My conscience was heavy as I walked over to the bar.Oz’s footsteps faded down the hallway.
I picked it up and flipped it over.Not sealed.Just tucked in.
I shouldn’t read it.
But I hadn’t talked to her in two days.
Was she okay?Would Calvin know if she wasn’t?
Fuck it.
Pulling out the flap, I slipped the paper out and unfolded it.
Elsie,
No one will ever replace you.Don’t start that shit.You will forever be my best friend.That title was locked down a long time ago.
As for coming to visit, I’ll make it work sooner than anticipated.You need to watch the video, and I’ll be there, holding your hand.I am making it my priority.Give me a week to figure things out here, and I’ll get to you.I promise.
Things on set are good.I’m enjoying every day.But it would be better if you were here.Things are always better with you.
Sorry this is another short one, but it’s after midnight, and I have to be up at six again.I’ll get you a longer letter soon.Until then try not to see any more of my family members naked.;)
Love ya,
Calvin
I felt my teeth grinding as I folded the paper back the way it had been.She wanted Calvin with her to watch her parents’ funeral, and I should understand that.The anger pulsing through me was unexpected and bothersome.I was … I was jealous.Fuck that.Why?He was her best friend.She’d known him most of her life.She trusted him.He had known her parents.He had known her before she’d been shattered.
None of that made me feel better.
Shoving the letter back into the envelope, I left my espresso, no longer wanting it, and headed into the hallway.Two days, and I wasn’t better, being away from her.I was worse.She made me feel better.So what?Was that so fucking bad?I was making this an issue when there wasn’t one.
My gaze swung as I turned toward the stairs, and then I froze.Silver eyes shot up to meet mine.Then … she smiled.Shit.I liked that.
“Hey,” she said just above a whisper.
My gaze did its own thing and lowered to slowly check out the rest of her, only to find myself almost swallowing my goddamn tongue.She was wearing some sheer white cover-up thing that hit mid-thigh, but underneath was a bikini.A black one that barely contained her tits.
Holy fucking hell.Had Winslet not bought her one that fit?!
“Where are you going?”I asked in a raspy tone.
She blinked when my eyes shot back up to her face.“Uh, to the pool,” she replied.
Yeah, of course.She was in a bikini.That had been a dumb question.But she had me rattled.I had an excuse for my stupidity.
The silence that followed reminded me that it was my turn to speak.I cleared my throat.
“Uh, yeah,” I agreed.“I was bringing you this.”I held out the envelope.
Her eyes dropped to the envelope before she reached to take it.“Thank you.”
“Are you swimming alone?”I asked.
Her gaze was back on me and not that damn envelope.“Yes.But Winslet is joining me later.She wasn’t feeling great at breakfast and went to lie down for a bit.”
I lifted my chin in the direction of the stairs.“I’ll join you.I could use a little sunshine.Just need to go change.”
