CHAPTER1
WREN
The afternoon air was thick with the sweet scent of spring flowers, and I could feel the golden rays of the sun warming my skin. A few months ago, I never would have thought I’d be sitting by a pool in California talking to one of the most famous actresses in the country. But Peyton wasn’t that to me; she was more like a sister—we were brought together by tragedy, and now she was having twins with her husband, Ethan.
Her gaze turned to me and she pushed her sunglasses onto her head, revealing her emerald-colored eyes. “Do you want to grab some smoothies after we soak up a bit more sun?”
I glanced at her round belly before answering. “Are the babies hungry again?” I teased, referring to the two handfuls of peanut-butter-filled pretzels she had just devoured.
She playfully pursed her lips. “What are you trying to say, Wren?”
We both laughed and I shook my head. “Nothing. But if I ever decide to have kids one day, I hope I look as good as you do in that yellow bikini!”
She eyed me curiously. “Kids, huh? When did that happen? Last time we talked, you said you weren’t ready for any yet.”
I shrugged nonchalantly. “I still want to focus on my career first, but it’s nice to know that if I ever do settle down, I’ll be able to give them something much better than what I grew up with—no foster homes or anything like that.”
Peyton’s smile faltered. “I’m sorry you didn’t have a family of your own growing up. No kid should have to struggle the way you did.”
My life wasn’t all cupcakes and rainbows, but I survived.
“I’m stronger because of it, Peyton,” I assured her. “If I didn’t have such a hard upbringing, I doubt I would’ve been able to help you when we were in Louisiana.”
I could see the goosebumps on her arms, and she rubbed her hands over them. “And I will always and forever be grateful that you came into my life,” she replied. “I still remember everything about the day we met.”
So did I.
I remembered it very well. I thought I had been offered the dream of a lifetime, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Leaning my head against the lounge chair, I closed my eyes, and the memories came flooding back.
“Please, make yourself at home, Ms. Langston,” Martin Fairchild said to me.
I gazed all around the foyer of his mansion, at all the crystal chandeliers that had to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“Don’t mind if I do,” I replied, following him down an opulent hallway adorned with expensive paintings.
A big, bulky-looking guy with a shaved head was standing guard at the end of the hallway. Of course, a man like Martin Fairchild would surely have his fair share of bodyguards. He was a big-time movie producer, and I was in his home. How the hell did that even happen? Not only did I get accepted for the movie role, but I’d also get a massive paycheck. I wouldn’t have to worry about money for a very long time. I just hoped to hell the old man didn’t expect me to jump into bed with him. That shit wasn’t going to happen. I’d turn down the movie role in a heartbeat.
Martin stopped in front of a door and opened it slowly. “I have someone here for you,” he said to whoever was on the other side. “I figured you could give her some pointers.”
I had no clue who he was talking to, but I figured it was probably an acting coach. Martin knew I had no acting experience. All I knew about the movie role was that they were looking for female fighters.
Martin flourished a hand at me and beckoned for me to go inside. When I stepped past him into the room, my mouth dropped. Standing just a few feet away from me was the famous actress, Peyton Emerson, dressed in a simple pair of black leggings and an oversized green sweater.
“I have to be dreaming. Peyton Emerson?” I said, staring at her in awe.
Martin nudged me further inside. “I’m sure you two have a lot to talk about.” I glanced at him over my shoulder, and he continued, “When you’re done, your room is right next door. I had your things put in there.”
My mind was reeling with everything going on. I could only nod and hope I didn’t sound like an idiot. “Great. And thank you for choosing me. This is an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Martin smiled. “Yes, it is. Make sure you get some rest. You have a busy day tomorrow.”
The second he shut the door, Peyton stalked past me and opened it wide. The guy standing guard barked a rude response, catching me a little off guard.
“Problems, Ms. Emerson?”
Peyton huffed and glared at him. “You have no idea,” she spat before slamming the door in his face. I would have gotten an attitude with him as well.
