“I can’t believe it’s just a few months away.”
“It’ll be amazing, you’ll see.” A rustle sounded through the phone. “Oh dear. I should get back with Liam—I think you ruffled his feathers a bit.”
Chloe winced. “Again... I’m so sorry about that.”
“Actors and their delicate egos. Not to worry, I’ll smooth it over.”
A moment later Chloe disconnected the call, her body wilting like a dehydrated begonia under the summer sun. “Well, that’s it. My film is ruined.”
“Oh, honey. Let’s not be hasty. Maybe he won’t be so bad. He was very convincing inJilted.”
Chloe nailed Meghan with a dry look. “As a philanderer.”
“Well, yes, that’s true...”
“Have you read the most recent scandal about him cheating on Brittney Bloom with Katie Simpson? It’s always something with him.”
“Those things aren’t always true, you know.”
“Ha! Maybe there’s gossip here and there, but there’s practically a monthly column featuring Liam and his escapades.” She covered her face. “They literally could not have chosen a worse actor for the part. What was Simone thinking?”
“Well, you didn’t exactly get off on the best foot with him.”
“Thanks for the recap.”
Meghan gave a pained smile and patted her arm awkwardly. “It’s gonna be okay. You like the actor they casted to play young Ledger.”
“That’s true.” A fair portion of the story was told in flashback with the teenaged versions of Ledger and Cate. “He’s perfect for the role. And the actress playing young Cate is dead-on. But also, I just alienated the actor playing grown-up Ledger!”
“Once Liam gets here you’ll win him over. And who knows? Maybe Simone’s right. Maybe he’ll surprise you and pull it off after all.”
This was a disaster of epic proportions. All her hopes and dreams of seeing Ledger brought to life on the big screen had been dashed in one disastrous phone call.
Liam Hamilton.Ugh!
“At least he’s gorgeous,” Meghan offered sheepishly.
Chloe let out a long-suffering sigh.
Chapter2
As far as escapes went, Stillwater Bay would do just fine. Liam Hamilton pulled his Braves ball cap low over his sunglasses as he entered the fray along Main Street. To one side of the street, a boardwalk welcomed walkers with a stunning view of the windswept beach. To the other side restaurants flaunted patio seating, and racks of clothing spilled from canopied storefronts. Shoppers sorted through sales racks on this sun-drenched Sunday afternoon.
He wasn’t here to shop though, God forbid. He was here to scout out the setting for the movie he was about to film. And yeah, maybe escape Hollywood and his latest scandal.
His phone buzzed with an incoming call. Spencer. Speaking of the latest scandal, his manager and best friend had been trying to reach him all day. Liam declined the call, pocketed his phone, and let his gaze sweep the summer scene.
The town had a nice laid-back vibe. Very different from the California coast. Fewer name brands and tall, skinny actress wannabes. More casual attire, natural faces, and southern pleasantries. He could dig it.
He continued along the boardwalk a few minutes, then crossed the street and strolled the busy sidewalk. His phone vibrated again. He checked the screen. Then, steeling himself, he left the crowd and stepped into the shadows between a boutique and bakery.
“Hi, Mom. How’s it going?”
“Oh, much the same. I was just reading through the newspaper.”
Likely perusing his dad’s real estate ads. “I’m on the East Coast at the moment. North Carolina. It’s beautiful out here.”
“I can hear the ocean. Oh, the life you lead. And here I thought you’d be a musician.”
