“We’re thinking of October.” Kate spied the script and flipped through the pages. “Dad told me about Claude’s movie. It sounds perfect, Chloe. I’m so happy for you. This is the break you’ve been waiting for.” Kate dropped the script onto the table. “Does Faith have a true love?”
“Eventually. She meets him in this script.”
“Love andlifein one character. See, you get what you want eventually.”
“It’s not real, Kate. It’s a movie. I may have played characters who died, but in case you missed it, I’m still alive.”
“Yes, I did notice.” Kate sobered, sitting up, facing Chloe. “Give this part all you’ve got. In a year’s time, you will have worked with two of the best directors in the business. We both know actors who would kill, literally, to work with Jer and Claude. Show the world who you really are, Chloe.” Kate squeezed her hand. “If that’s not happily ever after...”
“You can’t compare my movie gig to love. To your engagement, Kate. I know women who would kill, not literally, to have what you have with Rob.”
“I know and I’m grateful.”
Chloe reached for her soda can, taking a drink. The beverage had grown warm and lost its appeal. “I’ve given up on love. Really. It has just never worked for me.”
“Then give yourself to your career. Be one of the grandes dames of acting. Everyone will admire you. You’ll win Oscars. Get inducted into Halls of Fame.”
“I don’t wanteveryoneto admire me. Just one man.” She laughed softly. “Is that too much for a girl to ask?”
“Ooo, speaking of men, I saw your old flame Finley the other day. He looked happy.”
“He is. We talk once in a while. We were always more friends than lovers.”
“What about Haden? Do you talk to him? You know I never liked him.”
“What?” Chloe laughed. “You are such a liar, Kate. You loved him. I believe you sat right there and told me if I didn’t want him, you’d take him.”
“Please... I was kidding.”
“You were completely serious.”
“I plead temporary insanity.” Kate raised her hand to admire her ring. “Rob is amazing. So, did you send your letter to Jesse? Now, he is the type of man a girl mourns losing.”
“Over a month ago.”
“And?” Kate said.
“Nothing.” Chloe walked to the kitchen and dumped out her soda, then tossed the can away.
“What do you mean, nothing?” Kate walked into the kitchen and leaned against the island.
“Nothing. No. Thing. He never responded.”
“Really? I’m surprised. He didn’t seem like the kind to go silent.” Kate brushed Chloe’s ponytail away from her shoulders. “You really are a diamond. I don’t know why you’ve had such bad luck with love.”
“It’s for the best, you know. I’m dodging a bullet here.” She kept the story of Loxley to herself. Kate didn’t need to know. “He’s got a lot of... baggage.”
Chloe’s phone pinged and she exited the kitchen, shutting off the light. “I’m meeting Dad in the library. Want to come?” She grabbed the script.
Kate flashed her ring. “I’ve got a ring to show off, people to blind.” She straightened her skirt and checked her appearance in the mirror by the door. “We’re going out to dinner with Violet and Dylan. They have no idea...”
The sisters chatted wedding details as they headed down the stairs and across the lawn, parting at the alcove that led to the driveway.
“Kate,” Chloe said. “Why did Rob propose? After all this time?”
“You.” She smiled. “Something you said about marriage changed his heart.”
“What did I say?”
