant, Mr. Interrupting Me. You haven’t taken all my thoughts away,” I said softly. “I see how giving he is as a friend. He tries to act all Hollywood big-time, and then he’s taking me on a tour of his trailer and asking me to come along on the location scout back east. And here he is, being so gracious with Genie and warning me about the paparazzi.”
Daniel tilted forward an inch and ran his palm over my bare arm. “He is a good man, a great friend, generous with his time and money, and also a notorious lover. So, I’m not surprised he welcomed you because you mean something to me. And I would never throw him under the bus, to borrow your expression. Now,if Genie falls into bed with him, I can’t be blamed for that. And as for the photographers, that’s going to be a bigger part of my life for the next however many months. It’s always looming, but they mostly leave me alone. Still…”
My hand came to rest on his knee. “I called my parents, on your recommendation. I brought them up to speed, and let’s say they were tickled. I’m pretty sure they’re expecting a reconciliation that includes knowing you and everyone around you.”
Daniel took a long slug of his wine, and I watched him swallow. “If that’s what you want, then I will consider it. But if it’s not, then no.”
I was about to respond when the band started to play, the singer saying, “Let’s get this place moving,” which is exactly what Daniel and I did all night long. First on the dance floor, then on the kitchen counter and later in bed, any discussion of my parents long forgotten.
Until my phone started buzzing. I’d set it to night mode after I checked on Rourke and heard Genie was back at her hotel…and it currently was vibrating on the nightstand.
“Hello,” I said, knowing it was my dad but distracted by an early morning text from Genie.
Wanting to answer Genie, I hoped he would be quick when he said, “Morning, Wren.”
“Hi. What’s up?” I wanted to cut to the chase.
“Mom and I saw your gorgeous picture online this morning, rubbing elbows with celebrities and attending charity events. You’ve come a long way from the smart-mouthed, curly-haired, defiant young girl we helped meld.”
“Dad, listen. I’m a surgeon. I operate on people, cut them open, and fix them before putting them back together. Many of them are celebrities. In order to do that, I graduated medicalschool with honors. I’ve done everything you asked. What could you want now?”
Shoving the phone in my ear, I held up a finger to Daniel who was now walking into the bedroom carrying two mugs. Taking one from him, I savored a long slug while he looked at me, an eyebrow raised.
“We’d like to see you. Meet your new friend you’re being photographed all over with—”
“Dad, I appreciate that, but I’ve never been quite enough for you so let’s skip the niceties. I don’t think Daniel and I are up to hang out. We have very little time together, and I don’t think he wants to waste it on you.”
Daniel fist-bumped the air. I wasn’t sure how we got here, with him being my biggest advocate and seemingly feeling like the closest person to me.
My dad grumbled, saying something about my misunderstanding their intentions. I didn’t even respond to his claims. I simply said, “I have to go now. Bye, Dad.”
With his arm snaking around mine, Daniel was cautious of my coffee cup. “Well, I guess that solves that. But we have another problem…” He plopped a kiss on my nose before stealing away to get his coffee.
Flipping through my phone with one hand, holding on to my caffeine like a junkie with the other, I said, “Yep.”
“Ryan and Genie want to join us for a round of golf today.”
“What? I assume that means they’re located at the same place, maybe her hotel. Maybe his house…myGod, she’s going to be unbearable if she slept in his bed.” I couldn’t help but raise my voice.
“Told you. Genie is having the real Hollywood experience, and you’re stuck with a golf pro.”
“I hope she doesn’t fall for him. I assume this is his thing—impress them, sleep with them, and send them on their way?” I turned to face Daniel.
“Babe, not all men are assholes.”
“I know,” I said, snuggling into his chest. “But you noted he’s a notorious lover.”
“I hear he is very generous. But usually from someone he’s in a relationship with, and it’s always in one of those couple jesting ways.” I felt myself nodding against his pectoral muscle. “He’s a good guy. You said so yourself.”
“Yeah, but also I can’t lose Genie to the West Coast. She’s my right and sometimes left hand.”
“Let’s not get carried away…it was one night. And now, golf.”
“So, they’re coming?”
Daniel slipped away, but not before lightly tapping my butt. “I’ll text him now. We’ll play nine, grab a late lunch, early dinner thing, and then get you two to the airport for your red-eye.”
“Don’t remind me,” I said, settling into the chair in the corner of Daniel’s room, wondering what my hair looked like and finishing my coffee.
