I watch as the usual reactions play over his face in sequence: Admiration—that fleeting look of wide-eyed awe. The furrowed brow comes next as the person recalls that the relationship is, in fact, a thing of the past. Just as predictable, is the next expression—one akin to righteous indignation.
I see it spark in Reynolds’s eye as he folds his wiry arms over his chest. “Humph. Well, he’s a fool,” Reynolds says proudly.
It’s supposed to be a championing statement, which is why almost everyone who’s dared breach the topic offers similar words. Also popular are the phrases,‘why you’re just as pretty as those leading ladies he works with,’and‘the man’s head must have gotten too big with all that success.’
It’s easy to see what these comments have in common. Aside from their generally shallow nature and condescending tone, each phrase holds the same assumption, a conclusion they came to all on their own. One that’s not even accurate—Dawson Cain, Mr. Big and Famous, must’ve broken things off with you—the small, insignificant peasant.
My nostrils flare with irritation. “Okay, I’ll see—I mean, tell Earl hi.” I push open the door, scurry inside, and spin around to ensure he doesn’t follow me. “Thanks again.”
“Did Dawson ever meet your dad?” Reynolds belts.
I square a look at him. “Why?”
He shrugs. “I just, I mean, everyone knows he’s not in your life very much, but I just figured that maybe, since they’re both famous and all…”
“He knew my mother quite well, since she’s, you know, a significant part of my life. But no, I never introduced Dawson to my absent father,” I say. “He was never around.”
I don’t bother saying that the two have met at charity events and such. Hollywood loves Kyler Ray, self-proclaimed Golf God, like he’s one of their own, and boy does he play the part.
Reynolds scratches his chin. “But he’s close to your sister, Char,” he points out. “I see those two in the tabloids all the time. Daddy/daughter team, glued at the hip. She ishotby the way. I figured you two would look more alike than you do.”
I clear my throat and lean a shoulder along the door frame. “Have you heard of a thing called social awareness, Reynolds?”
Confusion plays over Reynolds’s angular face. “Huh?”
“That’s what I thought.” I click my cheek, and give him a cheery sounding “Bye now.” The door is almost closed when Reynolds moves his face to the waning gap.
“Can I call you sometime?” he blurts.
“I’d rather you didn’t,” I admit before closing it at last.
Mental note: write neighbor an apology letter.Sorry, Earl, I tried to be nice, but Reynolds is an idiot.
I shuffle through the kitchen like I’m Earl’s age. That date probably took a year off my life, maybe two. A soft, melodic meow sounds as Muffin appears, her white, puffy tail dancing like a charmed snake.
I brace myself for Moonshine to make his entrance. It’s always a startling event, no matter how much I prepare myself.
A quiet buzz sounds from my purse.Great,Earl’s calling already? Or maybe it’s Reynolds, having been properly scolded by his grandfather, calling to apologize.
I retrieve my phone and glance at the screen:Channel 13
I furrow my brow, wondering why they’d call me directly instead of my business line.
I tap the speaker. “Brinley Ray,” I say.
“Hello there, Brinley, this is producer Marsha Langston. How are you this evening?”
“I’m fine,” I say, “thank you.” Marsha is a big producer in TV land, but not in the area I usually work. She specializes in reality romance shows.
“I was contacted by one of your old flames,” Marsha continues. “He’s been following theTime Warpseries. Are you familiar with it?”
“Of course,” I admit.Time Warpis a reality TV show, but it’s also a social experiment of sorts. Frankly, I’m a fan of both; every life experience is unique, which is why even ordinary people are fascinating.
This particular show is designed to give people a second chance at a long, lost romance, all while America watches and waits. I should know; I watched the first season with Nikki and Kai. I also tuned in for Daisy and Ian’s season. I was rooting for those couples with the rest of America every step of the way.
I’m dying to know who contacted the show. Myexeslist isn’t terribly long, but I can’t even imagine anyone I dated doing it.
“He says it’s been two years since the two of you dated, and that he hasn’t stopped thinking about you since.”
