“You broke a table.”
I side-eye her. She could be lying. I don’t remember much after leaving the club. “What time did we go climbing?”
“Around one, I think. We met the owner, Marcel, at the club.”
I shake my head. “Never let me go out again. I broke a table?”
“You fell on it. Jared has it covered.”
“From the wall?”
“No, idiot. How are you not sore today?”
“Probably still drunk.”
“I’m so ready for a break,” she says. “I think I’ll go and do something different for a while. Filming and partying have left me haggard. Maybe I’ll backpack through the Amazon.”
“You’d die.”
She scowls. “I would not die.”
“Yeah, you would.”
She huffs, the way she does when she knows she’s wrong. “Maybe I’ll go to the Bahamas instead.”
That’s more Ella.
“What are your plans today?” I ask.
“Nothing. I’m exhausted so I’m going to soak in the bathtub for about three hours. What were you doing before I got up?”
“Just making coffee.”
Her eyes search mine accusingly.
She knows I’m thinking about Indie. Ella knows all about the girl back home who I could never let go of.
“Are you bringing her out here?” she asks.
I nod. “I’ve sorted it.” I’ve just not asked Indie yet. There is no way I can go to my first premiere without her. It’s not happening. She’s the reason I perused a career in acting.
Smirking behind her cup, Ella says so much more than she could with her words.
Yes, I know. I’m still hopelessly in love with my best friend.
Three
Indie
Friday rolls around slowly. The weeks feel long until I get to Friday. I had an early afternoon shift at The Waffle House straight after my last lecture, but it’s all I have for weeks. That’s fine by me. Now I’m home to shower and change because I’m going out tonight. Not properly out, but to Spencer’s parents’ place.
With a racing heart and clammy palms, I brush through my long brown hair and take a breath. I shouldn’t be this nervous to have dinner with Jodie and Andrew—they’ve been like parents to me over the years—but I am nervous because I’m still waiting to find out if they’re going to move.
It was months ago when I saw the house brochures for homes in LA. They’ve said nothing about it and I’m too scared to ask, which means they changed their mind and they’re staying in England… or worse, the brochures were for Spencer, and he’s not coming back.
I can’t even think about what my life will look like if he’s not in it. It’s hard enough not having him now.
I stand abruptly, grab my bag, and I leave the room as if I can outrun my thoughts.
Spencer is coming home.
My parents are on the sofa, cuddled up asleep, so I don’t bother with a goodbye. Not that they’ll even notice that I’m not home. I could move out and it would take them weeks to realise.
I gently close the door behind me before I dash out into the freezing cold drizzle. I’m so glad I blow-dried my hair. Unlocking my car with a wiggle of the key—the lock is playing up again—I get in and drive.
My fingertips lightly tap on the steering wheel. Spencer will be home in about two weeks after the premiere.
I think I get him until he lands another job.
Of course, I want him to get the lead in an equally amazing movie but, selfishly, I hope it’s not for a few months. I could really do with my best friend here.
Spence only lives a few minutes away, although he went to an acting school in the city. I remember getting home, changing out of my uniform, and going straight to his house most days. He would walk in and I’d already be in his bedroom. Not once did he seem to care. Every day I was met by the dazzling smile he now shares with the world.
I park in the drive of their charming five-bedroom home. Andrew is a keen gardener and keeps the outside immaculate with manicured lawns, cut hedges, and colourful flowerbeds, while Jodie is house proud and keeps the inside pristine.
Spencer is their only child, so they’ve filled the other three bedrooms with a guest room, study, and a fairly unused gym.
They both have good careers, and they still having plenty of time for Spencer… and me.
I know perfect people don’t exist, but the Lowes are close. Spence has the best family in the world.
Jodie runs from the front door when she hears my rattling car arrive. Her curly brown hair bobs as she walks down the path. I cut the engine and get out.
“It’s raining. Get inside!” I say, laughing as she opens her arms.
“Oh, who cares about a little water. I haven’t seen you in forever.”
She hasn’t seen me in three weeks. I’ve missed her, too.
“How are you?” I ask.
“Missing my boy and my girl!” She pulls back and raises her eyebrows. “You don’t leave it this long next time.”
“Yes, Mum,” I mutter, making her laugh.
“Come on,” she says, guiding me inside as if I’ve forgotten the layout of her house. I probably know it better than my own.
“Is Andrew home?”
“He’s cooking dinner.”
Jodie closes the door, and the rich aroma of roast beef and Andrew’s homemade gravy hits me like a big, welcoming hug.
“Oh, that smells so good.”
Jodie takes my hand and leads me into the kitchen.
Andrew turns from his position at the large, cream Aga, and he smiles. “The prodigal surrogate daughter returns.”
Smiling from ear to ear, I walk into his arms and give him a tight hug. It really hasn’t been that long.
I bloody love these people.
“Hey.” We pull away at the same time, our hug in perfect sync. “I see you’re cooking my favourite.”
He nods. “As per my instructions.”
“Please,” Jodie scoffs. “As soon as I told you about Indie’s visit, you were off to the butchers.”
Laughing, he replies, “Why don’t you pour the wine, love?”
“Indie?”
“Please,” I say. I can have one. By the time
