Page 11 of A Simple Love

She lifted her eyebrows, saying nothing. It irked me.

“Can I use the grill?” I asked instead. “I bought a few things, but I’d enjoy a burger on the grill if I could.”

“You can cook?” she asked. “You don’t have a chef in La-La Land? Someone to run your errands and be at your beck and call? Will you hire someone to do all that for you while you’re here?”

I was still tired from the last couple of days and the early morning flight. Reeling over what had happened and being sent here like a child being punished and having to stand in the corner. My anger boiled over, and before I could stop myself, I bent down, leaning on the arms of the chair where Kassie was sitting, caging her in. Our gazes clashed and locked.

“Listen. I get you’re angry. I know our past is fucked up, and I made a shit-ton of mistakes. But that was years ago. You don’t know me any more than I know you. But despite what you obviously think, I’m not a jerk. The reason I asked about a private gym is because I’m used to being hounded when I try to work out in a public one. I’m constantly harassed. I can barely go out in public at times without being mobbed, which is a frightening thing to have happen. And, yes, I have a housekeeper who cooks for me at home, because I’m usually shooting a film or doing press junkets or whatever else I’m told to do. Lillian helps me stay organized and stops me leaving a fridge full of food to spoil.” I paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. “But I can look after myself. I can cook. I can shop. I clean up. I’m not the spoiled asshole you’ve decided I am. I’ve worked hard to get where I am. Made more sacrifices than you know. So I’d appreciate it if you’d stop with the attitude and the preconceived notions of my life.” I stood straight, the shocked look on her face almost comical if I weren’t so pissed. “And I’ll try to remember the sweet girl I knew and not this sanctimonious, sarcastic woman who took her place.”

Kassie’s eyes widened. She began to sputter, and I held up my hand.

“I don’t know if it’s just with me or not, but I assume I’m part of, if not the whole cause of, this change.” I shook my head in sadness. “I can only offer you my apologies. I have many regrets that I have to live with. Knowing that my actions may have caused you to become so angry—even to this day—saddens me more than I can say.” I shook my head. “When I allow myself to think of you, Kassie, what I remember the most is your sweetness and openness. Your light. The fact that I killed that will haunt me.” I huffed a weary sigh. “I’ll find another place. I think it would be best. It might take me a few days, but I’ll stay out of your way.” I stepped back. “Starting now.”

And once again, I walked away from Kassie Brennan.

6

OLIVER

Imet with the producer/director the next morning in Toronto. The events of the past evening still lingered in my head. I had tossed and turned more than sleeping, cursing myself for losing my temper. I should have let her remarks roll off my back, but I hated that she thought so little of me. Why I hated it, I had no idea.

Davis Todd was affable and friendly. Blunt at times but not unkind. We discussed my character, the town, and his vision. He took a long drink of coffee, then sat back, eyeing me frankly.

“You got yourself into a mess back in LA.”

“I did. Unintentionally. Vic is a friend—nothing more.”

“Even before that.”

I blew out a sigh. “I haven’t been myself.”

He nodded, crossing his ankle over his knee and signaling for more coffee. “I don’t tolerate excessive drinking or fighting on my sets. I expect you to learn your lines, show up on time, and prove yourself.” He smiled at the waitress as she refilled our cups. “Thank you.”

I began to speak, but he held up his hand. “I’ll be honest with you. You weren’t my first choice for this role—you weren’t even on my radar. Annie asked me as a personal favor.”

My shoulders slumped at his words.

“But,” he continued quietly, “I watched you in Door to Nowhere and the sequel. The movies were awful, but you were brilliant.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled.

“I reviewed some of your other work, and you have lots of depth. I need that for this character. The fact of the matter is, he is what holds this script together. So I’m trusting you to do him justice.”

I leaned over the table. “I won’t let you down. I’ve read the script three times already. Made tons of notes I want to talk over.”

He was silent for a moment, then nodded. “And we will. But let’s get to know each other a bit. Annie tells me you’re from Richton.”

“I grew up there.”

“If you’ve read the script, you know you’re a cowboy in the movie. You ever been on a horse?”

I laughed. “I practically lived at the Colby Ranch. Been riding since I was a kid. Worked there every summer.” I had to grimace. “I might be a little rusty, but I’m heading there tomorrow to see the Colbys. I’ll saddle up and get used to it again.”

“That’s great. Annie mentioned you might have a little experience.”

“How well do you know Annie?” I asked, curious.

He grinned. “As well as anyone can know her. She is something.”